Marietta’s First Druggist

One of the oldest and well preserved homes in Marietta is the William Root House. Built facing the Marietta Square circa 1845, the home is a great example of Middle Class America. The wood frame home has been relocated three (3) times. Initially, it stood 1) at the intersection of Church Street and Lemon Street where it was enlarged, then 2) moved further down Lemon Street in the 1890s, and finally 3) at Polk Street and the 120 Loop in 1990. The house was slated for demolition but was donated to the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society. In addition to the main house, there is a detached kitchen, outhouse, and garden on the property. The kitchen exemplifies a working kitchen from the time period—complete with a fake bird that would have indicated carbon dioxide fumes and warned the family.

William Root was Marietta’s first druggist. He married the former Hannah Simpson. They had four (4) children. I believe that the Root line dried up with William’s children. William was one of the founders of Saint James Episcopal Church, located in downtown Marietta. After his one son died, William’s business failed so he took a job with the church. William served as the county coroner for two (2) terms starting in 1883. William died in 1891 and is buried in the Marietta City and Confederate Cemetery.

Urban lore is that the ghost of Hannah Root can be seen in the second floor window. This has not been verified. However, the docents surely bring the family to life in their period clothing and retelling of stories.