Helen Louise Herron Taft was born on June 2, 1861 in Cincinnati, Ohio and took the nickname of Nellie since he was small.

Fifth of ten children, had Irish ancestry, she studied at the University of Cincinnati learning French, German, Greek and Latin, and delighting in the study of music.

In the first years after the studies taught and in 1866 she married the lawyer William Howard Taft, who would become President of the United States and that always sustained her in his literary interests and politicians who for that time were quite unusual.

He had three children by continuing to work as a teacher and from 1893 to 1900 she was also President of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Following her husband moved with his family first to Washington and then, during the Spanish-American War, in Manila where she distinguished herself for social activities in support of the local population.

Forerunner of the normal type of the modern woman, used to drink, smoke and play cards.

She participated actively in the election campaign of her husband and when became the First Lady  at 47 years,  the four years following husband's presidency was noted for her innovative ideas and the political support that was able to give to her husband.

When following a heart attack and a long convalescence former President moved to New Haven to teach law, before becoming Minister of Justice, Nellie Taft with her usual determination, supported the Law against prohibition unmindful of the role of her husband.

She left all public activities to assist her husband until his death in 1931.

Once widow, devoted herself to supporting the political career of her son Robert who became senator.

Disappeared on May 22, 1943 in Washington, D.C. and was the first woman to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.