1847-1851 JOSEPH R. FLANDER

Democrat Joseph R. Flander was the first modern Franklin County Judge serving from 1847-1851. Flander's other noteworthy achievements including being chosen as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1846 and his election to the State Assembly in 1846.

1851-1855 JOHN HUTTON

Democrat John Hutton was born in Glasgow, Scotland during the month of September in 1809. Still not in his teens, John and his family moved to Canada in the year 1821. Hutton later attended and graduated from UVM and went on to become an engineer of survey to the old Northern Railroad. Hutton was a WIG early in his political career, but soon became a Democrat. Hutton became the second county Judge when he was elected in 1851. Hutton like Flanders before him, served only one four year term. John Hutton died on April 1, 1862.

1855-1859 GEORGE S. ADAMS

Republican George S. Adams, was born in Bangor, New York in the year 1817. Adams came to Malone in 1844 where he studied law and was then admitted to the bar. Early in his career, Adams was a Democrat known as suave and very popular, he portrayed this in 1850 when he was narrowly defeated by future United States Vice-President William A. Wheeler. Later becoming a member of the know-nothing party George changed his party affiliation to Republican in mid-term. Following his one term as Judge, Adams moved to Burke, New York, a mistake which he never recovered from politically. George lost most of his prominence and died on February 16, 1888. Adam's main impact may be the trend that he set on society. Becoming a Republican mid-term, he would be only the first in a line of Republican dominance which continues today in the Franklin County Courts.

1859-1867 HENRY A. PADDOCK

Republican, Henry A. Paddock, was born on May 2, 1823 in Fort Covington, New York. Paddock was admitted to the bar in 1848 and elected District Attorney in 1853. Henry turned out much the same as George Adams, for he began as a Democrat, but became a Republican in 1855. Paddock became the county's fourth Judge where he served between 1859-1867, the first to serve two-terms. Paddock was also very bright and a respectable businessman. Henry owned mills and also dabbled with the real estate business. Paddock was a force in local affairs continuously until his death on January 4, 1884. Henry A. Paddock was also a National Bank Examiner from 1875-1879.

1867-1877 ALBERT HOBBS

Republican, Albert Hobbs, may be forever known as one of Franklin County's greatest citizens. Ironically, Hobbs was born in Ogdensburg, New York during the month of August 1820. Hobbs went to Malone where he would eventually study law, moving from Constable where he originally studied medicine. Hobbs was elected to the State Assembly in 1855 as a member of the Know-nothing Party. In 1863, Albert was elected to the State Senate, this time as a member of the Republican Party. In 1867, Hobbs became Franklin County's fifth Judge. He served for a ten year term. Hobb's record spoke for itself, as he is portrayed as one of the best Judges to ever grace Franklin County. His ability stood on it's own and far above all else. Hobbs dies on April 11, 1897.

1890-1907 SAMUEL A. BEMAN

Samuel A. Beman was born in Chateaugay, New York on August 21, 1843. His ancestors were of New England Descent and involved greatly in the American Revolution. Beman attended Chateaugay District Schools and also for a time, Franklin Academy in Malone. While a Franklin Academy, Samuel realized he was turning his interest towards law. In 1862, he obtained a place in the office of Will P. Cantwell and under that tutelage was admitted to the bar in 1865. He also had become the Deputy Postmaster in 1864. Such successes pointed Beman in his next direction. In 1865, Beman began a law partnership will William D. Brennan. By 1868, he was elected District Attorney, a position he held for nine years. In 1881, Samuel filled a vacant assemblymen role. In 1889, Beman was elected Judge of Franklin County, a position he would not relinquish until 1908. Beman was known a very light sentencer. Beman's accomplishments extended beyond the courtroom. Samuel is known as a man who served a great deal for the Republican Party. In 1881, Beman retired as a National Guard Captain. Also, Beman had great pride in education. He served for 20 years on various school boards and was outspoken as a Malone School For the Deaf supporter. Beman died on April 1, 1916 in Jacksonville, Florida.

1908-1925 FREDERICK G. PADDOCK

Franklin County's eighth Judge, Frederick G. Paddock, was born on April 15, 1859 in Fort Covington, New York. He was the son of former Franklin County Jurist, Henry A. Paddock (1859-67) and Mary Grove Paddock. Frederick and his family moved to Malone for good in 1866. Paddock went on to graduate from Franklin Academy and then from Columbia University in 1884. On Paddock's return to Malone, he began to practice law. By 1892, Paddock, a Republican, served as District Attorney for 6 years. He held the position of Village President in 1903 and then was elected to be County Judge in 1907. Paddock served three terms and returned to law practice in 1926. Paddock was very prominent in helping Malone improve itself. Most notably, he and wife Katherine Barnhart Paddock provided large amounts of support for Malone to establish what is now Alice Hyde Hospital. He also maintained high support for Franklin Academy throughout his life. Frederick also served in the National Guard. He died on January 28, 1931.

