Email:  markrputnam@putmanfamily.org

Arent (Johannes) Pootman

        Arent Janse Pootman was the eldest son of Johannes Pootman and Cornelia Bradt and was born about 1683 in Schenectady, New York.  

        Schenectady was then a small stockade village.  The French and Indians, during the "Massacre and Burning of Schenectady" in 1689, destroyed the church records so there are no information relevant to the early births or baptisms of Johannes and Cornelia Bradt Pootman's children.

        About 1707, Arent married Lysbet Ackerman the daughter of Lodewyck Davidse Ackerman and Jannetje Jacobse Blyck.  Lysbet was baptized December 7, 1684, at the Kingston Reformed Dutch Church with sponsors Elizabeth Teunis and Geritje Gerritse.  

        The Ackerman's were associated with what is now Westchester County, New York.

        The Dutch word Blyck seems to mean "tin worker" or a tinsmith. 

        The history of Arent's children centers around Johnstown, New York, which is west of Schenectady.

        Arent Janse Potman was reported to have been a weaver.

        The family name Akkerman means in German ploughman or farmer.  Dutch and German "akker" means field and probably comes from Latin "ager" from which we get agriculture.   It is said that the name means husbandman and even perhaps vinedresser.  Arent and Elizabeth's son Lodewyck married into the Sutz family, which was originally said to be vinedressers, and Lodewyck's son Richard married into the Gysbert Van Brocklin family was also occupied with husbandry.  The very early, and Biblical, meaning of husbandry is vinedressing.

        Arent and Elizabeth Pootman's first son Johannes married into the Sixt family whose immigrant ancestor was Philipp Sex a husbandman and vinedresser.

        Given names common names in the children of Arent Pootman and Elizabeth Akkerman were Jannetje, Johannes, and Lodewyck.

         The name Lodewyck seems to mean loden a type of cloth that is wind and water resistant such as sail cloth.

    Children:

        1.     Jannetje.  Baptized in Albany 12 June 1709 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Albany.  

        2.   Johannes.  Born circa 1711. 

        3.   Lodewyck.  Lodewyck was baptized 14 Nov 1713 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        4.   David.  David was baptized 3 October 1715 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        5.   Cornelia.  She was baptized 12 October 1717 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        6.   Maritje.  Maritje was baptized 15 July 1719 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        7.   Victor.  Victor was baptized 29 April 1721 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady. 

        8.   Sara.  Sara was baptized 5 July 1724 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        After the death of Johannes Pootman and Cornelia Bradt, according to the law of primogeniture, their homestead in Schenectady fell along with their other property to the oldest son Arent Pootman.  

        The homestead was on the northwest corner of Union and Ferry Streets.  Arent on April 6, 1709, conveyed part of his inherited lands including the homestead to his brother Victor Pootman.

        By 1713, Arent and Lysbet were living in Albany where Arent worked as a weaver.

        In 1720 Arent was a "Freeholder in Schenectady" along with his two brothers--Victor and Cornelius.  His brother David had by then had removed to Brooklyn, New York, and then to Wicketunk, Monmouth County, New Jersey.  

        Arent's sister's Maria and Catherine lived in the Brooklyn, New York, area.

        June 1733, Arent leased a tract of land from Peter Brower, which Brower had previously purchased from the local Mohawk Native People.  This tract was south of the Mohawk River on Ochrachqua Creek, which was also called Auries, or Aries, Creek.  Arent seemed to have removed to Aries Creek about this time.

        The Norwegian word "aerend" means a messenger or errand person.  The name  Pootman, or Putnam, was said to mean postman similar to Dutch "bote".

            Aaron Pootman was fluent in the Mohawk language and conveyed messages to the Mohawk Nation.

        Ochrachqua seems to be a Mohawk version of Aries. 

        Some people said that Aries Creek was name after Arent Pootman while others have said it was named after the Native American called Auries.  However, it is known that Arent Pootman and Elizabeth Akkerman were the first white settlers to lived on Auries Creek.

        Auriesville at the mouth of Aries Creek was named after the creek.

        In 1754, Arent was still a resident of the Maquaas, or Mohawk, Country, which included Auries Creek.

        Arent and Elizabeth Putman were buried along Auries Creek.

Jannetje (Arent, Johannes)

        Jannetje Putman was baptized June 12, 1709, at the Albany Dutch Reformed Church.  She married January 6, 1729, Thomas Harris at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.  Thomas was the son of John Harris. 

    Children:

        1.    Frances.  Francis was baptized June 2, 1745.

        2.    Francyntje.  She was baptized February 10, 1748, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Albany. 

Johannes (Arent, Johannes)

        Johannes Arentse Putman was born about 1711 and was baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.  

