PUTNAM, William

PUTNAM, STEWART, MCKEAG, RINGLE, CRANSTON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 1/21/2014 at 20:25:46

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
1911
By Leonard Fletcher Parker
Pages 631/632

WILLIAM PUTNAM

William Putnam is numbered among the younger representatives of farming interests in Deep River township and Poweshiek county. He carries on business on quite an extensive scale and is the owner of excellent farming land here. He was born on a farm in Deep River township, June 16, 1872, a son of Harvey C. and Sarah A. (Stewart) Putnam. The father was born in Windsor county, Vermont, October 19, 1825, and when a lad of eight years accompanied his parents on their removal to Chautauqua county, New York, where he was reared to mature years. On the 1st of January, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Stewart, who was born in Chautauqua county, New York, September 13, 1829. In the spring of 1856 they removed to a farm near Brooklyn in Poweshiek county, Iowa, where they resided for ten years, when they removed to Deep River township, and there the father engaged in farming throughout a long period. They had a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters, namely: Francis and Daniel, who died in early manhood, Merton A., who resides near Gibson, Iowa; Helen, who became the wife of John McKeag and departed this life on the 5th of January, 1904; one who died in infancy; Hartley S., who resides in Gibson; Katie, the wife of B.H. Ringle and resident of Brookings, South Dakota; Charles, who makes his home in Montezuma; and William, of this review. Both Mr. and Mrs. Putnam were consistent Christian people, living in harmony with their professions as members of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which they had long been identified. The father departed this life June 17, 1909, when he was eighty-three years of age, while the mother surviving for only a short time, passed away February 5, 1911, when eighty-one years of age.

William Putnam was reared on the home farm in Deep River township and with the exception of one year spent in Deep River in the stock business, he has followed farming throughout his life. He is now the owner of two hundred and twenty acres, located on section 18, Deep River township and in connection with his brother Charles owns three hundred and seventy-three acres on section 7 of the same township. He operates both tracts and is carrying on business on quite an extensive scale. He has a thorough knowledge of the best methods of agriculture and his work is bringing him success. His farm is improved with good buildings and everything about the place is kept in good condition, indicating to the passer-by his progressive and enterprising methods.

Mr. Putnam was married March 22, 1890, the lady of his choice being Miss Myrtle E. Cranston, who was born in Deep River township, June 18, 1875, a daughter of R.B. Cranston, who is well known here. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam have two children: Cecil Donovan, born September 6, 1901; and Ida Opal, born October 20, 1904.

Mr. Putnam is a republican in his political views and affiliations and is a member of the Masonic Order. Both he and his wife are well known in their section of the county, where their entire lives have been passed, and their sterling worth has won for them warm and lasting friendships.