D. H. Helms

    D. H. Helms, farmer, Clay Township, was born in the same September 21, 1838. He is one of twelve children born to the old and highly esteemed pioneers of that locality, Alfred and Eliza W. (Jones) Helms. The former was born in Lincoln County, N. C., in the year 1816, and the latter in Clermont County, Ohio, in the same year. They were married in Dearborn County in 1837, after which they settled on a farm on the banks of what is known as "Hayes branch," Clay Township, where they have since resided. They have had born tot hem twelve children, viz.: John W., David H., William H., Andrew, Philip, Mary J., Isaac T., Clarissa, Levi, Charles B., Albert S. and one who died in infancy.

    D. H., our subject, was brought up as a farmer. He received a good common school education, and after reaching the years of maturity , left the "land of steady habits," and turned the greater part of his attention to teaching school, beginning the profession as early as 1858. He has taught 149 months of school, all in Dearborn County, with the exception of three terms. In 1862 he entered the war, enlisting August 11, in Company B, Eighty-third Indiana Volunteers, as a private, he received the commission of second lieutenant, in which capacity he served until his discharge, June 2, 1865. After his discharge he returned to Dearborn County and resumed his school work and also farm. In October, 1865, he purchased the farm on which he now resides.

    He was married at Lawrenceburgh, October 17, 1867, to Jane T., daughter of William C. and Sarah (Spangler) Johnson. She was born in Cesar Creek Township, Dearborn County, May 18, 1840. The following spring, after his marriage, Mr. Helms moved on his farm, where he has since resided. They have had born to them nine children, viz.: Lightburn, John F., Lewis (deceased), Benjamin (deceased), Arthur L. (deceased), Charles, Orville D., Annie M. and Victor H. Mr. Helms is a member of the G. A. R. and an esteemed citizen of the township.

Source: History of Dearborn and Ohio Counties, Indiana by F.E. Weakley & Co., 1885