Joseph Gibson Hoyt

Joseph Gibson Hoyt (January 19, 1815 – November 26, 1862) was the first chancellor and a professor of Greek at Washington University in St. Louis (then named Washington Institute in St. Louis) from 1858 to 1862.

Early life Joseph Gibson Hoyt was born on January 19, 1815, in Dunbarton, New Hampshire. Up until the age of 16, he only attended school for three months in a year to support his family's farm. He worked as an assistant teacher and attended schools in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, and Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from Yale University in 1840 as number six in his class of 100. He was editor of the Yale Literary Magazine and president of Brothers in Unity.

Legacy and awards In 1859, Hoyt received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Dartmouth College. Hoyt Hall, a dormitory at Phillips Exeter Academy, is named for Hoyt. A large plaque on the building reads, "In memory of Joseph Gibson Hoyt, the great teacher."