Profile of the Day: Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman

On this day in 1972, President Harry S. Truman died at the age of 88. He and his wife Bess, who died in 1982, are buried at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri.

Truman was born on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri to John Anderson Truman and Martha Ellen Young. His middle name was a matter of debate between his parents. His father wanted to give him the middle name “Shipp” after his father, while his mother wanted to give him the name “Solomon” after her father. In the end, they decided to simply go with the letter “S” to honor both grandfathers.

Truman was thrust into the presidency after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was only Vice President for 82 days when Roosevelt suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage. Under his presidency, he successfully led the nation through the end of World War II. He would win a second term despite predictions that he would lose. The Chicago Tribune had even famously printed the erroneous headline “Dewey Defeats Truman” on its front page.

How are you related to Harry S. Truman? Explore his family tree and share your connection with the 33rd President of the United States.
 

View Harry S. Truman’s Geni Profile

Image: Library of Congress