Long-time Hood River resident Cathy Orfall, above, shares a story of her patriot ancestor, Henry Putnam Sr., ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Henry’s name is at the bottom of this monument commemorating the first company of Minutemen who heeded the call of Paul Revere, for being killed in action.
Long-time Hood River resident Cathy Orfall, above, shares a story of her patriot ancestor, Henry Putnam Sr., ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Henry’s name is at the bottom of this monument commemorating the first company of Minutemen who heeded the call of Paul Revere, for being killed in action.
In 2026, we will mark the 250th anniversary of this great country. It is the perfect time for us to celebrate and remember the patriots who helped win the freedom we all enjoy. Many men, women, and children contributed to gain this country’s independence. They not only fought in battles, but provided support to our troops by feeding them, clothing them, providing medical care, and supplied them with items necessary to fight the British army.
We all know the big names — George Washington, Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock. But the road to American independence was paved by a crew of unsung heroes whose courage and defiance in the face of the British empire made the Fourth of July possible. Many people of different backgrounds fought for American freedom, including African Americans, Native Americans, those of mixed ancestry, French, Spanish, Italian, and many more. It is important for us to remember these people, our ancestors, and ensure that their memories and accomplishments are not forgotten.
The Celilo Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, would like to tell you about some of those courageous individuals and how they contributed to the Revolutionary War effort. Long-time Hood River resident Cathy Orfall shared this story of her ancestor patriot, and we would like to share her story with you.
Cathy tells us that her ninth great-grandfather, Henry Putnam Sr., was born in Salem Village, Massachusetts, in 1712. He married Hannah Boardman after falling in love with her at first sight. They had eight boys during their life together. Henry was a prominent landowner, was active in village affairs, and had been referred to as being a “gentleman.” During the French and Indian Wars in 1758, he commanded a company during the Siege of Louisbourg.
In 1775, Henry heard the alarm at Lexington. He and all of his sons immediately responded by serving in the Middlesex County Militia. On April 18, 1775, the British began their march from Boston to Lexington and Concord to seize colonial military stores.
April 19 was a long day. The British encountered much resistance from the colonists, and were forced to retreat. Our hero, Henry, died in the chaotic retreat at the Battle of Menotomy on that day — the first day of the Battle for Independence. Because of his age, he was exempt from military duty, but he volunteered and, at the age of 63, gave up his life for his country.
Cathy Orfall, a member of the Celilo Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, is proud to have an ancestor who helped this country gain its independence.
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Nancy Slagle is a member of the Celilo Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution and holds the office of Honorary State Regent for Oregon. The chapter plans to present similar articles in the future which will highlight patriot ancestors of chapter members. Chapter meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month, September through June, at 11 a.m. in The Dalles. For more information, visit celilochapterdar.weebly.com.
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