Biographies

JUDGE JOHN LOGAN, one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Henderson County, now living on section 26, Lomax Township, was born on the 20th of March, 1822, near Connersville, Fayette County, Ind.

His father was one of the pioneer settlers of the Hoosier State, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. After arriving at years of maturity, he married Susan Duffy, and to them were born eleven children: Nancy, who died in infancy; James, who is living in Pontoosuc in his eightieth year; William, who died March 5, 1892; George W., who died in Iowa, September 16, 1890; John; Nancy, widow of Samuel Babcock, and a resident of Hancock County; Albert F., who died May 26, 1881; Wesley, who died January 25, 1852; Eliza J., who died December 21, 1859; Susan, who died January 10, 1855; and Priscilla, wife of George W. Jones, of Knoxville, Iowa.

In 1839, Samuel Logan brought his family to Illinois, the journey being made by team, and located in Lomax Township, then Warren County, now Henderson County, where he entered about six hundred acres of land from the Government on sections 25, 26, and 27. There he built a log cabin, 18x18 feet, and began the improvement of the wild prairie. This farm continued to be his place of residence until his death. He passed away December 23, 1859, and was laid to rest in Logan Cemetery. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Logan's death occurred July 21, 1875.

Judge Logan remained in his native State until seventeen years of age. His education was acquired in the old-time subscription schools, which were held in a log schoolhouse, furnished with slab seats, and lighted by greased-paper windows. He accompanied his parents 011 their removal to Illinois in 1839, and to his father gave the benefit of his services until twenty-two years of age, when he began life for himself, upon an eighty acre tract of land on section 25, given him by his father. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place. He afterwards purchased eighty acres on section 26, and moved into the little log cabin which was then standing upon the farm. He broke the prairie with ox-teams, and transformed the wild tract into rich and fertile fields. He also made many excellent improvements, and extended the boundaries of his farm, until it now comprises two hundred and thirty-eight acres of rich land. Having rented this, the owner is now practically retired.

On the 30th of January, 1844, Mr. Logan was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Davis. Unto them have been born ten children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Susan; Alexander, a farmer of Lomax; Taylor, who is living in Perry, Okla.; Mary J., wife of Lafayette McKim, of Nevada, Iowa; Nancy, wife of Henry Paul, a farmer of Lomax Township; Almira, wife of John Coble, who is living in Newton, Kan. ; John W., who is living on the old homestead; William, a resident of Osceola, Polk County, Neb.; Melinda, wife of William Brown, of Newton, Kan.; and Edward L., a telegraph operator in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quiney Rail- road. There are also sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. There have never been any deaths in the family.

In 1853, Mr. Logan was elected County Judge of Henderson County, and filled that office four years. He was also Justice of the Peace for four years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a stalwart Republican in politics, having supported the men and measures of that party since its organization. Previous to that time he was a Whig, and his first Presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison.

The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and his support and co-operation are never withheld from any interest which he believes will prove of benefit to the community. All who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth and strict integrity, and it is with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his life.

Posted by Jean Crowl 8 May, 2009

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.