John Hyden Jr. was born in 1814 in Virginia. He was the son of John Sr. and Elizabeth Hyden. He came to Kentucky and settled on Wooton's Creek in what is now Leslie County, he opened up a store with goods he had brought from Virginia. While teaching school on Cutshin Creek, John Hyden Jr. married Elizabeth McIntosh, daughter of Roderick McIntosh. Later John Hyden Jr. and his family moved to Goose Creek in Clay County where he build a large house. He was active in politics in Perry and Clay counties. He served as County Judge in Perry County. He served two terms as State Senator from Clay County. John Hyden Jr. was a Commissioner from Clay County at the time Leslie County was formed in 1878. John Hyden Jr. died in 1883. Hyden, Kentucky, the seat of Leslie County was named for John Hyden.