The Indianapolis journal., 1896-06-14
THE ISRAEL PUTNAM FARM.
The Home of the Revolutionary Gen.
eral Going to Decay.


AS the anniversary of the battle OF Bunk
er Hill draws nigh, and the local story of
that time is being recited. we hear none of
more enrapturing interest than those
which tell of the daring and bravery of
General Israel Putnam. The farm he
owned is the first point of interest to the
visitor in the village of Pomfret Conn.
which is about four miles from the farm.
Putnam left but little heritage TO his de-
scendants save his good name and noble
example. His young manhood was spent
among these hills and rocks. every branch
of farming receiving his attention. BY
the time the French opened he was
able to leave his family in comfortable
home well provided for. Putnam received
very little education. and was entirely
"self-made man." Many anecdotes are re-
lated Of his energy and perseverance,. his
brilliant achievements in the French and
revolutionary battlefields.
After listening to these thrilling accounts
Of adventure we eagerly wend our way
over the hills and through the valleys
which cradle the Quinnebaug river of many
falls, through forests OF dense green and
sighing pine to stand on the spot where
Putnam was plowing on the mo-riins of
April 20, 1775, and received the news OF ne
collision of the British and the provinciaIs
Of Boston the day previous. Leaving his
plow and oxen in his sons care he ha-tened
to take his place at the head of the rliiitia.
The farm is situated on the summit of a
high hill between the villages of PorrFret
and Brooklyn. 1t is nearly all fertile soil.
we'll adapted to cultivation, but at present
not we'll cultivated. The first house he
built is not standing. but the spot where il
stood is pointed out There is the first
well he dug. Yonder is the house ne &C.
cupied at that notable time d-95, nd
where he lived through a happy oli se
and where he died. In this house greas
men have met to be entertained by Put-
nam. none being more familiar guest
than Washington.
Whatever might have been cheeiing in
the place those days is surely not present
now, for a more uninviting abode cannot
be imagined than the old Putnam resi-
dence. Indeed the whole farm presents
anything but thrifty. well-kept appear
ance, and a shame it is. Quite different
is it from the appearance OF the home of
his friend at Mount Vernon. Probably
some faithful band of women VIII under
take to restore the beauty of tao place, as
they did some years ago the horne of
Washington. 1t could easily be made
most attractive spot. for it overlooks some
Of the most enchanting scenery in New
England. The present owner Of the farm
seems to care little about preserving the
buildings from decay, and no one else is
interested.
One must never quit the place without
a visit to 'Wolfs Den," the place where
Putnam in a single hour achieved great
g.
time. School boys. for century have been
familiar with the story of the capture Of
the she wolf at this place by Putnam
whose hocks she had been feasting upon
most sumptuously. For years she had
been committing her ravages among the
hocks of the whole country side. In vain
were traps set and hunting parties sent
through the forests. Rarely was she seen.
and she always escaped. At last they
| tracked her to this den In the--ck on the
hillside. But no one would venture in aft
| er her. The dogs refused to go. the negro
refused, but they at last sent for Putnam.
whose daring was well known. although
| only twenty-five. Putnam came. and. with
| a rope tied to his ankle and carrying a
| torch and gun, crawled into the den, saw
| the wolf, shot her and came forth triumph
/ ant.
| Not far away from these scenes where
Putnam lived and died stands the bronze
| monument which was not erected until
| relic hunters had almost demolished the
| marble slab which marked his grave. In
| 1883 the bronze equestrian monument was
| erected In the village Of Brooklyn. and
| his remains were removed and placed
| under the pedestal. A. o. NJ.
| Woodstock Conn.