Erasmus James Philipps
Erasmus James Philipps (April 23, 1705 – September 26, 1760) was a soldier and political figure in Nova Scotia. He was a member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1759 to 1760. He arranged the Cape Sable Campaign during the French and Indian War.
Career
He was an ensign in the 40th Regiment of Foot stationed in Nova Scotia. In the spring of 1727, he went to Beaubassin under order from lieutenant governor Lawrence Armstrong to administer an oath of loyalty to Britain to the Acadians there; the Acadians refused to comply. In 1730, Philipps was named to Nova Scotia Council.
He became a Freemason while working on a commission to resolve boundaries in New England and, in 1739, became provincial grand master for Nova Scotia; Philipps founded the first Masonic lodge in Canada at Annapolis Royal.[1]
During King Georges War, Philipps looked after providing accommodation and supplies for the troops during the Battle of Grand Pré (1747). He survived the French attack and returned to Annapolis Royal. When the provincial legislature was reorganized in 1749, Philipps was named to the new Council.
He arranged the Cape Sable Campaign during the French and Indian War. He was elected to the provincial assembly in 1759 but died in office of apoplexy in Halifax the following year at the age of 55.
References
- Godfrey, William G (1974). "Erasmus James Philipps". Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online. Retrieved 2008-10-03.