Frank Helvey
Died: March of 1910, at Fairbury, Nebraska.
Frank Helvey, son of Joel Helvey, migrated with his father and family across Iowa in 1846,
following the Mormon Trail, crossing the river at Nebraska City in the
spring of 1854. He came to Jefferson County, Nebraska, May 25, 1859, in
company with his father and brothers, assisting in the erection of a road ranche along the Little Sandy Creek. Joel Helvey and his sons, Frank, Thomas and Jasper
engaged in freighting and general ranching until 1870.
Frank Helvey was a
Pony Express rider and it is likely the family operation had a contract
with the company to provide hay and feed for the horses. Blacksmith
services were undoubtedly a part of the Helvey's operation.
Frank and Eleanor Plummer journeyed over to
Beatrice where she and he were married by "Pap Towle" in his cabin in
1866. They had several children: Watson, who was killed by accident
with a buzz-saw, Auga, a daughter, Delmer, Lillian, Arthur, Eva,
Archie, Myrtle, and Ernest.
The Helvey family continued to freight goods to the ranche after the
Pony Express ended and years later Frank was elected sheriff of Jefferson
County, an office he held for many years. His brother, Tom, was County
Treasurer, and a third brother, Jasper, served as County Clerk. Helvey,
Nebraska was named for the family.
Source: Dawson, Charles. Pioneer Tales of the Oregon Trail and of Jefferson County , Topeka, Crane and Co. 1912.
Born: 1831, in Huntington County, Indiana.
Return to Riders Page