Rachel Helms 1823-1897

HELMS, GRIFFITH, LEWIS, MCCULLOUGH, BEBB

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 3/27/2024 at 14:53:52

The Wapello Republic, Wapello, Iowa
Thursday, February 4, 1897
Page 5

Rachel Griffith Helms.

Rachel Griffith was born in Cambria county, Wales, July 4th, 1823. When but seven or eight years of age with her parents she emigrated to this country, residing for a short time in Pennsylvania and later on moving west ward, locating in Butler county, Ohio. While yet in her childhood her parents both died leaving her in the care of an uncle, who faithfully performed the duties thus imposed upon him. She was twice married, though most of her nature years were spent in widowhood. She was first united in marriage with Evan Lewis in 1852, the last time in 1865 with John Helms, who died about a year after their marriage from accident. Two children were born to her from the first marriage both of whom survive their mother. Mrs. Ella McCullough of Oakland township and Mrs. Mollie McCullough of Wapello.

Mrs. Helms became a resident of this state in 1865, locating in Oakland township, this county and in September of 1803 took up her residence in Wapello with her daughter, Mrs. Mollie McCullough. Born of a religious stock and nurtured in a religious atmosphere she early in life professed faith in Christ and at the age of twelve years united with the Congregational church. When she came to Iowa she transferred her membership to the Reformed church that being the most convenient church home. On coming to Wapello she identified herself with the Presbyterian church in the fellowship of which she found satisfaction until death came on the night of January 30, 1897.

Besides a large circle of friends, she leaves the two daughters and an only sister, Mrs. Thomas Bebb of Conesville, Iowa.

A brief funeral service conducted by Rev. Pool occurred at the home at nine o'clock Monday morning, after which the remains were taken by train to Conesville, where a funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. D.H. Fouse of Columbus Junction after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.