THE PUTMAN FAMILY

JAMES R. PUTMAN was born in New York state, and his wife in Kentucky.

Some way, these two young people found each other and were niarried. They made their home in Missouri, where four children were born to them. But Mr. Putman did not like the climate of Missouri, with its ho, humid days, and the nights were not much l)etter. He tlecitleti to hunt a new location.

He, also, read N. B. Brooks article in the Farm and Fireside, describiug High Prairie, with its opportunities, and decided to move to the Pacific Coast. And since he had no friends or relatives on the Coast, he planned to settle on High Prairie. So, selling his possessions in Missouri, he prel)ared for his journey West.

It was a sad parting for Mrs. Putman. Her parents and other relatives lived in Missouri, and with travel so tedious and difficult, people of ordinary means did not make long pleasure trips.

In 1883, Mr. Putnian started out, with his wife and growing children, for the West. They came by one of the first trains to San Francisco, then by boat to The Dalles.

On the boat all of the Putman family were sea sick except seven-year-old Lettie. She went to the dining room alone, and felt very important and a adult to be allowed to do such a thing.

On reaching The Dalles, Mrs. Putman and the children stayed at the old Columbia Hotel, while Mr. Putman went to find the new home. He walked over the Columbia Mountains, and since there was no road directly across the mountain, he must go by a much longer way, over the steep grades to the stage depot, Happy Home, through the deep Stacker Canyon and so on to High Prairie. He reached Mr. Fenton farm, and they received the weary traveler, fed him and kept him over night.

As it happened, Mr. Fenton wanted to sell his holdings, and Mr. Putman was glad to buy. Here was a farm already established, with a house ready to welcome his travel stained and tired family, with open arms. He bought what equipment he wished, among other things a team of horses and a wagon. He soon went to The Dalles and brought his brood Home.

As they came through the Stacker Canyon. Mrs. Putman was terrified at the road, which was really little more than a trail, stuck there precariously on the side of the mountain. She refused to stay in the wagon, so walked over the rough dangerous road. At last they reached their house, which was larger and better built than many of those early homes.

It was springtime and the hills were covered with flowers. The children were delirious with joy, and Lettie tells me that she was in her glory, and did nothing but pick flowers from morning till night.

Mr. Putman also bought a little spotted pony for his children. They named her Betty and kept her many years, then passed her on to the Plummer boys to ride to school.

There were other children born to the Putmans on High Prairie, most of whom grew to maturity there. The mother and one little son, Arthur, "passed to their reward" while I was still a child, and the family was scattered. As I write this, I believe only three of them are living: Lettie, the oldest daughter, and Pearl, the youngest, and Ernest.