Thomas B. Helder

Ft. Connition, NH, France / World War I
  • Military specialty: Unknown
  • Awards: Unknown

b. 7 Sep 1900; d. 31 Dec 1951. Thomas Bernard “Buck” Helder was born in Jeffers, MN to Edward Daniel and  Mary Ellen (McGuire) Helder. He grew up in the Jeffers area where he attended school through the 8th grade.   In 1917, he moved to Conde, SD.

On 23 May 1918, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Jefferson Barracks, MO. Later, he was transferred to Casual Detachment #38, 163rd Depot Brigade, Battery B, 73rd Coast Artillery Corps (C.A.C.)at Ft. Connition, NH.  His unit went to France in Sep 1918 and was held as a reserve unit.  On 10 Nov 1918 his unit was ordered to the front lines but due to the armistice on 11 Nov, his unit never reached it.  Corporal Helder returned to the U.S. with the First Army discharged at Camp Dodge, IA on 15 Jan 1919.

In 1920, he married Myrtle Maria Cowan; they had two children.  In 1924, the family moved to Ellendale, ND where he went into partnership with two of his brothers, J.H. and Francis, in the Helder Barber Shop business for several years.  Later, he owned and operated a recreation parlor there.  In 1937, Thomas and his family moved to Chino, California, where they lived until his death.  While living in Chino he also was a barber.

Member of  Ellendale’s Herman-Schlinker American Legion.

Thomas passed away while having surgery at the V.A. Hospital in Long Beach, CA.   He was buried in the Pomona Cemetery and Mausoleum, Pomona, CA.

 

  • Obituary: Yes