In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1851
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
JOHN E. HELFRICH, proprietor of the Green Lawn Farm, consisting of sixty acres of well-improved land, situated in German Township, on the Flick Turnpike Road, about one-half mile west of Lawrenceville, was born on this farm, February 27, 1851. His parents were Michael and Anna Barbara (Shafer) Helfrich.
Michael Helfrich and his wife were both born in Germany, where they married and were the parents of five children when they emigrated to America and took up their residence in Clark County. For seven years they rented a farm situated one-half mile south of Lawrenceville, and then purchased and moved onto the farm now owned by their son, John. There they lived until the close of their lives, the father dying Januaiy 26, 1881, and the mother in March, 1900. They had eight children, five of whom were born in Germany, where two died, the other three being born in Clark County, Ohio.
John E. Helfrich secured his education in the district schools. He learned practical farming under his father and has always resided on the homestead, where he carries on general agriculture. The first house on the present farm stood back about one-fourth of a mile from the road, but in the summer and fall of 1901 Mr. Helfrich built his present commodious residence on the highway and moved his barn and other buildings conveniently near.
Mr. Helfrich married Emma Ellen Meranda, daughter of Jeif person and Mary (Dillahunt) Meranda. Mrs. Helfrich was born and reared in German Township, as was also her father. Her grandfather, too, George Meranda, was a pioneer settler here. After their marriage on March 29, 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Helfrich settled down on their present farm, where they have since continued. They have reared a happy family of four children, the two younger sons, Clarence Michael and John Russell, still remaining under the home roof. The eldest son, Walter Jefferson, married Delia Rust and they live at Lawrenceville. The second son, Harry Edgar, married Catherine Xanders, and they reside in German Town.ship. In politics, Mr. Helfrich is a Democrat. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics at Tremont Citv.
As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.