John Sherman (June 30, 1772 - August 2, 1828) graduated from Yale College in 1793 with honors and became the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Mansfield, Connecticut, in 1797.
During the last of his eight years at Mansfield, his evolving Unitarian doctrine conflicted with the Trinitarian beliefs of his congregation and efforts were made to dispel him.
Sherman resigned as pastor in 1810 and established a teaching academy next to the low ground trail to Trenton Falls.
In 1808, with the help of money donated by Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, a path was blasted to Trenton Falls.
Sherman bought out his partner in 1823, and built the Rural Resort, which opened to visitors that summer.