Frank M. Bond was one of three children born to George and Cornelia Bond, the others died in youth. His parents, natives of the old Bay State, emigrated to the wilds of Michigan in the year of 1838, and settled in the Township of Raisin, Lenawee county. His father purchased eighty acres of heavy timbered land, built a log house, and with his own trusty ax felled the forest, and cleared the land. The experiences common to pioneers in a new country, the lights and shades of life were theirs to enjoy and endure. Framk remembers hearing his father remark, referring to the early days, "we had to look straight up through the tops of the trees to see daylight." After several years spend in clearing up, and improving the farm, his father sold and purchased 160 acres in the Township of Rome, same county. This was the family residence for some years afterward, and until the year following the close of the war, 1866. The elder Bond sold his interests in Lenawee, and purchased 170 acres in the Township of Aurelius, Ingham county. Frank remained at home assisting his father upon the farm, an occupation to which he was always greatly attached. His health permitting, he would prefer framing to any other business. His early education he "picked up" much after the manner of boys on the farm a half century ago, attending school only until large enough to be of service about the farm, and from that time on it was "catch as catch can," a few months of schooling during the winter with several hours of chores to do the ends of the day. Returning from the war, he attended college at Adrian for a year and laid the foundation of a practical education to which he has added by experience, as the years have gone by. August 13, 1862, he enlisted in the 18th Michigan Infantry and followed the fortunes of his regiment to the close of the war. This regiment met the enemy at Dansville, Ky., February 24, 1863. Pond Springs, Ala., June 28, 1864, Curtis Wells, Ala., June 24, Courtland, Ala., July 25, 1864, Athens, Ala., September 24, 1864, Decatur, Ala., October 24, November 28, 1864. The regiment bore upon its rolls of muster, 1,374 officers and men; of this number, 310 yielded up their lives, that the nation might live. The deadly southern climate made fearful havoc in ranks of the command. While on the skirmish line, advancing on the enemy in the face of a storm of bulletts, Mr. Bond was shot in the mough by a Minie ball, knocking out two teeth, was dazed for a time, but kept his place in line and fought to the close of the engagement. He enjoyed good health all during his term of service, was rugged and ambitious, and rather relished the hardships incident to the life of a soldier in active service. He was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn., June 26, 1865, and on the day following, the regiment under command of Col. John W. Horner, left for Michigan, arriving at Jackson, July 2. On the 4th it was paid off and discharged.
The regiment was frequently complimented in general orders for discipline and "soldierly bearing."
For several years past Mr. Bond has been engaged in the grain elevator business at Mason. He had disposed of his farm, and has a comfortable residence in the city. He is a member of the Vevay Lodge, I. O. O. F. Is also a charger member of Steele Bro.'s Post 441, Dept. of Mich. G. A. R. In politics it has always been perfectly clear to him that duty for him was to "line up" with the G. O. P. A compensation of eight dollars per month for services long since rendered, is a gentle reminder that hte nation is not unmindful of the sacrifices of her citizen soldiery. Mr. Bond has a strong attachment for his friends, is a genial, coridal gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to meet.
Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Pages 308 - 309
Sondra Higbee