          He moved with his parents Arent and Elizabeth Potman to Auries Creek.

        Johannes married Gertrude Six, or Sex, May 21, 1742, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady. 

          Gertraud, or Gertrude, was baptized April 16, 1717, a child of Henrich and Christina [Theiss] Sixt in Schoharie with sponsors George Seybold, Gertraut Christmann and Gertraut Hettmann.  A son of Johanes and Gertrude would be name Henry and a daughter would be named Christina.

         The Sixt Henrich Sixt's father Johann Philip Sixt was a husbandman and vinedresser, which seems to be a common vocation or avocation of the early descendants of Arent Putman and Elizabeth Akkerman, who last names seems to mean husbandman.

         By 1754, Johannes was living with, or near, his father Arent Johannes Pootman in Maquaas, or Mohawk, Country, on or near Auries Creek.  

        Gertrude Six seems to have died about 1751.

        In 1829, a descendant of Johannes Arentse Putman and Gertrude Six, Ernestus Putman, wrote:  My Grandfather's name [was] John Putman.  . . . my grandmother . . .  died when my father was six years old.  They lived in the western part of New York, which was then a wilderness.  Grandfather was unable to keep the family together, so I have knowledge of but five of the nine children:  my father [Arent] now living at Schenectady; uncles David and Henry; and aunts Mary and Sarah.  A short time after the commencement of the Revolution, the Indians captured Grandfather and David.  The old man was not well able to travel and was killed.  David they kept three years when he made his escape and came home.  He afterward went into one of the New England states and married.  He died in a well while cleaning it.  I do not know what became of his children.  Uncle Henry went to Canada, and he and his wife left descendants there.  Gertrude died about 1751:  maybe it was her early death that caused the family to separate.

        Johannes Arentse Pootman removed to the north side of the Mohawk River before the Revolution, and during the war on June 6, 1778, the British and Indians made a raid on the Mohawk Valley taking John Arent Putman prisoner.  

        Johannes was then living on Jellies Fonda land north of Tribes Hill.  

       The Public Papers of George Clinton say that after being taken prisoner and while at Sir William Johnson's Summer house at the Fly in Sacondaga  Hendrick Wormwood saw John A. Putman, Andrew Bowman, Joseph Scott, John Harman, John Reese, Charles Marinus, George Kock, and Augustus Eckler all prisoners of the Indians.  In Caughnawaga, 5th June 1778.  They said, "You may depend that they have taken Charles Marinus and Son, George Coch and son, Johannes Eckler and family and John Reese; and all their houses plundered and everything destroyed."  . . .  Jellies Fonda had "sundry" accounts that John A. Putnam and twelve Families more, all living on his land in that Quarter, are taken and many more with them.  John Reese's wife said that the Indian's had a list with them, which indicated who they were to go and destroy.

        This account places Johannes death in June 1778.   Johannes lived on the Fonda patent.  

    Children:

        1.    Gritje.  She was baptized 24 April 1743 at Queen Anne's Chapel at Fort Hunter?

        2.    Arent Johannes.  Arent was born 13 June 1745.

        3.    Nancy.  Nancy was baptized 1747 at Queen Anne's Chapel.

        4.    Prob. Christina.  She was born about 1748.

        5.    Mary.  A missionary of the New York Trinity Church baptized Mary May 23, 1750.

        6.    Henry.  Henry was baptized 26 July 1752 by a missionary of the New York Trinity Church.

        7.    Catherine.  She was baptized 1753 at Queen Anne's Chapel?

        8.    David.  David was baptized 18 May 1755 by a missionary of the New York Trinity Church. 

        9.    Sarah.  Sarah was born about 1757. 

        10.   Elizabeth.  She may have married Peter Warmuth, Wormwood.

Lodewyck (Arent, Johannes) 

        Lodewyck Arentse Putman was baptized November 14, 1713 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        Lodewyck was the second son born to Arent Johannes Pootman and Lysbet Lodewyckse Ackerman.  

        He sponsors were Uncle Cornelius Johannes Pootman and Aunt Annetje Ackerman.

        About 1742, Lodewyck married Elizabeth Sutz also known as Soots and Suits.  

        Elizabeth was born about 1717 and was reportedly a daughter of Dietrich, or Richard, Sutz and Magdalena Bets.

        A vinedresser takes care of or cultivates grapes.

        I find it interesting that Gysbert Gerritsen van Brakel was also a Schenectaday husbandman, and Lodewyck's son Derrick marries Nelly Van Brocklin in 1767 the daughter of Gysbert Van Brocklin and Maria Van Antwerpen.  It seems wine making or wine pruning was a family vocation of avocation. 

