Phillips Callbeck

Who was Phillips Callbeck?

Phillips Callbeck was a merchant, lawyer and political figure in St. John's Island. He served as administrator for the island from 1775 to 1780.

Callbeck is believed to have been born and educated in Ireland. He arrived on the island from England around 1770 and was named to the first legislative council by Governor Walter Patterson. He was named attorney general and probate judge in the same year. He also operated a mill and owned a store. Callbeck was taken prisoner by New England privateers in 1775, shortly after being named colonial administrator during Patterson's absence. He was released and returned to the island by May 1776. After Patterson's return, Callbeck supported the seizure and sale of several townships for arrears. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the provincial assembly in 1784; he was named speaker for the assembly in 1788. After criminal charges were brought against Patterson in London, Callbeck was removed from office in 1789. He died in Charlottetown in 1790.

His grandson Henry Callbeck later served in the provincial assembly.