Frederick Putnam diaries

Frederick Putnam was born February 11, 1818, in Charleston, New Hampshire. Much of his early life was spent in poverty. Attracted by the opportunities the west offered to young men, Putnam left New Hampshire in October 1838, eventually settling in Muncie, Indiana.

He accepted a clerk position in the store of Charles F. Willard, an early Muncie merchant. Later they became business partners. In 1841, Putnam married Susan J. Sayre, the daughter of Colonel Benjamin Sayre. The marriage eventually produced four children. In March 1842, Putnam went into the general merchandise business for himself, operating his business until 1849. He entertained thoughts of moving to California, but soon abandoned them in favor of forming a new business partnership with John A. Wachtell. This venture lasted for two years.

In 1860, he formed another business partnership in the hardware trade with John M. Kirby. The firm was known as Putnam & Kirby and was located at 91 E. Main Street (corner of Main and Walnut Streets). The business did quite well, allowing Putnam to amass a comfortable fortune.

Along with being a successful businessman, Putnam was an important figure in civic affairs. He was elected as Delaware County Treasurer in 1852 and served until 1857. From 1857 to 1860, he was assistant auditor of the county. In addition, he served as school examiner for two years and as a school trustee for nine years. He also served on the Muncie City Council, as a director for the Muncie National Bank, and as Secretary of the Delaware County Republican Central Committee. Putnam died January 18, 1901, at the age of 82.