Elihu RootElihu Root (February 15, 1845 – February 7, 1937) was an American lawyer, Republican politician, and statesman who served as the 41st Secretary of War and 38th Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. He pioneered he American practice of international law in both posts, as well as over a long legal career. Root is frequently regarded as the model for the twentieth-century political "wise man," advising presidents on a variety of foreign and home matters. He was also a United States Senator from New York and earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1912. Read More Read Less