I am also researching the Kem/Helms
connections. Thomas Kem b. 1793 in Botetourt
Co., VA, son of George Elizabeth Kem of
England, was father of Elizabeth Kem who
married Strawder Helms in Wayne Co., IN in
1838. Court records in Wayne Co. also gave
Malinda as her mother, but from what you
have found, her mother must have been Mary
Centz. However, according to Wayne Co., IN
record of her death 10/6/1881, she wasn't
but 63 years of age (Malinda Kem). Thomas
Kem d. 55/3/1871 at the age of 88, 9 mo. and
10 days. They were both buried in Kennedy
Chapel Cemetery at Olive Hill, IN. I have
been corresponding with another Kem descen-
dant who is planning to visit the cemetery
and advise what he finds there. Strawder
Helms was the son of a John Helms and
Rebecca Drummond who m. 1818 in Botetourt Co.
VA, but he was not the same person as the
John Helms, Methodist minister, who d. 1821
in Botetourt Co., VA. While not yet proven,
I think John Helms b. 1795 (1850 census
said he was age 55) may have been the son of
Leonard Helms and Elizabeth Jackson and am
presently working on this premise. There
was a third John Helms, whose estate was
settled in Botetourt Co. in 1782, page 200 of
book #1 in Fincastle, VA, records. The
Augusta Co., VA, 1810 census lists a John
Helms with 2 boys under 10, 1 male 26-45,
1 female under 10, 1 female 16-26 and 1 male
45 and up. In 1820, there were 2 John Helms
listed in the census, the Rev. John Helms
and my John and Rebecca Helms who were in
the Catawba area that later became Craig Co.,
VA. I have been working on the Helms line
for 35 years as time permitted, and about
25 years ago made a trip to Richmond and
Anderson, Indiana, to check the immediate
Kem line, but at that time did not learn
what Malinda Kem's maiden name was. My
e-mail is
damiller@inetone.net, and I would
like to correspond further with you, Judy,
as well as with Linda Means. Thanks.