Eighth Generation

489. Oliver ROOT was born in 1768.¹¹ Oliver is number 7023 in the Root Genealogical Records, 1600-1870, by James P. Root published in 1870. Oliver died intestate prior to 22 March 1796, as his wife, Tenta Root, and Samuel Ensign of Whitestown were appointed administrators 22 March 1796. Oliver died prior to 1797 as his father, Joseph Root, deeded some land to Oliver's children, Oliver and Tenta. The deed declared Oliver deceased and was dated 6 April 1797. A marriage record shows his wife, Tina Root married John Adams on 9 March 1797.

The source of the marriage date/place for Oliver and Tenta is 'microfilm of church/parish records of Oneida Co. New York'.

He was married to Tenta on 17 Sep 1792 in New Hartford, New Hartford, Oneida, New York.

The following is printed in a book of New York history, Historical Gazetter and Biographical memorial of Cattaraugus County, New York, by William Adams, chapter titled 'Town of Franklinville' on page 667: "Oliver Root came from York, Livingston county, about the year 1818 and located on lot 41. He married Zulama Merrill. He built a saw-mill, the first one in that locality. An incident characteristic of those hardy pioneers occurred at the raising of this mill. After the frame was up they all repaired to the log house, where Oliver snugly seated his guests in as nearly a semicircle as the stools, chairs, and benches at his command would permit. He then mixed a quantity of whisky and sugar in a tin pan, and with a large spoon commenced at one end of the half circle, giving the first a spoonful, then the next, and so on to the end of the line. The operation was continued until that crowd was as jolly a set of fellows as a mixture of whisky, sugar and good nature ever made. Mr. Root lived on the place until his death Feb 18, 1872; his wife died Feb 18, 1875. They had twelve children, two of which are now living on the homestead. Warren S. married Sarah, daughter of George Adams; children Alice C. , Charles D. and George W. Clarinda married Mark Harrison, resides in the south part of town, and has one son, Truman. Noah M. Root, another son of Oliver, was born Nov. 16, 1820, and married Betsey, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Barron, of Franklinville. He settled and cleared a farm and died Aug. 9, 1877. His widow married J. D. Frank and resides in Great Valley. Children: Sabra M. (Mrs Benjamin Pierson), Huldah E.(Mrs. B.C. Cleaveland), and Loren F. The latter was born Sept. 29, 1850, and married Laura J., daughter of Calvin C. Bowen. He resided on the old homestead until 1886, when he moved to the village of Franklinville, where he engaged in the insurance business with J. C. Bowen."

He died before 1797 at the age of 29 in Whitesboro, Oneida County, NY.¹¹

Oliver ROOT and Zulima MERRILL were married in Manlius, Onondaga County, NY. Zulima MERRILL was born on 2 February 1794 in Columbia, Saratoga County, NY. She died on 18 February 1875 at the age of 81 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, NY.