His boyhood was passed in the manner common to the boys of that time; work on the farm, accompanied by general service in an old-time hotel connected with the farm and known as the half-way stage station between Worcester and Hartford, and about four months as a stage driver between Stafford and Sturbridge, filled up the years between school and the commencement of his active business life.
About the year 1842, having become the owner of two or three large farms, he commenced the careful breeding of stock from imported and native cattle, and thus entered upon a course that was to make his name familiar as a household word to the leading agriculturists throughout the country.
Animals from his herds went out to all parts of the country, and the improvement of the stock in his native state was credited in a large measure to his care and wisdom as a breeder of pure-blooded Devons.
Their scheme met his approval; and that the plan was finally adopted, and that the school was able to maintain itself against the numerous attacks that have been made upon it by friends and foes alike, was largely owing to his indefatigable efforts and earnest support.
Hyde took an efficient and active interest in the Universalist Society of Stafford, serving therein as sexton, organist, and leader of the choir for fifteen years.