Mr. Condy was from Philadelphia. I never knew with whom he studied,
but I can safely say he was a thorough musician. In 1856 he organized
the first brass band in Stockton and was identified with it for four
years. He was unexcelled as an E flat cornet player and played several
instruments with great artistic skill. He was also a most beautiful
flute player. All the years of his residence he was closely allied
with the advancement of the best music in Stockton. In 1862 he
enlisted in the third regiment of cavalry and became the leader of the
cavalry band. At the close of the war he became a prominent member of
Rawlins Post, G.A.R. He also stood high in Odd Fellowship. His second
wife was Miss Lizzie Fisher, my early companion, the only daughter of
Alvin Fisher, who with his brother, Samuel Fisher, ran the first stage
coach line into Stockton. She came to Stockton from the East in 1854
and sang with me in the Episcopal choir. Being a fine alto singer she
was gladly welcomed among the musical colony of Stockton. Condy died
November 3, 1903, and was deeply mourned by many sincere friends who
honored and esteemed him. With his death the last of the pioneer
musicians are gone. He is survived by Mrs. Condy and three sons.