Alexander Howard Johnson, born in 1846 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, holds the distinction of being the first African American musician to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the age of 16, on March 2, 1863, he joined Company C of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a drummer boy. The 54th Regiment, led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, was one of the first African American units in the Union Army.
Johnson's early life was marked by significant challenges. Orphaned before the age of five, he was adopted by William Henry Johnson, a former slave who became one of the first Black lawyers in the United States and a close associate of Frederick Douglass. This upbringing likely influenced Alexander's commitment to the abolitionist cause.
During his service, Johnson participated in several key battles, including the assault on Fort Wagner on July 18, 1863, where the 54th Regiment demonstrated extraordinary bravery despite suffering heavy casualties. His role as a drummer was crucial, as drummers were responsible for communication and maintaining troop morale during combat.
After the war, Johnson settled in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he became an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic's General George H. Ward Post No. 10 and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He founded "Johnson's Drum Corps," through which he taught drumming to many students and established a drum and bugle corps, contributing to the city's musical heritage.
In recognition of his service, Johnson is depicted as the drummer leading the column of troops on the memorial honoring Colonel Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts in front of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. This monument stands as a testament to his and his regiment's bravery and dedication
Alexander Howard Johnson passed away on March 19, 1930, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and musical contribution.