Mr. Putnam is a lineal descendant of that brave general and distinguished patriot, Israel Putnam, whose son, Daniel Putnam, was the grandfather of the subject of this biography. William, one of his sons, married Mary Spalding, whose children were: Caroline M., Harriet W., William H., Elizabeth, Asa S., Jane, Anne, and three who died in early life. William H. Putnam was born February 2d, 1812, in Holland, Massachusetts, and in childhood removed to Brooklyn, where the residue of his life was passed. The best schools obtainable at that early day afforded him a knowledge of the elementary branches, and the work connected with his father’s farm occupied his time until after his marriage.
On the 12th of March, 1834, he was united to Miss Eliza, daughter of Captain John Day, of Brooklyn, who died on the 27th of May, 1880. Their children are: Harriet G., Mary, wife of James Perkins; John D., Sarah, deceased; Kate B. and Albert D. Mr. Putnam, two years after his marriage, leased the farm belonging to Captain Day, of which he finally became the owner. He cultivated its fertile acres, and made it his residence until 1877, the year of his removal to the village of Brooklyn, his son, Albert D., meanwhile succeeding to his farming interests.
Mr. Putnam interested himself in matters pertaining to his town, and as a republican held various local offices. His prevailing modesty and aversion to the excitement attending a public career, influenced him to decline more important honors. His advice was often sought on questions requiring maturity of judgment and experience, his opinions invariably commanding respectful consideration. He was a director of the Windham County National Bank, and the Brooklyn Savings Bank. Mr. Putnam was a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal church of Brooklyn, of which he was for many years senior warden.