The error is in the original story. (Maybe the Columbus paper got it wrong on purpose? < g > )
You sure about that? I've always seen it spelled "Kearsarge," from the old 1880s "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War" book to the present day.
Photo #: NH 65736
USS Kearsarge vs. CSS Alabama, 19 June 1864
Someone tell the US Naval Historical Center! :)