With the industrial interests of Tippecanoe City Mr. Bond is actively and honorably connected, having for four years occupied the position of superintendent with the American Straw Board Company. His keen discernment in business affairs, his sound judgment and indefatigable energy have gained him prestige among the leading representatives of trade interests in Miami County, and while his efforts have largely promoted his prosperity he also belongs to that class of American citizens who promote the general welfare while enhancing individual success.

Mr. Bond was only thirteen years of age when his connection with the paper manufacturing industry began, and throughout his life his business experience has been along this line. He was first employed as a cutter boy in a mill at Piqua, Ohio, and applying himself diligently to his work he advanced rapidly through the various departments until he was made papermaker - the most responsible position in the factory. In that capacity he had charge of the cylinders where the pulp is converted into sheets and rolls. For six years he served in that capacity, and in 1896 he was appointed to his present position, as superintendent of the Tippecanoe plant. The American Straw Board Company established business at this point in 1882, under the name of the Tippecanoe Straw Board Company, most of the stockholders being residents of the town. The object of the new enterprise was the Manufacture of plain straw board, and the capacity of the plant was eight tons. In 1890 it passed into possession of the American Straw Board Company. After eight years of successful operation by the new owners its capacity was increased to a twelve-ton mill. Patent machinery was secured for the manufacture of pulp lined straw board, and other improvements were made in harmony therewith. In 1898 four new boilers were secured and the entire plant was overhauled, other new machinery being purchased and the capacity being increased to fifteen tons per day. About one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars have been invested in the enterprise, and the pay roll for thirty-five men is three hundred and seventy-five dollars per week. About thirty-five dollars per week is paid for material, mainly wheat straw, the greater part of which is a local production. Manila paper to the extent of about fifty tons per week is also used. By a patent process this is converted into a lining, which is placed in the straw board as it goes from the cylinders. Four hundred and eighty barrels of lime and about twenty-five bushels of soda ash are also used each week, and the business is conducted upon a paying basis. The products of the factory are of a good grade and therefore command a ready sale upon the market. Under the management of Mr. Bond the business has steadily grown in importance and volume, and its large sales now net the stockholders a handsome income, at the same time furnishing employment to a large force of men, and thus adding to the general prosperity of the town.

On the 21st of December 1899, at Piqua, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bond and Miss Clara Blank, a daughter of William Blank who resided in Piqua for many years, but is now a resident of Germany, his native land, having come to America it the age of nine years. Mr. Bond belongs to Border City Tent, No. 72, K. O. T. M., at Piqua, and in politics is a stalwart Republican, keeping well informed on the issues and questions of the day. He finds his chief source of recreation in hunting. He is an example of the boys who secure their own start in life, - determined, self-reliant boys, willing to work for the advantages which others secure through inheritance, destined by sheer force of character to succeed in the face of all opposition and to push to the front in any branch of enterprise they enter. As a man his business ability has been constantly manifested, and he has shown his power of grasping and mastering intricate problems of industrial and commercial life. He now occupies a very enviable position in business circles, - a just reward of meritorious, honorable effort, which commands the respect and admiration of all.