Born in Calvert County, Maryland. Graduate of Dickinson College in 1795. Admitted to Maryland bar in 1799. Married Anne Kay, sister of Frances Scott Key, January 7, 1806. They had six daughters and one son.

Served in Maryland Legislature 1799 to 1800. Elected to Maryland Senate and served 1816 to 1821. Served as attorney general of Maryland 1827 to 1833. Appointed acting Secretary of War in 1831.

Taney supported Jackson's withdrawal of federal funds from the Bank of The United States. Jackson appointed him Secretary of the Treasury and he served September 23, 1833, to June 25, 1834, although the Senate rejected his appointment. He was nominated for associate justice of the Supreme Court but that nomination was also rejected by the Senate. He was nominated again and confirmed as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1836. He participated in the Dred Scott decision. He died in Washington, D.C.

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