James Schoolcraft Sherman was born in Utica on October 24, 1855, one of the six children of Richard and Mary Frances Sherman. His education began in a little red schoolhouse near Washington Mills. He attended Whitestown Seminary and graduated from Hamilton College in 1878 where he won honors in declamation. In Congress he was credited with speaking more distinctly than any other member, perhaps because he had practiced his student speeches in the woods atop College Hill-the trees his critical audience.

Sherman, second from left, and President Taft, at right, in a golfing foursome in Washington, D. C.

After studying law in the offices of Beardsley, Cookinham and Burdick, he was admitted to the bar in 1880, his practice mainly as counselor and business advisor rather than as an advocate. Later he retired from the legal profession, and gave his attention to politics. Active in Republican politics since 1879 he progressed through a succession of political paces as delegate to state and national conventions, campaign speaker, and chairman of committees. He was mayor of Utica in 1884 and a member of Congress continuously from 1886 until 1908, except for a two-year interlude.

Mr. Sherman was a staunch party man and conservative Republican who opposed progressive legislation. While in Congress he gave conscientious attention to the responsibilities of various committees: Judiciary, Census, Industrial Arts and Expositions, Interstate and Foreign Commerce, Rules, and the Committee of the Whole. Of special interest to him was his 14 year chairmanship of the Committee on Indian Affairs. During these years he developed sympathetic understanding of the problems of the Indians who fondly called him "Four Eyes" because he wore spectacles. He collected Indian artifacts and relics as a hobby. He was a trustee of Hamilton College, president of the Utica Trust and Deposit Company. and maintained other business interests.

The Republican National Convention of 1908 nominated Mr. Taft for president and Sherman for vice-president. The latter's illness delayed the original plans for the homecoming celebration in Utica but when he returned from the convention rejoicing crowds met the train with fanfare.

Vice-President James S. Sherman, standing, during the ceremony at his home August 21, 1912 notifying him of his nomination to a second term as vice-president. This was the last public speech Sherman made before his death.

The site of the official notification was the lawn of his gaily decorated home on Genesee Street midway between Clinton and Jewett Place, a landmark often pointed to with pride by fathers showing their children the home of the Vice-President of our country. March 4, 1909 was Inauguration Day in Washington-a memorable date on the calendars of Uticans. Scheduled to attend, besides family, friends, business and political associates, were members of the marching clubs-the Conkling Unconditionals and the Sherman Scouts. Through slush covered streets the Scouts marched but the train carrying the Unconditionals arrived after the parade was over.

The new Vice-President presided over the Senate with extraordinary skill and parliamentary expertise. His early courses in public speaking served him well.

A few days before the next election in 1912 at the age of 57, he died. Official Washington attended memorial ceremonies in the Senate Chamber on February 15, 1913. President Taft paid tribute to his vice-president as a "modest American, distinguished patriot, able statesman, and noble man." Finally Senator Elihu Root, his lifelong friend, spoke of the influence of the vice-president in words that would then and in future years hearten his family, his descendants, his friends, and his countrymen: "His life made men happier; his example is making men better. His service will endure in the fabric of our institutions." Oneida County remembers and reveres James Schoolcraft Sherman.