Person:Joshua Root (2)

Name	Joshua Root
Gender	Male
Birth^[1]	23 Oct 1682	Westfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, United States
Marriage	Abt 1712	Westfield, Hampden, Massachusettsto Margaret Unknown
Death`^?`	28 Sep 1730	Sheffield, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States

References

↑ Joshua Root, in Root, James Pierce. Root Genealogical Records, 1600-1870: Comprising the General History of the Root and Roots Families in America. (New York: R.C. Root, Anthony & Co., 1870)
p. 322.

"Joshua Root Birth: 23 Oct 1682 in Westfield, Mass. Death: 28 Sep 1730 Marriage: Margaret Unknown
One of the original proprietors of the Lower Housatonic township [granted in 1722] embracing the present town of Sheffield, and a larger part of Great Barrington. The very earliest settlements within this tract were made in 1725 or 1726. Joshua Root, no doubt located there between 1726 and 1730. He is the first white person known to be buried in that town. His tombstone, a low square block of rough limestone, still [1870] stands in the South Burial Ground. Contrary to the present custom, the stones indicate that he was buried with the head to the north and the feet to the south. Estate valued at 519 pounds. Inscription: "Here lies the body of Joshua Root, aged 48."