Age: 26
Allegiance: Union
Highest Rank: Private
Unit: Company G, 140th New York Volunteer Infantry
Occupation: Farmer
Buried: Garland Brook Cemetery
Timothy Ratigan's muster record, dated Sept. 13, 1862, lists his age as being 26. He resided in the Town of Riga, New York and his occupation was Farmer. He was described as 5' 3" tall, with a light complexion, blue eyes and light-colored hair. He was assigned to Company G of the 140th NY which was commanded by Captain Perry Sibley. Ratigan volunteered for a period of three years.
A letter written by Jeremiah Keenan, to his mother mentions Timothy Ratigan and a miserable night in the rain spent by Keenan, Ratigan and George Weldon, all of Company G. Keenan was killed later at Gettysburg. Weldon would survive the war only to be crushed by a train shortly after returning home.
Ratigan survived Gettysburg and many other nights in rain, but was severly wounded on May 5th, 1864 during the Battle of the Wilderness. He was hit simultaneously by the four Confederate bullets during the 140th's charge at Saunders Field. The first ball entered his face below the right eye and passed out through the back of his neck. A second knocked four teeth from the right side of his jaw. A third ball damaged the thumb and second finger of his right hand which required their amputation and left the remaining fingers stiff and weak. A fourth ball passed through the muscle of his right arm. James McIntyre and James Hines, also of Company G, carried him to the rear.
Timothy Ratigan spent time in several hospitals including Judicary Square Hospital in Washington before being transfered to the General Hospital in Rochester where he was eventually discharged on April 3, 1865 with 50% disabilty.
After a short illness, in March of 1910, Timothy Ratigan passed away. His funeral was conducted by the Rev. Father J.B. Delany in St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church, Bartholomew County, Indiana. Ratigan settled in Indiana after the war and where he returned to farming.
This feature courtesy of Marcena Thompson.
Last Updated: 07/29/2002