Ira and Sarah Ann Root
1806-1868
History of
Kentucky and Kentuckians, E. Polk Johnson, three volumes,
Lewis Publishing Co., New York & Chicago, 1912. Common version, Vol. III,
pp. 1223-24. (Campbell County)
For many years Ira Root was one of the prominent citizens of Newport, Kentucky,
where he held some of the most important elective offices, and in his death the
city lost one who had devoted his best efforts to the up building of public
interests and had achieved an enviable
distinction in the different departments of life. He became entwined with
many ties of warm affection and an abundant progeny of generous and kindly deeds
dispersed among his fellow-men and growing to a fruitful maturity, a lasting
honor to their author and a grateful boon to humanity.
Ira Root was born in Piermont, New Hampshire, May 4,
1806, the son of Ephraim and Vashi (Birge) Root, the former a native of
Piermont, New Hampshire, and the latter from Hebron, Connecticut. When he
was eighteen years of age he went to Cincinnati, where his uncle, the Rev. David
Root, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman, lived, completed his education at
Miami University, and afterward was for a time Greek and Latin professor
at Augusta College.
He then came to Newport and began the study of law with Richard Southgate, a prominent lawyer and pioneer. After being admitted to the bar he practiced law with F. M. Webster for many years under the firm name of Root & Webster, this being the leading firm in those days, and in which he continued until his death in Newport on the 12th of February, 1868. He was buried in the Newport Cemetery which later became Evergreen Cemetery.
In his early days he was a staunch Democrat, very active
in politics and held a number of positions of public trust, but the contest
between the states changed his views and, believing in abolition, he became an
ardent Union man during the war and upon the organization of
the Republican party from that time forth pinned his faith to that party.
Mr. Root was distinguished as a lawyer and orator.
He had a clear conception of the force and import of language and discerned all
the fine shades of meaning. He was exact in statement and construction,
apt in the citation of authorities supporting his theory of a case. Possessing
the qualities desired in a public official, he was not permitted to pursue
his public life without interruption. He was a number of times elected to
the state legislature and as a member distinguished himself in laying the
foundation for the state public school system.
Mr. Root took a great
interest in education and in every way used his influence to promote every
measure that would further educate the masses and bring all educational
advantages within the reach of all classes. He was president of the school
board of Newport for many years and was at the head of everything educational.
He was a member of the Constitutional convention in 1849. His religious training
was with the Methodist Episcopal church, and he was one of the organizers of
Grace Methodist Episcopal church in Newport and
was a prominent and devoted worker and member until death, participating in
the activities of the church and in the organized charities of the city.
He made a point of the amenities of life and never forgot the little proprieties
that indicate the well-bred gentleman. His manner was often forcible but
always courteous. He lived in the community long enough to become
identified with its welfare and prove the value of his citizenship by advocating
and supporting every measure for the improvement of
conditions and the good of society.
Mr. Root was married on December 25, 1834, to Sarah Ann
Perry, a native of Newport, where she passed her entire life, dying at the age
of ninety years and six months, with all her faculties intact to the last. Her
father, Colonel David Perry, was a native of Virginia and when a young man came
to Kentucky, locating at Newport among the pioneers, and he died
in Newport a few years later, aged thirty-eight years.
Children of Ira Root and Sarah Ann Perry
1. Oliver Wyatt Root b-3
Oct 1835
in Newport; died 3 Aug 1904
2. Albert Tell Root-born 1840 in Newport
3. James A Root b-1843 in Newport; d-25 Dec 1845
3. James C Root-born 1846 in Newport; died 19 Dec 1871
4. Susan Root-born 1851 in Newport; m Frank S Barker d-8 Oct 1949 buried Evergreen
Of the above children all are deceased except the latter, Mrs. Barker. The sons were all lawyers of promise and ability, particularly the eldest one, Oliver W, who was one of the most convincing pleaders in the west.
Oliver Root graduated from Miami University in 1858 and taught elocution and languages in that institution for two years, being considered one of the finest elocutionists and orators in the west. He was twice a candidate for congress on the Republican ticket and delegate to five national Republican conventions.
