Helms - Veeder
Source: Veedersburg Newspaper Sept 1936
Rev. John Newnum, 76, and Veeder Helms, 65, his son-in-law, both of Yeddo, were instantly killed Tues. afternoon in an automobile wreck near the Centennial church E. of Yeddo. The accident occurred a short distance after they had driven onto state Rd. 41 from a side road. They were driving No. on the state highway when a heavy oil truck driven by Norman Johnson of Highland attempted to pass the Ford coupe driven by Helms and owned by him.
The oil truck was the property of Grover Stokes, Highland, In. The front end of the heavy truck caught the rear corner of the coupe and completely crushed it. The two men riding in it were caught in the wreckage and instantly killed. it is thought about every bone in their bodies were broken. Their coupe was thrown quite a distance and the top sheared off like a giant cutter had clipped that section of it off. Both men are widely known and highly respected citizens of the community and their tragic death casts a deep sorrow over everyone. Rev. Newnum has lived in the Yeddo section for about 43 years, having moved there from Parke Co. He was born Dec 18, 1859, the so of Peter and Mary Stiner Newnum. He married Miss Louise Atkinson in Aug 1880 and her death occurred six months ag o. he served as pastor of the Centennial Church and was a member of the Old Settlers Meeting arrangement board. he leaves to survive him the following: two daughters, Mrs. Artie Helms, widow of Veeder; and Mrs. Mary Elliott of Kingman; four sons, Edgar Newnum of Kingman; Albert of C'ville; Roy of Lodi and Marshall Newnum of Potomac, Ill; one sister, Mrs. Mary Cronk of Yeddo; two brothers, Marsh Newnum of Kingman and Octavus Newnum of Attica and 16 grandchildren. Veeder Helms, the other victim of the tragic happening was born in Veedersburg Aug 25, 1871, the so George W. and Margaret Chumley Helms. He was named after Peter Veeder, the founder of the city of Veedersburg. He had lived in the community continuously, having followed the occupation of a farmer and was a highly respected citizen. He was a member of the Prairie Creek Baptist Church.
On Oct 2, 1902, he was married to Miss Artie Newnum, who survives, together with one daughter, Mrs. Elma Lytle Veedersburg; o ne son, Russell, of Wingate and two sisters, Mrs. Edna Sample, Marshall and Mrs. Fannie Reath, Veedersburg. There are also 3 brothers, Vernon and Charley Helms, Veedersburg and Harry Helms of Yeddo. A double funeral service was held at the Centennial Church, Thursday afternoon, Rev. Leslie Smith, Brazil and Rev. McHargue Kingman officiated. Burial for Mr. Newnum took place at the Centennial Cemetery and Mr. Helms at Bonebrake.