Edward Black (soldier)

Edward Black
Born	(1853-05-30)May 30, 1853 Indianapolis, Indiana, US?
Died	June 30, 1872(1872-06-30) (aged 19) Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, US?
Resting place	Crown Hill National Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
Occupation(s)	Drummer Boy, Soldier
Employer	U.S. Government
Known for	Considered the youngest serving soldier of the American Civil War
Family	Edwin Black (twin brother)
Military career
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	July 24, 1861–January 1866
Rank	Private 1st Class
Unit	1st Indiana Heavy Artillery Regiment
Battles / wars	American Civil War: Battle of Baton Rouge Bayou Teche Campaign Siege of Port Hudson Red River Campaign (Companies G & I) Battle of Mobile Bay Battle of Spanish Fort Battle of Fort Blakely

Edward Black (May 30, 1853 – June 30, 1872) is considered the youngest serving soldier of the American Civil War. He had a twin brother, Edwin, who died in 1854.

U.S. military service

Edward Black was recruited at the age of eight, on July 24, 1861, as a drummer boy for the 21st Indiana Infantry. He was told to return home later that year and did as told. He returned later that year and enlisted again, but this time with his father. He was captured at the Battle of Baton Rouge, but was freed when the city fell and discharged in September 1862. He re-enlisted in February 1863, and served with the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery until January 1866. He died at age 19 in 1872 and was interred along with his twin brother Edwin in Crown Hill National Cemetery in Indianapolis. The drum Black used is now in the collection of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Death

Black's grave at Crown Hill National Cemetery

He died from the injuries and trauma he suffered in the war at age 19. He was buried along with his brother William Black.

See also

• William Black

External links

• "View 1". CONTENTdm. Retrieved 2021-05-05.