Large crowd gathers for Historical Society's presentation on county sheriffs
By Pamela Nickell
Highland County Historical Society
Standing room only – with literally every chair in the Highland House meeting room filled and extra chairs placed in the Pioneer Hall and Music Room – a capacity crowd was on hand Wednesday, Sept. 30 to experience the History of Highland County Elected Sheriffs.
The presentation and exhibit were researched, gathered and presented by HCHS Board of Trustees member Kati Burwinkel.
Avery Applegate arranged the exhibit in the museum.
Buried in the archives (sometimes in cardboard boxes in an old jail cell) were facts and tales that, as they were told by Burwinkel, brought alternately somber regard and peals of laughter from the audience of friends, family and residents connected to the history of these men who we have voted to charge with our protection and safety.
Former sheriffs Tom Horst and Ron Ward were in attendance as was Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera.
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Patsy Rogers and several members of Hugh Rogers family were there, including two of his brothers.
Earl Mahaffey was unable to attend but assisted with Burwinkel's research.
The great-great-grandnephew of former Sheriff Walt Reffitt was very excited to see the uniform of his uncle.
One of the items displayed was a commission for Sheriff Pope, ancestor of Society Member Leland Pennington, signed by Gov. Rutherford Hayes, who later became president of the United States.
Campaign signs, a very old election ballot, badges, commemorative guns, photos, and other memorabilia loaned by the families of these men connected us throughout the years from Highland County's origin to the present.
The old and new jails were discussed. All of the building specifications of the old jail are preserved in the Highland County Commissioners' Office.
A question-and-answer period following the presentation was extended due to eagerly participating audience members encouraging Sheriffs Horst, Ward and Barrera as well as Patsy Rogers, former jail matron and wife of Sheriff Hugh Rogers, to tell some stories and share their experiences.
When asked to tell some "secrets," they laughingly indicated any "secrets" would remain so.
The exhibit is open during regular weekend hours during October with a second presentation by Burwinkel on Oct. 20.