Willie Bagley, the "Wisconsin Infant Drummer" Performing at Barnum's Museum, New York, 1864
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Willie Bagley, the four-year-old "Wisconsin Infant Drummer," beat out rhythms and military cadences as part of his performance at P. T. Barnum's American Museum in 1864. Barnum banked on Bagley's appearance as a diminutive Civil War drummer boy to appeal to customers who supported the Union cause. The child performer, also billed as "Major Willie Bagley," did not serve in the military, however.
Willie Bagley, the four-year-old "Wisconsin Infant Drummer," beat out rhythms and military cadences as part of his performance at P. T. Barnum's American Museum in 1864. Barnum banked on Bagley's appearance as a diminutive Civil War drummer boy to appeal to customers who supported the Union cause. The child performer, also billed as "Major Willie Bagley," did not serve in the military, however.
Artifact
Carte-de-visite (Card photograph)
Subject Date
March 1864
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2012.0.5.85
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford
Material
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Albumen process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 4 in
Width: 2.375 in
Inscriptions
verso, printed: The Wisconsin Infant Drummer Four Years Old, (beats the World) As he performed at Barnum's Museum, New York March 1864 Photo, by Stacy, 691 Broadway verso, handwritten: Major Willie Bagley
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