Colgate Hoyt – Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army

A relative of Lieutenant General Nelson Appleton Miles, he was born in Yonkers, New York, August 1, 1883, the son of Colgate and Lida Sherman Hoyt. He graduated from Westminister School in 1901 and from Brown University in 1905. He married Jeanette Myers in June 1912 and their children were Sherman, Jeanette and Barbara. He was married a second time to Muriel Williams Williamson, December 1924.

He was a partner in Colgate Hoyt and Company, 1908-26; Bramley & Smith, 1926-28; senior partner, Stokes, Hoyt and Company, 1928-42; a member of the New York Stock Exchange, 1908-42. Director, U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company since 1911.

He was Chairman of the Selective Service Local Board 15 in New York City and Selective Adviser to Mayor Laguardia, 1940-42. Served with the United States Army, 1916-18 and on active duty with the Army again in 1942-46 and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was a member of the staff of General Lewis B. Hershey, National Headquarters, Selective Service System; Selective Service Officer, US Army Separation Center, Fort Dix, New Jersey; liaison with 30 Army General Hospitals; Assistant Chief, Veterans Personnel Division; Administrative Officer, New York, 1948 and Chief, Occupational Deferment Division. He received the Army Commendation Medal, New York State Conspicious Service Cross.  He was a Republican and a Mason (32-degree).

He died in September 1963 and on September 18th was buried in the Miles Mausoleum in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery.


Theodore Roosevelt:

On August 18, having returned to Sagamore Hill, a little lice comes to me of appreciation of a poem that I had written called “Italy.” “I am particularly glad you wrote it,” he says, and referring to my son-in-law, he continues: “Joe and Corinne lunched here yesterday; they were dear, -I admire them both so much.” He never failed, as I have said before, in giving me the joy of knowing when he admired those most dear to me.

The following day, August 19, Mr. Colgate Hoyt, a generous neighbor, wrote to Colonel Roosevelt making the suggestion that a monument should be erected in honor of Quentin in some permanent place in the village of Oyster Bay, as Mr. Hoyt thought it would have an educational influence and value, as Quentin was the first resident of Oyster Bay (and the first officer) to make the supreme sacrifice in giving his life for his country.

Mr. Hoyt wished to start this movement, but Colonel Roosevelt sent the following reply, a copy of which Mr. Hoyt gave me: “My  dear Mr. Hoyt: That is a very nice letter of yours, but I do not think it would be advisable to try to put up a monument for Quentin. Of course, individually, our loss is irreparable but to the country he is simply one among many gallant boys who gave their lives for the great Cause. With very hearty thanks,  Faithfully yours, T, R.”

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