Highland County Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary, Part XLI

Stop and consider that the Highland House has the actual compass that was used by David Hayes to survey and lay out the city of Hillsboro in 1807. 

It might promote wonder in your mind that this very compass was carried through the trees, hills, rocks and streams of what are now our streets and buildings.  

It gave us Hillsborough.  

This G. Chandler Compass, made in 1799 in Winchester, Virginia was purchased by Allen Trimble and used by David Hayes to lay out the town of Hillsboro. It was given to the Highland County Historical Society by R.E. Evans. 

Allen Trimble came to Ohio with his father and mother in 1804 and eventually became Governor of Ohio. 

David Hayes was named clerk pro tem of the first government of three Associate Judges named by the Legislature to form Highland County.  

The first seat of government in Highland County was New Market which was forced to yield to the establishment of Hillsborough when a more centrally located court was deemed necessary.  

R.E. Evans helped found the Highland County Historical Society and placed trust in its mission to safeguard the many historical items he donated. 

 In the Highland House library is a copy of “A Plan of the Town of Hillsborough” signed by “David Hayes, director for the Town of Hillsborough  August 28, 1807: “The State of Ohio Highland County this day, personally appeared before me Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid David Hayes, director for the town of Hillsborough, and acknowledged therewith a plan to be his act and deed for the purpose therein as it appears, and desires the same may be recorded as such given under my name and seal this fifth day of September 1807.”  

All this is written in beautiful calligraphy with platting artistically drawn.  

Imagine the sense of completion, accomplishment and future with which Mr. Hayes signed this document.  

This copy, however, does not include the name, signature or seal of the Justice of the Peace to whom it was presented.

In a copy of the article “A County Seat is Carved out of the Wilderness,” dated June 1950 by R.M. Husband (magazine unattributed) we read, “Early in 1807 a site on a hilltop in the wilderness,12 miles to the north of New Market, was selected for the new county seat. 

In August of that year, on 200 acres of land purchased from Benjamin Ellicott for 50 cents an acre, David Hayes surveyed and platted the town. To the sound of axes reverberating through the timber, and the lusty shouts of pioneers as they cleared the site, Hillsboro was born.”

We were a busy, busy place in 1807: surveyed, platted, 200 acres bought, auctioned to individuals, clearing and building begun. 

It may be obvious, but let’s not take for granted how each of our lives is affected daily by the actions of these strong and determined people.

The Highland House is a treasure trove. The HCHS acknowledges and salutes all historians and preservation groups in Highland County. It is the responsibility and desire of all of us to protect, preserve and promote our unique history.   

And are we recording what we do today for the amazement and education of those who follow in a couple of hundred years.