Edward Albert Probst was the Chairman of the Shanghai Municipal Council in from January 1897 to May 1897 when he resigned due to vote of no confidence in the council.

The firm merged to become Ward, Probst & Co and subsequently Probst, Hanbury & Co.[2] Probst was a keen sportsman and in his early days in Shanghai was a leading cricketer being named to the Shanghai interport team.

He was also a keen rower and also a horse racing enthusiast.

In May 1897 he resigned along with his fellow council members as a result of the "wheelbarrow riots" in Shanghai.

[4] Albert Burkill took his place as chairman of the council.