James Merrill Safford Collection
1889 - 1985
Biography/History
James Merrill Safford (1822-1907), an Ohio native attended Ohio University and Yale. He was famous for
geological investigations of Tennessee, taught chemistry and biology, as well as geology. During his 52-year
career, he was employed by Cumberland University, the University of Nashville, and Vanderbilt University. He
also held the position of State Geologist of Tennessee. His professional contributions mainly consisted of survey
work in geology throughout Tennessee. Later he mainly applied geology to health, agriculture, and resource development.
His classic book and map, The Geology of Tennessee, appeared in 1869.
Scope and Contents
This .42 linear feet collection contains 15 items. It includes biographical information, field notes on his
geological work within the state of Tennessee, map etchings, financial expenses, and a diary.
Overview | Box Listing
| Complete Finding Aid (pdf)
Special Collections | Heard
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Last modified: April 10, 2008
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