New School 1993 photo by W. M. Glen

POST OFFICE

The first post office in Bonshaw opened in February 1854 but only survived until July 20th the same year (6). Where it was and who was the postmaster is not known.

The second one opened in May 1859 and has continued to serve the community up to the present day (6,5). The first postmaster at the second post office was probably Alexander McNevin (He was certainly the postmaster in 1860)(7). The following year he was succeeded by his son Donald McNevin who held the post until his death in July 1866 (8).

Between 1866 and 1872 the position was held by Albert Morrow (1867), William Rodd (1868) and J. G. Rodd (1869 - 1871) (7).

In 1872 Alexander Robertson became the postmaster until his death in 1886 when he was succeeded by his son James A. Robertson (9). James held the post until July 1912, when he was dismissed because he was of the wrong political party (9). Some things haven't changed!

Other Postmasters/Postmistress were/are

Samuel Beaton 1912 - 1923

Dr. J. M. Murchison 1923 - 1938

Sophia Murchison 1938 - 1950

Carol McDonald 1950 - 1954

Alfred McPhail 1954 - 1973

Marion McPhail 1973 - present

Mrs. Sophia Murchison took over the Post Office temporarily and then was appointed to the position of Post Mistress after the death of her husband in 1938. She was assisted at the Post Office by Margaret Conway. The post office brought in $323.43 for 193 7-38 and $269.00 of this was paid to Mrs. Murchison as the Post Mistress. Out of this amount, she was expected to furnish the necessary premises in which to locate the office, whatever assistance was required to conduct it properly and provide supplies of stationery, twine, etc. (9).

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