Roger B. Taney

Date of Birth: March 17, 1777

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: October 12, 1864

Biography

Roger Brooke Taney was an influential American jurist who served as the fifth Chief Justice of the United States from 1836 until his death in 1864. Born into a wealthy and prominent Maryland family, Taney pursued law as a profession after graduating from Dickinson College in 1795. He quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected lawyers in the state. Taney’s career in public service began when he was appointed as the Attorney General of Maryland in 1827. His reputation caught the attention of President Andrew Jackson, who appointed him as the U.S. Attorney General in 1831. Taney was a staunch supporter of Jacksonian democracy, and his loyalty earned him the position of Secretary of the Treasury, where he played a key role in the controversial dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States. In 1836, President Jackson nominated Taney as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. During his tenure, Taney authored several important opinions, but he is most famously remembered for the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857. This ruling, which declared that African Americans could not be considered citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in the territories, is widely criticized for its role in exacerbating sectional tensions that led to the Civil War. Taney’s legacy is a complex one, as his tenure as Chief Justice included both notable contributions to American jurisprudence and controversial decisions that have marred his reputation. He remained in office until his death in 1864.

5 Interesting Facts about Roger B. Taney

1. Roger B. Taney was the first Roman Catholic to serve as Chief Justice of the United States.

2. He was a close friend and political ally of President Andrew Jackson.

3. Taney is often remembered for his decision in the Dred Scott case, which is considered one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in U.S. history.

4. Despite his controversial rulings, Taney was known for his dedication to the principle of judicial independence.

5. Taney’s tenure as Chief Justice lasted for 28 years, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Justices in American history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roger B. Taney

1. “The powers of the government are limited, and those limits may not be mistaken, or forgotten.”

2. “Every citizen must at some time be brought to feel that he is a part of the government.”

3. “The Constitution was made for a people of fundamentally moral and religious character.”

4. “A state of war does not suspend the operation of the Constitution.”

5. “Liberty is the highest political end of man.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Roger B. Taney’s net worth at the peak of his career is difficult to ascertain due to the lack of detailed financial records from that era. However, given his prominent positions and family background, it is reasonable to assume he was well-off by the standards of his time.

Children

Roger B. Taney and his wife, Anne Phoebe Charlton Key, had six daughters and one son. Their children were named Anne, Maria, Sophia, Ellen, Elizabeth, Alice, and Roger Brooke Taney Jr.