SAMUEL FRANKLIN EMMONS - FOUNDER AND FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE COLORADO SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY

In December of 1882, Samuel Franklin Emmons gathered a group of eminent geologists in Denver to discuss the establishment of a scientific society. Thus was born the longest-running, scientific society in the Rocky Mountain Region. Emmons was elected the first in a long line of prominent geologists who became President of the Colorado Scientific Society (CSS). His Inaugural Address in January of 1883 demonstrated his passion for the spectacular, diverse, and rich geology displayed within Colorado’s borders.

Emmons studied at Harvard, the Ecole de Mines in France, the Bergakademie in Freiberg, Germany; and went on to become one of the nation’s preeminent scientists. He was a key contributor to the geological survey of the fortieth parallel and co-authored the volume on “Descriptive Geology.” During the survey, he and Clarence King developed an enduring friendship and professional respect. When Congress established the USGS in 1879, King appointed Emmons the first Director of the Rocky Mountain Division. Emmons also was one of the early members of the National Academy of Sciences and served on its Council.

His scientific studies in the West were significant, and ranged from the peak of Mount Rainier to the depths of the Denver Basin. Emmons most famous contribution was USGS Monograph XII, a 755-page tome titled “Geology and Mining Industry of Leadville, Colorado with Atlas”. The Atlas contained 35 plates of maps and sections. He was assisted in the study by CSS members Arthur Lakes and Whitman Cross. Not only did the “Emmons Book” become a classic in the geological sciences, but also a practical manual for those attempting to exploit the riches of Leadville and other mining districts.

In addition to his many scientific contributions, Emmons was considered a cultured, distinguished looking, thoughtful, and charming gentleman of the American frontier.