Unidentified Confederate, probably a drummer boy.

[CSA Today]

 

[donna]

Such a young looking boy. I hope he was just a drummer but could have been soldier especially near end of the war.

 

[Seduzal]

Johnny Clem, drummer boy

 

[CSA Today]

Johnny Clem, drummer boy

Johnny Clem looks even younger.
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-900-s&va=johnny+clem+drummer+boy

 

[rhp6033]

He might just be a drummer boy, but even drummer boys can get hurt. Even if they aren't targeted, shells have no discretion.

 

[Dmax90]

Towards the end of the war the Confederacy was in need of more troops and just started taking pretty much any male who was willing. It is hard to say who it is. At that time of need, they slacked on keeping records of their troops. It is sad though to see such a young boy in the military but on the other hand, just thinking about all of the patriotism he had to stand and fight for what he believed in at that age.

 

[AUG]

Here's the full photograph

 

[Nathanb1]

That's an amazing photo. Actually, I can hardly stand to look at it. Definitely 7th/8th grade material for the coming year. Thanks.

 

[Gandycreek]

Possibly a military school uniform.

 

[ole]

Does anyone else think he looks a bit gaunt?

 

[Stony]

He's had a rough life. Definitely looks older than he really is imo.

 

[TerryB]

I think it dates to 1860-61, judging by the case and the tie. I'd be willing to bet he was a cadet, not a soldier.

 

[AUG]

He's had a rough life. Definitely looks older than he really is imo.

I think he's probably older than what he looks to be, I am thinking 14 at most. People back then were a lot smaller, take the soldier in this photo for instance, 16 year old Private William H. Presgraves, Co. K, 97th Militia Virginia Infantry.

 

[Nathanb1]

I'm thinking 12-13.

 

[TerryB]

For comparison, this picture of Marcellus Pointer was dated Feb, 1860. He was almost 19. He looks 16.

 

[donna]

Such nice looking boys and young men. It hard to believe they would fight in war. They certainly grew up fast with the horrors of war.

 

[Nathanb1]

For comparison, this picture of Marcellus Pointer was dated Feb, 1860. He was almost 19. He looks 16.View attachment 18067

Actually, I'd believe the 18+. He looks like a senior. What year was the avatar photo taken? That certainly proves Donna's point. (Thanks for posting this, Terry! One more photo to add to my obsession.)

 

[TerryB]

I

Such nice looking boys and young men. It hard to believe they would fight in war. They certainly grew up fast with the horrors of war.

used to think the avatar photo of Marcellus made him look like he had aged far beyond his 24 years by 1865. He has the three stars of a full colonel on his collar, but we now believe the picture was taken in Dallas around 1875. That would make the uniform most likely a vet's organization uniform, yet there's no record that he was a member of the local CS vets. At any rate, he would have been in his 30s at the time the picture was made, and he looks far too healthy for the pic to have been taken in 1865. In Feb 1865, he was seriously wounded in South Carolina, taking him out of the war. His promotion to full colonel seems to date to April 1, 1865, so they no doubt expected him to recover.

 

[TerryB]

Actually, I'd believe the 18+. He looks like a senior. What year was the avatar photo taken? That certainly proves Donna's point. (Thanks for posting this, Terry! One more photo to add to my obsession.)

See my reply to Donna.

 

[Nathanb1]

See my reply to Donna.

Even taken in Dallas....he looks like he'd lived two lifetimes. What things his eyes saw.....at that age!