So, when a Chief Wingohocking suggested to James Logan an exchange of names, Logan had to think fast. He sure didn’t want to be known as “James Wingohocking.”
So, Logan pointed to a stream running through his property and suggested it be named for Chief Wingohocking. Logan said he would die, but the creek would flow forever.
Thus the Indian would become “Chief Logan” and the Wingohockingn Creek would eventually be channeled underground. So, we now have Wingohocking Street.
Of course, Logan’s name lives on in the neighborhood, Logan, and Logan Circle. His farm and home, Stenton, is a fascinating historic site worth a visit.
It’s a shame that Philadelphians don’t know more about this great man.
Logan (1674-1751) was a Quaker who came to Pennsylvania in 1699 as William Penn’s business manager. During his long life, he served as Philadelphia mayor and chief justice of the colony’s supreme court.
He was a great scholar, botanist and had a library of 3,000 books, perhaps the largest in America at that time.
Chief Logan’s name lives on in a Central Pennsylvania school district. At one time there was a Chief Logan Inn in New Hope, Pa. The Chief Logan’s name also lives on in Ohio and West Virginia. But these states may be naming parks and schools for the son of our Chief Logan.