Individual Details
Deacon Cornelius PUTNAM
(3 Sep 1702 - 29 May 1761)
Deacon
=================
Elzabeth who?
I'm not sure if Elizabeth Nelson was the correct name of Cornelius's wife. There is evidence that her name was Elizabeth Towne.
I have unlinked Elizabeth Nelson from this family but left her in the database so she can be restored if more evidence in her favor arises. Here is the rational for Elizabeth Towne:
Which Widow Elizabeth Perkins Married Cornelius Putnam
Which Widow Elizabeth Perkins Married Cornelius Putnam - Genealogy (werelate.org)
https://www.werelate.org/wiki/Which_Widow_Elizabeth_Perkins_Married_Cornelius_Putnam
Two Willam and Elizabeth Perkins Families
There appears to be two William and Elizabeth Perkins in Topsfield: William Perkins and Elizabeth Towne and William Perkins and Elizabeth Nelson. Only one of these couples moved to Sutton, where one of the William Perkins d. 1741, and whose widow married Cornelius Putnam, and later Deacon Jonathan Newell. The other couple apparently stayed in Topsfield.
Putnam Genealogy and Others Wrong
Given a 50/50 chance to get it right, it appears that Eben Putnam picked the wrong one (see here) when he selected Elizabeth Nelson as the one who moved to Sutton (see below for refutation). Whether Putnam is the oldest source, or whether he copied this from something even older (like the error-filled Perkins source mentioned below), this incorrect pairing is repeated in source after source, none of whom provide a shred of evidence. Since these sources do not explain what evidence caused them to pick Elizabeth Nelson, we can only try to assemble the primary facts and see if those facts support the conclusion reached by Putnam, et al. They do not.
Evidence
What we know for sure (by the answer to the petition, here, from Massachusetts Acts) is that Cornelius m. the widow of William Perkins, and his son Cornelius Jr. m. the daughter of that William Perkins. Both women were named Elizabeth. We know from Sutton records that the father married the widow in 1741, and the son married his step-sister in 1753. The important fact to be extracted from all this is that the Elizabeth who married Cornelius Putnam had a daughter Elizabeth who was old enough to marry by 1753, so this daughter Elizabeth was probably born by 1735. This seems to rule out Elizabeth Nelson who didn't marry her husband until 1734 and whose first child appears to be Apphia born in 1736 and whose daughter Elizabeth was born in 1739. Thus, one must conclude it was Elizabeth Towne, who married her husband in early 1732, and whose second child, Elizabeth, was born in 1734.
Sorting Out the Families
The americanancestors.org index of Worcester probate shows William Perkins of Sutton's 1740 probate file to be #46007, and has guardian files listed for "Unis", Elizabeth, Mary and Abigail. Given that a marriage in 1732 (or even 1734), all children would be minors and need a guardian. Therefore, it appears that William Perkins of Sutton only had those four daughters. This appears to provide an authoritative listing of the children in the Sutton family.
The following tables attempts to allocate the various records for William and Elizabeth Perkins found in Topsfield or Sutton between the two couples. Green shows those recorded events that go with William and Elizabeth (Towne) Perkins, red for those that go with William and Elizabeth (Nelson) Perkins.
Date Topsfield Sutton Comment
20 Jan 1731/32 Wm m. Eliz. Towne
24 Sep 1732 William of Wm Jr. bapt.
18 Apr 1734 Wm m. Eliz. Nelson at Newbury
19 May 1734 Elizabeth of Wm Jr. bapt. Old enough to marry in 1753
11 Jul 1736 Apphia born to Wm Sr. & E.
10 Oct 1736 William of Wm died
14 Oct 1736 Abigail born to Wm & E. Abigail m. 1756 in Sutton
31 Oct 1736 Eunice of Wm bapt. Eunice m. 1762 in Sutton; see comments??
7 May 1739 Elizabeth born to Wm & E. Not old enough to marry in 1753
20 Mar 1741 Mary born to Wm & E. Mary m. 1760 in Sutton
3 May 1741 Mary of Wm. dec'd bapt.
31 Jul 1741 William born to Wm. & E.
12 Nov 1741 E. m. Cornelius Putnam Sr. Widow remarrying
18 Oct 1744 Oliver born to Wm. & E. Shows there are two couples
2 Aug 1753 E. m. Cornelius Putnam Jr. Daughter and step-brother
[edit]
Additional Comments
Eunice
Daughter Eunice, apparently of the Sutton family, doesn't have a recorded birth, but is baptized in Topsfield in 1736. If one assumes Eunice was born in Topsfield in 1736, this doesn't fit smoothly into either family, and could cause someone to suspect the existence of yet a third family! But this seems doubtful as there is no other sign of such a family. As a Eunice Perkins was assigned a guardian in Sutton in 1742, and married in Sutton 1762, it seems almost certain that she belongs to the Sutton couple. It seems likely Eunice was born earlier than 1736, perhaps in 1735 between sister Elizabeth in 1734 and sister Abigail in 1736 (remotely, she could be a twin of Abigail, but then why wasn't Abigail mentioned in the baptism of Eunice and why wasn't Eunice recorded with Abigail's birth?) Eunice's baptism in Topsfield, just 17 days after Abigail's birth in Sutton, seems unlikely given the 2-3 day travel required, suggesting perhaps that Abigail's birth was recorded after the fact after the family had moved to Sutton, and probably actually occurred in Topsfield. Since the other family had a daughter Apphia in 1736, fitting Eunice into that family has all the same issues without being able to explain her presence in Sutton in 1742, so her inclusion in the Sutton family seems the most probable arrangement.
Perkins Source is Not Credible
Source:Perkins, George Augustus. Family of John Perkins of Ipswich, Mass assumes the William Perkins who married Elizabeth Nelson is the one who moved to Sutton and whose widow married Cornelius Putnam (here). However he shows no daughter Elizabeth, and since that is one of the things we know for sure about the Elizabeth who married Cornelius Putnam, his credibility is somewhat damaged. He does not mention the other William Perkins who married Elizabeth Towne, apparently being unaware of them. Further he adds all the Perkins children mentioned in Sutton to this family whether there was evidence they belonged to this family or not. Thus, this source adds a son Jacob, b. abt 1735, (Jacob and Sarah Perkins had three children by 1761); and a daughter Martha, b. abt. 1738, who m. 1757 Jonathan Wait (see below for the correct identification of Jacob and Martha). This has the effect of leaving no room to add Elizabeth to this family even though she is the one for whom there is evidence of her belonging.
