Harriet (1816-1893) and Lewis Hayden (1811-1889) fled slavery and became key leaders in Boston’s antislavery vigilance network. In 1844, the Haydens (Lewis, Harriet, and Harriet’s son from a previous marriage) escaped from Kentucky with Harriet’s five year old son Joe thanks to help from white abolitionists Calvin Fairbank and Delia Webster, who faced lengthy jail time for their role in helping the Haydens. Harriet and Lewis went to Detroit and Canada, before eventually relocating to Boston. There, the Haydens became active members of Boston’s antislavery vigilance committee, sheltering freedom seekers (most famously William and Ellen Craft) and openly defying the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act. The Haydens remained active in the Underground Railroad and Republican politics through the Civil War. In 1873, Lewis Hayden won election to a single term in the Massachusetts state legislature.

ESSAYS: Barker // Blackett //Crew // Cohen // Grover // Larson // LaRoche // Miller // Sinha

ROLES: Abolitionist // Freedom Seeker // UGRR Operative

 

cropped image, lewis hayden photograph on left, engraving black and white of Harriet Hayden on right

Lewis and Harriet Hayden (NPS)