Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana., Part 42

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago: Bowen
Number of Pages: 1000

USA > Indiana > Grant County > Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana. > Part 42

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Jacob Streib was married December 27. 1853, to Miss Caroline Bowers, who was a hired girl making her own way in the worldi. He had first met her while at Richmond with his brother-in-law, recuperating from weak lungs. He went for his bride with an "old rip" of a team hauling a dilapidated wagon. They began housekeeping in a cabin, but the young wife met every emergency. with a skill that proved her worth, and it was not long till they were on the road to pros- perity. After nearly forty-six years of com-

Jacob received one hundred and twenty acres of the old estate and engaged in the cat- tle business, at which he made rapid prog- , panionship, she was taken from him on the

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23d of July, 1899. The family are James Monroe, John Thomas, George W., Franklin and William. They all grew up on the farm, and are among the industrious and respected farmers of Washington township. Few if any men have done more to add to the mate- rial prosperity of the county. With close at- tention to the little things and by living eco- nomically Mr. Streib made the advance finan- cially that placed him among the county's most prosperous citizens.

WILLIAM HULLEY.

William Hulley, a retired farmer living in ease in Marion, was born near Manchester, Lancashire, England. In 1832 he left Liver- ·pool with his parents, who embarked on the good ship, "Ben Morgan," and after a voy- age of eight or nine weeks arrived safely in Philadelphia, and thence went to Chester, on the Delaware river, in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Hulley worked in a dairy one winter, and in the spring, with his parents and brother Samuel, returned to England. They remained in England about a year and then came back to America and located in Moorefield, Switzerland county, Indiana, where the father purchased two hundred and forty acres of farming land, on which he made his permanent residence. William went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at teaming by the month for four years. He then returned to the home-farm in Switzer- land county, which he managed until his father's death, when he bought out the inter- est of the other heirs and resided on the place until 1892. He then rented the place and came to Marion, and has here since resided il

comfortable and easy retirement at the home of his son, Charles S.

The wife of William Hulley bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Summerville and was born in London, England. She was a member of the Associate Reformed Presby- terian church and died February 19, 1884, in Moorefield, Indiana. She was the mother of eleven children, one of whom died in in- fancy, and William was killed in the war of the Rebellion. Of the survivors, Samuel is in the lumber business in California ; George is a carpenter and farmer in Switzerland county, Indiana; Elkanah has a life sketch elesewhere in this work, and Charles E. is the superintendent of the Citizens' Gas Company at Marion.

William Hulley has made a success of life, and has done so entirely through his own industry and good management. He owns two good farms in Switzerland county, from which he derives a comfortable income and is enabled to live in ease, as intimated above. He is a consistent member of the Methodist church and in politics is a Democrat, but has never felt any ambition for office-holding.

GUS. S. CONDO.

Gus. S. Condo, of the firm of Swezey & Condo, of Marion, Indiana, is a rising young attorney whose talent and application to bus- iness bespeaks him a brilliant future. He was born in Lafayette, this state, July 1, 1874, and is a son of Rev. Samuel S. and Sarah ( Pottorf) Condo, prominent citizens of this city. The family are of German extraction, the great-great-grandfather of our subject. Jacob Condo, having claimed that empire as

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his birthplace, whence he emigrated to Amer- ica, settling in Philadelphia, where the great- grandfather of our subject. John Condo, was born. The latter gentleman probably lived about the time of our great struggle for na- tional independence, and we learn that he was a blacksmith by trade and in religion a mem- bei of the Lutheran church. He was married to Elizabeth Shafer and continued to make his home in Pennsylvania.

