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ROOT, ALONZO M.: Farmer, born in Hallock Township, Peoria County, March 2, 1851. His paternal grandparents were Jeriel and Sarah (Coleman) Root, born in Coventry, Connecticut where Jeriel Root served as pastor of a Baptist Church, and taught school. Later they removed to Delaware County, where he purchased a farm. In 1817, he and his family located in Ross County, Ohio and in 1830 relocated to Illinois settling in Hallock Township, where he preached in various places in the early days. The parents of A. M. Root, were Erastus C. and Barbara A. (Reed) Root the former born in Delaware County, New York, July 26, 1805, the latter September 15, 1811, in the same county. They were married in hillock Township December 16, 1830. In 1832 they removed to where Chillicothe now stands, being the first settlers in that locality; in 1836 they returned to Hallock Township. They were the parents of ten children, Jeriel, Perry Caroline (deceased), James Lucas, Cyrus, Erastus, William, Sarah Lovina (deceased), Ann Eliza, Alonzo M. and Charles B. All the sons except Alonzo M. are farmers in Marshall County. Erastus C. Root was one of the leading men of his township. He died January 22, 1896; his wife, October 6, 1881. Alonzo M. Root resides on the old homestead property at Blue Ridge, and has been a prominent man and a prosperous farmer. He was married in Lacon, Illinois, August 18, 1874, to Lillian H. Ellsworth who was born in Malone, Franklin County, New York, September 24, 1854, the daughter of Lucien D. and Maria (Bird) Ellsworth. Two children were born to them; Julius D., born July 13, 1875; and Gertrude, born May 11, 1877. Mrs. Root died December 8, 1887, and on Apirl 30, 1890, mr. Root married for his second wife, Jennie Stekel. They had one son, Raymond, who died in infancy. Mrs. Jennie Root is the daughter of Solomon and Emeline (Heinley) Stokel. Her father is still living in Princeton, Illinois. Mr. Root is a Republican and has taken an active interest in public affairs. He has been a member of the County Central Committee and was Assessor for seven years, and has been school director for 18 years. He is also a Modern Woodman of America. (Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902, page 707, submitted by Daniel Grachek)

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