John J. Hellyer

    John J. Hellyer, one of the early settlers of Blackford County, is a native of the State of Virginia, born October 5, 1827, a son of George and Mary Hellyer. When he was a lad of ten years his parents removed with their family to Guernsey County, Ohio, and there he was reared on a farm, receiving such education as the pioneer subscription schools of that early day afforded. The school was held in a rude log cabin with puncheon floor and slab seats, a huge fireplace, and greased paper was used in windows instead of glass panes.

    In 1846 he came to Indiana, remaining in this State some eighteen months, when he removed to Illinois. Later he went to Iowa, and was at Burlington when that now prosperous city contained but 200 inhabitants. He then returned to Indiana, and from there to Ohio, and in 1852 he came to Blackford County settling in Licking Township.

    He was united in marriage in 1852 to Miss Mary Jane Harmon, a native of Athens County, Ohio, and a daughter of Henry and Delilah Harmon. Eleven children were born to this union, of whom six are living -George H., Mary D., Minerva J., David D., Elmer and Margaret E. Mrs. Hellyer died August 16, 1871, and June 29, 1881, Mr. Hellyer married Mrs. Paulina Ann (Laird) Ellis.

    Mr. Hellyer has resided on his present farm in Jackson Township for a period of thirty years, the date of his settlement being in 1857. He has improved his farm until it is considered one of the finest in the township. He has 130 acres of choice land, a comfortable barn, conveniently arranged for his stock and grain, and by his industrious habits and good manageme4nt he has become one of the well-to-do farmers of his township. In politics Mr. Hellyer affiliates with the Democratic party.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.