Born in Monticello, Aroostook County, Maine. Enlisted in the 12th U.S. Infantry for three years at Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Discharged at the expiration of his term of service as a Sergeant at Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor. Joined Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington by muster on 8 Feb 1913. Elected as a Delegate to the 1915 and 1917 Encampments and as an Alternate to the 1916 Encampment of the Department of Washington and Alaska. Died in Sunnyside, Yakima County, Washington. Some record spell his last name as "Putman".