A Republican, he was most notable for his service as prosecuting attorney of Spokane County from 1880 to 1886 and a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1895 to 1897.

[2] He joined Company K, 17th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry as a private, with his enlistment credited to the town of Utica in Winnebago County.

[2] After leaving the army, Hyde worked as an explorer and surveyor of timber and mining lands in Michigan's upper peninsula.

[5] Hyde also became active in politics as a Republican, and served as chairman of the party's central committee in Lyon County, Iowa.

[7] In 1894, Hyde was the successful Republican nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington's at-large congressional district.

[1] During his Congressional term, Hyde successfully advocated for construction of the Fort George Wright army base near Spokane.