Abel Helman facts for kids
Abel D. Helman (born April 10, 1824 – died March 5, 1910) was an American pioneer who helped settle Ashland, Oregon. He played a big part in the early growth of the town.
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Early Life and Family
Abel Helman was born in Ashland County, Ohio, on April 10, 1824. He was one of seven children in his family, which had German roots. As a young person, he spent his time working on the family farm. He also went to a "subscription school," which was a type of school where families paid a fee for their children to learn.
On October 23, 1849, Abel Helman married Martha Jane Kanagy. They had eight children together. Before moving west, Helman learned how to be a carpenter in Wooster, Ohio. He also worked as a cabinet-maker until he was 26 years old.
Journey to Oregon
Stories about the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s made Abel Helman want to seek his own fortune. In January 1850, he traveled by ship to California. He sailed on a steamer called the Ohio, going through Aspinwall, which is now Colón, Panama.
In April 1850, he arrived in San Francisco. He then traveled to Beaver Creek, California and later to Sacramento, California. In 1851, he drove a team of mules from Yreka, California over the mountains into Oregon's Willamette Valley, arriving in Salem, Oregon. During this trip, he passed through land that he would later claim for himself. A large part of what is now Ashland, Oregon sits on this very land.
He went back to California and lived in Yreka for a while. In January 1852, he returned to Jackson County, Oregon, with other settlers. They all claimed land under the Donation Land Claim Act. After preparing a place for his family, he went back to Ohio to bring his wife and children to Oregon.
Building Ashland
Abel Helman and his family made Ashland their permanent home. They named the town after their old home county in Ohio. From then on, Helman was deeply involved in the growth of the community and the area around it.
His farm stretched across what is now First Avenue and Nutley Street. It also went north through the old North School grounds almost to Bear Creek. As Ashland grew, he sold off much of his original land. However, he still owned about 10 acres (40,000 m2) of the northern part of his claim when he passed away.
As Ashland developed, Helman worked with other settlers on many public projects. They built the first sawmill on the banks of Ashland Creek. They also built the first flour mill, which was located near the center of the city where Lithia Park is today.
Pioneer life was full of challenges. In the early days, settlers faced constant danger from Native American attacks. Helman helped defend the pioneers during the Rogue River Wars of 1855 and 1856. He was stationed at a fort on Wagner Creek. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant of the Mountain Rangers, Company A, of the First Regiment, First Brigade, Oregon Militia, on December 20, 1865. Helman was elected captain of the Rangers in 1866. He also became Ashland's first postmaster in 1855 and held that job for 27 years.
Community Involvement
Abel Helman was a member of many community groups and organizations. He was very active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), a fraternal order. He knew many members of this group across the state. He was one of the first members of Ashland Lodge, No. 45, I.O.O.F. For many years, he served in various leadership roles within the lodge. In 1892, he became the grand master of the grand lodge of Oregon.
He also became a member and past patriarch of the Pilot Rock encampment. He was also the grand patriarch of the grand encampment of Oregon. For two years, he represented Oregon at the sovereign grand lodge sessions. He was also important in the Rebekah Lodge, which is a branch of the Odd Fellows for women.
Legacy
Abel Helman passed away on March 5, 1910, at the age of 85. He was buried with special honors from the Rebekah Lodge.
Helman Elementary School in Ashland, Oregon, is named after him, honoring his contributions to the town.
Images for kids
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Abel Helman's tombstone in Ashland Cemetery, Ashland, Oregon
