Help with this uniform.

[OVI]

This is Willis Walker. He is a friends G-Grandfather and I told her I would find out what I could about him. I found out he was in the 5th US colored troops , Co. B. They came out of the 27th OVI. Can you all help me out with this uniform? I am curious about the epaulets. He was a private as far as I know. He is buried in Nellsonville Ohio and was a Miner, died in 1905. Thank you so much!

 

[major bill]

Shoulder scales worn by enlisted personnel to dress up the frock coat.

 

[OVI]

Fascinating, I had no idea!

 

[DixieRifles]

Nice photo. I don't think I've seen a photo of a black troop quite like this.
Note the piping on his cuffs. What is the brass on his hat?

 

[OVI]

Nice photo. I don't think I've seen a photo of a black troop quite like this.
Note the piping on his cuffs. What is the brass on his hat?

I assume it would say CO. B but I cant tell.

 

[OVI]

I assume it would say CO. B but I cant tell.

 

[OVI]

Guess that didn't help, lol

 

[major bill]

Looks to be a standard enlisted frock coat. The pointed light trim on the sleeve cuffs would#should be light blue. The image is reversed and as best as I can make out it has a "B" over something. When I am at home perhaps I can better enlarge it.

 

[Frederick14Va]

As mentioned his uniform is standard issue Enlisted Frock coat and fatigue cap...

Willis Walker was born in Giles County Virginia, Enlisted in the service on June 22nd 1863 at Athens Ohio.
Enlisted into the 127th Ohio (Colored) Infantry, which later was re-designated the 5th USCT... Mustered out in Sept 1865.

The cap insignia in the image is "B" over "127", taken probably when he first enlisted...

 

[OVI]

As mentioned his uniform is standard issue Enlisted Frock coat and fatigue cap...

Willis Walker was born in Giles County Virginia, Enlisted in the service on June 22nd 1863 at Athens Ohio.
Enlisted into the 127th Ohio (Colored) Infantry, which later was re-designated the 5th USCT... Mustered out in Sept 1865.

The cap insignia in the image is "B" over "127", taken probably when he first enlisted...

Thank you so much, She will be thrilled with this news!

 

[Yulie]

OVI,

I am a member of the commemorative 5th USCI, Co. C, based in Toledo, Ohio. In 2014, several members participated in the 150th Anniversary of New Market Heights. I've looked up his service record, and he would have been at New Market Heights. He was recruited by Milton Holland, was in hospital at New Berne, North Carolina, and eventually got full pay.

Your friend would have been part of a grand ceremony recognizing USCT descendants who had fought there. We were also given the privilege to access private and county property where the men of the 5th marched and camped. I personally took a stone from a creek they crossed.

That said, the members of my organization like to connect with descendants of members of the 5th so we can honor them and glean from their family histories. Can you send me a private message and connect me with your friend.

Thanks,
-Yulie

EDITED: Retraction: I can't say for certain if Walker was at the Battle of New Market Heights in September 1864. He was detached as a regimental pioneer in May 1864, May-Nov 1864 and July-Aug 1865. Specifics are not on the muster cards. It's for certain that the 5th was in the vicinity of Richmond, therefore it's a possible maybe might guess that he was working with the Army Corp of Engineers thereabouts.

 

[Yulie]

Pvt. Willis Walker

Birth: Apr. 18, 1842
Death: May 15, 1905
Expired Image Removed
CO B 5th Reg US COL Troops

Note: Soldiers Burial Records show Willie but the headstone indicates Willis

Burial:
Greenlawn Cemetery
Nelsonville
Athens County
Ohio, USA
Plot: Sec 1

Find A Grave Memorial# 129715847

Expired Image Removed


Also see:

Also see: http://genealogytrails.com/ohio/athens/athens_Co__Civil_War_USCT_.htm

-Yulie

 

[OVI]

I actually went down there and looked for it, no luck. I did however fix all of the flags!