NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Jordan Bankston Noble was a slave who became a free man and then went on to be Andrew Jackson’s official drummer. Neal Auction Company has come to possess his original drum used during battle, and will be auctioning the item off on Friday, December 2nd.
Jordan Bankston Noble (1800-1890) was the drummer who beat the call to arms for General Andrew Jackson’s troops at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, the final battle of the War of 1812. Most recognized for his time on the battlefield as Jackson’s drummer, Noble’s life spanned almost an entire century and he left a legacy as one of the most revered figures of 19th century New Orleans.
During the decades following the Battle of New Orleans, Jordan Noble continued his military service. He served President Andrew Jackson in 1836 during the Second Seminole War as a member of the Louisiana Volunteers; he was the drummer for the Washington Artillery during the Mexican War in 1846, under the command of General Zachary Taylor; and during the Civil War, Noble served on the Union side as Captain of Company C of the 7th Regiment of the Louisiana Volunteer Infantry.
Respected for his distinguished military record, Noble was also regarded by the black community as a leader in the movement for racial equality. In 1854, Noble was the Louisiana Delegate for the National Emigration of Colored People held in Cleveland, and in 1865, he served on a committee for the Convention of Colored Men of Louisiana held in New Orleans.
The item is expected to go quickly, and could get as much as $500,000 for it.