Israel Putnam

Early Life and Frontier Experience

Israel Putnam was born on January 7, 1718, in Salem Village, Massachusetts. He moved to Connecticut as a young man and became a successful farmer. Known for his physical courage and frontier toughness, Putnam gained fame for his exploits against Native American tribes and during the French and Indian War, where he served with distinction.

Revolutionary Service

Putnam was among the earliest patriots to take up arms against British rule. He helped organize Connecticut’s militia and was appointed a major general in the Continental Army. His leadership at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 was legendary—he is credited with the famous command, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes,” emphasizing discipline and resolve.

Military Campaigns

Putnam participated in several key campaigns during the early years of the Revolution. Though not a strategic mastermind, his bravery and popularity made him a valuable figure in rallying troops and maintaining morale. He served in the defense of New York and later in operations in the Hudson Highlands.

Later Life and Legacy

Putnam suffered a stroke in 1779 that ended his military career. He retired to his farm in Connecticut, where he lived until his death on May 29, 1790. He was buried with honors, and his legacy as a fearless and devoted patriot remains part of Revolutionary folklore. Putnam embodied the rugged spirit of the American soldier and the grassroots commitment to independence.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography: Embracing the Lives of the Great Men Whose Deeds Illustrate the First 100 Years of American Independence. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Internet Archive