Lumley Franklin (1808 – 3 August 1873) was the 2nd mayor of Victoria, British Columbia. He was born in Liverpool, England, the son of a successful banker. Lumley emigrated from London to New York City in 1845 to establish his career in the U.S. He was a successful business man before he moved to San Francisco in 1854 to join his brothers Edward and Selim during the California Gold Rush. Lumley's cousins, Maurice and Lewis Franklin, had already left San Francisco to establish the Franklin House in San Diego, but frequently visited San Francisco. (See photo of Lumley and Selim Franklin in Victoria.)
Lumley stayed in California until 1858 when he and younger brother Selim (1814–1884) moved up to Victoria for the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. In Victoria, Lumley and Selim established Franklin & Company, Auctioneers and Land Agents, at the foot of Yates Street. Because they were English citizens, they were appointed by Governor James Douglas as the first government auctioneers for British Columbia. Franklin & Company took out full page adds in the daily newspaper, The British Colonist, to advertise items up for auction which usually included properties in the area, furniture, cattle, books, photographs and carriages. In addition, the Franklins bought up properties around Victoria for their own ownership, including a cattle sale yard on Fort Street. One of Lumley's properties in the Seattle, Washington area became the subject of a US Supreme Court ruling in 1896: Hanford vs. Davies.
Franklin did not marry or have any children, but he did have other achievements. Lumley achieved the title of Esquire and was a founding member of the Freemason lodge in Victoria. He was also a member of the grand jury that heard the trial of Tshuanahusset regarding the murder of William Robinson. In June 1867, Lumley was selected to the Board of Education of Vancouver Island along Dr. Powell (Chairman), David Higgins, Francis Garesche, and Thomas Wood.
Franklin Street in Victoria was named after Lumley Franklin. The Franklin River on Vancouver Island was named for his brother Selim.
Read more about Lumley Franklin: Mayor of Victoria, Composer and Co-founder of Victoria Philharmonic Society, Death and Estate of Lumley Franklin, Esquire