Ira 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-October 3, 1835
in Newport; died 3 Aug 1904
2. Albert Tell Root-born 1840
3. James A Root b-1843 in Newport; d-25 Dec 1845
3. James C Root-born 1846
4. Susan Root-born 1851; 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.
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