Highland County Recorder Chad E. McConnaughey presented a unique insight into his duties in that elective position when he spoke to a recent meeting of the Hillsboro Woman’s Club.

He also gave an interesting account of the history of Ohio and Highland County.

McConnaughey also provided a brief synopsis of each of Ohio’s eight presidents of the United States. David Hayes was Highland County’s first recorder and McConnaughey is the 32nd person to serve in that capacity.

The first mortgage of property was listed in 1855 and valued at $283.38. By 2013, the recorder’s office had accumulated 13,652 documents with a total value of nearly $6 billion.

The first recorded deed was officially made when Nathaniel Pope deeded his property on May 4, 1805 to Jessie Baldwin, both of whom were Quakers. At the present time, some 35,000 parcels of land in Highland County have been recorded and are stored by means of scanning.

Gist Settlement, near the village of New Vienna, was platted in 1894 and a large portion of it is now owned by Paul Turner, who farms it, McConnaughey said.

Following the program, a delicious luncheon was served at the Highland County Senior Center. President Helen Ford asked members to sign a list of hostess committees for the coming club year. She also thanked today’s committee for its arrangements. That committee was chaired by Jean Wallis and assisted by Vickie Knauff.

The next meeting will be at the Highland County YMCA on May 9. It will include a tour of the facility to be conducted by Pam Rudisill. The meal will be catered by Farmhouse Catering.

A brief discussion on the possibility of increasing the club’s treasury was held. A committee will report at the May meeting and a vote at the June meeting is expected to resolve this issue.

Submitted by Gretchen Huffman, secretary.