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.
In Victoria, Lumley and Selim established Franklin & Company, Auctioneers and Land Agents,[1] at the foot of Yates Street.
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.
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.
During his term in office, Franklin had the privilege of presiding over the installation of the telegraph cable linking Victoria directly to England.
Other founders included Postmaster General Arthur Bushby, Alexander Main, Augustus Pemberton, A.C. Anderson, Joseph Porter, James Leigh, B.W.
De Begnis described Lumley as being an excellent judge of music and possessing accomplished vocal skills, which given his credentials is a supreme compliment.