Israel Putnam
INTRODUCTION
Did you know that Israel Putnam ending up fighting in three wars? Well you will learn more about Israel Putnam in this paper. Like when he was born, and where he was most of his life, and when he died. He was a lucky man to fight in 3 wars and not die!
Israel Putnam's House as a kid.
Source: http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/putnam_israel.htm
THE EARLY LIFE
On January 7, 1718 Israel Putnam was born in Salem Village, Massachusetts which we now call Danvers,Massachusetts. He was the tenth of eleven children. They were a farming family. His parents died of execution with his sister because they were accused of witchcraft. He and one of his brothers moved to Connecticut and purchased 514 acres in now Pomfret and began their own farm. They specialized in apples, sheeps and goats. Perhaps he would be quite exhausted farming such a large piece of land, but I think that was smart considering he came from such a large family and would never receive any inheritance. Israel Putnam although came originally from Massachusetts would spend his time between Connecticut and New York in his early years. He married twice, first to Hannah Pope in 1739, then 2 years after her death in 1765 he married Deborah Lothrop.
The Wars / Roll in the revolution
He took part in the French and Indian war as a member of the Rogers Rangers. He was promoted to Captain in 1756 and to Major in 1758. In 1775-1773 the Revolutionary War rolled in. Then Israel Putnam became a war general to lead the American patriots into the famous battle against the British. It was a 8 year long war but at the end of the war the American Patriots won the revolutionary war. Also right before the Revolution Putnam fought at the french and Indian War and at the battle of Bunker Hill.
y How do we think of him today?
Today we think of Israel Putnam as a lucky, and a noble American patriot war general. Today he is known for his courage and bravery on the battlefield. He even has a park named after him . It’s called Putnam Park at the Redding Enchantment in Connecticut.
Israel Putnam's Home Village (salem village)
http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/maps/index.html
How old was Israel Putnam?
Israel Putnam died on May 29, 1790 at the age of 72. I'm surprised he lived that long for somebody who lived in the 1700s. Considering what the doctors were like back then. If there was not a doctor near town, the town Barber would step in. The barber would cut open a vein with a knife and let the blood leak out into a bowl, often the victim would get worse. This researcher is frankly shocked that Israel Putnam fought in 3 wars and did not die! It is also hard to believe that he went to being a farmer to fighting in three wars and being a war general, he is kind of a hero.
CONCLUSION
Israel Putnam was born on 1718; fought in three wars, over 17 + years long. This researcher thinks that he was a great American Patriot with his long-time military service as an Army General. “Old Put” as he was known as was quite brave, not afraid of danger and up for any challenge. For example, in the winter of 1758, one of the fort barracks caught on fire. Israel and his men, climbed to the roof and poured bucket after bucket of water until the fire was gone. I think he was a really brave and courageous man. Israel Putnam is still,and will always be a famous American patriot. But I have a question for you, if you lived in the 1700s would you fight in three wars or try to live a normal colonial life trying to forget about the war?
Statue of Putnam in Brooklyn, CT
Source: http://www.connecticutsar.org/patriots/putnam_israel.htm
Glossary
Patriot: This means you are an American who loves his country.
Barracks: This is a place where you sleep.
Barber: A hair stylist.
General: An army leader.
Encampment: A place where you live.
Purchased: Bought.
Normal: Regular.
Inheritance: When someone dies, something that is left to them.