Who are the Jacob and Martha given by Perkins? Noting that Jacob had no son named William, but did name a daughter Martha, one might surmise that Jacob and Martha may be brother and sister, but are probably not children of William Perkins. Source:White, Almira Larkin. Genealogy of the Descendants of John White of Wenham and Lancaster, Massachusetts, p. 100 mentions a Jacob Perkins of Wenham who married 1758 Sarah Kimball and moved to Sutton. This source includes two daughters Lucy and Sarah, born in Wenham, which match the two oldest children of Jacob and Sarah Perkins baptized in Sutton. He was the son of Thomas Perkins and Elizabeth Fowler, b. 1731, and he had a younger sister Martha Perkins, b. 1734. So this appears to confirm that Jacob and Martha were not children of William. Note that according to Perkins, Jacob #61, s/o Thomas, m. Wenham 1758 Sarah and moved to Sutton, while Jacob #62, s/o William, marries Sarah in Sutton "about 1760" and has children. Apparently, Perkins missed the baptisms of Lucy and Sarah, b. in Wenham, then baptised in Sutton, according to the respective VRs. Further he reports the death of Jacob #61's wife Sarah 19 May 1760 when the Wenham VRs clearly report this as the death of his daughter Sarah. (This sloppiness further damages the credibility of Perkins.)
Who is Elizabeth Towne
Source:Towne, Edwin Eugene. Descendants of William Towne, Who Came to America on or About 1630 and Settled in Salem, Mass doesn't seem to mention an Elizabeth Towne who married a William Perkins, but does include an Elizabeth Towne, d/o John Towne and Elizabeth Rae, b. Topsfield 22 Nov 1711, and nothing further on her (here). She would be of the right age to marry in 1732, and so is probably the Elizabeth who married William Perkins, and then later, Cornelius Putnam and Jonathan Newell.
Ruling Out Loose End
Source:Topsfield Historical Society. Historical Collections of the Topsfield Historical Society, p. 23, has a document dated 23 Nov 1782 where Jacob Towne of Topsfield says his "Brother William Perkins" died the day before. This could be pertinent if Jacob Towne turned out to be a brother of the Elizabeth Towne who married William Perkins. But this is probably the Jacob Towne who m. 1766 Elizabeth Perkins. A death record for William Perkins on 22 Nov 1782 says he is unmarried and 60 years old, which makes him the son of Timothy Perkins and Kezia Perkins, as is the Elizabeth who married Jacob Towne. So this is not relevant to either of the William and Elizabeth Perkins in Topsfield.
From: http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:Cornelius_Putnam_%281%29
Cornelius Putnam
=================================
Eben: p 136; Cornelius was probably settled in Sutton as early as 1726. He and his wife Sarah joined the church there in 1729, and in 1733-4 he was one of the selectmen. During his lifetime he was much respected and held many offices
[Note: Putnam gives Elizabeth's birth date as 18 Apr 1734, but this is actually her marriage date to William Perkins according to the Topsfield and Newbury VR.
.
========
Sarah wife 1 of Cornelius
Eben: p 136
Cornelius born Salem Village, 3 Sept, 1702
d. in Sutton, 1761
Will dated 20 Apr 1761
Will proved 29 May 1761
m (1) on 17 Nov 1725 Sarah Hutchinson of the Village
daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Phillips) Hutchinson
Sarah Hutchinson:
b 26 Dec 1701
d. in Sutton 9 June 1741
m (2) Elizabeth, widow of William Perkins of Sutton and daughter of _________Nelson of Newbury on 12 Nov 1741
b. 18 Apr 1734 ( This is an error. This was the date of her first marriage to William Perkins - p 350 of Vital records of Newbury to 1849, Vol 2 Marriages)
Children of Cornelius and Sarah Hutchinson:
337 Sarah b. 3 Jan, 1726; d. 30 May 1738
338 Bethia b. 18 Dec 1728; not mentioned in father's will)
339 Cornelius b. 23 May 1730 m. 2 Aug 1753 Elizabeth or Deborah Perkins
340 Benjamin b. 13 May 1732 d. young
341 Nathaniel b. 3 May 1734
342 Tarrant b. 28 Mar 1736
343 Bartholomew b. 19 Apr 1739, d.y.
344 David Twins b. 31 May 1741; d.y.
345 Sarah Twin b. 31 May 1741; d.y.
By second wife:
346 Sarah b. 18 Mar, 1743; m. 16 Oct 1765 Capt. Archelaus Putnam (Eben #432)
347 Bartholomew b. 21 Apr 1745
348 David b. 14 May 1747
349 Elizabeth b. 28 Sept 1749
350 Ana, b. 21 Nov 1754; d.y.
====================
Called Deacon in Vital Records of Sutton p 132
==================
From Ed Putnam
CORNELIUS4 PUTNAM (BENJAMIN3, NATHANIEL2, JOHN1) was born September 3, 1702 in Salem Village, Essex County, Massachusetts, and died May 29, 1761 in Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He married (1) SARAH HUTCHINSON November 17, 1725 in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, daughter of BENJAMIN HUTCHINSON and JANE PHILLIPS. She was born December 26, 1701, and died June 9, 1741 in Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He married (2) ELIZABETH NELSON November 12, 1741 in probably Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Children of CORNELIUS PUTNAM and SARAH HUTCHINSON are:
i. SARAH5 PUTNAM, b. January 3, 1725/26; d. May 30, 1738.
ii. BETHIA PUTNAM, b. December 18, 1728.
237.iii. CORNELIUS PUTNAM, b. May 23, 1730; d. June 15, 1776, Stafford, Connecticut.
iv. BENJAMIN PUTNAM, b. May 13, 1732.
