Root, Benjamin A.

BENJAMIN A. ROOT

By Evelyn Root Stark

Benjamin A. Root was born in Royalton, Vt. April 23, 1842. He served in the Federal Army in the Civil War from 1861-1864.

On Dec. 31, 1864 he married Sarah J. Baker. To this union was born five children. The oldest son Frank died in infancy. The second son, Fred A. Root, was one of the county’s oldest residents and passed away at the age of 83 on June 12, 1949. The older daughter, Cora L. Root Bell, was married to Thomas Bell. To this union was born five children. She passed away at the age of 72 Oct. 9, 1946. The second daughter, Lena B. Root Jones, was married to Ed Jones on Oct. 29, 1902. To this union was born two children. The youngest son, Arthur H. Root married Mamie D. Rider March 30, 1904. To this union was born five children. He passed away at the age of 75 Oct. 9, 1957.

In 1887 the whole family came from Nebraska to Wyoming. They traveled by means of a covered wagon, established their home about six miles northeast of Lusk upon lands of pre-emption and tree planting act. Their home was made of sod. On this land he engaged in livestock production.

In 1902 they moved into town and their home was located on the corner where the Henry Hotel was built and is now called the Reckling Hospital.

In 1902 he was appointed Justice of the Peace and served in this capacity for 15 years. He and his wife were charter members of the Baptist Church when it was organized in Lusk.

 They sold their home to Mrs. Henry and moved to the William Hosapple home on Main Street, where they both lived until time of their death.

Benjamin A. Root passed away May 23, 1918 at the age of 76. His wife passed away Jan. 25, 1929 at the age of 86.

Mrs. Arthur H. Root has made the location on Main Street her home for the past 23 years.

(Mrs. Arthur Root died Feb. 26, 1977.)

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