Source:History of Livingston County
History of Livingston County from The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri. 1886
The Nancy referred to here is currently recorded as Nancy Callums, thought she was formerly recorded as Nancy Cox. This is a confusing point that requires more investigation. While investigating Barthena Cox, who is now recorded as Barthena Callums, evidence strongly suggested that she, and a few of her siblings were actual children of Lucy Cox, who married a Callums. Once enough evidence had been compiled, I started updating my records, only to come across this source, which contradicted the new conclusion. The new conclusion was based primarily upon a reinterpretation of William Cox's Will combined with other evidence related to Barthena Cox which made it unlikely that she could be a direct daughter of William Cox. The reinterpretation of William Cox's will includes Nancy among the children that would have been Lucy's rather than William's.
Relevant Text
DANIEL ROOT
(Farmer and Raiser of Fine Sheep, Post-office, Bedford).
That a lifetime spent in pursuing one occupation will in the end result in substantial success, where energy and perseverance are applied, can not for a moment be doubted, and such is found to be the case with Mr. Root, for, now closely approaching the age of 67 years, he has from boyhood given his attention to agricultural pursuits, in connection with the raising of stock in more recent years. He was brought up to this calling and first farmed with his father in the Blue Grass State, until 21 years of age, then coming to Missouri and settling in Livingston county. He remained here about ten years, and then went to Grundy county, but short time only was needed to show him his mistake that had been made in leaving this county. Accordingly he returned here, and this has been his home, his place being one of good improvements and under a high state of cultivation, such a homestead as Mr. Root, with his progressive ideas and advanced manners would be supposed to own. He grows fine sheep to some extent and has graded all of his stock to a, fair standard. Like many other citizens of this county, Mr., R. owes his nativity to Clay county, Ky., where he was born September 28, 1819, the sixth of eight children resulting from the union of John and Nancy Root (formerly a Miss Cox), the other a native of Maryland, and the mother a Virginian by birth; and died when about 68 years old. John Root was a farmer and cooper by occupation and lived to the age of 68 years. Daniel was favored with common advantages for acquiring an education in youth, after which as stated he began tilling the soil. September 8, 1843, his marriage to Miss Mary H. Hereford, originally from Chariton county, Mo., was consummated. Her father, Elisha Hereford, was long one of Livingston's prominent farmers and stock raisers, his death occurring in 1866, at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs. Root's mother was formerly Miss Fancy Crawford, of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. R. have by this union six children living: Elisha H., William B., James G., George M., Alice and Mary E. Six are also deceased. Mr. Root and wife and one son and daughter, Elisha and Alice, are members of the Baptist Church. About eighteen years ago he joined Alexander Lodge No. 385, A.. F. and A. M., of Bedford.