         Johann Dieterich married to Magdalena Betz February 8, 1695 in Bellheim, Germersheim, Rhein Pfalz, Germany.  There children have been listed as John Peter, John George, Anna Barbara, Anna Catarina, Andreas, and Amelia.  Amelia married Johann Adolph Waldradt, and they reportedly had a son Adolph who married an Elizabeth Pottman.

        Shortly afterward, Lodewyck and Elizabeth Putman moved to Kingsborough Patent north of the Mohawk River east of Johnstown.  

        March of 1769, Sir William recommended that Lodewyck Putman have 70 acres in Kingsboro--Stuart's Purchase.  Lodewyck was at that time paying rent for the Kingsborough lot.

        During the Revolution, Lodewyck and Elizabeth lived on Col. Archibald McIntyre's farm 2 1/2 miles southeast of Johnstown.  Lodewyck was then a private in Colonel Frederick Vissher's 3rd. New York Regiment.

        The Mohawk Valley Putman's were out-spoken Whigs.

        A Whig was, in 1680, had an Anti-Duke of York with anti-catholic segment.  In the 1700's, the Whig Party was formed from the Roundheads, and was pro-parliament and anti-royal based.  

        It was common for the British and Indians to attack Putman farms in preference to others.  

        On the night of May 21, 1780, the British and Indians attacked the farm of Lodewyck and killed Lodewyck and his son Arent and scalped them.

        Lodewyck and Arent had just finished planting crops and began to return eastward for safety.  

        Lodewyck had two daughters and three sons:  two sons were absent from the farm.

        Late that night, Sir. John Johnson and about 500 Indians and Loyalists had arrived near Johnstown and had waited for an attack on Johnstown.

        A Sir  Johnson regimental party made its way toward Lodewyck's house and had came upon Lodewyck and Arent, plundered the house where they came upon Mr. Putman, Elizabeth Suitzen, and her daughter Hannah, but left the women unharmed.

        As they departed to continue plundering and burning, Elizabeth and Hannah went to Johnstown and Fort Johnstown where they informed Commanding Captain Walter Vrooman what had occurred.

        As Margaret and Hannah were describing the atrocities, the Indians had gone to the home of her son-in-law--Amasa Stevens--and killed him, also.

        When malice was over on the 23rd of May, friends and family organized a band to return to perform a burial ceremony for Lodewyck and Arent.

        As the ceremony progress, an alarmed was sounded for a reported return of another raid.

        They left but came back the following day.

        They buried Lodewyck Arentse Putman and Arent Putman, his son, in a single a single grave and a single coffin on their farm on which they had slaved.

    Children:

        1.    Derrick.  Derrick was born in 1744.

       2.    Arent.  He was born in 1746.

      3.    Hannah Margarita.  Baptized 13 September 1751 at the Schenectady Dutch Reformed Church.  Died young.

        4.    Margaret.  Margaret was baptized 29 August 1754 Dutch Reformed Church of Albany.

        5.    Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was baptized 29 August 1754 Dutch Reformed Church of Albany.

        6.    John L.  John was born in 1759.

      7.    Hannah Margarita.  Anna was baptized 3 February 1765 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

 David (Arent, Johannes)

        David Arentse Putman was baptized October 3, 1715, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.  David was probably named for a Putman maternal grandfather.  

        David lived a colorful life, but his children were at times difficult to follow.

        David married Elizabeth Lehr, or Leer, about 1745.  David and Elizabeth lived near Currytown probably between Washenthaw Creek and Auries Creek.  There they lived in a stone house.

        The Dutch word "leer" means leather work.

        The 1763 Census of the Freeholders of the City and County of Albany shows Philip P[B]ellinger, John Just Petrie, Frederick Leer, and Joast Demot listed next to each other in the Falls District.  These four people were allied families of David Putman and Elizabeth Leer family.  

        It may have been that the name Lehr, or Leer, was originally Van Laer.

         Most of David and Elizabeth Potman's children were baptized at the Lutheran Reformed Church of Stone Arabia, which was located on the north side of the Mohawk River--and used the name Bodman, which seems to mean messenger or "bote".

        Just before the Revolution, a list was compiled of the inhabitants of the Mohawk Valley--"Of the Persons that are Assessed above five pounds with sums they are to pay and the number of days they were to work on the King's Highway".  On the list, David Potman was recorded with a quota of 15 pounds annual assessment and 3 and 5 days work to be done.

        According to tradition, during the Revolution, the British and Indians captured David while he was out fishing, and because he was too old to travel they killed him. 

        David's wife, Elizabeth, appears to have died soon afterward in October 1781.

