SHERIFF FREDERICK S. HYDE 1894-1896

1894-1896

Frederick Scott Hyde was born October 9, 1855, in Jasper, Tennessee, the son of the Honorable Atwood A. Hyde, one of the most prominent lawyers of his time.

After attending the common schools in Marion County, Hyde enrolled at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee and graduated from the literary department with high honors. Young Hyde came to Chattanooga in 1875 and immediately took up the study of law with his father. He went on to graduate from the law department of Columbian University in Washington, D.C. After leaving Columbian, he held a position with the post office in Washington, D.C. for several years.

Upon returning to Chattanooga Hyde formed the partnership of K.K. Hyde and Sons with his father and brother, Reverend Charles I, Hyde, and practiced law for many years. The confirmed bachelor later withdrew from the firm and organized the Hyde Transfer Company where he was president and treasurer until the time of his death. Hyde was actively engaged in managing the affairs of his company as long as his health would permit.

In 1894, Hyde was elected sheriff of Hamilton County on the Republican ticket. He held this office for one term, being succeeded by Sam C. Bush. As sheriff, Hyde developed a forceful character, which, if his health had not failed him, would have made him a power in both the city and county. He strongly believed in the tax-paying citizen and found out early the abuses of his office. He conscientiously (and at his own monetary sacrifice) set out to correct these abuses and to introduce reforms which he deemed absolutely necessary. Once instituted, these reforms would be demanded of his successors for many years to come.