George Derby

George Horatio Derby
George Horatio Derby
Born(1823-04-03)April 3, 1823
DiedMay 15, 1861(1861-05-15) (aged 38)
Buried
Allegiance United States
Service United States Army
RankFirst lieutenant
UnitU.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers
ConflictsMexican–American War
Alma materUnited States Military Academy
SpouseMary A. Coons
Children3
Other workHumorist and journalist under the pseudonyms "John P. Squibob" and "John Phoenix"

George Horatio Derby (April 3, 1823 – May 15, 1861) was an early California humorist. He attended West Point with Ulysses S. Grant. Derby used the pseudonym "John P. Squibob" and its variants "John Phoenix" and "Squibob." Derby served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers. In his spare time, he wrote humorous anecdotes and burlesques, often under the guise of his pseudonyms.