Cobb, Collier, 1862-1934

Collier Cobb (1862-1934) was chair of the Geology Department at the University of North Carolina, 1893-1934. His photography stemmed from his work in geology and other sciences, and he traveled extensively and used photography to document his interests. In the 1890s, Cobb built a darkroom in his Chapel Hill home, where he developed negatives and printed prints.

From the description of Collier Cobb photographic collection, 1890s-1920s [graphic]. WorldCat record id: 42910866

Collier Cobb (1862-1934), the son of Needham Bryan Cobb and Martha Louisa Cobb, was born in Wayne County, N.C., on 21 March 1862. He taught school intermittently in North Carolina, then attended Harvard University where he received a B.A. degree in geology in 1889 and an M.A. in 1894. Cobb taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and at Boston University. In 1892, he became instructor of geology at the University of North Carolina. The following year, he became chair of the newly established Department of Geology and served in that post until 1934, the year of his death.

Cobb's photography stemmed from his work in geology and other sciences, and he traveled extensively and used photography to document his interests. In the 1890s, Cobb built a darkroom in his Chapel Hill home, where he developed negatives and printed prints.

For more information about the Cobb family, see the Cobb family papers, 1814-1975 (held by the Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Collection #4008), Cobb and the Cobbs by Lucy Maria Cobb or The Battle Book by Herbert B. Battle.

From the guide to the Collier Cobb Photographic Collection, 1890s-1920s, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives.)