Henry Howe Helman was born in St.

Henry Howe Helman was born in St. Peter, Minnesota in 1857. His father, William Helman, a native of Germany, emigrated to to America and reared his family in Minnesota.

Henry H. was educated in his native State and when quite young developed a love for horsemanship. He worked for trainers until he learned the business, exhibiting a decided talent in that direction. He drove in several closely contested races, each time with success. In 1876 he came to California, and in Sonoma County continued his business, being very successful and winning for himself an enviable reputation as a horse-trainer. Among other fine horses which he drove on the circuit was the celebrated trotting horse Warwick, the property of Judge Rodney J. Hudson. At Santa Rosa Mr. Helman opened a stable for training horses, and with it also conducted a livery business. Two years later he went to Healdsburg and carried on his business at that place until 1885 when he came to Visalia, and has since remained here. He raised Strathaway, an inbred Hambletonian, which, at the age of three years, made a record of 2:36 in the fifth heat, and was sold by Mr. Helman for $5,500. He now has under his care Mortimer 484, sired by Electioneer. This horse, one of the finest in the County, has a record of 2:27 and is valued at $15,000. Among the other horses which Mr. Helman has trained may be mentioned the following: Milton R. 2:33 and Charles F. 2:33. To a two year old colt he gave a record of 2:41, and won all the stakes for which he entered. He also trained W. H. Hammonds Oakland Boy, started him in four races, won three and made a record of 2:29. He campaigned Emma Temple, started in seven races, won six and returned with a record 2:21 made in the fifth heat. At this writing (1891), he has twelve colts in training.

Mr. Helman was married in 1891 to Miss Nellie Parker, a native of his own State. He has made investments in Visalia property. In politics he is a Republican, and is a thoroughly reliable citizen.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties of Fresno, Tulare and Kern, California (Includes present-day Kings County since it was published prior to the county's formation) Lewis Publishing, Chicago, Ill (1892)

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