Comments on: Where is Joe Root?

By: Brian McLaughlin MS

Brian McLaughlin MS — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:16:17 +0000

I wrote a letter to the editor of the Erie Times today. Perhaps he will print it or investigate further. This group seems to feel a plaque or something is good ideas, Maybe those within the large community might make things happen.

By: Toni Kelly

Toni Kelly — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:10:07 +0000

Angus, thank you for your comment. We are serious and thanks to Brian who spearheaded this quest. We know it will take time and we just need the right contacts.

By: Angus

Angus — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:38:22 +0000

I am so happy yo find this thread. I have long discussed among friends that we should bring Joe home. They brought Harry Burleigh back to Erie in the 1990s. He was in NYC. Let’s bring Joe back. I think we can find him. I am going to speak to some people. If you guys are serious, I am in…

By: Brian McLaughlin MS

Brian McLaughlin MS — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:26:43 +0000

I agree with David. While finding Joe’s remains does not seem possible a statue welcoming folks to the park would be grand.

One writer shared that often folks who died at the state hosp….having no attachements…were sent to philly for medical use. Then when they were done with the bodies they was burried in the odd fellows (name less) cemetery…which I think has been since relocated. uhg!

I did contact the state about perhaps placing one of those historical signs up. However they said Joe Root was more a local…and not state wide persons of historical interest.

Again Dave’s idea sound great.Now all we need is money.

By: Dave Buzard Sr Erie,Pa

Dave Buzard Sr Erie,Pa — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:36:45 +0000

Interesting My wife and I took a drive to Warren, early Summer This Year. We actually look for his grave at the State Hosp Cemetary. were unable to find it. I think It would be great to find him and have him placed on Presque Isle. Where He truly belongs. Also have often Thought there should be a statue of him standing beteen the entrance and exit of the Park Greeting people. Joe Was railroaded by the State and Community…….

By: Brian McLaughlin MS

Brian McLaughlin MS — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:32:54 +0000

Perhaps…However I imagine some might not want to be reminded of what are community did to Joe.

By: Toni Kelly

Toni Kelly — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:27:28 +0000

Brian perhaps we can still see if it would be possible to do some kind of a memorial or marker for Joe Root on a local level. He is a legend and has an interesting story.

By: Brian McLaughlin MS

Brian McLaughlin MS — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:12:11 +0000

We found out what happned to Joe Root.I got an e-mail from Brian Gula and Environmental Ed Spec. at PI. He said that the practice of the time was to send bodys to the the anatomical board in Philly for scientic study. The remains of several people were placed together in a box and burried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Philly.
Now we know. Sad.

By: Brian McLaughlin MS

Brian McLaughlin MS — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:32:33 +0000

The PA historical soc. sent me an application for a state historical sing. However they suggest Joe was more a regional figure…not a state wide or national figure. So they would not grant him a sign. Thye suggest perhaps something could be done locally.

By: Brian McLaughlin MS

Brian McLaughlin MS — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:21:03 +0000

I am left wondering if Joe ever returned to Erie. If he did he may have taken shelter at the old Alms house located at 23rd and Pittsburgh Avenue.((( He had lived their with his monther off and on.))If so he would have been burried in the Alms house cemetery. To complicate matters this cemetery was moved to Girard. However I read that some gaves were left in place as they were under railroad lines and paved areas. I did see a listing of names assocated with the old Alms house cemetery. Joe Root was not listed. They relocated in 1977. I recall watching the workers unearth the graves as a youth.

Still no word from the PA OMHSAS. I wrote a fromal request as instructed to do so my Warren and Others.

I agree it would have ben good to be able to do something for Joe on the 100th year of his banishment.