Horace Purdy Journal April 1866 Entry
16pgs
APRIL 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Love Feast at 9 A.M. Gussie went and stayed to preaching in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. It being the last Sunday previous to Conference and thee being about a dozen to be baptized and also that there would be no preacher here next Sabbath, the Commission Service was held in the P.M. Brother Hill called me into the altar to hold the Baptismal Bowl for him while he administered the sacrament. At noon, I gave Charles Stevens, Jr. 50 cents towards a purse of $100 to be made up and given to Brother Hill before going to Conference. Preaching in the evening, it being Easter Sunday, the sermon was on the resurrection of Christ. At the close of the sermon the choir sang “Old Easter Anthem”. After meeting, George went to Bethel with Mr. Lockwood. He harnessed the horse before meeting and drove down to the Church. I rode down with him. He sat in the seat with me instead of with the choir. I gave Brother Hill and Annual Sunday School report this morning to take to Conference this week. APRIL 02 MONDAY - Election Day. Pleasant Upon the arrival of the train at 10 ½ o’clock, I met Aaron Mallett and Father Griswold at Roger Averill’s office and I there took up the Bond and Mortgage held by Mallett by paying him the $1,100 due him. He gave me a quit claim deed on the same. Father Griswold let me have the money on Bond and Mortgage. He also holds the Insurance Policy as additional security. We finished up our business before dinner. I also paid my taxes - $8.06 – 2 % deducted by paying today made it $7.90. George moved one of his shop mates down town this morning and then came back and moved John Brayman. This afternoon, I spent down at the polls driving for voters. The Copperheads had a majority of 10 for English. They elected one representative – Joseph Taylor – and us one – Saul Mallory. We elected all the Justices of the Peace. Judging from our own town, things looked dark and many of us feared that we had lost the state, but in the evening returns came in more favorable and we had reason to be jubilant, the prospects being very favorable. I stayed with a large crowd at D. B. Booth’s office until about 10 1.2 o’clock to get the returns from other parts of the state. A good joke on myself going for Henry Bevans to vote. I supposed he voted the Republican Ticket, but he said he should vote Democratic, so I left him at home and would not take him. APRIL 03 TUESDAY - A lovely spring day. No work in the shop yet. I let Seth Downs take the horse and wagon to go for his family down to Plum Trees. A 100 gun (salute) were fired today to commemorate the fall of Richmond one year ago today. Fifty of them were fired in the P.M. and fifty of them in the evening. I helped work the gun in the afternoon. A glorification was held in Concert Hall in the evening. Gussie and I went. Bell came down and stayed with the baby I ran up the flag on Father Griswold’s house today. APRIL 04 WEDNESDAY - A little muggy in the morning with some appearance of rain, but it came off pleasant and we have had another beautiful spring day. I had work all day in the shop. I have a cold settled in my lungs which ache and make me feel miserable. Gussie received her anatomical plates from Mr. Dr. Rawlins. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Bell came down about 6 o’clock in the evening to have me cut her hair, but I could not, as I did not have a pair of shears suitable. APRIL 05 THURSDAY - Another beautiful day, mild and warm. I had work in the shop. When I came home from work, I raked the covering off my strawberry bed. George dug post holes for Walter Sparks this morning. Mother and Bell took the horse this P.M. and rode to Bethel to see Mr. Squires and Aunt Harriet Mills. When they returned, they went up to the cemetery. I am badly affected with the rheumatism again today. I can scarcely get my hand to my head. I heard the frogs peep this evening for the first time this spring. APRIL 06 FRIDAY - Warm and showery. Cut Bell’s hair in the morning. Mr. Cocking paid me his rent. I took the $200 Harriet Wheeler gave me last evening and took up a note of that amount in the Danbury Bank for Father Griswold as the money was left by Father Griswold for that purpose. I then went down to the shop and got some gum shellac to spread over cuts on trees made by trimming them. I got it for Mr. Pond and myself. After dinner, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode up home. From there, I went over to Mr. Lynes’ to see Mr. Cocking. I saw Granville Ambler over there. I tried to sell him (Ambler) my horse, but could not. Mrs. Cocking sent Gussie a small ball of butter and a ½ dozen of eggs. It continued showery all day. I did not go out in the evening. I received a letter today from little George Humphrey of Canton. I wrote an answer before retiring. APRIL 07 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained quite steady in the P.M. I rode downtown in the forenoon with Mr. Cocking. He gave me two heads of lettuce, my first this season, and about the first in market with Robert. Received a letter from Ambrose Hill saying that George could have work where he is at Prentiss in Brooklyn. Lorenzo B. Sage has charge of the department where George is going. I rode the horse downtown to show to George Wood after dinner. If he sells his horse, I shall try to sell mine to him. When I returned, George took him and rode up home. He stayed with us to dinner. I went to the shop about 2 ½ o’clock and got my pay - $7.96 for two days’ work. I bought some smelt and came home. George came down after tea and we went into the street together in the evening. He called at the Post Office and got $4.00 left there for him by David Bradley which George lent to him last winter. He also got part pay for a sifter from Morgan Chittenden who he saw at the Post Office. He is making arrangements to go to Brooklyn next week. The letter I wrote last evening to George Humphrey, I mailed today. APRIL 08 SUNDAY - I woke and found the ground covered with snow and still snowing. It continued snowing all day more or less, but accumulated very slowly on account of melting so fast. About 5 P.M., it broke away in the west. This, I believe, is the 17th snow of any account this winter. We have had a number of squalls and little flutters of which I have made no accounts. Perhaps if all of them were counted, they would number 25 more or less. George came down this morning about his usual time for going to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood (the chorister), but on account of the storm did not go. He stayed until meeting time and then walked down to church with Gussie. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. George came home with me to tea, after which he went to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood intending to be at the church with him at 5 o’clock for a rehearsal before evening meeting. He borrowed Mr. McDonald’s carriage to go with, he not wanting to go in an open wagon for at the time he started, it was snowing. It being Conference Sunday, A Mr. Wardell, a young minister, was sent from Conference to preach for us today. I attended preaching in the evening. Rev. Wardell preached an excellent sermon from “The Thief’s Prayer on the Cross”. John Main and Saul Main and wife (formerly Edith Newman) have been here in town today. They attended church and sang in the choir. Mr. Lockwood was here in the evening and led the choir. George returned with him to Bethel after the evening meeting. APRIL 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. Yesterday’s snow has disappeared except a little in shaded localities. After breakfast, I got Seth Down’s saddle and rode down to Bethel to see if Lockwood (our chorister) would buy my horse. He would not give a definite answer today. When I returned, I rode up to the machine shop to see Russell Smith about the money he owes me but found that he had left there and would not work there any more for the present. George came in about noon and helped me mend the harness and stayed to dinner. He then borrowed my carpet bag and rode the horse up home to prepare to go to Brooklyn in the morning. While he was gone, George Wood and son came to look at the horse with a view to buying. He agreed to give me $50.00 provided he would work before a cart at drawing dirt. He took him to try, but before he got to the place of dirt with the cart, he got so beastly drunk that he could do nothing at all. I took the horse and cart from him and returned the cart and came home with the horse resolved to wait until he was sober before I transacted any business with him. Before I got home, however, I saw his son who told me he would come and get the horse tomorrow morning. Theo. Fowler died at 1 ½ o’clock this P.M. I went down town in the evening. APRIL 10 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I went down to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I rode to Bethel to see if Ben Lockwood wanted my horse. I returned about 10 o’clock and harnessed and carried Mother Griswold, Fanny, and Josie Wheeler over to Charles Fowler’s to engage butter for the summer. I kept on by Lake Kenosha and home by way of Miry Brook. After dinner, we rode up to the cemetery, the same party except that Gussie went in place of Josie Wheeler. I expected George Wood to come for the horse this evening, but he did not. I made a fire in the garden to burn the rubbish just before tea. John Brayman came over and walked down into the street with me in the evening. I intended to go to Class Meeting, but was too late after doing