Who was Thomas Taggart and what were his primary roles in public life?

Thomas Taggart was an Irish-American politician, hotelier, and financier who served as the political boss of the Democratic Party in Indiana for the first quarter of the 20th century. He held significant positions including Auditor of Marion County, Mayor of Indianapolis, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and briefly a U.S. Senator from Indiana.

When and where was Thomas Taggart born, and when did he immigrate to the United States?

Thomas Taggart was born on November 17, 1856, in Emyvale, County Monaghan, Ireland. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1861, at the age of five.

What was Taggart's early career path after moving to Indianapolis in 1877?

Upon moving to Indianapolis in 1877, Taggart began working as a clerk for the Ohmer company's dining hall/restaurant at the city's Union Depot. He progressed to become the manager and eventually the sole owner of this restaurant within the new Union Station.

Who was Thomas Taggart's wife, and what were the names of their children?

Thomas Taggart married Eva Bryant Taggart. They had six children: Florence Eva, Lucy Martha, Nora, Irene Mary, Emily Letitia, and Thomas Douglas. The family also included nine grandchildren.

Describe the Taggart family's primary residence in Indianapolis.

The Taggart family's main residence was in Indianapolis, where they built a large home at 1331 North Delaware Street in 1913. This home featured a Georgian Colonial exterior and an Italian-style interior, and it was recognized by *House Beautiful* magazine as one of the city's three best homes in 1920.

What significant business venture did Thomas Taggart undertake in 1901, and what was its outcome?

In 1901, Taggart organized investors to acquire and develop the French Lick Springs Hotel in Orange County, Indiana. He later became its sole owner and transformed it into a premier spa and gambling resort, which at its peak generated over $2 million in annual profits.

What improvements did Taggart implement at the French Lick Springs Hotel?

Taggart enhanced the French Lick Springs Hotel by adding a seven-story deluxe wing, modernizing facilities, establishing trolley service to French Lick, and securing a spur track from the Monon Railroad for direct passenger service from Chicago.

What political offices did Thomas Taggart hold in Indiana before his national roles?

Before his national involvement, Taggart served as the Auditor of Marion County, Indiana, from 1886 to 1894. He was also elected Mayor of Indianapolis, serving three two-year terms from 1895 to 1901.

What were Taggart's key contributions during his tenure as Mayor of Indianapolis?

As Mayor of Indianapolis, Taggart's administration focused on efficient city fund management and civic improvements. A notable achievement was the acquisition of over 900 acres along the White River to establish the city's park and boulevard system.

How did Taggart influence the Democratic Party at the national level?

Taggart was a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1900 to 1916 and served as its chairman from 1904 to 1908. He played a crucial role in securing presidential and vice-presidential nominations for prominent Democrats, including Woodrow Wilson and Thomas R. Marshall.

When was Thomas Taggart appointed to the U.S. Senate, and who appointed him?

Thomas Taggart was appointed to the U.S. Senate on March 20, 1916, by Indiana Governor Samuel M. Ralston.

Whom did Taggart succeed in the U.S. Senate, and whom did he lose the subsequent election to?

Taggart was appointed to succeed Senator Benjamin F. Shively. He lost the subsequent special election held in November 1916 to Republican James E. Watson.

What was Taggart's role in the presidential campaigns of Grover Cleveland?

Taggart was instrumental in Grover Cleveland's presidential campaigns in Indiana. As Marion County chairman in 1888, he helped Cleveland carry the county against Benjamin Harrison, and as state chairman in 1892, he helped Cleveland win Indiana.

What was Taggart's involvement in the 1912 Democratic National Convention?

Taggart was instrumental in securing the nominations of Woodrow Wilson for President and Thomas R. Marshall for Vice President at the 1912 Democratic National Convention held in Baltimore, Maryland.

What was Taggart's stance on federal spending during his time in the U.S. Senate?

During his brief tenure in the U.S. Senate, Taggart advocated for the efficient use of federal funds and opposed wasteful spending.

What was the nickname commonly associated with Thomas Taggart due to his political influence?

Thomas Taggart was known as "the Easy Boss" due to his congenial nature, and he was also referred to as the "powerful Democratic boss of the state" or simply by his initials, T. T.

What was the name of Taggart's summer home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts?

The Taggart family's summer home, built in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, between 1915 and 1916, was named Amyvale, in honor of Taggart's Irish birthplace.

Who purchased property adjacent to Taggart's Hyannis Port home, and what did they establish there?

