William Nelson Boswell, Drummer Boy

[CSA Today]

Entered Confederate service at eleven years of age as a drummer in the 56th Virginia. His soldierly bearing on drill attracted attention of President Davis that with his own hands presented the little drummer with a sword.

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

View attachment 62348

Entered Confederate service at eleven years of age as a drummer in the 56th Virginia. His soldierly bearing on drill attracted attention of President Davis that with his own hands presented the little drummer with a sword.

This is William's father :

Thomas Taylor Boswell

Residence Mecklenburg VA;
Enlisted on 7/8/1861 at Mecklenburg, VA as a Captain.

On 7/8/1861 he was commissioned into "A" Co. VA 56th Infantry

On 4/20/1864 he was commissioned into "A" Co. VA 1st VA Reserves
(date and method of discharge not given)
(As Captain)

He was listed as:
* Held 6/25/1864 Staunton River Bridge, VA (Against 10,000 Federal Cavalry)
* Paroled 5/13/1865 (place not stated) (By US VI Corps)

Promotions:
* Lt Col 8/12/1864 (As of 1st VA Reserves)
* Colonel 9/15/1864 (As result of Staunton River Bridge Defense)

Other Information:
born in 1828
died in 1887

(Graduate of Randolph Macon College. Married Martha Nelson.)
- The Virginia Regimental Histories Series

 

[kholland]

View attachment 62348

Entered Confederate service at eleven years of age as a drummer in the 56th Virginia. His soldierly bearing on drill attracted attention of President Davis that with his own hands presented the little drummer with a sword.

He looks so young as all 11 year olds look. Wow, that photo reminds me of the line in the movie "Crocodile Dundee" that I paraphrase as "That's not a sword, that's a sword"

 

[rhettbutler1865]

It was bound to be mentioned (lol)--A Confederate version of John Clem! And his father went back in time!--born 1928-died 1887! --(button-counting, just ribbing you!) What happened with him? Did he rise in the ranks, like Johnny, or...

 

[Cothran]

He did return to his home, eventually married and became my great-grandfather!