S. M. Elrick, Jr., owning and operating a valuable and productive farm of seventy-seven acres in Valley township, was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 18th of February, 1864, his parents being S. M. and Margaret (Ferlhing) Elrick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The year 1868 witnessed their arrival in Page county, Iowa, and here they subsequently purchased a tract of land. Both the father and mother still survive, being now residents of Minnesota. Of their family of eleven children, the following are yet living: S. M., of this review :H. C., of New Mexico; F. P., who makes his home in Minnesota; J. C., living in Page county; and H. C., likewise a resident of Minnesota.
S. M. Elrick, Jr., attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until he had attained his majority. He then took up veterinary work and successfully devoted his attention to that profession for fifteen years. Subsequently He worked on the railroad for three years and in 1900 purchased his present farm of seventy -seven acres in Valley township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since given his time and energies. He has won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and is widely recognized as one of the successful farmers and representative citizens of the community.
In 1885 Mr. Elrick was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary B. Sullivan, a native of Page county, Iowa, and a daughter of Jerry and Sarah (Orphen) Sullivan, both of whom were born in Ireland. They crossed the Atlantic to the -United States in 1856 and for a period of six years made their home in Boston, Massachusetts, after which they spent a few years in Canton, Illinois. In 1867 they came to Page county, Iowa, residing here until called to their final. rest. Their family numbered thirteen children, nine now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elrick have been born eight children, as follows: Dora L., the wife of Henry Fastneau, of Page county; Jennie B., who is the wife of Herman Fastneau and also makes her home in this county; Irene E., Vila G., Della, Frederick and Wilma G., all at home; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Elrick gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served in the position of school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 482, at Hepburn, in which he has filled all of the chairs. His wife is a devoted and faithful member of the United Brethren church, exemplifying its teachings in her daily life. They are well known socially, and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by an extensive circle of friends.