Thomas Dee

Age: 21

Allegiance: Union

Highest Rank: Private

Unit: Company K, 140th New York Volunteer Infantry

Occupation: Tobacconist

Buried: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester, NY

Thomas Dee was enlisted Aug. 26, 1862 by Patrick Dowling to serve three years. At time of his enlistment, Thomas was 21 years old and described as 5' 9" tall, with light complexion, light hair and blue eyes. He'd been born in Ireland, but at that time lived in Rochester and worked for the Suggett, Bower & Co, as an article in the Rochester Evening Express newspaper of Aug. 27, 1862 noted that:

"Eight tobacconists, in the employ of Suggett, Bower & Co., of this city, volunteered in the company recruited by Capt. Dowling. We are pleased to learn that Capt. Dowling is meeting with such excellent success. He is getting good men, and with such thorough Lieutenants as Sullivan and Cochrane, there is no doubt that this will be a No. 1 company."

See also James Craddock.

Army life proved to be too much for Dee's constitution and he was discharged for disabilty on Jan. 31, 1863. Another letter published in the Evening Express of Jan. 22, 1863: by "True Blue" described a visit by Dee's sister just prior to his discharge:

"We have had a few or our Rochester acquaintances here lately. They came down for the purpose of visiting their sick friends. This morning, Miss Dee, who has been here for about two weeks to attend to a sick brother, returned with him to Washington, she being fortunate to procure a pass for him. While here she seemed to enjoy camp life, and while in camp she was kindly provided for by the boys, who did everything in their power to make it pleasant for her as long as she chose to remain."

Thomas Dee passed away on Jan. 24, 1899. He is buried in Section 8 of Rochester's Holy Sepulchre cemetery.