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