Root, from Roote
Badby, Northampton, England -> Connecticut (1637 or 1640) -> Ohio (bet. 1786 & 1814) -> Michigan (1870s)
Special thanks goes out to Sue Thompson and to LaVerne Root who greatly helped me with this line and for correcting me on Beulah Roger's (nee Root) incorrect information.
Badby today is in the Daventry district of the western part of Northampton.
In the time frame of interest (mid to late 16th & early 17th century) it was in the Fawsley Hundred (anciently 'Gravesend') of Northamptonshire and belonged to Evesham Abbey (in Evesham, Worcestershire- a Benedictine establishment) until that abbey's dissolution in Nov. 1539 (part of the dissolution of the Monasteries). The next record I have come across was when the king granted the Manors of Badby and Newnham to Sir Edmund Knightley of Fawsley (See here for tudorplace's bio on him) and his heirs in 1542 in exchange for the Knightley portion of the Stoke Bruerne (and Alderton?) estate(s) (and it appears to have stayed within the Knightley family until the 20th Century - having survived unrest and disputes between the tenants and Sir Valentine Knightley II in the last two decades of the 16th Century). Ecclesiastically it was a combined vicarage with Newnham (Badby-cum-Newnham) which was within the [arch]deaconry of Northamptonshire, which on 4 Sep. 1541 was transfered from the Diocese (Bishopric) of Lincoln to the new Diocese of Peterborough and the rectorship & patronage was passed to Christ Church, Oxford University.
In Badby in the 1600 time frame, one of the three inn's was "Root House". (Unknown source)
My 8th/10th Great Grandfather, John Roote Jr., and his brother Thomas Roote Sr., are the progenitors of two of the three Root line's in America (The Farmington, Ct. & the Northampton, Ma. lines respectively), The third line being the Salem, Ma. line (this families surname was originally "Rootes" then "Roots" before becoming "Root") - currently no confirmed connection - the Rootes being from Kent not Northampton. It can reasonably be assumed that various Root's, Roots', Rootes', and other spelling variations, in the relative timeframe found in Surrey or Sussex (and likely London as well) would be connected to the (nearby) Kentish line, and not this line, baring the uncovery of other evidence. My particular branch of descent have been refered to as The Lace Curtain Irish Root's. Sue informs me that the Irish part comes from the, rather distant I would think, Hume(s) ancestry on the Merriam line and therefore this must mean the term is applied to a rather more recent part of the family than I had always figured. She has also found the following definition of Lace Curtain Irish:
"Lace curtain Irish" could be as poor as the Shanty Irish but they had notions of being more respectable. They were called that because they would put up lace curtains for appearances sake, even in a shanty town. Thus the term is far from being a complement.[1]
Many different claims have been made as to the origin of the Roote family, the two most commonly heard are that they are either Huguenot's or Norman's, but for all I know they are English. In particular the Huguenot claim is very doubtful (but not impossible) for this branch given the timing (assuming the 1555 date below is correct) but is possible for the Rootes Kentish branch since many early Huguenot emigres to Britain did settle in Kent & Surrey. While the Kentish line wound up in the colonies a few years prior to this branch, this branch has earlier confirmed dates within England.
One particular claim is that the Rootes (matching the Salem line), originally Racine in French, left Normandy in 940 to France, and then to London around 1457 or from France around 1589 directly to Badby & Kent (Note that the date & places for this version does not match what is below, again unless it is only meant to apply to the Kentish line).
Another claim is that the name was originally Rootes (again, matching the Salem line), two syllables, pronounced Roo-tay and that they were probably from Routes or Touttes, a commune in the arrondissement of Yvetit in Normandy.
One claim about the family is relayed below, though this seems more directed at one of the Massachusetts branch's of the family (and, I have read different definitions for the word "Humbugivtiveness"):
The name Roote comes from Normandy ancestry, yet the Saxon blood has been interfused. They were Puritans (after arrival in America), tall, lank but strong, dark haired, temperate and long lived. They were large men, all weighing over 200 lbs and were over six feet tall. The women were large also. They were always characterized as men of great energy and perseverance, good minds for business, of good character in morality and integrity. They were also noted for their sarcasm, a strong humbugivtiveness, were generally good mathematicians and musicians. From their first introduction in this country the early settlers of the name were farmers and weavers of cloth. They took a prominent part in all social movements agitated by the people, in political affairs of the communities where they dwelled and in securing the welfare of the churches with which they united. They were men of high intelligence and educational facilities.
Cliff Hope wrote to me (Jan. 16 2006) and told me of a John Roote who was monk at St. Andrews and then, about 1538-1575, was Vicar of St. Giles church. Presuming St. Andrews & St. Giles are the one's in Northampton [here I am refering specifically to the town, not the County] then it should be mentioned that the Cluniac Priory of St. Andrew included St. Giles until St. Andrew was 'surrendered' in 1538 (presumably as a part of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII) when St. Giles aparently then became a seperate church under royal patronage. [2] [3], thus, wouldn't that imply, with the advowson belonging in 1538 to the crown, that he was "presented" by the king? If I understand the process correctly? (Which of course doesn't mean the king ever even met him, likely just that 'his name crossed-his-desk' to use a modern phrase).
