Born in Chester, Massachusetts, October 10, 1856. He came west when three months old, to Lyons, Iowa, where he has resided since, and was educated in the Lyons public schools, thence to Cornell college at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and graduated in 1878 at. the Northwestern University, receiving a masters degree in 1883. He was admitted to the practice of law June 13, 1879, since which time he has been in the real estate and insurance business, operating in northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska since 1880, traveling continuously through the counties in that locality. No person has better ideas of farm lands or their cultivation. In 1889, while temporarily doing business in Clinton, Iowa, yet residing in Lyons, he was defeated for mayor by seven votes, although the usual Democratic majority is four hundred. In 1891 he was elected mayor of Lyons by five hundred majority and re-elected in 1893. Mr. Root is captain of company L, 1st regiment Iowa National Guards; for years was chief of the Lyons Fire department of one hundred and twenty-five men, not only in name, but in service. He was defeated for the legislature in 1891, although running far ahead of his ticket. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, being grand lodge trustee, also belongs to the Odd Fellows, Masons and is a member of an insurance organization. His religious preferences, being from New England, are Congregational. Mr. Root's years of experience in a large Democratic river town eminently fits him to be an advisor on the prohibitory question, and this winter will take a special interest in same, although having successfully handled the finances of his city, besides making all the modern improvements. No better financier can be found. He will be active and in the front on any live question, independent in views, and is a born leader and organizer. While yet young he is recognized as an authority on any municipal or business question and commands the respect and admiration of his neighbors, as is shown by being returned from Clinton county, receiving the largest vote of any candidate.