John Helmick

HELMICK

Posted By: Den Nelson (email)
Date: 8/21/2003 at 06:33:57

John Helmick Obituary
Columbus, Iowa Safeguard
March 1, 1917

John Helmick, youngest son of Jeremiah and Rachel Helmick, was born in Ohio, March 26, 1838, and died at his home in Winfield, Iowa, Friday, February 16, 1917, aged 78 years, 10 months, and 20 days.

The deceased came when a young man to Iowa and took an active part in the enterprise and energy which transformed our state from pioneer conditions to the present community life. Shortly after coming to Iowa it was his lot to break the virgin soil where the city of Winfield now stands, and afterwards settling in Louisa county to have a part in the building of Prairie Chapel....... (unreadable) in the vicinity.

A number of years ago, Mr. Helmick professed saving faith in Jesus Christ and united with the Prairie Chapel M.E. church. Though never demonstrative in his religious life, wherever there was sickness or trouble in all the range of his acquaintances, the presence and sympathy of John Helmick were a tower of strength, and he did not fail. The deceased never married, but much of the time found a home with a brother, until death robbed him of a brother, and at the same time called him to be a father to the fatherless, and how well he performed this service the nieces who were present t the funeral can testify. In August, 1915, Mr. Helmick, on account of increasing feebleness, moved from the farm to Winfield, which has since been his home. On the 7th of May, 1916, he became identified with the Methodist church of Winfield, and has been a faithful attendant, as long as able to do so. The increasing feebleness of age, finally resulted in a stroke of paralysis a short time ago, and though all was done that medical skill and loving ministeries could do, he gradually failed, and as gently as the night shadows merge into day, John Helmick went out from the weariness and toil of the earth to live with God.

The funeral was held from the Prairie Chapel on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. R. L. Patterson, of Winfield. The Methodist choir of Winfield sand the old hymns with tenderness and expression. Those present from other places were Mrs. Josie Bisher and son, Mr. Fred Bisher and children of Monmouth, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. George Selman, and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Helmick, of Columbus Junction. Interment in the Fulton cemetery

We have known the departed for many years and can utter but words of praise for his earnest, honest, christian life, and it is with real sorrow that we mark his departure from earth. Our sympathy goes out largely to his kindred who mourn the loss of a good man.