James Henry Hoyt (April 14, 1809 – December 14, 1873) was an American railroad entrepreneur and member of the Connecticut Senate representing Connecticut's 12th District from 1857 to 1858.
James Henry Hoyt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Connecticut Senate from the 12th District | |
| In office 1857–1858[1] | |
| Preceded by | Orris S. Ferry |
| Succeeded by | Julius Curtis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1809[2][3] Stamford |
| Died | December 14, 1873 (aged 64)[3] Connecticut[3] |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sarah J. Grey (m. January 31, 1838) |
| Occupation | timber merchant, railroad entrepreneur |
Early life and family
He was born in Stamford, Connecticut on April 14, 1809, the son of William Hoyt and Sarah Wood.[2]
At an early age he was an apprentice to a cabinet maker.[2] He later went into business with his brothers in dry goods and groceries.[2] When he became an adult, he took on the business of his former master, and expanded it into the lumber trade.[2]
Beginning in 1831, he, along with his brothers, leased access to the canal extending from the harbor in Stamford into the center of the village.[2] They engaged in shipping and importing for the five-year duration of the lease.[2] After the lease was expired, he returned to the lumber business.[2]
On January 31, 1838, he married Sarah J. Grey of Darien.[2]
When the railroad was planned to be built through the area, he became a contractor for grading, building bridges, and providing railroad ties.[2] He was very successful, and became heavily associated with various aspects of the railroad industry, and in 1854 was named as superintendent of the railroad.