Born in Carbonear, Philip Tocque (1814-99) was one of Newfoundland's most prolific authors, with numerous books, letters and publications to his name. His most important work is considered to be Newfoundland: as it was, and as it is in 1877 (1878). Patriotic and progressive, traits which show in his various works, he ultimately left Newfoundland in 1849 to further his opportunities. In different stages of his life Tocque served as a teacher, clerk of the peace and Anglican clergyman, working and traveling in New York, Boston, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. (Marjorie M. Doyle and Patrick O'Flaherty, "Tocque, Philip" Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 12.)
