Abel F. Hayden

Abel F. Hayden, (September 12, 1835 – April 11, 1889) was a 19th-century American Maritime pilot. He helped bring in the USS San Jacinto, into the Boston Harbor in 1861. Hayden was owner of the pilot-boat D. J. Lawlor, that was struck by a fishing schooner Horace B. Parker, in 1895.

Early life

Hayden was born on September 12, 1835, in Boston, Massachusetts. His father was Abel T. Hayden, a pilot in the Boston Harbor and original owner of the Pet, No. 9. His mother was Caroline A. Beck, daughter of Captain Charles A. Beck keeper of the Long Island Head Light. He was married and had two sons.

Career

Hayden started in the pilot business in 1853, piloting packet boats to and from Cohasset, Massachusetts. He piloted the Neponset River from Milton Lower Falls down to the ship channel. He was boatkeeper for the Coynette. Hayden was one-third owner of the Lawlor, along with James H. Reid and William V. Abbott. Hayden was the boat master.

After the Lawlor was lost in the collision with the fishing schooner Horace B. Parker in 1895, he retired. On the advice of his doctor, he moved with his wife and two sons to the Pacific coast.