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
