Native-Born, Texas Governor Series LbNA #29252

James Stephen Hogg was born March 24, 1851 near Rusk, in east Texas. His birthplace would later give him the distinction of becoming the first native-born governor of Texas. Hogg was orphaned at the age of eleven when his father, a Confederate general, died in May 1862, and his mother died soon afterwards. To help support himself, he worked as a typesetter in a newspaper office at an early age. He later owned his own paper. Meanwhile, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1875. In 1878, Hogg held his first public office when he was elected county attorney of Wood County. He then ran and was elected district attorney for the seventh judicial district. In 1886, Hogg became Attorney-General of the State of Texas, then was re-elected to that post two years later. He easily won the Democratic nomination for governor in 1890, and went on to become governor of Texas from 1891 through 1895. Even among larger-than-life Texans, Hogg was an imposing figure. At six feet two inches and two hundred and eighty five pounds, the feisty governor was a popular advocate of the common citizen and did much to strengthen public respect for law enforcement in general. He sponsored anti-trust legislation and helped establish the powerful Railroad Commission during his tenure as governor. After retiring as governor, Hogg continued an active interest in good government, but held no other public office. He pursued his successful and growing business interests until his death in Houston on March 6, 1906. He is buried in Austin. Hogg married Sarah Ann Stinson and had four children. Their only daughter, affectionately known as Miss Ima (1882-1975), became well known as a philanthropist throughout her long life in Texas.

Directions: Go to Jim Hogg Historic Site, operated by the City of Rusk, Texas. The park is located two miles east of Rusk off Highway 84 East and Fire Tower Road, then to Park Road 50. This park closes at 5:00 each day and is closed all day Sunday.

To the box: Enter the park and look for the monument, which is a small family cemetery surrounded by an iron fence. Park in front of it if you can. Walk around the fence to the right and to the tree line, which you will follow to a sign that says “Short Trail”. Follow the trail down to the creek and use the stepping stones to cross. Follow the trail back up to your right. Shortly you will see a wall on your right made of iron ore stones. The box is tucked into the rocks on your near side. I found it easy to go up to the wall on the opposite side, then down and around the end. The box is about 4 feet up the wall. Please try to wedge it back up in the rocks so that it doesn't wash out when it rains. Be careful of critters when poking around rocks.