Through the steps of an orderly progression in the field of law practice, Hon. Samuel E. Hoyt has come to be recognized as one of the leaders of the bench and bar of New Haven. He represents a family that for four generations has resided in New Haven and here he was born on the 17th of December, 1875, his parents being Nehemiah H. and Emma J. (Gardner) Hoyt. The former was a well known wholesale merchant of the firm of Lea & Hoyt, conducting business here on an extensive scale for a half century. He is an honored resident of New Haven, where as a business man and citizen he has long been most favorably known. His wife, a lifelong resident of this city, passed away in 1902. In the family were but two children, the elder being Charles W. Hoyt, of New York city.

In his youthful days Judge Hoyt attended the grammar schools of New Haven and is numbered among the high school alumni of 1894. His more advanced training was received in the Sheffield Scientific School and he was graduated from Yale with the Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1897 and is secretary of his class. Having determined upon the practice of law as a life work, he then matriculated in the law department and received the LL. B. degree from Yale University in 1899. Immediately afterward he entered upon active practice and his professional career has been marked by steady advancement, bringing him to a high position at the bar and in public regard.

Judge Hoyt has on various occasions been called to public office. In 1903 he was chosen a selectman and served for one term. In 1905 he became assistant city attorney of New Haven and continued in that position until 1908. He was then elected pity attorney and served until 1911, when he was elected judge of the city court and remained upon the bench until the 1st of July, 1913. He then resumed the private practice of law, but was again chosen to the office of judge of the city court and again took his place upon the bench on the 1st of July, 1917. In addition to his law practice Judge Hoyt has become well known in commercial circles as a director of a number of the leading business organizations and corporations of New Haven and in business affairs displays notable sagacity and discernment.

On the 14th of June, 1900, Judge Hoyt was married to Miss Grace Alvord, of South Norwalk, Connecticut, a daughter of Elmore D. and Belle (Swords) Alvord. They have become the parents of three children. Samuel E., born in New Haven in 1903, is now attending high school. Spencer S., born in Woodmont, Connecticut, in 1903, is also in school; and Alvord, born in Woodmont in 1908, completes the family.

In politics Judge Hoyt has ever been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He became a member of the Governor's Foot Guard. He is well known in club and fraternal circles as a member of the Quinnipiac Club, the Theta Xi Fraternity, and the Yale Club of New York city. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Along professional lines his membership is with the County and State Bar Associations and the American Bar Association. He has at all times been careful to conform his practice to a high standard of professional ethics and he now holds distinctive precedence as an able lawyer and judge.