1870-1937
Richmond
Pearson Hobson was born in Greensboro, Alabama, August 17, 1870. He was
the son of James Marcellus and Sarah Croom Pearson Hobson. His father was
a lawyer, state legislator , and probate judge.
A
formal, grave-faced, precocious child, Richmond studied in private schools
before entering Southern University, in his hometown of Greensboro. From
Southern University he entered the United States Naval Academy, graduating in
1889. Further studies in France at the Ecole d' Application du Genie
Maritime culminated with a degree in 1893.
Hobson
chose the Construction Corps of the Navy to use his education and abilities as a
naval constructor with the fleet at Annapolis. During the Spanish-American
War in 1898, he gained national recognition because of his outstanding heroism.
He resigned from the Navy in 1903, having made significant contributions
to the design and construction of the American vessels that would be used in
World War I.
In
1906, Hobson was elected to Congress from Alabama, serving four terms. During
this Congressional tenure, he served on the Naval Affairs Committee, championing
United States naval supremacy as the stabilizing force for international peace.
While promoting a strong navy, he also advocated that an International
Congress be established to strengthen world peace and justice.
Hobson,
concerned about international matters, was also deeply concerned about the
dangers of alcohol and drugs upon the physical well-being and moral standard of
the nation. He wrote and spoke extensively to educate and heighten
awareness about these problems. His efforts led to the creation of the
first government organizations that would give protection from the misuse of
drugs.