1926-1932 ELLSWORTH C. LAWRENCE

Ellsworth C. Lawrence was born on September 12, 1876 in Albany, Vermont. He was the son of Daniel and Martha Lawrence. Ellsworth was graduated from Bristol, Vermont Academy and later attended Middlebury College where he played football at approximately the turn of the century. Ellsworth, who was later to be known as Middlebury's most distinguished graduate, arrived in the North Country in the early 1900's. Ellsworth served as the principle of Moira School at one point but turned his life towards Law, when he began his studies in the Law Office of John I. Gilbert. By 1904, he was admitted to the bar and became the partner of the esteemed Frederick H. Bryant for a period of 22 years. A lifetime Republican, Ellsworth became a United States Commissioner in 1908 and in 1916, he became the County's District Attorney. During this time, Lawrence accomplished a rare feat. When elections came around, Ellsworth ran unopposed for he had gained the support of both the Democratic and the Republican parties. In 1925 and 1931, things did not change as Ellsworth was elected Franklin County Judge, gaining the support of all, Ellsworth's term as County Judge did not make any records only because he was able to heighten his power when in 1932, he was appointed Justice of the State Supreme Court. He served this position until 1945 when he was elevated to the Appellate Division by Tom Dewey. Ellsworth retired on December 30, 1946 at age 70. Ellsworth was of tremendous service to the entire community. What stands out was "Pops" service for the Malone School for the Deaf where he served at one point as school superintendent. Lawrence was also spending time in his marriage with Lillian Trussell. Ellsworth C. Lawrence died on October 17, 1954.

1932 JOHN M. CANTWELL

Franklin County's tenth Judge, John M. Cantwell, is somewhat of a mystery. Born sometime in 1886, John's most notable achievement is that of proprietor of the Ballard Mill. John's appointment to become Judge happened due to Ellsworth C. Lawrence's promotion to a State Supreme Court Justice position in 1932. Cantwell was nominated by the Democratic Party to take the position of Judge. In 1933, Andrew B. Cooney was elected to replace Cantwell. John Cantwell died on August 5, 1937. His wife, Grace Munge Cantwell lived until 1963.

1933 ANDREW B. COONEY

Franklin County's eleventh Judge, Andrew B. Cooney was born in Moira, New York on June 13, 1868. The son of William and Mary Cooney, Andrew was an 1888 graduate of Franklin Academy in Malone. Following his graduation, Cooney commenced at 2 years of teaching which included working for a short time as Brushton Principal. Cooney then studied Law under Samuel A. Beman and was admitted to the bar in 1893 at Albany. In that same year, Cooney began his law practice in Chateaugay, New York. Quickly, Cooney would form a law partnership with Gordon Main and his son Harold Main which was called Main, Cooney and Main. Cooney then came to be known as an outstanding criminal lawyer. Cooney was involved with three very important murders in the county and even faced the Great Criminal Lawyer, Robert E. Moore. Cooney as a strict Democrat ran on his motto of Justice and was elected Judge of Franklin County. He succeeded John Cantwell on January 1, 1934. Andrew served until his death on April 29, 1937. Often, Cooney rendered many of his Final decisions from his bed. He was married to Elizabeth F. Cooney.

1937-1949 CORNELIUS J. CAREY

Franklin County's twelfth Judge, Cornelius J. Carey, was born on May 22, 1908 in Saranac Lake, New York. Cornelius was the son of Cornelius J. and Mary Elizabeth Carey. A graduate of Saranac Lake High School, Carey attended and graduated from Notre Dame in 1930. Notably, he was the manager of Notre Dame's university men's basketball team. Later Cornelius replaced Andrew B. Cooney to become the Franklin County Judge. At the age of 29, Carey was by far the youngest Judge in New York State. Carey would serve as county judge for another 14 years. Following Carey's period on the bench, he entered private law with LaRocque, Piasecki and Clark. Carey died in Clearwater, Florida on January 25, 1980. It should be mentioned that Carey's wife, Mary Lantry predeceased him on September 24, 1979. In both Mary's and his parent's honor, Carey left large sums of money to churches in both Saranac Lake and Malone for masses honoring them.

1950-1977 ELLSWORTH N. LAWRENCE

Franklin County's thirteenth Judge, Ellsworth "Buck" Lawrence was born on April 4, 1907 in Malone, New York. He was the son of the ninth County Judge, Ellsworth C. Lawrence and Lillian Trussell Lawrence. Lawrence was raised in Malone and graduated from Franklin Academy in 1925. Like his father, Ellsworth continued his education at Middlebury College in 1929 he became the Valedictorian of his class. He then graduated from Harvard Law in 1932. On his return to this area, Ellsworth worked as a Law Clerk for his father until 1933. By December, "Buck" had begun his own law practice in Chateaugay. In 1937, "Buck" was elected District Attorney, a position he held until 1949. Ellsworth also served in the military, from 1943-1946. He served in the United States Navy as an intelligence officer and gained numerous medals. In 1949, Ellsworth began what became the longest term ever for a Franklin County Judge, 28 consecutive years until he retired in 1977 at age 70. A Republican an an avid fisherman Buck was known to be as smart as a whip, and he is often remembered fondly by his coworkers as having an incredible memory. Buck was married three times with his first two wife, Marjorie and Dorothy, predeceasing him. Buck died on January 15, 1994 and was survived by his third wife Jocelyn.

1978-1987 JAN H. PLUMADORE

Franklin County's fourteenth Judge, Jan Plumadore was born on July 29, 1942 in Potsdam, New York. He was the son of Hayward H. Plumadore and May F. Plumadore. Plumadore was raised in Saranac Lake and graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1960. Plumadore continued his education at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York graduating in 1964. He then graduated from Albany Law School in 1968. Plumadore began his law practice in Saranac Lake in 1970. He was elected County Judge in 1977 and his term expired in 1987. Plumadore was also active in the military from 1964-1985. Plumadore was married in 1973 to Barbara Bushnell. Plumadore began serving as Administrative Judge for the Fourth Judicial District in 1994.

1987- ROBERT G. MAIN, JR.