Lawyer, 35th Governor of Missouri and the 10th U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
1877-1947 | Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876-1936)
Impact & Accomplishments
United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Hoover, from 1929 to 1933, Arthur Hyde’s tenure in Washington was challenged by declining farm prices and the eventual stock market crash, but his achievements included funding research to control pests, organizing the Federal Drought Relief Committee, and advocating for unemployment relief.
Born in Princeton, Missouri, Hyde graduated from the University of Michigan in 1899 and completed his law degree at the University of Iowa in 1900.
Settling back in Missouri, he established a successful law practice, purchased an auto dealership, and entered politics as mayor of Princeton, serving from 1908 to 1912.
Hyde made a successful bid for governor as well, elected as a progressive reformer from 1921 to 1925. It was his political experience, rather than a strong agricultural background, that led to his term as Secretary of Agriculture.
Did You Know?
Secretary Arthur M. Hyde (middle) sworn in office, as the Secretary of Agriculture, with the succeed by a William M. Jardine, (right).[2/6/29] National Photo Company collection at the Library of Congress.