Funny, I just joined the list recently as well, my interest also being generated by a Putnam ancestral connection. (Diverging from yours almost immediately however, being descended from another of Thos. and Ann Carr Putnam's sons, born after the trials.) In this moderately experienced researcher's humble opinion, the Eben Putnam genealogy, while difficult to find, is extensive, well organized, and apparently well researched. I had to make copies of the relevant pages from an ancient copy in the reserves of the Boston Public Library, and have searched in vain for a copy on the used/rare book market for years with no success. The microfilms are a great way to gain the information without having to hurriedly hand-xerox over a hundred pages (at ten cents/sheet) on your last day in an out-of-town library at closing time with an unsympathetic rent-a-cop looming over your shoulder and reminding you that closing time is now only 7 minutes away!. As I recall, the Putnam descendants are traced through the late 1800's in Eben Putnam's book. I expect that you will have no trouble whatsoever verifying or correcting the lineage you are researching. I believe I also remember reading some reference to a planned second volume, which may or may not ever have come into being. The capsule biographies are very well-written and informative, and the pages devoted to the "troubles" are thoughtful if somewhat defensive. While I found Starkey's book informative and enjoyable, it's been long enough since I read it that I'll leave it to others to rank it among the other available texts. I can however unhesitatingly recommend the recently published book "In The Devil's Snare" by Mary Beth Norton. While I've only just started it, it is so far exhaustively researched and well-assembled, while bringing new perspectives into the light which I had been entirely unaware of. The book that has had by for the most impact on me, and has (to date) shed the most light on potential motivations of many of those involved in the trials, and particularly the Putnams, is Boyer & Nissenbaum's "Salem Possessed". I believe it remains out of print, but is readily available in libraries or through used book channels. (Try Alibris.com if you want your own copy. The prices are even quite reasonable!) My Putnam ancestors also migrated to Vermont (near Montpelier, but not Putnamville) but that may be coincidence rather than any close kinship. I'll be happy to compare notes with you later if you like, as my research mat'ls are not at hand. Might I ask what the URL is for the Putnam web site you mention? The Putnam family's story is really quite fascinating, while morbid and sad at times. It's well worth the time spent researching, and if you find yourself near Salem, by all means go visit the old Putnam family cemetery, the "founder's cemetery", the Israel Putnam homestead, and the Danvers Library, all vastly rewarding places to see. (All of these are in or near modern-day Danvers, once named Salem Villages.) Good luck ! Feel free to write if you need help or want to dig deeper. Kurian Davis San Francisco, CA