Among the children born to them was John Condo, the grandfather, who was ushered into this world on March 14, 1822. When a lad of some ten years he came to Wayne county, Indiana, where he became a most successful farmer and where, on Jan- uary 22, 1844, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Blood. She was born in West Virginia on August 20, 1821, and was a small child when her parents moved to this state. She was a daughter of Michael and Rosanna ( Coffman) Blood and her short life was filled with kindly words and helpful deeds. She was an earnest member of the United Brethren church and her death, which occurred on January 29. 1856, took from that organization one of its most un- tiring workers. She was the mother of six children and the religious atmosphere of the home was the potent factor which influenced every one of the sons in the family to enter the service of the church. John Modre, the eldest child, had espoused the religion of the Methodist Episcopal church and was but just entering the ministerial field when, at the age of twenty-five years, his career was cut short by death. George, the second child. died at the age of eight years. Eli E. was also a minister of the Methodist church and at the age of thirty-two or thirty-three years was at Marshfield, Missouri, when the ter-

rible cyclone of 1880 swept through the state, ciestroying property and lives, and he was numbered among the victims of its fury. Samuel S., the father of Mr. Condo of this sketch, is also a minister. Sarah C., the only daughter, died at the tender age of three years. Adam B. has more than a local repu- tation, not alone as an able minister in the United Brethren church, but as an author and composer of music, several of his works having been published and received compli- mentary mention from musical critics. In 1849 the parents removed to Miami county where they continued to reside until their death. They first entered land near Waw- pecong where they resided about one year when they purchased the farm in Clay town- ship upon which he died July 1, 1889. Be- sides being a successful farmer he possessed considerable talent in music and was a singer of no mean ability, using his voice with effect in the services of the United Brethren church of which he was a member and to which he was devoted. A great deal of this time was given to the work of the church and no effort was thought too great if it worked to the good of that body or the general public. The Sunday-school also came in for a share of his time and attention and he was for a long time the honored superintendent.

Rev. Samuel S. Condo was born August 1. 1849. in Wayne county, near Germantown. and was but a babe in arms when his parents took up their home in Miami county. He was reared on his father's farm and received his primary education in the public schools. supplementing this with a course in the Roa- noke Seminary in Huntington county, this state. When about twenty years old, soon after leaving college, he entered the min- istry for the Evangelical association, and.

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with another minister, was given the Elkhart circuit, comprising five counties. They covered every point in this territory, preaching at each place at least once each month, for one year when he was transferred to St. Mary's circuit for a year. He was then sent to De- catur, Adams county, Indiana, where he was located two years and was pastor of three churches, doing a noble work. The year following was spent as a missionary at D32- ville, Illinois, and in all this work he was steadily gaining force and strength, to en- able him to labor with increased ardor in the Master's vineyard. His itinerancy for the next few years was as follows : Lafayette. In- diana, eighteen months; Akron, Ohio, two years ; Circleville, three years ; Baltimore, two years; West Salem, one year: Akron, two years ; and Cleveland, four years. Here he had charge of the Madison avenue church the first two years, and then accepted the pas- torate of the First church for two years. About this time the great evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, was engaged in his work which has been widespread in its results, and under his influence Mr. Condo determined to enter the same field. He traveled through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas for about a year, preaching the Gospel and exhorting mien to turn from their evil ways. Failing health compelled him to abandon this work and for a couple of years he retired from the ministry in order to recuperate his overtaxed energies. However, his energetic disposition would brook no idleness on his part and in a short time he was found established over a charge at Canton, Ohio, laboring with his old time vim. He remained with this con- gregation some two years when a change in his own views caused him to withdraw from the church and place his allegiance with the

Congregational denomination. With 1111- abated zeal he went to work and caused a church to be erected, acting as pastor of the same for two and one-half years, when he accepted the call to Marion, Indiana, where he was the efficient and beloved pastor of his people for two years when failing health again caused him to relinquish the work he held so dear. His work here has been at- tended with untold good, and it was the cause of general sorrow when his decision to retire permanently from the ministry was an- nounced. He continues to make his home in Marion where he has many friends among all classes of people and in all denominations. He is a truly noble man, and his example has been an inspiration to many to seek a higher life. His ability as a speaker is too well known to need any comment or eulogy from us.

On November 25. 1872, he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Sarah Pottorf, a native of Ohio. Four children blessed their union, namely: Gus S .: Harvey M., who is doing newspaper work: William G., foreman of the Canton Glass Factory ; and Grace D., who is at home.

