Albumen CDV full-length studio portrait of Sergeant Johnny Clem. Columbus, OH: Reeve & Watts Photographers, n.d. Ink inscription identifying Clem with rank to lower recto margin. Photographer imprint to mount verso alongside 1-cent red revenue stamp.

In this studio portrait, Sergeant Johnny Clem stands in front of a painted camp scene backdrop. In his left hand, Clem holds the hilt of a sword, which emphasizes the weapon’s length compared to the young soldier’s height. Clem’s cap sits slightly askew upon his head as he gazes directly at the camera. Pinned on the left breast of his uniform is a medal, while his sergeant chevrons are visible on his right arm.

Born in Newark, Ohio, Clem, the “Drummer Boy of Chickamauga," rose to fame during the Civil War for both his young age and acts of heroism. As the legend goes, the 9- or 10-year-old Clem threw his lot in with the 22nd Michigan Infantry, who eventually “adopted” him into the regiment as a drummer. Clem was said to have been wounded twice during his service, and more famously allegedly shot a Confederate colonel who tried to capture him. Regardless of what really occurred, Clem became a star to the American public, who marveled that such a child could be so brave under fire. Photos of Clem were sold throughout the country, songs were inspired, and for his part the young soldier relished in the attention both during and after the war.

What is often overlooked because of his celebrity is that Clem spent much of the balance of his long life in the service of the United States, rising to brigadier general upon retirement in 1915. While some of young Clem’s exploits may have been exaggerated for patriotic effect, no one could question his genuine devotion to his country. He made such an impact that in 1916, he was promoted again while retired, this time to major general.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards]