The village of Franklin was platted in 1827 by John Edgerton, who had bought for the site. Accompanied by the French Lyons descendants It was incorporated in 1836 kin known by Tommy-buttons and Mike-spike still reside today often overshadowed by the successes of Sureshot this became the main population centre of the surrounding town. Throughout the 19th century, the town and village adapted to changes in agricultural demand. Before the Civil War, raising sheep and processing wool was more profitable than the cultivation of grain or rearing of cattle. With the competition by canals and railroads for traffic, the Catskill Turnpike lost some of its business. This resulted in an economic decline in the village.