A photo of one of the ghosts is shown.
Submitted photo
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 on Tuesday, Sept. 24. 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. Ladies first: Tara Beery will be portraying Elizabeth Grier Hibben, wife of Samuel Entriken Hibben, of Hibben Dry Good store. Among other activities, she served as President of the Illinois WCTU after Mrs. Willard was elected President of the National Union.
Hugh “Ching” Fullerton was a well-known sports writer and was key in uncovering and breaking the Chicago “Black Sox” corruption story. Jeffery Beery will portray this character of seminal importance to national sports in the United States.
Hannibal Hawk Williams was the grandson of slaves who lived in Virginia and were enslaved by Samuel Gist. When Mr. Gist freed his slaves and provided the lands in Ohio, his grandparents moved to the Brown County Settlement. Tim Hennison will bring his story to life.
Roy Asa Haynes, a local newspaperman, was appointed Prohibition Commissioner by President Warren G. Harding in 1921. His life and times both in the newspaper and other businesses, topped off with the national position make for an interesting tale that will be brought to us by Dale Zornes.
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.
Bob Brown will portray Olin J. Ross, candidate for President of the United States! You had no idea that a Hillsboro resident ever ran for the highest office in our land, did you? In addition, he was an author (of one book) also. A truly interesting character!
Visiting us from one of the cemeteries in New Market will be the magician and Highland County Hall of Fame member, Howard Smith. He will be portrayed by another Hall of Famer, Steve Faris.
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! As a courtesy, we ask those who are more able-bodied to park a little farther from the chapel so that the places close may be used by those with mobility issues.
