Thomas Taggart

by James P. Fadely

Thomas Taggart, powerful political figure of the 1890s and boss of the Indiana Democratic machine during the first quarter of the twentieth century, has been called "the wiliest boss of them all." As the undisputed Democratic power in Indiana he consequently played a large role on the national political stage because of Indiana's position as a crucial swing state, a veritable battleground for the national parties, during his lifetime. Unlike many bosses, Taggart compiled a public record as auditor of Marion County (Indianapolis), mayor of Indianapolis, Democratic national committeeman, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and United States senator. He ran a statewide, rather than just an urban, machine, and he frequently championed progressive issues of the day. Here was a political boss who helped make the careers of progressives like Senator John Worth Kern; Samuel M. Ralston, governor and later senator; Thomas R. Marshall, governor and vice president; and President Woodrow