Hayden, Joseph Orlin, son of Elizur Boise and Lucinda E. (Simmons) Hayden, was born in Blandford, Hampden county, July 8, 1847.
His early education was obtained in the district school and academy at Granville, and the high school at Chicopee Falls.
With a preference for a business life, he first engaged as a dealer in real estate in Minnesota, which business he relinquished in 1869, and entered the newspaper business, as treasurer of the Times Publishing Company, of Boston, where he remained till 1876, when he purchased the "Somerville Journal," with which he has ever since been identified. The paper under his management has proved a literary as well as a financial success. Its influence is not confined to the city where it is published, but its bright and witty sayings have found their way into the acknowledged leaders in the newspaper world.
In 1883 he was placed, by the city council, upon the Mystic water board, and in 1884 became its president, which position he still retains. In 1885 he was elected treasurer of Middlesex county, and re-elected in 1888. He is a charter member, and since its organization has been a trustee of the Somerville Savings Bank. He is also a vice-president of the Suburban Press Association, and fills several positions of trust in various social and charitable societies.
Mr. Hayden was married in Somerville, August 18, 1870, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of William and Mary E. (Cleves) Pond, of that city, where they reside.