Double checked that allow root was enabled...
/var/log/messages
Jun 9 15:57:35 nas notifier: Starting proftpd.
Jun 9 15:57:35 nas proftpd[77738]: 127.0.0.1 - ProFTPD 1.3.4d (maint) (built Mon Sep 29 2014 06:37:55 UTC) standalone mode STARTUP
went to the linux machine and started ftp session again.
Nothing in the log yet.... after waiting for a long while
Jun 9 16:04:08 nas proftpd[77806]: 127.0.0.1 (69.28.32.[69.28.32.]) - Login timeout exceeded, disconnected
Jun 9 16:04:08 nas proftpd[77806]: 127.0.0.1 (69.28.32.[69.28.32.]) - Session timed out, disconnected