James Logan

James Logan (1674-1751) was one of the most important characters in early Philadelphia. He arrived to the new world in 1699 as an assistant to William Penn, and in 1701 assumed charge of Penn's local affairs when the original proprietor returned to England for the last time. Between 1701 and his death in 1751, he held many offices such as commissioner of property, chief justice of the Pennsylvania supreme court, mayor (1722-1723) and even served on the board of trustees for the College of Philadelphia (which would later become the University of Pennsylvania) during the first year of classes, 1751.

source: http://explorepahistory.com/

The legacy that Logan left on Philadelphia however centers not on his governing abilities but on his life as an intellectual. His support of formal education and cultivation of local bright minds had lasting impact on the area and helped make Philadelphia the intellectual center of the colonies in the 18th century. Among his students was a "bright young instigator" that would go on to shape the future of not only Philadelphia, but the colonies at large - Benjamin Franklin.

Logan's country estate, located on the road to Germantown to the north of the city, was the first example of Georgian architecture in the Delaware Valley. Stenton - as it is called - still exists in a park near 18th and Courtland:

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source: http://www.stenton.org/

At the time of Logan's death, Stenton housed a library of 2500 volumes, the largest in the sciences, linguistics, and classics in the colonies. This library is actually still intact as part of the Library Company of Philadelphia.

And of course, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway winds its way through Logan Square in center city.