William Libbey facts for kids
 William A. Libbey III |
||
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's Shooting | ||
Representing the  United States |
||
| Olympic Games | ||
| Silver | 1912 Stockholm | team running deer, single shots |
William A. Libbey III (born March 27, 1855 – died September 6, 1927) was an American teacher at Princeton University. He taught about physical geography, which is the study of Earth's natural features. William Libbey was also a skilled shooter. He was part of the U.S. Olympic Rifle Team twice. He even became a high-ranking officer, a colonel, in the New Jersey National Guard. He is also famous for being the first person to climb Mount Princeton in 1877. He competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.
William Libbey's Life Story
Growing Up and School
William Libbey was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. His father, William Libbey, Jr., was a rich merchant from New York City.
When William was a student at Princeton, he helped choose the school's official colors: orange and black. One day, a friend dared him to wear a tie with the colors of William III of England. William III was a prince from the House of Orange-Nassau. Princeton's Nassau Street and Nassau Hall were named after him.
The next year, William bought a lot of orange and black ribbon. He sold it at a boat race in Saratoga, New York, calling them "Princeton's colors." When the Princeton team won, he sold all the ribbons! Since then, orange and black have been the official colors of Princeton University.
A Teacher and Explorer
William Libbey finished his studies at Princeton in 1877. That summer, he joined a science trip to the American West. On July 17, 1877, he reached the top of Mount Princeton. After his trip, he went to study in Berlin and Paris.
Libbey returned to Princeton and earned his doctorate degree in geology in 1879. This was the first geology doctorate ever given by Princeton! In 1880, he became the director of the Elizabeth Marsh Museum of Geology and Archaeology. He also started teaching physical geography. By 1883, he became a full professor.
In 1897, Libbey was part of a discussion about whether the Acoma people had lived on Enchanted Mesa. He spent some time on the mesa top. He decided that no one had ever lived there. However, later studies by archaeologists showed that he was mistaken.
William Libbey was also chosen to be a member of the American Philosophical Society. This is a group of smart people who discuss science and knowledge.
Olympic Athlete
William Libbey was a talented shooter. He was part of the American team at the 1912 Summer Olympics. He won a silver medal in the team running deer, single shots competition.
William Libbey passed away in Princeton, New Jersey.
