Root family papers, 1828-1970.
Collection Number: 3894

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library


DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
Root family papers, 1828-1970.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Collection Number:
3894
Abstract:
Civil War letters and daily journals of William Harrison Root, a lieutenant in Company B, 75th Regiment, New York Volunteers. Also a notebook of Root's, clippings, and his account book of Company B, 1861. Also, letters and reminiscences, between Helen Isabel Root and her parents. Additional material includes account books, clippings, correspondence and transcripts, pamphlets, genealogical charts, deeds and other legal documents, and photographs of the Shepard and Osborn families.
Creator:
Root family.
Quanitities:
.9 cubic feet.
Language:
Collection material in English

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

William Harrison Root of Port Byron, Cayuga County, New York, was the father of Helen Isabel Root. A lieutenant in Company B, 75th Regiment, New York Volunteers, he was captured in action at Sabine Pass, Texas in September 1863, and exchanged in July 1864. He was present at every battle of his regiment, being released from enemy prison in time to fight in the battles of Winchester and Cedar Creek.

COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

Civil War letters and daily journals of William Harrison Root, a lieutenant in Company B, 75th Regiment, New York Volunteers. The letters between Root, his parents, sister and brothers document daily life in camp, battles and the administration of the army, including his capture and subsequent imprisionment at Camp Grace, Texas in 1863. Also a notebook of Root's, clippings, and his account book of Company B, 1861. Also, letters, and typescripts of selected letters and reminiscences, between Helen Isabel Root (Cornell University Class of 1896) and her parents. Helen I. Root, the daughter of William Root was a missionary in Ceylon and India and this correspondence documents her daily life as a missionary and records information about the cultures in which she lived. She was also editor of "The Missionary Tidings" a publication of the Women's Missionary Society Free Methodist Church. Additional material includes account books, clippings, correspondence and transcripts, pamphlets, genealogical charts, deeds and other legal documents, and photographs of the Shepard and Osborn families. Material concerns areas of Fort Byron, Cayuga County; Virgil, Cortland County; and Spencer, Tioga County, New York.

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:

Root Family. Papers, #3894. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.

SUBJECTS

Names:
Root, William Harrison, 1841-
Root, Helen Isabel, 1873-1945.
United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 75th (1861-1865)
Places:
Virgil (N.Y.)
Tioga County (N.Y.)
Spencer (N.Y.)
Cayuga County (N.Y.)
Fort Byron (N.Y.)
Cortland County (N.Y.)
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Regimental histories.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Equipment and supplies.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
Subjects:
Missions -- India.
Missions -- Ceylon.
Form and Genre Terms:
Photographs.
Genealogies.
Diaries.

CONTAINER LIST
Container
Description
Date
Scope and Contents
All the material in the collection may not be covered by this guide.