At the same time he also wrote that in the late 1500s there were Roots in nearby Daventry, in Malzor - which he equated with a location in Peterborough (Peterborough historically was considered part of Northampton, but now-a-days is connected with Cambridgeshire) but seems more likely (though admittedely, I say that without access to his original source which perhaps has other info so indicating Peterborough.) to refer to Milton Malzor (aka Middleton Malsor, amongst other spelling variations) not far from Daventry in the old hundred of Wymmersley in South Northamptonshire - and that in Sussex County there was a Gentry class of Roots (likely connected to the Kentish Rootes).
He later (June 16 2006) wrote and sent a list of 5 references to Roote's from "A Copy of Papers Relating to Musters, Beacons, Subsidies, Etc. in the County of Northampton A.D. 1586-1623" edited by Joan Wake and published in 1926 by the Northampton Record Society:
1) Musters (1591): Robert Roote of Whitlebury cum Silueston
2) Subsidy (no Date but under Elizabeth): John Roote of Milton Mawlesworth [Middleton Malzor]
3) "The names of such men as are to by ymployed uppon aney occasions in the Hundred of Norton" (no date) Robert Roote of Sillueston
4) Trained Bands (no date): John Roote of Milton
5) Trained Bands (no date): Giles Roote and Tymithey Roote of Badby.
It would appear that 1 & 3 are likely related - or even the same indivual (Whitlebury cum Silueston & Sillueston apparently refering to Silverstone and Whittlebury, two often combined components of the honour of Grafton, around the Whittlewood Forest in a detached portion of the hundred of Greens Norton, anciently called Norton, Greene's Norton, or Norton-Davy. There is also a place just outside of Daventry called Norton, but this would be in the Hundred of Fawsley, not "the Hundred of Norton"). Likewise 2 & 4 are likely related or refering to the same individual. These records raise the questions- 'Who are the Badby Rootes from #5'? 'How do they connect with my ancestors below'? And 'are any of the others (1-4) connected'?
Similarily, I have come across some english Roote's of the rough timeframe who are potentially connected- (or just as likely not):
- 6 Feb. 1663. Timothy Roote of Badby & John Billing of Weeden Beck are trustees for Richard Seyton's daughters, and they recieved £200 and John Seaton (son & heir of Richard) £14 for the 'Bargain and sale with feoffment' by them of land (70 acres) in Kislingbury (near Milton Malzor) to Elizabeth Cox of Floore [4]
- A will of the brewer Richard Pelter from 21 Elizabeth (1578-9 I believe) mentions leaving money (60£), annuity (20£), and a couple of items to his daughter Agnes, wife of John Roote, but no place was given.[5]. (Since it's the Court of Husting, does that mean he was some notable from London? If so this is likely the Kentish branch.) and a possible brother of that John- a William who married an Elizabeth.
- in c. 1409-11 John Roote was dean at Oriel College (aka King's College of Oxford University) and was one of the "ringleaders" during the riots surrounding the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit[6] (they were rioting because the Archbishop was persuing a strong anti-Lollardy campaign at the time, and Oxford University was where the Lollard movement/faith had started).
- Perhaps the most tantalizing reference is to a John Roote, yeoman of Foston, who's daughter, Jane, married Henry Wieth, son & heir of Edmond Wieth of Kilby, gent.. It is in a record from Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, confirming the 'Marriage Settlement & Jointure' which was filed on 1 Aug. 1585[7] (Which I think would mean the marriage was some point prior to that date). Henry's heirs were their four daughters- Ann W. of Newark (Leicester), Judith W. of Snibson, Mary W., & Elizabeth W. (she m. Thomas Archer). Sometime after Henry's death (on 6 Apr. 1594) Jane Roote married second Francis Cave of Snibson, gent. This Wieth family of Kilby, also frequently seen as Wyeth, Wythe, & Wyghe (hence why in most cases I list them as surnamed simply "W." so as to avoid implying one such spelling is more commonly encountered than the others - none seem more common in the few references on this family.), had assorted holdings (many likely formerly belonging to Sulby Abbey of Northampton) in and around Wistow (assorted land holdings & feudal rights/dues/pledges/tithings/etc., they even briefly held the advowson in Wistow), in the Hundred of Gartree, Leicestershire (inc. Kilby in adjacent Sparkenhoe hundred, Leicestershire), in the mid-to-late 16th (and very early 17th) Century, but they were originally from Loughborough, West Goscote hundred, Leicester, starting with a Robert W. of Loughborough, gent., who's brother John W. was father (along with his wife Agnes) of the above Edmund/Edmond W.. I called this "tantalizing" because it seems likely that this "Foston" that John Roote was a yeoman of, is Foxton, in the Hundred of Gartree, Leicestershire -on the opposite side of Kibworth (where this record was from) from Wistow (heartland of W. family's holdings), and not far from the border with Northamptonshire (where my Roote lines trace to)(Map), it kind of looks as if they were meeting in the middle (geographically speaking) at Kibworth. Further, and even more interestingly, at this Foxton, there was Daventry Manor, which was a rectorial estate for the Foxton church, and Daventry Manor was owned by the Priory of Daventry in Northamptonshire (hence the name) and was often merged with the Priory of St. Andrews (both being daughter houses of the same Cluniac priory - that of La Charit�-sur-Loire in Ni�vre, France)[8] St. Andrew's being the same place where John Roote (above, from Cliff's records) was an important Monk!. Daventry priory was dissolved in 1525.
