When I first saw Mr. Putney I was impressed by his dignity and his kind
face. After knowing him better, what appealed to me most forcibly was
the absolute confidence and trust he had in his pupils. This trust in us
made us want to do our work well, and made us feel that we must do our
work well so that we would deserve his trust.
"Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul."
When we heard of Mr. Putney's passing all was silence; that was the only
tribute one could give. Mere words, mere music,--nothing reaches the
summit of a life given over to service. His creed was, What do we live
for if it is not to make life a little less difficult for others. Surely
that is the highest goal of any human soul. He lived so that to come
into his presence was to be warmed and cheered as by the sun. By a life
heroic he conquered death.
Whenever I looked at Mr. Putney and the flag in assembly, I could not
help connect him in some way with Abraham Lincoln and the great struggle
for freedom. He used to carry himself in such a soldierly manner.
Whenever he spoke to us it was a rare treat.