My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM M. ROOT. The dairy business in connection with farming has assumed mammoth proportions in western New York, and Chautauqua county in particular has become noted for its dairy products. Among the leading producers of this class in the town of Busti is Will M. Root, who is a son of William and Nancy A. (Draper) Root, and was born in this town March 8th, 1855. The first man named Root to locate in this county was Zeddock Root, the paternal grandfather of our subject, of German extraction, who came here and bought a tract of land from the Holland Land company, was a farmer, and died at the age of seventy-one. William Root is a native of this town, where he now resides. He is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, and has passed his sixty-fifth year. He affiliates with the Republican party, is stirring and energetic, keeps himself well posted upon current events, and has been a very successful business man. He married Nancy A. Draper, who was born in Genesee county, this State, in 1831.

Will M. Root was brought up on the farm, and, like many of our country’s best men, was educated in the common schools. When he attained manhood he continued to do farm work, and is now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land located three miles west of Jamestown, and upon it he pastures a fine herd of cows, from the milk of which he makes and prepares for market a superior quality of butter. He also handles creamery butter, being unable to supply his orders with his own product.

He was married in 1879 to Rhoda J. Wilcox, a daughter of A. P. Wilcox, living in Busti. Their union has been blessed with three children — all daughters: Belle V., R. Ethel, and Lulu B. Mr. Root is a member of the A. O. U. W., and is active in the politics of his county, He belongs to the Republican party, and is now serving as county committee-man from the town of Busti. He is a leading citizen, and has the respect of all his acquaintances.