John D. Helbling
The reputation of the successful general contractors of the Hanging Rock Region is not made in a day, prosperity in this broad field demanding not alone unusual abilities, but thorough training and broad experience. Commencing in business at Ironton some twenty-two years ago, John D. Helbling has steadily advanced to the front in reputation and the legitimate rewards of such a standing, and as a member of the firm of Wileman & Helbling shares in the prosperity that has come to one of Ironton 's progressive ventures. Mr. Helbling was born November 15. 1864, in Brown County, Ohio, and is a son of Michael and Katbryn (Ring) Helbling.
Michael Helbling was born in Pennsylvania, in 1837, and for many years was engaged in the manufacture of bricks, but since 1911 has lived retired from active pursuits, and now makes his home at Ironton. Mrs. Helbling, who was born in Germany, in 1838, and came to the United States in girlhood, died in 1912, having been the mother of nine children, as follows: May; John D., of this review; Nicholas H., who is deceased; Margaret; William; Kathryn; Flora; Charles D., and Luella. who is deceased. Until reaching the age of fifteen years, John D. Helbling attended the public schools of Ironton. and at that time began to learn the trade of brick mason, working in his father's brick yard and continuing to be thus engaged until 1892. In that year he formed a partnership with Harry Wileman, under the firm style of Wileman & Helbling, and they have since carried on a prosperous and constantly increasing business, their plant and stock now being valued at $7,000. Mr. Helbling is a business man of more than ordinary ability, and his standing is that of one who adheres to the strictest principles of integrity and honorable dealing. Although he devotes the greater part of his attention to his brick manufacturing and general contracting business, he also has other interests, is a stockholder of the Ironton Artificial Stone Company, and owns his own residence on South Third Street and a residence property in the same locality. He is a valued member of the Chamber of Commerce, and his fraternal connection is with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. With his family, he attends St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Movements calculated to benefit his adopted city and its people always find in him a stalwart supporter, but he has taken no active part in polities save as a republican voter.
On July 12, 1892, at the home of the bride, Mr. Helbling was united in marriage with Miss Kathryn Spanner, daughter of Conrad Spanner, of Ironton, and to this union there have come three children: Frances. Cecelia, and Emerson. The children have all been given good educational advantages, and the Misses Helbling hold positions as stenographers in the office of the C. & O. Railway. The family home is at No. 196 South Third Street.
From "A Standing History of the Hanging Rock Iron Region of Ohio" by Eugene B. Willard, Daniel W. Williams, George O. Newman and Charles B. Taylor. Published by Lewis Publishing Company, 1916