[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 168 (Thursday, November 14, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING DR. ELEAZER ROOT

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to ask that the Senate join 
me in honoring an accomplished Revolutionary War veteran, doctor, and 
former president of the Columbia County Medical Society of New York, 
Dr. Eleazer Root. Dr. Root dedicated his life to serving his community 
and his country, and it is a privilege to recognize him here today in 
honor of his grave dedication on October 13, 2024.
  On July 28, 1764, in Coventry, CT, Eleazer Root was born to Thomas 
Root. In the face of uncertainty for the future of North America, Root 
enlisted in 1779 at the young age of 15 to serve with the patriots and 
helped usher out an era of aristocracy and monarchy in favor of 
establishing a republic democracy which stands strong to this day.
  Stationed in West Point, NY, Root served there for 1 year. Following 
his service in the war, he traveled north to Spencertown, NY. It was 
there he began his pursuit of a career in medicine.
  Dr. Root's medical career was met with much success, made evident by 
his appointment as president of the county medical society in Columbia 
County, NY. This position served as a testament to his expertise in 
medical care and leadership.
  While in Spencertown, Dr. Root would go on to marry Lucinda Bostwick, 
also from Coventry, CT, in 1793. They then relocated within Columbia 
County to a city called Canaan, where they would plant their roots and 
raise a family. While in Canaan, their 10 children were born: 7 sons 
and 3 daughters. Many of Dr. Root's children would go on to share his 
passion for service of others, three of which followed in Dr. Root's 
footsteps, becoming doctors themselves.
  Following his 48 years of continual, dedicated service to the greater 
Columbia County region, he eventually relocated to the Michigan 
Territory in 1834. He moved to Manchester, MI, in Washtenaw County, 
just 8 years after the city's establishment.
  Then tragically on January 31, 1837, just 4 years after his migration 
to what will come to be known as the Great Lakes State, Dr. Root passed 
away at the age of 72. He became the first grave to be buried in the 
Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester. His wife Lucinda was buried by his 
side 12 years later, following her passing, where they both remain to 
this day.
  His immense passion and care for the serving his community have had 
lasting impacts that supersede centuries, culminating to his honoring 
here today on the Senate floor. He helped fight to make the Nation we 
see before us today and led a life of service. Dr. Root's grave serves 
as a poignant reminder that the freedom and independence we enjoy today 
was brought about by the sacrifice and service of others.
  I trust that my colleagues here in the Senate will join me in 
honoring Dr. Eleazer Root for his contributions to the freedoms and 
liberties we enjoy today, as well as his lifetime of service to the 
public health of his local community.

                          ____________________