Franklin County Genealogy Lookup

Franklin County genealogy records go back to 1808 when the county split from Clinton County along the Canadian border. The county clerk in Malone holds land deeds, court records, marriage files, and Civil War papers that cover more than two hundred years of North Country history. The Franklin County Historical Society has museum collections and family papers. The surrogate's court keeps probate files from 1808 forward. If your ancestors lived along the northern edge of the Adirondacks or near the Canadian border, Franklin County is where you will want to look for family records.

Franklin County Clerk Records

The Franklin County Clerk is at 355 West Main Street in Malone, NY 12953. Phone is (518) 481-1681. Land records start in 1808 and cover deeds, mortgages, and liens. Court records from 1808 include Supreme Court and County Court files.

The clerk holds marriage records from 1908 to 1935. Under the Domestic Relations Law, county clerks were required to file marriage licenses during this period. Franklin County also has Civil War records that document local soldiers. New York State Census records for 1855 through 1925 are on file here. These state censuses fill in details between the federal census years and can include birthplace and years of residence.

Land records are indexed by grantor and grantee. Copy fees are $0.65 per page. Certification runs $5.00 per document. In-person research is available during business hours. Mail requests are accepted.

Franklin County Historical Society

The Franklin County Historical Society at 51 Milwaukee Street in Malone, NY 12953 keeps family papers, photographs, maps, local histories, and museum collections. Call (518) 483-2750 for hours. The society is a good source for records that the county clerk does not have, especially church records and old newspapers from small North Country towns.

Many early Franklin County families came from New England or French Canada. The historical society has materials that trace these migration patterns. If your ancestor crossed the border from Quebec, the society may have information about the family's arrival and early settlement in Franklin County.

Probate Files in Franklin County

The Franklin County Surrogate's Court holds probate records from 1808 to the present. The court is at 355 West Main Street in Malone. Phone is (518) 481-1682. Wills, estate inventories, and guardianship papers are all here.

A probate file can reveal family details that no other record captures. Wills often name every child. Estate inventories list property, tools, and livestock. Guardianship papers show who took care of minor children after a parent died. Under the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act, you can write to the court to request copies. Include the decedent's name and an approximate death date. The Estates, Powers and Trust Law governs how these records are created and maintained.

Note: Check the FamilySearch catalog for microfilmed Franklin County surrogate records before making the trip.

State Resources for Franklin County Genealogy

The New York State Archives in Albany keeps vital records indexes that cover Franklin County. Birth indexes go through 1937. Death and marriage indexes are released after 50 years. These give you a name, date, place, and state file number that you need to order a copy from the Department of Health.

DOH search fees start at $22 for three years. Processing takes eight months or longer. Under Public Health Law Sections 4173 and 4174, birth certificates open after 75 years if the person is known to be dead. Death certificates open after 50 years. Marriage certificates need 50 years and both spouses dead. For faster results, send your request to the local registrar in the town where the event happened.

Reclaim The Records published the full New York State Death Index from 1880 to 2017 after winning a court case in 2025. The free download covers Franklin County deaths with names, dates, ages, and state file numbers.

Franklin County Genealogy Tips

Franklin County was formed from Clinton County. For records before 1808, check the Clinton County Clerk. The county sits on the Canadian border, so some ancestors may have records on both sides. Canadian census and church records from Quebec can complement what you find in Franklin County.

FamilySearch has digitized many Franklin County records. Check under "New York, Franklin" in their catalog. The state census for 1855 through 1925 is especially useful for this county because federal census records from 1890 were mostly destroyed in a fire. The 1892 New York State Census helps fill that gap. Under Arts and Cultural Affairs Law Section 57.19, the county historian also collects and preserves local records.

Census and Naturalization Records for Franklin County Genealogy

Federal census records for Franklin County run from 1810 to 1950 (with the 1890 census lost to fire). You can search these free on FamilySearch or through Ancestry. The New York State Census adds more years: 1855, 1865, 1875, 1892, 1905, 1915, and 1925. Each state count may list a person's name, age, birthplace, and years in the county. These fill gaps that the federal census leaves.

Naturalization records at the clerk's office are not well known but very useful. Before 1906, county courts handled most citizenship cases. After 1906, the federal government took over. The county clerk still has the pre-1906 papers. They list the immigrant's old country, date of arrival, and sometimes the ship name. If your Franklin County ancestor came from Quebec or elsewhere in Canada, these records can confirm the crossing.

Reclaim The Records won a court case in 2025 that opened the full New York State Death Index from 1880 to 2017. This free data set covers Franklin County and gives you names, dates of death, ages, and state file numbers you can use to order copies.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County borders several North Country and Adirondack counties. Check these for related genealogy records.