Was my ancestor a Sons of Temperance member?
Records of most members would have been limited. Some records of local branches may have been deposited in archives or record offices.
Local newspapers frequently reported on the meetings and activities of Sons of Temperance divisions. If your ancestor was a prominent member he may have been referred to in the Son of Temperance, a monthly newsletter of the Sons of Temperance. Family history research
What are Cadets of Temperance?
Juvenile members of the Sons of Temperance (boys and girls under 16 years) were known as Cadets of Temperance. Local clubs, known as Cadet Sections, promoted citizenship and temperance education through competitions and other activities. Cadets of Temperance
Sons and Daughters?
When originally formed, the Sons of Temperance admitted only men. A parallel, but independent, organization for women was called the Daughters of Temperance. Later the Sons of Temperance allowed the admission of women members, and the two organizations subsequently merged.
Why Teetotal?
The word 'teetotal' was coined, inadvertently, by Dicky Turner (one of the 'seven men of Preston') who stuttered – "tee total" – when saying that he would be a total abstainer.
His tombstone bears this inscription: "Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of Richard Turner, author of the word Teetotal as applied to abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, who departed this life on the 27th day of October 1846, aged 56 years."
Hence teetotaler, teetotalism, or teetotaller.
What is the meaning of Temperance?
Temperance is the practice of moderation, but abstinence from things harmful. As derived from one of the four Cardinal Virtues – temperance.
What are Friendly Societies?
Basically, friendly societies are mutual savings societies whose members pay into common funds from which they are entitled to claim for sickness, funeral costs, etc. What is a friendly society?
Why be a non drinker?
Some advantages of an alcohol-free lifestyle could be:
• no hangovers,
• no puking in your hair,
• not forgetting what you got up to the night before!
A teetotaller is somebody who abstains from drinking alcohol. They may have never tried it, they may have drunk it in the past, but they don't touch the stuff now. People choose to avoid alcohol for all sorts of reasons. Some give up alcohol due to problems, like alcohol dependency or addiction. Or it may be that they want to be healthier, get rid of their spots, or lose some weight. It could be that they want to save money, or they hate hangovers. Perhaps they don't like the feeling of being drunk or losing control, don't like the taste of alcohol, or have had bad drunken experiences. (Quoted from TheSite.org – 'Being teetotal'.)
How to stop drinking?
Have you noticed that your drinking has increased? Want to cut down or stop drinking alcohol for the health benefits?
This is easier said than done but various agencies offer support and advice. For some general information see HopeUK.org – 'Dealing with dependency', or NHS Choices – 'Alcohol misuse, introduction'.
See also addaction (a large national agency providing a wide range of drug and alcohol services for adults, young people and families). Then there's Alcoholics' Anonymous (self-help groups with 12-step programme for people with an alcohol dependence problem).