James Merrill Safford

James Merrill Safford (1822-1907), famous for geological investigations of Tennessee, taught chemistry and biology, as well as geology, for 52 years. He held administrative posts in medicine, and his teaching, even of geology, was mostly to would-be physicians, engineers and pharmacists. His education in Silliman's laboratory at Yale, during 1847, probably was the key to his success.

From 1848 to 1873 he taught full-time at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, except for leave in 1854-56 to work for the geological survey of Tennessee. During the Civil War hiatus, 1862-1866, he taught preparatory languages on a private basis, operated his farm, and investigated oil and gas properties.

After 1875, Safford held part-time teaching posts. He was a half-time Professor of Geology and Biology at Vanderbilt University and taught chemistry as a proprietor in a Medical Department jointly operated by Vanderbilt and the University of Nashville. He was also secretary of the Medical Faculty and Dean of the Pharmacy Department at Vanderbilt.

Safford was a pleasant, friendly man, who quoted classical poetry and lead early morning prayers. Through 1869, his professional contributions mainly consisted of survey work in geology. Later he mainly applied geology to health, agriculture, and resource development.