After leaving the army, Colonel Nims took almost no part in military or political affairs--except in connection with Nims' Battery Association and for a short time serving as commander of Post 7, G.A.R. He was also a member of the Loyal Legion. He would never accept a pension. To quote his own words on the subject, "I don't want a pension. It doesn't seem right to me that a man should be paid by the Federal government simply because he was in the army. I served my country to the best of my ability and I don't want any pay for it either. If one were incapacitated for earning a living that would be a different matter."
During the half century that Colonel Nims maintained his drug store at the West End he saw many changes in that neighborhood. Someone has said that he served the poor and needy from his little store as faithfully as he ever served his country in the days of the war. Everyone in that section regarded him as a friend and helper, and he was always ready to give aid to those who needed it. He made it a practice to give away one prescription at least, every day. If the families of any of his men were in need, it was his delight to care for and assist them.
Colonel Nims died at his home, 42 Blossom Street, on May 23, 1911, at the age of 91 years. His funeral was held at Trinity Church on May 25 and was attended by the remaining members of the battery and by members of the Loyal Legion together with many friends who honored and loved him. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.
SECOND BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY, M. V.--(THREE YEARS.) (From Record of Massachusetts Volunteers.)
_Name and Rank._ _Age._ _Residence _Date of _Termination or Place Muster._ of Service._ Credited To._
Nims, Ormand F., Capt. .. Boston July 31, Jan. 7, 1865, '61 resigned.
Marland, William, Capt. 29 Andover Jan. 8, '65 Aug. 11, 1865, exp. of service, B'vt Maj.
Walcott, John W., 1st 39 Roxbury July 31, Dec. 18, 1861, Lieut. '61 resigned.
Bigelow, John, 1st 21 Cambridge July 31, Dec. 18, 1861, Lieut. '61 resigned.
Trull, George G., 1st 30 Boston Dec. 18, Oct. 21, 1862, Lieut. '61 Captain 4th Battery.
Hall, Richard B., 1st 23 Boston Dec. 18, July 29, 1863, Lieut. '61 resigned.
Marland, William, 1st 27 Andover Oct. 22, Captain Jan. Lieut. '62 8, 1865.
