William McKinley

Date of Birth: January 29, 1843

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 14, 1901

Biography

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, served from March 4, 1897, until his assassination on September 14, 1901. Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley began his career as a schoolteacher before studying law and entering politics. He served as a private during the Civil War and quickly rose to the rank of major. After the war, he was elected to the U.S. Congress, where he served for 14 years. McKinley is best known for leading the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the U.S. gaining control of territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. His presidency was marked by rapid economic growth and the introduction of protective tariffs through the Dingley Act of 1897. McKinley was re-elected in 1900, but his second term was cut short when he was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz in September 1901. McKinley died eight days later from his wounds.

5 Interesting Facts about William McKinley

1. William McKinley was the last U.S. President to have served in the Civil War.

2. He was the first president to ride in an automobile.

3. McKinley’s presidency saw the annexation of Hawaii in 1898.

4. The gold standard was officially adopted during his tenure with the passage of the Gold Standard Act in 1900.

5. He was the third U.S. President to be assassinated.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William McKinley

1. “In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.”

2. “War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed.”

3. “The liberty to make our laws does not give us the freedom to break our laws.”

4. “We need Hawaii just as much and a good deal more than we did California. It is Manifest Destiny.”

5. “That’s all a man can hope for during his lifetime—to set an example—and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, McKinley’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million in today’s dollars, primarily from his salary and investments.

Children

William McKinley and his wife Ida Saxton McKinley had two daughters, Katherine “Katie” McKinley (born in 1871) and Ida McKinley (born in 1873). Tragically, both children died at a young age; Katherine died of typhoid fever in 1875, and Ida died shortly after birth.