The Putney Family
Historical Sketch of the Putney Family
Families take considerable pride in the characteristics for
which their surnames stand. Yet surnames are not as old as
most people think. No one in the Bible has a true surname.
None of the Anglo-Saxons (people before the Norman conquest
in 1066) had a surname, whether king, earl, or peasant. The
development of a regular system of surnames was a slow
process which had its beginnings after the Norman conquest.
It was the English fashion to call a man simply “Tom” and
so on. And so “John” eventually became John, Tom’s son, and
finally John Thompson, or Wilson, Simson, etc.
But, this kind of name did not satisfy the English
noblewomen, who were great supporters of social
distinction. They wanted something nearer to the French
custom of calling a man after the land he held. Since not
coming from some location, so John from Grantham came to be
known as John Grantham, or Thomas from Bolton became Thomas
Bolton. There is hardly a place in Europe that has not
given it’s name to a family and this is one of the most
frequent sources of surnames. There is, for instance, a
town of PUTNEY, England.
Also, obviously, man’s occupation marked him off and
described him. His “John, the smith”, in any village in
old England, would have given a postman all the information
he wanted, had there been a postman in those far off days.
So Smith or Smithson came into being as a surname, along
with Baker, Butcher, Weaver, Farmer, Taylor, and so many
others.
Even from present day names we are able to tell that their
first bearers were men who wore or made clothing of a
certain kind. Plunkett, for instance, was a grey woolen
cloth in the middle ages. Blanket, Mantle, and Coates are
just a few names that clothing has given us. Again, some
personal characteristics distinguished one John from
another John — his complex stature or some other sign. So,
we get Brown, White, Black, or Little, Littlejohn,
Longfellow, Armstrong, Silverlock, Whitehead and Blackett
(Blackhead), and Broadfoot, all of which are really
nicknames used as surnames. Another main source of surnames
referred to some special features of a man’s house or
dwelling place. Near a brook or a wood, beside a meadow,
near a ridge, under a hill, on clay soil or muddy land, or
where certain types of trees marked the house, such as Ash,
Alder, Beach, Birch, Elm, Lind, Oak, Pine, Thorn, etc.
Others are Hurst, meaning “A Wood”; Booth meaning “A
House”; Ackley, meaning “Oak Field”. Ridgeway meaning
“Along the Ridge”, etc. PUTNEY, as a surname, is believed
to be of Old English Anglo-Saxon origin. PUT is derived
from the Anglo-Saxon element “PYT” or “PIT” and from Latin
word “PETEUS” meaning a pit or well. The element “EY” comes
from the Norman French meaning “water” and the Scandinavian
Norse Icelandic termination “EY”, signifying an “Island”.
No doubt, PUTNEY signifies a person who resides near or at
an island where there is a well. England would be the
island, water was around it, and the family very likely had
or lived near the community well.
THE PUTNEY FAMILY IN AMERICA
The first permanent settlement is America was established
in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. In 1620, 41 Pilgrims aboard
the Mayflower, anchored off the coast of what is now Cape
Code, Mass., signed the Mayflower compact.
Sixteen years later JOHN PUDNY was born. So far, no
definite information has been found as to whether he was an
immigrant or was born in America.
JOHN PUDNY was the progenitor of the PUTNEY family in
America. Throughout the old records the name is spelled
PUDNY, PUDNEY and PUTNEY but probate court records, deeds,
wills, and historical data all verify that they were the
same family.
No record of any individual bearing the name of PUDNY,
PUDNEY, or PUTNEY has been found in this country prior to
the record of John’s marriage at Salem in 1662.
According to his own statement in court at Salem, Mass, in
1678, when he was to testifying against two men accused of
selling liquor to the Indians, he testified that he was
then “about 42 years”, which means he was born about 1636.
His wife’s maiden name was Judith Cooke. She was the
daughter of Henry and Judith Birdsdale Cooke. Her parents
were married at Salem, Mass. In 1639 and she was born there
in 1643. Reference: “Pop’s Pioneers of Massachusetts”.
A facsimile of JOHN PUDNY’s signature is shown in Perly’s
History of Salem Vol. 111, page 21. in Perley’s History of
Salem, Mass., it is also recorded that JOHN was a
husbandman (a farmer) and that he died in the spring of
1712.
JOHN PUDNY’s will, dated March 17, 1712, is recorded in the
probate records of Essex County, Mass.
JOHN PUDNY owned various pieces of land in what was then
Salem, Mass. His homestead is said in Perley’s History of
Salem to have been in what is now West Peabody, and he was
at one time owner or a large tract of land on the shores of
Lake Suntang in the present towns of West Peabody and
Lynnfield. Most of his children also owned land in this
tract. Court records disclose that he raised tobacco on his
farm, and it is also indicated that he and his wife at one
time engaged in the manufacture of tallow candles. He was a
member of the “Reserve of Salem Old Troope” in 1678. His
name occurs fairly frequently in Salem Court Records from
1663-1680, and possibly later, as defendant, plaintiff and
witness in various legal affairs.
JOHN PUDNY’s will, dated March 17, 1712, was presented for
probate April 14, 1712. It bequeaths to sons JONATHAN, (who
received the homestead and was names executor) JOHN,
SAMUEL, and JOSEPH, and to daughters JUDAH (Judith)
Mackintier, JOANAH Shaw, ABIGAIL PUDNEY and ELIZABETH
PUDNEY, the latter two being called “my two youngest
daughters”.
JOHN, SAMUEL, and JOSEPH PUDNEY went from Salem, Essex
County, Mass., to New Hampshire and settled in Rumford, now
Concord, NH. Later, JOHN and SAMUEL went to Hopkinton and
JOSEPH to Londonderry and Dunbarton, NH.
Bouton’s History of Concord shows that SAMUEL PUDNEY was in
NH in 1732-1733, because at that time he is shown as having
the office of “fence viewer” on the plantation of Pennacook
and Rumford.
Bouton’s History is also
JOSEPH, SAMUEL, and JOHN
in 1744, as evidenced by
document, dated June 14,
History):
authority for the fact that
PUDNEY were at Rumford (Concord)
their signature to the following
1744 (pages 152-3 Bouton’s
“We, the subscribers, inhabitants of ye town of Rumford,
ourselves greatly exposed to eminent danger, both from ye
French and Indian enemy, and being in no capacity to make a
proper stand in case of an attach from them, we therefore
constitute and appoint Col. Benj. Rolfe as our delegate,
requesting him in the said capacity forthwith to repair to
Portsmouth to represent our deplorable case to his
excellency our Capt. General and Ye General Assembly, and
to request of them on our behalf such aid both with respect
to our men and military stores as to their great wisdom may
seem meet and which may be sufficient to enable us with the
Divine Blessing vigorously to repel the attempts of our
said enemies us.”
