Benjamin Hayden

Benjamin F. Hayden (September 11, 1822 – October 29, 1908) was an American attorney and politician in the state of Oregon. A native of Kentucky, he moved to the West Coast with the California Gold Rush in 1849 and to Oregon in 1852. A Democrat, he served in the Oregon House of Representatives, including the 1870 session as speaker of the body.

Early life Hayden was born in Logan County, Kentucky, on September 11, 1822, but grew up in Illinois. As a young man he moved to Missouri before traveling west to California in 1849 for the gold rush.

In 1870, Hayden was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives as a Democrat for a two-year term. Representing Polk County, he was also selected as the speaker of the house for the 1870 legislative session.

Later years and family Hayden would later move to Salem. He and his wife had six children, Estella, Dora, Benjamin N., Samuel Lee, and George. Oregon historian Ben Maxwell is a grandson. Benjamin Hayden died on October 29, 1908, in Salem and was buried at the Salem Pioneer Cemetery.