Edward Black (soldier)



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

Service
Black was recruited at the age of eight, on 24 July 1861, as a drummer boy for the 21st Indiana Infantry. 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 in Crown Hill National Cemetery in Indianapolis. The drum Black used is now in the collection of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.