Root & Cady was a Chicago-based
music publishing firm, founded in 1858. It became the most successful music publisher of the
American Civil War and published many of the most popular songs during that war.
[Cornelius, pg. 18] The firm's founders were Ebenezer Towner Root (1822–1896) and
Chauncey Marvin Cady (1824 - 1889).
The company's publishings include ''The Silver Lute'', the first music book printed in Chicago. It was eventually used in the city's public school system.
Root & Cady dominated Chicago's music publishing industry until the
Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed $125,000 of the firm's inventory,
[Sanjek, pg. 356] leading to its bankruptcy within a year.
[Carder, pg. 86] In 1875, the former members of Root & Cady formed a new firm: The Root & Sons Music Company. The members were (i)
George F. Root
George Frederick Root (August 30, 1820August 6, 1895) was an American songwriter, who found particular fame during the American Civil War, with songs such as "Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!" and "The Battle Cry of Freedom". He is regarded as the first Ame ...
(1820–1895), (ii) Frederick Woodman Root (1846–1918), George's son, (iii) Ebenezer Towner Root (1822–1896) — George's brother — (iv)
William Lewis William or Willie Lewis may refer to:
Politicians
* William Lewis (MP for Anglesey) (by 1526–1601 or later), MP for Anglesey in 1553 and 1555
* William Lewis (MP for Helston), MP for Helston in 1584
* William Lewis (MP for King's Lynn) (died 15 ...
(1837–), (v) William A. Root — George's brother — and (vi) Charles C. Curtiss (1847–1928),
[''Presto-Times,'' April 7, 1928] who served as manager.
[''Daily Inter Ocean,'' June 26, 1875]
See also
*
Fanny Crosby (1820–1915), songwriter
*
William Lewis & Son Co., offshoot of The Root & Sons Music Company
References
*
*
*
* ''Root and Cady — Re-Association of the Members of That Famous House,'' ''Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago), Vol. IV, Issue 80, pg. 12, June 26, 1875
*
Charles C. Curtiss, Manager of the Fine Arts Building, Dies'' ''Presto-Times,'' April 7, 1928, pg. 11
Notes
Music publishing companies of the United States
Publishing companies established in 1858
1858 establishments in Illinois
Defunct companies based in Chicago
History of Chicago
External links
The Dena Epstein Root & Cady Research Papersa
Newberry Library
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