THE STORY OF JOHN LINCOLN CLEM: FROM CHILDHOOD TO SOLDIER
A lot of people want to join the US Army, but there is a process that a potential candidate needs to go through in order for them to be selected. One crucial prerequisite is age; a candidate must be 18, and 17 years of age is welcome, provided they have parental consent. The age limit is 34. Another important aspect is education; one must have a high school diploma or a GED. All candidates with a GED must undergo a series of tests on the ASVAB. Also, there is a medical and physical requirement that all prospective candidates must pass. However, there is a different story during the American Civil War, and one of its exceptional cases is the story of John Lincoln Clem, who joins the Army at a very young age.
Army Recruitment During the Civil War
The Civil War began in April 1861, and in order for the Union and Confederates to have enough manpower, they didn't have modern screenings just like the protocols of the Army today. They rely heavily on young men who want to volunteer and help in any way that they can. However, as the war progressed, some men didn't want to get involved anymore. This is why the Conscription Act of 1863 was created, which required the registration of all males from ages 20 to 45, and it prompted the provision of manpower.
The Life of John Lincoln Clem
He was born in Newark, Ohio, on August 13, 1851, and was also known by his nickname, Johnny Shiloh; he was the son of Roman and Magdalene Klem. John spent most of his childhood attending school and on the farm. However, tragedy struck his family when his mother got hit by a train while she was crossing the tracks. His father then remarried, but he had some conflicts with his stepmother, which made him run away and join the Union Army as a drummer boy during the Civil War.He made his first attempt to join the 3rd Ohio Infantry, but he was rejected due to his age and size. John then made another attempt to join the 22nd Michigan, but he was also refused. Since he is not a Soldier yet, he then just went along with them until the 22nd adopted him as their drummer boy and mascot. For John Lincoln Clem to have a paycheck, officers contributed for him to have a normal Soldier's wage of $13 a month, which allowed him to enlist two years later.Due to his bravery on the battlefield, he became popular. Thus, he was dubbed the youngest noncommissioned officer in American history at the age of 12. While other kids his age were messengers, orderlies, or drummers, his case was different. He wanted to see action on the front lines.
The Legend of the Young Soldier
Due to his actions in Chickamauga, Clem became well known. The Confederate forces surrounded the unit, and the colonel spotted Clem and shouted, "I think the best thing a mite of a chap as you can do is drop that gun," other sources quoted, "damned little Yankee devil." Instead of running, he shot the colonel and rejoined his team. Due to this bravery, he was promoted to sergeant. Another story mentioned that at the Battle of Shiloh, his drum was destroyed, and he almost lost his life to a shrapnel shell that smashed through his drum. Eventually, his comrades rescued him. Thus, he earned the nickname Clem Johnny Shiloh. John Lincoln Clem went on several other fights at Murfreesboro, Perryville, Kennesaw, and Atlanta, where he was injured twice. Clem was discharged from the Army when he was 13 in 1864. He rejoined in 1870 after high school. He failed the entrance exam to join the U.S. Military Academy, so former President Ulysses S. Grant placed him as a second lieutenant in the 24th Infantry Regiment. In 1875, he graduated from artillery school at Fort Monroe, then was promoted to captain in 1882. In 1895, he became a major. Clem was then again promoted in 1901 as a lieutenant colonel and colonel in 1903. Then, he was forced to retire in 1915 at 64. He was again promoted as a brigadier general due to the customary tradition for Civil War Veterans. On August 29, 1916, John Lincoln Clem became major general. Suggested reads:
- Here's How to Get the Most Out of Your National Civil War Museum Visit
- Here Are 15+ Civil War Sites You Need to Visit
Sources:
