Society of Foresters

A chapter of a benefit organization called the Society of Foresters was founded in Watertown in 1890.  It's purpose appears to have been to provide for medical and funeral expenses of its members.  Originally the American chapters were associated with those in England where the organization started.  Around Nov. 1895 the American group seceded from the English and became the Foresters of America.  The local branches were called Courts and Watertown's was "Court Merritt Heminway, No. 48".  It was organized on  April 17, 1890.  The charter member list gives 22 names of men in Watertown in 1890, for which year the US census is not available.

Source: History of Ancient Westbury and Present Watertown, pgs 110, 111.

        Charter Members 1890

        Forty years later(1930) nine of the original Charter members were still active:
        James D. McGowan, Michael E. Brehen, John Holleran, Patrick F. Minnehan,
        Edward P. McGowan, Thomas P. McGowan, Roderick N. Deland, Samuel Oakley,
        and Silas Marshall.

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 These pages copyright 2002 by Brian Gallagher