Career
He had a twin brother, Edwin, who died in 1854. Black was recruited at the age of eight, on 24 July 1861, as a drummer boy for the 21st Indiana Infantry. He was captured at the Battle of Baton Rouge, but was freed when the city fell and discharged in September 1862.
He re-enlisted in February 1863, and served with the 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery until January 1866.
The drum Black used is now in the collection of the Children"s Museum of Indianapolis.
