Frederick Hayes facts for kids
Frederick Hayes (1842-1911) was an American soldier and engineer. He fought in the American Civil War. Later, he became an early manager at the company Pfizer. Hayes also received the Medal of Honor, a very special award for bravery.
Early Life and Education
Frederick Hayes, Jr. was born in Berwick, Maine in 1842. His parents were Sarah Hurd and Frederick Hayes, Sr. His father was a farmer and sold lumber. He was also involved in politics, first with the Whig Party and later the Republican Party.
Frederick grew up helping on his family's farm in Berwick. He went to the Maine State Seminary in Lewiston, Maine. This school later became known as Bates College.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Frederick Hayes joined the Union Army. He first served as a sergeant in the 5th Maine Volunteer Infantry. Later, he was promoted to second lieutenant in the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
While serving, Hayes was part of a group called the "Maine State Seminary Camp Club." This club was for former Bates students. They would practice public speaking and other school activities together.
Medal of Honor
In 1863, Frederick Hayes received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States. He earned it for a very brave act. His enlistment term was ending, but he volunteered to keep serving. He did this to help defend Washington, D.C. President Lincoln had asked for help because Robert E. Lee's army was invading the North. This led to the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
After this, Hayes joined the 30th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was honorably discharged in September 1864 because of a disability.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Frederick Hayes started a new career. He worked in management at Pfizer Chemical Works in New York. Pfizer was a new company at the time. He worked there until he retired in 1909.
Hayes was also active in groups for Civil War veterans, like the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.). He was also part of the Order of the Amaranth.
Frederick Hayes passed away in Brooklyn, New York in 1911. He was buried in Cypress Hills Cemetery. He was married to Elizabeth Pearkes in 1887.
In 1917, a special board reviewed all Medal of Honor awards. They removed 911 names from the list. This included all the medals given to soldiers from the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Frederick Hayes had several older brothers who also fought in the Civil War. One brother, Dr. John Alfred Hayes, was a well-known Union surgeon. Another brother, Benjamin Franklin Hayes, became a famous lawyer and lawmaker in Massachusetts.
