James S. Sherman

Politician, lawyer

• Born: October 24, 1855
• Birthplace: Utica, New York
• Died: October 30, 1912
• Place of death: Utica, New York

Education: Hamilton College

Significance: James S. Sherman was an American politician and lawyer. He served as the twenty-seventh vice president of the United States under President William Howard Taft. Prior to this position, Sherman spent two decades serving as a member of the US House of Representatives for the state of New York. His earliest political feat was being elected mayor of Utica, New York, at the age of twenty-nine. He also ran his own law practice in the city. Sherman was known for his amiable personality and fair-mindedness. He died from complications due to Bright's disease in 1912.

Background

James S. Sherman was born on October 24, 1855, in Utica, New York. His father owned a canning factory and was actively involved in the region's Democratic politics. Sherman attended Whitestown Seminary and graduated in 1874. He then enrolled at Hamilton College, where he became an accomplished speaker and debater. He graduated in 1878, but remained at the institution to study law, earning his law degree a year later. Sherman was admitted to the New York bar in 1880. He and his brother-in-law then opened a law practice together.

Sherman decided to abandon the Democratic Party to join the Republicans, a move that displeased his Democrat father. As a Republican, he was elected mayor of Utica at the age of twenty-nine. Two years later, he won a seat in the US House of Representatives for New York's twenty-third district. He was defeated for a second term in 1890, but he won another seat two years later, this time representing New York's twenty-fifth district. This marked the start of a lifelong career in politics.

Sherman's twenty-year stretch as a member of the House of Representatives saw him earn a great deal of respect from his peers. Although he never chaired a major committee or held a party leadership position, he was a trusted advisor to several House Speakers and often took the lead on legislative measures when these leaders were absent. He was a member of several committees, including the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee and the Rules Committee. He also chaired the Indian Affairs Committee for fourteen years. He supported the perseveration of the gold standard monetary system and repeatedly voted against lowering tariffs on imported and exported goods.

Sherman was a parliamentary scholar and aligned himself with the more conservative members of the Republican Party who disliked the progressive politics of Republicans such as Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt became president in 1901 following the assassination of President William McKinley, under whom he served as vice president. Roosevelt was elected to a full term in 1904, pitting progressivism against conservatism in Congress. As Roosevelt's second term neared completion, he championed his progressive-minded friend William Howard Taft's nomination as the next Republican presidential nominee. In response, Republican leaders sought a vice-presidential candidate to balance the ticket. In 1906, Sherman headed the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee during congressional elections. His ability to raise large amounts of money for campaigns garnered him the praise of his party leaders. By 1908, Republicans began promoting Sherman as a strong candidate for vice president.

Overview

Republicans eventually settled on Sherman as Taft's running mate. Conservatives believed Sherman's traditional stances would help garner Taft more votes. They also hoped Sherman would help Taft carry the state of New York. The Republicans faced Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan and his running mate James Kern, and they won the election in a landslide vote. Upon taking office, Taft attempted to make Sherman his liaison between the White House and some of Taft's more prominent opponents in Congress. Sherman refused to do so, arguing it was not his vice-presidential duty to act as a messenger boy for the president.

As a result, Taft was forced to interact with his congressional opponents himself. His regular meetings with House Speaker Joe Cannon eventually convinced Taft to lean toward more conservative viewpoints. The change in attitude alienated progressive Republicans but brought the president closer to Sherman. The two became good friends throughout their term together. Sherman's vice presidency earned him an esteemed reputation within the Senate. He put his excellent oratory skills to use on many occasions. Accounts of his career as Senate leader painted him as a fair-minded and judicious presiding officer. As Taft's shifting loyalties further divided the Republican Party, he and Sherman's chances at being reelected began to dwindle.

Unhappy with the way his successor was handling the White House, Roosevelt sought the Republican nomination for the 1912 election. When Taft was named the Republican candidate, Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate. Sherman was again nominated as Taft's running mate, although the pair was certain Roosevelt's third-party candidacy would lead to their defeat. By this time, Sherman's health had deteriorated immensely. He had been diagnosed with Bright's disease several years prior. This chronic inflammatory condition seriously damaged his kidneys. He was unable to campaign for reelection because of the illness. Sherman eventually succumbed to the disease on October 30, 1912, a few days before the election. His name remained on Taft's ticket, but Taft was beaten by Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson.

Impact

Although Sherman never authored any major pieces of legislation throughout his career, he was a much respected member of Congress. His friendly nature and well-intentioned advice earned him the nickname "Sunny Jim" from his fellow House members. During his tenure as vice president, Sherman was a popular presiding officer of the Senate whose good humor and fairness earned him many admirers.

Personal Life

Sherman married Carrie Babcock in 1881. They had three sons together.

Bibliography

"James S. Sherman." Miller Center, millercenter.org/president/taft/essays/sherman-1909-vicepresident. Accessed 25 Jan. 2018.

"James S. Sherman, 27th Vice President (1909–1912)." United States Senate, www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP‗James‗Sherman.htm. Accessed 25 Jan. 2018.

"Presidential Connections." ​​Oneida County History Center, www.oneidacountyhistory.org/sherman.html. Accessed 25 Jan. 2018.

"Sherman, James Schoolcraft, (1855–1912)." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=s000345. Accessed 25 Jan. 2018.

"Vice President James S. Sherman: Biography, Accomplishments & Facts." Study.com, study.com/academy/lesson/vice-president-james-s-sherman-biography-accomplishments-facts.html. Accessed 25 Jan. 2018.