RUFUS PUTNAM'S HEADSTONE WAS ONCE "LOST"
Debbie (Noland) Nitsche
Diamonddeb@comcast.net
Saturday February 14, 2004 03:05:48
SOUTHEASTERN OHIO HISTORICAL SKETCHES
By Norris F. Schneider
Marietta people are conscious of their heritage today, but they have been careless in the past. The Courier told on May 21, 1902, how the gravestone of the founder of
Marietta, first legal settlement in Ohio was used in a sidewalk:
“The Marietta Register says: An important historical discovery has been made by workmen laying a walk on the premises of the old McMaster place, in Putnam addition, now occupied by William Harris and family.”
“The original tombstone marking the first burial place of General Rufus Putnam, was found to be one of the flagstones of the walk. The stone walk is being taken up to give way to a new cement walk, and when the stone immediately in front of the door was overturned, the inscription was brought to light bearing the usual epitaph and giving the name of the engraver. The work is a fine piece of art and how the stone came to be lost is
unknown.”
“General Putnam was the leader of the civilization of the northwest and led the part of settlers that founded Marietta. He died on May 4th, 1824, and was buried in the family burial ground in Putnam Place. Later his remains were removed to Mound cemetery, where they were laid away in the shadow of the “Mound" with a suitable monument
erected by his grandson, Col. W. R. Putnam.”
The Zanesville Signal (Zanesville, Ohio) August 18, 1952 pg. 4 col. 1
Transcribed by Debbie (Noland) Nitsche
February 2004
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Genealogy Quest
Debbie (Noland) Nitsche
Diamonddeb@comcast.net
Sunday February 29, 2004 07:04:45
Where did they migrate
Way back in their day,
What was their life like,
Where "next" did they stay?
When were they born,
Where now do they rest?
These family I follow,
Their life, is my quest.
As the "new lands" were opened
In droves, did they leave,
Family scattered like driftwood,
Leaving old ones to grieve.
What land were they fathered
What there did they see?
Were they somehow related,
To both you, and me?
Who were their life partners,
What names will I find?
Their children are many,
Were their faces like mine?
First names keep repeating
As surnames entwine,
With descendants so many
Which John will prove mine?
Each day, by the mail box
I hope, and I pray,
Someone with more knowledge
Will send answers my way.
Please Lord, send an Angel,
Give me proof, as I sort;
With birth dates, speculations,
And first names, "cut short".
Old maps, clips and photos,
I find, trade, and share,
All help solve this puzzle
With spaces left bare.
The lessons in history,
That now, I know well.
From guesses, to gospel,
For years, I did dwell.
Lost memories, so precious,
I find, now and then
At times real discouraged,
Then find faith again!
What hardships, achievements,
Adventures, and woe,
What joys, and true blessings,
Did "my people" know?
Family stories, so treasured,
Memories told, without doubt,
Old voices and faces,
From "our world", winked out.
Where last did they travel?
My ancestors, "true".
With each question answered
The quest starts anew.
(author unknown)
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