David Logan (1832-1896)
presumably son of David Logan (c1786-1839)
1875 Birth of son. 'Logan, wife of Mr. David, Chief Engineer, South Indian Railway, at Ootacamund, July 31.'[1]
1896 Obituary [2]
David Logan who was born on the 5th of June, 1832, came of an engineering family, his father having been for many years Engineer to the Clyde River Improvement Trust.
After serving an apprenticeship of five years to Thomas Kyle, an engineer and surveyor in large practice in Glasgow, the subject of this notice was engaged for two years on railway works under Charles Jopp, of Edinburgh, and then became an assistant to Walker, Burges and Cooper, of Westminster.
On the recommendation of Mr. (now Sir George) Bruce, Mr. Logan was placed in 1858 on the staff of the Great Southern of India Railway. He was employed as resident on the Negapatam-Trichinopoly section until 1863, when he succeeded Mr. Mark W. Carr as Chief Engineer of the line.
Three years later he resigned that post in order to superintend the reclamation work at Back Bay, Bombay.
In 1869 he was re-appointed Chief Engineer of the Great Southern of India Railway, which was at that time a 5-foot 6-inch gauge line, extending from Negapatam to Erode. Its subsequent development into the system now known as the South Indian Railway, about 1,100 miles in length, was carried out under Mr. Logan's direction.
Mr. Logan held this post until his death, from paralysis, which took place at Ammayanayakanur, a station on the South Indian Railway, on the 17th of April, 1896. His name will long be remembered as one of the earliest and most successful pioneers of railway enterprise in India.
He was known as a reliable and economical engineer, but at the same time as one who never allowed his instinct of economy to prejudice the safety and durability of the works under his control. To his great ability in reducing capital expenditure on construction is largely due the satisfactory financial condition of the South Indian Railway.
In private life his genial disposition secured him many friends. Mr. Logan was elected a Member on the 3rd of December, 1865.
In 1885 the distinction of Fellowship was conferred upon him by the University of Madras.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Pall Mall Gazette - Wednesday 01 September 1875
- ↑ 1896 Institution of Civil Engineers: Obituaries