Benjamin Hayden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Hayden
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| Member of the Oregon House of Representatives | |
| In office 1870–1871 |
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| Constituency | Polk County |
| 7th Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives | |
| In office 1870–1871 |
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| Preceded by | John Whiteaker |
| Succeeded by | Rufus Mallory |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 11, 1822 Logan County, Kentucky |
| Died | October 29, 1908 (aged 86) Salem, Oregon |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Zerelda Gibson |
Benjamin F. Hayden (born September 11, 1822 – died October 29, 1908) was an important American lawyer and politician. He lived in the state of Oregon. Benjamin Hayden was born in Kentucky. He moved to the West Coast during the exciting California Gold Rush in 1849. Later, in 1852, he settled in Oregon. As a member of the Democratic Party, he served in the Oregon House of Representatives. He was even chosen as the Speaker of the House in 1870.
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Benjamin Hayden's Early Life
Benjamin Hayden was born on September 11, 1822. His birthplace was Logan County, Kentucky. He spent his childhood growing up in Illinois. As a young man, he moved to Missouri. In 1849, he traveled west to California. This was during the famous California Gold Rush. People hoped to find gold there.
Marriage and Return to Missouri
In 1850, Benjamin Hayden went back to Missouri. There, he married Zerelda Gibson. She was born in 1832. Zerelda was from Lincoln County, Missouri.
Moving to Oregon Territory
In 1852, Benjamin and Zerelda moved. They went to what was then the Oregon Territory. They chose to live in Polk County. This area is in the beautiful Willamette Valley.
Settling in Polk County
Hayden claimed land under the Donation Land Claim Act. This act gave land to settlers. His claim was in the Eola Hills. This area is near the community of Eola. He was one of the first people to settle there. In 1852, he became the first judge of Polk County.
Serving in the Rogue River War
In 1855, the Rogue River Wars began. These were conflicts in Southern Oregon. Benjamin Hayden formed a group of soldiers. He served as the captain of this group. They fought in the war against Native Americans.
Return to Law and Politics
After the war, he went back to being a lawyer. This was in 1856. He became a very well-known lawyer. He worked in the Willamette Valley. In 1857, he was elected to the Oregon Territorial Legislature. He represented Polk and Tillamook counties.
In 1870, Hayden was elected again. He joined the Oregon House of Representatives. He was a Democrat. He served a two-year term. He represented Polk County. During the 1870 legislative session, he was chosen as the Speaker of the House. The Speaker leads the meetings.
Benjamin Hayden's Later Years
Benjamin Hayden later moved to Salem. He and his wife, Zerelda, had six children. Their children were Estella, Dora, Benjamin N., Samuel Lee, and George. A famous Oregon historian, Ben Maxwell, was his grandson. Benjamin Hayden passed away on October 29, 1908. He died in Salem. He was buried at the Salem Pioneer Cemetery.