        In the sketch "The Cromwell and Lewis Families of the Mohawk Valley", (NYGBR, 1910), comes the following:  On the forenoon of October 24, 1781, a scout [was] sent from Fort Plain by Col. Willett [and] separated at the old Keyes place in Sharon--all returning to that post except Jacob Tanner and Frederick Olman who set out for Currytown--Tanner to visit his family.  Near Argusville, they fell in with 700 British and Indians under Major Ross and Butler.  They fled and escaped to the Frederick [David] Putnam's place where was being held the funeral of Mrs. Putnam her husband having been previously killed.  The funeral broke up at the news of the enemy's approach.

        Frederick Putman is assumed to be the son of David Arentse Putman and Elizabeth [Frederick] Leer.

        Two of David Arent Potman and Elizabeth Leher's daughter's, Elizabeth and Catherine, married into the Philip Bellinger family of the Mohawk Valley.

    Children:

       1.    Arent D.  Arent was born about 1745.

     2.    Victor D.  He was born 22 May 1747.

     3.    Frederick.  Frederick was born about 1750.

       4.    David D.  Born 25 February 1751.  Baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.

     5.    Lodewyck D.  Born 19 December 1752.  Baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.

     6.    Jury D., George D.  He was born in 1757.

     7.    Poss. Margaret.

     9.    Poss. Dorothea.

    10.    Catherine.  She married Peter Bellinger.

     11.    Elizabeth.  She was born about 1757 and married John Jost Bellinger.

 Cornelia (Arent, Johannes)

        Cornelia Arent Putman was baptized October 12, 1717, in Schenectady.  Cornelia married Stephen Cromwell who was baptized March 6, 1709, in Albany.

        From "The Cromwell and Lewis Families of the Mohawk Valley", NYGBR, 1910, Stephen and his mother Maria Lewis bought from Nicholas Hartinsinger 16 August 1732 half a tract of 775 acres located south of Mohawk River on the west side of Wasentha Creek.  

        Wasentha Creek flowed north and emptied into the Mohawk River at Yatesville.

        This tract was originally granted to Archibald Kennedy 14 April 1727 and was located in the present Town of Root, New York.

        Stephanus Cromwell by a will dated 24 April 1754 conveyed the tract to his three sons.

     Children:

      1.    Arent.  Arent was baptized 13 January 1745.

      2.    Jan Philips.  Jan was baptized 11 January 1747.

      3.    Jacobus.

Maritje (Arent, Johannes)

       Maritje Putman was baptized . . ..

Victor (Arent, Johannes)

   Victor Arentse Putman was baptized April 29, 1721, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.  

    Victor may have died young without having children. 

   David Johannes Pootman of New Jersey seems also to have had a son name Victor also born in 1721 but baptized at the Middleton and Freehold Dutch Reformed Church.  This Victor David Potman had children baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church of Smith, Pennsylvania.

Sara (Arent, Johannes)

   Sarah Putman was baptized 5 July 1724 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.  

    Possibly Sarah married Hershel Fritsher 24 May 1756 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.

    She was the youngest daughter and child born to Arent Johannes Potman and Elizabeth Akkerman.

Arent (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Arent Johannes Putman was born June 13, 1745.  

        He married first in Schenectady February 21, 1772, Elizabeth De Spitzer.  Elizabeth was the daughter of Dr. Ernestus De Spitzer.  The German word "spitze" mean pointed, sharp, or acute.  "Spitzen" means to lace.  So, it seems that at least the weaver, or joiner, theme is still with this branch of the Putman family.  Arent's grand parent's Arent Johannes Pootman and Elizabeth Akkerman were weavers.  

        Elizabeth died May 18, 1797, at the age of 42.  Arent married, second, Catalina Van Schaick. 

        Arent Johannes Putman's name appears on the rolls of the 2nd Albany county Militia, and in 1778 he was enrolled under Captain Jesse Van Slyck.

        In 1902, David Putman, a descendant of Arent, wrote an article about the family titled "Reminiscences," which was printed in a Greenville, Ohio, paper:  "Grandfather [Arent J. Putman] married Elizabeth De Spitzer, daughter of Ernestus Josephus De Spitzer, a noted M.  D. of that day, in Schenectady, New York, which date I am unable to give.  They had four children:  John, Ernestus, Gertrude, and Barbara . . . ..  Grandfather served six years and eight months in the War of the Revolution and was with Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga."

        Arent died August 1, 1800, and was buried in the Cobblestone Church Cemetery in the Town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County.

