Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Brothers, Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD purchased from OLD GLORY ACCENTS

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page(s): 787-88

John H. Helms is a native of Hanover, Germany, in which country he was born Nov. 26, 1841. He attended school in his native country until he attained the age of 14 years, after which he followed the occupation of a farmer, until arriving at the age of 20 years. He then joined the army, in conformity with the laws of his native country, and served six years, during which time he participated in several battles. After receiving his discharge, he went to France, and resided in that country for two years.

In 1868 Mr. Helms, realizing that he could better his financial condition in the New World, emigrated to the United States, and the same year came to this county, and for a time resided with his brother, Henry, who had preceded him and located in Lyndon Township. He remained with him for about one year, then went to Minneapolis, where he worked in a hotel one year. His next move was to the land of gold, California, in which State he was variously employed until 1873, when he returned to Lyndon and rented farms, which he cultivated for his own individual profit for a period of two years.

Leaving the farm, Mr. Helms moved to the village of Lyndon, where he engaged in the provision and restaurant business, which vocation he followed for eight years. In 1882 he purchased the farm he at present occupies, adjoining the village plat and located on section 16. He has also other lands that he has bought at times, and at present his landed interests amount to 200 acres. Mr. Helms is a self-made man, and of this world's goods that he possesses, he has none to thank except his own indomitable energy, coupled with the active co-operation of his good helpmeet.

He was united in marriage in the month of May, 1870, to Henrietta Carson. She died October following, without issue, and Mr. Helms was again married Oct. 24, 1873, to Miss Sophia Meyer, a native of Hanover, Germany. Four children have been born of the latter union, Emma, Anna, Willie and John.