The Hayden Family of Dublin, Ireland

Other than their place of residence, very little is known about the Hayden family.  The Dublin City Directory of 1850 (right) lists several Hayden’s, including an ‘Edward.’   However, most of the other details we know have been teased out of the letters to his son, who he refers to as “Ned.” Ned emmigrated from Dublin to New York City prior to 1876.

It seems that Edward J. Hayden lived in Dublin with his daughter Mary and a young boy, Mary’s nephew “Neddy.”  In a letter written around 1880, Edward describes how Neddy is in school and is able to read and write.  He also writes of an accident in wish he “fell thro an old roof at New Grove & had my ribs broken.”  He was treated at Baggot Street Hospital.  Edward also briefly mentions the “great agitation” regarding the Land Bill.  

Other relatives include an "Aunt Nancy" who reportedly died January 28, 1879 (letter dated February 6, 1879) and Ned’s Aunt Mary and Uncle James who “got notice to leave their old house" (letter dated June 1881).

1850 Dublin City Directory

Braun Collection of Letters