        Children:

     1.    Geertruy.  Born November 1772 and baptized 21 November 1773 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

       2.    Ernestus.  He was born 27 October 1776 and baptized 3 November 1776 Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

       3.    Johannes.  Johannes was baptized 7 February 1779.

       4.    Johannes.  Johannes was born 31 August 1780 and baptized 10 September 1780 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

        5.    Barbara.  Barbara was baptized 2 March 1783 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady.

Elizabeth (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Elizabeth Johannes Putman, daughter of Johannes Putman and Gertrude Sex, was born about 1747.  She seems to have married Jacob Harris November 2, 1767, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Schenectady, Schenectady, New York.

   Children:

   1.    Jannetje.  She was born 12 March 1774 and baptized 13 August 1774 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.  Sponsors were George Fyles and Antje Fyles.

   2.    Thomas.  Thomas was born 30 January 1768 and baptized 26 June 1768 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.  His sponsors were Gritje Potman and Brandt Fredrich

  3.    Margretha.  Margaret was born 23 October 1769 and baptized 11 February 1770 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.  Her sponsors were Henrich and Catherine Walrath.

Gritje (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Gritje Putman may have married Barent Fredrich.  On 30 January 1768, both Gritje Putman and Barendt Fredrich were sponsors for Thomas, son of Jacob Harris and Elizabeth Putman.

Nancy (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Nancy Putman was baptized in 1747 at Queen Anne's Chapel at Fort Hunter, near Schenectady.

CHRISTINA (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Christina Putman, born about 1748, was likely a daughter of Johannes Arentse Putman and his wife Gertrude Sixt.  Cristina's was named for her Sixt family grandmother Christina Theiss.  Since Christina Pootman's parent were Johannes and Gertrude, Christina had children named John and Gertrude.

        Christina Putman married Cornelius Boon, or Bowen, 25 February 1765 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia and lived in Tribes Hill and died about 1769 at a young age.  

        Cornelius Bowen then married second a Rebecca.

        During the American Revolution, the newly organized United States confiscated Cornelius Bowen's land because of his Loyalist view and support.  Afterward, the Bowen family fled to Ontario, Canada.  Cornelius Bowen and his family arrived in 1784.  

        Canada gave Cornelius a grant 200 acres of land in Bertie Township, Welland County, Ontario.

        Cornelius died 15 April 1799.

         Children ?:

1.   John.  John was born in the USA.

2.   William.  He was born in the USA.

3.   Henry.  He was born in the USA.

4.   Gertrude.

5.   James.

6.   Christina.

7.   Cornelius.

8.   Daniel.  Daniel was born 2 November 1785 in Canada.

Mary (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        A missionary of the New York Trinity Church baptized Mary Putman May 23, 1750.  It is unknown if she married.

Henry (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Henry was born in Western New York, which may have been Western Mohawk Valley.  

        He was baptized July 26, 1752, by a missionary of the New York Trinity Church and married Hannah Anguish, daughter of Loyalist Jacob Anguish.  

        Perhaps, her surname meant her family was from Angers, France.

        Henry and Hannah Putman were Loyalists and removed to Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, during the American Revolution.  Henry probably became a loyalist because he was then living in western New York, which was controlled for the most part by England or Canada.

        Henry Putman became a private in the Butler's Rangers, and by 1777 the Rangers were carrying out raids in the Mohawk Valley and elsewhere.  There home base was Fort Niagara, New York.  Henry Putman was a member of Captain George Dame's Componay in the Corps of th e Rangers in Niagara on November 30, 1883, at the age of 30 years. 

        The War ended in 1783, and Butler's Rangers were disbanded the following year.  The British recorded Henry on the Loyalist Victualing List at Fort Erie from July 25 to September 26, 1785, as living with a woman.  The year that followed a daughter under the age of 10 was with them.  By July 18 1796, Henry had five children with him: Elizabeth Mary, John, Hannah, and Henry.  These children were entitled to receive grants of land in various parts of the province, which were allotted between 1796 and 1824, probably shortly after their age of majority. 

        Fort Erie was in Bertie Township, Welland County, on Lake Erie on of the Great Lakes.  Fort Erie was near Niagara Falls.  

        As a soldier in the Revolution, Henry Putman appeared on the Official Loyalist List and was awarded a Crown Grant of land in Bertie Township.  Henry was one of the first settlers to yake up land in the area near the mouth of Frenchman's Creek, also called The Mountain, north of Fort Erie.   

        A relative, David Putman, wrote the following in an article called "Reminiscences," which the Greenville, Ohio, newspaper printed in 1902:

        In 1835, father [Ernestus Putman] visited Schenectady and on his return stopped at Buffalo and visited the [Henry Putman] family.  One of his cousins, a blind girl, was the only one who knew him;  she remembered his voice. 

        Henry died in Canada before 1829.

