Search
- Willie Bagley, the "Wisconsin Infant Drummer" Performing at Barnum's Museum, New York, 1864 - 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.
- March 01, 1864
- Collections - Artifact
Willie Bagley, the "Wisconsin Infant Drummer" Performing at Barnum's Museum, New York, 1864
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.