Hobson, Richmond Pearson, 1870-1937

Richmond Pearson Hobson (August 17, 1870 – March 16, 1937) was a United States Navy rear admiral who served from 1907–1915 as a U.S. Representative from Alabama. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, he received the Medal of Honor years later for his part in that conflict.

Hobson was born in Greensboro, Alabama on August 17, 1870. He attended private schools and Southern University, graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1889 and from the French National School of Naval Design at Paris in 1893. Hobson served in the United States Navy from 1885 until 1903. During his service, he was the special representative of the Navy Department to the Buffalo Exposition in 1901 and to the Charleston Exposition in 1901 and 1902. Hobson became known as a naval architect, author, and lecturer. After his time in the Navy, Hobson moved his focus to politics and was elected as a Democrat to the Sixtieth and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1907-March 3, 1915). He was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination in 1916 to the Sixty-fifth Congress which he afterwards made moves to Los Angeles, California and to New York City.

Hobson would go on to be the founder and have involvement in the leadership for multiple organizations. He organized the American Alcohol Education Association in 1921 and serv6ed as general secretary. Likewise, he assembled the International Narcotic Education Association in 1923 and served as president. His work there led him to arrange the World Conference on Narcotic Education in 1926 for which he served as secretary general and as chairman of the board of governors. Finally, he became the founder of the World Narcotic Defense Association in 1927 and served as its president.

Hobson's Medal of Honor citation reads: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the fortified harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898. Despite persistent fire from the enemy fleet and fortifications onshore, Lt. Hobson distinguished himself by extraordinary courage and carried out this operation at the risk of his own personal safety.