James S. Waterhouse

Who was James S. Waterhouse?

James Smartt Waterhouse was a prominent chemistry professor at Cumberland University. He was an 1897 graduate of the University. Born in Chattanooga, TN, Waterhouse excelled in leadership and academics while an undergraduate at Cumberland. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Class President, Heurethelian Society and Vice President of the student YMCA chapter at the University. Upon graduation, he became a faculty member at Cumberland. He was elected the Chair of the Chemistry department upon the resignation of J.I.D. Hinds. According to university publication he was universally popular with both faculty and the student body. In 1907, he was assigned as dorm master and business manager of the residence halls. He was married to Miss Kate White in 1902, the niece of Judge Benjamin J. Tarver. He also served Cumberland in the role of Registrar, faculty advisor of the athletics department, and counselor of the YMCA. He died of tuberculosis in Newport, TN on August 31, 1908. He is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Lebanon, TN.