From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 57 - 58

Root, Frederick P., was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., October 23, 1814. His father, Aaron, was a native of Hebron, Conn., and the family trace their descent to William Root, who came from England in 1640, settled first in Massachusetts, but removed at an early day to Hartford, Conn. Aaron married Salinda Phelps of Hebron, where both were born and reared. They removed to Carlton, Saratoga County, early in life, but subsequently to Monroe County, where they settled on a farm in the town of Sweden, where their descendants now reside. He died in 1832, at the age of forty-five, leaving a family of eight children. Frederick P., the eldest son and the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years assumed the management of the farm of 300 acres, which by the will of his father was shared equally by his children at maturity. He married, in 1839, Marion E. Phelps, at New London, Conn., who died in 1892, leaving two daughters. He married second Harriet A., daughter of Deacon Wm. White, who settled in the town of Bergen in 1808. Of Frederick P. Root, it may be said that he has been a successful farmer; his farm contains about 700 acres. His experience in farming has given him the reputation of an authority in agricultural matters, as many articles over his name in agricultural papers go to prove. He has also been quite prominent in public affairs of town and State, having been justice of the peace, supervisor five years, assemblyman two years, assessor of internal revenue five years during the Civil war. He has also been an active supporter of agricultural societies, and has been distinguished as a supporter of organizations for the elevation of the farming class throughout the County and State. He was one of the originators and organizers of the Farmer's Alliance, and first president of the County and State societies. This association of farmers, originating in Monroe County, extended to other States, until it has a national character of considerable political influence. He was one of the organizers of the association of Co-operative Fire Insurance Companies of the State of New York, and first president for five years. and has been president of Monroe County Patrons Fire Relief Association during its existence of seventeen years. Mr. Root has been during his life a liberal supporter of society, and ever ready to respond to the call of public and private charities.