F. L. Root

ROOT, HOWARD, SOUTHWICK, SEELEY, SQUIRE

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/25/2008 at 21:07:10

F. L. ROOT.

The name of Root has long been associated with the monument business at Ottumwa, and the enterprise established by his father is now successfully continued and conducted by F. L. Root, whose name introduces this review. He is a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, born December 7, 1849, and is a son of Moses B. Root, who was born in Ohio. There he resided until 1842, when he came with his family to Iowa, settling in Van Buren county. In his native state he married Elizabeth A. Howard, who was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and accompanied her parents to Ohio in her early girlhood. There she remained during her maidenhood and eventually gave her hand in marriage to Moses B. Root and accompanied him to Iowa. Following their arrival in Van Buren county Mr. Root engaged in the monument business, which he conducted there until 1860. He then brought his family to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he established a similar business, in which he continued until 1890, when death terminated his labors. His widow survived him for ten years and passed away in 1900. They were the parents of five children, of whom Howard and Mary are now deceased. The others are: F. L.; Ada L., the wife of L. H. Southwick of New York city; and Ettie L., the wife of W. A. Seeley of Kansas City, Missouri.

F. L. Root remained at home until he attained his majority, acquiring a good public-school education, and in 1870 he joined his father in business under the firm style of M. B. Root & Son. He became familiar with every phase of the business and was well qualified to assume active management as his father put aside the more onerous duties connected with the trade. He is enterprising and diligent and his close application has been one of the features of his growing success. His establishment is now liberally patronized, and for his monuments he has a ready sale. The output is artistic in finish and workmanship, and his trade has grown year by year. In addition to his business he owns several properties in Ottumwa, from which he derives a good income.

In 1889 Mr. Root was united in marriage to Miss Clara B. Squire, who was born in Illinois and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary Squire, whose family numbered seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Root have become parents of two sons and three daughters: Howard F., who is a Harvard graduate and is now engaged in social settlement work in Boston; Mary E., who is attending school at Grinnell, Iowa; Blanch E., also a student in Grinnell; and Oscar and Mabel, both students in the high school at Ottumwa. The family attend the First Congregational church and in social circles occupy an enviable position. Mr. Root is a member of the Commercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with its movements for the development and upbuilding of the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in fraternal circles he is well known, belonging to Masonic Lodge, No. 269, A. F. & A. M., and also to the Royal Arch chapter. He is likewise prominent in the Odd Fellows' Society of Ottumwa, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and in the Woodmen of the World. He has ever been actuated by a progressive spirit in all the relations of life, and his energy and enterprise have placed him not only among the leading business men but also among the leading citizens who have had to do with shaping municipal progress and the public policy of Ottumwa.

Source:
History of Wapello County, Vol. II
S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914