John Conway joined Sheldon’s Horse, the Second Continental Light Dragoons
in the mid ‘80s and immediately become a leader. As the regiment went
through many changes, John became very instrumental in forming the Second
Regiment Light Dragoons, Tallmadge’s Troop. The new regiment was incorporated
in August 1989 and John was appointed President. John held this post until
March 2002 when the position was passed on. He did an extensive amount
of research and documentation for the regiment. The Second Dragoons can
boast having some of the best documentation on a regiment within the Brigade
of the American Revolution (BAR). He also wrote a number of papers on the
use of Dragoons in the hobby and other materials to be used in the hobby
and for publication on the Regiments’ web page.
To John, the hobby of Revolutionary War reenacting was a way of life.
He always strived to be the best and wanted to assist others at being
the best. He pushed for esprit de corps within our regiment and camaraderie
among the men. John’s standards for authenticity will always be in the
forefront for our members.
His enthusiasm and drive for authenticity was evident from the start.
He researched constantly to document the uniforms, actions and daily
lives of the original soldiers of the regiment.
John became a friend to many people -- he was always helping other
people strive to improve their impression. He freely shared his documentation
to make our hobby the best that it could be. John was a Board Member at
Large in the national organization of the BAR, where he served well for
2 years. He was a true inspiration to us all, but his biggest influence
was on the unit’s commander. John became a friend who will never be forgotten.
His love for history and his impact on his friends will last forever.
It was a great loss when John Conway passed away Monday morning July
8, 2002. He is survived by his wife Pat and daughter Caitlin. John
now is at rest in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, NY.
I can’t say enough to show my admiration for this man. John was a
historian, a researcher, a soldier, a leader, a great man and above all,
a true friend.
Our thoughts will always be with you,
your friend,
Lt. Robert S. Allegretto
Commander, Second Regiment Light Dragoons, Tallmadge’s Troop
Conway sits under the fly to
cool off
at one of the hotest events.
Rockford Plantaion in PA 1998
Wethersfield, CT
Recruiting Event 1995
Conway (right) at Oriskany,
NY battlefield 1993
Conway (left) at early Wethersfield,
CT Recruit Event 1993