Lyman Hine was the son of renowned banker Francis Lyman Hine, president of the First National Bank of New York City. After graduating from Yale in 1910, Lyman Hine traveled around the world for one year. From 1913-27 he held high management positions in the American Cotton Oil Company, eventually becoming president and director. In addition, he was chairman of the board of Canada Dry Ginger Ale, and director of the First National Bank of Jersey City. During World War I Hine served as an ordnance officer, first at the home front and in 1918 in France. He was one of the Americans in Europe in 1928 who were selected to compete in the 1928 Olympic bobsled trials. He made the team and won a silver medal. While still a young man, Hine was killed in a tragic automobile accident.