Joseph Putman, who cultivates a productive farm in Rotterdam, Schenectady County, N. Y., was born in this town May 3, 1833, son of Aaron and Nancy (Hagerman) Putman. His father was born here in 1805, and his grandfather, John Putman, was among the early residents. His great-grandfather, Aaron Putman, first, who came from Holland, settled in Rotterdam as a pioneer. All of the above-named ancestors were industrious farmers.
Aaron Putman, second, son of John, improved the farm which his son Joseph now owns, and was one of the able farmers of his day. In politics he acted with the Republican party, and was a Justice of the Peace for several years. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed church, and an earnest advocate of temperance. He died at the age of seventy-six years. Nancy Hagerman Putman, his wife, was a native of Amsterdam, N. Y, and the locality in that town known as Hagerman's Mills was named for her father. Of her children two are living, namely: John A. Putman, a real estate dealer in Brooklyn; and Joseph, the subject of this sketch. The others were Dr. Francis D. Putman, who died at the age of twenty-three; Maggie V. Hagerman, who died November 19, 1873; Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Sauter, and died in 1897; Ernestus H., who died at the age of ten years; and two children who died in infancy. The mother lived to be eighty-two years old.
Joseph Putman acquired his education in the schools of Rotterdam, and Syracuse. When thirteen years old he made himself useful about the farm, and after completing his studies he gave his entire attention to farming at the homestead. At the time of his marriage he began to work the farm on shares, and he continued to do so until his father's death, when he purchased the interest of the other heirs. He owns one hundred and twenty-five acres of desirably located land, which afford excellent opportunities for both tillage and pasturage, and, aside from raising the usual crops, he disposes of the milk of from fifteen to twenty cows.
On September 10, 1862, Mr. Putman was joined in marriage with Martha E. Shufelt, who was born in Rotterdam, September 6, 1840. Her parents, George and Pauline (Britton) Shufelt, are not living. Her father was a prosperous farmer. Mrs. Putman is the mother of two daughters — Purlie and Minnie, both of whom reside with their parents. Purlie married Van D. Sager, a building contractor, and has one son, Clinton Sager, who was born June 22, 1892. Minnie is the wife of George H. Putman, an employee at the Edison Electric Works, Schenectady, and has one son, Joseph W., who was born January 9, 1898.
Although taking a lively interest in town affairs, and supporting at the polls the candidates for local positions whom he considers most desirable, Mr. Putman has never cared to hold public office himself. In national elections he acts with the Republican party. He is sincerely respected for his sterling integrity and high moral character. He is a member of the Reformed church.