Charles L. Surprise (1884-1959)
Charles L. Surprise, deputy clerk of the United States District and Circuit Courts at Hammond, Ind., was born near Lowell on Nov. 11, 1884. During his infancy his parents, Oliver and Carlinda Surprise, moved to town, where they still reside. In 1903 he was graduated from the Lowell high school; the same year he won the county oratorical contest at Hammond, gaining honors for himself and his school. The following fall he attended Northwestern University. Then he clerked and studied law in Atty. S.C. Dwyer's office until his appointment in August, 1906, to the deputyship at Hammond. Mr. Surprise is also an employee of Knotts & Bomberger, corporation lawyers of Hammond. He is an active member of the M.E. Church, a Republican, and in good favor with his wide acquaintance in the county.