238.v. NATHANIEL PUTNAM, b. May 3, 1734, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. 1812, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
vi. TARRANT PUTNAM, b. March 28, 1736.
vii. BARTHOLOMEW PUTNAM, b. April 19, 1739.
viii. DAVID PUTNAM, b. May 31, 1741; d. August 3, 1741, Bedford, Middlesex County, Masschusetts.
ix. SARAH PUTNAM, b. May 31, 1741.
Children of CORNELIUS PUTNAM and ELIZABETH NELSON are:
239.x. SARAH5 PUTNAM, b. March 18, 1742/43, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. Aft. 1809.
240.xi. BARTHOLOMEW PUTNAM, b. April 21, 1745, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. July 9, 1825, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
241.xii. ENS. DAVID PUTNAM, b. May 14, 1747, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. May 25, 1832, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
242.xiii. ELIZABETH PUTNAM, b. September 28, 1749, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. June 7, 1826, Pomfret, Windham County, Connecticut.
xiv. ANNA PUTNAM, b. November 21, 1754, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
============================
Historic Homes:
p. 280 Cornelius Putnam, son of Benjamin Putnam, born at Salem, September 2, 1702; married Sara ____________, who died June 9, 1741. He married (second) Elizabeth Perkins, widow, of Salem (I think Sutton-mm), November 12, 1741, after he had lived some years in Sutton. He settled about 1729 among the pioneers of that town. The house which he built in Sutton was occupied in 1879 by the widow Persia Putnam, and is still standing. A part of the old house was moved from a site in what is known as the Dresser pasture, just north of the Captain Hall site farm recently owned by Peter H. Putnam. Cornelius Putnam and his wife Sarah joined the church (First Congregational Church) in 1729. Seven (no, 9-mm) of his children were born to Sarah, the remainder to his second wife. The children of Cornelius were:
Sarah, born January 3, 1726, died May 30, 1738.
Berthia, born December 18, 1728.
Cornelius, born May 23, 1730, married Elizabeth Perkins, August 2, 1753.
Benjamin, born May 13, 1732.
Nathaniel, May 3, 1734.
Tarrant, March 28, 1736.
Bartholomew, April 19, 1739, died young.
David (twin), born May 31, 1741.
Sarah (twin), born May 31, 1741, died young.
Sarah, born March 18, 1743; married Captain Archelaus Putnam. October 16, 1765.
Bartholomew, born April 21, 1745.
David, May 14, 1747.
Elizabeth, born September 28, 1749.
Amma, born November 21, 1754.
=====================
History of Sutton p 710
Cornelius 4 (Benjamin 3 , Nathaniel 2 , John 1 ), m. Sarah ; she d. June 9, 1741; m. 2d, Mrs. Elizabeth Perkins from Salem, Nov. 12, 1741. Ch. 1, Sarah, b. Jan. 3, 1726; d. May 30. 1738; 2, Bethia, b. Dec. 18, 1728; 3, Cor- nelius, b. May 23, 1730; m. Elizabeth Perkins, Aug. 2, 1753; 4, Benjamin, b. May 13, 1732; 5, Nathaniel, b. May 3, 1734; 6, Tarrant, b. Mar. 28, 1736; 7, Bartholomew, b. Apr. 19, 1739; d. young; 8, David, 9, Sarah, twins, b. May 31, 1741; 10, Sarah, b. Mar. 18, 1743; m. Captain Archelaus Putnam, Oct. 16, 1765; 11, Bartholomew, b. Apr. 21, 1745; 12, David, b. May 14, 1747; 13, Elizabeth, b. Sept. 28, 1749; 14, Amma, b. Nov. 21, 1754.
=================
Sources to look at
Source: S-2092090539 Title: martindale.FTW
Birth: Sources: _The Hutchinson Family: or the Descendants of Barnard Hutchinson, of Cowlam, England_, compiled by Perley Derby, Essex Institute Press, 1870, Salem, Massachusetts, p. 13;
_History of Salem, Massachusetts_, by Sidney Perley, Salem, Mass., 1926, Vol. II, 1638-1670, CD-ROM, Vol. 2, p. 111;
Salem VR, 2:209, (James R. Taylor, turmoil2@c-zone.net);
LDS Film #538646.
Christening: Source: LDS Film #876099.
Marriage: Sources: [1] _The Hutchinson Family: or the Descendants of Barnard Hutchinson, of Cowlam, England_, compiled by Perley Derby, Essex Institute Press, 1870, Salem, Massachusetts, p. 13; [1]
SalemVR, 4:228, (James R. Taylor, turmoil2@c-zone.net);
LDS Film #820440;
[2] Sutton, Mass. VRs, (Search & ReSearch CD), p. 332.
Death: Source: _History of Salem, Massachusetts_, by Sidney Perley, Salem, Mass., 1926, Vol. II, 1638-1670, CD-ROM, Vol. 2, p. 111, (JamesR. Taylor, turmoil2@c-zone.net).
Occupation: Yeoman. (Derby, p. 13)
No issue. (Derby, p. 13)
Given Name: Recorded as 'Cornelios' in Sutton, Mass. VRs, (Search & ReSearch CD), p. 332. •Birth: 3 SEP 1702 in Salem, Essex, Massachusetts •Death: 29 MAY 1761 in Sutton, Worcester, Massachusetts •Christening: 6 SEP 1702 Salem Village, Essex, Massachusetts
==================================
Biographical Sketches of Worcester County, MA
Image 337-42/960
(IV) Cornelius Putnam, son of Benjamin (3), married Sarah______. She died July 9, 1741. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Perkins of Salem, November 12, 1741. His children were: Sarah, born January 3, 1726, died May 30, 1738; Bertha, December 18, 1728; Cornelius, May 23, 1730, married Elizabeth Perkins, August 1753; Benjamin, May 13, 1732; Nathaniel, May 3, 1734; Tarrant, March 28, 1736; Bartholomew, April 19, 1739, died young; David and Sarah (twins), May 31, 1741; Sarah, March 18, 1743, married Captain Archelaus Putnam, October 16, 1765; Bartholomew, April 21, 1745; David, May 14, 1747; Elizabeth, September 28, 1749; Anna, November 21, 1754.
