Auburn Honors Civil War Hero

• September 26, 2017

On October 14, 1863, at the Battle of Bristoe Station in Virginia, a young Army Corporal from Auburn, Maine captured the Confederate flag and became a war hero. That young man, Moses C. Hanscom from Danville, received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military honor, for his heroic actions that day.

Corporal Hanscom, who served with Company F of the 19th Maine Volunteer Infantry, died in 1873 and is buried in Auburn’s beautiful Oak Hill Cemetery, overlooking the Androscoggin River. When his memorial stone was placed, however, his last name was spelled incorrectly (“Hansom”).

In an effort to recognize the service and sacrifice of this war hero and son of Auburn, the City of Auburn has recently replaced Hanscom’s stone. The beautiful new memorial, upon which his name is spelled correctly, was installed last week - at no cost - by the generous team at Collette Monuments in Lewiston who said, “It was an honor to help. We extend our gratitude [for] allowing us to be a part of this.”

“The City of Auburn is honored to recognize this local hero,” said Auburn Mayor Jonathan P. LaBonté. “Corporal Hanscom’s valor is an inspiration and we will stand proudly beside members of his family and his community and celebrate his life and heroism."

The City of Auburn will be holding a re-dedication ceremony on the 154th Anniversary of Corporal Hanscom’s heroic actions on the battlefield. The public is invited to attend this ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery (Riverside Drive entrance).

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