A workforce that helped build Poplar Bluff: Hogg Markets

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

What would Poplar Bluff be without a Hogg Market? For 124 years, the Hogg family operated a market in some form in this town.

In 1873, Marion Hogg and family came to Poplar Bluff in a covered wagon. He settled on a farm near Oak Grove and began selling beef and pork from his wagon. In 1884, his son James Robert (J.R.) began his own butcher business, opening three markets in town. After becoming sheriff, he also built a distillery making the finest corn liquor in the county.

J.R. Hogg’s son, Edmond, took over one of the markets. His market was subsequently destroyed by the 1927 tornado but soon reopened in another part of town. In 1944, Edmond’s son Raymond opened a store in town and called it “Piggie Hogg’s Supermarket.”

J.R. Hogg’s other three sons Edward, Clyde and James also opened their own markets in different parts of town. James Hogg grocery store was called “Jim Hogg’s Market.” This market opened in 1934 and stayed open for 63 years. This third generation Hogg market was operated by J.R. Hogg’s son Bill. When Bill Hogg returned from World War II, he took over his father’s business until he retired in 1997, ending the Hogg legacy.

The Hogg family story is told in the Poplar Bluff Museum through historical artifacts from all the Hogg markets. J.R. Hogg’s corn liquor jugs are also on display in the Butler County Historical Society Room. Sheriff Hogg’s portrait can be seen it the Police and Firefighter exhibit upstairs.

The museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1-4 p.m. at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.