=====================
From Rand-Put:
Rand/Putnam Notes:
www.access1.net/rmputnam/d1018.htm
Cornelius Putnam was born on 3 Sept 1702 in Salem Village (1051, 1052). He was baptized on 6 Sep 1702 in North Parish, Danvers. (1053, 1054). He signed a will on 20 Apr 1761 in Sutton. (1055). He died before 29 May 1761 in Sutton. (1056). He had a will proved on 29 May 1761 in Sutton (1057).
He was married to Sarah Hutchinson (daughter of Benjamin Hutchinson and Jane Phillips) on 17 Nov 1725 in Salem. (1058, 1059). Sarah was born on 26 Dec 1701 in Salem Village (1060). She died on 9 Jun 1741 in Sutton (1061, 1062). Cornelius and Sarah ch:
Sarah was born on 3 Jan 1726 in Sutton (1063, 1064). She died on 30 May 1738 in Sutton (1065, 1066).
Bethia was born on 18 Dec 1728 in Sutton (1067, 1068).
Cornelius. Jr
Benjamin was born on 13 May 1732 in Sutton (1069, 1070). He died young in Sutton (1071).
Lt Nathaniel Putnam
Tarrant
Bartholomew was born on 19 Apr 1739 in Sutton (1072, 1073). He died young in Sutton (1074).
David was born on 31 May 1741 in Sutton (1075, 1076). He died on 3 Aug 1741 in Bedford, Middlesex, MA (1077, 1078).
Sarah was born on 31 May 1741 in Sutton (1079, 1080). She died young in Sutton (1081).
Cornelius was married second to Elizabeth Nelson (daughter of Francis Nelson) on 12 Nov 1741 in Sutton (1082, 1083). Cornelius and Elizabeth ch:
Sarah was born on 18 Mar 1743 in Sutton (1084).
Bartholomew
Ensign David
Elizabeth
Anna
sources
1051 - Eben p 58
1052 - Vital records of Salem Vol 2 p 209
1053 - Eben p 58
1054 - Same
1055 - Eben p 136
1056 - Same
1057 - Same
1058 - Same
1059 - Vital records of Salem Vol 4 p 228
1060 - Eben p 136
1061 - Same
1062 - Sutton vital records p 453
1063 - Eben p 136
1064 - Sutton vital records p 140
1065 - Eben p 136
1066 - Sutton Vital records p 453
1067 - Eben p 136
1068 - Sutton Vital records p 133
1069 - Eben p 136
1070 - Sutton Vital records p132
1071 - Eben p 136
1072 - Same
1073 - Sutton Vital records p 132
1074 - Eben p 136
1075 - Same
1076 - Sutton vital records p 133
1077 - Eben p 136
1078 - Vital records of Bedford p 134
1079 - Eben p 136
1080 - Sutton vital records p 140
1081 - Eben p 136
1082 - Same
1083 - Sutton Vital Records p 332
1084 - Ibid p 140
==================
From Eben p 136 notes
Cornelius Putnam [#127], s/o Benjamin Putnam [#23] and first wife "Hanna" [sic], b. Salem Village [now Danvers] 3 Sep 1702, d. Sutton 1761 (will dated 20 Apr 1761, proved 29 May 1761), m. (1) 17 Nov 1725 Sarah Hutchinson, m. (2) 12 Nov 1741 Elizabeth (Nelson) Perkins.
[Note: Putnam gives Elizabeth's birth date as 18 Apr 1734, but this is actually her marriage date to William Perkins according to the Topsfield and Newbury VR
=================
Elzabeth who?
I'm not sure if Elizabeth Nelson was the correct name of Cornelius's wife. There is evidence that her name was Elizabeth Towne.
I have unlinked Elizabeth Nelson from this family but left her in the database so she can be restored if more evidence in her favor arises. Here is the rational for Elizabeth Towne:
Which Widow Elizabeth Perkins Married Cornelius Putnam
Which Widow Elizabeth Perkins Married Cornelius Putnam - Genealogy (werelate.org)
https://www.werelate.org/wiki/Which_Widow_Elizabeth_Perkins_Married_Cornelius_Putnam
Two Willam and Elizabeth Perkins Families
There appears to be two William and Elizabeth Perkins in Topsfield: William Perkins and Elizabeth Towne and William Perkins and Elizabeth Nelson. Only one of these couples moved to Sutton, where one of the William Perkins d. 1741, and whose widow married Cornelius Putnam, and later Deacon Jonathan Newell. The other couple apparently stayed in Topsfield.
Putnam Genealogy and Others Wrong
Given a 50/50 chance to get it right, it appears that Eben Putnam picked the wrong one (see here) when he selected Elizabeth Nelson as the one who moved to Sutton (see below for refutation). Whether Putnam is the oldest source, or whether he copied this from something even older (like the error-filled Perkins source mentioned below), this incorrect pairing is repeated in source after source, none of whom provide a shred of evidence. Since these sources do not explain what evidence caused them to pick Elizabeth Nelson, we can only try to assemble the primary facts and see if those facts support the conclusion reached by Putnam, et al. They do not.
Evidence
What we know for sure (by the answer to the petition, here, from Massachusetts Acts) is that Cornelius m. the widow of William Perkins, and his son Cornelius Jr. m. the daughter of that William Perkins. Both women were named Elizabeth. We know from Sutton records that the father married the widow in 1741, and the son married his step-sister in 1753. The important fact to be extracted from all this is that the Elizabeth who married Cornelius Putnam had a daughter Elizabeth who was old enough to marry by 1753, so this daughter Elizabeth was probably born by 1735. This seems to rule out Elizabeth Nelson who didn't marry her husband until 1734 and whose first child appears to be Apphia born in 1736 and whose daughter Elizabeth was born in 1739. Thus, one must conclude it was Elizabeth Towne, who married her husband in early 1732, and whose second child, Elizabeth, was born in 1734.
