The 12-Year-Old Who Fought In the Civil War
Posted by glen from mentalfloss.com
Pin it! 
" Undeterred by his youth, Clem forced his way into the conflict. By the time he was discharged near the end of the war, he had not only seen active combat but had become a national folk hero as well—and he wasn't even 13."
Added in Historical
3 comments
Login to comment →
barefootgreg 7 years, 10 months ago
My great grandfather tried to join the North Carolina Union Cavalry and they would take him because they knew he was only 15, so he road across the mountain, lied about his age and joined the 3rd Regiment (Company A) of the Tennessee Union Cavalry.
Reply
glen 7 years, 10 months ago
Wow! That's incredible. I'm pretty sure the ride over the mountain would be too daunting for me at that age. Or now, come to think of it.
Reply
barefootgreg 7 years, 10 months ago
No kidding, the things that were done and considered normal in that day.. Life by necessity and conviction.
Reply