Prints and Photographs Collection
James S. Hogg
James Hogg first made his name as a successful and aggressive district attorney. In 1886 he was elected attorney general, where he filed suits against the railroads and other large corporations to free up public domain lands that belonged to the schools and other funds. He was insistent that businesses follow Texas laws, and it was this concern that led him to run for governor on a platform of establishing the Railroad Commission to fight corporate railway interests.
After leaving the governship, Hogg became wealthy through his law practice and investments, and he and his children gave numerous gifts and services to the University of Texas, Houston, Austin, and Texas as a whole.
This photo shows Hogg as a member of the Austin Bar.