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Cincinnati Commercial Tribune, Monday, 6 September 1858, page 2
Early Saturday morning, the law office of Messrs. Root & Webster in Newport, near the corner of York and Taylor streets, was broken open and decidedly dry robbery perpetrated as the thieves discovering nothing more valuable, gathered up all the musty old legal lore they could lay their hands on. The books carried away were valued at $300 and the owners offered a reward of $25 for their recovery. The thieves left their plunder by a pile of lumber in Storr's township, where it was found and returned to the proper owners.
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Oliver W. Root seconded the nomination of General Grant in 1868. After the death of his father he continued the latter's business, associated with his brother, Albert T. Root, which continued successfully for eighteen years. Few of his competitors at the bar possessed the same degree of mental strength and culture and few were so indefatigable in their work. He was a leader in thought as well as in action. His carefully matured opinions were expressed in language clear and concise, his argument enforced with all the power of a skilled logician, and his diction pure, beautiful and elegant. He served also as county attorney several times.
Oliver W. Root never married, and he died on the 3rd day of August, 1904. He accumulated a large fortune and in his will left many bequests to charitable institutions, churches and needy people. He was buried in the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery.
For more information about Ira
Root and his family, see Jim Reis' article about
Ira and Sarah Root and
their Family of Independent Spirits
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 16 October 1860, page 2
NEWPORT NEWS
It had been announced that a Douglas meeting would take place at Alexandria on the 15th (yesterday) when numerous speakers were to be in attendance. Upon the arrival of the speakers, and after the organization of the meeting, Major Ira Root, of Newport made a few remarks. He thought that since this organization of the Federal Government there has never been so important an era as the present, and as he knew there were some of the best orators in Ohio and Kentucky present, he only asked that they would listen to him for a few minutes.
He thought that everything depended upon the election in November next. He said such was the political complexion of affairs that were Henry Clay now living he would be in favor of Douglas, the same as the Hon J J Crittenden is now. As for John C Breckinridge, continued the speaker, he got but one vote at Charleston, and having but one vote why should he be considered the choice of the people?
When Breckinridge was elected in 1856, he was well as James Buchanan, endorsed the Cincinnati Platform, advocated by Douglas and repudiated by Breckinridge now. Has Douglas withdrawn from it? said the speaker. "No!" The Breckinridge party, under the circumstances, can not nor should it prevail and another at another. He was not wiling to see this giant fabric-The United States, crushed to atoms just to please a little junta like that which Breckinridge had gathered around him
He hoped that Breckinridge unlike Satan of old, would not have the influence to draw into hell one third of the Democratic part; on the contrary, where principle is concerned we should so act as to preserver the Union.
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Cincinnati Daily Press, Tuesday, 8 January 1861, page 4
NEWPORT NEWS
There was a large delegation from Campbell County went down yesterday morning on the mail boat to the State Union Convention, to be held today at Louisville. They were accompanied by a large number of merchants and mechanics from Cincinnati, who feel an interest in the result of that movement. Their names are: E W Hawkins, Charles, James, William and Jack Stricker, John T Maphet, Col. T L Jones, Jacob Hawthorne, Major Ira Root, Oliver Root, Esq. Robert Wilson, James Morlidge and several others.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 1 March 1861, page 3
NEWPORT NEWS
Meeting in the Second Ward-There was a meeting of the people at Miller's Saloon, in the Second Ward, on Wednesday night last, for the purpose of nominating candidates for city and ward officers. An organization was had by the appointment of O W Root Chairman and George Summons Secretary. The meeting then proceeded to ballot for a choice of candidates, and with the following result.
