Major Hillard Library in Deep Creek might sound like it is named after a prominent military figure, but that isn't the case.
Major M. Hillard was a state representative and judge who was known as much for his love of history and community as he was for his political astuteness. He died in 1977 at the age of 81.
Hillard was born in Tennessee, but his family moved to the Deep Creek area of Norfolk County in 1907, according to newspaper articles.
Hillard served as an artilleryman in World War I. He attended the College of William and Mary and the University of Richmond law school, an education extended by his teaching high school science during the day and taking classes at night. He established a law practice in Portsmouth in 1926. Then, he was elected to the House of Delegates the following year.
He represented the county for 27 years, as a delegate from 1927 to 1931 then as a state senator from 1931 to 1954. He resigned in 1954 to become circuit court clerk at a time when he ranked second in seniority in the Senate and headed the mighty roads committee, according to the news reports.
Hillard was appointed to the bench in 1961 and has been described as ruling with a "flinty-eyed authority," sometimes upbraiding a jury for what he felt was dereliction of duty or scolding the convicted before doling out sentences. Reports also said he used his political savvy and was instrumental in the merger of Norfolk County with South Norfolk to form the city of Chesapeake in 1963.
He retired from the bench in 1971 but would fill in for absent judges. His interest and love for his community was legendary. He researched the area until many considered him an expert in Deep Creek history. News clips list Hillard as serving various roles at Deep Creek Baptist Church and the Deep Creek Ruritan Club and attending as many Deep Creek High School football games as possible.
His last public appearance was at the dedication of the library bearing his name, according to a 1977 article. The current building on Old George Washington Highway opened in 2000.
Denise Watson Batts, (757) 446-2504, denise.batts@pilotonline.com
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