DescriptionHandwritten 8 page letter from Stewart W. Hartshorn to Charles T. Root dated March 1, 1885 responding to the petition objecting to the establishment of a store in Short Hills. Charles T Root-(November 1848-December 13, 1938) was one of the earliest residents of Short Hills Park. His wife was Elizabeth Sayles Root and the deed to his property is in her name (died in 1922). Had 7 children (5 sons and 2 daughters). Known as the “father of modern trade paper journalism” (obituary in the Brooklyn Eagle, October 15, 1938), Root became President of United Publishers Corporation. Born in North Reading Massachusetts, Root was the son of a composer of patriotic songs. He came to New York City in 1875 and entered the trade paper field. He became President of the Textile Publishing Company, which published the Dry Goods Reporter, the Boot and Shoe Recorder, and other publications. Root also joined with Franklin H. Tinker (resident of Sunnyside in Short Hills) and their firm, Root & Tinker, published The American Exporter.