The following information comes from the Surprise family CD-Rom created by Janet Umlauf:
The last son of Peter and LaRosa, William was born in Pleasant Grove in 1849 and died in 1918. (NOTE: His obituary says William Surprise was born Dec. 1, 1851, but the cemetery record states his birth date as Dec. 1, 1852.) He was married to Celista Thomas, and their log cabin homestead was near what is now the second tee of the South Shore Country Club at the southeast corner of Cedar Lake. Their children were Cass, Glenn, Guy, and Cora (Latta). Julius Surprise and Roy Surprise (both Cedar Lake businessmen) and Ruth and Lillian are the children of Cass Surprise.
Obituary of William Surprise--unknown source. (Clipping found at Lowell Public Library in LH file--"Vital Statistics," Vol. 2, p. 44.)
Obituary
William Surprise, son of Peter and Rose Ann Surprise, pioneers of this community, was born Dec. 1, 1851, and died at his home at Lowell, Feb. 10, 1918, aged 67 years, 2 months and 10 days. He was married to Celista Thomas, April 13, 1875. To this union was born eight children, four living and four deceased. Those living are: Cora, now Mrs. Thomas Latta of Shelby; Cass and Guy of Cedar Lake, and Glenn, yet at home. He leaves to lament his loss his wife, one daughter, three sons and four grandchildren, along with a host of other relatives and friends. He was a kind and indulgent father, a loving husband and as a citizen and neighbor was looked upon with admiration by all who knew him.
Funeral services were held at the M.E. church Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., and they were attended by a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends. Nathan Worley, assisted by Rev. C.A. Brown, preached the funeral sermon. M.E. church furnished the music. Interment was made in the Lowell cemetery. Undertaker Weaver had charge of the burial service. The following acted as pall bearers: John Thomas, Allie Thomas, Milo Thomas, Ernest Surprise, Jasper Surprise and Albert Surprise. The bereaved family have the sympathy of their friends in their sorrow.
from The Lake County Star, hand dated Feb. 15, 1918
Also in the Clipping Files at the Lowell Public Library (LH--"Vital Statistics," Vol. 4, p. 23):
Wm. Surprise passed away at his home Sunday, Feb. 10. Funeral services Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Last updated on August 22, 2008.
Go to William Surprise, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
