On October 20th Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society will host a lecture titled, Death, Crime and the Coroner. In the 19th century, the first person called to investigate a suspicious death was the coroner, oftentimes an elected official with little to no medical training. This lecture will focus on Willie Root, who served as Cobb County coroner from 1883 to 1887. A pharmacist and medical school graduate, Root had a curious relationship with death. During the Civil War, Willie stayed home to assist with his father’s drug store by delivering medicine to Confederate field hospitals. While making deliveries, Willie witnessed soldiers with serious battle wounds. Willie married Julia T. Sadler on November 12, 1863. Julia died in 1871 just two weeks after giving birth to their third child. Willie then married Harriet Wright on October 17, 1872. They had two sons. Willie graduated from the Atlanta Medical College in March 1876. He was elected in 1883 and 1885 to consecutive two-year terms as Cobb County coroner. As coroner, Willie investigated any sudden death deemed unnatural or suspicious including train wrecks, murders, and suicides. The lecture will conclude with a tour of the William Root House where a Victorian-era funeral will be on display.

This is an 18+ program.