Thomas and Ann Putnam's seven children died at birth and their only child Ruth was sick.
Thomas and Ann Putnam's seven children died at birth and their only child Ruth was sick.
Thomas and Ann Putnam were involved in the Salem witch trials in 1692. They accused numerous people of witchcraft, leading to many of them being arrested and some being executed. The Putnams faced backlash and criticism for their role in the trials, which had a lasting impact on their reputation and community standing.
She married Thomas Putnam primarily for financial security and social status. During the time, marriages were often strategic, and Putnam's wealth and influence in the community provided her with a stable life. Additionally, their union allowed her to align with a powerful family, which could offer protection and resources in a tumultuous society.
Thomas Putnam's Brother-in-law had been rejected, and he felt that his own name and the honor of his family had been smirched by the village. He attempted to break his father's will, which left a disproportionate amount to a stepbrother Source: The Crucible, Arthur Miller, p 15
Goody Putnam resents Goody Nurse primarily due to jealousy and rivalry. Goody Nurse has had a successful family with healthy children, while the Putnams have experienced multiple child deaths and infertility, fostering feelings of bitterness. Additionally, Goody Nurse's reputation and influence in the community highlight Goody Putnam's own insecurities and frustrations, further deepening her resentment. This animosity is compounded by the broader social dynamics of Salem, where personal grievances often intertwine with larger conflicts.
John Putnam, Founder of the Salem Family, settled in Mass. in the early 1640s
The political relationship between the Putnam and Nurse families is that the Nurse family is good, and the Putnam family is bad. As in the Nurse family has good values and is very well respected while the Putnam family is greedy and jealous. For example, Mrs. Putnam's jealousy of Rebecca Nurse leads her to accuse Rebecca of being a witch. Another example is how Mr. Putnam begins accusing his neighbors of witchcraft just to obtain their land after they hang.
Read H. Putnam has written: 'The Putman family, New York and beyond' -- subject(s): Genealogy
Thomas Putnam's motivations in Salem can be attributed to personal gain and resentment. He seeks to enhance his own wealth and social standing by accusing neighbors of witchcraft, allowing him to acquire their land once they are convicted. Additionally, Putnam harbors grievances against the community, stemming from family disputes and perceived slights, driving him to exploit the hysteria for revenge. His actions underscore the intersection of greed and vengeance in the context of the Salem witch trials.
Thomas Putnam's motivations in Salem stem from his desire for power, wealth, and revenge. He seeks to acquire land by accusing his neighbors of witchcraft, believing that their executions will allow him to purchase their forfeited properties. Additionally, his personal grievances, including disputes over his family's legacy and a sense of entitlement, drive him to manipulate the witch trials for his gain. This combination of greed and vendetta ultimately fuels his actions during the Salem witch trials.
In Salem, the two primary family groups in competition for control were the Porters and the Putnams. The Porters were more aligned with the town's mercantile interests and represented a more prosperous faction, while the Putnams, who were influential in local politics, had a focus on land and agrarian interests. This rivalry played a significant role in the power dynamics of the community, particularly during the Salem witch trials.
Goody Putnam lost several babies shortly after birth and blames Rebecca Nurse (out of jealousy of her large family) accusing her of witch craft.