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The subject of this biography owns one of the best farms in Noble Township, and which is eligibly located on section 4, the soil brought to a good state of cultivation, and the farm buildings of that style of architecture amply indicative of the solid and substantial character of the proprietor.  Mr. Heltzel, in addition to general farming, interests himself considerably in stock-raising, and is able to exhibit some of the best animals in this part of the county.  His horses, although not fast stock, are mainly serviceable for the farm and road, while the sleek and well-fed cattle, wheter in the field or the stable, look the picture of comfort, and are fully in keeping with the characteristics of the typical Pennsylvanian.  Our subject was born in the Keystone State, Oct. 18, 1840, and is the son of Jesse and Catherine (Fishel) Heltzel, who at the time of his birth were living in York County.  They also were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German ancestry.

Mr. Heltzel spent his early years in his native county, and came with his parents to Michigan in 1859.  They located on the land which he now occupies, and the father, with the assistance of his sons, cleared and improved a farm from the woods, putting up a log house in which the family lived until 1883.  The homestead became the property of Adam in 1870, and he has since put up a modern dwelling and other farm buildings.  The mother passed away in 1881, and the fatehr in 1883, at the age of seventy-two years.  They were the parents of four children, three of whom lived to mature years, and three are now living.  The eldest son, Daniel, was killed by lightning in York County, Pa., before the removal of the family to the West.

Mr. Heltzel continued with his parents until his marriage with Miss Julia Curtis, which took place at the home of the bride in Noble Township, Oct. 24, 1871.  Mrs. Heltzel is the daughter of B.H. and Elizabeth (Koblin) Curtis, natives of Canada, and was born May 12, 1853, in Canada.  Her father lives in Reed City, Mich.  Her mother died in June 1886.  Their five children are all living.  To our subject and his wife there have been born six children, five living, namely:  Albert F., Irona, Elizabeth, Charles and Nettie.

The Heltzel homestead embraces 166 acres of good land, which has been thoroughly cultivated, and is the source of a generous income.  Our subject has little to do with public affairs, confining his attention mostly to his personal interests, but votes with the Democratic party.  His wife is a member of the Mennonite Church.