Harry Truman’s Early Childhood and Family

Harry Truman was born on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri. He was the first of three children born to John Truman and Martha Ellen Young Truman. His family lived on his grandparents’ farm in Grandview, Missouri until 1890 when they moved to Independence, Missouri.

Truman’s childhood was shaped by a series of tragedies. His mother died when he was only six years old from complications from childbirth. His younger sister, Mary Jane, died at age four from meningitis. His father remarried when Harry was thirteen, but his stepmother did not get along with him and he left home at age seventeen.

Despite these difficult early years, Truman was a good student and graduated from high school in 1901. He then attended business school for a year before deciding to join the Army National Guard in 1905. He served for twelve years, rising to the rank of captain.

Harry Truman’s Education and Working Life

In 1917, Truman enlisted in the Army National Guard and was sent to France during World War I. He served as an artillery captain and saw active duty in several battles. After the war, Truman returned to his job at the bank. In 1922, he married Elizabeth “Bess” Wallace and they had one child, Margaret Truman.

In 1924, Truman decided to run for public office and was elected judge of the county court of Jackson County, Missouri. He served two two-year terms before successfully campaigning for election to the United States Senate in 1934. As a senator, Truman gained a reputation as a hardworking legislator and an expert on military affairs

Harry Truman’s Vice-Presidency

Truman became vice president in 1945 after Franklin Roosevelt died unexpectedly. When Roosevelt died, many people thought that Truman would not be able to handle the job of president, but he quickly proved them wrong. He took charge during some of the most difficult times in history, including the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War.

During his presidency, Truman made some tough decisions that made him unpopular with many people. But he always acted in what he believed was the best interest of his country, even if it meant making enemies along the way.

Truman’s experiences during his formative years shaped the man he would become. The hardships he faced instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination to succeed. His time in the Army National Guard taught him the value of discipline and teamwork. And his experience working in his father’s store led to his lifelong passion for politics. These early experiences would serve him well during his remarkable career as a United States Senator and President of the United States.