E Connelly was chosen for member of Council; Ira Root for President of the School Board, and O W Root and E Horne as Executive Committee for that ward.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 3 March 1861, page 2
NEWPORT NEWS
THE ELECTION TOMORROW-There is to be an election for municipal officers tomorrow in our city and there have been several tickets nominated among which are the Workingmen's and the Republican's but the regular ticket that will be voted for is the People's ticket, which is as follows: President of Council-R B McCracken; President of School Board-Ira Root; City Treasurer-O M DeCourcey; City Clerk-Chas Southgate; City Civil Engineer-James Lindsay; Wharfmaster-Captain James Brogan.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, Thursday, 25 April 1861, page 3
TURNERS MEETING
There was a Union meeting held at Turner's Hall on Tuesday night for the purpose of forming a Home Guard Association. there were several hundred persons inside and as many outside. The meeting was addressed by Colonel James Taylor, who made a magnificent speech. It was also addressed by Major Ira Root and George P Webster. Just before the meeting adjourned the audience struck up The Star Spangled Banner and sung it with most unbounded enthusiasm at the conclusion of which, three cheers were given for the Union.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 26 April 1861, page 3
NEWPORT NEWS
RAISING A UNION FLAG-The employees of Swift's rolling mills had a grand time yesterday on raising their flag. Speeches were made by Major Ira Root and others, which were received with much enthusiasm by the crowd and loudly applauded. A national salute of thirty four guns was fired.
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Cincinnati Daily Press, Monday, 6 May 1861, page 4
NEWPORT NEWS
The Union meeting, last Friday night, notwithstanding the unpleasant weather, was a fine affair. Ira Root President and W G Morris acted as Secretary. Miss Marie McKenzie, on the part of the ladies of Newport, presented a flag to the meeting, which was received by John P Jackson, Esq. with an appropriate speech. The flag was, yesterday morning, given to the breeze, and hundreds under its beautiful stripes marched to the polls, to give their votes for the Union.
Major Hawkins offered the following resolutions, which were adopted unanimously:
"Resolved: That we of this city and count, being intimately connected in business and social relations with the city of Cincinnati and the Nort, and having facilities for arriving at the sentiments and feelings of the Northern men, and their intentions and designs, assure our Southern brethren not so well advised, that we are satisfied it is not part of the design of the Administration in the present war to subjugate the South, or to trespass upon her rights of property, but simply to execute the laws, to maintain the integrity of the Union, and the supremacy of the National Government.
Resolved: That we see nothing in the present status of national affairs to change our relation to the General Governemtn, but it is our duty to support that Government in good faith.
Resolved: That a State has no right to secede: it has a right to revolutionize subject to all the consequences if unsuccessful.
Resolved: Should an attempt be made in any quarter, against law and Constitution and against the deliberate convections of the people, to precipitate this State into the arms of the Southern Confederacy, or into a position which would change her present relation to the General Government, that attempt, in our judgment would constitute a rebellion and separation which should be put down by all true and loyal citizens, with just so much force only as may be necessary to suppress it effectually. It would especially be the duty of the border counties, upon which certain sanctions wish to cast the burnt of the impending revolution to band together promptly and throw at once their banner of loyalty to the breeze and inviting under its folds all the true sons of Kentucky proceed with it from county to county, toward the dome of the Capital and until order, law and allegiance shall be restored, and until our beloved Kentucky shall stand again in her ancient majesty and glory. Should our banner, at any point, meet with formidable resistance, it may become necessary to signal the "Stars and Stripes."
After addresses by Geo P Webster, Ira Root, O W Root and L M Eckert, the meeting adjourned with three cheers for the Union.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, Saturday, 8 June 1861, page 3
UNION CONVENTION
Pursuant to a call by the voters of this the Tenth Congressional District, a convention was held yesterday in the City Hall in Covington, to nominate a candidate for Congress, to be voted for at the election on the 20th inst. The call was responded to by eight of the ten counties and were about as fine a looking set of men as we ever saw congregated.
