More on William E. Logan (1798-1875)

Sir William Logan, 1869
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William Logan was born and raised in Montréal. He completed one year at university in Edinburgh, Scotland, before leaving to work for his rich uncle, Hart Logan. Logan spent his twenties in London, England. When he was in his thirties he was sent to manage a copper-smelting works in Swansea, South Wales, for his uncle. He learned all about coal mining and coal geology while there. His knowledge of geology grew quickly and it was not long before Logan was making excellent geological maps. Coming from a wealthy family, he had no trouble meeting the leading geologists of the time. He was becoming known for his superior mapping skills. Logan's uncle died in 1838. Freed from the responsibility of working for his uncle's company, Logan continued his geological research. He took a trip to Canada and the United Sates in 1840-41. When the position to lead the Geological Survey of Canada was created, no one could have been more perfect for the job!