Gus S. Condo attended the common schools during his early boyhood and grad- uated from the high school at Cleve- land. He had a natural talent for music and a tenor voice of unusual sweet- ness and strength which soon attracted the notice of the best musicians, as did his play- ing upon the slide trombone. He received a flattering offer from the Primrose-West Minstrel Company, which he thought best to accept and remained with them two sea- sens. He had no desire to make music his life-work, but had already made up his mind to enter the profession of law, and to that

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end began reading with Judge Baldwin, of Canton, Ohio. He then entered the law de- partment of the Western Reserve University. cf Cleveland, Ohio, finishing the course Feb- ruary 27, 1896. Returning to Marion he entered the office of Judge H. J. Paulus, re- maining with him until the latter gentleman was nominated for the judgeship, when Mr. Condo in January, 1898, entered into part- nership with Mr. Swezey. This is a very strong firm and has a lucrative clientage. Mr. Condo is a logical reasoner, strong in debate, possessed of high oratorical and liter- ary powers, and is recognized as one of the brightest lights of the local bar. He has a most promising outlook for the future and his friends expect him to win a national repu. tation in his profession. He has been blessed with a fine figure and pleasing address and is a genial, affable gentleman. He is a mem- her of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, of Mar. ion, is Exalted Ruler of the Elks and an hon- ored member of the D. O. K. K. In 1900 he was nominated by the Republicans for prosecuting attorney and made a splendid run, being defeated by only two hundred and eighty votes.

ELIAS BUNDY.

Elias Bundy was born on the 12th of April, 1864, and is the son of John and Hannah (Simon) Bundy, both of whom are now residents of Marshall county, Kansas. From 1871 to 1886, they resided in Grant county, the old home being but one mile east of Fairmount, where the father was a pros- perous and substantial farmer. Upon going to Kansas, he became an extensive cattle raiser, and is now one of the prominent citi-

zens of the county in which he lives. He is quite well remembered by the people of Grant county, as a contractor and builder of gravel roads.

.At the age of sixteen, his father had al- lowed Elias to leave the parental roof to seek a livelihood for himself, giving him his time. He found work on a farm and attended the schools of the community, being imbued with the spirit of having an education. As soon as his circumstances would permit he entered the state Normal School at Terre Haute, where he prepared himself as teacher and en- gaged in teaching when but nineteen, con- tinuing to follow this, to him, pleasant occu- pation for three years, in the meantime, how- ever, taking up the reading of law. The late lamented Rufus W. Bailey became his pre- ceptor and from his office he was admitted to the bar in 1890, after a regular examina- tion before the court. The professional rela- tions he has had in the practice have been of a pleasant and profitable character, the first association being with George E. Meyers ; and this partnership being followed by one with Hugh H. Hadley, the son of the respected supreme court judge. and now in Chicago, with whom he remained till being made the prosecuting attorney of the dis- trict.

The period of his service as prosecutor, 1895-97. was one of unusual activity on the part of those men who are ambitious to make their living by their wits regardless of the consequences to others. While there were several cases that attracted attention, as il- lustrating the methods of swindlers, one of the most notorious was that of Crum and Evans.

Crum, an insurance agent. and Evans a banker at Jonesboro, concocted a scheme to

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work off "green goods" on the unsuspecting but dishonest victim. They found their sub- ject in a man named Haynes, who was a relative of one of them. Crum represented that he could, through the Continental Insur . ance Company, of which he was agent, secure plates stolen from the government ; and that one dollar would get five of the money made from these plates. If Haynes would invest five thousand, they would put in twenty thou- sand ; one would go to New York and secure the money which would be shipped to the third party, who did receive a package and hid it in a bin of oats until the two came a short time later, when it was opened. It was found to contain but green paper, when a scene was made by Evans, who accused Crum and Haynes of conspiring to rob him. On the other hand, Crum accused Evans of du- plicity in failing to send the money at all, and accusation was also made that the victim opened the box and extracted the money. The dispute finally ended in the drawing of revolvers by both Crum and Evans, which were flourished until Haynes became so scared that he went to Marion and made a complaint. The matter was soon in the hands of the grand jury ; and the two conspirators were convicted.

