EUGENE FLOYD HELM, Huntington, Indiana.
In the life of Eugene Floyd Helm the world is given another example of what the American boy can make of himself when he is thrown upon his own resources. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, October 15, 1858, he was the son of Benjamin F. Helm, who, as a member of Company H, Forty-seventh Indiana, was so badly injured in the War of the Rebellion that the family was forced to shift for themselves. After a few months of hardship, Eugene, at the age of 11, became a successful jockey on the western racing circuit, and with the money he thus earned gathered his sisters and brothers together and installed them in a home, with his oldest sister as housekeeper. He denied himself a school education, but was delighted to see that the rest of the children were well taken care of and learning at school what he had to pick out of books by himself at night or learn from practical experience, for despite the fact that he had little school training he is well educated and is an excellent business man.

Mr. Helm continued as a jockey for ten years, when, becoming too heavy to ride, he gradually withdrew from the racing business, and in 1882 commenced his railroad career, working in the car building department of the Erie. He soon quit that to accept a place as brakeman, and after thirteen months was promoted to conductor. He ran as such but four months, having decided that he preferred to be on the engine. He was given a place as fireman, and after five years was promoted to engineer, October, 1890, which position he fills with the characteristic ability he has shown in every avocation he has engaged in. Mr. Helm received personal congratulation from General Superintendent Moorehead for a fast run made between Huntington and Marion, and besides being popular with the officials is well liked by his fellow employes.

May 30, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Theresia Hine, daughter of Martin Hine, a prominent farmer of Whitley County, Indiana. They have one child. Harry Eugene Helm, who is 14 years of age and attending St. Mary's School. He is a very bright lad and a favorite in his class. Mrs. Helm owns a millinery store on East Market street and is a trustee and prominent member of the Ladies' Auxiliary of B. of L. F. Mr. Helm owns considerable property in Huntington and is a prominent member of William Hugo Lodge No. 166, B. of L. F., in which he held a subordinate office for two terms. He is a valued citizen of Huntington and is the owner and breeder of some very fine horses.


Excerpted from: "American Locomotive Engineers, Erie Railway Edition," H.R. Romans Editor; Crawford-Adsit Company Publishers, Chicago, IL 1899.