James Logan (statesman)

James Logan (1674-1751) was a distinguished Scots-Irish colonial American statesman, scholar, scientist, and book collector. Born in Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland, Logan emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1699 as William Penn's secretary. He quickly rose to prominence in Pennsylvania politics, serving in various roles including secretary of the province, commissioner of property, chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and acting governor.

Logan was a highly educated man with a profound interest in science and literature. He possessed an extensive library, considered one of the finest in colonial America, which he used to pursue his intellectual interests. He conducted experiments in botany, optics, and mathematics, and corresponded with leading scientists in Europe. His most notable scientific contribution was his discovery of the nature of maize fertilization.

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Logan was a key figure in Pennsylvania's relations with Native American tribes. He played a crucial role in negotiating treaties and maintaining peace on the frontier. However, his views on land ownership and his involvement in the Walking Purchase of 1737 remain controversial aspects of his legacy.

Logan retired from public life in the 1740s and devoted his remaining years to scholarship and writing. He bequeathed his extensive library to the Library Company of Philadelphia, which formed the basis of its renowned collection. James Logan died in 1751, leaving behind a significant legacy as a multifaceted figure who shaped the intellectual and political landscape of colonial Pennsylvania.