- Another Leicester record is the marriage of William Roote of Willoughby to Anne Tailor in Evington, Leicestershire on 8 Nov. 1649[9]
- Many other Leicester records of Roote's I've seen references to, but couldn't check, i.e. wills & deeds of: Ralph Roote of Foston, Wm. Roote of Cottes***** (appears to refer to Cotesbach, but the way it is spelled might result in my site getting blocked by some filters if I was to include it), Eliz. Roote of Cottsbathe (Cotesbach?), Thomas Roote of Bitteswell, & etc., Marriages of William Roote to Joan Howkins & John Peart to Joan Root in 1583 (10 Feb. & 12 Nov., respectively), etc., etc.
- Sue say's some 'net sources have the family originating from Bagby, Yorkshire instead of from Badby, Northampt.. Bagby, in Hambleton, North Yorkshire, is some 20 or 30 miles outside of the city York, but the 'Admissions to the Freedom of York' in the 'Register of the Freemen of the City of York: Vol.2: 1559-1759' (source) does give four Root/Roote/Roots's having becoming freemen in [the City of] York, namely page 101: "William Root, taylor" in the time of the 20th year of Charles I (1644/5); Page 176: "Timotheus Root, silkweaver" in the time of the 8th year of William III (1696/7); page 190: "Tim. Roots, mercers" in the time of the 4th year of Anne (1705/6); and page 237: "John Roote, son of Timothy Roote, silkweaver" in the time of the 7th year of George II (1733/4).
Other Roote/Root individuals I have come across in English records of the era are all connected with Kent, Sussex, Surrey, or London, and thus are more likely connected to the Kentish Salem, Ma. branch. However, it appears that further research in Leicestershire might be fruitful.
My 10th & 12th Great Grandfather, Thomas Roote
Born 1555 in England. Died 5 April 1609 in Badby, Northampton, England. Married before 1575 in Badby, Northampton, England to Ann Burrell OR Elizabeth Parker (unknown which but she was born either 1550 or circa 1559 in Badby)
Two Children:
My 9th & 11th Great Grandfather, John Roote Sr.
Born 24 Jun 1576 in Badby, Northampton, England. Died before 1640 in Badby, Northampton, England. Married 27 Jul 1600 to Ann "Mary", OR, Mary Ann, Russell in the Church of the Virgin, Badby, Northampton, England.
Some sources have dob as 1575, marriage as 23 Jul 1600, and dod as 3 Jun 1683 or 3 Jun 1673 or 5 Apr. 1609, or have his Christening as being on 7 Mar 1612 in Ashford, Kent, England (the last possibly confused with someone from the Salem, Ma. line).
4 children:
My 8th & 10th Great Grandfather, John Roote Jr.
Born c. 1607/8 in Badby, Northampton, England. Died 16 Aug 1684 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Colony. Married 1st 1630 to Dorcas "Dorothy" Abbott. Married 2nd 1640 in Farmington (in modern Hartford Co.), Connecticut Colony to Mary Thomas Kilbourne.
Some source's say he was Baptized 26 Feb. 1608, others say he was Christianed 24 Sep. 1608, and others still say he was Christianed 26 Feb 1607. Some also claim marriage to Mary Kilbourne was 10 Jan 1639.
A Weaver
Raised by his uncle who, on page 314 of the James Pierce Root Book is spoke of thusly "...a man of wealth, advanced in years, and a zealous opponent of popery, and it is my impression one of the nobility." He goes on (page's 314 & 315) to say that "He insisted that John, our ancestor, should go into the Parliamentary army under Cromwell, to fight against Charles I, and the Catholics. He [John] had an aversion to war, and chose rather to join a company of Puritans who were coming to this country. When he arrived he came to Farmington, and was one of its first settlers, in 1640." (Jesse Root, quoted in the James Pierce Root Book, pg. 314)
Came to Connecticut 1640 or about 1637. Member of the Farmington, CT Congregational Church.
note: Farmington was settled in 1640 but not named as such until Dec. 1645.
His will, made April 22d 1684, is relayed on page 506 in the J.P. Root book (page 527 in the GoogleBooks .pdf version) and consisted of 7 points: 1) to his widow £20 half in household goods and half in "currant pay of the Country" and a "Constant Comfortable mayntenance" to be provided by his Executors. If she should remarry then the "Constant Mayntenance" to be replaced by an additional £20. 2) 20s to each of his married sons. 3) 5s to each of his grandchildren. 4) to his daughter Mary, wife of "Isack Brunson", £15, half in household goods, half in "current pay of the country". 5) to His son "Steven Roote" "the twenty acres of land in the meadowe of Farmington which I engaged upon his marriage with his wife that now is ten acres of which he hath already in possession, the other ten to be delivered to him upon the decease of his mother Mary Roote". 6) To his son Joseph both his loomes and "implements belonging to them". 7) Any remainders he divides equally between his son's Joseph & Caleb with the previso that if either of them should choose to sell part or all that offer first be made to the other of the two, then to other family members before offering it for sale outside of the family. He further names the two joint executors of his will "requesting Mr Hooker and Captn Stanley to lend their counsell and oversight as need may require. Both Thomas & Samuel Hooker attested to the will later that year.
His estate at death was valued at ₤819
9? Children (abigail uncertaint):

