[2] As a young man George Helme obtained a clerkship with Asa Packer, a wealthy contractor involved in the construction of locks, boats, and railroads for the transport of coal (and who eventually founded Lehigh University).
Helme left his law practice and enlisted in the Confederate States Army on March 8, 1862, in New Orleans as a captain in the Crescent Regiment, commanding Company G, Marion Rangers, nicknamed the Ruggles Guards.
The bureau opened new coalfields in North Carolina and Alabama and coordinated the flow of mineral fuel to Confederate naval stations along the coast.
Captain Helme's earlier experience back in Pennsylvania working for Asa Packer may have influenced this assignment.
When the war ended, Helme returned north, to New Jersey and New York City, where he engaged in the real estate business for several years, acquiring considerable property.
This area, initially known as Railroad Mills, became Helmetta, New Jersey, and was reputedly named after his youngest daughter Olivia Antoinette, whose nickname was Etta.
[1] A special car of the Pennsylvania Railroad left Jersey City for the benefit of those wishing to attend the funeral services.