Root

George Frederick, teacher, compr b. Sheffield, Ma ., Aug. 30, 1820 d. Barley’s Island, Aug. 6, 1895 Taught flute playing by father learned other instruments easily in music store in Boston 1836, mem ber Boston Academy chorus, pup i of G. J Webb; 1850 studied in Pans Flower Queen, first cantata bj American compr., published ovei pseud. G. Fried rich Wurzel; 1851 opened Normal Music Institute 1858 member of publishing fine Root and Cady in Chicago; compilec alone or with others many collections of part-songs Academy Vocalist Sabbath Bell, etc.; most widely known as prolific compr. of Civil War songs {The Battle-cry of Freedom Just before the battle, mother, Tramp tramp, tramp, the boys are marching) and songs of religion and sentiment ( The vacant chair, Knocking, knocking, etc ). R. was pioneer in writing of cantatas, war songs, and gospel hymns; m his autobiography Story of a M usical Life, he says u I am one who, from such resources as he finds within himself, makes music for the people, having always a particular need in view.” His son Frederick Woodman R., singing teacher, b. Boston, Ma ., June 13, 1846. Pupil of father, B. C. Blodgett, and Wm. Mason; orgt. in Chicago; after study in Europe 1869-70, edited Song Me enger