Reference: John is Individual #2800 in the J.P. Root book on pages 314-315 (pg.s 335-336 in the Google Books .pdf)

My 7th Great Grandfather, Caleb Root
Born about 1658 in Farmington (modern Hartford Co.), Connecticut Colony. died 10 Jun 1712 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Crown Colony. married 1st 9 Jul 1693 to Elizabeth Salmon in either Farmington, Connecticut Colony or Westfield, Hampden, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Married 2nd ? Gillette
Doctor?
Some sources switch the order of the marriages.
5 Children (w/Elizabeth Salmon):
  • Mary Root (1695-?), m. John Burr
  • Caleb Root (1697/8-?), m. Joanna Shaw
    • Joshua Root (b. 1723)
    • Caleb Root (b. 1725), m. ? Eggleston
    • Joanna Root (b. 1728)
    • Simeon Root (1731-1810), m. Mehitable ?
    • Asa Root (b. 1733), m. Mary Shaw
    • Phineas Root (b. 1735), m. Rebecca Wing
    • William Root (1737-1823), m. Elizabeth ?
    • Nathaniel Root (1739-1821)
    • Asahel or Asamel Root (b. 1741)
    • Enoch Root (b. 1743), Dr., m.1 ? Barnes, m.2 Hannah Cory
    • Aaron Root (b. 1745)
  • Thomas Root (1702-1789), m. Sarah Dudley
    • Job Root (1728-1805), m. Elizabeth Barnes
    • Thomas Root (b. 1730), m. Elidia Hinsdale
    • Noah Root (b. 1731), m.1 Mary Gridley, m.2 Nancy Smith
    • Sarah Root (b. 1733), m. John Belding
    • Daniel Root (b. 1735) of Paris, NY, m.1 Esther Andrews, m.2 Sarah Root (see below and to the right)
    • Elizabeth Root, m. Wm. Hubbard
    • Levi Root (~1739-1789)
  • Elizabeth Root (1706-1746), m. Ebenezer Orvis
  • Samuel Root

