Imes, Oliver

Oliver Imes was born in 1842 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania and fought with the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Before enlisting in the army, Imes worked as a laborer. After being drafted in Spruce Hill Township, Pennsylvania, Imes enlisted for a three-year term in Company K of the 8th USCT on November 30, 1863 in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Imes described himself as being a 5 foot, 6 inch tall, 21 years old, with a yellow complexion, black hair, and black eyes. Imes’ regiment left Camp William Penn, their training camp near Philadelphia, on January 16, 1864 for Hilton Head, South Carolina. The 8th proceeded to move into Florida, where they fought in the battle of Olustee on February 20. Imes was a appointed a corporal of his company on July 1, 1865 for being a “good faithful soldier.” Imes later mustered out in November 1865. In 1910, Imes worked as a watchman at a coal yard and lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. (By Rebecca Solnit)