The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1929-03-06
THOMAS D. TAGCART,
HOOSIER POLITICAL
HERCULES,
Was Power in Indiana Politics
for 80 Years and National
Factor 20 Years

indianapolis, Ind, March 6.-tF,-
Thomas D. Taggart. veteran Indiana
Democratic leader. died at his home
here this morning following an i'll
ness of several months. He was u
years old.
Thomas Taggart was a power in
Indiana politics for 30 years and
faction In national politics for more
than 20 years.
A native of ireland. he began his
career as waiter in q lunchroom and
pushed himself ahead until he be-
came not only political leader of
national prominence but proprietor
of an Indiana health resort and Unit
ed States senator. His friends say
that he was a millionaire many times
over. hospitable and loyal to hts
friends.
Came TO Ohio
Born in 1856. he came to the Unit
ed States when young and settled in
Xenia, O., but moved to Indiana in
1877. He first earned living as
waiter In q railroad lunchroom but
1t. was. not long before he became its
proprietor. Soon he was owner of
the Grand Hotel in Indiana. now his
toric because Of the many big political
coups which had their origin within
its walls.
Turning his attention to. politics.
Mr.. Taggart rose rapidly in Dem
ocratic councils. being gifted with .
genius for organization and a leader
ship that eventually was felt through
out the Democratic party. He was
elected chairman Of the Indiana State
Democratic committee in 1892 and
three years later mayor Of Indian
apolis. which office he held for three
successive terms. finally refusing to
be . contender for 1t again.
Elected member Of the Democrat
ic National committee in 1900 and
again In 1904, he was made its chair
man after the national convention at
st. Louis. Twice afterward, in 1908
and in 1912. he was member Of the
national committee after party lead
ers had each time refused his resig-
nation.
Backed Kern. Ralston
Mr.. Taggart is said to have had IN
important part In shaping the
careers Of former Senator John w.
Kern and Samuel M. Ralston, former
Governor Of Indiana. He was at the
zenith Of his power in Democratic
national politics when, in 1915. he
was appointed by Governor Ralstou
Is United States senator from In
diana to I'LL the unexpired term OF
Benjamin F. shively, who died while
in office. At the conclusion Of hts
appointed term, Mr.. Taggart ran for
reelection but was defeated.
A bitter political fight in 1915
preceded his appointment as senator
in the course Of which Mr.. Taggart
was indicted with ~ others on charges
Of election frauds In indianapolis. He
asserted his innocence and the charge
against him was eventually dropped
for lack Of sufficient evidence.
Raised @2oo.0oo Bail
An insight into his character va:
given ct that time when. having beer
released on bail, Mr.. Taggart did mol
leave Indianapolis until he had pro.
vided 5000. 900 bail for the others whit
had been indicted.
While in politics, Mr.. Taggart con.
Quoted many business enterprises
nearly every one Of which rewarded
him with big returns. His hotel and
health resort at French Lick Springs
Indiana, occupied tho greater par
Of his time I'm his later years and NJ.
meeting place for Democratic polit'
ical leaders from Ill over the Unitet
States. Mr.. Taggart was presiden
Of the French Lick interests unit
late In 1871 when he was succeeded
BY his son, Thomas q. Tasgart.
Mr.. Taggart married Eva D. Bry'
ant. OF Garrett, Ind, In 1877.