What is significant about the Putnams in The Crucible?

The Putnam's are a prominent family in Salem, who while
both coming from large families, they have only had one child, Ruth, survive.  While
modern science can find reasons behind these losses, the Putnam’s believe the devil must
have had something to do with.  Because of this, when Betty and Ruth fall ill, the
Putnam's once again believe the devil must be at work in the village.  Goody (or Mrs.)
Putnam admits that she has sent her only living daughter to Mr. Parris slave, Tituba, to
conjure the spirits of her lost siblings in order to ascertain while they died.  Because
she knows her daughter was conjuring spirits in the woods, the Putnam's believe both
Betty and Ruth's illness are the doings of devil.