        Children:

        1.    [Arent].  While listed by Eben Putnam, it is doubtful Henry had a son Arent.

        2.    Elizabeth.  Elizabeth was born about 1786 or earlier.

        3.    Mary.  She was born about 1787.

        4.    John.  John was born circa 1789.

        5.    Hannah.  She was born about 1793.

        6.    Jacob.  He was born 1795.

        7.    Henry.  Henry was born about 1794.

        8.    Dorothy Jane.  She was born about 1805, before 1810.

Catherine (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Catherine Putman was baptized 1753 at Queen Anne's Chapel in Fort Hunter.  She may have married a Kirk.

David (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        David Putman was baptized 18 May 1755 by a missionary of the New York Trinity Church.  

        During the American Revolution, the British captured David 7 September 1781 at Germany Flats, New York, and held him prisoner in Canada until the end of the war.

        In 1783, David married Rebecca Davis a native of New England.  It was reported that David went to New England and married there. 

        David and Rebecca attended the Johnstown Presbyterian Church, which was located east of Johnstown and organized by newly settled New Englanders.  During the 1790 New York Census, David lived in the Town of Caughnawaga near Issac Davis and Jacob Frederick.

        In an 1829 letter, Ernestus Putman, Jr., a nephew of David indicated that David Johannes Putman died while cleaning a well and afterward Rebbeca returned to New England and raised her children there.  

        In the article "Reminiscences," printed in 1902 in Greenville, Ohio,  David Putman wrote:

        The other brother [of Arent Johannes Putman presumably David J. Putman] served in General Green's army during the Revolutionary War and [his family or descendants] settle in North Carolina.  During the Civil War, the 69th regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, to which I belonged, was detailed to guard the rebel officers captured at Fort Donaldson, among which I  found a captain of a Tennessee regiment, named Wm. L. Putman.  I recognized him in a room with twenty-six other officers, and from what he told me he must have been a grandson of grandfather's brother [David]  .  .  .  ..  Grandfather married Elizabeth De Spitzer.

          The estate of David Putman "late of the town of Caughnawaga" was administrated by Rebecca Putman 20 March 1793.

       Children:

       1.    Johannes.  John was baptized 2 October 1784 in the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

        2.    Charity.  She was born 5 April 1787 and baptized 18 November 1792 in the Johnstown Presbyterian Church.

       3.    Poss. Maria.  Maria was born about 1791.

       4.    Elizabeth.  She was baptized 18 November 1792 at the Johnstown Presbyterian Church.

        5.    Poss.  David.  He was born 4 June 1793 and baptized in 1793 at the Johnstown Presbyterian Church.

Sarah (Johannes, Arent, Johannes)

        Sarah Putman the daughter of Johannes Potman and Gertrude Six was probably born about 1757 and may have married Peter Warmouth also known as Warmuth and Wormwood April 19, 1786, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.   

        Peter was a brother of Mathew Warmuth.  

        Peter enlisted at Stone Arabia on 5 March 1782 as a private and mattross in Capt. Moodie's Co., Col. John Lamb's Regiment of Artillery and served until the "Peace of 1783."  

        He was also a member of Col. Jacob Klock's 2nd Regiment, Tyron Co. Mililia and fought in the Battle of Johnstown where he was severely wounded in the side.

        According to Peter's Revolutionary War Pension, Sarah and Peter were residents of Johnstown, New York, on 9 April 1818 and on 17 January1843 Sarah resided in Glen, Montgomery Co., New York.

      Children:

       1.    ???  She was born 1802/3.

Derrick (Lodewyck, Arent, Johannes)

        Derrick Lodewyck Putman was born about 1746 near Schenectady, New York.  He had many variations to his name.  Derrick was also called Turck, and during the American Revolution he was known by his more common name Richard. 

        Rev. Abraham Rosecranz married Richard Putman and Nelly Van Brocklyn October 17, 1767, at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.  Nellie was the daughter of Gysbert Van Brocklin and Maria Van Antwerp and was born in July 1742 .  After their wedding, Richard and Nelly made their home in the Town of Ephratah.

        In Dutch "broek" means pants or trousers.

        Richard Putman was the son of Ludowyck Potman and Elizabeth Sutz.   

        Richard Putman had a distinguished military service.  

        In 1775, he was a private in Capt. John Davis' Company in the 3rd. New York Regiment commanded by Col. Frederick Visscher.  That year, Richard saw service at Caughnawaga, or Fonda, New York, one week and also was stationed at other places in Montgomery County another month.  

        In January 1776, Richard's company served one week with Gen. Philip Schuyler's Army.  It was at that time that he went to Johnson Hall, Fulton Co., to help force Sir John Johnson and his Tories to surrender their arms.  

