HELMS, Vernon - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Vernon Helms, 78, employee at the Veedersburg Hub Park, was killed instantly about 4 p.m. Thursday July 2 while at work in the park.  Mr. Helms was clearing limbs and debris from the park caused by the previous windstorm when he accidently came in contact with a power line of 2,300 voltage. The accident happened several feet from the park lagoon where many people were swimming. David Odle, owner of the DeLuxe Dry Cleaning plant was at the pool and removed the wire from Mr. Helms with a piece of rubber hose. Dr. Gilber Himebaugh was also at the park at that time and administered first aid.  Mr. Helms was a lifelong resident of the Veedersburg community and was born on a farm near Veedersburg Nov 28, 1874 the son of George Washington and Margaret Chumley Helms.  He was married to Anna Isley who preceded him in death several years ago. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Alph Keller of Tuscon, Arizona and Mrs. Omega Pearson of near Crawfordsville. During Mr. Helm’s early life he was employed by the New York Central Railroad as a bridge builder and repair foreman. He was employed by the New York Central system until his retirement a few years ago. In addition to the two daughter he is survived by two brothers, Hardy Helms and Charles Helms, both of Veedersburg and a sister, Mrs. Fannie Newnum of Yeddo; also four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  Mr. Helms was preceded in death by two brothers, Veeder Helms and Monroe Helms, also meeting accidental death.  He was a member of the Centennial EUB Church south of Veedersburg. The body was removed to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cecil Pearson of near Crawfordsville where it remained until Sunday.  Funeral services were conducted from the Veedersburg EUB Church at 2 p.m. Sunday with burial in the Bonebrake cemetery with Fishero Funeral Home in charge.

Source: Same

Vernon, son of George Washington and Margaret Chumlea Helms was born near Veedersburg, Ind Nov 28, 1874 and departed this life July 2, 1953 aged 78 years 7 months and 4 days. Vernon attended the public schools of Fountain County.  His entire life was spent in the Veedersburg community. For many years he was employed on the bridge and fence gang of the New York Central Railroad where he served as foreman. On Aug 26, 1903 he was united in marriage to Anna Isley. To this union two daughters were born Mrs. Alpha Keller of Tucson, Arizona and Mrs. Omega Pearson of Crawfordsville. Vernon was an honest, hard working man.  He was a citizen of great integrity and was loved and respected by a great host of friends. Vernon’s wife, Anna passed away Aug 1, 1945.  He never remarried. Besides the two daughters, the deceased is survived by two brothers, Hardy of near Yeddo and Charlie who lives in Sterling. There is one living sister, Mrs. Fanny Newnum of Yeddo.  Surviving are four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. There are also several other relatives and a great number of very close friends. Vernon believed in the finer things of life.  He was a member of the Centennial EUB Church and was ever ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.  He has done many good deeds and many have been blessed by his kindness and goodness of heart. – kbz

Source: Evansville Journal Fri May 22, 1931 p 16