Abel Helman

[1] Helman learned the carpenter's trade in Wooster, Ohio, and worked in cabinet-making until he was twenty-six years old.

He returned to California, and made his home at Yreka until January 1852, when he came to Jackson County, Oregon, with several others, all of whom secured donation land claims.

As the town developed, he sold off much of his original tract, but at the time of his death was still occupying about 10 acres (40,000 m2) of the northern part of the claim.

They built the first sawmill on the banks of Ashland Creek,[2] and the first flour mill which occupied a site near the center of the city that is now Lithia Park.

[3] They were forced to endure many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life and in the early days faced constant danger of Indian attack.

Helman was with those who defended the interests of the pioneers in the Rogue River Wars of 1855 and 1856, being stationed at a fort on Wagner Creek.

His commission as a first lieutenant of the Mountain Rangers, Company A, of the First Regiment, First Brigade, Oregon Militia, was dated December 20, 1865.