Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1889-12-06


The death of "uncle" John Putnam, familiar
10 everybody in all this region as the keeper Of
the Hinsdale toll bridge, took place on Tuesday
noon after a very brief Illness Mr. Putnam was
born In Cobbleskil, n Y. Nov y, 1904, but by
far the greater part Of his life was spent In Brat
tleboro, which wa the home Vt his ancestors
His name, John Locke, was given HIM for his un
Gle on his mothers side, JOhn Locke Dickerman,
a native Of Brattleboro and for 10 years a prac
tcing physician here. Dr. Dickerinans father,
Or Lemuel Dckerman, was one Of the early get
tiers In Brattleboru aud was probably the first
resident physician here, his home being on the
hill above Centrpville Mr. Putnams grandfather
ON his fathers side, Asa Putnam, was also an
early BrattlebUrO settler, and died IN l19G. He
lived on the farm now owned by Henry CLARK,
aud here his son, Josiah Putnam, the father Of
Uncle John was bOrn He moved 20 CObhle
skill, n y IN early life, where he engaged In his
trade AZ a harness maker. and where luis family
Of seven children were all born. John Locke
was the oldest Of these children Al 10 he was
bound out for ak years To a man in Cherry Val
ley, y y 10 learn tile trade IT a shoemaker. At
y IN the year 1856, hr was married to Miss l'hn'-
hr IUWue Ut Cherry Valley, who now survives
him AT the age Of ~ yrars Ia 1888 Josiah Put
nam moved back to Irattlcburu and John Locke
aud his young family removed here at the same
time 50 that his residence In BrattlebOru has GOV.
erred period Of 50 years. Twelve children were
bOrn.tu him, Of whom eight, five daughters and
three, SONS are nov living lie was appointed
keeper Of the toll bridge IN 1919 aud continued the
faithful servant Of the several owners of that
property until the bridge was made free one year
n
fere with his work at his trade, and he was en-.
plOypd by the late Charles aud willard Frost uu.
I'll their death, aud since then has worked more
ur less at shoe making until within two or three
years.
He was a man Of cheerful and even temper,
full " bright aud quaint sayings aud ut reminis
cences Of the past well informed On public at
fairs, aud enjoying the respect and good viii Of
all. II was alwaysu pleasant thing to see the
sense Of ownership which he evidently felt for
the Hnsdale bridge aud his interest la It's for
tunes II is doubtful II he ever felt fully recon
ciled to the fact that the public were allowed to
come aud 10 over the bridge without paying
tribute at his door
His family ties we're strong. For many years
II had been the one great pleasure Of the year to
have his children, grandchildren, aud other rrla
tyes with him at Thanksgiving, aud this annual
pleasure he enjoyed to the full last week, when a
party Of NJ gathered at the old home by the
bridge. His final illness developed two days at.
ter aud death came quietly aud easily.
The funeral held at the house on Thursday ut.
ternOun. was largely attended the Rev Mr.. Day
officiating. His son, Edwin + Putnam of Fitch
burg was present. aud all Of the five surviving
daughters with THEN husbands Mrs. A. y. swain
uf Bellows Falls Mrs W CLARK. Mrs II. u
liscom, Mrs W. T.. CLARK OF Charleston, y. II q,
and Mrs. Edward smith
OF the Putnam family of bruthers and sisters
DR. A. u. Putnam aud Mrs lirda q pruuty arr
tl" utlN remaining members.