JORDAN .B. NOBLE
Drummer Boy, Seventh Regiment and Principal Musician, First Regiment, Louisiana Volunteers
Jordan B. Noble was born around 1800, in Georgia. Later he moved to Louisiana and, at the age of 13, was serving with the Seventh Regiment of General Andrew Jackson's force during the War of 1812. He beat drums at many famous battles and other events, and on January 8, 1815, played the drums at Reveille and before an important engagement. It has also been stated that he served in the Seminole War in Florida in 1836.
Noble served as a principal musician during the Mexican War (one of the few blacks known to have served in this war) with the First Regiment, Louisiana Volunteers, Colonel Walton commanding. His name appears in the military service record as follows:
"Noble, J.B. Company Field and Staff, First Louisiana Military Volunteers (Mexican, the Delaware on the evening before the battle of Trenton, December 25, 1779, a War). Principal Musician. Enrolled May 9, 1846 at New Orleans, Louisiana, for six months. On roll dated August 1846. Book Mark 970 B 1884, Mexican War."