Nimrod Burke, 23rd USCT
Nimrod Burke (circa 1836–1914) was a Black soldier, scout, and patriot who fought for the United States Army during the Civil War. Born in Prince William County Virginia, Burke escaped to Ohio, where he built a life as a free man. He worked as a handyman under Marietta, Ohio, attorney and abolitionist Melvin Clarke. Under Clarke’s tutelage, Nimrod learned to read, write, and count. At the outbreak of war, Nimrod attempted to enlist in the Federal Army but could not because of his race. Instead, when Clarke became major of the 36th Ohio Infantry, he hired Burke as a wagon teamster and scout.
In 1863, following the establishment of Black regiments, he officially enlisted in the 127th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (later the 5th U.S. Colored Infantry). In late April and early May 1864, Nimrod Burke returned home to Prince William County as the 9th Corps passed through, with the 23rd USCT bivouacking at Manassas Junction. Burk was in Arlington’s Camp Casey only a couple of months before the regiment marched off on the Overland Campaign. He represents one of almost 6,000 men who passed through the USCT training camp in the time it was operational, and he’s emblematic of the hundreds who served as the essential intermediaries between the White officers and Black enlisted men — a much more significant role that in White regiments, when the officers were not such strangers to the majority of their subordinates.
Burke’s significance is that in many ways he typifies the core cadre of USCT NCOs — from the south but with a northern connection, free and literate before the war, and apparently “lighter” than most of his comrades (his descriptive roll gives his complexion as “mulatto”). These characteristics might have got him his first pair of chevrons early, but actual job performance ensured that he rose from there.
He served throughout the war, surviving the Battle of the Crater in July 1864. Burke and his comrades mustered out in Texas on November 30, 1865, just days before the 13th Amendment was ratified, officially ending slavery in the United States.He fought in multiple battles, demonstrating exceptional courage and dedication to the cause of freedom.
After the war, Burke returned to Ohio, where he continued to advocate for civil rights and veterans’ recognition. His legacy is one of resilience, service, and the unwavering pursuit of liberty.
“I was a soldier and fought for my country.” – Nimrod Burke
