Philip Francis Little

Contents

Philip Francis Little (1824 – October 21, 1897) was the first Premier of Newfoundland between 1855 and 1858.

Little was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to Cornelius Little and Brigid Little (née Costin).[1] He studied law there with Charles Young and was admitted to the bar in 1844.

He emigrated to Newfoundland in 1846 and articled in law, the first Roman Catholic to practise law in St. John's. His strong views on responsible government, his connections in St. John's Catholic society, and his ability to unite disparate elements of the Liberal Party propelled him to a leadership role in politics.[2]

Politics

Little led the charge for responsible government along with John Kent. After it was granted in 1854, he went on to run a successful campaign as leader of the predominantly Roman Catholic Liberal Party. He became Newfoundland's first Premier in 1855 and served concurrently as the colony's Attorney-General. D.W. Prowse would record that it was, "as near to perfection as possible". With the period of 1855-1857 described as being "the sunshine of prosperity." Little only remained in office until July 15, 1858,[3] when he resigned to be succeeded by John Kent.

He resigned in 1858 saying "I go now before the milk of Human kindness goes sour for me". He was right in that Newfoundland was about to enter an era of sectarian strife.

He was appointed as assistant justice on the Supreme Court of Newfoundland in September 1858, briefly serving as acting Chief Justice in 1859.[1] In 1861, riots broke out over disputed election results from Harbour Grace, and Little played a prominent role in dispersing and calming the crowds.[4]

Personal life

He married Mary Jane Holdright, from a wealthy Anglo-Irish family, in 1864. Philip Little retired to Ireland in 1868 and worked for the Home Rule movement there. He and his wife had 13 children, the youngest of whom, Patrick, became a politician. Philip Francis Little died at age 73 in 1897 in Monkstown, Dublin.[4]

References

  1. 1.[1.2]Colbourne, B. Wade (1991). "Little, Philip Francis". Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, volume 3. St. John's: Harry Cuff Publications Ltd. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
  2. 2."The Government of Canada Commemorates Philip Francis Little as a Person of National Significance". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  3. 3."Finding Aid No. 194" (PDF). Data2.archives.ca. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  4. 4.[4.2]Hiller, J. K. (1990). "Little, Philip Francis". In Halpenny, Francess G. (ed.). Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. XII (1891–1900) (online ed.). University of Toronto Press. Retrieved 24 April 2026.