Root Cemetery, Peoria County, IL Genealogy Trails

Root Cemetery History

Jeriel bought the land at $1.25 per acre after homesteading. It is unclear whether Jeriel, Jr. or Sr. bought it, but they both lived there. They arrived in Hallock in 1830 (with several other early Hallock families -- the Reeds, Merrills, Moates, Hicks) from Chillicothe, OH (Ross County). His oldest son, Erastus lived on his property for a few years, and then moved his log cabin to Chillicothe, where James Root, Erastus son, was born. James was the first white child in Chillicothe. Erastus had the first log cabin there, and was the only inhabitant. He had to remove Indian bodies from a tree on the property, and found Indian jewelry under the tree. It was a burial ground. Erastus sold his land in Chillicothe to the town, to be divided into town lots.

Jeriel started the first Baptist church in the area. It was called the Peoria Church and was in existence from 1835 to 1843, I believe. He was very active in the Sangamon Association, and helped start several churches in the area. He wrote and published a pamphlet in 1855, which is housed at the Illinois State Historical Library, the Newberry Library, Illinois State Historical Association, Peoria Library, and University of Illinois. He also wrote a circular for the Sangamon Association. He ran for office a few times in LaSalle Precinct, as did his son Erastus.

His sons and sons-in-law were in the blackhawk war, and Jeriel and several neighbors from Hallock, some of whom are buried in this cemetery signed a petition requesting help from the government requesting aid because the Indians were burning the prairie around their farms. His son-in-law, Squire Jones, was the first storekeeper in Chillicothe. His daughter, Lucia, who is buried in the Root cemetery (no headstone), was the first schoolteacher -- she taught at Hallock's home.

He deeded the cemetery to Hallock Township for $10.00, "to be kept as a burying ground".

Deeding of Root Burial Ground to Township

(Copied from the photo stat of Original)

This Indenture made this 22nd day of March 1848 between Jeriel Root of the first part, and the Trustees of Township Eleven North, Range Eight East and their Successors in Office, for the use of the People of the Neighborhood, of the second part, Witnesseth: That the first Party, for, and in consideration of the sum of Ten Dollars to him in hand paid by the second Party The Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the first Party hath granted, bargined sold and do by these presents convey all his rights title, and interest to the second Party in and to the following described piece of land, to be cleaned out, fenced and kept for burying grounds, VIA, beginning at post three rods South of the North East corner of the North East - Quarter of Section No. 24 in Township 11 North, Range 8? East running thence West twenty Rods, thence South twenty Rods, thence East twenty Rods, thence South twenty Rods, to the place of the beginning, containing two acres and a half, be the same more or less. The people to have free access from the public road by - gates or bans, at the most convenient and proper place, to have and to hold the same forever, for a burying place. And the said Jeriel Root will forever defend the second party in the peaceable possession of the premises, against all person whom so ever. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal. The day above......... Jeriel Root

Written.
In Presence of .....
Richard Schales
William Seely

He deeded the cemetery to Hallock Township for $10.00, "to be kept as a burying ground".

(Copied from the photo stat of Original)

Written.In Presence of .....Richard SchalesWilliam Seely

Written.
In Presence of .....
Richard Schales
William Seely