Notes for Ira A. Condit
He learned the trade of carriage trimming with William Pickett, of Newark, N. J., where he remained until 1846, in which year he was sent by his employer to sell carriages in New Orleans, La. He soon after returned to New Jersey, and in the autumn of the same year emigrated to Jersey, Ohio, where he became a partner in the firm of Elijah B. Pierson & Co., who were engaged in general merchandise business, and also in the manufacture of harness, boots and shoes. After his marriage in Bloomfield, N. J., April 14, 1847, to Ann E. Dodd, daughter of Josiah Dodd, he returned to Ohio, accompanied by his wife, sisters, two brothers and aged mother. He continued in the merchandise business with different partners, covering a period of forty-five years, finally selling his share to his son, Daniel D. Condit. He remained in the store as bookkeeper until the old building burned in March, 1911, since then living a retired life. During the more active years of his life he was prominently engaged in public business in Licking County, and for several years held the office of county commissioner. He is one who has been sought after for advice, has served as trustee and guardian of funds for minor heirs and orphans, also as administrator of a number of estates. He served as elder in the Presbyterian Church for a number of years until he discontinued active service on account of age and defective hearing. His wife, Ann Elizabeth, was a faithful Christian woman and, although an invalid, confined to her home and mostly to her room for the last ten years of her earthly life, had a great influence in church and home. She was born Sept. 30, 1824, and passed out of this life on Sept. 3, 1875. Mr. Condit is now living on the farm of his daughter-in-law (Mrs. Daniel D. Condit), formerly purchased by him in 1854. In 1909 he fell and fractured his left hip, and three years later had another fall, breaking his right hip, but has survived each shock and is able to get about with the assistance of a cane. His life in this world has nearly ended, and as a candle burning low is gradually flickering out into eternity.
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