Thomas Taggart (November 17, 1856–March 6,1929) was a U.S. political figure. Born in County Monaghan, Ireland, he came to the United States with his parents in 1861. The family settled in Xenia, Ohio, where young Taggart got a job working the lunch counter at the railroad depot. At age 18, he was sent by his employer to manage the depot restuarant and hotel in Garrett, Indiana, where he met his wife Eva Bryant Taggart , whom he married in 1878.

Taggart moved to Indianapolis in 1877 to run the restaurant at Union Depot. He became active in local politics and served as auditor of Marion County from 1886 to 1894 and as mayor of Indianapolis from 1895 until 1901.

He was chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1900 until 1908. On March 20, 1916, he was appointed by Governor Samuel M. Ralston to the United States Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Benjamin F. Shively , but he was defeated for the seat in the November election.

Taggart was famous for his ownership of the French Lick Hotel in Orange County, Indiana, which he developed into a popular resort based on the mineral springs located there. He was also reputed to have an interest in the illegal gambling operations there that also contributed to the resort's popularity.

Taggart remained active in national and state politics until his death in Indianapolis in 1929. He is remembered as the mayor who began the Indianapolis parks system. He is buried in Indianapolis in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Reference

James Philip Fadley, Thomas Taggart: Public Servant, Political Boss, Indianapolis:Indiana State Historical Society, 1997. ISBN 0-87195-115-0