b. 1842(?)
Charles William Franks was born sometime before
1842, and his later work in the Colony of
British Columbia was limited to only three years as Treasurer. The Duke of Newcastle appointed Franks
to the position of Treasurer in
1864. By June of the same year, Franks was planning his journey from England to the colony
by the West India Mail Steamer. His work as Treasurer included overarching financial matters such as financial returns
on civil charges. Franks also sat on the Royal Ordered Legislative Council at its
first sitting on
21 January 1864.
Although Franks held various positions and was a well-educated individual, he was
described by
Governor Seymour as having a temper
so irritable and…so utterly careless.
On
14 September 1866, Franks was given the knowledge that his position would be terminated on account
of his known disputes and street fights with Public Officers as well as his oft-used
insulting language
and occasional
breaking wind
in front of other officials. His official notice of termination from the Office of the Treasury was received on
22 November 1866. This notice was supposed to have been based on the unification of the colonies of
British Columbia and
Vancouver Island as well as the colonies' poor financial standing for which he was held responsible.
Correspondence between Birch and Cardwell, however, indicate that there was likely
personal conflicts behind his dismissal as well; they describe Franks as being hated
by both Seymour and Birch himself. After Franks' formal dismissal in
January 1867, he was replaced by
Sir William Alexander George Young, and seemingly Franks returned to England.
It is unknown when Franks died or what he did after his dismissal as Treasurer. However,
what is known is that due to Seymour's dis-recommendations, it was almost impossible
for Franks to gain any further employment in the government or Colonial Office.
- 1. Seymour to Carnarvon, 24 February 1867, 3753, CO 60/27, 277.
- 2. Franks to Rogers, 19 May 1864, 4752, CO 60/20, 337.
- 3. J. B. Kerr, Biographical Dictionary of well-known British Columbians: with a historical sketch, (Vancouver: Kerr & Begg, 1890), 39-40.
- 4. Seymour to Grenville, 31 October 1867, 1299, CO 60/29, 317.
- 5. Seymour to Carnarvon, 3753, 277.
- 6. Franks to Grenville, 4 April 1867, 3398, CO 60/31, 227.
- 7. Birch to Cardwell, 4 July 1866, 8290, CO 60/25, 49.
- 8. James E. Hendrikson, Sir William Alexander George Young, Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
- 9. Seymour to Grenville, 1299, 317.