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Kennedy purchased property next to the Taggarts' Hyannis Port home to establish the Kennedy compound.

What other significant business or civic leadership roles did Taggart hold in his later years?

In his later years, Taggart served as chairman of the board of directors for American Fletcher National Bank, was a director of the Indianapolis, Light, Heat, and Power Company, treasurer of the Indiana Lincoln Union, and a member of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Commission.

When and where did Thomas Taggart die?

Thomas Taggart died on March 6, 1929, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Where is Thomas Taggart buried, and what marks his gravesite?

Thomas Taggart is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. His gravesite is marked by a tall, gray obelisk and is located near his wife and four of their children.

What was Taggart's legacy in Indiana politics?

Taggart is remembered as one of Indiana's most dominant political figures, considered the "undisputed boss of the Democratic machine for the first quarter of the twentieth century." He is also recognized for his contributions to public improvements, particularly the development of Indianapolis's park and boulevard system.

What was the political affiliation of Thomas Taggart?

Thomas Taggart was a member of the Democratic Party (United States).

What role did Taggart's daughter Lucy Martha play in the arts community?

Lucy Martha Taggart, one of Thomas Taggart's daughters, was an accomplished artist and served as an art educator at the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis.

What was the name of the railroad that provided service to the French Lick Springs Hotel due to Taggart's efforts?

The Monon Railroad laid a spur track to the French Lick Springs Hotel, facilitating daily passenger service from Chicago, as a result of Taggart's efforts.

What was the approximate value of the French Lick Springs Hotel property when it was inherited by Taggart's son?

Upon Thomas Taggart's death in 1929, his son Thomas Douglas inherited the French Lick Springs Hotel property, which was valued at nearly $2 million.

What was the political climate in Indiana during the 1924 gubernatorial election, and how did Taggart interact with it?

In the 1924 gubernatorial election, Taggart endorsed Carleton B. McCulloch. However, McCulloch lost to Edward L. Jackson, who benefited from strong Ku Klux Klan support and won across most of Indiana's counties.

What was the name of the company where Taggart's daughter Nora's husband held a leadership position?

Nora Taggart married David L. Chambers, who served as the president and chairman of the Bobbs-Merrill Company.

What architectural style characterized the exterior of Taggart's Indianapolis home?

The exterior of Thomas Taggart's Indianapolis residence, built in 1913, was designed in the Georgian Colonial architectural style.

What was Taggart's involvement in the 1904 U.S. presidential election?

As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1904, Taggart managed Alton B. Parker's presidential campaign, which ultimately resulted in a loss to Theodore Roosevelt.

What was the significance of Taggart's role in helping Grover Cleveland win Indiana in 1892?

As the Democratic state chairman in 1892, Taggart's efforts were crucial in helping Grover Cleveland carry Indiana, which was a key factor in Cleveland's challenge to Benjamin Harrison's bid for reelection.

What was the name of the railroad company that employed Taggart in Indianapolis at the Union Depot?

Thomas Taggart worked for the N. and G. Ohmer Company, managing their dining hall/restaurant at the Indianapolis Union Depot.

What was the political party of Benjamin Harrison, whom Taggart opposed in Indiana elections?

Benjamin Harrison, the Republican candidate whom Taggart worked against in Indiana, was a member of the Republican Party.

Which magazine recognized Taggart's Indianapolis home as one of the city's best?

*House Beautiful* magazine recognized Thomas Taggart's Indianapolis home as one of the city's three best homes in 1920.

What was Taggart's primary business focus before becoming a prominent politician?

Before his extensive political career, Thomas Taggart was primarily an hotelier and financier, notably managing and owning the restaurant at the Indianapolis Union Station and later developing the French Lick Springs Hotel.

What event caused the U.S. Senate seat to become vacant in March 1916, leading to Taggart's appointment?

The U.S. Senate seat Taggart was appointed to in March 1916 became vacant due to the death of the incumbent, Senator Benjamin F. Shively.

What was Taggart's involvement in the 1920 presidential election and his own Senate race?

Taggart supported James M. Cox's presidential campaign in 1920 and also sought to regain a Senate seat. Both Cox and Taggart were unsuccessful, losing to Republican Warren G. Harding and James E. Watson, respectively.

What was the name of the railroad that Taggart persuaded to service the French Lick Springs Hotel?

Taggart persuaded the Monon Railroad to lay a spur track to the French Lick Springs Hotel, improving its accessibility.

What was Taggart's position on government spending during his brief Senate term?

