Brenham, Washington County
In 1914, noted Texas educator Columbus H. Hogan became a founding partner in the Washington County Undertaking Co. on South Park Street in Brenham. It was then the only funeral home in the county for African Americans. Hogan later became sole proprietor and changed the name to Hogan Funeral Home. The vital community business offered ambulance service to other cities including Houston and Galveston, since local hospitals were segregated at the time. The family business continued with son Booker T. Hogan, Sr. taking over in 1935 and moving it to West Main Street four years later. C.H. Hogan, an active civic, fraternal and religious leader, also dedicated land for nearby Willow Grove Cemetery. (2007)