It’s estimated that 100,000 Union soldiers aged 15 years and under were enlisted during the war. Many served as drummer boys like Edward Black who joined the 21st Indiana Volunteers in 1861 at 8 years old. Perhaps the most famous being Johnny Clem, “the Drummer Boy of Chickamauga,” who was promoted to Sergeant for his heroics at the battle. The age of the young lad in the photo is unknown, but he is dwarfed by the rifle and bayonet he carries, typically 5’9” tall.
Very Young Soldier with Rifle
