Wooden drum shell, made on January 15, 1850, by Baltimore instrument maker, and German immigrant, William A. Boucher, Jr. (1822-1899). The drum was carried by Silas Tomilson, Jr. who played in the marching band of the "Baltimore City Greys," a militia company established in 1845. It was carried through the Civil War and was badly…

Drum

Description

Wooden drum shell, made on January 15, 1850, by Baltimore instrument maker, and German immigrant, William A. Boucher, Jr. (1822-1899). The drum was carried by Silas Tomilson, Jr. who played in the marching band of the "Baltimore City Greys," a militia company established in 1845. It was carried through the Civil War and was badly "wounded" at the battle of Gettysburg. The instrument passed through the family and was carried by a descendent during the Spanish-American War until his death on April 2, 1899. It then went to Joseph W. Soistman (1892-1950) who served in the marching band of the 5th Regiment, Maryland National Guard before and during World War I. The drum was carried in three American wars by the same Maryland family.

Creator

William Boucher, Jr. Musical Instruments, (Baltimore, Md.)

Date

1850-01-15

Materials

Wood

Object ID

1959.18.1

Resource ID

3869

Notes

Label inside reads: "My Record - Made in Baltimore Jan. 15-1850 - Repaired by Wm. Boucher - 1851 - Used by Silas Tomilson, Jr. - "Drummer in Band" of "Baltimore Greys, 1850 to 186(?) then Carried in almost all the Battles of the Civil War - Wounded bad at Gettysburg - 1876 - Used by my Son and then carried Through the Spanish War - 1898 - Who died of disentary on Apr. 20, 1899 - Finally carried by my grandson in the Old 5th Maryland in World's War in France 1917-1919".

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Charles Soistman

Digital Publisher

Digital resource provided by the Maryland Center for History and Culture

Rights

This digital image is made available here for private study, scholarship, and research. Commercial and other uses are prohibited without the permission of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. For more information, visit the MCHC’s Reproductions and Permissions web page.