Selim Franklin facts for kids

Selim Franklin (born 1814, died 1885) was a very important person in early American and Canadian history. He was a pioneer, meaning he was one of the first people to settle in new areas. Selim was also a successful auctioneer and real estate agent. He was even a talented chess master! Later, he became a lawmaker in Canada. Selim is remembered in groups like the Pioneer Club of San Francisco. Many believe Franklin Street in San Francisco is named after him.

Selim Franklin's Early Life

Selim Franklin was born in Liverpool, England, in 1814. He came from an English-Jewish family. His father, Lewis Franklin, was a banker in Liverpool.

Moving to America

In October 1849, Selim left England and moved to San Francisco. He wanted to be part of the exciting California Gold Rush. His brother Edward and cousins Lewis and Maurice Franklin joined him. Another brother, Lumley Franklin, arrived a few years later in 1854.

Starting a Business

In 1850, Selim and Edward Franklin opened a store on Clay Street Wharf. They sold mining tools and other supplies. By 1851, they started a real estate and auction business. It was called Selim & Edward Franklin Real Estate and Auctioneers. They advertised properties in the local newspaper, The Daily Alta California.

Building Hotels

Selim and his brother Edward built the Franklin House in San Francisco in 1852. It was listed as one of the city's nicer hotels. Doctors, lawyers, and even a judge lived there. Later, his cousins Lewis and Maurice built another Franklin House in San Diego in 1855. This was the first three-story building in Southern California!

A New Chapter in Canada

In 1858, Selim moved to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. His brother Lumley Franklin went with him. They opened a new business called Franklin & Company. It was an auction and land agency.

Government Auctioneers

Franklin & Company placed large ads in the newspaper, The British Colonist. They listed many items for auction, like real estate, furniture, and even cattle. Because they were born in Britain, Governor James Douglas chose them. They became the first government auctioneers in Victoria and British Columbia.

Helping the Queen

Selim was also an advisor to Queen Victoria in 1859. This was during a disagreement over the San Juan Islands. This event was called the Oregon boundary dispute.

Selim's Political Role

In 1859, Selim was elected to the Legislature of British Columbia. This was a big moment! He became the first Jewish person to serve in any legislature in British North America.

Community Leader

Selim was a founding member of the Freemason lodge in Victoria. He was also the leader of the Vancouver Island Exploring Expedition in 1864. The Franklin River on Vancouver Island is named after him. Selim and his brother Lumley also helped start the Victoria Philharmonic Society.

Returning to San Francisco

Selim left the British Columbia Legislature in 1866. He then moved back to San Francisco. In 1881, he was listed as a trustee for the Geographical Society of the Pacific. Selim passed away sometime after May 1885.

Selim Franklin: Chess Master

Selim Franklin was a very skilled chess player. He played in famous chess clubs in London. These included the Westminster Chess Club.

American Chess Congress

In 1857, Selim helped plan the first American Chess Congress. This big event was held in New York. It made 20-year-old American Paul Morphy an international chess star.

Top-Ranked Player

Franklin was also the President of the California Chess Congress. After a big win, he was ranked as the 108th best chess player in the world!

Last Matches

Selim played in several chess matches in London between 1868 and 1871. His last important match was in San Francisco in 1884. He played against the famous chess master Johannes Zukertort. This match took place at the Mechanics' Institute Chess Room. Zukertort later played in the World Chess Championship 1886.