F. H. Helsell, prominent Iowa lawyer, jurist and banker occupied this large brick residence at 1003 6th Ave. N. for many years. Judge Helsell and family acquired the house in 1919 and retained possession until 1943.

The house stands at the southeast corner of Sixth Avenue North and Tenth Street. Built in 1906 of brown brick, it has two stories, attic and basement. A large porch extends along the north and west sides.

The home has living room with fireplace, vestibule, dining room and kitchen on the first floor; five bedrooms and bath on the second floor. The attic is completely paneled and carpeted for a recreation room.

Present owners and occupants are Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Pett who acquired the house in 1970 from James and Mildred Kempley. Pett is with the Georgia Pacific Corporation. Other earlier owners were Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Hughes and Mr. and Mrs. Fred S. Thornley.

Judge Helsell was born in Ohio in 1857 and came to Iowa with his parents in 1864. After completing his education and legal training he began the practice of law in Sioux Rapids in 1882. In addition to his private practice he was local attorney for five railroads—Chicago and North Western, Rock Island, Milwaukee, Missouri & St. Louis and Illinois Central.

In 1898 Helsell was elected a district court judge. He left the bench after two and a half years and became active in banking, helping to organize a number of northwest Iowa banks. He was an officer and director of these banks.

Helsell was married in 1880 and he and Mrs. Helsell were parents of five children—a son and four daughters. They were Charles A. Helsell, who was his law partner here for many years; Glenora, married to Don G. LaGrange; Corrine, married to John Q. Adams; Laura, married to Roy L. Liddel; and Miss Virginia Helsell.

Judge Helsell and son Charles were in law practice together until the father’s death in 1927. Following his death Charles was named district attorney here for the Illinois Central Railroad and later was promoted to solicitor general of the railroad with offices in Chicago. B. B. Burnquist then succeeded Charles Helsell as district attorney here.

Judge Helsell was active in the Masonic orders, Knights of Pythias and the Elks. A prominent Republican he was a delegate to the national conventions of 1888 and 1896.