The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-07-29

John B. Helwig, SON of German
pioneers. was born at Canal Dover,
Ohio, May 6, 1888 His mother died
at his birth and his care and training
devolved upon his grandmother with
whom he made his home. This good
lady arranged to have him taken by
the village blacksmith as an apprentice
so he was bound out as other boys
were in those days and for two and a
half years he worked at the black
smiths anvil and the vigorous muscu-
lar training he received in the smithy's
shop gave him the strong physique
and the splendid health he enjoyed
for so many years.
He loved study and often while az
work at the bellows would he book
in his hand and eagerly devour its con-
tents. 1t was while busy about the
blacksmith shop that DR.. Sprecher,
the second president of Wittenberg
College, at Springfield, Ohio. came
riding by one day. he saw young
Helwig and soon detected that the lad
had the making of a brilliant man
| in him and inquired If be was de
slrous of securing a college education
Young Helwig assured the professor
that such thing would make him the
happiest person in the world but that
he feared it was impossible since he
had no money. The college president
assured him that If he would come to
Wittenbsrg and assist in the work
there as chole boy he would furnish
him his tuition and the necessary
books. To this young Helwig's grand
mother consented and he entered upon
his studies at the college.
In college he distinguished himself
as diligent student and in the literary
society he was recognized as a strong
debater, representing the Excelsiors
ON two contests. He wasgraduated from
the institution in 1861. DIR. Sprecher,
the man who did so much for Mr.
Helwlg. is still living. although a
very aged man. He resides upon the
Pacific coast. During his college course
Mr.. Helwig taught at the Fair Ground
school in Bellefoptaine and boarded
at the Harbaugh home, still standing
lalong the Toledo and Ohio Central
railroad track near the Shawver farm.
He also taught for time at DeGrsfi
and frequently would walk from Belle.
fontaine to DeGraff to be present fol
his daily duties 1t was while teach
ing in Belletontaine that he met Eliza
, Ann Miller, daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Henry Miller, and sister of Mrs. Car
oline Lawrence, Mrs. George b. Aller
and Admiral Merrill Miller. and
soon they were united IN marriage.
. After his marrIsge and year aftel
{ his graduation from Wittenberg h
assumed the Lutheran pastorate a
, Sulphur Springs. Ohio. having fitted
himself for the ministry. From ther,
he went to Lancaster, Springfield
Cincinnati and Dayton, at each plac'
meeting with success as pastor AM
1 preacher. He was popular among tb
a members OF each of his congregation
g and greatly loved for his faithfulnes
y and his self sacrificing nature. Tn
e degree of Doctor of Divinity was con
ferred upon him Dy Union Collge i
e 1875.
: Upon the resignation of DR.. Spreche
g in 1874 he was elected president G
y Wittenberg college which position b
: occupied for eight years, resigning i
+ 1882. on account of failing health.
n After six months rest, speI
n abroad. he was called to the Akro
h church and in 1856 returned to Sprin!
3, field to fill the pulpit of the First Lutl
or eran church. Five years later he se'
cred his connection with the Luthers
ne denomination and entered the Presb
r terian church. He accepted the pas
a crate Of the church of this denomin
of tion in Urbsna and during his term
s. service the magnificent church bull
y, ing now occupied was erected. l
acted as minister for large and fiou