Hoyt Sherman facts for kids
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Major Hoyt Sherman (born November 21, 1827 – died 1904) was an important American banker. He was a member of the well-known Sherman family. His brothers included John Sherman, a famous politician, and Major General William T. Sherman, a hero from the American Civil War.
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Life of Hoyt Sherman
Hoyt Sherman was born in Lancaster, Ohio. His father, Charles R. Sherman, was a judge. Hoyt spent his early years going to school and working in a printing office. When he was 18, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa. At that time, Des Moines was a small town on the edge of the frontier.
In 1849, he became a lawyer. He also worked with real estate. President Zachary Taylor chose him to be the postmaster of Des Moines. He held this job for several years. Later, he was elected as the clerk of the District Court.
Hoyt Sherman's Business Career
In 1854, Hoyt Sherman started his own banking business. It was called Hoyt Sherman & Co. When the State Bank of Iowa was created, he became a manager for its Des Moines branch. He also helped oversee the bank's system.
When the American Civil War started, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Mr. Sherman as a paymaster for the Union army. He had the rank of major and served for three years. After the war, he helped start the Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa. He was its general manager for many years. People trusted Major Sherman because he was honest and managed things well.
Public Service and Legacy
In 1866, Major Sherman became a member of the Iowa House of Representatives. He led the committee that focused on railroads. He also helped create the Pioneer Lawmakers' Association in 1886. This group helped preserve the history of Iowa's laws. He wrote important articles about early banking in Iowa. For many years, he also led the Associated Charities of Des Moines, helping people in need.
Hoyt Sherman married Sara Elvira Moulton on December 25, 1855. One of their daughters, Adaline Moulton Sherman, married Frank Bestow Wiborg. Their children included Mary Hoyt Wiborg and Sara Sherman Wiborg.
Hoyt Sherman Place
In 1877, Hoyt Sherman built a large and beautiful house. Today, this building is a museum and a place for performances. The original house and its art gallery now show paintings from the 1800s and 1900s. You can also see old furniture and other rare items there.
The mansion is now known as Hoyt Sherman Place. It gave its name to the nearby neighborhood in Des Moines, called Sherman Hill. For many years, Hoyt Sherman Place has been the main office for the Des Moines Women's Club. The house and theater are now managed by the Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation.
