[11] Judge Safford took his seat upon the supreme bench, as a justice of the state of Kansas, in 1865, and served until 1870.
[5] He was a candidate for reelection in 1870,[12] but lost renomination to David Josiah Brewer in September of that year,[13] with his service on the court ending in January 1871.
[5] He came up with the idea of the Leavenworth, Topeka & Southwestern railway company and was its attorney, secretary and director for several years.
[4] The appreciation in which he was held by his associates upon the bench of the Supreme Court may be best shown by the proceedings on the occasion of his death.
[5][11] The Shawnee county bar published a couple of resolutions honoring his character and his work as well as extending sympathy to his widow and children.