Charles V. Surfus

SURFUS, THOMAS

Posted By: Diane Wilson (email)
Date: 5/24/2004 at 22:28:24

Charles V. Surfus resides on section 30. He is the son of William Surfus, who came to Butler county, from Indiana, in the fall of 1856, and settled in this township, being one of its earliest settlers. His first settlement was on section 18, and in 1864 settled where his son now lives. He afterward returned to Indiana, where he died in 1878. The father of Mr. Surfus had thirteen sons and one daughter, by first wife, and two by his second marriage. The daughter and five sons of the former, are living, and one of the latter. Charles V. and his sister are the only ones living in this county
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The family of Mr. Surfus was largely represented in the Union army during the rebellion; five of the sons entered the service; three were members of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry; one served in the Second Iowa Cavalry, and one in the Forty-fourth Indiana. Two of them, Emanuel and Nathaniel died in the service.
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Charles V. was born in Indiana, in 1838; came to this county with his father; he enlisted in the Twelfth Iowa Regiment, and served from September 29, 1861, until January 26, 1866. He participated in many battles; was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, and remained such nearly six months and a half. He bought his present farm, of 160 acres, of his father. His wife was Amanda Thomas. They have three children – Anthony L., William H., and Stella E.
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Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Pages 744 - 749