Highland County Historical Society celebrates 50th anniversary, Part XXV
By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society
Al Martelloti, military historian and retired Hillsboro High School educator, writes in Highland County, Ohio A Pictorial History c. 2004, page 241:
“Ever since Highland County was established, her citizens have been called upon to defend our nation. Many of these citizens have given the last full measure to insure that future generations will continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“Many others sustained injuries that have shortened their lives while others have seen and heard things that have forever altered their lives which the rest of us would find hard to believe.
“When the Revolutionary War ended, the Continental Congress was out of money. In order to pay our soldiers, it was decided to open the lands in the west to settlement and to give each soldier a parcel of that land. In those days, ‘The West’ was the land owned by the government west of the Appalachian Mountains. The size of the parcel was determined by their respective rank and length of service during the war. Taking advantage of that offer, many veterans moved with their families into the area now called Highland County. As can be imagined settlement was sparse and the keeping of records was almost non-existent. It is therefore almost impossible to know exactly who moved where in the very early days before Highland County was created.
“However, as soon as the county was established in 1805, several independent militia companies started to be formed. One of the first companies to be formed was in 1807. The New Market settlement formed the first military company with Captain George W. Barrere as commander.
“Following this organization, others sprang up in the county. Here is a list of those units: New Market Company Captain George W. Barrere, Fairfield Township Captain Richard F. Bernard succeeded in 1811 by Captain Thomas M. Johnson, Brush Creek Captain James Wilson, Liberty Township Captain Samuel Evans, Lieutenant Allen Trimble, Greenfield Captain John Coffey. Commander in Chief Anthony Franklin, Adjutant Captain George W. Barrere.”
On this July 4, 2015 – 210 years following the formation of Highland County – we remember, decorate and celebrate Independence Day thanks to our veterans and those who have preserved their history.
Please join us at the Highland House this weekend during the Festival of the Bells. The back wall is beautifully and authentically restored by general contractor Brad Tira and Masonry Contractor Wayne Dance and their very skilled and professional crews. The Grand Old House is adorned with red, white and blue, as is the dining room decorated by Avery Applegate and Director Vicki Knauff.
The memory garden has been renewed by landscaper Brad Roades with a plaque in acknowledgment of creator Bob ‘Jones’ Jones, added by Margaret Van Frank.
As is traditional, the Hillsboro Woman’s Club is hosting the museum during this holiday weekend. After this weekend, the museum will be closed again – except by appointment – for some additional work.