Erasmus James Philipps

Erasmus James Philipps (23 April 1705 – 26 September 1760) was the second longest serving member on Nova Scotia Council (1730-1760) and the nephew of Nova Scotia Governor Richard Philipps.

Paul Mascarene, Major Philipps became commander of the forces at Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia (1749-1760).

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.

[3] During King George’s War, Philipps looked after providing accommodation and supplies for the troops during the Battle of Grand Pré (1747).

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.