DAR Ancestor #: A092589

Namesake of the General Israel Putnam House and Putnam, Connecticut

Sources:

• http://www2.iath.virginia.edu/salem/putnamhse.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Putnam

Israel Putnam (January 7, 1718 – May 29, 1790) was an American army general who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). Although Putnam never quite attained the national renown of more famous heroes such as Davy Crockett or Daniel Boone, in his own time his reckless courage and fighting spirit were known far beyond Connecticut's borders through the circulation of folk legends celebrating his exploits.

Shortly after the Battle of Lexington at the ouset of the American Revolution, Putnam led the Connecticut militia to Boston and was named major general, making him second in rank to his Chief in the Continental Army. He was one of the primary figures at the Battle of Bunker Hill, both in its planning and on the battlefield. During that battle Putnam may have ordered William Prescott to tell his troops "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" (It is debated whether Putnam or Colonel William Prescott created these words). This command has since become one of the American Revolution's more memorable quotes.

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Nicknamed "Old Put". Was in history in 1775 at Bunker Hill. Was the person who said, "Don't shoot until you see the white of their eyes."

-------------------- Joseph PUTNAM [Parents] was born 14 Sep 1669. He died 1724/1725. Joseph married Elizabeth PORTER on 21 Apr 1690 in Salem, Essex, MA.

Elizabeth PORTER [Parents] was born 7 Oct 1673. She died 1746. Elizabeth married Joseph PUTNAM on 21 Apr 1690 in Salem, Essex, MA.

They had the following children:

		F	i	 Mary PUTNAM was born 2 Feb 1690/1691.

		F	ii	 Elizabeth PUTNAM was born 12 Apr 1694/1695.

		F	iii	 Sarah PUTNAM was born 26 Sep 1697.

		M	iv	 William PUTNAM was born 8 Feb 1699/1700 and died 19 May 1729.

		F	v	 Rachel PUTNAM was born 7 Aug 1702.

		F	vi	 Anna PUTNAM was born 26 Apr 1705.

		M	vii	 Col. David PUTNAM was born 25 Oct 1707 and died 1768.

		F	viii	 Eunice PUTNAM was born 13 Apr 1710. She died 2 Feb 1787.

		M	ix	 Baby Son PUTNAM was born Apr 4 1713 (twin). He died 4 Apr 1713.

		F	x	 Baby Daughter PUTNAM was born Apr 4 1713 (twin). She died 4 Apr 1713.

		F	xi	 Huldah PUTNAM was born 29 Nov 1717.

		M	xii	 Major General Israel PUTNAM was born 7 Jan 1718 in Danvers, Essex, MA. He died 29 May 1790 in Pomfret/Brooklin, CT.

		F	xiii	 Mahitable PUTNAM was born 1 Mar 1720. She died 2 Sep 1801.