William Pettus Hobby

26th Governor of Texas, Newspaper Publisher. Born in Moscow, Texas, his family moved to Livingston, then Houston, where he attended Houston High School. Hobby worked for the "Houston Post" from 1895 to 1907, starting as a circulation clerk, promoted to business writer in 1901, city editor, then managing editor, and participated in covering of some of the most spectacular stories of the time. Taking an active interest in politics, he was a founder of the Young Men's Democratic Club of Houston and in 1904 was secretary of the party's state executive committee. In 1907 he became manager and part owner of the "Beaumont Enterprise", acquiring sole ownership shortly thereafter. Hobby was elected lieutenant governor in 1914 and was reelected in 1916. He became governor August 25, 1917 after the impeachment of James Ferguson, becoming the twenty-sixth governor of Texas and the youngest man, at thirty-nine, to hold the office. He held this position until January 18, 1921. Hobby served during an eventful period. During World War I he set up an effective military draft system for Texas, a state in which half of the country's military camps and most of its airfields were located. In 1918, Hobby defeated Ferguson by the largest majority ever received in a Democratic primary. His administration saw the passage of measures for drought relief, runoff requirements in party primaries, and state aid for schools and highways; appointed the first Highway Commission in 1917. Laws included measures for oil conservation, the establishment of the oil and gas division of the Railroad Commission and of the Board of Control, and provision for free school textbooks. After completing his term, he returned to the "Beaumont Enterprise" and purchased the "Beaumont Journal". He retained control of both papers for more than a decade. In 1924 he became president of the "Houston Post-Dispatch". When the newspaper changed hands in 1931, Hobby continued in the presidency and maintained executive control. In 1939 he acquired the paper, again called the "Houston Post." Under Hobby, the "Houston Post" grew in circulation and prestige. The Houston Post Company included radio station, KPRC, and television station, KPRC-TV. In August 1955, Hobby became chairman of the board of the company, with Mrs. Hobby as president and editor. Hobby died in Houston. A state historical marker at his birthplace was dedicated at Moscow in 1964. Hobby Field and Hobby Elementary School in Houston were named for him.