William Hayden

William Hayden was born in England, possibly in 1602. He probably emigrated to Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1630 on board the ship Mary and John. He then emigrated to Connecticut, appearing on the list of settlers of Hartford. He fought in the Pequot War in 1637, serving under Captain Mason, whose life he reputedly saved. He then settled in Windsor, Connecticut.

He had at least three children: Daniel (b. 1640), Nathaniel (b. 1643) and Mary (b. 1648).

His first wife died in 1664, and he married second the widow Margaret Wilcockson of Stratford, Connecticut.

He died on 27 September 1669 in Killingworth, Connecticut (previously the Town of Kenilworth).