Social 28 January 2016

Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum

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By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society

This is the fourth article in a series from the Highland County Historical Society featuring members of the HCHS Hall of Fame and in recognition of the Highland House Museum’s 50th Anniversary.

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Joseph F. Hiestand
(1906-2004)

Joe Hiestand was known the world over for his ability as a “crack” shot. His sharpshooting championships and work in government made him one of Highland County’s great citizens.

Joe’s career as a farmer, sportsman, county commissioner, state representative, and civic leader started right after his graduation from high school. He took up trapshooting as a hobby, which led to championships and travel all over the world.

In 1931, Hiestand won the Ohio State Championship singles, following in 1934 with the North American High Overall Championship. He repeated the feat again in 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1946, 1948, and 1956.

In 1937, Joe was named captain of the All-America Trapshooting team. He fired 57 perfect 200 target programs.

In 1942, Joe was commissioned a Captain in the U.S. Army where he taught recruits methods of rapid fire at fast moving objects.

Joe captained the United States team at the Match of Nations in Monte Carlo where he took the world championship. As of 1958, he had a lifetime average of 97.92 percent for 90,285 targets.

In 1938, Joe married Mary Custer, and they had three children. Joe Hiestand was a great champion for Highland County.

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