William H. Tibbetts

An 18 year old printer in Cambridge, he enlisted in Company C, 3rd Massachusetts Infantry for 3 months' service on 16 April 1861. He mustered out on 22 July and then enlisted on 23 August 1861 as Corporal in Company G, 19th Massachusetts Infantry. He was appointed Sergeant, date not given.

He was listed as missing in action at Antietam on 17 September 1862.

He was wounded in action 3 July 1863 at Gettysburg, PA. He reenlisted 20 December 1863 and was appointed Sergeant Major (or First Sergeant), date not given. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 18 January 1865, and assigned to Company E, but was killed in action at Hatcher's Run, VA on 5 February 1865:

During this fighting, Lieut. William H. Tibbetts, of Co. E, was killed while attempting to force a passage of the Run with his little company - He was a brave and skillful officer and his conduct and memory will never be forgotten. He had been promoted only five days before, from Sergeant Major.

Col. Rice ordered a stretcher to be brought out for him, and Co. A. and Co. B. under Lieut. Hodgkins were sent out to relieve his command. They advanced on the double quick and reached the position without injury although the bullets fell thickly about them. Lieut. Tibbetts was taken to the rear where he died in a short time.

Service information from Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines 1 and the History,2 source of the quote. His gravesite from the Roll of Honor.3

c. 1843

02/05/1865; Hatcher's Run, VA; burial in Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge, MA