Source - Book: HISTORY OF STEELE & WASECA COUNTIES, MN., PUBLISHED IN 1887. WILTON TOWNSHIP.
James A. Root, the proprietor of the "Willow Grove Farm," is a native of Jefferson, N. Y., born February 26, 1832. With his parents he removed to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where his mother died. In 1859 they removed to Minnesota settling on the farm where James A., now lives, on section 34, in this township. His father, Joseph N. Root, came later and died here April 12, 1869, aged 68 years and eight months.

James A. Root and Hannah Brisbane were united in marriage December 12, 1859. She is a daughter of Hon. William Brisbane and born August 18,1840. They have been the parents of ten children of whom eight are now living;
1) Charles E., b. Feb. 27, 1861, marr. to Ella M. Roddle on Feb. 2, 1883. Ella was b. in Wilton, Jan. 12, 1863, and is the mother of one child, Oren E., b. Feb. 4, 1884.
2) William L., b. Jan. 29, 1863
3) Joseph S., b. Apr. 16, 1865
4) Cora B., b. Aug. 26, 1867
5) Hattie M., Mar. 4, 1870
6) James A., b. May 22, 1872
7) Maggie J., b. May 31, 1873
8) Freddie, b. Jul. 2, 1877, d. Aug. 24, 1877
9) Dora E., b. March 14, 1879, and
10) Marvin L., b. Oct. 9, 1880, d. Feb. 22, 1882.

Mr. Root's farm comprises some 170 acres of fine land and is well filled, and his residence is surrounded by a thrifty plantation of fine trees containing nearly all the varieties that will grow in this climate. Besides, he has a fine orchard of fruit trees and a garden of small fruit.

Source #2:- CHILD'S HISTORY OF WASECA COUNTY. MN., 1854-1904. PUBLISHED IN 1905.
James A. Root was one of the pioneers of the West. He was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., February 26, 1832. While yet a boy his parents removed to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where his mother died. His father's name was Joseph N. Root and he died April 12, 1869, aged sixty-eight years and eight months, being a resident of the town of Byron at the time of his death. James A., came to Waseca county in 1859, his father and other relatives coming later. Miss Hannah Brisbane, daughter of the late Honorable William Brisbane of Wilton, was married to James A. Root, December 12, 1859. Mrs. Root was born in New York state, Delaware county, August 18, 1840. Ten children were born to them: Charles E., February 27, 1861; William L., January 29, 1863; Joseph S., April 16, 1865; Cora B., August 26, 1867; Hattie M., March 4, 1870; James A., May 22, 1872; Maggie J., May 31, 1873; Freddie, July 2, 1877; Dora E., March 13, 1879; and Marvin L., October 9, 1880. Freddie died August 24, 1877, and Marvin died February 22, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Root were among the first to plant a forest of trees about the house and barn. Their timber lot shows what may be done in the way of providing timber and fuel for the future. Mr. Root died August 23, 1891.