1906-1908 Prof John Herman Merivale

John Herman Merivale was born on the 19th of May 1851 at the Cloisters, Westminster. He was the first student at the College of Physical Science in Newcastle. He served his apprenticeship as a mining engineer at the South Hetton and Murton Colleries. After completing his apprenticeship he took control of mining properties belonging to Lord Carlisle and was also appointed manager at Netherton Colliery.

Merivale developed an interest in teaching and lectured for night-schools at different collliery villlages. Between 1878 and 1880 he lectured for the Mechanics' Institute in Newcastle. This helped him for the Lectureship at the Mining Institute and in 1880 became the first Chair of Mining.

Merivale became an agent to the Broomhill Coal Company which he partnered with his father-in-law Mr. J.R. Liddell.
He was involved in many trade appointments, such as arbitrations and strike awards. He was callled to give his services at the great Whitehaven disaster and was one of the five referees in connection with the 1909/1910 Finance Act.

Merivale was elected as a member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers on the 5th of May 1877. He was Vice-President from 1899 to 1906 and President from 1906 to 1908.

John Herman Merivale died on the 18th November 1916.