Helmers, Dora (Mrs. Herman), 1877-1937

HELMERS, BAYSINGER, WILSON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

From the Rock Valley Bee, October 15, 1937:

MRS. HERMAN HELMERS HAS PASSED AWAY

Mrs. Herman Helmers of Rock Valley died at her home in Rock Valley, Friday evening, October 8th, at the age of sixty years. Mrs. Helmers had been ill for many years, and was forced to spend the past year and a half in bed. Through all her suffering Mrs. Helmers was always pleasant and often an inspiration to others.

Mrs. Helmers was born near Jessup, Iowa, June 30, 1887 [i.e., 1877]. She grew to womanhood near Jessup, and lived there until 1899 when she moved to a farm near Rock Valley with her parents and brothers and sisters. She was united in marriage with Herman Helmers on January 8, 1899.

In the spring of 1900 Mr. and Mrs. Helmers moved to Edgerton, Minn., where they lived for seven years. From Edgerton, they moved to Onawa, Iowa, where they lived for two years. In 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Helmers and family moved to a farm near Lavoy, Alberta, Canada. In 1912 they moved to Le Mars, Iowa. In the fall of 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Helmers moved to Rock Valley where they have lived since. Mrs. Helmers became a member of the Methodist church at Onawa, in 1907.

Mrs. Helmers is survived by her husband and three children who are Dr. Fred, of Orange City; Henry, of Clinton, Iowa; and Laura, Mrs. Wm. Baumgartner, of Elgin, Iowa. One small daughter, Grace, died at the age of three and one-half years, at Lavoy, Alberta, Canada. Mrs. Helmers is also survived by one brother, Wm. Baysinger, of Morris, Minn., and two sisters who are Mrs. J. B. Martin, of Lisbon, N.D., and Mrs. Walter Jillson, of Stuart, Nebr.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Alton Democrat, October 15, 1937, Rock Valley news:

Dora Baysinger Helmers

Mrs. Herman Helmers passed away at her home in Rock Valley on Friday, October 8. Mrs. Helmers was born June 30, 1877, at Jessup, Iowa, which was her home until 1883, when the Baysinger family moved to Rock Valley.

Miss Dora Baysinger was united in marriage to Herman Helmers on January 8, 1899. In the spring of 1900 they moved to Edgerton, Minn., where they lived for seven years and then moved to Onawa, Iowa, where in 1908 Mrs. Helmers was baptised and joined the Methodist church. She lived there for two years and from there moved to Lavoy, Alberta, Canada, where they lived for two years. In 1912 they moved to Le Mars, Iowa, and in 1913 moved to Rock Valley where they have since made their home. Mrs. Helmers has been in poor health the past four years and for the past year and a half she has been confined to her bed.

[Followed by survivors and funeral information same as above]

* * * * * * * * * *

Her death certificate confirms her birth date as June 30, 1977, in Blackhawk County, Iowa; resident of Rock Valley 34 years; parents Casper Baysinger, born in Kentucky, and Mary Wilson, born in Indiana; died at 11 p.m. October 8, 1937; cause, pulmonary tuberculosis, onset 1920.

Her FindaGrave.com page includes a photo of her headstone, “Dora Helmers nee Baysinger 1877-1937,” and shows her buried in Riverview Cemetery, Rock Rapids, Lyon County, Iowa. Parents Casper Baysinger (1830-1897) and Mary Jane Wilson Baysinger (1830-1913). Spouse Henry H. Helmers (1872-1953).