When the US Civil War erupted, Alexander Howard Johnson of Massachusetts sought to enlist in the Union Army at age fourteen. As an African American, enlistment was denied him in the war’s first two years: blacks were barred from the Union Army. When the policy was finally changed, Alex joined the 54th Massachusetts, an African American infantry regiment depicted in the 1989 movie Glory, when it was formed. Below are some interesting facts about that young warrior.
The First African American Musician to Enlist in the Civil War
Alexander H. Johnson’s original surname was Howard. The Johnson was added when he was adopted by William Henry Johnson, the United States’ second African American lawyer, and a close associate of Frederick Douglas. He enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a drummer boy when that unit was formed. As the 54th Massachusetts was one of the Union’s first colored regiments, young Alexander probably holds the distinction of being the first African American musician to enlist in the Civil War.
The young drummer boy saw significant service and was in the thick of combat during the war. He took part in the battles of Honey Hill, Boykins Mill, James Island, Olustee. He also participated in the Siege of Charleston, South Carolina. Johnson was present at the murderous assault on Fort Wagner, depicted in the climax of the movie Glory. He also participated in Sherman’s march through the Carolinas. His drum was struck by enemy fire six times, and he was wounded in the leg during the war.
Worcester’s Drum Corps Major
Alexander Howard Johnson served in the 54th Massachusetts until the war’s end. He was discharged in 1865, and returned home with the drum he had carried at Fort Wagner. Alexander settled in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he taught drumming and founded the town’s first drum corps. He was nicknamed “Major” because he was the Worcester Drum Corps’ drum major. Alexander married, raised a family, and had seventeen children. He was a lifelong active member in the Grand Army of the Republic, as well as a member of the Sons of Union Veterans.
In 1897, a memorial sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens was unveiled in Boston, to honor the 54th Massachusetts and its colonel, Robert Gould Shaw, who died fighting at the regiment’s head during the assault on Fort Wagner. The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial as it is known, was erected in front of the Massachusetts State House in Boston, where it can be seen to this day. It depicts Colonel Shaw and his regiment leaving Boston for the South. In that bronze bas relief, Alexander is depicted with his drum, tapping the beat at the head of a column of his comrades. Alexander Howard Johnson lived to the age of 82, and passed away in 1930.
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Some Sources & Further Reading
Cox, Clinton – Undying Glory: The Story of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment (1991)
History Halls – Young Warriors: John Lincoln Clem, the US Army’s Youngest Sergeant
National Gallery of Art – Remembering Private Alexander Howard Johnson
