Thomas Taggart: Public Servant, Political Boss 1856-1929 - Softcover

James Philip Fadely

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0871951150 ISBN 13: 9780871951151

Publisher: Indiana Historical Society, 2023

Synopsis

Hoosier Democratic party boss and businessman Thomas Taggart is the subject of this biography, written by James Philip Fadely, an Indianapolis educator and writer. The book examines Taggart’s skills and success in both business and politics. Coming from a humble immigrant background, Taggart worked his way up from clerk at the dining hall at the old Union Depot in Indianapolis to proprietor of two hotels in the capital city. He also was widely known as the man responsible for developing French Lick Springs Hotel in southern Indiana into a world-class spa for the rich and famous. With his hotels and far-flung business interests, Taggart became one of the state’s wealthiest men. For a third of a century he also was the undisputed boss of the Democratic machine in Indiana. He made governors, congressmen, senators, vice presidents, and even presidents.

About this title

Review:

The colorful life and times of Hoosier Democratic party boss and businessman Thomas Taggart is explored in Thomas Taggart: Public Servant, Political Boss 1856-1929. Coming from a humble Irish immigrant background, Taggart worked his way up from clerk at the dining hall at the old Union Depot in Indianapolis to proprietor of two hotels in the capital city. With his hotels and other far-flung business interests, Taggart became one of the state's wealthiest men. In politics Taggart achieved renown as Marion County auditor, county Democratic chairman, state Democratic chairman, and three-time mayor of Indianapolis in 1895, 1897, and 1899. He held the post of Democratic National Committeeman from 1900 to 1916. In 1916 he served as a United States Senator. Thomas Taggart is a fascinating, exceptionally well researched, and engagingly written political biography. -- Midwest Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Indiana Historical Society
• Publication date: 2023
• ISBN 10: 0871951150
• ISBN 13: 9780871951151
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 267