Fourteenth Generation

805. John Mathias ROOT Jr. was born on 10 September 1827 in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.^{96,97,99,101,158,162} (At the time of his birth, Antis Township was in Huntingdon County.)

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He appeared in the census in 1830 in Allegheny, Huntingdon County, PA.¹⁰⁹ He appeared in the census in 1840 in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.¹¹⁰ John appeared in the census in 1850 in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.⁹⁸ He was living with his father and step-mother and his occupation was listed as "Farmer." He appeared in the census in 1860 in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.¹⁶⁰ His occupation was listed as "Day Laborer." He died on 1 March 1904 at the age of 76 in Bellwood, Blair County, PA.^97,102,162

Excerpts from an article about his son, Edward N. Root: "John M. Root, father of Edward N., was born on the old home place and lived there practically all his life, returning here about one year after the family moved to Ohio. He was of English descent. After his marriage he left the home farm and during the greater part of his life followed the lumber business, and subsequently became the owner of a farm near Elizabeth Furnace. He spent the latter years of his active career in the service of the railroad acting as first night watchman for several years previous to entering the lumber business.

In the spring of 1865 he enlisted for service in the war, in Company E., Sixth Penna. Cavalry, and served until its close. He then returned to lumbering for a time, after which he again went into the railroad business and continued with the company until seventy years of age, when he was entered on the company's retired list and so remained until his death seven
years later.

John M. Root first married Mary Ann Nelson, who was born in Antis township, a daughter of James Nelson, who was of Scotch parentage. Of this union were born five children: Edward N.; Lemuel A., a resident of Bellwood; Luther, who died at Port Huron, Mich.; James, who died in infancy; and Mary Margaret (Mrs. Glasgow) who died in Bellwood.

Mrs. Root died November 12, 1865, and was buried in Antis Cemetery. Mr. Root formed a second union December 31, 1867, with Mrs. Lydia H. West, and to them was born one son, John Preston Root, who resides in Ohio. Mr. Root died March 1, 1904, at Bellwood, and his second wife died July 20, 1902."

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John was buried in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.^102,162 in the Antis Cemetery.

John Mathias ROOT Jr. and Mary Ann NELSON were married.⁹⁶ Mary Ann NELSON was born on 26 August 1833 in Homer Gap, Blair County, PA.^97,162 (She may have been born in Antis Township.) She appeared in the census in 1860 in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.¹⁶⁰ She died on 12 November 1865 at the age of 32.^97,162 Mary was buried in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.¹⁶² in the Antis Cemetery.

John Mathias ROOT Jr. and Mary Ann NELSON had the following children:

John Mathias ROOT Jr. and Lydia Henry WEST were married on 31 December 1867.⁹⁶ Lydia Henry WEST was born in 1831.⁹⁷ She died on 20 July 1902 at the age of 71. She was buried in Antis Township, Blair County, PA.¹⁶² in the Antis Cemetery.

John Mathias ROOT Jr. and Lydia Henry WEST had the following children: