text: Thomas Condon, who is well recognized at the John Day center  for his discoveries, was from Eugene, and was the University of Oregon's  first great professor of the 19th Century.   Many of his fossils are on display at the UO Museum of Natural History.
  The house in which he  and Cornelia lived, formerly at 11th and High, is now at 1272 Jackson.  Condon, who was both a missionary and a scientist was famous for blending science and religion.  In  an interesting sidelight  relevant to current issues, Condon  lost one of his early preacher positions because of his opposition to slavery.
  Basically, he was a great guy.
  If you are interested,  read Clark's "Odyssey of Thomas Condon." This and his daughter Ellen Condon McCornack's book are wonderful as they describe his discoveries in these beautiful fossil beds.