The Jordan B. Noble Infantry Snare Drum (left), and the Andrew Jackson Presentation Flag (shown to the right)
New Orleans, LA — From the Gaspar Cusachs Collection of Important Historic Louisiana Cultural Material, “The Jordan B. Noble Infantry Snare Drum” and “The Andrew Jackson Presentation Flag Celebrating the Victory at the Battle of New Orleans” will be auctioned during Neal Auction’s three-day annual Louisiana Purchase Auction™ on December 2, 3 and 4, 2016.
Who is Jordan B. Noble?
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.
After Noble’s death in 1890, The Daily Picayune ran Noble’s obituary under the headline “Answered the Last Roll: Death of the Drummer Boy of Chalmette.” The obituary detailed the events of Noble’s remarkable life and stated that “many will remember the white-headed old man and his well-worn drum.”
Watch WYES’s “New Orleans Tricentennial Moments: Jordan Noble” video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8l7w7FfJdw&index=23&list=PLu0zbkIeJ5ZsZNT5vIIrVlk0v3Ihnj9Bu
About The Gaspar Cusachs Collection
Born in New Orleans, Gaspar Cusachs (1855-1929) was a successful entrepreneur through business ventures in civil engineering and construction. He was active in numerous social and philanthropic organizations, including the Orleans Parish School Board, the Louisiana Historical Society (for which he served as president from 1914 until 1929), and the Louisiana State Museum. Exhibited by the Louisiana State Museum for over 100 years, the Gaspar Cusachs Collection includes some of Louisiana’s most treasured historical objects. Originally loaned to the museum beginning in 1909, these objects were an instrumental part of the early exhibits displayed at the museum and variously remained on view to thousands of museum visitors until early 2016. The drum and presentation flag were displayed at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Mo.
About Neal Auction Company
Neal Auction Company has achieved international recognition as the South’s preeminent antique and fine auction gallery. Neal Auction Company has a thirty-three year history of achieving record prices for paintings, furniture, sculpture, silver and decorative arts. Learn more at www.nealauction.com.
PRESS CONTACT:
Neal Auction Company
Bettine Field Carroll
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504.899.5329
The Estopinal Group
Denise Estopinal
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504.495.2564