A bitter fight was then made to prevent the administering of justice, the attorneys of the parties holding that, as the third party was implicated in a fraudulent transaction the crime for which they had been convicted was not larceny. Appeal was taken to the supreme court, the ablest counsel being re- tained in the case. Being thoroughly. con- vinced of the accuracy of his judgment and of the justice of his contention, Mr. Bundy entered upon the fight with determination to carry it to final conclusion, having no doubt

of the outcome. Preparing the briefs of the case with the attention to details that have ever characterized him, he went before the higher tribunal with a complete mastery of the references and the presentation of argu- ment that won for him, not only the compli- ments of the members of the bar but also the voluntary expressions and approval of the court, whose decision sustained in strongest terms all the points for which he had con- tested, holding that getting money by a trick, even if the party who gave it intended fraud, was larceny.

During the original trial, which had been severely contested, it was charged that at- tempts to bribe the jury were made, and in- dictments were found against several for- mer reputable members of the bar, including some who have since received honors at the hands of the people. However, these were never carried to trial, influence being brought to secure their dismissal.

As has been already said, this was a spec- ially exasperating period for the concientious prosecutor, there appearing to be a greater amount of crime about this time than at any previous period in the criminology of the county, every one of the dishonest and half- way criminals developing into full fledged rogues. The prosecutor's office seemed to be occupied, however, by the right man, and one whose determination to convict was but spurred to greater activity by the conditions of the times ; and the records of the court for that two years, shows more convictions than during any similar period of its history, there being sixty criminals sent to the peniten- tiary during the incumbency of the office by Mr. Bundy. While he was relentless in the conduct of the office and made some enemies by the impartiality of his action, his general

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popularity was much emphasized, no man ever retiring from this responsible position with a wider or warmer circle of loyal friends.

Politically he has ever held allegiance to the Republican party, in the councils of which he hasoccupied responsible and honored posi- tions, his voice being ever, for a cleaner and more reputable conduct of the campaigns. Few of the party's conventions found him ab- sent, he being considered all over the state essential to the success of the campaign. As a speaker Mr. Bundy is forcible and logi- cal, holding the attention of audience, court or jury. Being of an impressive and in- tense character, a magetic personality and powerful voice, his words are given a force and effect that, in response to his eloquence, all seem ready to accede the strength and logic of his powerful though often polished sentences. It is, when by the fireside or in the confidence of social conversation, that the tenderer and accomplished side of his nature is more fully displayed, the consideration of those subjects of literature and philosophy that bear upon the nobler and æsthetic in the development of human character bringing out in brilliant coloring the deeper culture and refinement of an earnest and honest na- ture. Being of a studious and thoughtful turn, he has surrounded himself with those authors, both in the professional and in the private library, the reading of which tends to a broadening and refinement and a thor- ought knowledge of which is essential to the cultured student.

He was married September 23. 1893. to Miss Narcissa Luther, of Fairmount. where she had been a teacher for several years. She was born in the county and educated in the Fairmount schools. Their family are two

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sons-Homer L. and Howard E. Both he and wife were born into the Friends society. and hold consistent relations thereto, Mrs. Bundy being active in the work of the church.

Holding pleasant social relations with the Knights of Pythias, Mr. Bundy has been ac- tively identified with the work of the order having passed all the positions of honor in the local society.

Finding the greatest enjoyment in the bosom of his own family where, surrounded l'y the congenial company of books or friends and in the discussion of social and kindred topics, he is found at his best.

WILLIAM H. HOBAUGH.

William H. Hobaugh, the present efficient trustee of Washington township. Grant county, and a respected representative of one of the oldest families of the vicinity. was born on the farm of sixty acres that is now his home, on the 24th of October. 1847. The same year of his birth his grandparents. George and Elizabeth ( Kingery ) Hobaugh, who were natives of Ohio, had settled three miles north of Marion, where the grand- father entered land of the government. Here he improved quite a farm and in the year 1856 removed to the state of Iowa, where they resided till the close of the war when they returned, residing in Marion till the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Hobaugh at the age of eighty-five. from which time he lived among his children, dying finally i. Nebras- ka, where a daughter resided.

