He was married in Champaign County,Illinois in 1852 to Elizabeth Cluster, who preceeded him in death in 1905. To this union ten children were born, only three of whom survived at the time of his death.
In 1861 James enlisted in Company E, 51st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded, but returned to duty and was discharged in 1865. In 1870 the family moved to Kansas.
The obituary that appeared in the Altoona Tribune at the time of his death paints a colorful picture:
"Uncle Jimmie Hayden had lived in this county so long that he was known by practically everyone, both old and young. He was quite a character in many ways---strong in his convictions, outspoken and full of energy....He was quick tempered and never 'went around the bush', as the saying goes, about what he had to say. But he was a good soldier, a good citizen and a good neighbor."
He was married in Champaign County,Illinois in 1852 to Elizabeth Cluster, who preceeded him in death in 1905. To this union ten children were born, only three of whom survived at the time of his death.
In 1861 James enlisted in Company E, 51st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded, but returned to duty and was discharged in 1865. In 1870 the family moved to Kansas.
The obituary that appeared in the Altoona Tribune at the time of his death paints a colorful picture:
"Uncle Jimmie Hayden had lived in this county so long that he was known by practically everyone, both old and young. He was quite a character in many ways---strong in his convictions, outspoken and full of energy....He was quick tempered and never 'went around the bush', as the saying goes, about what he had to say. But he was a good soldier, a good citizen and a good neighbor."