Arrived in Story County from Indiana in 1860, eventually settling north of Lincoln Way. In 1861 Hoggatt was elected the fourth sheriff of Story County. During his term, he enlisted in the Union army, but his Civil War service was cut short by a farming accident shortly before his departure, resulting in the loss of his leg. He was denied his fighting career, but not one in politics. He was known as a fiery and spell binding orator who was not above confusing the issues when opponents rose to debate. He often managed to divert attention by driving pins into his cork leg white the other fellow was talking. In 1863 he was re-elected sheriff. By 1866 Hoggatt was a partner in a grain warehouse, among the first commercial ventures in Ames. He served as Ames' second postmaster in 1869. In 1874 he was elected as the representative from Story County to the 15th General Assembly of Iowa, serving two years. In 1878 at age 63, he was the "greenback" candidate for the 9th District congressional seat. Though defeated, he toured Iowa in his famous one-horse buckboard, delivering impassioned speeches to advocate the adoption of paper money.