Originally named Sampton in 1820 and Morse's Corners in 1835, the town was organized as Brandt on March 25, 1839, after the Mohawk Chief Col. Joseph Brandt. His Indian name, Pha-wan-da-nee-gah, meant "Wood partly burned" or brand. Mill Branch became Farnham in 1852 in honor of Leroy Farnham, an early merchant and Erie County sheriff.