my marketing. Commenced to wean baby. April 11 Wednesday - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work but met some of the men just this side who said there would be none until tomorrow. I came home just before noon and harnessed the horse and carried two bushels of potatoes downtown to an Irishman who works for A. Hickok, shoemaker. I got 9 cents per bushel; he paid for one bushel and I am to get paid for the other on Saturday if not before. I rode over to Mr. Lynes’ to borrow a whip of Robert Cocking. I drove up to Daniel’s Nursery to look at Arbor vitae for a hedge. I engaged 66 or more if I need them for 9 cents each. Hattie Mills called between 4 and 5 o’clock. Gussie and baby being up home to my father’s, I took Hattie in and rode up there and brought Gussie home. Bell walked down and drew baby in his carriage and stayed to tea with Hattie Mills. I went into the street in the evening. An umbrella mender came along this P.M. and I had 2 umbrellas repaired for 60 cents. APRIL 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I had a little more than a ½ day's work in the shop, the first since a week ago today. Theo. Fowler was buried at 1 P.M. I received a letter from George, giving me the number of his boarding place. It is at 64 Prince Street Brooklyn, New York. I answered it and enclosed letters for him received here from South Norwalk, Ridgefield and St. Augustine. After writing to George in the P.M., I marked off the Sunday School papers: Sunday School Advocates – 78, Sunday School Journals – 46. Gussie, Mother, Bell and Hattie Mills took the horse after dinner and went to Bethel and spent the afternoon at Aunt Harriet’s. Gussie and Bell went to Mr. Dare’s store to sell tatting. Mr. Dare paid Gussie $2.00 for a dozen salves I left there on the 24th of March. Mr. Pond called in the evening to see Father Griswold about a school meeting to be held tomorrow evening. I walked downtown with Mr. Pond and mailed my letter to George with 3 letters enclosed which came here since he went away. Susan Brayman came over in the evening to borrow flat irons of Gussie. ARIL 13 FRIDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. It did rain a little about 8 o’clock, but it finally came off warm and pleasant. I had a full day’s work in the shop. Bell came to the shop to borrow a dollar of me with which to go to Stamford next Monday. Before tea, I rode up home and tried to persuade her not to go, believing that in their destitute circumstances, it was not advisable for our folks to encourage her in the matter, as she would need all she could earn before the summer is over for her clothing. She and Mother both felt so badly for her to have to give up the contemplated visit that I finally gave her the dollar with which what she had would make out enough though I still could not approve of her going. In the evening, I attended a School meeting at Military Hall at which there was appointed a committee to examine and find out what would probably be the expense of rebuilding or refitting buildings acquired for the primary departments of our present and more perfected plans of a graded school as is now contemplated. A paper by mail today for George which I remailed to him at 64 Prince Street, Brooklyn, New York. APRIL 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant until nearly at night when it clouded over and in the evening, it began to mist. No work in the shop. In the morning, I drove over to Philander Betts’ to try and sell my horse to him, but I did not see him. Bought 50 lbs. of corn and oats ground together for horse feed. Bought our first shad at 22 cents per pound. I rode up home just before tea and got a pair of pants which Father has been coloring for George. Before retiring, I made a bundle of them and directed it to send by express. I got my pair for a bushel of potatoes sold to an Irishman working for A. Hickok. Victor Benedict (our foreman) drew my money for me today and left it at Judd’s Store for me. APRIL 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel this morning to get Lockwood (our chorister) in George’s place as he was obligated to go today, it being the last time. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School and the afternoon service. Brother Hill preached in the morning. A Mr. Birch from New Haven preached in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George. Also ordered by letter of Carlton & Porter 6 more copies of Sunday School Advocates for 6 months from April 1st and 1 ½ dozen lessons for every Sunday in the year, 2nd Series, for the Sunday School; enclosed $3.06 - $2.16 for Lessons, 90 cents for Sunday School Advocates. Father Griswold preached in the evening. I harnessed the horse and drove down to the church. After meeting, I drove to Bethel with Mr. Lockwood. I returned home at about 10 o’clock. APRIL 16 MONDAY - Stormy. I had work nearly all day in the shop. In the evening I exchanged the castor I bought at auction March 29th for another which was more perfect. The one I returned was scratched. He is still here under Concert hall selling at auction every evening. Louise came down in the evening and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go over to Mrs. George Davis and make a shell frame. Mrs. Davis is showing her. The shells are from what George sent from the south while he was in the army in South Carolina and Florida. APRIL 17 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cooler. No work in the shop. I got out a part of my coal ashes and spread on apportion of my door yard and dug round some of my fruit trees. In the P.M., John Brayman worked for me at grading my front door yard and turfing the same. We took off the turf, carried away the soil, and then after grading, replaced the turf. We only about half finished the job, leaving the remainder for tomorrow or some other day. John stayed with us to tea. I let Mr. A. Judd take the horse to Bethel. He was gone until nearly night. I had a severe headache in the P.M. and in the evening. I worked, however with John, but in the evening, did not feel able to go into the street. So I sent to market by John, who was going down. Bell started for Stamford this morning. She took a bundle containing pants and a few other small things to express to George in Brooklyn from Stamford. APRIL 18 WEDNESDAY - It had some appearance of storm this morning and again in the evening, though I believe the sun shone a little in the middle of the day. I borrowed Alfred Gregory’s lumber wagon this morning and drew with Old Jim some muck from Father Griswold’s lot and manure from the barn. Just before noon, I went up to Daniel’s Nursery and got 70 Arbor vitae plants at 9 cents and Mr. Pond and myself set out a hedge between our yards. Sidney Miller came about noon to look at my horse, but did not buy. In the P.M., I went downtown and got $1.00 for the use of my horse yesterday. I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Mother came down and spent the afternoon and stayed to tea. I harnessed the horse and John Brayman drove up home with her. When he came back, we both drove over to Dr. Bulkeley’s to see if he wanted him to work for him tomorrow, but he was not home. John and myself went down to market together in the evening. I lent him a dollar. I called at Dr. Bulkeley’s office to consult about Gussie’s breasts which are very sore. She fears a “broken breast”. APRIL 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very warm for April. I worked around home at my strawberry bed until nearly noon when I harnessed and rode out to Mill Plain to try and sell the horse, wagon and harness to Frank Blissard who lives in the old Brown house just up the hill back of Birchard’s old place. I did not find him at home, but met him coming home as I returned. I returned home with him in order to let him see how Old Jim traveled. He was highly pleased with him and if he concludes to buy at all, he thinks he will take him. He is to let me know in a few days. As I returned home, I came by way of Dr. Bulkeley’s, where John Brayman was at work making a garden and brought him home. This was about 4 o’clock, he having made an additional hour and a half in the morning and at noon. After tea, I set out some new and removed some old rose bushes, shrubs, etc. for Gussie. We let Georgie run around the yard in the meantime, much to his amusement, it being the first time we have given him the chance to run loose out of doors. I, being tired and nearly exhausted, I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie got to market. APRIL 20 FRIDAY - Very warm again today. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work, but there was none. I came home and harnessed the horse and took Georgie and John Sharp (who is sick but able to be out a little) to ride by going up home to get a pair of George’s old army shoes to work in the garden with. I then drove down to the Post Office and the news Office for my paper, Harpers Weekly. Miss English, who is nursing Mrs. Swift, saw me and wanted me to bring Georgie up and let them see him. I did so and left him there while I went over to Crofut’s Feed Store to get some fed for the horse. It being very warm in the middle of the day, I stayed in a while and read my paper. I went out about 3 P.M. and took off a high place from my sidewalk to make it level for my fence, which I expect to set down lower tomorrow as I grade my yard down to the level of the walk. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode to market and to the Post Office. I got a letter for Gussie from Libbie Mead. APRIL 21 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm again. John Brayman and Patrick Quinn worked for me all day at taking up and putting down again my front fence and grading the yard. A thunder shower for the first time this spring about 5 P.M. John took dinner with us and stayed to tea, after which, I cut John’s hair for him. He helped me take care of the horse before he went home. Before going to market, I took a good bath down to my hips which made me feel like a new creature. John came along just before 8 o’clock and we went into the street together. As I went, I carried 18 Lesson Books down to the Sunday School Library for the use of the school which I ordered last Sunday and came yesterday. Also 6 Sunday School Advocates for new subscribers for the remaining half year. As I was too busy to go to the shop for my pay today, I gave my checks (only $3.00) to Ezra Abbott, whom I saw on the street this evening to have him draw it for me on Monday. While I was in the street, I called at Joseph Ives’ store and made arrangements with Edmund Allen to go to Bethel in the morning for our chorister, Ben Lockwood. APRIL 22 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood this morning. Brother Hill being sick, a Mr. Trumble, an agent for the Sunday School State Convention, I believe, preached for him. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School. The Union Sunday School Concert was held in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church. I went into, but being obliged to stand, I soon got tired and came home. After tea, I wrote to George in Brooklyn, enclosing 50 cents from Morgan Chittenden on a flour sifter. I also wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering 2 Sunday School Advocates and I Sunday School Journal for new subscribers from April to October. I included the money for them. I harnessed the horse before evening meeting time and drove down to the church and waited for Mr. Lockwood. He finally came with Edmund Allen and wife where he had been to tea. I started with him for Bethel immediately without going to the evening services. APRIL 23 MONDAY - Stormy. John and Patrick came in the morning to finish my job of grading and turfing, but the storm drove them off about 9 o’clock. I harnessed and went to Mr. Crofut’s for the steps I bought of him for my piazza. After dinner, Gussie went downtown to the dyers and at the same time ordered 5o lbs. of lead for me, corn and oats for the horse. When she returned, I went to the shop and got $3.00 which I should have drawn on Saturday when they paid off. From there, I went to the car shop at the depot and arranged to borrow a jack screw tomorrow with which to raise my piazza to repair the underpinning. I then went to the barber’s and got my hair cut;, called at Crofut’s Feed Store and paid for the horse feed which Gussie ordered and came home and washed my wagon. While Gussie was away this P.M., John came in and I paid him for Patrick’s day’s work on Saturday - $2.00. He let his day go on the Book Account which I have against him. He is about sick himself, so he stayed in this evening and let his wife, in company with mine, go to market. Gussie brought me a letter from George when she returned. He is doing very well in Brooklyn for a commencement, but he has been about sick during the past week with a severe cold. He has changed his boarding place form 64 Prince Street to 269 Gold Street with ____. It has rained all day with but very little intermission and in the evening, a hard thunder shower while Gussie and Susan were in the street. The wind changed just at night and about dusk, the moon shone brightly; also again after the shower about 10 o’clock. Before retiring, I commenced an answer to George’s letter. APRIL 24 TUESDAY - Neither pleasant nor stormy – wind, sunshine and showers. I fitted the steps I bought of Mr. Crofut in their place in the forenoon. At the same time, I raised the corner of the piazza and blocked it up. I did it with a jack screw borrowed of Mr. Bedient at the railroad car shop at the depot. In the P.M., I put in 18 apple grafts for Father Griswold and dug away the old walk in my yard, taking it down in the same places about a foot, the new grade and steps making it necessary. I quit this work early and harnessed the horse and took the jack screw home. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode down to see Victor Benedict (our foreman) to see if there would be work tomorrow. I was too late, he having gone uptown before I got there. So I rode back home and added to the letter I wrote to George last evening and enclosed a letter from C. + E. K. Lockwood from Norwalk with $2.00 enclosed for sifters George had sold him. I mailed the letter with the $2.00 and 50 cents from Morgan Chittenden enclosed – total, $2.50. I attended class in the evening, the first time since I was assigned to Charles Stevens’ class. Before I retired, I wrote a receipt to C + E.K. Lockwood for the $2.00 received today. APRIL 25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool. I had work in the shop today which lasted until after 6 o’clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. I being very tired, stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market in company with John’s wife. I made her fill the lamps while Susan was waiting for her. I would give her no money until she did. After she returned, John came over and got instructions about working for me tomorrow. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed a receipt for George to C. + E. K. Lockwood in Norwalk for $2.00 received in full for flour sifters. APRIL 26 - THURSDAY - Cold and raw with several little snow squalls during the day and but little sunshine. John Brayman and Patrick Quinn worked for me again today. I made arrangements with the foreman at the shop (V. W. Benedict) to give me my work tomorrow and let me play today, or rather, stay at home and work with my hired help, there being but one day’s work in the shop for today and tomorrow. We complete the job of grading, turning, filling ditch in front, making a mound, and setting up piazza steps, also grading and trimming sidewalk in front. I paid Pat $2.00 when we finished for his day’s work and gave John credit on an old Book Account for his day. Horace Cable wants to buy a horse and came this A. M. to look at mine. It did not suit him. It was not heavy enough for him. I, being very tired at night, I stayed home and let Gussie go to market. Ellen Dare married today to Joe Dunning. APRIL 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool, though a little warmer than yesterday. I worked in the shop today. After work and before tea, I rode over to Mill Plain to see Frank Blissard about buying my horse. He has not fully decided yet to buy, but I think he will and that I can sell to him. Received a letter from George and wrote an answer and enclosed $1.00 from Ed Allen, the balance of amount due George for bringing Ben Lockwood from Bethel all winter to sing for us on Sunday. As I went to market in the evening, I mailed the letter. The Bethel Military Company marched up from bethel about noon today. They took dinner at Beers’ Restaurant, paraded in the street, and about 5 o’clock, marched again for Bethel. APRIL 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I had work in the shop until just after dinner. As I came home, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s. I cleaned pout the privy and mixed muck with it before I got my supper. Gussie has spent the afternoon up home on Deer Hill. Bell came down and stayed with the baby in the evening while Gussie and I went into the street. I got a letter from George by the evening mail. APRIL 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went down to Sunday School Meeting (which was a prayer meeting) having commenced some time before I finished my work at the library, I did not go in but came home. After tea, I took the horse from the stable to the brook to drink and then tied him down in my yard to eat the fresh grass for a short time. I wrote a letter to George after tea, also to Carlton & Porter ordering class books for the Sunday School. As I went to church in the evening, I mailed the two letters I wrote. Joseph B. Wakely was in church and Brother Hill left the desk and went to him and finally persuaded him to preach for him. He preached an excellent sermon from the parable or narrative of the rich man in hell and the poor man in Abraham’s bosom. It was a thrilling and elegant discourse. I walked up from church with Robert Lee. Bell came in just at church time this evening. I walked down with her. APRIL 30 MONDAY - Pleasant, but still rather cool. I had work all day in the shop. While we were eating breakfast, Mr. Judd’s son came and wanted the horse for the day. I left my breakfast and harnessed for him. As I came from work this P.M., I called at the Express Office to ascertain what it would cost for George to express a carpet bag home with his clothes to be washed instead of $1.25 as he was told in Brooklyn. It will cost only 75 cents. I wrote him about it and enclosed a letter to him taken from the office for Willie Franklin (the name is one assumed by him in correspondence with a lady from West Chazy who wrote to him in the army in answer to an advertisement for a correspondent in the Waverly Magazine). Mr. Judd returned the horse a little before dark, when I took him and drove down to Crofut’s Feed Store for some ground corn and oats for the horse. I returned the bag and mailed the letter to George in the evening. Gussie went into the street in the evening to exchange a new hat she bought on Saturday evening and is not pleased with. Louise Vintz came in and stayed with Georgie while we both away.
1866-04
Horace Purdy Journal March 1866 Entry
16pgs
MARCH 01 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day, a slight flutter of snow for a few moments in the forenoon. I worked until about two o’clock and came home sick with a severe headache. Gussie received a letter from Josie Dare from Bethel. I retired about 7 o’clock, not feeling able to sit up. MARCH 02 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but the sun shone in the P.M. I worked hard all day in the shop, having a part of yesterday’s work to do today with what I had today. I talked with Frank Butler in the P.M. about John Brayman. Martha Case has spent the day with Gussie and cut a dress for her. Gussie went to meeting in the evening and I stayed at home. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie while I fed the horse and did my writing, etc. Henry Hurd went to the altar for prayers this evening. MARCH 03 SATURDAY - Cloudy and misty all day. We had just about ½ a day’s work, one dozen. I finished mine before eating my dinner which I carried with me. I saw Gussie in the street as I was coming home. She had been to the dyers for Josie Dare. She called at Mrs. Swift’s and I came home. I saw David Mills in the street. He was on business with William T. Barnum regarding his pension which he has finally got. I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle before tea and rode up home to see Mother. The roads are very muddy. It was hard work for Old Jim to get through the mud with me. Mr. Olmstead, who lives on the old Huntington place came down to get the horse to draw Maurice to the cemetery, but upon taking him out from the stable was afraid to use him on account of his lameness which always disappears after using a short time, it being the effect of a sprain. I went to market in the evening and got some oysters. MARCH 04 SUNDAY - A beautiful spring morning. The sun shone warm and pleasant until about 3 P.M. when March exhibited itself with a snow squall which however came very quietly. George went to Bethel as usual for the Chorister this morning. He carried a small package to Josephine Dare for Gussie. It contained a dress from the dyers, a piece of sheet music and a Golden Censor, which Josie requested Gussie to get for her. Gussie went to church as usual in the morning and I to Sunday School and to the prayer meeting in the P.M. There were several forward for prayers and all but two found peace in believing in the Savior. Hattie Mills was one of the number forward, but I believe was not blessed. I made arrangements with my assistant librarians to have our pictures taken tomorrow in a group to give to the Supt. George Starr and Fanny Griswold the Infant Class teacher and also one for each of us, viz.,Ed Barnum, James Parmalee, David Bradley and myself. George came down before meeting for the horse to carry Mr. Lockwood home after the evening meeting. The weather having changed and being pretty cold, he concluded to get George Starr’s carriage. I went over there with him and the horse and hitched onto the carriage and rode to the church where the team was left under the shed until after church. The choir had a rehearsal before meeting. Brother Hill preached a good sermon after which was a prayer meeting. Seven persons were forward for prayers and one of them converted a young man. Fanny stayed with the baby to let Gussie go in the evening. MARCH 05 MONDAY - Cold and blustering. I started for milk this morning with one dollar in currency and pennies (45 pennies) in the pail with which to buy milk tickets and fell against the steps going up the stone work from my garden to Father Griswold’s premises and hurt one of my toes so that I was lame with it all day and scattered the money around. I succeeded in finding all but one cent. I had a half day’s work in the shop. At 2 o’clock, I met with David Bradley, Edward Barnum and James Parmalee at Mr. Couch’s gallery to have our pictures taken in a group on one card, we being the secretary and treasurer and librarians of the Sunday School. The principal object being to give it to Brother Starr, the Supt. and Fanny Griswold, the Infant Class Teacher. James Parmalee leaves us tomorrow to go to Bridgeport in a dry goods store; for that reason, we had it done today. Before going home, I paid a visit with Edward P. Stevens to Montgomery and Mallory’s shops. From there, I called at Flint’s Machine Shop to see Russell Smith about the $12.00 he has owed me since the winter of 1860-1861 for rent. He promises to pay me before the 1st of April. Gussie left the baby up to Mother Griswold’s and went shopping in the P.M. with Harriet and Martha Case. George rode the horse up home at noon and took the blanket with him and mended it. After returning the horse at night, he tore his pants badly while getting over a fence and came here to sew them up, after which, he and Gussie went to meeting together. Father Griswold came home on the freight train after an absence of three Sundays. MARCH 06 TUESDAY - The day has been clear but very blustery and cold. I harnessed the horse before breakfast and carried Martha Case and her bundles to the depot. She is staring for New York. I came back and put the horse in the stable and ate my breakfast and went to the shop. I had work all day. George came down and mended the harness and the wagon cushions. I went to market and to meeting in the evening, though it was late when I went in. MARCH 07 WEDNESDAY - Not so cold as yesterday, but windy all the same. We were limited in our work at the shop – only 1 dozen. I finished mine by 2 o’clock. I came home by way of Couch’s and got the pictures of self and assistant Sunday School librarians in a group on one card which we sat for on Monday. David Bradley called in the evening for his. Before tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode Jim up home. I found Mother very comfortable, though very sick yet. George, Bell and Mother had a contrived plan to let the provisions run out and make Father go to work by starving him to it. He has done scarcely nothing all winter and made no effort to find anything to do and yet he has been able to work. They became discouraged. George stopped providing anything until this morning there was nothing for breakfast and Father for a wonder took his ax and started into the woods. George brought home some meat and said that considering that he had gone to work, he could have something to eat for supper, but fully determined that if he would not work he should not eat anything provided by others. I carried some tea and sugar to Mother, also a bowl of crabapple jelly. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go to meeting. I gave George Starr our pictures (my assistant librarians and self) in the evening at church. Mother Griswold made me a present of a mat woven by herself of wool hat roundings. MARCH 08 THURSDAY - Not quite so much wind as yesterday but pretty cold. Only a ½ day’s work in the shop. Started on 1 dozen. I harnessed the horse in the P.M. and Oscar Levine and I rode over to Daniel Manley’s to see them work on the new railroad, but found neither anyone at work nor Manley at home. It was tedious riding in the cold wind. When I returned, I took a nap on the lounge. I went to market in the evening and returned immediately. I felt too tired to go to meeting. MARCH 09 FRIDAY - Cool and cloudy most of the day. Several times during the day, there was for a few moments a little flutter of snow, but not enough to whiten the ground. I had work nearly all day in the shop. There was a special town meeting at 2 P.M. to divide the two consolidated school districts, viz. the North Center and Center. It however adjourned for two weeks to give the named districts time to act upon the measures before the town takes action upon it. Harriet came home from New York on the train. George harnessed the horse and went to the depot for her luggage. He and Father had high words today. The attempt to drive him to work by starving proves successful. John Bouton and David Bradley came in just at night to speak for the horse to draw some lumber tomorrow morning to make lattice work for Father Griswold. I burned and ground some chestnut meats in the evening. We are going to try it for coffee tomorrow morning. Gussie went to market in the evening while I stayed with baby. MARCH 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cold. Not so cold just at night as yesterday at the same time. I let David Bradley and John Bouton take the horse to draw some stock for Father Griswold of which they have been today making lattice work for his front piazza. I finished my work at the shop at 1 ½ o’clock. We were then paid off and I came home. I went to the barn and saw the boys work at the lattice work until I was too cold to stay any longer. I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and took a ride around by Uncle Jacob Fry’s and at B. Lynes’ place to see Robert Cocking. I went in and Mrs. Cocking made some egg cider of which I drank two glasses and then galloped home. Gussie went up home this P.M. and carried $5.00 to Mother from the poor fund of the church handed to her by Fanny from George Starr. In the evening, I went into the street and bought a spring weighing balance for 50 cents at Benedict & Nichols’. Their head salesman, Charles Mason, gave me a tin can holding 10 lbs. of coffee. I want it for that purpose. Before retiring, I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and Journals. MARCH 11 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but before noon it clouded over and in the P.M., it commenced storming fine hail (about 3 o’clock). I went to church in the forenoon for the first in a long time. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, after which I came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. which was the communion service. A large number were taken in on probation and some were baptized. Among the numbers were John Bouton, Hart Purdy and Hattie Mills. Before evening church time, I wrote to James Parmalee in Bridgeport on the subject of religion. Before dark, the hail turned to rain, which after a short time, nearly stopped. The night up to bedtime was cloudy and being dark, George borrowed George Starr’s carriage to carry Mr. Lockwood to Bethel after evening service. He harnessed at meeting time and carried Gussie to church. I stayed at home with Georgie. When Gussie came home from meeting, she told of an unfortunate, although laughable mistake which happened about the singing of the first hymn. Brother Scofield forgot about the choir and started the tune in the congregation just as the melodeon commenced to play the piece through before singing. As there have been meetings every evening for a long time (13 weeks, I believe) and there being no choir on weekday evenings, he not thinking that the choir was in its place struck up the singing the same as on weekday evenings. It made considerable confusion and laughter all over the house. Brother Hill in the pulpit laughed heartily. MARCH 12 MONDAY - Cloudy most of the day with occasional showers, warm. A little sunshine in the P.M. I had work all day in the shop. There is quite an excitement around the town today about the arrest of Dr. William Lacy. John Grey, and one or two others on Saturday night for gambling at Mr. Raymond’s drinking saloon. Deputy Sherriff Heath and Constables Harris Crofut and Chester Brush did the job. One went in while the others guarded the outlets to the building. I went to market in the evening and carried my 5 gallon can up to William E. Wright’s for some oil (kerosene). Other merchants are charging $1.00 per gallon. I got of Wright 5 gallons at a time for 87 cents per gallon. Mrs. H. Nina Smith lectures this evening in Concert Hall, subject “The Reconstructed or Southern Society”. I was too tired to go and in fact, but little desire to do so. MARCH 13 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I had work nearly all day in the shop. George called there before dinner to see if I could help him get a load of hay from Nathan Benedict’s. I intended to go, but did not finish my work in time. We rode over to Mr. Benedict’s, however, to see about it. I went to market and to church in the evening. After the sermon, there was a prayer meeting. Ira Wheeler was forward; he not having been forward, he did so in order to make a public confession in that manner, though he was converted yesterday. Platt Osborne was forward also. MARCH 14 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and misty a part on the day. George came over in the morning and we got a load of hay from Nathan Benedict. Our horse broke a trace in starting from his barn with it, so we harnessed Benedict’s horse and got home with it. There was 880 lbs. of it which with 440 lbs. drawn by Father and John Brayman made 1,240 lbs. at $15.00 per ton made a bill of $9.30 . He deducted $1.00 for carting. After we had unloaded it, George and I drove up to Lacy & Downs’ Hat Factory and paid him. George stayed with us to dinner. In the P.M., I harnessed and Gussie and I rode up to John Knapp’s house where Eben Barnum lives. She stopped while I went up to Chase’s Carriage Shop to see if I could get the baby carriage mended. We then went up to the cemetery, taking John Cosier with us. Received a note from Brother Hill asking whether Mr. Mallett would take 7.3 % (?) treasury Notes at market value on April 1st for the $1,100 I am to pay him, as he (Brother Hill) is to let me have the money in Treasury Notes. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode over to Nathan Benedict’s for my knife, which I left sticking in a board fence when I mended the harness. From there, I went to market and to Peters’ Barber Shop for my razor which I left there to be honed. I lent $10.00 to John Brayman in the evening with which to pay his mother-in-law for nursing, as she wants to go home in the morning. MARCH 15 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm, a lovely spring day. There being no drab hats ready, I consequently had nothing to do as I am on that kind of work. Bell came over in the morning for the horse and wagon to carry Mrs. McNabb to Bethel. Bell drove down and back. She came home with the horse about noon and stayed with us to dinner. In the P.M., I trimmed my trees in the yard and rode with Alden G. Crosby up town for a ride. I then went to the Carriage Shop near the bridge for the brace to the Baby’s carriage which I left there this A.M. for repairs. On my way home, I found Jacob J. Fry. I bought 1 dozen eggs of him and he brought me home. Gussie went to meeting in the evening, while I stayed at home with Georgie. The meeting was appointed with the other churches to pray for rum sellers and drinkers. Also gamblers. MARCH 16 FRIDAY - Stormy all day until about sundown when it cleared off. I had work all day in the shop . We were stinted, but it was all that I could do. Received a letter from Aaron Mallett of Redding in reply to one I wrote him about taking 7.3 % (?) U. S. Treasury Notes for the $1,100 I am to pay him on April 1st. He cannot make the Treasury Notes answer his purpose. I went to meeting in the evening. Brother Breckinridge from Bethel preached. After the sermon, there was a prayer meeting. A number were forward for prayer; among them was William Peck. After meeting, I gave Brother Hill the address of James Parmalee at Bridgeport and requested him to write to Brother Simmons, the M. E. Preacher at that place and have him find him out and get him into the Sunday School and church if he can. I also told Brother Hill the reply I got from Mallett regarding the 7.3 % (?) Treasury Notes. First robins and blackbirds that I have heard. MARCH 17 SATURDAY - St. Patrick’s Day. Pleasant this morning. In the after part of the day, the wind increased and we had several snow squalls. It grew cold very fast during the day until the ground was frozen hard. The Catholic Library Association was out on parade today celebrating “St. Patrick’s Day in The Morning”. I was the last man in the shop tonight. I was determined to finish off a dozen which completed my stint. John Crane came to the shop to see me about buying my horse. He concluded to come next Monday night and look at him. George rode Old Jim to Bethel this P.M. to see Peter Starr about work. Father has been sawing wood today for David Bradley and came here for dinner. A one-legged soldier left card pictures here today for sale. He will call on Monday for them and take pay for any we desire to buy. Received a letter from James H. Parmalee in answer to one I wrote last Sunday. I went to market in the evening and called at church with Brother Chittenden to attend Singing Society, but there being no leader present, there was nothing done. Gussie got shawls from the dyers today. George came home from Singing School and stayed a while until he got warm as the wind is very searching and the cold pretty sharp. MARCH 18 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but rather cold and blustering. George went to Bethel as usual in the morning for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister. Gussie attended church in the forenoon and I to Sunday School and to Prayer Meeting in the P.M. After tea, Gussie went over to John Brayman’s for a call. George came down before evening meeting and harnessed the horse and went over to George Starr’s for his carriage to carry Mr. Lockwood home after evening meeting. I went over with him and rode to church from Brother Starr’s. Brother Hill preached in the evening, after which there was a prayer meeting. Several more forward for prayers. Charles Stevens, Jr. acted as assistant librarian this noon in Sunday School for the first time. I borrowed tool sand a few horse shoe nails this morning from Mr. McDonald and drove two in a show which was nearly off the horse as he could not be drove to Bethel in that condition and go he must to get the chorister. My truss broke down and before retiring, I mended it. MARCH 19 MONDAY - Cloudy most of the day. Cold and chilly. Genuine March weather. The harness broke with George on Coal Pit Hill last night as he was returning home from Bethel after carrying Mr. Lockwood home. It was nearly midnight before he was able to get home on account of the break in the harness. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Savings Bank to see if the money I refused to take on account of getting the same of Brother Hill’s mother could not be obtained, as Mrs. Hill is disappointed in getting her money as expected. I could not secure it. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I finished mine about 1 o’clock. I then came home and tore down the old high board fence between Mr. Pond and myself. I divide the old fence rubbish with him and then we build a new fence or se pout a hedge dividing the expense between us. George mended the harness and this afternoon, started for Ridgefield business; thinks he may stay all night. As the road through Sugar Hollow is a very lonesome and dreary one, he borrowed my revolver. He somehow felt impressed that there might be an occasion to use it. I carried our large washtub over to Mr. McDonald’s this morning to have two new hoops put on it. When it was done, he brought it over himself. In the evening, I went down to tell Brother Hill of my business at the Savings Bank this morning. As I entered the door, I met Dr. Bennett’s son coming out. He had been to see Brother Hill’s child, Nelly, who is dangerously sick with the brain disease. George Starr was also there. Brother Hill asked him to lend me $1,100 on my place; he said he could not. I bought some postage stamps and mailed a letter for Gussie to Mrs. Dr. _______ ordering an “anatomical chart”. Gussie bought a card picture of General Grant today from a one-legged soldier who lost the same in battle at New Berne, North Carolina. He was a member of the 10th Regiment, C.V. MARCH 20 FRIDAY - Cloudy, chilly and cold all day; about 6 P.M., it began to snow. We had but a ½ day’s work in the shop. Mr. Crofut called all the men together from both departments to try and make some arrangements with them to work for the same wages as in June, 1864, which with the finishers would be about 50 cents less on a dozen hats than our present bill. He thought if he could get his work done cheaper, he would make up some hats ahead, but if he could get no discount in the manufacturing, he should make none, unless they were ordered. The men concluded not to work for any less at present, but wait and see if the prices of provisions would come down first. In the P.M., I went over to Mr. Hurd’s garden where Henry was digging horse radish and he gave me some to bring home. Gussie went into the street with Mrs. George Davis. When she returned, we grated the horse radish and we had some for supper. I went to meeting in the evening. Brother Hill preached. After the sermon, a prayer meeting was held as usual. William Peck, Anne A. Fanton and another lady were forward; they have been seeking and at the altar for several days past. Before retiring, I went up to see Father Griswold about engaging of Seymour in Norwalk some Arbor vitae for the hedge between Mr. Pond’s yard and mine. George came from Ridgefield this evening. He came home with the horse about 10 o’clock. MARCH 21 WEDNESDAY - Very icy this morning; cloudy all day with some rain. I had ½ day’s work in the shop. I came home and had the headache in the P.M. and the evening. I let John Bouton and David Bradley take the horse just at night to move their tool chest from Larson’s new house which they built down to Sunderland’s Carpenter Shop. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening, while I stayed with the baby. George called in the evening. MARCH 22 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. I had ½ day’s work in the shop. As I came home from work at noon, I took from the office a note from Brother Hill referring me to James Selleck for money. I called at John Meeker’s shop to see him. He wants 8% for his money and taxes paid. I called on Brother Hill as I returned and reported on the transaction to him. He advised me not to pay more than 7 per cent as he will let me have it at that rather than do it. Mr. Selleck called as he went home from work to see if I had concluded to take the money at the per cent he named. I told him no. As I could get it at 7.3 percent I should pay him no more than that. He not being willing to take that, I of course did not make a bargain with him and he drove on. John Brayman took the horse over to McDonald’s for me and had him shod over in good shape. He also trimmed his fetlocks and tail which improved the look of the horse very much. When I came home from work, I went over and paid Mr. McDonald $1.23 for the job. I let John take the horse in the evening to take his wife from the depot, she having been to Norwalk to attend the funeral of a niece. I went to a School meeting at Military Hall in the evening and found John. He drove down for me after taking his wife home. I drove home with him and got some letters from Father Griswold and mailed them, he having forgotten them as he went to School meeting. I then drove up to the Hall and gave him a ride home, he being obliged to stay until that time on account of officiating as Chairman. The meeting was called to get the minds of the district whether to divide as heretofore or to continue the consolidation. There is to be a town meeting tomorrow P.M. to decide on continuing the consolidation of the two districts, viz. the North Center and the Center. The two as consolidated voted this evening to continue the consolidation by a majority of 100. MARCH 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but it soon became cloudy and in the P.M., it commenced snowing. I expected but about ½ days’ work in the shop but we had enough to keep me until nearly 6 o’clock. An adjourned town meeting was held at 2 ½ o’clock P.M. to take decisive action in regard to dividing the Center and North Center districts which are now consolidated. Also to arrange for building a large and commodious school house for a higher graded school. The action of the district meeting last evening in regard to a division was ratified by the meeting; also a vote was passed for the town to build the proposed school house. Accordingly, a committee to secure a location was appointed and also to draw plans for the building. I did not attend the meeting myself on account of being too busy at the shop, though I intended in the morning to do so. The result of the meeting as named, I was told. The 10 lbs. of coffee which I sent for by Clark Beers came today. I went in the evening to hear O.S. Ferry and Joseph R. Hawley speak on the issues of the day at Concert Hall and notwithstanding it rained all the evening, the Hall was crowded. I shook General Hawley’s hand after the meeting was over. He seemed the same as when I was with him in the 3 month’s service, and he a captain commanding a Hartford company of volunteers. When I came home, I found George at the house, he having been to hear the speaking and got home first. He came for a sifter to take to Martin Clark. He went to the barn for it as I went to give the horse his feed. MARCH 24 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off pleasant and remained so during the day. I had work until noon in the shop. After dinner, I rode down to Bethel with George who went to see Peter Starr about work in the new forming factory. I left a dozen salves with Mr. Dare to be sold. When we returned, I went to the shop and drew my pay. Then I finished the afternoon in finding and talking with E. Fairchild, Sturgis Selleck and Brother Hill about “money” matters. In the evening, Gussie went into the street with me and bought a pair of shoes. MARCH 25 SUNDAY - I woke and found about 3 inches of snow on the ground and still snowing. It soon cleared off, however. The sun shone bright, but the wind commenced blowing furiously, making it tedious to be out. Gussie went to church in the morning and I went down to Sunday School at noon and to prayer meeting in the P.M. After the prayer meeting, Brother Hill read off the new arrangements of classes which had three new classes added under the leadership of Nelson Nickerson, Joseph W. Allen and Brother Everett, many changes having been made. I was changed to Charles Stevens’ class; my old leader, Peter Starr, is going to move to Bethel. George came home with me to supper, after which he harnessed the horse and went over to George Starr’s for his carriage to go to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister, it being too stormy to go for him this morning and they want him this evening at the preaching service, also for a rehearsal before meeting. Gussie went in the evening while I stayed with the baby. It continued windy and cold in the evening. MARCH 26 MONDAY - Clear but windy. We had about a ½ days’ work in the shop with which we were told that there would be no more work until further notice. I then went up to George Starr’s to see if he would lend me $50 on the 1st of April to enable me to pay interest in advance to Edward Fairchild for money which I have made arrangements to have from him. From there, I went up to Mr. Nutt’s Machine Shop to get $12 promised me by Russell Smith which he has owed me since 1860, but I did not get it. I then saw Edward Fairchild on the street and told him I would take the $1,100. He wanted a third person to take the note and mortgage and then he wants to buy the note. I called to see Brother Hill to see if he would act the third person. He had rather not do it. He suggested that I ask Father Griswold to do it and saddled his horse to let me ride up with him to see him (E.E.G.) about it. He consented to act. Brother Hill’s horse broke my front picket fence while hitched at my post. I rode Old Jim up home just before sundown to see our folks. George was made a freeman this forenoon. MARCH 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but rather windy. No work in the shop. Father Griswold has concluded not to act the third party regarding the money from Fairchild. So in the P.M., I dropped a line to Mr. Fairchild declining to take the money. I helped Father Griswold nearly all day build lattice work at his back door. Gussie and I were up there to dinner. Mrs. Pond called to see Gussie in the P.M. Gussie took her up to Father Griswold where she made a long call. Seth Downs intended this morning to take my horse to go nearly to Newtown to his wife’s home, but for some reason, he did not come for it at noon as I expected. Bell came down this afternoon to have me cut her hair, but I was too busy, and besides, we persuaded her not to have it done just now. After tea, I wrote an answer to a letter to a letter received this morning from Aaron Mallet of West Redding. Gussie went to market in the evening and mailed it. MARCH 28 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful spring day – no wind, bright sunshine, warm. In the morning, I helped Father Griswold finish off his lattice work at his back door. I then harnessed the horse and he and myself took a ride over to Beaver Brook to see the hands building the Brookfield, Danbury and White Plains Railroad. This was Father Griswold’s first visit to see them. After dinner, I rode down to the courthouse to engage some straw of Theodore Lyon, who was there as one of the Board to make Freemen as Monday and Wednesday of this week were the days designated for that purpose. From there, I went out to his house for the straw (6 sheaves), carrying Uncle Jacob Fry out home from the street as I went. When I returned, I had a severe headache which increased until I retired, which was about 7 o’clock. MARCH 29 THURSDAY - It snowed a little early last night but turned to rain before morning and took it all away. I went downtown in the forenoon and called at D B. Booth’s Office and consulted about the transfer of note and mortgage instead of making out new papers. I went to the shop and got what money was due me - $2.25. I then called at Gillette & Hawley’s and told Hanford Fairchild the reasons for my not taking the $1,100 from his father as I intended. I then went to the Post Office and came home with Father Griswold’s mail. Father was with us to dinner, he having finished a job of sawing wood for John Bouton and came this way to leave my saw which he had been using. It stopped raining about the middle of the P.M. and showed signs of clearing off just at night. I went into the street again before tea and did some shopping; bought some meat, a thimble for myself and shoes for my wife which had been repaired. Received a note from Brother Hill in the evening requesting a written Sunday School report to present to Conference next week. I stopped in at an auction under Concert Hall before I came home in the evening and bid off a silver plated castor for $4.50. MARCH 30 FRIDAY - Fast day. Pleasant. Louise stayed with the baby and let Gussie and I go to church. Mr. Power of the West Street Presbyterian Church preached. The service was held in our church about 10 ½ o’clock. In the P.M., I dug around the posts remaining from the division fence between Mr. Pond and me and too them up. We had dinner and supper together about 4 o’clock, after which I harnessed Old Jim and Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. I drove just beyond to John Crane’s to see if I could sell my horse, but he had just bought one today. There have been Democratic speakers at Concert hall this evening. A Union Prayer Meeting at our church this evening. We stayed at home and did not attend either. Eclipse of the moon tonight – total at 5 minutes before 11 o’clock. MARCH 31 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day; commenced raining a little about noon. It soon stopped; however commenced again in earnest about 5 P.M. After breakfast, I went over to Mr. Nutt’s Machine Shop to see Russell Smith about the $12 he owes me. I did not get it, but he promised it the first of next week. I borrowed $25 of George Starr to make out the amount I need on Monday. I went down to the shop and got $5.00 I lent Mr. Crofut for the Female Guardians’ Society yesterday at church. I saw George in the street; he came home with me to dinner, after which, we drove over to Theo. Smith’s to try and sell our horse to him; we did not succeed. George intended to drive to Bethel just at night to get Mr. Lockwood and have a rehearsal this evening, but the rain prevented. George ordered another cart of feed for the horse which came as I was feeding him tonight. I went to market and brought home my things and then returned into the street to hear William Stewart of Nevada speak on the issues of the day at Concert Hall. Previous to the speaking, I paid Swift & Day $4.50 for the Sunday School, the same being for expressage from April 1st, 1865 to April 1st, 1866 on papers, etc.
