1855: Lumber Kings

James Bonfield, King of the Bonnechere, John Egan, King of the Ottawa Valley, and Alexander MacDonnell, King of the Four Rivers (Madawaska, Bonnechere, Indian, and Mississippi) were the undisputed monarchs of the Ottawa Valley lumber trade. Although they became the stuff of legends, the great risks inherent in lumbering resulted in each one dying a pauper.

Here's a health to John Egan
Chief of the Norway Pine . . .
Likewise of the Petawawa
And Bonnechere so fine

A thousand years may come and go
And still the poets sing
The mighty Lord of Pineland
Was every inch a king.
—Raftsmen's Song

Illustration: John Egan

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