Sorting Out the Families
The americanancestors.org index of Worcester probate shows William Perkins of Sutton's 1740 probate file to be #46007, and has guardian files listed for "Unis", Elizabeth, Mary and Abigail. Given that a marriage in 1732 (or even 1734), all children would be minors and need a guardian. Therefore, it appears that William Perkins of Sutton only had those four daughters. This appears to provide an authoritative listing of the children in the Sutton family.
The following tables attempts to allocate the various records for William and Elizabeth Perkins found in Topsfield or Sutton between the two couples. Green shows those recorded events that go with William and Elizabeth (Towne) Perkins, red for those that go with William and Elizabeth (Nelson) Perkins.
Date Topsfield Sutton Comment
20 Jan 1731/32 Wm m. Eliz. Towne
24 Sep 1732 William of Wm Jr. bapt.
18 Apr 1734 Wm m. Eliz. Nelson at Newbury
19 May 1734 Elizabeth of Wm Jr. bapt. Old enough to marry in 1753
11 Jul 1736 Apphia born to Wm Sr. & E.
10 Oct 1736 William of Wm died
14 Oct 1736 Abigail born to Wm & E. Abigail m. 1756 in Sutton
31 Oct 1736 Eunice of Wm bapt. Eunice m. 1762 in Sutton; see comments??
7 May 1739 Elizabeth born to Wm & E. Not old enough to marry in 1753
20 Mar 1741 Mary born to Wm & E. Mary m. 1760 in Sutton
3 May 1741 Mary of Wm. dec'd bapt.
31 Jul 1741 William born to Wm. & E.
12 Nov 1741 E. m. Cornelius Putnam Sr. Widow remarrying
18 Oct 1744 Oliver born to Wm. & E. Shows there are two couples
2 Aug 1753 E. m. Cornelius Putnam Jr. Daughter and step-brother
[edit]
Additional Comments
Eunice
Daughter Eunice, apparently of the Sutton family, doesn't have a recorded birth, but is baptized in Topsfield in 1736. If one assumes Eunice was born in Topsfield in 1736, this doesn't fit smoothly into either family, and could cause someone to suspect the existence of yet a third family! But this seems doubtful as there is no other sign of such a family. As a Eunice Perkins was assigned a guardian in Sutton in 1742, and married in Sutton 1762, it seems almost certain that she belongs to the Sutton couple. It seems likely Eunice was born earlier than 1736, perhaps in 1735 between sister Elizabeth in 1734 and sister Abigail in 1736 (remotely, she could be a twin of Abigail, but then why wasn't Abigail mentioned in the baptism of Eunice and why wasn't Eunice recorded with Abigail's birth?) Eunice's baptism in Topsfield, just 17 days after Abigail's birth in Sutton, seems unlikely given the 2-3 day travel required, suggesting perhaps that Abigail's birth was recorded after the fact after the family had moved to Sutton, and probably actually occurred in Topsfield. Since the other family had a daughter Apphia in 1736, fitting Eunice into that family has all the same issues without being able to explain her presence in Sutton in 1742, so her inclusion in the Sutton family seems the most probable arrangement.
Perkins Source is Not Credible
Source:Perkins, George Augustus. Family of John Perkins of Ipswich, Mass assumes the William Perkins who married Elizabeth Nelson is the one who moved to Sutton and whose widow married Cornelius Putnam (here). However he shows no daughter Elizabeth, and since that is one of the things we know for sure about the Elizabeth who married Cornelius Putnam, his credibility is somewhat damaged. He does not mention the other William Perkins who married Elizabeth Towne, apparently being unaware of them. Further he adds all the Perkins children mentioned in Sutton to this family whether there was evidence they belonged to this family or not. Thus, this source adds a son Jacob, b. abt 1735, (Jacob and Sarah Perkins had three children by 1761); and a daughter Martha, b. abt. 1738, who m. 1757 Jonathan Wait (see below for the correct identification of Jacob and Martha). This has the effect of leaving no room to add Elizabeth to this family even though she is the one for whom there is evidence of her belonging.
Who are the Jacob and Martha given by Perkins? Noting that Jacob had no son named William, but did name a daughter Martha, one might surmise that Jacob and Martha may be brother and sister, but are probably not children of William Perkins. Source:White, Almira Larkin. Genealogy of the Descendants of John White of Wenham and Lancaster, Massachusetts, p. 100 mentions a Jacob Perkins of Wenham who married 1758 Sarah Kimball and moved to Sutton. This source includes two daughters Lucy and Sarah, born in Wenham, which match the two oldest children of Jacob and Sarah Perkins baptized in Sutton. He was the son of Thomas Perkins and Elizabeth Fowler, b. 1731, and he had a younger sister Martha Perkins, b. 1734. So this appears to confirm that Jacob and Martha were not children of William. Note that according to Perkins, Jacob #61, s/o Thomas, m. Wenham 1758 Sarah and moved to Sutton, while Jacob #62, s/o William, marries Sarah in Sutton "about 1760" and has children. Apparently, Perkins missed the baptisms of Lucy and Sarah, b. in Wenham, then baptised in Sutton, according to the respective VRs. Further he reports the death of Jacob #61's wife Sarah 19 May 1760 when the Wenham VRs clearly report this as the death of his daughter Sarah. (This sloppiness further damages the credibility of Perkins.)
Who is Elizabeth Towne
Source:Towne, Edwin Eugene. Descendants of William Towne, Who Came to America on or About 1630 and Settled in Salem, Mass doesn't seem to mention an Elizabeth Towne who married a William Perkins, but does include an Elizabeth Towne, d/o John Towne and Elizabeth Rae, b. Topsfield 22 Nov 1711, and nothing further on her (here). She would be of the right age to marry in 1732, and so is probably the Elizabeth who married William Perkins, and then later, Cornelius Putnam and Jonathan Newell.
