James hazen hyde biography

James Hazen Hyde: A Gilded Age Scandal

This portrait has captured the imaginations of New-York Historical Society visitors. Who was this dapper man, with his seductively villainous good looks? Why this dashing, bold pose for what seems to be an official portrait?

The man is James Hazen Hyde, though that name may not ring a bell these days. The son of Henry Baldwin Hyde, the founder of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, James was famous for his social and financial success, and the dramatic scandal that caused his downfall.

James inherited the billion-dollar company in 1899 at 23 years old, and his financial success seemed unstoppable (he took directorships at various banks, railroads, and Western Union, and created the investment syndicate James Hazen Hyde & Associates). This was just one year after he graduated from Harvard, where he studied German and French and gained an appreciation for French fashion and culture. He was a known Francophile, styling his clothing and hair after Parisian trends, and sparing no expense for the pleasure.

Hyde was a creature of the Gilde

James Hazen Hyde

James Hazen Hyde (June 6, 1876 — July 26, 1959) was the son of Henry Baldwin Hyde, the founder of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. James Hazen Hyde was twenty-three in 1899 when he inherited the majority shares in the billion-dollar Equitable Life Assurance Society.[1] Five years later, at the pinnacle of social and financial success, efforts to remove him from The Equitable set in motion the first great Wall Street scandal of the 20th century, which resulted in his resignation from The Equitable and relocation to France.[2]

Early life

James Hazen Hyde was born in New York City on June 6, 1876. He was the only surviving son of Henry Baldwin Hyde and Annie (née Fitch) Hyde.[3][4] His older sister was Mary who was married to Sidney Dillon Ripley in 1886. After Ripley's death in 1905, she married banker Charles R. Scott in 1912.[5]

He graduated from the Cutler School, and received his degree from Harvard University in 1898. Hyde studied French history, language and literature,

Found 2 collections related to Hyde, James H. (James Hazen), 1876-1959

Collection contains correspondence, addresses and speeches, writings, diaries, miscellaneous papers, photographs, and printed matter that document Finley's varied career. Correspondence, 1892-ca.1939 reflects his professional activities,... more

Collection contains correspondence, addresses and speeches, writings, diaries, miscellaneous papers, photographs, and printed matter that document Finley's varied career. Correspondence, 1892-ca.1939 reflects his professional activities, organizational memberships, biography of Grover Cleveland, and recreational interests. Addresses and speeches, ca. 1902-1940, consist of autograph manuscript and typescript texts of Finley's presentations to groups, such as schools, learned societies, chambers of commerce, and at commencements and patriotic celebrations. Many of the speeches are accompanied by correspondence, clippings, programs, menus, and photographs. Writings include manuscript and typescript drafts of his books, miscellaneous prose writings, poems, and scra

Copyright ©momitem.pages.dev 2025