My name is Jonathan Welch commanding a newly raised company of cavalry from Lancaster County, Pa (2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry/59th Regiment Co.D "Pequea Dragoons"). We are based out of Strasburg, Pa in particular and hold annual meetings at the Charles M. Howell Lodge #496 Fellowship Hall in Millersville, Pa.
We are capable of fielding at least five dismounted privates, myself, a 1st Lt, and a First Sgt. With four more enlistees in inactive or ready reserve status (meaning they make no less than two events a season to maintain membership) Our recruiting base of operations is in Lancaster, Chester, and York Counties.
My motivation for the creation of a Union unit started with my historical interest in Lancaster County, Pa. With family ties that stem in the county for over 300yrs, my ambition has been to bring a bona fide mounted/dismounted cavalry unit for and from this area.
We have been in search of a exemplary umbrella unit to affiliate with that is in line with our goals of a practical balance between safety and authenticity, to make an honest Civil War impression to visitors and spectators while not insensible to the fact that these historical events take place in a modern world and are subject to present day safety and event concerns.
It seems Birney's is a first rate fit, and I have been in communication with Col. Rohrbaugh, Chief of Staff to move forward with the companies membership into the division.
Co. D at its events hosts dinner for all of its membership every Sat night. We have two encampments every year at either the White Horse Mill (White Horse Lancaster County) or the Robert Fulton Birthplace, where we drill for the upcoming year and which serve as a base for interested recruits to come out and join the unit. We are in the process of becoming involved in the conservation of the two regimental state flags used by the 2nd Pa Cavalry in storage in Harrisburg (we are having one reproduced for use by the unit).
About myself I started reenacting in August of 1991 at the age of 13 and have been a member of the 35th Battalion Virginia Cavalry for the entire time I have been reenacting. Initially dismounted I was trained and taught mounted at 16 by the late Maj James Musser. ( I continue to have an almost family relationship with the Musser's and count his son Peter as my best of friends).
In addition to reenacting I am active in the Masonic fraternity and am a Past Master of Charles M. Howell Lodge #496 Millersville for the years of 04,07,08, and 2014, Past Grand Tall Cedar of Lancaster Forest #27 2013 and a Past Royal Patron of Lancaster Court #70 Order of the Amaranth 2009.
Check us out on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/pages/2nd-Pennsylvania-Cavalry59th-Regiment-Co-D/245535108901961
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