James S. Sherman

James Schoolcraft Sherman (1855–1912) served as the 27th Vice President of the United States under President William Howard Taft from 1909 until his death in 1912. Known for his affable personality and legislative acumen, Sherman was the first sitting Vice President to die in office since Garret Hobart in 1899. Often referred to as “Sunny Jim” due to his cheerful demeanor, Sherman was a skilled politician who played a significant role in shaping Republican policies during the early 20th century.

Early Life and Education

James Schoolcraft Sherman was born on October 24, 1855, in Utica, New York, to Richard Updike Sherman and Mary Frances Schoolcraft Sherman. His father, a newspaper editor and Whig politician, had served as a representative in the New York State Assembly, which introduced James to politics from an early age. His mother was of Mohawk descent, tracing her lineage to the prominent Native American historian Henry Rowe Schoolcraft (Fink, 1956).

Sherman received his early education in Utica before enrolling at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. He excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, serving as editor of the student publication Hamilton Life and joining the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Graduating in 1878, Sherman studied law and was admitted to the New York bar in 1880. He joined a law practice in Utica, where he gained a reputation as a skilled attorney with a strong interest in public affairs (Roberts, 1969).

Early Political Career

Sherman’s entry into politics began at the municipal level when he was elected mayor of Utica in 1884 at the age of 29. During his one-year term, he focused on improving local infrastructure and expanding public services. His success as mayor, combined with his family’s political connections, paved the way for his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1886 (Fink, 1956).

Sherman represented New York’s 23rd Congressional District in the House for most of the next two decades, serving from 1887 to 1891 and again from 1893 to 1909. During his tenure, Sherman became a prominent member of the Republican Party, aligning with its conservative wing. He was an advocate for protective tariffs, federal regulation of interstate commerce, and business-friendly policies. His legislative expertise earned him positions on influential committees, including the Ways and Means Committee, where he played a role in crafting tariff legislation (Roberts, 1969).

Leadership in the Republican Party

Sherman’s political career coincided with a period of significant change within the Republican Party. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of Progressive Republicans, who sought reforms to curb corporate power and improve labor conditions. Sherman, however, remained a staunch conservative, emphasizing the importance of free enterprise and limited government intervention. His ideological consistency and ability to build consensus among party members made him a trusted leader within the Republican establishment (Gould, 2014).

As chairman of the House Republican Conference, Sherman helped coordinate party strategy and maintain discipline among Republican legislators. His talent for negotiation and diplomacy earned him respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. These qualities, along with his close ties to the business community, positioned him as a natural choice for higher office (Fink, 1956).

Vice Presidency

In 1908, Sherman was selected as William Howard Taft’s running mate for the presidential election. The Taft-Sherman ticket was a strategic pairing, balancing Taft’s moderate-progressive leanings with Sherman’s conservative credentials. The ticket triumphed over Democratic candidates William Jennings Bryan and John W. Kern, securing 321 Electoral College votes and a clear mandate from the electorate (Gould, 2014).

Sherman was inaugurated as Vice President on March 4, 1909. His tenure was marked by his active role in presiding over the Senate, where his deep understanding of legislative procedures allowed him to navigate the complexities of a divided chamber. Unlike many of his predecessors, Sherman took an engaged approach to the vice presidency, attending to his Senate duties with diligence and fostering a collegial atmosphere among senators (Roberts, 1969).

One of Sherman’s significant contributions as Vice President was his support for the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909, a controversial piece of legislation that sought to revise tariff rates. Although the act failed to satisfy progressive Republicans who wanted lower tariffs, Sherman defended it as a necessary compromise to protect American industries. His support for the tariff further cemented his reputation as a conservative stalwart (Fink, 1956).

Challenges During the Taft Administration

The Taft administration faced numerous challenges, including internal divisions within the Republican Party. The growing rift between progressives, led by former President Theodore Roosevelt, and conservatives, represented by Taft and Sherman, created political tensions that culminated in the 1912 presidential election. Sherman remained loyal to Taft, endorsing his policies and working to maintain party unity despite mounting opposition from Roosevelt’s supporters (Gould, 2014).

Sherman’s loyalty to Taft extended to the 1912 campaign, where he was renominated as the vice-presidential candidate. However, Sherman’s health began to deteriorate during the campaign, limiting his ability to participate actively. Despite his illness, he continued to advocate for conservative principles and support Taft’s reelection bid (Roberts, 1969).

Personal Life and Character

James S. Sherman married Carrie Babcock of East Orange, New Jersey, in 1881. The couple had three sons: Sherrill, Richard, and Thomas. Known for their hospitality, the Shermans hosted numerous political and social events at their Utica home, which became a center of Republican activity in New York (Fink, 1956).

Sherman was widely regarded as a personable and approachable politician. His nickname, “Sunny Jim,” reflected his cheerful disposition and ability to connect with constituents and colleagues. Despite his partisan loyalties, Sherman maintained cordial relationships with members of the Democratic Party, earning him a reputation as a unifying figure in a politically polarized era (Roberts, 1969).

Death and Legacy

James S. Sherman’s health continued to decline throughout 1912, and he was diagnosed with Bright’s disease, a chronic kidney condition. Despite his illness, he remained Vice President until his death on October 30, 1912, just days before the presidential election. His passing marked the first time since Garret Hobart’s death in 1899 that a sitting Vice President had died in office (Gould, 2014).

Sherman’s death left a void in the Republican Party during a critical moment in its history. Although Taft and Sherman were ultimately defeated in the 1912 election, Sherman’s contributions to the party and his role in the Senate left a lasting impact. He is remembered as a skilled legislator and a dedicated public servant who prioritized the principles of conservatism and collaboration (Fink, 1956).

Final Summary

James S. Sherman’s life and career exemplify the values of dedication, diplomacy, and public service. From his early days as a lawyer in Utica to his tenure as Vice President of the United States, Sherman consistently worked to advance the principles of the Republican Party and address the challenges of his time.

References

Fink, G. (1956). James S. Sherman: A Conservative Statesman in the Gilded Age. Utica: Oneida County Historical Society.

Gould, L. L. (2014). The William Howard Taft Presidency. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas.

Roberts, R. (1969). The Politics of Tariffs: James S. Sherman and the Payne-Aldrich Act. New York: Columbia University Press.

Trefousse, H. L. (1989). Historical Perspectives on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.

Woodward, C. V. (1951). Origins of the New South, 1877–1913. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.