Logansport (IN) Pharos, February 3, 1891, p. 1. NOTE: According to
information provided by the Lost River D. A. R. chapter and available online
at
http://www.ingenweb.org/inorange/african.htm, Reuben Bond d. August 1,
1834, age 36 years; and Penelope Bond d. Nov 1885, age about 80 years. Both
buried Bethel Cemetery, Orangeville Twp., Orange County, Indiana.
THE CHAMPION STAY-A-BED
Mitchell, Ind., Feb. 3-Mitchell has the most stubborn man in the country.
About 27years ago there lived near Paoli, Ind., a family of colored people
named Bond consisting of mother, two daughters, and a son named John. They
were in comfortable circumstances, owning their own farm, etc. The mother
decided to sell the farm but upon making her decision known to the children,
met with great opposition from her son, John, who declared that if the farm
was sold he would go to bed and never again get up. But no attention was
paid to his threat. The farm was sold, and the family moved to Mitchell.
The first night they stayed in their new home, John went to bed as usual but
in the morning refused to arise and has stubbornly fulfilled his threat for
about 27 years with one exception, that being at the time of the death of
his mother. At first Bond's case caused considerable comment, and
physicians examined him and pronounced him in perfect health. All efforts
were made to get him out of bed, but every scheme proved futile. When told
that the house was on fire or that burglars had broken in, he made no effort
whatever to arise. For the last few years his health has been gradually
failing, and he lies there with his head and body covered, speaking to no
one unless spoken to.