William Herbert Hobbs, 1864-1953

  • At U-M: 1906-1934
  • Professor of Geology
  • Head of the Department of Geology (and Mineralogy)1907-1933
  • Director of the Geological Laboratory

William Herbert Hobbs was the longest-serving head of the variously named Geology departments at the University of Michigan. He left quite an imprint on the Department. Much of that is in the form of bronze sculptures and painted portraits of himself. Hobbs was a man of passionate opinions. Bound volumes of his letters-to-the-editor document his thoughts on politics, the economy, and post WWII war crimes trials.


Sculptor: F. Goodwin, 1929. Material: bronze. Cast by Gorham Manufacturing Company