The son of Robert and Susan (Burchell) Bonynge,[1][2] he was born in New York City on September 8, 1863, and attended public schools.

[1] He graduated from Columbia Law School, New York City and was admitted to the bar in 1885.

[3] In 1902, confidence men Sam and Lou Blonger engaged in election fraud for Bonynge.

[6] Bonynge successfully contested the election to the 58th Congress of John F. Shafroth, and served the remainder of the term.

[3] He settled claims against Germany to compensate for losses of 114 American people who died in the sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915.

The New York Times stated that he accomplished "bringing order out of chaos left by the World War".

[5] On January 20, 1886, he married Mary Alida Riblet in New York City.

[5] He was a member of the Woodsmen of the World, Masonic Temple, Knights Templar, Royal El Jebel Shrine, and Elks.

[5] He died in New York City, September 22, 1939, and was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery.