[Ads-l] Antedating of "Root Worker"

[Shapiro, Fred]

root worker (OED 1896)

1888 Times-Democrat (New Orleans) 11 Nov. 11/4 (Newspapers.com)

This dread of being conjured ... can never be eradicated from the negro nature.  No one of the race regards him or herself free from the machinations of the conjurers, or, as they are sometimes called "root workers."

Fred Shapiro

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