        Beginning in 1777, Richard was on duty at Ballston for 10 days, and in the spring under Brig. Gen. Nicholas Herkimer his company was one month in Unadilla, New York, where General Herkimer had a conference with the noted Mohawk Indian Joseph Brant.

        On August 4, 1777, Richard's company again joined Gen. Herkimer at Fort Dayton and began a march to help defend Fort Stanwix (Fort Schuyler).  They arrived at Oriskany near Fort Stanwix on the evening of August 5th.  The following day, under Lt. Col. Marinus Willet, Richard's company took part in a failed sortie against the British and Indians.  After an ambush and skirmish with Indians, Richard's company left cover to gather up the wounded. 

        At that time, an Indian fatally shot Richard's Capt. John Davis.  Richard returned fire at he Indian, who tumble from the shot.  Richard then went over to him, found that he was dead, and took the Indian's compass, which he took the rest of this life.  In September 1777, the Continental Army appointed Richard to be an ensign in Capt. Abraham Veeder's Company, 3rd.  Regiment.  It was under Capt. Veeder that Richard served in the exhibition against British Gen. Burgoyne and fought at the Battles of Saratoga, which lasted six weeks and ended in October 1777.  

        In 1778, under Capt. Veeder, Richard was at Stone Arabia ten days, Sacondaga Block House one month, and Fort Plain and Fort Plank three weeks.  

        Nellie Van Broecklyn, in her petition for Richard's Revolutionary War Pension, said that she "never knew or heard of her husband staying at home or refusing or neglecting to go on duty . .  .  at any time when the militia of Montgomery Co. was order out on any occasion during the war."  Richard served in Capt.  Veeder's Company until the end of the war and continued regular service until 1783.

        Richard Putman died 14 April 1833 (or 1835) at 89 years.  Afterward, Nellie received his War pension at $4.00 a month while she was living in Johnstown, New York.

        Nellie died at 100 years 20 February 1842.

        Both Derrick and Nellie were buried at their Ephratah farm, but when their farm was sold descendants removed their remains to Keck's Center Cemetery.

      Children:

        1.   Aaron Derrick.  Aaron was born 10 December 1768.

        2.    Gysbert.  He was born 9 February 1770.

      3.    Cornelia, or Nellie.  Cornelia was born 3 December 1773 and baptized 1 January 1774 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

       4.    Gerrit.  Gerrit was baptized 5 January 1777 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

      5.    Maria.  Maria was baptized 12 October 1779 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

        6.    Lewis.  He was born 29 April 1783 and baptized 24 March 1783 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

       7.    John Derrick.  John was born 19 January 1786 and baptized 6 March 1786 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

       8.    Peter Derrick.  Peter was born 1 April 1789.

      9.    Syme.  Simon was born 15 March 1792 and died 18 March 1792.

        10.   Syme.  Simon was born 28 July 1795 and baptized 9 August 1795 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

Margaret (Lodewyck, Arent, Johannes)

        Margaret Putman was a twin and  baptized 29 August 1754 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Albany.  Her sponsors were Hans and Barbara Kitts.   

        Margaret  married Amasa Stevens in 1776.  

        While living in Mayfield in the spring of 1778, Amasa Stephens enlisted as Corporal in Capt. John Little's Company in Col.  Frederick Visschers' 3rd. New York Regiment.

       Later in the spring of 1779, Amasa enlisted again in Capt. Little's Company at which date he was stationed at Fort Johnstown. 

       Indian raiders and Loyalists under the command of Col. John Johnson on 22 May 1780 attacked the Stevens' home during a raid on the Mohawk Valley.  After braking down the door, the Indians headed to the Stevens bed where they dragged Amasa from the bed, took him outside, and on reaching the outdoors they tomahawked and scalped Amasa and suspended him on the nearby fence.  Then, they plundered the house without harming Margaret Putman or her children. 

      When they had gone, Margaret looked for Amasa and discovered him on the fence.  She immediately took him down, carried his body to the house, then grabbed her two children, and headed to Fort Johnstown.  After arriving at Fort Johnstown a few hours later, Margaret located her mother and learned that her father and brother had also been killed by Sir Johnson's forces.

      Children:

       1.    Lodewyck.  He was born 24 July 177 and baptized 4 September 1777 with sponsors John and Sarah Putman. 

      2.    Clarissa.

Elizabeth (Lodewyck, Arent, Johannes)

   Elizabeth Putman, a twin, was baptized at the Dutch Reformed Church of Albany 29 August 1754.  Her sponsors were Hans and Barbara Kitts.  

