PUTNAM, Edward H. -Civil War Veteran

PUTNAM

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 4/29/2009 at 08:07:03

EDWARD H. PUTNAM, Civil War Veteran

ANOTHER VETERAN OF THE CIVIL WAR IS SUMMONED

Ray Putnam, west of Postville, is in receipt of a communication from Milwaukee informing him of the death on March 8 of his uncle, Edward H. Putnam, a Civil War veteran, aged more than 80 years. Years ago Ed was a resident of Postville and by occupation a painter. He was also possessed of musical talent, both instrumental and vocal, and was a member of the original Postville band under the leadership of D. E. Harrington of this city, and which attained a reputation that extended throughout northeast Iowa. Mr. Putnam was also a vocalist, his tenor voice being often heard in the Congregational church choir and glee clubs on public occasions. But he drifted away from Postville a long time ago and his whereabouts at times were unknown to the people here. Finally , however, he found a haven in the National Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, where for a number of years and until the final summons came, his every need and comfort was ministered to by the wise provision of a gracious government whose flag he had fought to save. Interment was made in the National Soldiers' cemetery in Milwaukee.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping, hand dated January 1920 or 1928 [I think it is an eight], from my mother's obituary collection.
SUBMITTER HAS NO FURTHER INFORMATION !!

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This additional information was added by Reid R. Johnson 1/6/2013:

Postville Graphic, Thur., 18 Feb. 1892.

DESERTED HIS FAMILY.
Of all the low down, contemptible pranks of mankind, that of deserting a helpless wife and family of little ones is the basest. We are sorry to say there is such a case in Postville, and it is not the first time the act has been perpetrated by the heartless scamp. His name is E. H. Putnam and he is well known to many of our citizens. He is said to be a first-class workman at his trade, that of painting, and has plenty of work at good wages whenever he is disposed to labor. This we are told is not very often, he preferring to spend most of his time in drinking and idleness. Some ten days ago he skipped out and has not been seen or heard of since, leaving his wife and family penniless and suffering for the necessaries of life. The attention of the township trustees was called to the case and a most pitiful condition of affairs was found. The family consists of four children one of whom is a babe but six weeks old. There were neither food nor fuel at the house and all were sadly in need of clothes. The trustees at once ordered relief for the neglected family.