Edward Lawrence Logan

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Edward Lawrence Logan (January 20, 1875 – July 6, 1939) was an American lawyer, judge, military officer, and politician from Boston. He played a major role in shaping the Massachusetts National Guard and served in public office in Boston and the commonwealth.

Logan grew up in South Boston and attended Boston Latin School. He then went to Harvard College, graduating in 1898, and Harvard Law School, graduating in 1901. While studying, he lived at Holworthy Hall and formed connections that would influence his career. In 1897 he joined the Massachusetts National Guard’s 9th Infantry Regiment and fought in Cuba during the Spanish–American War, rising from the rank of sergeant major to officer ranks.

His public career began in Boston city government and state politics. He was elected to the Boston Common Council (1899–1900), then to the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1901–1902), and later to the Massachusetts State Senate (1906–1907). In 1907 he was named associate justice of the Municipal Court for the South Boston District, a position he held for about 25 years, except for his military service.

Logan’s military career advanced steadily. He became a major in 1911 and then a colonel in 1912, commanding the 9th Infantry. When World War I began, his regiment became part of the 26th Infantry Division as the 101st Infantry Regiment and fought in France. After the war, he oversaw the reorganization of the 101st into the Massachusetts National Guard.

In the postwar years, Logan continued to rise in the Guard. He was promoted to brigadier general in 1921 and took command of the Massachusetts National Guard’s 1st Brigade. In 1923 he became a major general and commander of the 26th Division, helping to reorganize and train the unit as a fully Massachusetts force. He also led veterans’ organizations, including serving as the state commander of the American Legion and as president of the National Guard Association of the United States. He retired from the Guard in 1938, receiving a state promotion to lieutenant general in recognition of his service.

Logan died in Boston on July 6, 1939, at age 64. His legacy lives on in Logan International Airport in East Boston, named in his honor in 1943, and in a statue by Joseph Coletti unveiled at the airport entrance in 1956.