Albert Edward McPhillips

He was the son of George McPhillips (born County Monaghan, 1805–1878) and Margaret Lavin (born County Armagh), both of whom were Irish and he was the youngest of six boys.[1][2] His father and three brothers were land surveyors. His brother, George McPhillips Jr. (1848–1913) is commemorated by McPhillips Street in Winnipeg.

McPhillips held a second class certificate from Toronto School of Infantry. He was a lieutenant in the 90th Battalion, Royal Winnipeg Rifles, during the North-West Rebellion in 1885. He fought at the Battle of Fish Creek and Battle of Batoche and received a medal bar and clasp. He retired in 1890 with the rank of captain.[3]

McPhillips was called to the Bar in Manitoba, in Trinity Term in 1882, and to the Bar of British Columbia in 1891. He was a member of Legislative assembly for British Columbia, serving Victoria City from 1898 to 1903, and The Islands from 1907 to 1912. He was Attorney General of British Columbia, resigning on 5 November 1903. McPhillips sat on the British Columbia Court of Appeal as a judge from 1913, serving up until his death in 1938.[4][5]

In 1896, he married Sophia Emily Davie, daughter of the late Hon. A.E.B. Davie Q.C.[3] and had 3 children. His youngest son Albert McPhillips was also a barrister and politician.[6]