Biographical History of Pottawattmie Co., IA - A. D. PUTNAM
Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa

A. D. PUTNAM Commander of Robert Provard Post, No. 414, G. A. R., of Carson, is one of the early settlers and representative citizens of Center Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

He was born in New Hampshire, August 19, 1834, a great nephew of the illustrious Israel Putnam of Revolutionary fame. His parents, George Putnam and nee Elizabeth Perkins, the former a native of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and the latter of New Hampshire, reared nine children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. When he was eleven years old the family removed to Vermont, where he lived on a farm and grew to manhood. He received his education in the public schools. Later, he engaged in teaching and became a prominent and successful educator. In 1852 he came West and settled in Lee County, Illinois, where be remained until the war broke out.

In September, 1861, at the time President Lincoln called for "300,000 more," he enlisted in Fremont's Rangers, or body guards for General Fremont. But when General Fremont was removed from his command the men were assigned to the Third Missouri Cavalry. This was one of the noted Missouri cavalry regiments and the record it made was an honorable one. Mr. Putnam participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; Hartsville, Missouri; Cotton Plant, White River Junction, Little Rock and Camden, Arkansas; and went up the Red River with General Banks. He also participated in many minor engagements and skirmishes. He was captured three times, but always, like his noted kinsman, made his escape. He was honorably discharged June 22, 1865, at Little Rock, Arkansas, as Second Lieutenant. He then returned to his home in Illinois.

Mr. Putnam engaged in farming near Dixon, remaining there until 1871. In that year he came to Center Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and was with his brother, L. R., who for five years made his home in this county. Our subject afterward bought his present farm of George Race. He owns eighty acres of rich land, well located and well adapted for stock and grain purposes.

At Amboy, Illinois, in 1872, Mr. Putnam wedded Miss Emlin Stephens, a lady of culture and refinement, who, for thirteen years previous to her marriage, was a successful teacher in Illinois. She was born in England of English parents, John and Peggy (Daw) Stephens, with whom she came to this country at the age of four years. She was educated at Mount Morris, Illinois. By this union three children were born: Arthur L., Katie J. and Emma. The latter died at the age of fifteen months. The great loss of Mr. Putnam's life was when his loving companion was called away by death, March 14, 1879. She was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her loss was deeply felt by her husband, her little ones and her many friends.

Mr. Putnam is a Republican. He has served as Assessor of the township. He is a friend of education and religion, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Spring Creek, being trustee of the same.

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