1866-03
Horace Purdy Journal February 1866 Entry
12pgs
FEB 01 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a short snow squall in the middle of the day after which it was a little colder. Before breakfast, Theo Bradley came over, having been sent by his mother to tell me to ask Mr. Crofut if he would give her work at hat trimming. I did not see Mr. Crofut, but spoke with Rollo Nichols (his son-in-law and partner) about it. He thought it doubtful as they did not have work enough for their own trimmers at the present time. I shall wait and hear further from Mr. Crofut about it. George took the horse away before I came from work and intends to use him tonight and return him tomorrow morning. He told Gussie that he was going to Beaver Brook. I went to market in the evening. When I returned Gussie went over to John Brayman’s. I sent 80 cents by her to give to John for getting the horse shod last Tuesday. FEB 02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but colder than yesterday. George, who had the horse last night to go to Beaver Brook to an oyster supplier at a friend’s house, drove it down as he went to the shop. We walked down together as we went to work. He stopped at Crofut’s and ordered a cart of feed for the horse which came before night. As I came from work, I took a letter from the Office from Aaron Mallett of West Redding. He wants to change the investment of his money and wants me to take up the note on the 1st of April. When I got home, I found Ellen and Josephine Dare at the house. The came on the freight train, stayed to tea, and spent the evening. We had a pleasant time. They came intending to go to meeting in the evening, but as there was to be no preaching but a speaking or general class meeting, they did not go. I harnessed Jim and took them home about 9 o’clock. I returned about 10 ½ o’clock. FEB 03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work in the morning, I called at the Savings Bank and made an application for a loan. I finished off my yesterday’s work at noon, gave my checks to James Sparks to draw my pay and then came home, ate some dinner, borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Old Jim down to Redding to see Mr. Aaron Mallett about the $1,100 for which he holds my note and wants the money April 1st. Gussie went to market in the evening while I stayed home. John Brayman came over and helped me alter Mother Griswold’s cat. FEB 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant (or rather clear) but cold. George came for the horse as usual on Sunday morning to go to Bethel for the chorister, Mr. Lockwood. Gussie attended church in the morning and I in the P.M. Brother Hill preached in the afternoon to the Sunday School children. After supper, I wrote to Carlton & Porter for another copy of the Sunday School Advocate for nine months from January to October. Also for two dozen Lesson Books, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each. Before evening meeting, John Brayman came in and stayed a while. Gussie went to evening meeting. I stayed home with the baby. George had George Starr’s carriage to go to Bethel with the chorister after evening preaching. FEB 05 MONDAY - Very cold last night and today. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Savings Bank to see Mr. Jabine a moment in regard to the money I want to borrow from the bank. I, at the same time, ordered a 1/2 barrel of flour of Charles H. Crofut. It was sent to the house before night. I borrowed a hat at the shop for Mr. Pond to wear while I make his old one over new. After supper, I took the trimmings out and washed it after which I went downtown for a lamp wick. FEB 06 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cold but a little warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I went to the Pahquioque Bank and made arrangements for renewing the note of Mr. Crofut’s upon I got money for George when he went into the sifter business. I took Mr. Pond’s hat (which I washed last evening) to the shop with me to make over into a Spring Brim. In blacking it over, it tore, so I brought another hat and got it up in the place of it. I took it over to him in the evening. He was highly pleased with it and gave me a half dollar more than I asked for it. When George came from work, He took Jim and rode over to see Theo Morris who is very sick with lung fever. I went to market in the evening and brought home 2 lbs. of smelt. I then went over to see John Brayman about going to Newtown tomorrow with sifters for George, but he expects to have work in the factory and cannot go. FEB 07 WEDNESDAY - Very cold this morning. After dinner, it became cloudy and in the evening began to snow. John Brayman went over to Newtown with some sifters for George today, but Mr. Johnson, the merchant, did not want any thought he had previously ordered them. John then went on to Sandy Hook and left a ½ dozen at George Beers’ on commission. He came home by way of Bethel and sold two to Mr. Dare. I went to market in the evening and talked to O. H. Swift about buying my horse. The Sunday School papers and three dozen Lesson Books which I ordered came today. Harriet Wheeler had a note from Mr. Wanzer today saying that he would take her place at $2,800 . John Brush had his wedding last night. Mrs. Bradley came in about 9 ½ o’clock this evening to see further about getting work at Mr. Crofut’s. FEB 08 THURSDAY - The snow last night turned to rain and this morning everything was covered in ice. Feeling about tired out from the hard work of the last two days (Heavy Jack wps. full stiffed, badly blocked), I did not go to work but harnessed the horse and drove down and tried to sell him to Swift & Day but did not succeed. I rode up home and took Harriet in and carried her up to Samuel Purdy’s, waited for the mail and came home. I went to the shop before night to see Mr. Crofut about giving Widow Burr Bradley work, but he was in New York. I came around home by her house to tell her. Mr. Cocking paid me $3 for the last month’s rent. I wrote for George to Mr. Beers in Sandy Hook in the evening about sifters. Bought a valentine to send to a shop mate (William Hutchings). George came in before evening meeting time and I gave him the $2.00 John Brayman took in yesterday for sifters. FEB 09 FRIDAY - I woke this morning and found about 4 inches of snow on the ground and still snowing. It stopped snowing, however, about 10 o’clock, but remained cloudy and warm all day. As I went to work, I called at Brother Hill’s to inquire about a Newtown man who had money to let. He said he was going to Newtown before night and would see if the money could be procured for me. He did so and sent word by George from evening meeting that I could get $300 between now and April 1st. I have had much anxious feeling today about my financial affairs, but the way seems to be opening for me and a good prospect of clearing up matters for the present. FEB 10 SATURDAY - Warm, cloudy and misty all day. I worked until noon, then went to the Pahquioque Bank and paid $100 on a note of $350 given by Henry Crofut for me to raise money on for George. Mr. Crofut gave me a new note of $250 which I got renewed. I then called on Brother Hill about money matters with Walter Northrup of Newtown. He offered to let me have the money if Mr. Northrup could not. I borrowed Seth Down’s sleigh and rode over to Newtown and saw Mr. Northrup. He thought he could let me have the whole $1,100, would let me know in a week or two. I started about 2 o’clock and arrive home again about 7. I went and returned by way of Bethel. While down to market in the evening, I saw Nathan Benedict and engaged some hay of him providing he could get someone to draw it to me. The new locomotive came up this morning. FEB 11 SUNDAY - It cleared off warm this morning. George had Seth Down’s sleigh (which I kept over last night) to go to Bethel with for Mr. Lockwood this morning. Before night the roads were all mud and he was obliged to take him home on wheels. