Ship's Crew

John Layfield enlisted in the Navy as a seaman on May 16, 1812 and reported to Constitution at the Washington Navy Yard the next day. He was demoted to ordinary seaman on July 1, 1812 and left the ship sometime after February 17, 1813.

Battles and Engagements

Layfield participated in victories over HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812 and HMS Java on December 29, 1812, for which he received $42.62 ½ and $42.30 in prize money. He also volunteered to join Commodore John Rodgers’ squadron in Boston when a battle with a British squadron appeared imminent, but no hostilities occurred.

Layfield’s place and date of death are unknown.