Major Alexander H. Johnson papers, 1861-1865

Alexander H. Johnson, at 16 years of age, was the first black musician to enlist during the Civil War.

Public domain

Location

Worcester Historical Museum (Worcester, Mass.)

Background

Alexander H. Johnson was a drummer boy with the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers during the Civil War. He later taught drums and was active in the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), Col. George H. Ward Post No. 10 of Worcester, Mass. Johnson used the "Major" designation, because he considered himself a Drum Major.

Contents

An autographed inscribed segment of parchment drum head, with supporting documentation regarding provenance.

(See the NUCMC catalog record) (PDF, 65 KB)








Top of Page