Professor Logan Esarey (1873-1942) grew up in New Albany, Indiana and served on the faculty of the History Department at Indiana University from 1912 to 1941. He is still considered an authority on Indiana history. “During his teaching and writing career Esarey was able to draw on personal experience and observation in writing of such experiences as butchering, sheep-shearing, blacksmithing, grist milling, churning, drying fruits, making maple syrup and sugar, tanning, spinning, weaving and other pioneer practices. When he explained the importance of ax, broadax, crosscut saw, sickle, maul, cradle, wedge and walking plow, he was describing tools he himself had used. He could identify dozens of trees and point out which wood was most suitable for a particular purpose. He treasured his pioneer heritage and became one of its most eloquent and understanding interpreters.”
– Bob Gagen, “Professor Logan Esarey grew up with Indiana History” FW Daily News Oct 16, 2009.