Profile of the Day: Harry S. Truman

On this day in 1884, President Harry S. Truman was born. Truman served as the 33rd President of the United States.

Harry S. Truman / Library of Congress

Truman was born on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri to John Anderson Truman and Martha Ellen Young. His parents named him after his maternal uncle, Harrison “Harry” Young, but had difficulty settling on a middle name. Ultimately, they simply chose to use the letter “S” in tribute of his grandfathers, Anderson Shipp Truman and Solomon Young.

In 1945, Truman succeeded to the presidency after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He had served as Vice President for only 82 days before Roosevelt’s death. Under Truman, the Allies successfully brought an end to World War II. The victory announcement coincided with Truman’s 61st birthday on May 8, 1945. In his public address, Truman dedicated the victory to the memory of President Roosevelt, who had died less than a month earlier.

Explore Harry S. Truman’s family tree on Geni and discover your connection to the former U.S. President!