Hancock County IL Archives Biographies.....Helms, Addison F. November 1, 1844 - 
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Sandy Morrey sandymorrey@yahoo.com December 22, 2009, 3:38 am

Source: McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois
Author: Unknown

ADDISON F. HELMS is now serving as Sher- 
iff of Hancock County, and makes his home 
in Carthage. The record of his life is as 
follows: A native of Virginia, he was born in 
Floyd County on the 1st of November, 1844, and 
is a son of Hamilton and Aurena (Slusher) Helms, 
who were also natives of Virginia. The father 
was a farmer, and in 1859 he left his native State, 
emigrating westward to Hancock County, Ill., 
for he believed he might better his financial con- 
dition by removing to the broad prairies of the 
West. Taking up his residence in Carthage Town- 
ship, he there resided for seven years, after which 
he returned to Virginia, where his death occurred 
at the age of seventy-two. His wife passed away 
at the age of seventy-three. They had two sons 
and one daughter, who are yet living in Han- 
cock County. 

Our subject returned to the Old Dominion with 
his parents in the autumn of 1866, but the follow- 
ing spring again came to Illinois, where he began 
farming upon rented land. He continued to carry 
on agricultural pursuits until 1881, when he came 
to Carthage, and was appointed Deputy Sheriff, 
holding the office under William Damson. He 
also served in the same capacity under James H. 
Wetzel, and when the latter's term had expired, 
in 1886, he became a candidate on the Demo- 
cratic ticket for the office. The election returns, 
however, showed that M. V. Riley, his opponent, 
was the successful candidate, and during the four 
succeeding years Mr. Helms served as Constable 
of Carthage Township. In 1890 it was again
time to elect a sheriff, and in that year he ran 
against Z. T. Starkey. This time he received a 
good majority, and in December entered upon 
his duties as County Sheriff, with Charles Weis- 
mann as Deputy. He has done considerable pri- 
vate detective work, and possesses a keen eye and 
retentive memory, which well fit him for that 
service. 

In Hancock County, in July, 1S67. was cele- 
brated the marriage of Mr. Helms and Miss Au- 
relia Printy, step-daughter of John W. Cox, of St. 
Mary's, and a native of this county. Their union 
has been blessed with three children, two sons 
and a daughter, namely: Emma, wife of John 
Moore, formerly of Carthage, but now of Quincy; 
Jay H. and Clay Vaughn. The family is well 
known in the community, where its members have 
many warm friends. 

Mr. Helms is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, belonging to Hancock Lodge No. 20, A. F. 
& A. M. He has made his home within the 
borders of this county since fifteen years of age, 
and has therefore witnessed much of its growth 
and development. He has led a busy life, and is 
now acceptably and creditably filling the respon- 
sible position to which he has been called by his 
fellow citizens.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/hancock/bios/helms2860nbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/

File size: 3.4 Kb