P.C. Bonham of Montreal

Overview:

P.C. Bonham was a Montreal-based individual or entity associated with maritime activities, primarily owning and managing vessels on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Records suggest that P.C. Bonham owned the MAGGIE, a barge originally named ONEIDA, from 1915 to 1918.

Connection to Maritime Activities:

1. Ownership of MAGGIE:

• Period: 1915–1918

• Role: P.C. Bonham was recorded as the owner of the wooden barge MAGGIE during this period.

• Function of the Vessel: The MAGGIE was primarily engaged in the transportation of bulk goods like iron ore and grain. It played a role in the commerce of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway regions.

2. Business Operations:

• It is likely that P.C. Bonham was involved in broader shipping, trade, or logistics operations, using vessels like the MAGGIE to support the movement of goods between ports.

Historical Context:

• Montreal as a Shipping Hub:

• During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Montreal was a critical hub for shipping and maritime trade. Entrepreneurs and companies based in the city, like P.C. Bonham, took advantage of its strategic location along the St. Lawrence River to facilitate trade across Canada and the United States.

• P.C. Bonham’s ownership of the MAGGIE fits into this broader narrative of Montreal’s role in Great Lakes and St. Lawrence maritime commerce.

The Fate of MAGGIE under P.C. Bonham:

• In 1918, the MAGGIE foundered off Presque Isle, Michigan, while carrying iron ore. Though the barge was lost, it was not officially removed from the Canadian shipping register until 1937.

Sources for Further Research:

1. Canadian Ship Registers:

• Library and Archives Canada

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File:

• Shipwreck Stories

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:

• Great Lakes History

If you’d like to explore more about P.C. Bonham’s other potential maritime ventures or find specific records, let me know!