The word "foremaster" doesn't appear the the Oxford English Dictionary (the on-line version), nor in the Dict. of Americanisms on Historical Principles, publ. about 1948,and compiled by an editor of the OED (--- Mathews).

GAT

George A. Thompson
Author of A Documentary History of "The African Theatre", Northwestern Univ. Pr., 1998, but nothing much lately.

----- Original Message -----
From: The HealthField Alliance <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 9:31 am
Subject: [NYHIST-L] Dickinson Center NY
To: [log in to unmask]

> Hello-
> 
>  
> 
> I am contacting you at the suggestion of Robert Weible, State 
> Historian and
> Chief Curator New York State Museum.
> 
>  
> 
> My mother, Dorothy Jandrew, was town historian for Dickinson Center, New
> York, for many years.  I am helping her do research for a book on the
> history of Dickinson Center.
> 
>  
> 
> Records show Town Supervisors, Assessors, etc.  However, there is an 1809
> listing for an official entitled "Foremaster."  I cannot find a 
> reference to
> this anywhere and was wondering if you can tell me what the duties of 
> a town
> Foremaster were?
> 
>  
> 
> Also, I would like to obtain a "job description" (of sorts) or list of
> duties of a Town Supervisor during the 1800's.  Do you know of any resources
> for me?
> 
>  
> 
> In fact, any information regarding Dickinson Center would be most welcome.
> 
>  
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
>  
> 
> Wanda Parker
> 
>  
> 
>  
>