Born 13 November 1850, died 10 April 1922.
Born in Manchester, but raised in London.
At 17 joined a furniture company and 1880 founded The Cabinet Maker, trade journal.
1889-55 on the London County Council holding East Finsbury for the Progressive Party being Vice Chairman 1895-6.
Founder of the Benn dynasty of politicians (now in its 4th and 5th generations) and Margaret Rutherford being a niece.
Wikipedia page [1]: more details elsewhere, including here.
Details of his archives here