Buckingham Notables: Gen. Thomas M. Logan
General Thomas M. Logan
Courtesy Elizabeth P. Scott, “The Algoma Log Book”
Thomas Muldrup Logan, born in 1840, was a native of Charleston, South Carolina; however, he and his family left their mark on Buckingham County. During the latter years of his life, his summer home was at Algoma, situated not far from Howardsville in the northwestern section of Buckingham.
In 1914, General Logan died in his New York City apartment. The New York Times called him a “financier and railroad builder.” He was the “principal organizer” of the Southern Railway and a business associate of John D. Rockefeller. Upon his death, General Logan’s body was brought to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.
In 2003, Elizabeth P. Scott completed a transcription of “The Algoma Log Book,” which “logged” life at Algoma from September 9, 1890 to September 5, 1893. In her introduction, Mrs. Scott wrote:
A copy of the Algoma Log has been on our shelf for years, unread because the handwritings were so difficult to decipher. Last year, because of some success with other family records, I felt challenged to tackle this one.
Algoma was the summer home of Genl. & Mrs. T. M. Logan of Chesterfield County and Richmond. It was one of several such retreats upriver from Scottsville, accessible by railroad from Richmond and by horseback from Charlottesville and elsewhere. The log gives a charming picture of life in a busy hospitable household. Family, guests, and neighbors come and go. Horses and farm life are of central importance. And we see a cluster of households, with an abundance of attractive young people drawn together in an enthusiastic social life.
Don’t miss Ruth Klippstein’s article, “An agreeable little window on the past,” about summer days at Algoma in the August issue of Scottsville Monthly. You can download a PDF of the magazine at Fluvanna Review.
Coming next: General Logan’s Faithful Servant
slate river ramblings . . . . 
My Great Grandfather is mentioned in the Algoma log from 1890 -93. Mr. Stinson. I am trying to find the date Algoma was built as he suppposely was the overseer according to family records. Does anyone have any insight on the matter or knowledge of any other logs that may be available? I jnow Gen,, Logan’s daughter wrote a book about her times at Algoma in which again, my grandfather is mentioned but have lost that information of the book. Carolyn
Carolyn, I can’t answer your question; however, someone more familiar with Algoma might see your post. Good luck! Joanne
Bill, this Elizabeth Scott was not the guidance counselor at BCHS. Joanne, so pleased you are giving us some views of life at Algoma. It has always sounded a halcyon time to me.
Thanks for letting us know about the two Elizabeth Scotts. There is more to come about life at Algoma!
Yes, I figured that out. I believe the guidance counselor at BCHS then was, Lorna Scott. Thanks.
Joanne,
My grandmother’s Guerrant family had an apple plantation named Algoma near Calloway, Va. Is this the same place as General Logan’s Algoma?
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Jamie, I’m not familiar with Calloway, Virginia. Can you locate it for me? I do recognize the Guerrant name and descend from a branch that lived in Buckingham County. Joanne
There is a Calloway, Virginia in Franklin County near the town of Rocky Mount.
Was this person, Elizabeth Scott, the guidance counselor at BCHS on the 70’s?
Bill, I don’t know. Perhaps, a Slate River Ramblings reader will comment. Joanne