Andrew Helmer (born 1827) moved with his family from Otsego County, New York, to Battle Creek Township, Calhoun County, Michigan, in 1844. His parents, Philip Helmer Jr., and Sarah (nee Woodburn) died later that same year. Andrew, the oldest child, raised his brother John and sister on the 80-acre homestead filed by their father. John Helmer (1836-1911) became a druggist and successful businessman in Battle Creek. In 1854, Andrew married Marcia L. Andrus (born 1834). After several moves they settled, in 1856, on an 160-acre farm in the southeast quarter of section 9, Battle Creek Township. Andrew and Marcia had five children: Harriet, Frank (who died in childhood) William A., Nellie A., and Mattie.

Andrew Helmer was a general farmer, growing produce and fruit as well as raising sheep. He sold his surplus in the city of Battle Creek. Helmer was a successful farmer and accomplished businessman and served as a six term township supervisor. He and his wife retired from farming in 1890 and moved to live with his son. Though he lived on his son's farm, Helmer continued to breed horses.

William A. Helmer (1859-circa 1920) grew up on his father's farm. Trained in bookkeeping practices, he kept detailed records of his own farming operations. These began in 1878 when his father permitted him to farm several acres of the family farm. By 1890, William owned his own 140-acre farm in section 4 of Battle Creek Township, just north of his father's farm. He built his farming operation to include the wholesale distribution of his milk, fruits and vegetables (especially celery during the period 1900-1910). By 1910 he was selling his produce in Battle Creek as well as shipping it to Ohio, Illinois and Iowa. William never married.