Benjamin Franklin, the oldest son, and brother of those just named, was an important aid to the government during the strenuous times of the Civil War. His frequent correspondence with the Hon. Wm. H. Seward, and preserved by his son, shows much of the important service rendered. Colonel Lafayette Baker, in his history of men and events in those war times, mentions him frequently, and paid a glowing tribute to him for his successful work for the citizens of his country and the War Department.

He began his public career of usefulness in the City of Philadelphia in 1854. When the city districts were consolidated he was appointed High Constable by Robert T. Conrad, the first Mayor, which was the highest office in the gift of the Mayor at that time to bestow. He was reappointed by Mayor Henry, and later, under Mayor Morton McMichael, he became chief of the detectives. In 1863 he ran down the masters of Bark A1, who had loaded that vessel with guns and shells at the League Island navy yard, intending to take aboard gunpowder at Wilmington, Del., to be turned over to the Confederates. In 1865 Mr. Franklin was active in raising troops for General Hancock's Corps, collecting the last draft of men made in Philadelphia. He was also in charge o the investigation of the Molly Maguire murder conspiracy; also of the famous Whitaker will case, resulting in the imprisonment for ten years of an attorney and several others. In 1870 he established a detective agency with correspondents and agencies all over this country, Canada, and in fact all over the world. He was successful in many of the most celebrated criminal cases in the country. For thirty years he was special detective agent of the Pennsylvania and Vanderbilt Railroads, and it would require quite a volume to record the events and success of his busy life for his city, State and country. Withal he had hosts of friends, and in all his dealings he was the honorable gentleman, ever striving for the good of his fellow-men and the putting down of evil. He was also a prominent Mason and one of the early members of the Union League.

His brother, Stephen, was also long associated with him in much important work. The agency is still in active and successful work, with his oldest son. Malcolm, as chief, who became associated with his father from 1886.