During his time in the U.S. Senate, Taggart advocated for the efficient use of federal funds and opposed wasteful spending.

Which of Taggart's children died in a yachting accident?

Florence Eva, one of Thomas Taggart's daughters, died in a yachting accident in the Gulf of Mexico.

What commission was Thomas Taggart a member of in his later years related to historical commemoration?

In his later years, Thomas Taggart served as a member of the George Rogers Clark Memorial Commission.

What was the name of the hotel Taggart developed in Orange County, Indiana?

The hotel Thomas Taggart developed in Orange County, Indiana, was the French Lick Springs Hotel.

What was Taggart's specific role within the Democratic National Committee from 1904 to 1908?

From 1904 to 1908, Thomas Taggart served as the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

How many acres did Indianapolis acquire under Mayor Taggart's administration for its park system?

Under Mayor Taggart's administration, Indianapolis acquired over 900 acres along the White River to establish its park and boulevard system.

What was the name of the company Taggart worked for upon arriving in Indianapolis?

Upon arriving in Indianapolis, Taggart worked as a clerk for the N. and G. Ohmer Company's dining hall/restaurant at the Union Depot.

What was the political party of Thomas Taggart?

Thomas Taggart was a member of the Democratic Party.

What was Taggart's legacy regarding urban natural resources?

Taggart is remembered as a leader in the movement to conserve urban natural resources for public use, particularly through his efforts in establishing Indianapolis's park and boulevard system.

What was the name of Taggart's daughter who became an artist and educator?

Lucy Martha Taggart, one of Thomas Taggart's daughters, became an accomplished artist and art educator at the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis.

What was the approximate annual profit generated by the French Lick Springs Hotel during its peak popularity under Taggart's ownership?

During the early decades of the 20th century, the French Lick Springs Hotel, under Taggart's management, generated more than $2 million in annual profits.

What was Taggart's role in securing the Democratic nomination for Woodrow Wilson in 1912?

Taggart played a key role in securing Woodrow Wilson's nomination for U.S. President at the 1912 Democratic National Convention.

What was the name of the railroad that Taggart convinced to extend service to the French Lick Springs Hotel?

Taggart convinced the Monon Railroad to lay a spur track to the French Lick Springs Hotel, enhancing its accessibility.

Thomas Taggart Wiki: The Architect of Influence: Thomas Taggart's Indiana Legacy

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Introduction

The Irish-American Politician

Thomas Taggart (1856–1929) was a dominant force in Indiana politics for the first quarter of the twentieth century. As an Irish-born immigrant, his trajectory from humble beginnings to becoming the political boss of the Democratic Party in Indiana is a testament to his ambition and strategic acumen.

Key Roles

Taggart's influence spanned multiple critical areas: he served as Auditor of Marion County, Mayor of Indianapolis, a member and Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and briefly as a U.S. Senator. His mayoral administration notably championed public improvements, including the establishment of Indianapolis's park and boulevard system.

Business Acumen

Beyond politics, Taggart was a successful hotelier and financier. His most notable venture was the development of the renowned French Lick Springs Hotel in Orange County, Indiana, transforming it into a premier spa and resort destination that generated significant profits.

Early Life and Family

Immigrant Roots

Born in Emyvale, County Monaghan, Ireland, on November 17, 1856, Thomas Taggart immigrated to the United States with his family in 1861. They settled in Xenia, Ohio, where his father worked for the railroad. Young Thomas gained early experience in the hospitality sector, working in a depot hotel and restaurant, which laid the foundation for his future career.

Family Life

In 1878, Taggart married Eva Dora Bryant. They were parents to six children: Florence Eva, Lucy Martha (an artist and educator), Nora, Irene Mary, Emily Letitia, and Thomas Douglas. The family maintained residences in Indianapolis, French Lick, and Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, reflecting Taggart's diverse interests and influence.

Career Trajectory

Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Upon moving to Indianapolis in 1877, Taggart quickly established himself. He managed and eventually owned the dining hall at the Union Depot. His business ventures expanded to include hotels in Indianapolis and the significant acquisition and development of the French Lick Springs Hotel, which became a major success.

Political Ascendancy

Taggart's political career began in the 1880s. His early successes as Auditor of Marion County and his strategic role in helping Grover Cleveland carry Indiana solidified his reputation. He rose to become the influential "Easy Boss" of the Indiana Democratic Party, guiding its direction for decades.

