Samuel Root

Nothing is known of the early life of Samuel Root, brother of Marcus Aurelius Root (1808-1888). Samuel first appeared as a daguerreian photographer in New York City, N.Y., from 1849 to 1857. In 1849, Marcus Root opened in New York City a daguerreian gallery at the corner of Franklin Street and Broadway. Samuel got the management of the business.

died: Rochester, NY

In 1850, the Root brothers produced a daguerreotype of Jenny Lind (1820-1887), a Swedish soprano, known as one of the most famous at that time.

From 1851 to 1853, Marcus and Samuel Root were registered as daguerreian photographers on 363 Broadway, New York City. They were also registered in 1851 till 1852 as well as in 1852 till 1853. In 1851 the Root brothers exhibited the “American Institute, Castle Garden” in New York.

They exhibited 8 double plates of daguerreotypes, 14 full plates, 12 two-thirds plates, 14 half plates and 2 quarter plates. Also 9 half plates taken with the “Crayon process” were exhibited. On 31st of December 1851 Marcus Root sold his part in the business. Samuel Root continued the business in cooperation with J.W. Thompson under the name of "Root & Co".

In 1852 - 1853 “Root & Co.” was registered as a daguerreian gallery on 363 Broadway, New York City. G.S. Cook of Charleston, S.C. participated in the business. From 1853 to 1857, Samuel Root was registered as a daguerreian photographer on 363 Broadway, New York City. He lived at the same address. In 1855 Samuel Root employed his brother-in -law Robert Henry Furman. In 1855 Samuel Root in 1855 Root sold his gallery to Thomas Faris. Robert H. Furman stayed employed till 1857. In 1859 Samuel Root & Co. advertised at 363 Broadway, New York City; Thomas Faris was the manager at that time.

In 1856 Samuel Root moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was registered till 1882. In 1858 - 1859 he was registered as a daguerreian photographer at 166 Main Street and lived on Bluff Street. Samuel Root died in March 1889 of apoplexy at the home of his sister in Rochester, N.Y.

Identified daguerreotypes are signed on the brass mat as:

S.ROOT

363BROADWAY-N.Y

-Source: The American Daguerreian Society@http://users.skynet.be/vitalspirit/e-root1.html