Among others, the following signatures appear: (signatures
were traced)
JOHN PUDNEY
JOSEPH PUDNEY
SAMUEL “SAM” PUDNEY
HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The original grant o the township of Hopkinton, NH was made
by the authority of the Massachusetts Bay Colony to John
Jones and others of Hopkinton, MA in 1736, and settlements
began as early as 1738. The petition of incorporation of
Hopkinton, MA was signed by SAMUEL PUDNEY, JOSEPH, his son
and JOHN PUDNEY, October 1757. Reference: Lord’s History of
Hopkinton, page 42.
“The half acre of land which is voted to be procured for
the burying place on top of the hill, I give and bestow on
the town. Signed JOHN PUDNEY”.
Lord’s History records that JOHN PUDNEY, donor of this
burying lot, was an early settler in Hopkinton and came
from the vicinity Amesbury, Essex County, Mass. In company
with SAMUEL PUTNEY. He built what was known as PUTNEY’S
FORT, a place of defense against hostile Indians. Both of
these PUTNEYS were prominent men in local public matters, a
military precedence probably allowing the mention of Lt.
JOHN PUTNEY in early records of the township.
A plain white slab in this cemetery records the fact that
JOSEPH PUTNEY, son of SAMUEL, died Sept. 20, 1846, age 93.
Reference: Granite Monthly Vol. 7, page 28).
JOSEPH PUTNEY was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. At
Bunker Hill he was enrolled in the company of Capt. Isaac
Baldwin of Hillsborough. He was believed to have done other
military service in the defense of the northern frontier.
Reference: Vol. 32, N.E.G.&H.R., page 300, indicates that a
JOSEPH PUTNEY (PUDNEY) was a member of a company who
marched to Winnepesaukee Pond in 1747 under Major Davis, a
portion of the 1000 men which the General Assembly June 4,
1746, voted to raise for the reduction of Canada.
This JOSEPH PUTNEY for many years kept one of the most
famous country taverns in that region. “He was an honest,
religious temperament that warmed to the fervor of
prophetic zeal. Trotting his young son JOSEPH Jr. on his
knee, he spoke of the painful struggles of the patriots of
the Revolution, and said that the time would come when the
people o this country would become selfish and wicked and
fight and kill each other. This fact was related to the
writer JOSEPH PUTNEY, Jr. in the dark days of the war of
the rebellion. “ELDER PUTNEY” as he was familiary called,
had a second wife Mary. Reference: Granit Monthly, Vol. 7,
page 25 – Lord.
DUNBARTON, NH was founded on land granted to ARCHBALD STARK
who came from Dunbarton, Scotland. The first settlement is
supposed to have been made by James Rogers and JOSEPH
PUTNEY. “The time of their settlement it to have been made
prior to 1746.
“Hunting, in the infancy of our country, was the most
profitable employment of its inhabitance. While engaged in
an expedition of this character, James Rogers and JOSEPH
PUTNEY discovered the “Great Meadow”, then covered with a
luxuriant growth of natural grass. The apparent facilities
there for procuring fodder for cattle induced the hunters
to regard this as a desirable situation for a permanent
location. They accordingly, erected log houses and removed
their families from their former abodes an Londonderry,
through an almost unbroken wilderness to their new homes.
Rumford was the nearest settlement.
“The only access to Rumford was by a rude foot path which
these hardy foresters themselves formed through the woods,
spotting the trees as they advanced. No nearer than Concord
were to be found stores, mills, school or pladces of
worship. None of the privledges they had formerly enjoyed
followed them to their lonely retreat. Their dependence for
subsistence and comfort was upon the improvements which
their industry alone could accomplish of rude, but in many
respects bountiful, materials which nature offered them.
“In this isolated position they struggled onward, clearing
land, rearing stock and planting orchards, until 1746 when
a band of hostile Indians appeared in the Merrimack Valley.
Two persons from a Concord garrison. Well knowing the
defenseless condition of the two families in Dunbarton
woods, proceeded there in the night to notify them of their
danger, and in the course of the same night the families or
Rogers and PUTNEY returned to the garrison at Rumford.
Returning in the course of the next day to drive their
cattle to the Rumford garrison, they found them all
slaughtered and their houses plundered and burned, and the
apple trees cut down, with the exception of one.
“In 1749 James Rogers and JOSEPH PUTNEY made a permanent
settlement at Dunbarton, having spent the intervening years
at Rumford.” Reference: Stark’s History of Dunbarton.
Volume 4 History of Worchester County, MA, page 21, says
that JOSEPH PUTNEY of Dunbarton had a son Henry, and
perhaps Johnathan.
Ella Mills in a pamphlet on Dunbarton says that JOHNATHAN
PUTNEY perhaps the son of JOSEPH of Dunbarton, NH, was born
about 1740. He became one of the earliest settlers in
Cheshire County and was in the town of Walpole and vicinity
before the Revolution. He fought in the Revolution under
Capt. Stilson of Hopkinton, NH. Children of JOHNATHAN
PUTNEY were AMOS, EZRA, SAMUEL, ASA, ABIGAIL and SALLY.
AMOS was born in Cheshire County, NY, about 1780 and was a
soldier in the war of 1812.
“It is believed that the Indians who committed the
depredations and massacres in Rumford and vicinity were
mostly from Canada, instigated by the French who then had
possession, and who from 1744 to 1762 were most of the time
at war with England and her colonies. Entirely unmolested
by native Indians, great progress had been made by the
inhabitants in their settlement, clearing and cultivating
their lands, improving roads, and in their structure of
their houses. But in 1739 apprehensions of difficulty were
entertained and the town, by vote, ordered that a garrison
should be built around the houses of the Rev. Mr. Walker,
and that five pounds should be granted to B. Farnum to
enable him to build a “flanker” in order to defend his
mills at Turkey River.
“In answer to the petition above, early in 1745 two small
companies of scouts were raised by authority of Governor
Wentworth under the direction of Col. Benj. Rolfe, of which
Capt. John Chandler of Rumford had command of one
consisting of 10 men, and Capt. Jeremiah Clough of
Canterbury of one consisting of five men. The Massachusetts
government also sent a small detachment of men from Andover
and north ofrom Billerica. In 1746 precautionary measures
were taken by the proprietors fo rthe preservation of their
records. Under authority of Gov. Wentworth, garrisons were
established at different points in the town, and men with
their families assigned to them as was most convenient. The
garrisons or forts were built of logs which lay flat upon
each other the ends being fitted for the purpose, were
inserted in grooves cut in large posts erected at each
corner. They enclosed an area of several square rods; were
raised to the height of the roof of a common dwelling
house, and at two or more of the corners were placed boxes
where sentinels kept watch. In some cases, several small
buildings were erected for the temporary accommodation of
families who were within the enclosures. Houses not
connected with garrisons were all deserted by their owners
and their furniture removed.
“In the day time men went to their labor in companies,
always carrying their guns with them, and one or more of
their bnumbers were placed onguard. If the enemy was
discovered approaching, alarm guns were fired and then
answered from fort to fort. On the Sabbath the men all went
armed to the house of worship; stacked their guns around a
post near the middle and sat down with powder horn and
bullet pouch slung across their shoulders, while their
revered pastor, who was said to have had the best gun in
the parish, prayed and preached with his good gun standing
in the pulpit.
“On one occasion in Benjamin Abbot had a large field of rye
on what is now called Bog Road, which the Indians watched
with a design to kill the men who went out to reap it,, but
at the proper time the people turned out in such force that
the rye was all harvested and carted home early in the
forenoon, so the Indians were disappointed. Where upon,
they gratified their revenge by killing as many cows,
sheep, and horses as they could find at pasture in the
vicinity of Turkey River. They also fired at and wounded an
old MR. PUDNEY. The bullet broke his arm.”
Later PUDNEY made the following petition to His Excellency
Benning Wentworth, Esq. Gov., etc:
“The petition of JOSEPH PUDNEY of Rumford most humbly
showeth; that your petitioner the last summer at Rumford
aforesaid, while in his majesties service, was wounded by
the Indians who by their shot broke his arm, and the bones
much shattered; that although the wound healed up, yet he
is unable to do any work to earn his livelihood, and his
arm so weak that he is unfit for scouting, etc.; that he is
able to do duty of a garrison soldier, and as such are
wanted in said town of Rumford, he humbly conceived in that
position he might be so far service – able as to earn his
living. Whereupon your petitioner most humbly prays that he
ay be held in his Majesties service and posted at the said
town as garrison soldier and your petitioner is in duty
bound shall ever pray.”
Signed, JOSEPH PUDNEY
In the House of Representatives, May 28, 1748, it was voted
“that in answer to ye within petition, ye within mentioned
JOS. PUDNEY be posted as a solider at ye garrison at said
Rumford till ye last day of Sept. next.”
Earlier records indicate that in 1746 a committee of
Militia appointed by Gov. Wentworth for settling the
garrisons in the frontier towns and plantations “having
viewed the situation and inquired in the circumstances of
the District of Rumford”, appointed various garrisons, and
JOSEPH PUDNEY was assigned to the garrison of Rev. Timothy
Walker.
JOSEPH, HENRY, and WILLIAM PUDNEY (JOSEPH had a son WILLIAM
born in 1720 and a son HENRY born 1722) were assigned to
the garrison around Joseph Hall’s house, and SAMUEL PUDNEY
and JOHN PUDNEY, Jr. were assigned around the house of
Timothy Walker, Jr.
In 1745 JOSEPH PUDNEY signed as a petitioner to His
Excellency Benning Wentworth, Capt. General and Governor of
His Majesties province of New Hampshire; to his Honorable
Majesties Council and Assemblies of said province, asking
that Henry Lovejoy be favored with a number of soldiers to
keep a garrison with a “tolerable degree of safety”, so
that he might maintain his mill and forge for the benefit
of the three towns involved.
PUTNEY, VERMONT
In 1953, Putney, Vermont celebrated a 200th founding of the
town, 1753-1953. At that time they received a letter from
the Mayor of Putney, England. There was a settlement at
Putney, Vermont prior to 1753, but that was the year they
received their charter. Actually, Putney has two charters:
one issued by Gov. Benning Wentworth of the new Hampshire
grants on Dec. 16, 1753, under George 2nd, King of England;
and the other issued by Gov. Moore of the providence of New
York, on Nov. 14, 1766, under King George 3rd.
There had been considerable dispute over boundary lines but
by 1740 the boundary line between New Hampshire and
Massachusetts was finally settled.
PUTNEY’s charter of 1753 states that the town originally
contained 19,360 acres of land, but changes in boundaries
have occurred since then, making it now 17,669 acres
according to the Vermont Year Book. Bounded on the south by
Dummerston, on the west by Brookline and Newfane, on the
north by Westminster, and on the east by the Connecticut
River, the land lay in the eastern part of Windham County
about twenty miles north of the Massachusetts line.
Settlement began in the “Green Meadow”, in the eastern part
of town. (The history of Dunbarton, NH, says that James
Rogers and JOSEPH PUTNEY were believed to be the first
settlers of the “Great Meadow”, having come from Rumford
(now Concord, MA) and that they were driven out by the
Indians, but returned three years later, in 1749, and made
a permanent settlement, having lived in Rumford in the
meantime.)
The “Great Meadow” was covered with lifty yellow pine
interspersed with some white pine, white oak and butternut.
On the north end of the meadow many butternut trees grew
and it was called “Butternut Orchard” by early settlers
long after the butternut trees were gone. The higher flats
were covered with immense stands of white pine. It is said
that the valley through which Sackett’s Brook flowed
contained one of the noblest goves of pine anywhere to be
found. The trees were said to lift their heads to a vast
height rendering it dark, even at mid-day. There were very
few open areas. Nut trees were abundant.
Word of this magnificent expanse of forest trees eventually
reaches the colonies to the south. Accordingly, in 1732,
the merchants of New London, CT, sent men to the “Great
Meadow” to cut yellow pine for masts for the King’s ships.
In 1733, seventy men came to this spot to cut timber and a
shipload of it was prepared. The logs were floated down the
river, which was the great highway of travel for the
Indians and whites alike at that time and for many years
after. Later a great many more white and yellow pine in the
area were marked and set aside for the King of England.
In the early days of PUTNEY, Vermont, the entire population
of 15 families lived in the fort in the “Great Meadow”, by
1771 PUTNEY had a total of 301 with 51 heads of families.
They were mostly of English stock and were intelligent,
self-reliant men with an independence of thought and
action, that, noticeable in the beginning, is typical of
Vermonters today. They were physically strong and vigorous
and that they were courages and capable men we know from
the wealth of stories handed down to us.
In connection with the celebration of the 200th founding of
the town of PUTNEY, Vermont, in 1953 a total of 500 copies
of the history of the town of Putney were published. The
data on the Town of PUTNEY, as given above, is from this
source.
MEMBERS OF THE PUTNEY FAMILY KNOWN TO HAVE SERVED IN
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR (1775-1783)
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
William (Corp.)
Asahel
Aaron
Amos
Asa (Sgt.)
David
James
John
Johnathan
Joseph
Steven
Thomas
Joseph – Hampshire Co. (Corp.)
Joseph – Berkshire County
Ebenezer (Lt.)
Eleazer (Lt.)
Isaiah
Johnathan
Nathaniel
Samuel
New York State
James Putney, Westchester County, New York
John Putney, Westchester County, New York
Joseph Putney, Westchester County, New York
Cornelius Pudney, Dutchess County, New York
Francis Pudney, Dutchess County, New York
James Pudney, Dutchess County, New York
John Pudney, Dutchess County, New York
Richard Pudney, Dutchess County, New York
Thorn Pudney, Dutchess County, New York
The Census of 1790 Gives the Following Information
Regarding the Various Members of the PUTNEY Family:
New Hampshire
Males
Males Females
over 16 under 16
County
Township
William
Thomas Jr.
Stephen
Asa
Asa
James
Henry
David
John
John
Thomas
Aron
Asa
1
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
3
2
2
1
3
5
3
2
-
2
4
1
2
3
3
4
1
4
1
2
2
4
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Hillsboro
Grafton
Grafton
Hopkinton
Hopkinton
Hopkinton
Warner
Dunbarton
Dunbarton
Dunbarton
Dunbarton
Dearing
Heniker
Heniker
Wentworth
Wentworth
Maine
Johnathan
1
-
-
Hancock
No. 1 (Buck)
Massachusetts
Ebenezer
Eleazer
Eleazer, Jr.
Elisha
Iseiah
Johnathan
Joseph
Joseph
Isaac
4
1
2
3
2
2
1
1
1
4
3
1
1
1
4
6
2
1
5
5
3
2
1
3
Hampshire
Worchester
Worchester
Worchester
Worchester
Worchester
Beckshire
Middlesex
Worchester
Goshen
Dudley
Dudley
Charleston
Charleston
Charleston
Adam & Wind
Townsend
Charleston
3
1
2
Westchester
Stephen
2
2
1
-
3
2
2
Westchester
Washington
Albany
Stephen
Hampton
Rensselaerwich
New York State
John
(2 slaves)
Joseph
John
Samuel
Note: No PUTNEYS are shown as living in Vermont, Connecticut or Rhode Island at the time of the 1790
census.
Wisconsin Putneys
Wisconsin Territory was organized by Act of Congress April
20, 1836. This appears to be the year that the first
PUTNEYS came to Wisconsin, according to data in the
Milwaukee Central Library, 814 Wisconsin Ave. West,
Milwaukee, WI.
The first governor of Wisconsin was appointed ten days
after Wisconsin Territory was organized.
The boundaries of the territory included much more than the
present state, embracing then all of what is now Iowa and
Minnesota and the country westward to about the site of
Bismarck, ND.
Wisconsin counties in 1836 were Milwaukee, Brown, Crawford,
Michillimakinac, and Chippewa, but the census was taken in
the first two only.
The census of 1820 and 1830 show no PUTNEYS in Milwaukee or
Brown County. Reference: Wisconsin Families. Reference:
929.2w81, Milwaukee Central Library.
Waukesha County Census of 1838 shows GERRY PUTNEY was
living in the town of Brookfield (near Milwaukee). His
listed as GERRY PUTNEY, 5”, apparently meaning five in the
household. Reference: History of Waukesha County, WI, 1830
page 386.
Head of Household
Males
A.S. Putney (Aaron Sidney Putney, 1813-1876) 1 under 5 years
2, 20 to 30 years
Fluskett M. Putney (Capt.)
1 under 5 years
5, 20 to 30 years
1, 30 to 40 years
1, 40 to 50 years
Gerry Putney
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
under 5 years
5 to 10 years
10 to 15 years
15 to 20 years
30 to 40 years
At the time of the 1840 census all males in the household
were taken, but no names given. This included male
relatives other then the children and including male
employees, if they resided at the household. Only the name
of the head of the household was given.
Note: FLUSKET M. PUTNEY, East Ward, Town of Milwaukee,
Milwaukee County, WI, is in other records referred to as
Capt. Foskett M. Putney. He married Clarissa Howell and
their only child was Frank Howell Putney who married Bertha
Witt in 1870. Reference: Sentinel File, Milwaukee Library,
Aug. 1, 1879.
AARON SIDNEY PUTNEY (1813-1876) was married in 1835 to
Sarah Mower (1813-1877). In Milwaukee Library, “Wisconsin
Families” Vol. 1 pg. 14-16, shows AARON S. PUTNEY as early
of Pewaukee. The D.A.R. Lineage book (Milwaukee Library)
152-1919. Reference: 929.3 D23, pg. 111, shows AARON SIDNEY
PUTNEY 1813-76) married Sarah Mower (1813-77) in 1835.
This D.A.R. Lineage book also shows CLARA PUTNEY (born
1845) married Hiram Rhodes, born 1841, in 1866.
The dates of the marriages or FOSKETT (or FLUSKET) and
AARON eliminate them from our line of descent. Volume B,
page 378, Milwaukee County Court House, records the
marriage of William PUTNEY and Elizabeth Clayton on October
22, 1851. This is our line of descent. AARON SIDNEY PUTNEY
was married in 1835 and WILLIAM in 1851, so he could hardly
have been a son.
Since GERRY PUTNEY is shown in the 1840 census as having
five males, it is possible that our ancestor WILLIAM PUTNEY
could have been a son. More work has to be done to
determine if this is a fact.
While the 1840 census shows the foregoing three PUTNEYS,
other records in the Milwaukee Central Library show that
there were other PUTNEYS in the Milwaukee area.
In “History of Waukesha County, Wis.” 1880, page 963, it is
recorded that S.G.M. PUTNEY was a leading farmer, Sec. 20,
P.O. Brookfield Center (near Milwaukee); that he was born
in MADISON COUNTY, NEW YORK. While he was a child his
parents moved to Rushville, Yates County, N.Y., where he
married on the 5th day of October 1836, Sarah E. Wadsworth,
a native of Middlesex, Yates County, N.Y. born on the 9th of
August, 1817. The same year they were married he came to
Wisconsin and bought a piece of land near Portage, Wis. And
then returned home. In the spring of 1840 they moved to
Milwaukee, remained until Dec. of that year when they moved
to become pioneer settlers of Brookfield Center.
Their children:
The eldest
Rushville,
Rebellion,
at Mission
1 ROYAL M. PUTNEY
2 FAYETTE PUTNEY
3 CLAYTON L. PUTNEY
of these, ROYAL M. PUTNEY, was born in
N.Y. on Oct. 8, 1837. During the War of the
he enlisted in Co. E. 24th. W.V.I. and was killed
Ridge on the 23rd of January, 1864.
The 2nd son FAYETTE, died while a child.
CLAYTON L., the youngest, resided with his parents.
MR. PUTNEY, now (1880) owns 200 acres of land. He has
filled various offices of trust. Is a Republican in
politics. Reference: “History of Waukesha County 1880”.
In “History of Waukesha County”, page 729 “Town of
Brookfield”, it is recorded that Robert Curran was the
first settler in Prairieville, which was the early name for
Waukesha. He moved to Brookfield and purchased a claim on
Section 25 in 1836.
This record shows that S.G. PUTNEY came in the fall of 1836
and that GEORGE PUTNEY came in WITH A FAMILY in November of
1836 and settled in the west part of the town on a farm
owned by Chester Blodgett in later years and left with the
Mormans. Reference: “History of Brookfield”.
Another record shows that a GEORGE PUTNEY settled in the
west part of Brookfield in November of 1837. Reference:
“History of Waukesha County” 1881, page 729.
A GEORGE PUTNEY married Almira Mc Donald June 22, 1863.
Reference: Milwaukee County Court House records.
A GEORGE PUTNEY, born June 15, 1837, died May 27, 1881, and
is buried in Forrest Home Cemetary, Milwaukee, Wis.
A GEORGE TRAVIS PUTNEY was born in Katonah, N.Y. the son of
David (born Oct. 15, 1820) and wife Mary Jane Travis Putney
of Somers, N.Y. David was the son of JERIMIAH PUTNEY of
Somers, N.Y.
From the foregoing it would seem that the GEORGE PUTNEY who
came with a family in Nov. of 1836, had a son, GEORGE who
was born June 15, 1837, married in 1863, and died in 1881.
It will take further research to determine whether he was a
descendant of the GEORGE TRAVIS PUTNEY born in Katonah,
N.Y.
Wisconsin Families, Vol. 1, page 14 to 16, Milwaukee
Library, records that ROBERT PUTNEY was the second settler
in the town of Brookfield and that he came WITH HIS FAMILY
in 1836. This record says it is very probable that JOSEPH
M. PUTNEY was his son. The Milwaukee County Court House
records show a marriage of JOSEPH M. PUTNEY to Rhuamy
Tucker, Sept. 3, 1845.
The Sept. 9, 1845 issue of “America Freeman” at Madison,
Wis. gives this: “Married on the 3rd instant, by Rev. O.F.
Curtis, MR. JOSEPH M. PUTNEY to Miss Rhumay Tucker, both of
Brookfield, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Territory. The
reception of a very handsome and liberal token of
rememberence in the shape of a loaf of the wedding cake is
acknowledged. The parties will accept their best wishes for
their welfare and happiness”.
Time worn copies of “American Freeman” of Sept. 9, and
Sept. 16, 1845, are now in the Library in Madison, Wis. and
are the oldest known to be in existence. They give names of
several pioneers of Prairieville, Wis. Prairie Village was
named Prairieville in 1839 and Waukesha in 1847.
The Milwaukee Sentinel of Oct. 17, 1851 shows that Dan’l P.
Putney filed a libel suit against Sloop Celestine which was
dismissed.
The Milwaukee Sentinel of Dec. 26, 1853 shows that D.P.
PUTNEY of Racine, Wis. builds a vessel for Capt. J.W.
Brown.
There is a possibility that this is a relative of Capt.
FOSKETT M. PUTNEY, since both are interested in ships.
The Milwaukee Sentinel of July 27, 1844 shows that S.C.
PUTNEY was appointed in 1844 to solicit funds for public
roads. (Could it have been S.G. PUTNEY who came to Wis. in
1836?)
Marriage records at Milwaukee County Court House shows:
JAMES PUTNEY married Betsey Ottoway on May 18, 1850.
JAMES PUTNEY, Sr. married Sarah Channier on Oct. 6, 1851.
Milwaukee Sentinel of April 9, 1842 shows that MOSES PUTNEY
of Brookfield Milwaukee County, was elected town supervisor
in 1842.
Milwaukee Sentinel of Sept. 18, 1850 shows that MOSES
PUTNEY died in 1850.
Milwaukee Sentinel of Nov. 2, 1844 shows that C.M. PUTNEY
of Brookfield married Charlott A. Moody.
Milwaukee Sentinel of Jan. 6, 1846 shows C.M. PUTNEY, of
Brookfield, named delegate to canal couv.
Milwaukee Sentinel of Feb. 19, 1853 shows D.A. PUNTEY died
in California.
Milwaukee Sentinel of May 13, 1850 shows J. PUTNEY of
Wauwautosa was killed when a horse backs off Red Bridge in
1850.
MILWAUKEE PUTNEYS
The Milwaukee Sentinel of Sept. 5, 1864 shows JOS.H. PUTNEY
married Caroline Beach, in 1864.
The Milwaukee Sentinel of Dec. 1, 1877 shows ORRAN PUTNEY,
(Bay View) a brakeman, crushed hand in 1877.
The Milwaukee County Court House record show O.B. PUTNEY
died Dec. 25, 1897. This may be the ORRAN above.
It is interesting to note that great grandfather WILLIAM
PUTNEY had three children and all had “OR” in their names.
His sons were ORVILLE, and WILLIAM ORSON and his daughter
was ORSEY. There were railroad connections in this family.
It is possible that ORRAN and WILLIAM were brothers. More
work must be done on this.
William Putney, Senior
WILLIAM PUTNEY, Sr. was born in New York State and married
Elizabeth Clayton in Milwaukee, WI, Oct. 22, 1851. The
marriage is recorded in Volume B, page 378, at the
Milwaukee County Court House, Milwaukee.
William and Elizabeth lived in the Town of Lake, just
outside of Milwaukee. Lake was later named City of St.
Francis.
William and Elizabeth Putney had three children:
1 ORVILLE PUTNEY, born August 5, 1853 at Town of Lake, WI
2 ORSEY PUTNEY, a daughter, born Sept. 29, 1855, Town of
Lake, WI
3 WILLIAM ORSON PUTNEY, born Nov. 14, 1856, Town of Lake,
WI
These births are recorded in the Milwaukee County Court
House. Elizabeth Clayton had a sister who married a Dr.
Byron Meacher of Portage, WI and their descendents are
still living there. William and Elizabeth Putney and their
son, Orville, are buried in a small, neglected cemetery in
the City of St. Francis, formerly Town of Lake. The
cemetery is on Thompson Ave. on a high corner across from
the Thompson School. The street and school are named after
the Thompson who donated the original land for the school.
He and his family are buried there in this cemetery.
Vandals have stolen all the markers from the graves in the
cemetery.
Orville Putney
1 – ORVILLE PUTNEY, born Aug. 5, 1853, Town of Lake, WI
married Flora A. Persons of Town of Lake on Dec. 18, 1873.
CLARENCE H. PUTNEY, born Feb. 21, 1875, Milwaukee, WI
CLEMENT HIRAM PUTNEY, born Feb. 21, 1878, Milwaukee, WI
ORVILLE died at Spokane, Washington and was buried in
Thompson Ave. Cemetery, City of St. Francis, WI.
Flora A. Persons was born Feb. 7, 1851, Milwaukee, WI. She
was the daughter of Mary Cross Persons and Hiram Persons
who were married Nov. 5, 1843, born Sept. 18, 1819,
Hownsfield, Jefferson County, NY. Hiram Persons was born
Aug. 25, 1799.
Their children:
Harrison Persons
Taylor Persons Aug.
Charles Persons
Flora Persons
Born
Died
April 2, 1846
11, 1848 Aug.
Aug. 4, 1852
Feb. 7, 1851
Sept. 5, 1864
24, 1850
?
April 2, 1908
Mary Cross Persons died Oct. 22, 1902, age 83, at Green
Bay. She and her husband are both buried in the Woodlawn
Cemetery in Green Bay, WI in the same lot as their daughter
Flora.
Orville’s wife, Flora Persons Putney, married a second
time, to a Peter Miller. They lived at Green Bay, and had
no children. Peter Miller died April 18, 1907, age 63, at
Green Bay, and is buried in the Allouez Cemetery, Green
Bay, WI.
Line of Descent of William Putney Family
WILLIAM PUTNEY is belived to have come from New York state.
He married Elizabeth Clayton, Oct. 22, 1851 at Milwaukee,
WI. Reference: Milwaukee County Court House records.
Their children:
1 – ORVILLE PUTNEY, born Aug. 4, 1853. He married Flora A.
Persons, town of Lake, WI on Dec. 18, 1873. Flora was born
Feb. 7, 1851, the daughter of Mary and Hiram Persons, early
land owners in the Town of Lake, Flora died April 2, 1908
at Green Bay, WI, and is buried in the Allouez Woodlawn
Cemetery, Green Bay, WI.
2 – ORSEY PUTNEY, born Sept. 29, 1856, in town of Lake, WI,
only daughter of Elizabeth and William Putney. Married a
man named Ferron. They had several children.
3 – WILLIAM ORSON PUTNEY, born Nov. 14, 1856, married
Jessie R. Griffen Jan. 6, 1878. They had eleven children.
(Grandfather of Charles Edgar Putney)
The marriages given above are recorded in the Milwaukee
County Court House.
WILLIAM PUTNEY and his wife Elizabeth, and their son
Orville, are buried in the Thompson Ave. Cemetery in the
City of St. Francis, a suburb of Milwaukee. St. Francis was
formerly the Town of Lake.
Wisconsin Putneys
Wisconsin Territory was organized by Act of Congress April
20, 1836. The first governor was appointed ten days later.
The Wisconsin Putneys first appeared in the 1840 census.
“History of Waukesha County” says that S.G.M. PUTNEY, a
leading farmer, was born in Madison, Co., New York. While
he was a child his parents moved to Rushville, Yates
County, NY, where he married on the 5th of Oct. 1836, Sarah
E.Wadsworth, a native of Middlesex, Yates County, NY, born
on the 9th of Aug. 1817. The same year they were married he
came to Wisconsin and bought a piece of land near Portage,
then returned home. In the spring of 1840 they moved to
Milwaukee and remained until Dec. of that year, when they
moved to become pioneer settlers of Brookfield Center. He
settled on a canal claim of 200 acres one mile south of
Brookfield Junction Depot. He filled various offices of
trust. Was a Republican in politics.” Reference: History of
Waukesha County 1880.\
Note: Brookfield was near Milwaukee, WI.
The second settler in the town of Brookfield was ROBERT
PUTNEY who came with his family in 1836. Reference:
“Wisconsin Families” Vol. 1, page 14 to 16. Milwaukee
Library.
In November 1836 GEORGE PUTNEY came in with a family and
settled in the west part of town on a farm owned by Chester
Blodgett in later years. He settled in the west part of
Brookfield. He is believed to have left with the Mormans.
Reference: History of Waukesha County Court House.
GEORGE PUTNEY married Almira McDonald, June 22, 1836.
Reference: Milwaukee County Court House.
The 1840 census shows that GERRY PUTNEY as living in the
town of Brookfield and having 5 males in his household;
1 male under 5
1 male under 10
1 male 10 to 15
1 male 15 to 20
1 male 30 to 40
Census at that time included all persons in a household,
related or not. Often they were employees but not heads of
household.
AARON SIDNEY PUTNEY, 1813-1876
The 1840 census on microfilm at Milwaukee Library shows
A.S. PUTNEY as having in his household:
1 male under 5 years
2 males 20 to 30 years
“Wisconsin Families Vol. 1, pg. 14 to 16” shows AARON
PUTNEY family was early Pewaukee.
D.A.R. Lineagle Book (Milwaukee Library) 152-191 9.
Reference: 929.3 D. 23 pg. 111
AARON SIDNEY PUTNEY (1813-76) married 1835 to Sarah Mower
(1813-77)
There 1840 census shows FLUSKET M. PUTNEY, East Ward, Town
of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, WI, as having:
1 male under 5 years
5 males 20 to 30 years
1 male 30 to 40 years
1 male 40 to 50 years
CAPT. F.M. PUTNEY married Clarissa Howell Belvidere.
Reference: Milwaukee Sentinel of Nov. 19, 1839 – Milwaukee
Sentinel File.
His only son was FRANK HOWELL PUTNEY, born in Rockford, IL,
Oct. 31, 1841. He attended Milwaukee High School 1855-60.
Attended Carroll College. Saw service in the Rebellion in
the defense of the Union. Was mustered out July 16, 1865 at
Louisville, KY. Was a Colonel. Studies law, practiced in
State and local courts of Wisconsin. During 1874-75 was
engaged in newspaper in NY. In 1878 was appointed Private
Sec’y to Gov. Luddington. In 1878 he was Asst. Sec’y of
State in WI. While serving in that capacity he was elected
Judge of Waukesha County, taking office Jan. 1, 1882 and
serving four years.
He was a Republican and an Episcopalian. He was considered
one of the most enterprising and public spirited citizens
of Waukesha.
Considerable more information is given about COL PUTNEY in
“Waukesha County, WI. Reference: 920.077593 page 853,
Milwaukee Library.
He married Bertha Witt, 1879. Reference: Sentinel file at
Milwaukee Library, Aug. 1, 1879.
Historical and Biographical Sketch of the Putney Family
Origin
This surname is believed to be of Old English Anglo-Saxon
origin. The derivation is from the Anglo-Saxon element PYT
and from the Latin word PETEUS, meaning a well. The
Scandinavian Norse Icelandic termination EY signifies and
island, while the element EY from the Norman French means
water. PUTNEY as a surname, no doubt, signifies a person or
personage who resided near or at an island where there was
a well. Since the termination EY also signifies water, the
derivation is from one who lived near or at a PITT, or a
well, with water (water-pit). PUTNEY is in another class of
family names that are derived from features of topography
that distinguished the localities where the ancestors
originated. For example, we have Hurst, meaning “a wood”,
Lund, “a grove”; Thwaite, “a clearing”; booth, “a house”;
Ackley, “oak field”; Ridgeway, “along the ridge”, etc.
Other names come from trees: ALDER, ASH, BEACH, BIRCH, ELM,
LIND, OAK, PINE, THORN, etc. Tree names were often given to
those who worked or lived near some conspicuous tree that
served as a landmark.
CLARENCE LEROY PUTNEY was born in Sunapee, New Hamphsire,
on Feb. 25, 1879. He was a student at the Boston (MA) High
School and Business College, graduating in 1895. On
February 14, 1905, Mr. PUTNEY married Carrie Lucelia White,
and they had three children: WESLEY TRUEMAN, CLARENCE
MERTON, and MARION CHARLOTTE. From 1895 to 1903, MR. PUTNEY
was employed as an assistant in the manufacturing
department D, of the Lothrop Publishing Company, Boston,
MA; and from 1903 to 1914, with the Dana, Estes & Company
Incorporated. In 1914, MR. PUTNEY became vice-president and
director in charge of the production of the L.C. Page &
Co., publishers, Boston, MA.
FREEMAN PUTNEY, JR. retired financial editor and writer,
was born in South Hadley Falls, MA, on June 24, 1877, and
was the son of Freeman and Alice Cummings (Knight) PUTNEY.
He received his A.B. degree from Brown University, in 1899.
On January 7, 1903, he married Anne May Larry, of
Providence, RI, and they had two children: FREEMAN
THEODORE, and ROGER LARRY. From 1900 to 1906, MR. PUTNEY
was a manager in the mail order department of the New
England Stamp Co., Boston, MA. From 1906 to 1914, he
became manager and later president of the Scott Stamp &
Coin Company. He was the financial editor of Poor’s
(formerly Moody’s) Manuals and Financial Services from 1910
to 1932; and later became vice-president of Poor’s
Publishing Company. MR. PUTNEY was a famous authority on
financial markets and was the originator and author of
“Corporation Security Ratings”, published annually. MR.
PUTNEY also contributed short stories and serials to
different magazines.
ALBERT HUTCHINSON PUTNEY, lawyer, was born in Boston, MA,
on Sept. 28, 1872, and was the son of ALBERT B. and Sarah
B. (Abbott) PUTNEY. He received his A.B. degree from Yale,
in 1893 and L.B. degree from Boston University, in 1895. On
April 6, 1911, he married Pearl L. Avery. He practiced law
in Boston from 1895 to 1898. From 1900 to 1912 dean of the
Illinois College of Law. MR. PUTNEY was dean of the Webster
College of Law from June, 1912, to Sept., 1913. He was an
author of a great many books. Some of them are: GOVERNMENT
in the UNITED STATES, published in 1904; UNITED STATES
CONSITUTIONAL HISTORY and LAW, 1908; and PRINCIPLES of
POLITICAL ECONOMY, published in 1909.
Of the prominent physicians bearing the surname of PUTNEY
we mention the following:
DOCTOR BERNARD PUTNEY of Dixmont, Pennsylvania, was born in
1903. He graduated from the McGill University, Faculty of
Medicine, which is situated in Montreal in 1929. DOCTOR
PUTNEY received his license to practice medicine in the
state of Pennsylvania in the following years. He was issued
a license by the National Board of Medical Examiners in
1930.
CHARLES WALKER PUTNEY, prominent physicians of Staunton,
Virginia, which was born in 1893 and graduated from the
Medical College of Virginia, which is in Richmond, in 1921.
He received his license to practice medicine in the state
of Virginia in the following year, DOCTOR PUTNEY was a
member o the American Medical Association, which was made
up of commissioned medical officers of the Federal
Government, while on active service. He specialized in
Surgery.
JAMES PUTNEY of Charleston, West Virginia, was born in
1859. He graduated from the University of Maryland, School
of Medicine and College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Baltimore, in 1889. In the same year he was issued to
license to practice medicine in the state of West Virginia.
Licenses to practice medicine in other states are not shown
in this physicians’ data.
DOCTOR ROBERT HUBBARD PUTNEY of Elm City, North Carolina,
was born in 1889. He graduated from the Medical College of
Virginia, in 1914. DR. PUTNEY received his license to
practice medicine in the state of NC in the same year.
Licenses to practice medicine in other states are not shown
in this physician’s data.
DOCTOR WESLEY REID PUTNEY of Lake City, Florida, was born
in 1888 and graduated from the University College of
Medicine, which is also situated in Richmond, in 1912,
DOCTOR PUTNEY has retired.
DOCTOR WILLIS HENRY PUTNEY of East Aurora, New York, was
born in 1894. He graduated from the University of Buffalo,
School of Medicine in 1921. In the same year he was issued
a license to practice medicine in the state of New York.
DOCTOR PUTNEY held a Fellowship in the American Medical
Association, which was made up of commissioned medical
officers of the Federal Government, while on active
service.
We find mention of MABEL F. PUTNEY, who was a journalist of
Connection. She was born in Guilford, CT, on March 5, 19__.
She was treasurer of the Shore Line Times, Guilford, CT, in
19__.
Of the prominent residents of the state of New York, we
find mention of MRS. EDMONDS PUTNEY. She married MR.
EDMONDS PUTNEY, but recoreds to not disclose the date of
their marriage, nor the date of birth of any children.
Of the prominent lawyers of the state of New York, we find
mention of MR. WILLIAM PUTNEY. During the time that he has
been in practice, he has built up a large and successful
clientele.
Among the prominent lawyers of the state of New York, we
find mention of MR. WILLIAM PUTNEY. During the time that he
has been in practice, he has built up a large and
successful clientele.
Among the prominent businessmen of the state of Kansas, we
find mention of MR. H.S. PUTNEY. During the time that he
has been in business, he has built up quite a respectful
reputation and reputable concern.
Of the prominent ministers of the state of Missouri, we
find mention of REV. R.D.S. PUTNEY, No Further information
can be found regarding REV. R.D.S. PUTNEY, except that he
was prominent in church activities of his community.
We find mention of MRS. CHARLES G.
resident of the state of Oklahoma.
G. PUTNEY, but records do not show
marriage, nor the date of birth of
PUTNEY, prominent
She married MR. CHARLES
the date of their
any children.
We find mention of MR. FREEMAN PUTNEY, Jr., prominent
businessman of the state of Massachusetts. He is the son of
MR. FREEMAN PUTNEY, residing of South Weymouth, MA.
Letter to Uncle Byron Putney
2451 Memorial Dr.
Green Bay, WI
June 11, 1960
Dear Byron:
I made the trip to Milwaukee, and looked up the little
cemetery on Thompson Ave. I too was shocked to find it in
such an unkempt condition. I had always taken it for
granted that our older generation were buried at Forest
Home Cemetery, but I got a list of the burials there and I
found six Putneys: Alva, Bertha, Clayton, Curtis, George
and Rachel.
I talked to an elderly man whose father and step-father
were buried in the Thompson Ave. Cemetery. He says nobody
seems to have any records of the burial there. I also
talked to the principle of the Thompson School across the
street. The Thompson family are buried there in this
cemetery and there are markers on the graves. It was he who
gave the land for the cemetery, school, and small church
that used to be across from the cemetery and has been torn
down to enlarge the school grounds. The street is also
named after this family. I told the school principal that I
thought that the community (now City of St. Francis) should
have enough conscience to keep up the graves of the family
who was civic minded enough to donate the land.
I also talked to the wife of the scout master who has a
troup at the Thompson School. He was not at home at the
time. This troup had gone in there one Sat. a few weeks ago
and attempted to do some cleaning up, but had accomplished
very little and had not continued the work. I told her that
if they would undertake it as a scout project I would make
a contribution to their troup when they wrote me that ehy
had completed it. Whether or not that will get results
remains to be seen. She thought they would be interested.
I went to St. Francis City Hall to see if any records were
available but without success. I did learn that it had been
a Lutheran Church and Cemetery.
I have accumulated a great deal of data on the Putney
family, but to date have not found the “missing link”. As
you can see from the enclosed sheets there were three
Putneys who came to the Milwaukee area in 1836 – S.G.M.
Putney (I don’t know yet what the initials stand for),
Robert Putney, George Putney, only the first giving data as
to where he came from, namely New York State. However,
since he married in 1836 he came from, namely New York
State. However, since he married in 1836 he came from,
namely New York State. However, since he married in 1836 he
came from, namely New York State. However, since he married
in 1836 he could not be the parent of our William Putney,
since he married in 1851.
I shall try to do more work on George and Robert. It is
possible that our line came in after 1836, sometime between
then and 1851 when William Putney married in Milwaukee. All
of this I will have to work on further. It seems logical
that the three who came in all the same year in the fall,
would be brothers, father and sons with families, or
cousins. It would almost be too much a coincidence for the
three men of the same name to have come to Wisconsin in the
same year, unless they started out together.
I have a great deal of data on Putneys in the East,
including a number of them who were in the Revolutionary
War. About a month ago I located a Mrs. Whitney whom you
wrote about and who had since moved. She sent me a
considerable on a project on the Putneys that she once
started and then abandoned when she got interested in a
Patriotic Pageant which she and her husband put on in
schools, etc. However nothing she gave me indicated
anything of the families moving westward, although it is
all good data and may be helpful later.
I have been trying to get a copy of the 221 page book
“Putney 1753-1953”, which was published at Putney, Vermont.
It is already a collectors item and hard to locate. I have
been negotiating with a woman who found a copy in her late
husband’s file, but don’t know whether I’ll get it. It may
tell something about the early settlers there.
I was surprised to learn from your letter that my father
and Clarence received an inheritance from Grandmother
Putney. I must have been very young at the time. The only
inheritance I remember their getting was from a bachelor
uncle, whom we knew as Uncle Jack, and who was related on
my mother’s side. It seems very unfair that they should
have inherited money if your family took care of
Grandmother Putney. Do you know how much was involved? I
suppose this came about because she didn’t leave a will. If
my father had invested wisely what he inherited from his
mother, Uncle Jack, and Grandmother Putney he would have
been quite comfortably situated in his old age, but because
money went through his fingers like butter, we ended up
paying a couple of thousand dollars in hospital and doctor
bills after he passed away. I always have felt it was
because he was a very good looking man and spoiled by his
mother all his life. Everything came to him too easily.
I really didn’t intent to write a book when I started, but
you know how women talk.
Thanks again for the Whitney data and I’ll let you know if
anything more develops.
Best Wishes,
P.S.: If you’ll send me the names of your brothers and
sisters, I’d like it for my records. Also anything more you
know of the Ferrons.