Representative John W. Hayden View All Years

DR. JOHN W. HAYDEN.

MR. SPEAKER—Your committee appointed to prepare suitable resolutions in commemoration of the life and public service of Dr. John W. Hayden submit the following report:

John W. Hayden was born on February 24, 1839, in Hamilton county, Ohio. His father was Rev. John Hayden, a pioneer Methodist minister, who in 1842 brought his family to Iowa and a few years later settled permanently in Jefferson county where the son grew to manhood and passed the years of his maturity.

When the Civil War broke out he promptly answered the call for volunteers by enlisting as a private on August 26, 1861, in Company F, Third Iowa Cavalry. He served three years as hospital steward. On the expiration of his term of enlistment he again offered his services to his country, but on account of physical disability was rejected.

He then prepared for his chosen calling. Having received the education afforded by the common schools and the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, he entered the State College of Medicine at Keokuk and in 1866 was graduated from that institution. He located at Libertyville and there continued the active practice of his profession until about 1891 when ill health compelled him to retire.

On April 25, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Bristol of New London who survives him. He died on January 12, 1909, at his own home in Fairfield where he dwelt the later years of his life.

He represented Jefferson county in the Eighteenth General Assembly, an honor borne by his father twelve years earlier in the Twelfth General Assembly. The confidence reposed in the father was no less worthily carried by the son. In his service he was free from ostentation but was ever careful and watchful of the interests of his district and state.

He was a brave soldier, a skillful physician and surgeon and a successful man of business. He was honest and courageous in dealing with both the private and public duties that fell to his lot. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and led a consistent religious life. In all its aspects his life was useful to the community and state in which he lived. Therefore be it

Resolved: That as his life and character command our respect and esteem, we extend his wife and relatives and friends our sympathy in their sorrow and that this memorial be spread upon the Journal of this House and a copy of it sent his widow.

C. J. FULTON,

S. H. BAUMAN,

W. W. GOODYKOONTZ,

Committee.