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Philip Hankin
Philip Hankin was born on May 30, 1836, in Hertfordshire, England, as the child of Daniel and Elizabeth Dorothy (nee Potter) Hankin. He was the fifth of fourteen children.

Career
He joined the Royal Navy as an officer and eventually became a Lieutenant. In 1857, he sailed to Victoria from England aboard the HMS Plumper. In1862, he was a Lieutenant on the HMS Hecate, a British surveying vessel assigned to the significant task of exploring Vancouver Island, stretching from Kyuquot Inlet to Fort Rupert. Guided by the expertise of Captain Richards, this expedition received valuable assistance from a team of knowledgeable First Nations guides.

In 1864, Hankin embarked on a voyage aboard the HMS Sutlej, serving as an interpreter under Rear-Admiral Denman during an expedition in Clayoquot Sound. During this expedition, Hankin showcased his remarkable skills in mediating between the navy and the Ahousat First Nations by holding discussions with the Ahousat chiefs alone and unarmed, achieving successful discourse. His skill caught the attention of Captain Richards, who, in turn, recommended Hankin for the position of superintendent of police in Victoria.

Hankin's tenure in Victoria endured until 1866 when, due to the union of British Columbia and Vancouver Island, numerous colonial positions, including his, were dissolved. Subsequently, he made his way back to England and was later designated as the colonial secretary of British Honduras. During this period, a dispatch mix-up between Governor Seymour and the Duke of Buckingham regarding the performance of William Young, who was then British Columbia's colonial secretary, prompted the Duke of Buckingham to call for Young's replacement. Hankin was recommended as Young's replacement. He served as colonial secretary in BC from 1869 until the province joined Confederation in 1871.

In his memoirs, Hankin reflected upon his eventful life, acknowledging, “I have had many ups and downs and have travelled several times around the world… although I have been somewhat of a rolling stone, yet, I have gathered some moss.”

Personal Life
In 1865, Hankin married Isabella Gertrude Nagle, the daughter of Captain Jeremiah Nagle.

Mentions in Contemporary Literature
The 2023 book, The Eventful Life of Philip Hankin: Worldwide Traveller and Witness to British Columbia's Early History by Geoff Mynett and published by Caitlin Press showcases the eventful and fascinating life of Philip Hankin, British Columbia’s own proverbial “rolling stone” and witness to the shaping of a province in flux.