Musgrave, Anthony

MUSGRAVE, Anthony, governor of BC from 1869 to 1871 (b 31 Aug 1828, St John's, Antigua; d 9 Oct 1888, Brisbane, Australia). He had an English education and in 1854 he was appointed colonial secretary in Antigua, where his family had deep roots. It was the first of a series of appointments in Britain's Caribbean possessions. In 1864 Musgrave became governor of Newfoundland, where he argued—unsuccessfully it turned out—for union with the mainland colonies. He succeeded Frederick SEYMOUR as governor of BC and once again made union with Canada his top priority. He threw the prestige and influence of his office behind the CONFEDERATION scheme, persuading many of its opponents to change their minds and lobbying for a transcontinental rail connection to win over the rest. BC's entry into Confederation in 1871 was in large part a result of his efforts. Despite this diplomatic success he turned down the chance to become the province's first LT GOV and departed in 1871. He was later knighted and went on to serve as governor in Africa, Jamaica and Australia. See also COLONIAL GOVERNMENT.