From the Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, 
Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Wisconsin, J. H. Beers & Co., 1901, Chicago, IL.

Page 910 ~ Grant County

MARTIN HAYDEN is a farmer and miner now residing in the town of Platteville, 
Grant county, and though somewhat advanced in years, he is still a hale and 
hearty man, bearing himself with the strength and vigor that naturally belong 
to an earlier period in life.  He is a man of character and is well and 
favorably spoken of by those who know him best.
 
Mr. HAYDEN was born in the south of Ireland in 1832, and was the son of John 
and Mary HAYDEN, who lived and died in Ireland.  Mr. HAYDEN's somewhat limited 
education was acquired in his native island, and in 1847 he emigrated to this 
country.  He crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, landing at the port of New 
York, and found his first employment in this country as a laborer on a 
railroad, and as a farm hand in Connecticut for several years.  In 1849 he went 
to Frankfort, Ky., where he did railroad work for a year and a half.  He went 
from Kentucky to St. Louis, and did general work for two years, more anxious to 
be employed than to pick his work.  He then came north as far as La Salle 
county, Ill., and there he was employed for three years in railroading and 
steamboating, and then entered Wisconsin, locating at Platteville, Grant 
county, mining in the winter and working on the farm in the summer.  At this 
place he made a modest investment, buying eighteen acres of land one mile north 
of Platteville, and made some substantial improvements.  At a later period he 
bought eighty acres of land two miles southwest of the town of Platteville, and 
converted this into the fine farm where he now lives.  He has made extensive 
improvements, putting up a handsome and attractive house, a large barn, and 
such other improvements as are needed in a modern and up-to-date farm.
 
Mr. HAYDEN and Miss Mary CUMMINGS were married in Platteville.  She was born in 
Ireland, and is the mother of nine children: John, born in Grant county, is 
married and lives with his family in Madison, Wis.; Mary, now the wife of 
Charles HOMISON of Minneapolis, has a family; Thomas, a resident of 
Platteville, married and has a family; Ellen, unmarried, lives in Chicago; 
William is a resident of his father's home; Lizzie lives in Chicago; Martin is 
also in Chicago; Hannah married Edward NEWMAN of Chicago; and James lives at 
home and follows the trade of a painter.  Mr. HAYDEN came to this country poor, 
and landed in New York with only five dollars in his pocket.  By his industry 
and prudence he has amassed a considerable fortune, and owns a fine farm in 
Grant county.  Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious belief belongs to 
the Catholic Church, as do all the other members of the family.  He was a 
contributor to the first church of his faith in Grant county.  He is a natural 
student, and is especially well posted on the history and geology of Wisconsin, 
and his memory is remarkably retentive for one of his years.  He has a kindly 
disposition, and his neighbors speak highly of him. 
 
Submitted by:  Carol
(carolannh@ticon.net)