Reference: Caleb is Individual #2808 in J.P. Root book, pages 320-321 (pages 341-342 in the GoogleBooks .pdf)

 My 9th Great Grandfather, Stephen Root
Born 1654, Died 1712. m. Sarah Wadsworth.
Other sources give birth as 1652 and death as 6 Jan 1717 in Farmington.
6'6". Great race runner (only bested once) & wrestler. Served 2½ years in the Indian wars with Major Treat, Including at siege of Fort Narragansett where "... On that occasion he carried a sword, and a huge musket, with which it is said he did terrible executon." (Root 1870, pg.320)
At least 5 Children (first 3 baptised together on May 17, 1691):
  • Timothy Root (~1681-1713), m. Margaret Seymour
  • John Root
  • Mary Root (~1691-1751), m. ? (Thos. or William) Judd
    • Timothy Judd (1713-1796)
    • Stephen Judd (1715-1777)
    • Hannah Judd (b. 1717)
    • Jonathan Judd (1719-1803)
    • daughter (1722-1722)
    • Elnathan Judd (1724-1777)
    • possibly: Mary Judd (1727-1796), m. Thomas Richards
    • William Judd (b. 1729/30)
    • Sarah Judd (1732-1777)
  • Sarah Root (1693-1776), m. Thomas Gridley
  • Hannah Root
  • possibly others

Reference: Stephen is Individual #2805 in the J.P. Root book on page's 319-320 (pages 340-341 in the GoogleBooks .pdf)

My 6th Great Grandfather, Samuel Root
Born 20 Nov 1712 in Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut Crown Colony. Died 17 May 1778 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Married 21 May 1740 to Elizabeth Prindle
http://newenglandgenealogy.pcplayground.com/f_1e1.htm#41
A story about him, attributed in the James Pierce Root Book to Bronson's History of Waterbury, pg. 289 is as follows: ... shows that our ancestors were not permitted the liberty of sleeping soundly in church, while it furnishes an incident in the life of Mr. Samuel Root: "Mr. Leavenworth had the reputation of being what is called a plain preacher, not having always the fear of his people before his eyes. He doubtless thought that it did good to stir them up sometimes roughly. He had among his hearers, a person of some standing, who had the infirmity of sleeping [and probaly snoring] in meeting. Thinking perhaps to cure the man's weakness, he on one occasion stopped suddenly in his discourse, and addressing himself to the sleeper, said: 'Wake up! wake up!' The response quickly followed: 'I am not asleep any more than you, Parson Leavenworth; so please mind your own business.' Of course a great commotion followed. Some were indignant, others amused. Two days after, or on the 10th day of June, 1760, the delinquent, Samuel Root, was arraingned on a grand jury complaint, before Thomas Clark, for 'profaning the sabbath or Lord's day, by rude talking in time of public worship, to the disturbance of both minister and congregation, contrary to law.' The culprit confessed that he did talk, &c., and pleaded in justification 'that he had told Mr. Leavenworth that if ever he spoke to him in particular in time of worship to wake up, he would tell him that it was none of his buisness.' The court looked upon the plea as insufficient, and ordered the guilty party to pay a fine of five shillings and cost of court, taxed at £0 4s. 2d. and stand committed till he comply, &c."
8 children:
  • a daughter (1742-1742)
  • Mercy Root (1744-1744)
  • Samuel Root (1750-?)
  • Enos Prindle Root (1753-1820), m. Martha Roberts
    • Elizabeth Root (1783-1810), m. Daniel Russell Wolcott
  • Joseph Root
  • Elizabeth Root (1758-1758) OR Ebzah Root?
  • Salmon Root (1759-1773)
  • Elizabeth Root (1761-?)

Reference: Samuel is Individual #2839 in the J.P. Root book on page 327 (pg. 348 in the GoogleBooks .pdf)

 My 8th Great Grandfather, John Root
Born 1685 at Farmington, CT, Baptised May 17, 1691, Died from an inflammation of the lungs Nov. 16, 1764 in Berlin, Ct.. m. July 10th, 1716 to Margaret Strong (she d. Apr. 20, 1751 in Berlin, ae 60)
5'10". One of the first settlers of the Great Swamp, Kensington (nowadays Berlin, Hartford Co., Ct), with a deed dating to 1703.
6 Children:
  • Eunice Root
  • Margaret Root (b. 1720), m. ? Edwards
  • John Root (1722/3-1781), m. Anna Steele
    • John Root (1764-1827), m. Mary Gilbert
    • Asahel Root (1766-1818), m. Hannah Goodrich
    • Mary Root, m. Josiah Hotchkiss
  • Lois Root (1725/6-1804), never married. "She was small and feeble"
  • Mary Root (b. 1728), m. Samuel Marks
  • Sarah Root (1731-1819), m. Daniel Root (see above and to the left)
    • Seth Root (b. 1763)
    • Huldah Root (b. 1764), Twin of Lois, m. Eli Cole
    • Lois Root (b. 1764) Twin of Huldah
    • Asahel Root (1768-1819)
    • Sarah Root (b. 1770)

Reference: John is Individual #2828 in the J.P. Root Book on page 325 (pg. 346 in the GoogleBooks .pdf)

My 5th Great Grandfather, Joseph Root
Born 22 May 1755 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., Connecticut Crown Colony. died 12 Oct 1816 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., CT. Married 19 June 1777 to Mary Russell.
Price's book says he did not die in 1816 but that the family relocated to New York 1817/8.
Revolutionary War Soldier, various dates between May 1776 and Dec. 1781. Mary's claim record say's that he was present at the capture of Burgoyne's Army at Stillwater & Saratoga, and at the taking of Cornwallis. That record also say's he served under Maj. Noah Baldwin & Capt. Ezra Munson.
11 Children:
  • John Root (1777-bef 1848), possibly m. Lucy Reynolds, though there is another John Root (1789-1855) son of Joseph Root (this Joseph being the son of Timothy Root & Sarah Pease, above) who married a Lucy Reynolds with whom he is likely being confused with.
    • possibly Henry Root and other children
  • Salmon Root (1779-bef 1848)
  • Lyman Root (1781-184?), m. possibly an Eunice ? or a Beebe ?
    • a Son
    • a Son, possibly Garry Root
    • a Daughter
    • 6 more sons
    • a Son, possibly Julius Root
    • a Daughter
    • 2 more sons
    • a son, possibly Edward Root
  • Lucy Root (1784-aft. 1847), m. John Henry
  • Joseph Root
  • Harvey Root (1788-1795)
  • Russell Root (1791-1795)
  • Polly Root (1793-aft 1847), m. Jered Merrill
  • Sally Root (1796-bef 1848)
  • William Russell Root (1798-1873), m. Clarissa Serena Terrill
    • Eliza Root, m. Lewis L. West
    • LeRoy Root, m.1 Caroline E. Garrett, m.2 Janice Land
    • Amarilla E. Root (?-1919), m. Henry B. Oliver
    • Charlotte E. Root (?-1863), m. John Everett
    • Rosette R. Root, m. Adam D. Walters
    • Sarah Ann Root, m. Abner Folk
    • Benjamin Franklin Root
    • Finette Root (?-1858)
    • George Root
    • LeGrand Root (1831-1915), m. Lucinda Kelsey
  • Loyal Lockwood Root (1803-1884), m.1 Clarissa Morgan, m.2 Susannah Ammons
    • Sarah E. Root, m. Isriel Bucklew
    • Styles L. Root (?-1864)
    • Orlando Root
    • James Root
    • Jared W. Root, m.1 Nancy E. Thomas, m.2 Mary Alter
    • George W. Root
    • Lockwood Root, m.1 Barbara Fry, m.2 Sarah Deborah Wollam
    • Laurel L. Root (?-1855)
    • John Root (1829-1864), m. Sophia Reynolds
    • Jane Cornelia Root (1834-1897), m. John Wesley Neville

Reference: Joseph is Individual #2928 in the J.P. Root Book on pages 348-349 (pgs. 369-370 on the GoogleBooks .pdf)

 My 7th Great Grandmother, Eunice Root
Born May 4, 1718, m. 19 Apr. 1749 in Wallingford, New Haven Co., Connecticut Crown Colony to Ephraim Royce.
4 (or possibly 5) children:

Reference: Eunice is Individual #2894 in the J.P. Root Book on page 325 (pg. 346 in the GoogleBooks .pdf)(no individual entry for her)


Margaret (or Margery) Royce married Amasa Merriam and is the Great-Grandmother of Clara Merriam, wife of George Geoffrey Root, below

My 4th Great Grandfather, Joseph Root
Born 22 May 1786 in Waterbury, New Haven Co., CT. Died 8 Jun 1865 in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., OH. Buried in Coe Ridge Cemetery, Dover, Cuyahoga Co., OH. Married 6 dec 1814 in Painesville, Geauga Co., OH to Sallie Maxon/Maxum/Maxcen.
15 children:
  • Mary Root (1815-1880), m. Jonas Rice
    • 3 children
  • a son (1817-?)
  • Lyman Root (1819-1855)
  • Julia Root (1820-aft 1865), m.1 Richard Norton, m.2 Charles Knapp
  • Leonard J. Root (1822-1876), m. Ellen Mary Walter
    • At least 1 Child
  • a daughter (1826-?)
  • a son (1828-?)
  • a son (1829-?)
  • Caroline Root (1830-1853), m. James Pitcher
  • Joseph Root (1833-1915), 23rd OH Reg., Civil War. m.1 Sarah Ann Stranahan, m.2 Lucretia E. Pierce, m.3 Alice Richards
    • 10 or 11 Children including Orin B.
  • Sarah E. Root (1836-1853)
  • a daughter (1837-?)
  • William E. Maxon Root (1838-1928), m.1 Sophia J. Porter, m.2 Ann Elizabeth Ingram (sister of Lana), m.3 Mary Ann 'Lana' Ingram (sister of Elizabeth, some sources give middle name as 'Atlanta')(See Here, for more)
    • George W. Root (1862-1863)
    • George William Root (1867-1940), m. Florence Elma Ervay. (See Here, for more)
    • Ida Eliza 'Lida' Root (1868-1952), m. John Cole
    • Lilly Mae Root (1871-1941), m.1 George W. Ames, m.2 W.S. O'Brien
    • Emily Elvira Root (1873-1953), m. Bert E. Jackson. (See Here, for more)
    • Elma Eurdora Root (1875-1955), m.1 Frank Hughson, m.2 John Maskle
    • Lenard James Root (1877-1899)
    • Ruby Louise Root (1880-1941), m. Charles Francis Green
    • Fred Earl Root (1884-1956), m. Lula Belle Depew
    • Alfred Ingram Root (1887-1955), m. Esther Maybelle Roth
  • George Geoffrey Root

Reference: Joseph is Individual #3249 in the J.P. Root book on page 349 (pg. 369 in the GoogleBooks .pdf)(no indivdual entry for him)

There is a poem that Sue Thompson sent me, that apparently used to be recited at reunions, and I thought it very fitting so I decided to put it here, enjoy.
Written for and given at the Root Reunion, 1934, by Florence Elma Ervay Root.
Title: A Bit of Family History
Long ago a down East Yankee was born in America's land.
His name was Joseph Root; I've given to understand.
All was not to his liking in Connecticut's fair state
So he thought the matter over and decided to emigrate
There was no train or horseless carriage or even an ox or a mule.
To carry this bound traveler, who observed the golden rule?
His only way was to walk to find his promised land.
He traveled light for his wants were few and did not much demand.
The trip was long and arduous with dangers on every hand
But his trusty old horsepistal was ever at his command.
Wild beast roamed the forest through which he had to go.
Houses were few and far between in this land so long ago.
Blazed trails instead of roads were what they traveled then.
He met and conquered hardships that would worst our modern men.
Few bridges spanned the streams to carry his weary feet.
Walking logs, he sometimes slipped in to make his hardship complete.
At last, after he walked for a thousand miles or more
He selected a spot for his cabin on beautiful Lake Erie's shore.
There in the midst of the forest he carved for himself a home
For his journey was over and ended, he cared no more to roam.
Meat he had for the taking, the finest there was in the land.
Deer there was in abundance; squirrels and turkeys on every hand.
Fish swam about in the waters, so thick they got in each other's way.
He could quickly catch plenty of breakfast or any other meal of the day.
But amen by him is lonely, whatever he has in this life,
Se he began casting about to find for himself a wife.
No place for a timid maiden, this we can plainly see.
He needed a true helpmate as brave and stouthearted as he.
After a short sweet courtship young Sally was wedded to Joe
And of the many hardships to come, it was well she did not know.
Dear, sweet, strong hearted Sally. She was on the finest of wife's.
She sturdily walked beside him through all the rest of their lives.
And when the children began coming, new burdens were hers to bear.
New burdens and heartaches and sorrows each were called on to share.
God sent them fourteen children to bless their small domain.
But due to the many hardships some did not long remain.
Of those who grew to maturity were three stalwart, rugged sons.
And when the Civil War broke out, they got behind their guns.
Your grandfather was one, and was one of those boys in blue.
Who shouldered his gun and marched away to make this land safe for you.
When conflict was over they came back to their native state.
They set about making homes for themselves and worked both early and late.
Wives and children should make happy homes, whatever the county or state.
But like their adventurous father, they decided to emigrate.
They made their way to Michigan, the state we all love the best.
Right here I will end my story for I think you know the rest.
Now once each year we gather to spend one fleeting day.
To talk old times over and enjoy it as we may.
To draw our families closer and tighten the tie that binds.
For ever and ever before us, time's river swiftly winds.
We hope to interest our children so they'll want to come each year.
For soon they'll be the grown folks. Their time is growing near.
To look after these reunions and keep the family spirit alive.
If we each do our part in passing we feel sure Root reunions will thrive.
My 3rd Great Grandfather, George Geoffrey Root
Born 18 June 1837/40 in Dover, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. Died 8 Feb. 1916 in Vermontville, Eaton Co., MI. Buried in Gresham Cemetary, Chester Township, Eaton Co., MI. Married 10 April 1865 in Dover Township, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio to Clarissia "Clara" Angelina Merriam (great-granddaughter of Margaret/Margery Royce - above and to the right).
based on Beulah Roger's (nee Root) information I originally believed him to be the songwriter George Frederick Root.
1850 & 1860 Census's suggest a 1840 birth date but Tombstone has a 1837 birth date.
Served with Rutherford B. Hayes (unknowingly a distant cousin) in the 23rd Ohio Infantry as did his brothers Joseph and William. Descendent's of the three brothers all have the following story but relate it to their particular ancestor of the three:
-- He was to have been shot for falling asleep on Guard duty, till (then Col.) Hayes investigated when he found out what had happened and pardoned him. A Sixteen year old boy in the outfit was sick so George (Joseph/William) carried his pack in addition to his own on a forced march double time, then drew guard duty as did the boy. He tried to take over for the boy but fell asleep and was caught by an officer they called "Skunk Butler" (who was later shot in the back in battle.). --
George's service record shows a demotion from Sergeant to Private, probaly over this incident.
Came to Michigan in the period between 1870 and 1877, settling in Eaton County about 4 miles from his brother William. His wife's obit says he moved to Chester Township, Eaton Co., MI in 1879.
Family is in Chester, Eaton, Michigan on the 1880 Census- Geo. G., wife Clarie A., and children Lyman, ANdrew, Almary, & Willie.
7 Children:
  • Bertha Root (1866-1866)
  • Lyman "Lyme" A. Root (1867-1940)
  • Andrew "Andy" Jackson Root (1868-1954), m. Bertha Mary Garn
    • Carson Jesse Root (1895-1938), m. Augusta McDerby
    • G.E.R.
    • T.M.R.
    • A.E.R.
    • A.C.R.
  • Aletha Root (1870-1873)
  • Almiry/Almary "Mary" Root (1874-1903)
  • W.M.R.R.
  • George Melvin Root
Census indicates 5 more youngsters but Beulah Rogers (nee Root) didn't believe that was correct "no way".
My Great-Great Grandfather, George Melvin Root
note some sources say Melvin George Root
Born 27th Sept. 1886 in Chester Township, Eaton County, MI. Died 15th Sept. 1967 in Bellevue, Eaton Co., MI. Buried 18 Sep. 1967 in Gresham Cemetery, Chester Township, Eaton County, MI. Married 23 Dec. 1911 in Charlotte, MI to Anna Pearl(e) Smith
Carpenter & Farmer.
8 or 9 Children: also have strong reason to believe that Melvin Lenord Root was a child of Melvin/George and Pearl, but have no proof. Melvin died Dec 7th 1941 aboard the U.S.S. Arizona in the attack on Pearl Harbor, HI.
My Great Grandparents and I, 1987 My Great Grandmother, P.R.R.
Information withheld to protect privacy of living descendents
5 children, 8 Grandchildren, 13 Great-Grandchildren, & 6 (or More?) Great-Great Grandchildren.
Primary source: James Pierce Root, 1870. Root Genealogical Records 1600-1870: Comprising the General history of the Root and Roots families in America. NY: R.C. Root, Anthony, & Co.; 1870. See in particular Part II "The Roote Families", Division II "The Farmington Line, Nos. 2800-6999", begining on page 314 (page 335 in the GoogleBooks .pdf version).
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Last Updated: Oct. 23rd, 2010. Minor clarifications Oct. 14, 2010 & Dec. 13, 2010. Small update's Dec. 31, 2010, Jan 6, 2011, & Feb. 4, 2011.