Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1920-02-05
OBITUARY


ShHrIeH IJONurO ButUcy
It is not uncommon for a man to he
beloved-most men gather about them
some little circle in which they find a
measure of kindly regard and degree of
protection against the world without. But
1t is not for many men that the cup of
affection is filled so full or filled by so
many hands as 1t has been for Charles
Edward Putney, who died ut his home, So
Clin street, Tuesday after a two weeks
Illness. following IL general breakdown.
1t was the glory of some ancient cities
that they needed no walls, because the
quality of their own sons was their
sufficient protection. Mr.. Putney had
that within hin. which disarmed the
world. He was a fine and minute scholar;
he was n patient and considerate in
structor; he was n wise and sympathetic
friend; he was a high and noble man.
There are few whose names could bring
so cordial response from so wide a
circle. In the many years during which
he served as teacher, how many boys
and girls passed through his hands Upon
each he left some unprecedented some
thing of his own PERSONAL---VERY. be car
ried with them broadcast. And how
wholesome thing that was. and how
well for the nation that a spirit like that
some times. They did not forget. They
bore witness to the high value Of the gift
which they had received. And it was the
reward Of his life to know of their
gratitude.
But nobody knows or can know low
much he has contributed through them
to his country and the world. That Is
the characteristic of the teacher; to find
the fulflment of his life In the lives Of
others. He sows the seed. The harvest is
found, not in his own field. but there a
little and there little; never gathered
together to be estimated, but perhaps
beyond computation in its total amount.
Charles Edward Putney, the son OF
David and Mary Putney, was born at
Bow, N. H., February 26, 1910. He was
one of fourteen children, of whom ten
lived to grow to manhood and woman
hood David Putney was a farmer, and
Mr.. Putney's early years were spent on
the farm. He attended district school
and went later to Colby Academy, teach
ing district schools from time to time,
and preparing himself to enter Dartmouth
College, which he was just to do when
the Civil War broke out.
He enlisted in the 18th New Hampshire
Volunteers. and. later became a sergeant.
He was in the war over three years, taxi
ing part in the battles of Fredericksburg,
Siege of Suffolk Port Walthal, Swift
Creek. Kingsland Creek. Drewry's Bluff,
Cold Harbor. Petersburg, Fort McConhie,
Fort Harrison and Richmond. He was
one of the first four men to enter Rich
mond after the surrender.
At the conclusion Of the war he entered
Dartmouth College. graduating with high
rank in 1870. Directly after his graduation
he was married to Abbie NJ. Clement Of
Norwich, VT, who died in 1901. After
teaching in Norwich for some time he
went to St. Johnsbury. where he taught
in the academy, later becoming principal.
In 1896 he resigned on account of ill-health.
He became district superintendent of
schools of the Templeton district in
Massachusetts, where ne remained until
the spring of 1901, when he came to Bur-
lington as teacher in the high school,
He had been an enthusiastic member
of Stannard Post, G. A. r., serving as
patriotic instructor and senior vice-com-
mander for a number of years At the
time of his death he was commander of
the post, having at last accepted an
office which he had long refused. He was
for long time active In the Sunday
school OF the College Street Church, which
he attended. and of which he was a
deacon.
Wherever Mr.. Putney was known there
| will be sense Of almost irreparable loss.
1t also is a loss which only those who
knew him can appreciate. To them,
anything which can be said of him must
/, appear inadequate. 1t is rare, indeed, to
find so sufficient a man.
Mr.. Putney is survived by two daugh-
ters, Mrs. l.. P. Wood of San Marcos,
Texas. and Mrs. w. o. Lane of this city;
also by five grandchildren, Mrs. U. A..
Hicks of Springfield. Mass, Mrs. Oliver
n. Springfield and Norman p. Wood of
Springdale. Mass. Charles C. Wood of
Troy. N. Y. and Miss Mary T. Lane
of this city: and by five brothers. Free
man of South Weymouth, Mass, Albert
| of Boston, Milton of Revere. Mass, New
ton of Putnam. Conn. and Walter of
Bow, n. II.
The funeral will be held from the Col
lege Street Church Friday afternoon.