William A. Putnam, pioneer, passed away at his home in Gothenburg, on Wednesday, January 12th, 1938, following a brief illness. He would have reached his 81st birthday on March 11th.

Born at Bradford, Ills., in 1857, the son of Benjamin and Ellen Moore Putnam, he was united in marriage on January 26, 1880, to Rosetta Earl. The family moved to Nebraska in 1889, and homesteaded in the hills south of Gothenburg.

Mr. Putnam had a part in the development of this section, and assisted in the construction of Lake Gothenburg. Records show that his great-great-grandfather was General Israel Putnam, famous Revolutionary War hero whose name found the pages of American history. He was a rugged personality and until last September enjoyed good health.

Left to mourn his departure are his wife, Rosetta, and three children; Mrs. Rose Dodd of Gothenburg, William E. of Gothenburg, and Frank of Jefferson, Oregon. Four children passed away in infancy. He also leaves a step-son, Charles Sabin of Gothenburg; 28 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, beside a long list of friends.

Funeral services were conducted from Banner M. E. church on Sunday afternoon, Dr. Paul L. Philipp officiating. Music was furnished by Mrs. Mason Hyde and Miss Rachel Hyde, Mr. Middleton and Mr. Grady, with Miss Ruth Colvin at the piano. Pallbearers wre A. D. Colvin, Frank Anderson, Wilburn Anderson, Myron Anderson, Charles Moore adn Albert Hecox. Interment was in Peckham cemetery.

The Gothenburg Times 30(29):1 Thursday, January 20, 1938