Ruling Out Loose End
Source:Topsfield Historical Society. Historical Collections of the Topsfield Historical Society, p. 23, has a document dated 23 Nov 1782 where Jacob Towne of Topsfield says his "Brother William Perkins" died the day before. This could be pertinent if Jacob Towne turned out to be a brother of the Elizabeth Towne who married William Perkins. But this is probably the Jacob Towne who m. 1766 Elizabeth Perkins. A death record for William Perkins on 22 Nov 1782 says he is unmarried and 60 years old, which makes him the son of Timothy Perkins and Kezia Perkins, as is the Elizabeth who married Jacob Towne. So this is not relevant to either of the William and Elizabeth Perkins in Topsfield.
From: http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:Cornelius_Putnam_%281%29
Cornelius Putnam
=================================
Eben: p 136; Cornelius was probably settled in Sutton as early as 1726. He and his wife Sarah joined the church there in 1729, and in 1733-4 he was one of the selectmen. During his lifetime he was much respected and held many offices
[Note: Putnam gives Elizabeth's birth date as 18 Apr 1734, but this is actually her marriage date to William Perkins according to the Topsfield and Newbury VR.
.
========
Sarah wife 1 of Cornelius
Eben: p 136
Cornelius born Salem Village, 3 Sept, 1702
d. in Sutton, 1761
Will dated 20 Apr 1761
Will proved 29 May 1761
m (1) on 17 Nov 1725 Sarah Hutchinson of the Village
daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Phillips) Hutchinson
Sarah Hutchinson:
b 26 Dec 1701
d. in Sutton 9 June 1741
m (2) Elizabeth, widow of William Perkins of Sutton and daughter of _________Nelson of Newbury on 12 Nov 1741
b. 18 Apr 1734 ( This is an error. This was the date of her first marriage to William Perkins - p 350 of Vital records of Newbury to 1849, Vol 2 Marriages)
Children of Cornelius and Sarah Hutchinson:
337 Sarah b. 3 Jan, 1726; d. 30 May 1738
338 Bethia b. 18 Dec 1728; not mentioned in father's will)
339 Cornelius b. 23 May 1730 m. 2 Aug 1753 Elizabeth or Deborah Perkins
340 Benjamin b. 13 May 1732 d. young
341 Nathaniel b. 3 May 1734
342 Tarrant b. 28 Mar 1736
343 Bartholomew b. 19 Apr 1739, d.y.
344 David Twins b. 31 May 1741; d.y.
345 Sarah Twin b. 31 May 1741; d.y.
By second wife:
346 Sarah b. 18 Mar, 1743; m. 16 Oct 1765 Capt. Archelaus Putnam (Eben #432)
347 Bartholomew b. 21 Apr 1745
348 David b. 14 May 1747
349 Elizabeth b. 28 Sept 1749
350 Ana, b. 21 Nov 1754; d.y.
====================
Called Deacon in Vital Records of Sutton p 132
==================
From Ed Putnam
CORNELIUS4 PUTNAM (BENJAMIN3, NATHANIEL2, JOHN1) was born September 3, 1702 in Salem Village, Essex County, Massachusetts, and died May 29, 1761 in Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He married (1) SARAH HUTCHINSON November 17, 1725 in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, daughter of BENJAMIN HUTCHINSON and JANE PHILLIPS. She was born December 26, 1701, and died June 9, 1741 in Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts. He married (2) ELIZABETH NELSON November 12, 1741 in probably Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Children of CORNELIUS PUTNAM and SARAH HUTCHINSON are:
i. SARAH5 PUTNAM, b. January 3, 1725/26; d. May 30, 1738.
ii. BETHIA PUTNAM, b. December 18, 1728.
237.iii. CORNELIUS PUTNAM, b. May 23, 1730; d. June 15, 1776, Stafford, Connecticut.
iv. BENJAMIN PUTNAM, b. May 13, 1732.
238.v. NATHANIEL PUTNAM, b. May 3, 1734, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. 1812, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
vi. TARRANT PUTNAM, b. March 28, 1736.
vii. BARTHOLOMEW PUTNAM, b. April 19, 1739.
viii. DAVID PUTNAM, b. May 31, 1741; d. August 3, 1741, Bedford, Middlesex County, Masschusetts.
ix. SARAH PUTNAM, b. May 31, 1741.
Children of CORNELIUS PUTNAM and ELIZABETH NELSON are:
239.x. SARAH5 PUTNAM, b. March 18, 1742/43, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. Aft. 1809.
240.xi. BARTHOLOMEW PUTNAM, b. April 21, 1745, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. July 9, 1825, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
241.xii. ENS. DAVID PUTNAM, b. May 14, 1747, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. May 25, 1832, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
242.xiii. ELIZABETH PUTNAM, b. September 28, 1749, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts; d. June 7, 1826, Pomfret, Windham County, Connecticut.
xiv. ANNA PUTNAM, b. November 21, 1754, Sutton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
============================
Historic Homes:
p. 280 Cornelius Putnam, son of Benjamin Putnam, born at Salem, September 2, 1702; married Sara ____________, who died June 9, 1741. He married (second) Elizabeth Perkins, widow, of Salem (I think Sutton-mm), November 12, 1741, after he had lived some years in Sutton. He settled about 1729 among the pioneers of that town. The house which he built in Sutton was occupied in 1879 by the widow Persia Putnam, and is still standing. A part of the old house was moved from a site in what is known as the Dresser pasture, just north of the Captain Hall site farm recently owned by Peter H. Putnam. Cornelius Putnam and his wife Sarah joined the church (First Congregational Church) in 1729. Seven (no, 9-mm) of his children were born to Sarah, the remainder to his second wife. The children of Cornelius were:
Sarah, born January 3, 1726, died May 30, 1738.
Berthia, born December 18, 1728.
Cornelius, born May 23, 1730, married Elizabeth Perkins, August 2, 1753.
Benjamin, born May 13, 1732.
Nathaniel, May 3, 1734.
Tarrant, March 28, 1736.
Bartholomew, April 19, 1739, died young.
David (twin), born May 31, 1741.
Sarah (twin), born May 31, 1741, died young.
Sarah, born March 18, 1743; married Captain Archelaus Putnam. October 16, 1765.
Bartholomew, born April 21, 1745.
David, May 14, 1747.
Elizabeth, born September 28, 1749.
Amma, born November 21, 1754.
