This Putnam County native made beautiful violins and cellos. After serving in World War II, Hayslett worked as a pipefitter for Union Carbide in South Charleston. As a hobby, he began building instruments. He opened Hayslett Violins in 1954, and his reputation for quality spread across the world.

After serving in World War II, Hayslett worked as a pipefitter for Union Carbide in South Charleston. As a hobby, he began building instruments like violins and cellos. He opened Hayslett Violins in 1954, and his reputation for quality spread across the world.

Hayslett won several awards for the tone (sound quality) and workmanship of his instruments. He won a prestigious gold medal for cello tone in 1980 at an international competition. Over his career, which ended when he closed his shop in 2013, he created 86 violins and 65 cellos, along with other string instruments, which are highly valued today by both musicians and collectors.

He received a Governor's Arts Award in 2016.