Christopher H. Helberg

Christopher H. Helberg was born in Germany November 1, 1883, (the son of Henry Helberg and his wife Katharina). He was married to Anna Drewes. Mr. and Mrs. Helberg settled in Henry County. He was one of the pioneers. At that time the farmers carried their grain to the mill on their shoulders, as there were no roads. A history book printed in 1875 states that the forest abounded with bears, wolves, deer, and coon, and the squirrels frequently assisted the farmer in harvesting his corn crop.

Left to right: Wm. Heiberg, Anna Dishop, Christ Heiberg, Sophia Bockelman, Minnie Joast, John Heiberg, Mary Prigge, Ida Hesterman, Emma Schwiebert, George Heiberg, Amelia Beinen, Mrs. Anna Heiberg, taken in 1877 at the Heiberg's new house.

Mr. Helberg enlisted in the 68th Regiment O.V.I. (Ohio Volunteers Infantry) October 15, 1861. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg, Battle of Atlanta, and marched with Sherman to Atlanta. He was wounded and carried the ball to his grave in 1903.

When he returned, he bought his first farm, 102 acres for $1000.49, the deed being signed by Governor of the State of Ohio, John Brough, March 7, 1865. He bought another 40 acres of land on March 31, 1870, for $524, the deed being signed by Governor Rutherford B. Hayes.

The children of the Helbergs were: William, John, George, Mary Prigge, Ida Hesterman, Anna Dishop, Amelia Benien, Sophie Bockelman, Minnie Joost, and Emma Schwiebert.

This farm was equally divided between Christ Helberg's two sons, John and George, March, 1909.

George Helberg, born November 18, 1882, married Amelia Gerken March 26, 1908; their children were Rufina Norden, Hildegarde Rohrs, and Eldor. George Helberg farmed all his life on the farm where he was born and died March, 1927, at the age of 44.

The farm was rented for a number of years until Eldor was old enough to farm. Eldor born January 16, 1914, was married April 25, 1936, to Ruth Hogrefe, born April 20, 1916. They farmed until the death of his mother October 10, 1954, when the farm was transferred to Eldor and he farmed and was a self-employed carpenter and cabinet maker. Eldor was always very active in 4-H club work serving as advisor 10 years and also was active in Farm Bureau and various church offices.

Eldor died May 31, 1972, at age 58. The farm was transferred to his wife Ruth and is presently being farmed by her two sons, Roger, born May 20, 1938, and Larry, born June 18, 1939. Roger, Larry, and Lynn, born April 17, 1957, have built new homes on the farm; a daughter, Mrs. Franklin Melick (Joyce), born February 17, 1942, lives in Clyde, Ohio.

Roger and Larry served their country for six (6) years in the Army reserves and are now employed at Campbell Soup Company, and Lynn is still serving his country at the Army Reserves Center in Bryan, Ohio.

Submitted by Roger Heiberg