ANDREW J. SURBAUGH
Andrew J. Surbaugh is a native of Wayne county, where
he was born October 11, 1866, and during all his life has been
connected with agricultural interests of his native section. In the November
election of 1912 he was chosen to the important position of
sheriff of Wayne county and on January 2, 1913, entered upon
his new position, for which his many high qualities and his
ability well fit him. He
was born in Clay township, in which he spent most of his life
in the country, but since January makes his home in Corydon. His father, John
Surbaugh, was born at Green Sulphur Springs, West Virginia,
and died in Clay township in 1877. The mother, Elizabeth (Guinn) Surbaugh,
was a native of the same state and she and her husband came to
Clay township, Wayne county, in the early days, being among
the pioneers of this section.
Both were well and prominently known during all their
lives for their many high qualities of mind and character and
Mr. Surbaugh became one of the substantial men of the
locality. The
mother passed away in Clay township, May 16, 1910, surviving
her husband for about thirty-three years. In their family
were twelve children, of whom seven are now living: Mrs. Nettie
Caldwell, residing in Lewisburg, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Guinn, a
resident of Bentonville, Iowa; Mrs. Mac Reck, born May 10,
1848, residing at Allerton, Iowa; Mrs. Lucy Caldwell, who
lives at Lewisburg, Iowa; Mrs. Cynthia McGuire, residing in
Humeston; Andrew J., of this review; and John, born February
3, 1872, of Clay township.
Lee died in 1877, Mrs. Hattie Caldwell passed away in
1894, Rachel, Iola and Grace died in infancy.
Andrew
J. Surbaugh was reared under the parental roof and attended
the schools in the neighborhood in the acquirement of his
education. He
early was trained to agricultural pursuits, remaining in this
line of occupation continuously. He now owns a farm of one hundred and
eighty acres and thereon he has a modern, well furnished home
and all such improvements as are deemed essential in the
cultivation of an up-to-date farming enterprise. His property is one
of the most valuable in this section and bespeaks the energy,
industry and progressiveness of its owner. On November 5,
1912, Mr. Surbaugh was elected to the office of sheriff of
Wayne county on the democratic ticket, his victory being
highly complementary to him, as it was won in the face of a
majority of four hundred which is generally given to the other
side. It speaks
well for his popularity and the confidence which is given him
by the people. He
assumed the duties of his office on January 2, 1913, assured
of the good wishes of his many friends and acquaintances.
Andrew
J. Surbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Olson on
January 6, 1886. Mrs.
Surbaugh is a native a Mercer county, Illinois, and grew to
womanhood in that state.
Her parents were Olof and Christina Olson, both of whom
passed away in Illinois.
In their family were five daughters: Mrs. Christina
Morford, deceased; Mrs. Anna Williner, a resident of
Galesburg, Illinois; Mrs. Bertie Loquist, deceased; Mrs.
Surbaugh; and Mrs. Susie Grant, of Woodhull, Illinois. The parents were
among the early settlers in Illinois, making their home near
North Henderson, and there all their children were born and
reared. Mr. and
Mrs. Surbaugh are the parents of four children, who were born
in Clay township with the exception of the second son: Ray, a barber of
Humeston, Iowa; Earl, born in Mercer county, Illinois, who
assists the father in the cultivation of the farm; Stella,
residing with her parents; and Floyd, also at home. The family are
devoted members of the Baptist church, in the work of which
organization they take an active interest.
Mr. Surbaugh is a democrat in his political views and has always taken a keen interest in all matters of public importance. He always keeps well informed upon the issues at stake and his advice is often sought in local political circles. Public honors have come to him manifold and he has served as trustee of Clay township, as member of the school board, as assessor and as road supervisor, discharging his duties in connection with the various offices he has held with a fidelity and ability that have received high commendation from his constituents. He is successful in the truest sense of the word, a man unusually broad minded and intelligent, not only attaining individual success but being a helpful and cooperant factor in the general advancement as well.