Joseph Hayden

This exhibit explores Joseph Hayden’s short life, but also his family’s important contributions to Boston anti-slavery networks.

Written by Joe Stasio (a student in Dr. Evan Faulkenbury’s HIS 312: African American History to 1865 class) and Alex Gerstle (a student in Dr. Scott Moranda’s HIS 499: Research Experience in History class).

Joseph Hayden was the son of abolitionist Lewis Hayden.  Lewis Hayden is known for his activism for granting African Americans the ability to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

Joseph Hayden had attended the New York Central College between the years 1852 and 1853, however there is very little information about Hayden during his time at the college. 

As a result of his father’s activism as well as the option now being available to him, Joseph Hayden enlisted in the United States Navy on December 4, 1862. While in the Navy, Hayden served during the Civil War, and even earned himself the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher.  Unfortunately, Joseph Hayden would die shortly thereafter while in New Orleans.