ROOT, Harry C.

Guardian Hose Company ~ Frederick County ~ Maryland

June 18, 1898

About 2 a.m. Saturday morning , the Crescite Excelsior Works & several adjoining buildings located in Thurmont were seen to be on fire.

While within reach of the water, the fire had gained so great headway before discovery that the fire department could not save the main building, saw mill, and machinery; but, by hard work ,the fire in the office & in an attached building was conquered .

During the progress of the fire, the iron smoke stack fell among the firemen. All escaped injury except for Harry C.Root who received the full force of the falling stack striking him on the head and crushing the upper portion of his body. Death came instantly.

Firefighter Harry C. Root was 39 years old.

Number of years served are unknown at this time.