Israel Putnam

Israel Putnam (1718-1790) was born in Massachusetts, but when he was a young man he moved to Connecticut where land was cheaper. A successful farmer and tavern owner, he was also a commander of Connecticut forces in 1758 (during the French and Indian War).

During a campaign in New York, Putnam was captured by the Caughnawaga (Mohawk). After his captors tied him to a tree, a French officer saved him from being roasted alive.