Rev. Daniel Putnam

Rev. Daniel Putnam was graduated from Harvard College with the class of 1717. His father had in his will, probated in April, 1715, given to him £150 for his learning. In 1717, the North Precinct of Reading, which had been set off in 1713, voted "to settle a minister amongst them as fast as they can and in the best method they can." The next year it was voted "to give Mr. Daniel Putnam twenty acres of land, exchanged withSergt. Flint and Sergt. Eaton, if Mr. Putnam be our minister." Also "to build Mr. Putnam an house of 28 feet long, 19 feet wide, and fifteen feet stud, a 'Lenter' on the back side 10 feet stud, three chimneys, from the ground, and chamber chimney, and convenient parlor, and convenient well, in lieu of the 100 pounds, if Mr. Putnam find nails and glass for the house."

Mr. Putnam had been preaching in the North Parish some while, until they could settle a minister. He was married in the same year as the above offer was made and probably the two events were closely connected. It was not until 29 June, 1720, that he was ordained. The church then consisted of but thirty-nine members, hence his support from a financial point of view, must have been slight. In 1722, the older parish of the town "took up a contribution in aid of Rev. Daniel Putnam, of North Precinct, who is represented to be in great straits." The amount collected was £5-17s. In 1724, the North Precinct voted "to apply to the Governor and Council in relation to Mr. Putnam's troubles." In spite of the slight financial support he received, his ministry was a success. The parish was pleased with him and did what they could for him. We imagine that times became easier for him after the last entry. In 1759 his death occurred; he was much lamented. During his ministry of thirty-nine years he had added 194 persons to his church, baptized491, and married 111 couples. He was succeeded by Rev. Eliab Stone in 1760.4S

The house and farm of the Rev. Daniel Putnam are now, in 1820, occupied by his descendant Henry Putnam, Esq., of North Reading.

Sources 

1. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America. Recording the Ancestry and Descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn, Volume 1 (Google eBook) Eben Putnam Salem Press Publishing and Printing Company, 1891.  Page 133

https://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Essex/Salem/aBirthsP.shtml "(PUTNAM (Putman)) Daniell, s. Benjamin and Sarah, Nov. 12, 1696."

https://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Essex/Salem/aMarriagesP.shtml "(PUTNAM (Putman, Putnum, Puttman, Puttnam)) Daniell, and Rebeccah Putnam, Feb. 25, 1718-19."

https://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Reading/DeathsP.shtml "(Putnam) Daniel, Rev., June 20, 1759. [a. 63. "Pastor of the Second Church in Reading 39 y.," GR3]"

Reading VR has Daniel & Rebecca with these children:

• Rebeckah, d. Daniel and Rebekah, May 7, 1720.
• Danall, s. Danill and Rebeckah, Nov. 8, 1721. married Hannah Ingalls of Andover, Dec. 13, 1744. At Andover.
• Aaron, s. Danill, Oct. 2, 1723. died Oct. 21, 1723. [a. 19 d. TC]
• Sarah, d. Danill and Rebeckah, Sept. 7, 1724 (Sept. 5, 1724. CR3) married, in Andover, Henry Ingalls, int. July 10, 1742.
• Hannah, d. Rev. Daniell and Rebekah, July 31, 1726.
• Elizabeth, d. Rev. Daniell and Rebekah, May 28, 1728.
• Mary, d. Rev. Daniel and Rebekah, May 13, 1730.
• Joshua. s. Rev. Daniel and Rebekah, Feb. 23, 1732.
• Arron, s. Rev. Daniel and Rebekah, Dec. 5, 1733 (Dec. 15. CR3)
• Bethiah, d. Rev. Daniel and Rebekah, Nov. 29, 1735.