Mayor of Indianapolis

Civic Improvements

Serving three terms as Mayor of Indianapolis (1895–1901), Taggart's administration was marked by a focus on efficient fund management and significant civic development. A key achievement was the expansion of the city's park and boulevard system, acquiring over 900 acres along the White River.

Community Engagement

Taggart's political success was partly attributed to his ability to connect with diverse communities. His liaisons with Indianapolis's African American community, such as lawyers Alexander E. Manning and James T.V. Hill, were instrumental in securing his electoral victories.

The French Lick Resort

Transformation of a Resort

In 1901, Taggart led investors to acquire the French Lick Springs Hotel. He later became its sole owner, transforming it into a premier spa and gambling resort. Modernizations, trolley service, and a dedicated railroad spur enhanced its appeal, making it a highly profitable enterprise.

Resort Operations

While Taggart publicly denied involvement in illegal gambling, the Orange County area, including the vicinity of the French Lick Springs Hotel, was known for its flourishing casinos during his management. The resort's popularity contributed significantly to its financial success.

U.S. Senate Tenure

Appointment and Election

In March 1916, Governor Samuel M. Ralston appointed Taggart to the U.S. Senate, filling a vacancy. He served briefly, advocating for fiscal responsibility. However, he lost the subsequent November election to Republican James E. Watson, marking the beginning of a challenging period in his national political aspirations.

National Campaigns

Taggart played a crucial role in national Democratic campaigns, including securing nominations for Woodrow Wilson and Thomas R. Marshall in 1912, and supporting James M. Cox in 1920. His efforts to regain a Senate seat in 1920 were unsuccessful amidst a Republican sweep.

Death and Legacy

Final Years

Despite declining health in the 1920s, Taggart remained active in civic and financial affairs, serving on the boards of major institutions like American Fletcher National Bank. He passed away in Indianapolis on March 6, 1929, and is interred at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Enduring Impact

Recognized as Indiana's most dominant political figure for decades, Taggart's legacy includes his significant contributions to urban development through the creation of Indianapolis's park system. He is remembered as a key architect of political strategy and a successful entrepreneur.

Political Context

U.S. Senators from Indiana

Thomas Taggart served as a U.S. Senator from Indiana. The following table outlines the senators from Indiana, highlighting Taggart's position within this lineage.

Political Offices
Preceded by	Benjamin F. Shively
Succeeded by	James Eli Watson
U.S. Senate
Preceded by	Benjamin F. Shively
Succeeded by	James Eli Watson

(Note: Full list of senators is extensive and managed via navigation templates.)

Mayors of Indianapolis

Taggart's tenure as Mayor of Indianapolis is a significant part of his political career. The following provides context within the city's mayoral history.

Mayor of Indianapolis
In office	1895–1901
Preceded by	Caleb S. Denny
Succeeded by	Charles A. Bookwalter

(Note: Taggart served as the 18th Mayor of Indianapolis.)

Democratic Party Leadership

Taggart's influence extended to the national stage as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. This section highlights his role within the broader context of the party's leadership.

Chair of the Democratic National Committee
In office	1904–1908
Preceded by	James Kimbrough Jones
Succeeded by	Norman E. Mack

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References

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Thomas Taggart: Architect of Influence

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

🇺🇸 The Irish-American Politician

🏛️ Key Roles

💰 Business Acumen

Early Life and Family 🌱

🌍 Immigrant Roots

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Life

Career Trajectory 🚀

💼 Entrepreneurial Beginnings

🗣️ Political Ascendancy

Mayor of Indianapolis 🏙️

🏗️ Civic Improvements

🤝 Community Engagement

The French Lick Resort 🏨

✨ Transformation of a Resort

🎲 Resort Operations

U.S. Senate Tenure ⚖️

📜 Appointment and Election

🗳️ National Campaigns

Death and Legacy ⭐

⚰️ Final Years

🏆 Enduring Impact

Political Context 🔗

🇺🇸 U.S. Senators from Indiana

🇺🇸 Mayors of Indianapolis

🇺🇸 Democratic Party Leadership

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

The Irish-American Politician

Key Roles

Business Acumen

Early Life and Family

Immigrant Roots

Family Life

Career Trajectory

Entrepreneurial Beginnings

Political Ascendancy

Mayor of Indianapolis

Civic Improvements

Community Engagement

The French Lick Resort

Transformation of a Resort

Resort Operations

U.S. Senate Tenure

Appointment and Election

National Campaigns

Death and Legacy

Final Years

Enduring Impact

Political Context

U.S. Senators from Indiana

Mayors of Indianapolis

Democratic Party Leadership

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice