Quick Facts
Biography
James H. Hobby (27 April 1835 – 17 November 1882) was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
Biography
Born at New Boston, New Hampshire, Hobby was appointed 3rd Assistant Engineer in 1848. He resigned on 21 June 1855, but was re-appointed 2nd Assistant Engineer on 4 June 1861. He served with distinction throughout the Civil War, and as 1st Assistant Engineer of Sassacus, participated in an engagement with the Confederate ships CSS Bombshell and CSS Albemarle in Albemarle Sound on 5 May 1864. Although fearfully scalded when a shot from Albemarle cut Sassacus's steam pipes, Hobby remained at his post to control the engines, thus enabling the vessel to retire successfully from the action and preventing an explosion. When Sassacus was out of danger, the badly-wounded engineer was carried to the deck for medical attention. For his heroism Hobby was promoted 30 numbers in grade.
He was placed on the retired list on 19 October 1870, and died on 17 November 1882.
Namesake
The destroyer USS Hobby (DD-610) (1942–1971) was named for him.