Frank Lane Root

ROOT, SQUIRE, SMITH

Posted By: Debbie Truitt (email)
Date: 12/2/2015 at 10:56:42

Obituary From “Ottumwa Courier,” August 17, 1936:

FRANK L. ROOT.

Frank Lane Root, 86, former pioneer business man of Ottumwa, died at the home of his son, Dr. Howard F. Root of Brookline, Mass., early today, according to word received here by Mr. Root’s daughter, Miss Mabel R. Root, 312 North Court street.

Mr. Root was head of the M.B. Root & Son Marble and Granite Co., which was founded by his father, Moses R. Root. He was a resident of Ottumwa practically all his life until last May when he went to Brookline. It was there he underwent the operation from which he failed to recover.

He was born in Keosauqua, December 7, 1949 [sic - born Dec. 7, 1848], the son of Moses B. and E. Ann Root. He attended the Ottumwa public schools and Denmark academy, Denmark.

After taking the management of the marble and granite company upon the death of his father many years ago, Mr. Root remained at that post until its sale in 1928. On April 25, 1889, he was married to Clara B. Squire, who preceded him in death.

He was a member of the First Congregational church here, then I.O.O.F., the W.O.W. and the Masonic lodge.

Surviving are five children, Dr. Howard F. of Brookline, Mass., Miss Mary E. of Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Blanche E. Smith of St. Louis, Mo., Miss Mabel C. of Ottumwa and Oscar M. of Brookline, Mass.

The body is being brought to Ottumwa for funeral service and burial, the time for which has not been set.

(Note: Frank is buried in The Ottumwa Cemetery.)