History:

The official history of the Franklin Academy began January 10, 1820 when, by an act of the General Assembly of Maryland, John Tolly Worthington, J.T.H. Worthington, Garrett. G. Worthington, Charles Worthington, E.S. Johnson, Nimrod Cromwell, Richard Johns, Adam Shoevers and Dr. Thomas Walker were appointed trustees of the Franklin Academy with power to appoint teachers and to hold, sell, buy, or lease any property for use of the said Academy.

The original records of the Board of Trustees began May 21, 1821. A constitution was adopted and a course of instruction drawn up and immediately put into operation. Also, we find an outline of the courses offered and even the name of the textbooks with their authors.

The first teacher and principal was Dr. Francis Hunter who expected respectful behavior toward the teacher, steady attention to all duties, perfect order, and decorum as indispensable obligations on the part of every pupil. Fines were made for any defacement of the school property, and pupils were not allowed to trespass on neighboring land.

Up to 1823 the school occupied property owned by Miss Marty Richardson for which $120 was paid annually. Continued dissatisfaction with the school accommodations forced the trustees in 1824 to appoint a building committee for a new schoolhouse. Dr. Silas Larsh was a most active member of the committee. The funds for this building were raised by public subscription which amounted to more than $1200. Subscriptions ranged from one dollar to fifty dollars. Others not able to contribute money, donated their labor and building materials. Among the largest subscribers were Daniel Forney, Charles Larsh, Dr. Hall, Mr. Ducker, Samuel Harryman, [and]Samuel and Harry Reister.

The new building was completed in 1826. When it was nearly finished, a barbecue was held, at which time several candidates for office made their appearance and enlisted votes. Money was collected from them and others and their money was used to build the cupola on top of the Academy.