When the Civil War broke out, many of Bethel'
s members volunteered and went to the front. On September 26, 1861, Dr. Marshall was granted leave of absence to spend six weeks with the army at Washington.Captain Thomas Espy, in response to President Lincoln's call, organized the St. Clair Guards. These volunteers, recruited among Bethel's members and in the neighborhood, were mustered into the service of the United States by Lieutenant McLean, July 25, 1861 as Company H of the 62nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Samuel Black commanding. The company served throughout the war and had a most honorable record.
Captain Espy died after being wounded and taken prisoner at Gains Mills, VA on June 27, 1862. Memorabilia which was displayed at the Carnegie Free Library in Carnegie includes a portrait of Captain Thomas Espy and the coat he wore.
The Rev. George Marshall preached a sermon on August 23, 1862 commemorating the character and virtue, the patriotism and noble daring of Captain Thomas Espy, James L. Graham and John C. Gilfillan, all who fell in the defense of their country, in the bloody battles at Richmond.
Dr. Marshall'
s health failed in later years. He preached his last sermon on October 22, 1871. He passed away April 30, 1872.