Flint Journal, Flint, Michigan

More than 500 pay tribute to W. J. Putnam, Goodrich, Endeared himself to host; was named Postmaster for lifetime

Over 500 friends and relatives assembled in the Wheelock Auditorium, Saturday at 2:30 .m. to pay final tribute to Wm. J. Putnam, aged 55, who passed away at Goodrich Hospital, Thursday, April 181940, after an illness of three months' duration. Dr. James McGee of the Methodist church officiated and interment was made in Goodrich Cemetery.

Wm. J. Putnam was born in Goodrich, July 21, 1884, the son of Wm. H. and Rhoda Putnam. He received his early schooling here, then attended High School in Flint and Eaton Rapids and later graduated from the Ferris Institute in Big Rapids. After a year in the Upper Peninsular, where he owned and operated a sawmill, he returned to Goodrich.

In 1909 in partnership with Homer Day, he purchased the Seth B. Pixley building and the stock of D. M. Scriver's General Store, and opened a hardware and grocery business, which for years was known as day and Putnam. In 1920 he bought out Homer Day and has run the business since that time known as W. J. Putnam & Co.

Wm. J. Putnam was a popular man for more that his affable and congenial ways, for during his life he played an active and important role in the history of this community, and his death marks a great loss. For 15 years he served as treasurer of the school board and for 22 years was an active member of the Goodrich Cemetery association, serving 14 years as secretary and treasurer and the balance of that time as member of the board of directors. For years he was village deputy. Mr. Putnam was village postmaster from 1914 to 1919 and from 1923 to the present time, making a total of 22 years. In 1923 he built the brick building east of and adjoining his store, for a post office and only last January was appointed as Postmaster for life. Mr. Putnam was the third generation to serve as Postmaster, his grandfather, Wm. Henry and his father Wm. Henry Putnam, Jr. both serving as Postmaster for several years.

On September 27, 1915 he married Philena Pierson and moved in the new home he built on State Street. He leaves besides his widow, two daughters, Mrs. Howard Morton of Memphis, Tenn., and Billie Jean at home; one son, David Wm. of Goodrich; two grandchildren; one brother, George F. and a sister, Mrs. Mary Strong of Goodrich; several nieces and nephews and a host of sorrowing friends.

Relatives attending the funeral of W. J. Putnam on Saturday were Wm. Strong of Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Strong of Eaton Rapids, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Putnam ad Mr. and Mrs. Schmelzer of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Busby of Pt. Huron, Mr. and Mrs. Wm H. Horton, Sumner G. Horton, Mrs. Wendle Waite, Mrs. Ed. Cummings, Mrs. John Fegley and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leach of Flint; Mrs. Mark Hatch and Mrs. Norman Weaver of Okemos, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Doan of Mason and Mrs. H. L. Black of New Wilmington, Pa. Friends also came from Gaylord, Flint, Holly, Davison, Hadley, Grand Blanc and Eaton Rapids.
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William Putnam, one of Goodrich's best know merchants and a descendant of the founders of the community, died Thursday morning, April 14, 1940, at two o'clock in the Goodrich Hospital. Death followed an illness of three months. Services will be held Saturday afternoon, Dr. James McGee officiating. arrangements will be made by Riegle & Company, and burial will take place in the Goodrich Cemetery.

Mr. Putnam was born July 21, 1884, attended school at Goodrich and graduated from Big Rapids in 1901. He was connected with the hardware and grocery business for about thirty years. In 1912 he was appointed Postmaster and except for a period of four years, held that position until the time of his death. He was a member of the school board for fifteen years and at the time of his death held the office of treasurer.

Surviving are his widow, Philena; one son, David, of Goodrich; two daughters, Billy Jean, at home, and Mrs. Betty Morton of Memphis, Tenn., one brother George Putnam of Goodrich, one sister, Mrs. Mary Strong, also of Goodrich; one grandson, and one granddaughter.