My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Brown County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1883.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JAMES HELM, dealer in coal and lumber, Aberdeen, was born in Mason County, Ky., in 1810, and is a son of Samuel H. and Phoebe Helm, natives of Kentucky, who removed to Huntington Township, Brown County, Ohio, in 1820. They settled on land previously near Decatur, where they lived for three years, then came to this township as above stated. He died at the age of sixty-three years, in the year 1837 or 1838. She departed this life previously. They were parents of seven children, of whom James alone survives. The deceased are Phoebe, Anderson, Caroline, Mary, James, Rebecca and Charlotta. Mr. Helm, Sr., was a member of the New-Light Church, and was much interested in religious matters. He belonged to the F. & A. M. Lodge, was a farmer by occupation and was very successful. He served in the war of 1812, and also in one of the previous Indian wars. His children all lived and died in this township, except Caroline, who died in Illinois. Our subject was reared on the farm, and in the subscription schools received a very limited education. He was ten years old when his parents came into this township, and lived with his parents until April 23, 1833, when he came to Aberdeen, and in six months went into the grocery business, which he followed till 1838. He then abandoned the grocery business and started a ferry (horse boat), which he ran till 1860, and during the same time ran the old brick hotel. He disposed of his ferry and hotel, and the latter came back on his hands. He farmed one year and then returned to Aberdeen, and has been in the coal, lumber and grain trade since 1859. He has always been an Overseer of the Poor. He is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge of Aberdeen, No. 149, and is a charter member, being the first member initiated. He was married November 18, 1832 to Miss Susanna Banner, who has borne him three children (one of whom is living), namely, Ann E. Cheseman, wife of Joseph Cheseman. The deceased are Mary and Phoebe. Mrs. Helm departed this life in May, 1872. Mr. Helm was married the second time, June 4, 1874, to Ann Gates.

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This family biography is one of 992 biographies included in The History of Brown County, Ohio published in 1883 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Brown County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Brown County, Ohio family biographies here: Brown County, Ohio Biographies

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