Page:Pen Pictures of Representative Men of Oregon.djvu/39

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Who has just entered upon his duties as State Librarian for the ensuing two years, is a young man of rare promise who is destined beyond a doubt to assume a prominent place in the ranks of the legal profession for which he is now preparing himself by a thorough and systematic course of study, for the purpose of pursuing which he became a candidate for his present office. He was born at Albany, Oregon, February 5, 1860. With his parents he moved successively to The Dalles, Forest Grove and Eugene City, in which places he attended school and made rapid advancement in his studies. He entered the State University at Eugene City in 1876. In April, 1880, he accepted a position as clerk in the office of Hon. R. P. Earhart, Secretary of State, where he remained until January, 1881, during which time, by his quiet, gentlemanly deportment, and his habits of industry and unflinching integrity he won the well-merited esteem of his employer, associates and acquaintances. Realizing the importance of the completion of his collegiate course before entering upon the active study of his chosen profession he resigned his position in January, 1881, and returning to Eugene City resumed his studies in the State University, spending his spare moments in the study of law under the late Hon. J. M. Thompson and Hon. Robert S. Bean, now Circuit Judge of the Second Judicial District. He graduated from the University in the class of '82, and shortly afterwards came to Salem and resumed his old position in the office of the Secretary of State. He received the caucus nomination of the Republican members of the Legislative Assembly of 1882, and was elected State Librarian by a flattering majority. He is the oldest son of Prof. Thomas Condon, of the State University, and, like his father, is a man of unsullied reputation.

Came to Oregon in 1853, crossiug the plains in what was known as the "Boy train"—nine in number, ranging in age from eighteen, and the oldest not twenty-one. Hon. William Waldo, now State Senator from Marion, was senior, and captain of the company. Arrived in Salem on the 27th day of September, after a journey of five months and seven days, and commenced working for Hon. Asahel Bush, in the "Statesman" office, the next day. Was Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the Oregon Legislature at the session of 1855-6. Was elected and served as Clerk of Benton county from 1856 to 1860, and in that year was admitted to practice at the bar. He founded the Corvallis "Gazette" in 1863, and published the same until July, 1866. Served as County Judge of Benton county about two years by appointment from Governor Gibbs, and four years addition.d by election—term ending in 1870. Was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue in 1870, for the division embracing all the counties of Oregon south of Clackamas and Washington; served until April, 1872, when the position was resigned to accept the office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon, which was held until abolished by act of Congress September 1, 1873. Was appointed Clerk of the Supreme Court on the 1st day of August, 1880, which position he still holds.