Jesse W. Helden was indicted, at the September term, 1851, for a murder committed in the then Village of Savanna. He was a steamboatman or raftsman, and while on shore at Savanna was attacked by a comrade. in self defence, Helden picked up a club and struck his opponent a single blow, which proved instantly fatal. The name of the man who was killed is not remembered, and we have been unable to find the indictment on file. The criminal papers belonging to the circuit clerk's office prior to about 1856 seem to be where they can not now be found-at least, the writer has been unable to find them. The following named were jurors in the Helden case: William H. Hawk, Morris Saxton. Michael Siser, William Owings, John B. Christian, Daniel R. Christian. Simneon Johnson, Ransom Wilson, George W. Knox, Peter Hagaman, Elijah Bailey and Daniel Forney. The trial was had September 27, 1851, and on the same day was concluded, with a verdict of not guilty.

Source: Carroll County History Pg 316