George Bonham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Bonham
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|---|---|
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| 3rd Governor of Hong Kong | |
| In office 21 March 1848 – 13 April 1854 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Lieutenant Governor |
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| Preceded by | Sir John Davis |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Bowring |
| 4th Governor of the Straits Settlements | |
| In office 18 November 1836 – January 1843 |
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| Monarch | William IV Queen Victoria |
| Preceded by | Kenneth Murchison |
| Succeeded by | William Butterworth |
| 3rd Resident Councillor of Singapore | |
| In office 7 December 1833 – 18 November 1836 |
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| Preceded by | Kenneth Murchison |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Church |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samuel George Bonham
7 September 1803 Faversham, Kent |
| Died | 8 October 1863 (aged 60) Paddington, London |
| Resting place | Kensal Green Cemetery, London |
| Spouse |
Ellen Emelia Barnard
(m. 1846; died 1859) |
| Children | George Francis Bonham |
| Relatives | Isabella Charlotte Bonham (sister) |
| Profession | Colonial Administrator |
Sir Samuel George Bonham (born September 7, 1803 – died October 8, 1863) was an important British leader. He served as the 4th Governor of the Straits Settlements and later the 3rd Governor of Hong Kong. He helped manage these areas when they were part of the British Empire.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Samuel George Bonham was born in Faversham, Kent, England, on September 7, 1803. His father, Captain George Bonham, worked for the British East India Company. This company was a powerful trading organization.
When Samuel was just fifteen, he started working for the East India Company. His first job was in Bencoolen, which is on the island of Sumatra.
Leading the Straits Settlements
In 1833, Bonham became the deputy to the Governor of the Straits Settlements. The Straits Settlements were a group of British territories in Southeast Asia. These included Penang, Malacca, and Singapore.
The main governor was often away, so Bonham was in charge of running things. He officially became Governor on November 18, 1836. He held this important job until January 1843.
Changes in Singapore
Bonham first governed from Penang, but he later made Singapore the main home for the Governor. During his time as governor, Singapore became very important for trade. It also played a key role in supplying ships during the First Opium War in China.
Bonham worked to stop a practice where people were forced to work to pay off debts. He also provided a ship to help fight against pirates in the area. To save money, he reduced the number of senior officials from 19 to 8.
Governor of Hong Kong
After working with the East India Company, Bonham was chosen for another big role. On March 21, 1848, he became the Governor of Hong Kong. He was also in charge of trade with China.
Managing Hong Kong's Economy
As Governor, Bonham focused on making Hong Kong's finances stronger. He cut down on government spending to balance the budget. He also encouraged growth in the real estate market. This helped increase the government's income.
His ideas for raising money became a major way for the Hong Kong government to get funds much later on.
Building Trust and Fighting Pirates
Bonham was known for being calm and kind. These qualities helped him gain the trust of the British Government. He also built good relationships with many people in Hong Kong.
In 1850, Bonham asked for help to fight pirates near Hong Kong. A successful mission was carried out against them. He also tried to talk directly with the central government in Peking (now Beijing). He sent a representative, Mr. Medhurst, with a message, but this effort did not work out.
Bonham retired from his position as Governor of Hong Kong in April 1854. He then returned to England.
Later Life and Honors
In November 1850, Bonham was given a special honor. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). This was a reward for his good work in China.
After he returned to England, he received another honor. He was given the title of Baronet on November 27, 1852. This meant he became "Sir Samuel George Bonham, 1st Baronet."
Family Life
In 1846, Bonham married Ellen Emelia Barnard. They had one son named George Francis Bonham. Their son later inherited his father's Baronet title.
Bonham's wife passed away in 1859. He died a few years later, on October 8, 1863, at the age of 60. He was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London.
Legacy and Place Names
Sir Samuel George Bonham is remembered in several places.
- Fort Canning Hill in Singapore was once called Bukit Tuan Bonham (Sir Bonham's Hill) in Malay.
- Bonham Street near Raffles Place in Singapore is also named after him.
- In Hong Kong Island, both Bonham Road and Bonham Strand carry his name.
