The Putnam Family Papers contains correspondence written to Hulda T. Putnam from her siblings: Dolly, Mary Dana, Clara, and William, and her parents, Israel Waldo and Harriet Putnam. The collection dates from 1850-1905, with the majority of letters from 1880-1905. Most of the letters are sent to Hulda at her home in Belpre and Rockland, Ohio, as well as while she is away at school at Bucktel College in Akron, Ohio. The letters pertain mostly to family life and life on the farm, where the family bred American Devon cattle. In addition to correspondence, there is an American Devon Cattle ledger and an account book for the Putnam family. 

Hulda T. Putnam was born on April 8, 1864 in Ohio. Her parents, Israel Waldo Putnam and Harriet Louisa Ripley, were cattle farmers, specifically breeding American Devon cattle. She had at least four siblings – Dolly Putnam Druley, Mary Dana Putnam Houser, Clara Putnam (1867-1900), and William Pitt Putnam. She attended college at Buchtel College in Akron, Ohio, and she came back to live on the farm after school. She was single for most of her life, eventually marrying David Kimball in 1908 at age 44. Kimball was the county commissioner in 1910 and Hula was his third wife. The couple did not have any children, and she became a widow in 1918. Hulda died on February 8, 1945, leaving her estate to her two living siblings, William and Mary, and her niece, Harriet Druley. 

Israel Waldo Putnam (1825-1901) married Harriet Louisa Ripley (1828-1842). The couple had at least 5 children. They were both born in Belpre, Washington County, Ohio. Israel's grandfather, Aaron Waldo Putnam (1767-1822), and great-grandfather, Col. Israel Putnam the Elder (1739-1812) were pioneers at Belpre and came to the area in 1788.

Dolly Putnam Druley (1859-1942) married Thaddeus Clay Druley (1842-1907) in 1882.

Mary Dana Putnam Houser (1860-1952) married James Henry Houser (1854-1920).

William Pitt Putnam (1870-1961) married Alice A. Fuller in 1900.

The Putnam Family Letter Collection contains correspondence written to Hulda T. Putnam from her siblings and parents.  The collection dates from 1850-1905, with the majority of letters from 1880-1905. Much of the correspondence deals with family life and the workings of the family farm; However, some letters pertain to bigger events of the day. One of the letters mentions the temperance movement in Ohio, and how her family supported the amendment. Another letter details the death of a man in their town who had been a conductor on the Underground Railroad. In addition to correspondence, there is an American Devon Cattle ledger and an account book for the Putnam family. 

The folders are arranged based on who is writing the correspondence. They are ordered: siblings, parents, various correspondence, ephemera, and ledgers.