The Drummer Boy of Chickamauga: Early Life and Determination

Born on August 13, 1851, in Newark, Ohio, John Lincoln Clem’s life would become a remarkable story of courage, determination, and service. While his early years were marked by tragedy, these only fueled a burning desire to contribute to a cause greater than himself.

At the tender age of nine, tragedy struck as his mother was killed in a train accident. Following this loss, Clem’s life took a turbulent turn when his father remarried, prompting young Clem to venture off on his own and seek a purpose in the Union Army, even before he reached the age of ten.

John_Clem
Drummer Boy John Lincoln Clem circa the early 1860s (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

His first attempt to join the army as a drummer boy was met with resistance due to his small stature and young age. But Clem was determined and undeterred. He would go on to earn the nickname “Johnny Shiloh,” a moniker that would forever link him to his indomitable spirit. The defining moment for this nickname came during the Battle of Shiloh when a shell fragment narrowly missed him, leading to the nickname “Johnny Shiloh.”

In his own words, he stated:

“At Shiloh my drum was smashed by a fragment of a shell. They called me ‘Johnny Shiloh’ for a while after that.”

However, Clem’s recollections of his early experiences in the army present an inconsistency regarding his unit’s involvement in the Battle of Shiloh. His narrative suggests his participation with the 22nd Michigan Infantry, but historical records indicate his connection with the 24th Ohio Infantry. Despite this confusion, evidence suggests that Clem’s sister’s account aligns better with historical facts, indicating that he initially joined the 24th Ohio Infantry. This unit’s history places them at the Battle of Shiloh, providing a plausible explanation for Clem’s presence there.

Rising from Private to Sergeant: The Battle of Chickamauga

In 1863, Clem officially joined the army as a private with Company C of the 22nd Michigan Infantry. He quickly became part of the action, serving with the Army of the Cumberland and participating in crucial campaigns such as driving Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg toward Chattanooga. During this time, he changed his middle name to Lincoln in honor of President Abraham Lincoln and altered the spelling of his last name to Clem (previously “Klem“).

Illustration of Battle of Chickamauga
Battle of Chickamauga (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Clem’s defining moment came at the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. Though the details surrounding his actions were disputed, his bravery and determination were undeniable. The drummer boy reported that he had been separated from his unit and managed to avoid capture by shooting a pursuing Confederate colonel. While official records might not corroborate every aspect of his account, his valor earned him the title “Drummer Boy of Chickamauga.” Following this battle, Clem was reportedly promoted to the rank of sergeant, making him the youngest non-commissioned officer in United States Army history.