Charles E. Putney, a farmer of high standing in Webster, N.H., is a native of that place. He was born June 10, 1827, the son of Stephen and Sallie (Eastman) Putney. His father, who was born February 12, 1765, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving in 1780 and 1781. He afterward purchased the farm where Charles E. now lives, and settled down there. He was married three times, first to Sallie E. Eastman, of Hopkinton, who died in 1809; second to Susan Eastman, who died in September, 1820; and then to Sallie Eastman, who died April 6, 1867, aged seventy-nine years. The three wives were cousins. By the first marriage there were six children-Nelson, Enoch, True, Pluma, Anna, and Stephen. The children of the second marriage were five in number-Clarissa, Sarah, David, Lucy, Azariah; and of the third there were four: Charles Monroe, who died in infancy; Mary Angeline; Charles E.; and Samantha S. Mary A. was born July 6, 1825, and died July 20, 1825. Samantha S., born August 3, 1829, married Dustin Spaulding, now a carpenter in Contoocook, N.H., where they now reside.
Charles E. Putney, the subject of this sketch, received the ordinary education afforded by the common schools, and always lived at home with his parents. After his marriage he took charge of the old homestead, and carried on farming until his retirement a few years ago, when his son, Charles H., became manager of the property. The old farm embraces about one hundred and sixty acres, and Charles H. owns another farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. Both places are kept well up to the times, and a general farming business is pursued.
Mr. Putney was married December 26, 1850, to Susan C. Sanborn, of Webster, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Coffin) Sanborn, both of Boscawen. She was born October 20, 1830. Her father was a farmer in that place, and in the sledding season he engaged somewhat in drawing lumber. He died August 30, 1887, aged eighty-eight, his wife having died November 26, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn had ten children; namely, Abbie, Moses, Susan, Emily, John, Ellen, Charles, Sarah, Hannah, and Henry. This large family is now widely separated, as follows: Abbie is in Reading, Mass.; Moses, in Concord; John is deceased; Ellen lives in Wakefield, Mass.; Charles married Jennie Colby, of Salisbury, and lives in Webster, as does also Sarah, who married I. F. Balch, of Lyme, N.H.; Emily lives in Penacook; Hannah, in Chicago; and Henry, in Xenia, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Putney have five children-Ida J., Charles H., John S., Cora E., and Bertha M. Ida J. was born October 24, 1851, and is now a dressmaker in Concord. Charles H. Putney was born February 19, 1853, and is a carpenter by trade, but now has charge of the homestead farm, as stated above, still, however, doing some carpentering. He has been Collector of Taxes for several years, and still holds that position. John S. Putney was born January 27, 1855, and is in the gravel, sand, and cement business in Chicago. He married Lucile Melton, of St. Louis, Mo.; and they have one child, John S., Jr. Cora E. Putney was born September 28, 1857, and is a successful school teacher, having taught schools in Concord, N.H., and vicinity. Bertha M. was born July 6, 1868, and became the wife of Edward Little, a farmer formerly of Massachusetts, but now living in Webster. They have one child, Gladys Susan. These five children were all given the benefit of the education afforded by the best schools.
Mr. Putney is a Democrat in politics. He has been Justice of the Peace and Prudential School Committee. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church of Webster. He has always been an active, energetic man, has been successful in his life work, and is much respected in the community.
