About Us

The A.C. Root Agency was founded in 1854 by Aurelius Clark Root. Aurelius had moved to Lyons, which later incorporated into Clinton, from New England where he insured wagon trains that hauled merchandise from Boston to New York. At that time there was a wide shallow section of the Mississippi River which a wagon could ford when traveling between the two communities. There was also a growing lumber industry in the area which allowed settlers to make purchases before heading further west.

Aurelius' son, J.C., continued on in the insurance business, and devoted his time to The Woodmen of the World and Modern Woodmen of America Fraternal Insurance Orders in an effort to support the area's wood industry. J.C.'s brother, C.L. Root, eventually took over the business and brought with him his experience in farmland sales in Oklahoma and South Dakota. He was also the last mayor of Lyons before it became incorporated. A third brother, A.C. Root, who also operated a town newspaper, headed the business until the 1950's

Our honorary president emeritus, John H. Root, took over after A.C., and led the company to specialize in insuring and bonding building and highway contractors during the post World War II building boom. Juliann L. Bray is our current president, and proudly leads our eight office staff with a commitment to excellence and customer service.

The agency is licensed in Iowa and Illinois, and specializes in commercial insurance, insurance for government entities, and School Districts. We pride ourselves in our customer service and forming long-term relationships with our clients. In fact, we have received many certificates of achievement from the companies we work with for our long standing relationships.