Dennison C. Putnam (1847-1918)

PUTNAM, WALKER, HARNESS, MCDONALD, MILLER

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

The people of this community received a shock Monday morning when it was announced that the grim reaper had entered one of the homes in our midst and called D. C. Putnam to bid farewell to all that is earthly and join the innumerable throng beheld in vision by the Saint of God beneath the Eternal Altar. Night came, though it was morning and our faith tells us that he entered upon the joys of an endless and cloudless day; and somewhere yet on the hill tops of that city that has no pain, he will watch in his beautiful doorway to bid us a welcome home.

Dennison C. Putnam, eldest son of William R. and Mary A. Putnam, was born in Phoenix, Oswego County, N. Y., December 19, 1847, and died at Hartley, Iowa, June 3, 1918, aged 70 years.

His boyhood care free days were spent in his native village, until his sixteenth year. In 1864 the family went west locating near Eldora, Hardin county, Iowa. Here he attended school and assisted his father in the mercantile business until his marriage to Josephine P. Walker, March llth, 1869. Excepting a few years in other lines, he was engaged in farming in Hardin County, until 1884 when he moved to O'Brien county where he has since resided on the farm home, and the last 18 years in Hartley.

Mr. Putnam was a man of sterling worth, and demonstrated his belief in deeds, not words; while very reserved and never seeking preferments, he was true to every duty entrusted to him; loyal to his friends; and his influence and ballot were always found on the right side of moral issues. In domestic life "his home was his castle", where he loved to be surrounded by his family, ever dispensing a cordial hospitality to all who came to his door.

To him were given 9 children (four dying in infancy) 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He is survived by his wife, three sons L. W., E. A. and F. L. of this city, two daughters Mrs. J. W. Harness and Mrs. C. McDonald, and two brothers, T. N. Putnam of Corrington, N. D., and F. R. Putnam, Morris, Minn., and a sister, Mrs. C E. Miller of Brookings, S. D

Attaining the Biblical allotment of years, it is not strange he received the "silent summons," although his passing away was a shock to his family, for without warning he passed away, God took him home.

The funeral services were held Wednesday, June 5th at 2 o'clock at the M.E. Church. Rev G. R. Gilbert of Marcus, Iowa, formerly of this place, gave a comforting sermon, entitled "Winter Days." Rev W. O. Tompkins of Hartley assisted with the service. The I.O.O.F. and Rebekahs marched in a body to the cemetery, and the former lodge had charge of the services there. Mr. Putnam was a charter member of both lodges at this place, The large gathering of friends and acquaintances, besides the lodge members who assembled and followed the remains to the cemetery testify to the regard to which he was held in this community. The sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved relatives.

Those from out of town who attended the funeral were T.N. Putnam of Corrington, N. .Dak,, Mrs. E.C. Miller, Brookings, S. Dak., Will Cobb and son Clayton, Rossie, Ia., Vell Cobb and wife of Sutherland, Ia., John Crosser and wife, O.A. Sutton, and Mrs. F. O. Shuck of Brookings, S, Dak., Irve Sutton, Volga S. Dak., Don Sutton, Plankington, S. Dak., Frank Walker, Winnebago, Minn., Ida M. Johnson, Royal, Ia., Robert Lowery and wife, Sanborn, Ia., Wes Webster, wife and daughter Irene from Primghar, Iowa.

Hartley (Iowa) Sentinel, 6 Jun 1918, p1