Logan, George (lōˈgən) [key], 1753–1821, American political
figure and agriculturist, b. near Germantown (now part of
Philadelphia), grandson of James Logan. After obtaining a
medical degree abroad, he returned to America during the
Revolution and turned from medicine to farming; at the same time
he served several terms in the Pennsylvania legislature. A
friend and supporter of Thomas Jefferson, he went (1798) on his
own authority to France to secure its accord with the United
States. His mission, in part successful, was resented by
Federalists, who secured the passage of the so-called Logan Act,
prohibiting civilian participation in diplomatic negotiations
except by official authority. He served as U.S. Senator (1801–7)
and, despite the Logan Act, went to England to reconcile
differences between that country and the United States. Logan
was active for many years in the furtherance of agricultural
advancement. See biography by F. B. Tolles (1953, repr. 1972).
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copy