=====================
History of Sutton p 710
Cornelius 4 (Benjamin 3 , Nathaniel 2 , John 1 ), m. Sarah ; she d. June 9, 1741; m. 2d, Mrs. Elizabeth Perkins from Salem, Nov. 12, 1741. Ch. 1, Sarah, b. Jan. 3, 1726; d. May 30. 1738; 2, Bethia, b. Dec. 18, 1728; 3, Cor- nelius, b. May 23, 1730; m. Elizabeth Perkins, Aug. 2, 1753; 4, Benjamin, b. May 13, 1732; 5, Nathaniel, b. May 3, 1734; 6, Tarrant, b. Mar. 28, 1736; 7, Bartholomew, b. Apr. 19, 1739; d. young; 8, David, 9, Sarah, twins, b. May 31, 1741; 10, Sarah, b. Mar. 18, 1743; m. Captain Archelaus Putnam, Oct. 16, 1765; 11, Bartholomew, b. Apr. 21, 1745; 12, David, b. May 14, 1747; 13, Elizabeth, b. Sept. 28, 1749; 14, Amma, b. Nov. 21, 1754.
=================
Sources to look at
Source: S-2092090539 Title: martindale.FTW
Birth: Sources: _The Hutchinson Family: or the Descendants of Barnard Hutchinson, of Cowlam, England_, compiled by Perley Derby, Essex Institute Press, 1870, Salem, Massachusetts, p. 13;
_History of Salem, Massachusetts_, by Sidney Perley, Salem, Mass., 1926, Vol. II, 1638-1670, CD-ROM, Vol. 2, p. 111;
Salem VR, 2:209, (James R. Taylor, turmoil2@c-zone.net);
LDS Film #538646.
Christening: Source: LDS Film #876099.
Marriage: Sources: [1] _The Hutchinson Family: or the Descendants of Barnard Hutchinson, of Cowlam, England_, compiled by Perley Derby, Essex Institute Press, 1870, Salem, Massachusetts, p. 13; [1]
SalemVR, 4:228, (James R. Taylor, turmoil2@c-zone.net);
LDS Film #820440;
[2] Sutton, Mass. VRs, (Search & ReSearch CD), p. 332.
Death: Source: _History of Salem, Massachusetts_, by Sidney Perley, Salem, Mass., 1926, Vol. II, 1638-1670, CD-ROM, Vol. 2, p. 111, (JamesR. Taylor, turmoil2@c-zone.net).
Occupation: Yeoman. (Derby, p. 13)
No issue. (Derby, p. 13)
Given Name: Recorded as 'Cornelios' in Sutton, Mass. VRs, (Search & ReSearch CD), p. 332. •Birth: 3 SEP 1702 in Salem, Essex, Massachusetts •Death: 29 MAY 1761 in Sutton, Worcester, Massachusetts •Christening: 6 SEP 1702 Salem Village, Essex, Massachusetts
==================================
Biographical Sketches of Worcester County, MA
Image 337-42/960
(IV) Cornelius Putnam, son of Benjamin (3), married Sarah______. She died July 9, 1741. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Perkins of Salem, November 12, 1741. His children were: Sarah, born January 3, 1726, died May 30, 1738; Bertha, December 18, 1728; Cornelius, May 23, 1730, married Elizabeth Perkins, August 1753; Benjamin, May 13, 1732; Nathaniel, May 3, 1734; Tarrant, March 28, 1736; Bartholomew, April 19, 1739, died young; David and Sarah (twins), May 31, 1741; Sarah, March 18, 1743, married Captain Archelaus Putnam, October 16, 1765; Bartholomew, April 21, 1745; David, May 14, 1747; Elizabeth, September 28, 1749; Anna, November 21, 1754.
=====================
From Rand-Put:
Rand/Putnam Notes:
www.access1.net/rmputnam/d1018.htm
Cornelius Putnam was born on 3 Sept 1702 in Salem Village (1051, 1052). He was baptized on 6 Sep 1702 in North Parish, Danvers. (1053, 1054). He signed a will on 20 Apr 1761 in Sutton. (1055). He died before 29 May 1761 in Sutton. (1056). He had a will proved on 29 May 1761 in Sutton (1057).
He was married to Sarah Hutchinson (daughter of Benjamin Hutchinson and Jane Phillips) on 17 Nov 1725 in Salem. (1058, 1059). Sarah was born on 26 Dec 1701 in Salem Village (1060). She died on 9 Jun 1741 in Sutton (1061, 1062). Cornelius and Sarah ch:
Sarah was born on 3 Jan 1726 in Sutton (1063, 1064). She died on 30 May 1738 in Sutton (1065, 1066).
Bethia was born on 18 Dec 1728 in Sutton (1067, 1068).
Cornelius. Jr
Benjamin was born on 13 May 1732 in Sutton (1069, 1070). He died young in Sutton (1071).
Lt Nathaniel Putnam
Tarrant
Bartholomew was born on 19 Apr 1739 in Sutton (1072, 1073). He died young in Sutton (1074).
David was born on 31 May 1741 in Sutton (1075, 1076). He died on 3 Aug 1741 in Bedford, Middlesex, MA (1077, 1078).
Sarah was born on 31 May 1741 in Sutton (1079, 1080). She died young in Sutton (1081).
Cornelius was married second to Elizabeth Nelson (daughter of Francis Nelson) on 12 Nov 1741 in Sutton (1082, 1083). Cornelius and Elizabeth ch:
Sarah was born on 18 Mar 1743 in Sutton (1084).
