WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO MARTHA ROOT?

Abstract

The family name of Root is one most scholars of Jonathan Edwards might recognize Cousins Timothy and Simeon were notorious ringleaders in the “Bad Book” affair of spring 1744, while Martha Root (c. 1720-1805) is a name that arises briefly late in Edwards’ ministry in Northampton for her part in a controversial paternity case. Fortunately, some tantalizing conclusions can be coaxed from the historic records about her.