Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Putnam, Israel

PUTNAM, ISRAEL, an American general in the Revolutionary War; born in Danvers, Mass., in 1718. He was a farmer until the French and Indian war broke out, when, at the age of 36, he took service in the English army having command of a company of “rangers.” When the dispute between his country and England commenced, he was created Major-General by Congress; and at Bunker Hill, New York, and during Washington's retreat through New Jersey, he showed himself one of the bravest of the patriot leaders. In 1779 he was stricken with paralysis. His character is well depicted by the inscription on his tomb: “He dared to lead where any dared to follow.” He died in 1790.