    She was probably the Elizabeth who married Aldoph Walrath 21 March 1770 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia.  Adolph reportedly was the son of Johann Adolph Walrath and Amelia Sutz and was baptized 20 May 1752; however, it seems possible that Aldoph was the son of Jacob Walrath and Magdalena Fox.

   "The Public Papers of George Clinton:  A List of sufferers in Canajoharie District 13 April 1779," shows that Aldoph Wallrat's home was destroyed in 1779 during the Revolution.  At that time, he had four members in his family.

   Children:

    1.    Jacob.  Jacob was baptized 11 May 1771 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia. Sponsors were Jacob Walrath and his wife [possibly the grandparents].

Hannah (Lodewyck, Arent, Johannes)

        Hannah Putman was born Ann Margaret 27 January 1765 and baptized 3 February 1765 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.  Her sponsor was Margaret wife of Franz Ruppert.  

        Hannah married Jacob Shew 10 March 1787 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.  

        Jacob was born 15 April 1763 the son of German immigrants Godfrey Shew, Esq. and Catherine Frey.      

        Godfrey was a friend of Sir William Johnson.  

        Hannah and Jacob had children baptized at the Broadalbin Presbyterian Church.

     Children:

       1.    Catrina.  She was baptized 14 May 1794.

       2.    Others.

Arent (Lodewyck, Arent, Johannes)

        Arent Lewis Potman, or Putman, was baptized 10 July 1751.   

        During the American Revolution, the British and their Indian allies killed Arent 22 May 1780 at his father's farm.   The also killed Arent's father, Lodewyck, and both were buried in a single coffin on their farm.  

        It is doubtful that Arent had children.

       Arent's name was a rally call of the Albany Militia where he had served under Capt. Thomas Banker.

Johannes (Lodewyck, Arent, Johannes)

        John Lodewyck Putman was born in 1759 in Johnstown, New York, and married a Lucy in 1786.  

        All of their children were born near Johnstown.  

        John died 25 November 1811 in Johnstown, and was buried in the Old Colonial Cemetery in Johnstown.      

        He had made a will dated 22  September 1811, which was proved 23 December 1811.  

        Lucy died in Johnstown 13 February 1825 at the age of 63.

    Children:

     1.    Lodewick.  He was born in 1787, a twin.

         2.    Elizabeth.  She was born in 1787, a twin.

       3.    Ebeneazer G.  He was born 11 August 1788.

        4.    Hannah Annatje.  She was born 20 July 1789.

        5.    Sally.  She was born about 1793.

        6.    John G.  He was born 25 December 1794.

        7.    Peter J.  He was born 11 December 1799.

Arent (David, Arent, Johannes)

        Arent D. Putman the eldest son of David Potman and Elizabeth Lehr was born about 1745 and married Delia, or Delilah, Fox 26 November 1767 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Stone Arabia Church.  

        Delilah's last name was recorded variously as Foy and Fox and even as Fisk.  

        De Witt Putman in a 1895 letter to Jacob Putnam of Clayton, New York, described the family:

        I understand that the father of Philip was Christopher C. [actually Arent Potman], and he married Delarci Fox near St. Johnsville, New York,  His children were Philip, John, Christopher, a daughter who married a Weaver, and a daughter who married John Klock  .  .  .  .,

        Some of this information appears to be inaccurate; however, a picture can be constructed of the family:  Delarci Fox was likely Delilah Fox.  Delia married Arent Davidse Putman.  Delia seems to have been a daughter of Johann Christopher Fox and Catherine Bellinger who was the daughter of Johann Bellinger and Anna Marie Kuhn.  Johann Bellinger had a son named Philip who was the father-in-law of Elizabeth Davidse Putman and Catherine Davidse Putman, it seems.   Since the names Christopher and Philip were common in Johann Christopher Fox family, Arent and Delia had sons named Christopher and Philip.

        In early Germany the father's name was given as the son's first name, and the son's middle name was actually his given name.   Johann Christopher Fox would have been known as Christopher Fox, the son of Johann.

       Arent and Delilah Putman lived in Root, Montgomery Co., New York, probably northeast of Currytown on Washenthaw Creek.  

        Nearby were Arent's brother's Victor D., Lewis D., and probably Frederick Putman.

    Children:

      1.    Christopher.  He was born circa 1772 and named for Johann Christopher Fox it seems.

       2.    John.  He was born circa 1774.

      3.    Philip.  He was born 17 June 1779 and named for his uncle Philip Bellinger it appears.

      4.    Anna.  Anna was baptized 22 August 1783 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawaga.

       5.    Maritie.  Maritie was baptized 11 July 1785 at the Dutch Reformed Church of Caughnawga at age 3 weeks.