James H. Hobby (27 April 1835 – 17 November 1882) was an officer in the United States Navy. Born at New Boston, New Hampshire, Hobby was appointed 3d Assistant Engineer in 1848. He resigned 21 June 1855 but was re-appointed 2d Assistant Engineer 4 June 1861 and served with distinction throughout the American Civil War. As 1st Assistant Engineer of Sassacus, Hobby participated in an engagement with the Confederate ships Bombshell and Albemarle in Albemarle Sound 5 May 1864. Although fearfully scalded when a shot from Albemarle cut Sassacus's steam pipes, Engineer 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 19 October 1870 and died 17 November 1882. USS Hobby (DD-610) was named for him. This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
