Martha Daniell Logan
Martha Daniell Logan (29 December 1704 - 28 June 1779) was an early American botanist who was instrumental in seed exchanges between Britain and the North American colonies. She wrote an influential gardening advice column and was a major collector of plants endemic to the Carolinas.
Martha Daniell Logan | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 29, 1704 St. Thomas Parish, South Carolina |
| Died | June 28, 1779 (aged 74) |
| Known for | Seed exchange Plant collecting |
| Spouse(s) | George Logan, Jr. |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Botany |
Early life and education
Born in St. Thomas Parish, South Carolina, on 29 December 1704, to a wealthy family. She was the daughter of Robert Daniell and Martha Wainwright. Her father, Robert Daniell, was appointed to two terms as South Carolina's lieutenant governor and was a prominent merchant.[1] Martha Daniell was taught to read and write by a private tutor. After her father's death in 1718, Martha Daniell inherited his property along the Wando River.[1] In 1719, Martha married George Logan, Jr. Over the next sixteen years, she gave birth to eight children, six surviving to adulthood.[2] The Logans moved from their Wandon home to a plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, and began her botanical collections in the nearby woods.[2]
Career
After her husband died in 1742, Martha experienced financial difficulties. In 1742, Martha placed an advertisement in the South Carolina Gazette, offering to board children and teach them to read and write.[3] Her son Robert began to advertise imported seeds, flower roots, and fruit stones, sparking further interest into horticulture. In 1751, Martha wrote a column titled "Gardener's Kalendar" for the South Carolina Gazette.
Though further financial trouble caused her to have to sell her plantation in 1753. Martha moved to Charleston and sold rare seeds and roots and delved more seriously into her studies of botany.[4] She continued to collect plants, seeds, and other botanical materials, and also began to correspond extensively with the royal botanist at the time, John Bartram.[5] Bartram, stationed in Philadelphia, exchanged samples and communicated regularly with Logan.[2]
Logan died in Charleston at the age of 75, on the 28 June 1779.[2][6]
See also
References
- "Logan, Martha Daniell". South Carolina Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
- Oakes, Elizabeth H. (2002). International Encyclopedia of Women Scientists. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-4381-7.
- Ogilvie, Marilyn Bailey; Harvey, Joy Dorothy (2000). The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science: L-Z. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780415920407.
- Hershey, David, R. (April–June 1992). "Notable Women in the History of Horticulture". HortTechnology. 2 (2): 180–182.
- Parrish, Susan Scott (2002). "Women's Nature: Curiosity, Pastoral, and the New Science in British America". Early American Literature. 37 (2): 195–245. ISSN 0012-8163.
- Marilyn Bailey Ogilvie & Joy Dorothy Harvey (2000). The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science: L-Z. Taylor & Francis. p. 799. ISBN 041592040X. Retrieved February 25, 2015.