James stephen hayden

INTRODUCTION

On the 26th of December 1914, on boxing day!James Stephen Hayden was born in Exeter Devon England. He was one of 13 children. He was the last one to survive.

Life as a kid was adventurous for James. He grew up during the madness of wars. So s a kid he sold bread on a bike earning 40cents. James would always give his mum half of his wages. The helps to support and feed his family during war. He enjoyed playing outdoor bowling, often got out on long walks and he really enjoyed being outside.

As he got oldern, James played a big part during WW2. He was proud to drive the ammunition in a truck to the front line for soldiers to reload. This took place in Normandy France

In his 20-30’s in exetor England he gilded bridges and painted the exetor cathedral church. His job was a painter decorater and stylist. He was learning the job as he went so it was amazing how he can do that.

He was married to Violet Lydia Hayden, they adopted my grandma Stephanie Hayden. James loved my grandma as his own daughter so my grandma was so lucky to have him as a father. She never at any time felt like she was adopted. It didnt matter to James they were still his family and he was a loving father brother and grandad and was a kind soul.

He later died in Eversleigh Road rest home. Sadly he was mistreated there, it was reported that the elderly got old sandwiches. The place was never cleaned as you could smell the urine and the filth in the place. On the 30th of September 2011, James passed away with pheunomea. He could have been 106years old if he was still alive.

I am really proud to learn about my great grandfather, he was a delicate father, son, brother and husband.

Info from : grandma

When they had their oscks they would were their socks one way then turn them inside out to wear for the rest if the week at the end if the week they were boiled up in a copper for washing they gad do do this because they james had 13 siblings and didnt have much water