Individual American Civil War Musicians: William Black


Figure 1.-- William Black was born (1853). He became a drummer boy. Some sources say he became a soldier. We are not sure if this was the case, but is classified as a soldier because he was wounded. If so, he would be the youngest Civil War casualty. Three years later when he was 12 years old, his left hand and arm was shattered by an exploding shell. He seems to have had a twin brother. We know that William was wounded. He was photographed by Mathew Brady after the injury and apparently identified as William. Unfortunately as far as we know the portrait is not dated, but was probably taken in 1864.

William Black was born (1853). Some sources seem to combine the Edward and Willian, suggesting his first name was Edward, but called William, just one boy variously valled Edward and William. Others saw that there were two boys. He appasrently was only 9 years old when he joined the 21st Indiana as a musician. He enlisted with 21st Indiana Volunteers (July 21, 1861). He was made to leave but then re-enlisted with his father and both served at Battle of Baton Rouge. He became a drummer boy. Some sources say he became a soldier. We are not sure if this was the case, but is classified as a soldier because he was wounded. It seems unlikely at 12-years of age that he wThree years later when he was 12 years old, his left hand and arm was shattered by an exploding shell. We do not know where this occurred. He seems to have had a twin brother. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis has an originl Civil War drum which they identify as belonging to Edward. He could have served as a soldier. It is not impssible, but unlikely. Just handling a musket would have been difficult. He is widely regarded as the youngest Civil War military casualty. There is no doubt that William was wounded. He was photographed by Mathew Brady after the injury and apparently identified as William (figure 1). Unfortunately as far as we know the portrait is not dated. Based on his age of enlistment and thevfact we know he was wounded 3-years later, itbwould seem the portait was taken in 1864. William died at at a very young age (1872). We are not sure if his early death was related to his injury. Edward died at age 19. He is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. He had a twin brother .Despite this destinction, we have been unble to find much information about him.







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Created: 8:13 AM 9/9/2015
Last updated: 8:13 AM 9/9/2015