The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 75, July 1971 - April, 1972 Page: 373

In Memoriam: William R. Hogan

William Ransom Hogan, fellow of the Association whose book The
Republic of Texas: A Social and Economic History became a standard
soon after its publication, died at his home between the half-time of the
broadcast of the Tulane-Rice game this past September 25 and the next
morning, when he was discovered. In a generally bland profession Hogan
was one of the few legitimate personalities. At regional and national
conventions he was one of the half-dozen persons that everyone was look-
ing for, seldom for academic reasons. He had color, he was both abrupt
and genial, and he understood people. There wasn't one corner of an
ivory tower in his makeup, but there was a whole mansion full of
comradeship and cooperation.
As befits a man of this sort, Hogan's funeral was no ordinary thing.
The service was held in a New Orleans funeral home with the Olympia
Band, one of the tradition-ridden New Orleans jazz groups, bringing the
music. Burial was right outside Austin at his wife's family cemetery,
named for its vast spreading live oaks.
It is tempting to write an extensive paean to Hogan, but undoubtedly
the best tribute that could be said for him was given by Frank Wardlaw,
director of the University of Texas Press, who spoke at the graveside.
Herewith are Wardlaw's remarks. EDITOR.
ATURDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 25, 1971, OUR DEAR FRIEND BILL HOGAN
died in his home in New Orleans. Rosemary and I were up on
the banks of the Llano at Fred Gipson's ranch at the time and we
didn't hear about Bill's death until yesterday morning. I still can't
believe that he is gone and that I am standing here before you con-
fronted with the impossible task of telling you what kind of man he
was and how deeply we loved him and will miss him.
Bill and I, both the sons of Presbyterian ministers, used to discuss
plans for our funerals. Bill told me that he wanted me to make a few
carefully edited remarks at his. On the other hand, if I should pre-
decease him, I told him that I would name him as one of my pall-
bearers, preferring that as a lesser risk. I am seriously inhibited in the
remarks I must make today, not only because of Bill's request for
the exercise of editorial judgment but because I know that it would
displease him greatly if I displayed any of the usual trappings of
mourning and eulogy.