Wanda, a visit to the Schryer Center of the Franklin County Historical 
and Museum Center might be useful to you.  We have a variety of 
materials regarding old Dickinson as well as genealogical information 
about families from that area.  We are open Tues-Fri 1 to 4 pm or by 
appointment.  (Our schedule for September and following is still 
uncertain.)  We are at 51 Milwaukee Street in Malone; phone is 518-483-2750.

Best wishes,   Ted Mills, Genealogy volunteer

PS.  The term "foremaster" is not familiar to me, and my Internet search 
efforts bring up only people named "Foremaster" plus a couple of city 
streets.

On 8/10/2010 10:35 AM, The HealthField Alliance wrote:
>
> 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
>