From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)
Hayden, Jefferson
(born: c. 1845) Hayden was born as a slave in Anderson County about 1845. He remained a slave into adulthood: President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.Hayden therefore chose to become a soldier and made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist on August 19, 1864. He was enrolled as a private in Company B of the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment. At that time he testified he was born in Anderson County, KY about 1845.
Although not at the full complement of men, those enrolled in the regiment at the end of September were assigned to take part in Burbridge's Campaign into southwest Virginia, which was active at the First Battle of Saltville on October 2, 1864. In December, another attempt was made to destroy the salt works, and the 5th was again part of Stoneman's Raid. On December 17-18, 1864, the Battle of Marion was fought and the Confederate lead mines were captured. On December 20-21, the Federals captured and destroyed the salt works after the 2nd Battle of Saltville.
Throughout the spring and early summer of 1865 the regiment saw duty at various posts in central Kentucky until August 1865, when it was transferred to the Department of Arkansas. The regiment was engaged in that state against renegade groups until March 1866. It was mustered out of the service at Helena, Arkansas on March 20, 1866.