George H. Derby

1823–1861 · American humorist (“John Phoenix,” “Squibob”) & U.S. Army topographical engineer

George Horatio Derby was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Corps of Topographical Engineers. Writing as “John Phoenix,” he became one of the earliest humorists of the American West. His California newspaper sketches were collected as Phoenixiana; or, Sketches and Burlesques (1856). That book includes his famous six-issue stint in charge of the San Diego Herald in August 1853, when he switched the paper from Democrat to Whig.

Traced to source

1 quote we’ve traced

“Only Monarchs, Editors, and People with Tapeworms Have the Right to Use the Editorial 'We'”

Disputed

Did they really say it?

Thought George H. Derby said something else?

Type a quote you think George H. Derby said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.