Van D. Hobaugh, father of William H. Hobaugh, was sixteen at the coming to this

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state, and when twenty-five was married to Sena, daughter of George and Jane ( Lewis) Conn, and who was also born in Ohio, com- ing at the same age to Indiana. After their marriage in 1843, they settled on the present farm, the single room log-house erected that year being still standing and in fair state of preservation. It was the home for thirty-six years till superceded by the one in which William H. lives. About sixty acres was cleared and placed in cultivation by him, to which the greater part of his life's effort was

principles of the Republican party, when that party stood for greater liberty and human freedom, he ever cast his franchise where he felt its influence would have the most last- ing and beneficial effect. His own fitness for public position was recognized by his neigh- bors, who chose him to attend to the duties incident to the township as trustee.

Of the family of six children born to this worthy couple, three are living in the last year of the century, they being Elizabethi Jane, wife of James Allen, of Washington ; devoted, though being a shoemaker by trade, ; and Mary, wife of Elmer Myers, of Hun- he worked at that sufficiently to assist mater- I tington county: and William Harrison, ially in the support of the family, having his ' whose personal history we will now touch shop, however, on the farm. All of the upon more fully. His boyhood was passed upon the farm, the conditions that sur- rounded him being not dissimilar to those of most of the youth of that time. Being of a studious nature, he availed himself of all the schooling he could obtain, the result being that at the age of twenty-one he was fairly well qualified to teach, which he did for nine consecutive terms in Washington and Van Buren townships. His efficiency was much enhanced by an attendance at the Marion high school and the Ridgeville academy, and his reputation as a capable and conscientious instructor was well earned. hardships experienced by any of the pio- neers were known to them, every means being taken advantage of to make a progress in their living. Mrs. Hobaugh was an expert weaver, and by this means assisted largely in the general support. His death occurred in 1888, at the age of sixty-nine, while his wife survived him about twelve years, dying i:1 1900 at seventy-eight. Both are buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery at Marion. Both were active in their connection with the Bethlehem M. P. church, which stood on part of her father's old home, the present building being erected in 1876. He had been February 27th. 1879. William H. Ho- baugh was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Oatess, daughter of Josiah Oatess of the same vicinity, and who was also born in the neighborhood. However, the hap- iness of his home was broken when but two years later he suffered the loss of his com- panion, the vacancy her death left in his life being partially compensated by the pres- ence of a little daughter, Cora. The childl grew to womanhood in the family of her uncle James Oatess, her many amiable qual- an official of this society for many years, and both were ever found faithful to the teach- ings of the church. Devoid of all superfici- ality or pretense, their daily lives exemplified to a high degree that regard for the rights of others and the honesty of purpose that but re- dounds to the betterment of the entire com- munity. Free from all sham they despised it in others, every action and example being such that left a lasting impress for good with every family about them. Believing in the

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ities exerting a cheerful influence not only in the home, but also in a wide circle of warm friends. She is one of the brightest young ladies of the township and is found identified with all that makes for a better culture in the society in which she moves. The latter years of his venerable mother were passed upon the old farm, much of his attentions being devoted to her comfort and companionship.

Ever identified with the party in which his father had been active, he early became interested in the general welfare not only of the township and county but of the coun- try at large, being found active in the local campaigns and often attending as delegate the various conventions of the party. In January, 1900, he was made the township trustee to fill the vacancy caused by the res- ignation of Frank Howard. He is prov- ing an acceptable and efficient official, his well known interest in the schools making him specially capable to attend to the duties of the office as regarding the educa- tion of the youth of the community. The schools of the township are conducted by the most capable teachers, and are fully abreast with any to be found in the state. The interest in the education of the young speaks well for the general intelligence of the people of the region, the pupils them- selves having the enthusiasm necessary to be satisfied with nothing short of the highest attainments. From the twelve schools eleven graduates for the year 1900 speaks well for all.

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Biographical memoirs of Grant County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography with portraits of many national characters and well-known residents of Grant County, Indiana., Part 42

Author: Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago: Bowen Number of Pages: 1000

Author:
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago: Bowen
Number of Pages: 1000