Medal of Honor Recipient John Hayes
Coxswain Hayes (1832-1911) served on the USS Kearsarge. It sunk the notorious Confederate raider Alabama on June 19, 1864 off Cherbourg, France. The Alabama had sunk, burned or captured 69 ships during the war. Hayes was a gunner and was instrumental in firing the cannon that sunk the Alabama. He served at sea both before and after the war. Later he farmed in Wisconsin and moved to Blairstown later in life to be near his daughter. Follow Locust Street south to Pleasant Hill Cemetery - then circle around the cemetery road - it is next to the road at the top of the hill between the older and newer sections of the cemetery. Photo taken 2/25/09.