Born August 13th, 1851 in Newark, Ohio, John (Often known as Johnny) Clem was just 10 years old when the Civil War broke out. From the beginning, he was determined to join the Union Army and spent a lot of his time doing his best to sneak away and enlist. We was known to skip school and do his best to drill with units passing through town, but each time he was told that the Union Army "doesn't enlist infants". But Johnny was a determined soul, and he wasn't about to let that stop him.

When the 22nd Michigan Volunteer Infantry marched through town (although some say it was the 24th Ohio), Johnny tagged along with the regiment. The officers told him he was too young, and sent him back to town. By the fourth time, they sent him back under guard. When he showed up again, well away from Newark, the men of the regiment gave in and Johnny had his wish. He was made a drummer boy, and men donated portions of their pay to ensure his monthly salary.

When the regiment was at Shiloh, a rebel cannonball blasted through Johnny's drum, splintering it to pieces and only narrowly missing the boy. It is said though that Johnny remained calm, and his attitude impressed the men. He also impressed a nation. Harpers Weekly, a Northern newspaper during the Civil War, dubbed him "Johnny Shiloh" and people eagerly read about the little Union Drummer Boy with the courage of a lion. After Shiloh, the regiment cut down a musket to his size, and Johnny became an infantry soldier by age 11.

He later fought at the battle of Chickamauga, where his fame grew further. When in the confusion of retreat from the field, a confderate Colonel on a horse rode towards Johnny and yelled "Stop you little yankee devil!", meaning to take him prisoner. Johnny Clem, all 60 pounds of him, had no intention of letting that happen. So, turning about, he lifted his musket to his shoulder and shot the Colonel from his horse-killing him instantly. Johnny Clem would go on to fight at Murfreesboro, Perryville, and Atlanta. He stayed in the army and would retire in 1915 as a Major General; having also the distinction of being the last active duty military officer to have served in the Civil War.