Peter Helderbrand

Peter’s last name varied in spelling: Helderbrand, Heldebrand, Hildebrand, Hilderbrand, Hildebran, Hilterbrand, Heldebrant, or Hildebrant. He lived from 1828 to 1867 and owned land that today is owned by Tyson in 1838. 

When Helderbrand’s father died in 1834, Peter and fellow landowner Samuel Byrnes were appointed securities of his estate. In 1848, Helderbrand married Martha Ann Pepper and had several children: James Nash Helderbrand, David Lee Alonzo Helderbrand, Benjamin Franklin Helderbrand, Martha Villa Helderbrand, Lucinda Helderbrand, Mary Helderbrand, Nancy Helderbrand, Seigel Francis Helderbrand, Grant Helderbrand, Margaret Caroline Helderbrand, and Francis Helderbrand.  

Helderbrand’s grandfather, also named Peter Helderbrand, was a Revolutionary War veteran and the first settler in today’s Cedar Hill. Other members of his family included parents David Jonathan Helderbrand and Hannah McCourtney, siblings Francis Helderbrand, Abraham Helderbrand, Mary Helderbrand, Lucinda Helderbrand, Maranda Helderbrand, William Helderbrand, Philip Helderbrand, Caleb Helderbrand, Malinda Helderbrand, Ann Eliza Helderbrand, David Helderbrand, and half-sibling George Helderbrand.  

*Note: this Peter is not the same person as Peter Heldebrand (1782-1851) who led the Cherokee nation on the Trail of Tears through Missouri. The second Peter is unlikely to have owned property in Missouri.  

**Additional note: Charles (1889-1948) and Emma Helderbrand are buried in the Byrnes Family Cemetery on Tyson property. Their relation to Peter is unknown. 

There are no records to suggest that the Helderbrand’s were enslavers.