| Administrative History | Friendly societies were in existence in the 17th century but reached their peak in the 19th century. They were originally organisations that provided a mechanism for ordinary people to save or make provision for infirmity, old age, death or burial and are mutual benefit societies owned by their members. They were encouraged by the Registration of Friendly Societies Act 1793 (33 Geo. III c 54). The Friendly Societies Act 1855 (18 & 19 Vict c.63) established the Registrar of Friendly Societies. Some friendly societies also acted as social clubs and organisations and included the Free Gardeners, Oddfellows and Shepherds Friendly Society. |
| Source | The papers were presented by James Smith Shewan (1862-1939), advocate, Aberdeen, in 1935. Shewan was born at Keith-hall in 1862, the son of John Shewan, and graduated MA from Aberdeen University in 1882. He was admitted advocate in Aberdeen in 1913, and was later senior partner in James S. Shewan and Son, advocates, Aberdeen. He died in 1939. |