The Captain Thomas Espy
Grand Army of the Republic Post #153,
A Brief History

by Bill McLaughlin

In December 1879 a charter was granted to a local chapter at a place called Mansfield, Pennsylvania. It would not become Carnegie until after the turn of the century. The charter lists 21 persons mustered at that time, among them, Mr. R. D. Morrow, Co. A, 9th Pennsylvania Reserves.

December 31, 1904 marked the 25th anniversary of the Post, and at that time 121 persons were listed on the roll, in addition to Mr. Douglas Morrow (transferred to Co. K), Mr. E. P. Holland, Co. C, and Mr. William U. Smith, Co. A, all of the 9th Pennsylvania Reserves (also research the name of Mr. Daniel Bowman, Co. F, 87th Pennsylvania Volunteers).

For some years prior to 1905 the matter was discussed as to what would become of the flags, books, and relics when the last member of the Post answered his last roll call. A committee was formed to meet with the Library Commission as to their views toward granting the Post the use of a room on the second floor of the Library. An agreement was secured and on January 8, 1906 the Articles of Agreement between the Library and the Post were presented. In consideration for the use of the room the Post agreed to pay for, at cost, heat, light and janitorship. They further agreed to furnish the room at their cost, and in keeping with the architectural integrity of the building, had wall cases built to house the artifacts. The Articles of Agreement also stipulated that "when the Post ceased to exist, the contents of the room would become the property of the Library to preserve and protect for all time." The original inventory lists 176 relics. Of that number there may be somewhere around 100 on location. One of those, #154, is a silk flag belonging to the National Lancers, renamed Co. K. 1st Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, 44th Regt. (15th Pennsylvania Reserves) presented to the Company prior to their departure to Harrisburg by the ladies of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, August 1861.

The post was named in honor of Thomas Espy, a prominent resident of Upper St. Clair Township. He was 50 years of age when he enlisted July 4, 1861, was apppointed Captain, and given command of Co. H, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was mortally wounded at Gaines Mills, Virginia, June 27, 1862, taken prisoner, and died while hospitalized. His remains were placed in an unmarked grave. [The monument at left is located in Bethel Cemetery near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.]

The 62nd Pennsylvania was a 12-company regiment recruited from the Pittsburgh area in July 1861. After spending a few weeks at Camp Cameron, near Harrisburg, the regiment moved to Washington where it remained throughout the winter of 61-62. In March 1862 the 62nd participated in the Army of the Potomac's advance to Manassas and was then transported by water to the Yorktown Peninsula. After the siege of Yorktown, the regiment was assigned to the 5th Corps where it remained until its three-year term of enlistment expired.

Their first major engagement was on May 27, 1862 at Hanover Court House; then on June 27 at Gaines Mills. While withdrawing to Malvern Hill they lost 5 color bearers. Between Gaines Mills and Malvern Hill 283 officers and men were lost. They were part of the reserves at 2nd Manassas and were one of the regiments that unsuccessfully stormed Marye's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg. The winter of 62-63 was spent in camp, then Chancellorsville, the Wheatfield at Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, then back into winter quarters near Warrenton. In 64 The Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg were added to their battles. In early July the unit was relieved and was sent home to be mustered out of service. This occurred at Pittsburgh on July 13, 1864.

Originally a local militia company, Co. H was known as the Upper St. Clair Guards. Their Colors were purchased in 1860 at a cost of $46.25. Upon arrival in Harrisburg the Colors were returned to Capt. Espy's family when it was learned that company flags were not to be permitted. There it remained until 1907 when it was obtained for the Post.

The Post was finally closed in the early 30s and the last surviving member answered his last roll call in 1937. The room was to remain closed and unoccupied for 50 years until 1984. It was opened to the public for a brief period, a restoration project attempted, but soon abandoned. It was reopened in late 1992 on a more or less regular basis with a combined effort of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and members of Co. A, 9th Pennsylvania Reserves.

Photographs of the room as it appeared in 1987. See original photos at Espy GAR Post.

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