George Horatio Derby – Artifacts | Dwight-Derby House | Medfield

George Horatio Derby – Artifacts

George Horatio Derby was America’s first satirical writer, an explorer and a Captain who served in the U.S. Army of Topographical Engineers. He was born in Dedham, Massachusetts, to John Barton and Mary (Townsend) Derby in 1823. His childhood home was the Dwight-Derby House of Medfield.

He graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1846, ranking seventh in his class. The class had several noteworthy members including George McClellan, Stonewall Jackson, George Pickett and A.P. Hill. Of his graduating class, George was one of eight recommended to the honor of Topographical Engineer of the United States Army. Derby would become one of the best topographical engineers in the American west during the Gold Rush years.

The Online Collections of George Horatio Derby celebrate his life with photos of artifacts, illustrations and books that date back to 1860.

Military hat worn by George H. Derby during the Westward expansion or the Mexican War period as Captain of the Topographical Engineers of the United States Army. — Military hat worn by George H. Derby during the Westward expansion or the Mexican War period as Captain of the Topographical Engineers of the United States Army. American eagle with bullion design. 1830-1840. Pressed felt. RHOADES’ Manufacturer, corner of Court and Washington Street, Boston. (Courtesy Medfield Historical Society. Dwight-Derby House Collection.)

U.S. Army Topographical Sword of George H. Derby — U.S. Army Topographical Sword of George H. Derby (John Phoenix). Iron scabbard with 2 rings, no brass, rounded tip. Blade 31 ¾”, curved with elaborate silver decoration. Handle of sword shows topographical signature. U.S. on one side. (Courtesy Medfield Historical Society, loaned by John S. Derby heirs. Dwight-Derby House Collection.)

1865 The Squibob Papers, leather bound book by John Phoenix (George Horatio Derby’s pen name). — 1865 The Squibob Papers, leather bound book by John Phoenix (George Horatio Derby’s pen name). (Dwight-Derby House Collection.)

Draftsman exercise book used by George Horatio Derby at West Point Military Academy — Draftsman exercise book used by George Horatio Derby at West Point Military Academy. (Courtesy Medfield Historical Society. Dwight-Derby House Collection.)

George Derby's childhood home in Medfield on Frairy Street, c. 1890. — George Derby’s childhood home in Medfield. “View on Frairy St.,” by local photographer E. Chamberlain, circa 1890. (Courtesy Medfield Historical Society. Dwight-Derby House Collection.)

A drawing of Squibob, one of George Horatio Derby's most popular characters. — In his spare time George Derby wrote humorous anecdotes and burlesques, often often using pen names. A drawing of “Squibob” shown here, was one of his most popular characters. (SQUIBOB An Early California Humorist. by George Horatio Derby.)

George Derby House, 4017 Harney Street, San Diego, CA. — George Derby House, 4017 Harney Street, San Diego County, CA. Home of Lt. George Horatio Derby, 1835–1855 where he wrote (in leisure time) for the San Diego Herald under pen names John P. Squibob and John Phoenix. (Courtesy Library of Congress.)

Map showing the port of Vera Cruz, outlying areas, troop positions and details of siege — Map showing the port of Vera Cruz, outlying areas, troop positions and details of siege. Details contributed by George H. Derby and other topographical engineers. Washington, D. C. 1847. (Courtesy Library of Congress.)

Childhood pencil drawing by George Horatio Derby, circa 1835 — Childhood pencil drawing by George Horatio Derby, circa 1835. (Credited to the George H. Derby Papers in the Special Collections of the United States Military Academy Library.)