----Source: Greenwood Gleaner 10/ 1927

ANOTHER PIONEER PASSES ON

A shock cam to this community Thursday morning, October 13, when it became known that Mrs. H. M. Root had died suddenly at her home in this city. She had not been in good health for some time previous, but was apparently on the gain, and was able to be about the house and around town. She had got up somewhat late, and was walking toward the dining room table, when she suddenly complained of a pain in her head. The girl who was working there went to her assistance and called Mrs. Root's sister, Mrs. Shanks, who was upstairs, but before she could reach her side, Mrs. Root had passed away. She was one of the old settlers of Clark County, having lived here for 58 years. Her maiden name was Mary Jane McMahon, and she was born in Lampton County, Ontario, June 28, 1849, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McMahon. In the summer of 1869 she came to Clark County, accompanying her sister, Mrs. John Shanks, who was living at Greenwood and had come back home to Canada on a visit. On Feb. 22, 1870, she was married to Jacob Huntzicker, and they settled on a tract of land which Mr. Huntzicker had bought, south of Greenwood. Here they developed a fine farm, Mr. Huntzicker also doing quite an extensive logging business. He died June 8, 1888, and the next year the family moved to Neillsville.

She was married to Homel M. Root December 6, 1891, and they have continued to live in this city since that time.

Mrs. Root went through the rigors of pioneer life, both in her girlhood days in Ontario, and later in Clark County, and did well the stern duties that came to her in those early days. When the comfort and leisure of later years came to her, she devoted much time to reading and study and developed a wide range of information and had varied interests. She was warm hearted and generous and in a quiet way was helpful to those who were sick or in distress. Many of those to whom she had given assistance and sympathy along the way have passed on, but other sill live and will cherish kindly remembrances of her.

She leaves her husband and three children of her first marriage: Fred Huntzicker of Fresno, California Victor Huntzicker of Milwaukee and Olive, Mrs. W. L. Smith of Neillsville. Two sons, Jacob and Frank, are deceased. She leaves also seven grandchildren, two sister, Mrs. Margaret Ann Shanks, who was with her at her death and Mrs. Agnes Mead, who was in Milwaukee also two brothers, Tom McMahon, of Greenwood.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the home, Rev. G. W. Longenecker officiating. Burial took place in Greenwood cemetery in the family lot.

The following relatives and friends from out of town attended the funeral: Mrs. Agnes MEADE whose home is at Berkley, Calif, but who has been here and in Milwaukee on a visit John Meade of Milwaukee; Victor Huntzicker, Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Smith of Walwork; Mr. and Mrs. Albion Huntzicker, Ivanhoe, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. George Huntzicker, Marshfield; Miss Clara Huntzicker, Greenwood; Mrs. G. A. Clark, Eau Claire; Mrs. T. A. Smith, Eau Claire; Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Ketel, LadySmith Miss Tressy Carr, Eau Claire; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene McMahon and son and daughter of Greenwood; Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Smith, Eau Claire; Fred Huntzicker, Greenwood.