James J. Hogan  James Joseph Hogan was an American politician and businessman. Hogan was born on July 6, 1837 in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. He worked in the grocery business in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Logan was also involved in the logging and lumber business. Hogan served as mayor of La Crosse in 1875 and 1876. He died on September 8, 1914. Hogan was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 1889 and 1891 sessions. In 1891, he was selected as Speaker. He was a Democrat.