"Drummer Boy: Johnny Clem" Topic

"At 10 years old, Johnny Clem ran away from home to join the Union Army during the Civil War. Two years later, the Army accepted him as a drummer boy and regimental mascot. While parts of his early military career (notably "Johnny Shiloh") are more myth than true, it should not deflect the true story of his life. Johnny Clem's extraordinary story is summarized here and hopefully you may find it as fascinating as I did.

There are different reports on Clem's involvement in the Battle of Shiloh and his early nickname "Johnny Shiloh." In a 1915 New York Times article discussing his retirement, it states this legend as fact…"

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Amicalement
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According to David Powell (author), Jim Ogden, and Lee White (the rangers at the park), no Confederate field officers from the units engaged with the 22nd Michigan were wounded or killed that evening on Snodgrass Hill. There is even some evidence Clem was back at the field hospital at the time, which is why he was not captured with the rest of the regiment. His account is suspect and not-corroborated.

If something happened, it likely did not happen the way he represented it. There is likely a kernel of truth somewhere. He was promoted to sergeant afterwards. Just not as the myth is currently told.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand