Rufus Putnam, born on April 9, 1738 in Sutton, Massachusetts, was an American soldier and land surveyor who established the Ohio Company. Putnam served in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, and by the end of the latter, had attained the rank of Brigadier-General. Putnam advocated for the enlisted men when issues of payment arose throughout the conflict. He served as a surveyor for the Confederation Congress, using this experience to found the Ohio Company of Associates shortly after. Putnam was also responsible for the establishment of Marietta, Ohio. Putnam died on May 4, 1824 in Marietta. Rufus Putnam was made a Great Ohioan in 2015.