The meeting was called to order by A H Johns, of Independence, who nominated E W Hawkins of Newport, temporary chairman. Major Root was called upon, who declined until the proceedings were completed, but managed to get off a pretty little speech of about twenty minutes, promising to do more if called upon.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 9 July 1862, page 3
NEWPORT NEWS
THE COURT CONVENTION-This body met at Alexandria on Monday, pursuant to previous notice, and proceeded to organize by appointing Major Ira Root President, and Charles Buchanan Secretary. Major Root upon taking the chair, announced the offices for which nominations were to be made, after which he delivered a stirring Union address to those present.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, Tuesday, 5 August 1862, Vol: XXV, Issue 239, page 3
The Election-Below we append the vote of Newport and one precinct of Campbell County;
For Mayor-First District-H Wellman 6; Ira Root, 105; Total Wellman, 105, Root,175,; McCracken, 393; Bowers, 17; Bodley, 17. Campbell County-Jamestown Precinct-Ira Root,137
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 8 July 1863, page 3
NEWPORT NEWS
COUNTY CONVENTION-At a County Convention held in Alexandria Ky. Monday, July 3, 1863, for the purpose of nomination candidates for the Legislature, on motion, Colonel Ira Root was chosen Chairman and Thomas Jones was elected Secretary.
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Cincinnati Daily News, 9 February 1864, page 2
ABOLITION MEETING IN NEWPORT-About seventy-five Abolitionists of this city, assembled at the Court house on Saturday night and passed resolutions approving the course of their Representative in Congress, General Green Clay Smith. They also appointed the following persons as delegates to the Abolition Convention which meets in Louisville on the 22d of February:
Second Ward-Ira Root and James R Perry. The meeting was presided over by Ira Root. Mr. Root and Captain George P Webster made strong anti-slavery speeches. There were both in favor of the enlistment of negro soldiers in Kentucky.
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New York Tribune, New York, Monday, 15 February 1864, Volume XXIII, Issue 7713, page 4
A similar meeting had been previously held on the 6th of February at Newport. The President, the Hon. Ira Root, addressed the meeting of finding the best means for a radical and total abolition of Slavery throughout the United States. He considered it impossible to obtain a lasting peace so long as Slavery was not abolished. The meeting responded to this declaration with enthusiastic applause. Newport will be represented in the Louisville Convention by ten delegates.
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Cincinnati Daily Enquirer, 19 April 1865, page 2
NEWPORT NEWS
THE MEETING THIS AFTERNOON-The following distinguished gentlemen will address the meeting which will be held in the Court house Square, this afternoon at 2 o'clock to pay respect to the memory of our late President: Hon Henry Stanbery, Judge Wm Dickson, Hon Geo P Webster, Colonel John P Jackson, Hon Ira Root, O W Root and MV Daly, Esq. T Buchanan Reade will recite a patriotic poem on the occasion. The ladies are respectfully invited to attend.
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Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Saturday, 17 February 1866, page 1
ENTERTAINMENT to Judge Doniphan
There was a large gathering at Smalley's Hall on Thursday evening, on the occasion of an entertainment given to Judge Joseph Doniphan, by the members of the bar of Campbell County and officers of the Campbell Circuit Court. Col. James Taylor presided. We subjoin the regular toasts on the occasion:
"The Declaration of Independence" Response by Major Ira Root.
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Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Wednesday, 13 March 1867, page 1
NEWPORT
UNION MEETING-At a meeting of the Union voters of Campbell county, held at the Court House in Newport, on Monday evening, for the purpose of electing delegates to the Congressional Convention to be held at Covington, on the 13th instant, Major Ira Root was called to the chair and L Hawthorne elected Secretary. A committee was on motion, appointed to select delegates to represent Campbell county, who reported the following gentlemen:
Jacob Hawthorne, U P Degman, N B Shaler, C P Buchanan, Ira Root, Peter Constans, John A Williamson, William Holt, T Wrightson, W C Davis, X Sine, H A Schriver, J C Youtsey, J K Stone, Colonel J P Jackson, Samuel Shaw, N B Gaston, Peter Bruiste, A Link, James Rairdon, L R Hawthorne, William Elden, Z B Coffin, A Schnyder, W N Air, John Cline, J Horner, E W Hawkins, Samuel Geisler, William Boden, William Ringo, M J King, J Horsfall, D Piner, Frank Clark, J S Conklin, John L Winston, M V Dailey, John Custerman, J P Cummings, J W Florer, B B Riley, James Cullen and all other Union men in the county.
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Cincinnati Daily Gazette, Wednesday, 18 March 1868, page 1
NEWPORT
County Court-This tribunal was in session here yesterday and the day before. The will of Ira Root was admitted to probate.