Bartholomew
Ensign David
Elizabeth
Anna
sources
1051 - Eben p 58
1052 - Vital records of Salem Vol 2 p 209
1053 - Eben p 58
1054 - Same
1055 - Eben p 136
1056 - Same
1057 - Same
1058 - Same
1059 - Vital records of Salem Vol 4 p 228
1060 - Eben p 136
1061 - Same
1062 - Sutton vital records p 453
1063 - Eben p 136
1064 - Sutton vital records p 140
1065 - Eben p 136
1066 - Sutton Vital records p 453
1067 - Eben p 136
1068 - Sutton Vital records p 133
1069 - Eben p 136
1070 - Sutton Vital records p132
1071 - Eben p 136
1072 - Same
1073 - Sutton Vital records p 132
1074 - Eben p 136
1075 - Same
1076 - Sutton vital records p 133
1077 - Eben p 136
1078 - Vital records of Bedford p 134
1079 - Eben p 136
1080 - Sutton vital records p 140
1081 - Eben p 136
1082 - Same
1083 - Sutton Vital Records p 332
1084 - Ibid p 140
==================
From Eben p 136 notes
Cornelius Putnam [#127], s/o Benjamin Putnam [#23] and first wife "Hanna" [sic], b. Salem Village [now Danvers] 3 Sep 1702, d. Sutton 1761 (will dated 20 Apr 1761, proved 29 May 1761), m. (1) 17 Nov 1725 Sarah Hutchinson, m. (2) 12 Nov 1741 Elizabeth (Nelson) Perkins.
[Note: Putnam gives Elizabeth's birth date as 18 Apr 1734, but this is actually her marriage date to William Perkins according to the Topsfield and Newbury VR
Events
| Birth | 3 Sep 1702 | Salem Village, Essex, Massachusetts Bay, British America |  |  | |
| Marriage | 17 Nov 1725 | Salem, Essex, Massachusetts Bay, British America - Sarah Hutchinson | | ||
| Marriage | 12 Nov 1741 | Sutton, British America - Elizabeth Towne | | | |
| Will Dated | 20 Apr 1761 | Sutton, Worcester, Massachusetts, British North America | | | |
| Death | 29 May 1761 | Sutton, Worcester, Massachusetts Bay, British America | | | |
| Will proved | 29 May 1761 | |
Families
| Spouse | Sarah Hutchinson (1701 - 1741) |
| Child | Sarah PUTNAM (1725 - 1738) |
| Child | Bethia PUTNAM (1728 - ) |
| Child | Cornelius PUTNAM (1730 - 1790) |
| Child | Benjamin PUTNAM (1732 - ) |
| Child | Nathaniel PUTNAM (1734 - 1812) |
| Child | Tarrant PUTNAM (1736 - ) |
| Child | Bartholomew PUTNAM (1739 - ) |
| Child | David PUTNAM (1741 - ) |
| Child | Sarah PUTNAM (1741 - ) |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Towne (1711 - ) |
| Child | Sarah Putnam (1743 - 1824) |
| Child | Bartholomew Putnam (1745 - 1825) |
| Child | Ensign David PUTNAM (1747 - ) |
| Child | Elizabeth PUTNAM (1749 - ) |
| Child | Anna PUTNAM (1754 - ) |
| Father | Captain Benjamin PUTNAM (1664 - 1715) |
| Mother | Sarah or Tarrant or Eliz Putnam or Tarrant (1664 - 1705) |
| Sibling | Deacon Nathaniel PUTNAM (1686 - 1754) |
| Sibling | Josiah PUTNAM (1687 - 1751) |
| Sibling | Tarrant PUTNAM (1688 - 1732) |
| Sibling | Elizabeth PUTNAM (1689 - ) |
| Sibling | Benjamin PUTNAM (1692 - 1744) |
| Sibling | Lieutenant Stephen PUTNAM (1694 - 1772) |
| Sibling | Rev Daniel PUTNAM (1696 - 1759) |
| Sibling | Deacon Israel PUTNAM (1699 - 1760) |
Notes
Birth
or Salem VillageMarriage
Putnam, Eben. A history of the Putnam family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N.Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, Mass.: Salem Press Pub. and Print. Co., 1891-1908)136.
Cornelius Putnam [#127] m. (2) 12 Nov 1741 Elizabeth (Nelson) Perkins, b. 18 Apr 1734.
[The birth date given by Putnam is actually the marriage date of William Perkins and Elizabeth Nelson according to Topsfield and Newbury VRs
Will Dated
Massachusetts; Ellis Ames; Melville Madison Bigelow; John Henry Clifford; Abner Cheney Goodell; Alexander Strong Wheeler; and William Cross William. Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: to Which are Prefixed the Charters of the Province with Historical and Explanatory Notes, and an Appendix. (Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States: Wright & Potter Print Co., 1910)Vol. 15 (1753-1756), p. 279.
Approved 19 Feb 1754/55 petition of "Cornelius Putnam Administ'r of the Estate of William Perkins dec'd and Elizabeth Putnam Relict of the said William & now Wife of the said Cornelius, and of Cornelius Putnam jun'r & Elizabeth his Wife, Daughter of the said William ..."
Death
Eben said died in 1761Others have death date of May 29, 1761 but that was date his will was proved. His will was dated 20 Apr 1761 so died between those dates.
He died before 29 May 1761
Endnotes
1. The Essex Institute, Vital Records of Salem, to the End of the Year 1849 (Salem, MA, 1918), p. 209 births.
2. Eben Putnam. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, MA, Salem Press, 1891-1908); 2 volumes, Vol 1, p 136.
3. Eben Putnam. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, MA, Salem Press, 1891-1908); 2 volumes, p 136.
4. The Essex Institute, Vital Records of Salem, to the End of the Year 1849 (Salem, MA, 1918), Vol 4 p. 228.
5. Franklin P. Rice , compiler, Vital Records of Sutton, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849. (Worcester, Massachusetts: Systematic History Fund, 1907), Page 332 Marriages.
6. Eben Putnam. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, MA, Salem Press, 1891-1908); 2 volumes, Vol 1, p 136.
7. Eben Putnam. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, MA, Salem Press, 1891-1908); 2 volumes, Vol 1, p 136.
8. Eben Putnam. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, MA, Salem Press, 1891-1908); 2 volumes, Vol 1, p 136.
9. Eben Putnam. A History of the Putnam Family in England and America: recording the ancestry and descendants of John Putnam of Danvers, Mass., Jan Poutman of Albany, N. Y., Thomas Putnam of Hartford, Conn. (Salem, MA, Salem Press, 1891-1908); 2 volumes, Vol 1 p 136.