The Washington times., 1907-05-27
wife's Death by Lightning.

his hermit-like existence, Putnam mar
ried again.
Wife's Death by Lightning.
storm. his wife was killed by lightning.
He opened his door that night to find
her dead upon the floor. Again he be-
came a recluse. Soon he lost his posi-
ton as watchman In the War Depart
ment IN Washington. and his brOodings
became more and more morose. He
talked constantly of his troubles, say
ing that the world held nothing good
for him. He became embittered against
his children and informed them that he
would disinherit all Of them, with the
exception OF the two smaller ones, now
in an orphans home near this city. II
is believed that such a will will be
found among his effects.
Woman's Husband Killed.
Sometime ago Putnam moved near
Alexandria and boarded with Mrs.
Beavers. whose husband was killed in
an alteration two years ago. Later he
suggested that Mrs. Beavers rent his
farm near Falls Church and take him
as a boarder- With five small children
to support the woman agreed, and about
1NNSAA AAAbAANAAo ~ NeAAAAC ~ NAAN AAoLoN
Of horrors" in which she was doomed
to meet her tragic death.
Putnam had become enamored of the
woman and constantly proposed mar
riage. She Is said to have refused
unless he would deed over a certain
amount of his property to her small
children. He refused this. but pressed
his suite all the harder, becoming more
and more jealous Of her l. time pro
crossed.
Constant quarrels ensued, the children
lived in abject terror. and the woman
was In fear Of her life. Several time.
Putnam mad legal notice served upor
her 10 leave the farm, but each tim'
would relent and then forbid the woman
to leave when the time came.
Only a short time ago Mayor Payn'
gave her the customary thirty days
notice at PUtnam's order. but a recon
Citation followed, and she was ordered
not TO leave the house.
Story of Little Girls.
a tragic story was told yesterday a
the inquest by May and Gertrude, tw
Of Mrs. Beavers daughters. who wit
messed the Infatuated mans fiendisl
work. The eyes Of the members Of tn
coroners jury flashed with resentmen
as bit by bit the tale was unfolded
picturing the deed in all its diabolica
conception and execution. Nothing bu
the thought that the man lying deai
before them had become insane from
constant worTy and was not responsible
for his deed, prevented harsh criticism
even of the dead, and instead threy
over the deed the mantle OF charity sue
as might belong 10 the criminal insane
The story told by the little girls. ami
| tears and sobs as the terrible scene
| nF a nfu hafnra fr1nrRESed owe
and over again in all their vividness b
| the questions of the coroner, was !
! substance as follows.
Mrs. Beavers and her Oldest daughter
/ MAY. had spent the day in Alexandra
| shopping. Putnam went TO Washingto
] early in the day, but later went
] Alexandra. where II is said he 70
/ lowed Mrs. Beavers at distance IN
| entire time.
! eral times. Mrs. Beavers explained
| her daughter that Putnam was jealou
/ Of her every movement and was watch
| ing her. Putnam came home on tn
/ cars the women In a buggy ArriVin
/ at home and finding Mrs. Beavers Ia
not yet returned, he began abusing IN
/ children. but suddenly mounted hors
and started up the Alexandra road
meet the woman.
Man Began to Curse.
He is said TO have begun cursing a
soon as they came in sight.
What Is the matter now, Mr.. Pu
mann inquired Mrs. Beavers.
You will find out all right when "
get home" he replied.
81 Just know he, is going TO kill m
May" said the frightened woman. q,
anything happens go to your aul
Eliza's and ask her to take care
YOU" referring 70 Miss Elizabeth Bea'
ers. OF AS l. street northwest, OF IN
city.
on arriving at the Putnam home Il
infuriated and half-intoXicated man 10
! lowed Mrs. Beavers into the basepen
! where the children were gathered I,
! supper. TIE quarrel was renewed,
grabbed the defenseless woman al
threw her body against the stove.
Nav. the eldest daughter, scream'
and threw q lamp at Putnam. he r
taliated by whipping out his pistol
the child ran through the door and Fl
ing al her, the bullet striking the We
} just by the girls side.
Fired Five Shots at Her.
Mrs. Beavers attempted to follow, b
l Putnam grabbed her, muttering. \
p you are not; I'm going TO kill you rig
: here" As she jerked away he fired fl
shots at her. the fatal bullet enterii
= the back of her head. and going throul
the brain. Mrs. Beavers dropped, wi
] a groan. Putnam viewed his ghasl
work for a moment, and then oellDe
ately blew out his own brains.
one loaded cartridge was found in I
: pistol. The children insist that the M
reloaded the pistol after firing two
more shots at their mother. and IN
/ finished his work. This is doubte
! that no empty shells were found up
the floor, although the imprint Of Sc
eral stray bullets are seen about {
> basement walls.
4 The four smaller children ran screal
q ing out of the room. To 90 this it W
y necessary TO step over the prostrs
I bodies OF their mother and Putna1
both of whom had fallen across Z
I doorway. They ran half a mile to {
! home of Mayor Payne, and a few m
{ | ments afterwsrd Falls Church knew
q it's latest tragedy.
: Town Marshal A. A. Soul and /
n George Fadley were among the first
:. | arrive Life was extinct in the DO
s of the man. The woman lived a f
d moments, but died without havi
y | spoken
After the inquest yesterday morniI
Q | Coroner TAYLOR directed that the DO
l. be taken in charge by Undertaken
q J. NOrthrup. The verdict was in
n cOrdanoe with the facts developed by [
/ | witnesses. that both came 10 dea
n from a pistol held IN the hands of F.
q nam.
q Mrs. Beavers has a number of re
i, tives residing near Manassas. includi