Background
Putnam, Israel was born on January 7, 1718 in Salem Village (now Danvers), Massachusetts, United States. Son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Porter) Putnam.
Putnam, Israel was born on January 7, 1718 in Salem Village (now Danvers), Massachusetts, United States. Son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Porter) Putnam.
10 children. Commissioned Second lieutenant Connecticut Militia, 1754, captain, 1755, major, 1758. Lieutenant colonel, 1759. Served in French and Indian Wars.
Major, then lieutenant colonel Connecticut Militia, 1764, served in Pontiac’s War. An organizer Sons of Liberty, delegate to warn Governor Fitch of Connecticut that he could not enforce Stamp Act. Member exploration expedition to discover possible values of West Florida, cruised through West Indies, Gulf of Mexico, up to Mississippi River 1773.
Lieutenant colonel 11th Regiment, Connecticut Militia, brigadier general, 1775. Major general Continental Army, 1775. A leader in planning for Battle of Bunker Hill.
Chief in command of New York before Washington arrived, 1776. In charge of removal of all troops and stores from New York City after retreat, 1776, then had command of Philadelphia. Command in the Highlands (upper New York State), delayed twice in obeying orders from General.
Major general Continental Army, 1775. Chief in command of New York before Washington arrived, 1776.
Member exploration expedition to discover possible values of West Fla.
Married Hannah Pope, July 19, 1739. Married second, Deborah (Lothrop) Gardiner, June 3, 1767.