Connecticut western news., 1886-03-24
OBITUARY r.
James A. Root .

James A. Root.
 James A Root was born on Canaan
 mountain on Nov. 2, 1926. His father was John Root. His mothers maiden name was Olive Root. While James A. Root was but child his parents moved to Johnsonville, O. His mother is yet living in Ohio. When he was eighteen years old he returned to Canaan, Conn. AS a specimen of his manly push and perseverance, it is said that lacking means, he walked half the way from Ohio here.
 At Lime Rock he commenced work in the iron business. This business he chose for his life work. When he was twenty one years old he was married to Miss Rhoda Phillips, daughter of Sam uel Phillips of Huntsville. After acting as founder in different furnaces in this section for probably twenty years, he removed to Negaunee, Mich, about eleven years ago. There he acted in the same capacity in the Pioneer fur mace.
 On the 9th of March, in going from the furnace to his house near by, he must cross a railroad track, used as switch leading to the furnace. A train of cars and engine were standing on the switch, and car on the crossing Probably supposing that the train was to stand there for some time, he under took to pass down and around the car on the crossing. The train standing on curve no one saw him. There was much snow and ice about the place. As he started around the car the train moved. He fell between the wheels and under the car and was caught in the brake. He was probably carried about three hundred feet before he was fatally injured. His cries for help were heard by parties in the yard; the train stopped and he was taken out, barely told his name and expired.
 It was while at Huntsville that by clear experience he entered upon a Christian ife This event more than all else moulded his life and made him a useful man. He soon united with tue Methodist Episcopal church at Falls Village. At once he entered upon the work of the church in all its depart ments. He did thls with the same en .rgy that he entered upon his daily bus ess. He was fo1nd in the prayer meetings and wherever his voice and counsel could aid the cause of his Mas ter. He was always liberal giver. When he began to earn good wages and ,ccumluate property he increased his gifts. Among the first to receive these larger gifts was the Methodist Episco- pal church at Canaan. This church was built while he was at East Canaan. It is said that he gave one thousand dollars in one contribution. A minister who has known him intimately for years says of him in every respect ''he was a whole souled man."
 Funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church in Negau- nee, Mich. The sermon was preached by Rev G. c. Squire, on Sunday, March l l4th at 1O3O. The remains were brought to Canaan and arrived here on Tuesday evening.
 Funeral services were hold at the Methodist Episcopal church on Wednes- day, March 17th, at II o'clock a. m. Rev Robert Hunt of Lee. Mass, per sonal friend of MT Root, preached 8 sermon from the text ''To die is gain. y He clearly showed how in many ways it is gain for the Christian to die and "be with Christ, which is far better"
 Mir Root was for twenty-five years a member of Montgomery lodge No. 1a, F. < A. M., at Lakeville, Conn. Ne gaunee lodge No. POP sent from Michi- gan the following letter in commenda- tion of MT Roots character:
 ..It is with pleasure, that I can say to the members of Montgomery lodge, that turing the past twelve years the time that Brother Root has lived in this com munity, his life has been that of 8 just and upright Mason.' whose example might be followed with profit by every brother of the craft. Brother Root lied respected by and possessing the full confidence, not only of every mem Der of the fraternity, but of all mankind who were favored with his acquaintance. Though we mourn his loss hero below. we feel assured that he has joined the Celestial lodge above which every good Mason hopes to join when all earthly luties are finished"
 Yours fraternally,
 THOMAS M WELLS, W. M.
 Negaunee lodge No. POP The remains were taken to East Canaan and buried with Masonic honors.
 Thus has passed to rest good man who has made the world better because he lived in it. The family have the sympathies of large circle of friends.