John H. Helberg

John H. Helberg, the son of Christopher H. and Anna K. (Drewes) Helberg, was born on December 13, 1868, in Napoleon Twp., Henry County. Christopher and Anna K. settled in Napoleon Twp., in 1848, in the area known as the Hanover Settlement, where John grew to manhood.

John married Anna (Winkelmann), who was born April 6, 1876, in Hanover, Germany. She was the daughter of Heinrich "Henry" and Katherine (Heldberg) Winkelmann. They were married on April 14, 1898, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township, by Pastor Louis Dammann. John and Anna were blessed with six children: Herman, Luella, Hilda, Dora, Alvin W., and Edna. The family made their home on part of the old homestead in Napoleon Township.

Three days after their marriage, John was stricken with spinal meningitis, which resulted in the total loss of his hearing, a hardship which he and his family bore with Christian patience and courage. Early in their marriage, John's wife Anna, was called from this life in 1924. John remained on the farm, until it was necessary for him to live with his children.

Anna (Winkelmann) Helberg departed this life on June 12, 1924, and John H. Helberg on August 19, 1952.

Both are laid to rest in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon Township, Henry County, Napoleon, Ohio.

Submitted by: Mrs. Dean (Barbara) Helberg