Highland County Historical Society ghost walk Sept. 26
Hannibal Hawk Williams
By John Glaze
Highland County Historical Society
Highland County Historical Society is hosting five ghosts, coming from all walks of life, to entertain and inform Highland countians all about their lives and times.
The walk will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26 beginning at 6 p.m. at Hillsboro Cemetery on the stage beside the chapel.
This year, we have a cross-section of life in Hillsboro. Representing the social register as well as the kindness quotient is Anne Price Beecher, wife of George Beecher, who visited us last year. Anne, or “Nannie,” as she was more commonly known, was an active Episcopalian and an active member of our community. Nannie’s life ended long before it should have, due to an accident about which she’ll tell you.
John T. Board was a laborer who worked on the water and sewer lines when they were first installed in Hillsboro. This man never ran for office nor ever made the newspaper until his rather spectacular death.
Our ghosts include Dr. John Ross Callahan. You may not immediately recognize that name, but if I mention root canals, you may at least be familiar with his work. Born in Hillsboro, he spent many years researching diseases of dental pulp as well as methods for filling root canals. You’ll learn all about his life in dental science.
Dr. John C. Larkin practiced medicine in our community for over 50 years. He will come to tell you not only about his life, but also to inform us about diseases of the past, the names of which are curious to our 21st Century ears. Then he’ll update us on what those names are in our time.
Hannibal Hawk Williams, the grandson of former slaves, was born on the Gist Settlement land in Brown County. His family made the most of their situation and were known for standing up proudly for their rights as free people of color.
As in the past, we let the ghosts do the walking, so we remain “user friendly” and welcoming to all. Bring a lawn chair along to enjoy this ghostly presentation. There is no charge for the evening, but the historical society happily and thankfully will accept donations. Please join us for this fun and educational evening.