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School at which Fanny was presented with a splendid album with pictures of Sunday School scholars. Communion in the P.M. which I attended. Quite a number were baptized, including Charles Fowler and daughter. I had a hard headache in the P.M. and did not go out. Gussie also stayed home in the evening on account of the mud. I wrote to Carlton and Porter ordering a copy of the Sunday School Advocate for 9 months ending October 1st for Fanny Parson of the infant class. I sent it to the office by George. Gussie wrote to Edwin in the evening in reply to one to me. FEB 12 MONDAY - Warm and hard rain all day. The snow is nearly all gone. The stream continued to rise near the shop until night with which the floating ice swept away one of the foot bridges crossing the stream where it crosses to go over to Seeley’s Fur Factory. As I went to work in the morning I mailed the letter I wrote before breakfast to Walter Northrup. In Newtown informing him that if necessary to make out the $1,100. Mr. Hill will pay him the $300 he owes him. I mailed also one for Gussie to Edwin. Gussie received one today from Cousin Eliza in California. On account of the mud and rain, I did not go out in the evening; besides, I did not feel able to go. I was taken with a faint falling before I left the shop and could hardly get home. It was after 8 o’clock before I felt better. Before retiring, I wrote to Mr. Mallett in West Redding concerning taking up my note and mortgage. Feb 13 Tuesday - I woke and found it clear and pleasant this morning. As I went to work I mailed the letter which I wrote last night to Mr. Mallett. As I came home from work, I bought some fresh herring. Brother Woodruff is in town and will preach for us tonight. Gussie went to hear him and I stayed with the baby. As she went, she mailed for me a valentine to William Hutching. The new locomotive which the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad Company has been buying was steamed up and run out this P.M. for a trial trip down the track a distance and return. After evening meeting, Mrs. Bradley called to see if anything had been done towards getting her a situation at Mr. Crofut’s at trimming hats. FEB 14 WEDNESDAY - St. Valentine’s Day. Before breakfast, I rode up home to George about getting hay from Nathan Benedict. We finally arranged to have Father and John Brayman take the horse in the P.M. and with Mr. Benedict’s wagon, get a load, which they did, notwithstanding the rain. The morning was pleasant but before noon it commenced snowing, which before long turned to rain and continued raining more or less during the P.M. and in the evening steady and quite hard. George ordered 3 bushels of oats as he went to working the morning which were delivered. As he came home at night, he rode Old Jim up home and back again as he came into the street in the evening. There was less than a ¼ ton of the hay brought today. FEB 15 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cool in the morning and grew colder all day. Severely cold this evening. John Brayman’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Weed came over this morning while we were at breakfast and brought home two of my new shirts which Gussie gave them to finish off and took home with her a pair of sheets to make. I worked as long as I could see in the shop before coming home to tea. I came home by way of Raymond’s and bought some smelt. Stopped at Swift’s and got a package of Sunday School papers. John came over and after tea, I went to market with him. I made arrangements with Benedict & Nichols for credit for about 2 months in order to save my cash income for the present to pay my interest money on or before April 1st. I took out a pass book and bought a ham and had it entered for the first item. Called at Charles Hull’s to see about the weight of hay yesterday ( which was weighed on his scales); then went over to the church to hear Father Griswold preach, but he had just finished his sermon and a prayer meeting had commenced. FEB 16 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cold. Before breakfast, I mounted Old Jim and rode over to Nathan Benedict’s to speak for another small load of hay to make out the ½ ton I had arranged and also to try and borrow a hay cutter. I worked as long as I could see in the shop tonight. As I came home, I took a letter from the Office from Mr. Mallett of Redding in answer to one I wrote him about taking up my note and mortgage perhaps before April 1st. He is willing to give up the papers at any time I am ready to take them up, provided I will allow him the interest up to April 1st. After tea, I went up and talked with Father Griswold about changing the mortgage on my place, etc. I then went down to meeting just as it was closing and saw Brother Hill about my trip to Newtown for money, etc.; also gave him a package of Missionary Advocates which came to his address in with a pack of Sunday School papers to me. I wrote a reply to Mr. Mallett before retiring, saying that I would allow him interest up to April 1st. FEB 17 SATURDAY - Very cold last night and this morning. The day, however, has been beautiful and the cold diminished during the day so that it is now much warmer than last night at the same time. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to Aaron Mallett in Redding. Gussie bought a new dress and apron for one of John Brayman’s children to pay for sewing done by his wife. John came over and went into the street with me in the evening. I lent him 50 cents. FEB 18 SUNDAY - Warmer and pleasant in the morning, but it was cloudy in the P.M. with a little rain. George went to Bethel as usual this morning for Mr. Lockwood. Gussie attended church in the morning. Mr. Breckinridge of Bethel preached. Brother Hill exchanged with him. I went down to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. which was held in the audience room in place of preaching. Several young ladies were forward for prayers. After sup, I wrote to Carlton & Porter to know why 2 copies of Sunday School Advocates which I ordered did not come. George borrowed George Starr’s carriage in the P.M. to take Mr. Lockwood home with him to tea and to go to Bethel with after preaching this evening. About 3 o’clock, George came for the doctor (Bennett), Mother being very sick with inflammation of the bowels. She was taken last Friday. George rode down and I rode up home with him and stayed until meeting time when I rode down with him again as he and Mr. Lockwood went to church. Having a severe headache, I stayed at home and retire early. Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in the evening. FEB 19 MONDAY - It rained hard all last night and more or less during the day. The streams were swollen nearly as high as on last Monday. As I went to work this morning, I mailed Gussie’s letter to Eliza in California. I also called at the Savings Bank and told Mr. Jabine that I should probably not want the money I spoke to him about -$800. I also left word on Dr. Bulkeley’s slate to call and see mother Griswold. Evelyn Morton, a boy about 14 years old who worked at our shop as an errand boy, etc. died this morning after a short illness; it terminated, I believe in brain fever. Georgie is sick with a severe cold. We fear inflammation of the lungs. After tea, I went to market and the borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Old Jim up home to see Mother who is very sick. FEB 20 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie sat up last night until after midnight to give medicine to the baby who is sick with a heavy cold. He is hoarse and coughs badly. We fear lung fever. He also has symptoms of croup. He appears quite lively, however, this morning. Mother is no better today. The last of the drab hats at the shop was finished up today and I went on Black Hats, the first in a long time. George carried a sifter to E.E. Wildman's in the evening. I went into the street in a hurry this evening in order that Gussie could go over to John Brayman’s for a baby party. FEB 21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Gussie came home after midnight last night, the baby which was an 11 lb. boy, being born about 11 o’clock. After supper, I borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode downtown with a pair of Gussie’s shoes to be mended, to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, then to Charles Hull’s to see if he would trade a hay cutter for some flour sifters, and up home to see Mother. I think she appears better today though she is very sick yet. FEB 22 THURSDAY - Washington’s Birthday. I ran up the Stars and Stripes on Father Griswold’s house this morning. We also had one flying from the flagstaff at the factory until the staff broke (it had been exposed to the weather since April, 1861). The day has been lovely and warm, the wind blowing from the south. As I came from work, I stopped at Charles Reed’s and got Gussie’s shoes which I left there last evening for repairs. I also called at the news office and got a package of Sunday School Advocates from Carlton & Porter. Mother remains about the same, very sick. The day has been pretty generally observed as a holiday by the merchants in particular as many of them have closed their stores. I was intending to go into the street in the evening, but just before starting, the baby was taken with a severe turn of coughing and vomiting and while holding him Eleanor and Josephine Dare with Joseph Dunning and Mr. Lawrence came in and spent the evening. I cracked walnuts, had apples and cider, and enjoyed the visit much. I went up to Mother Griswold’s for the cider and there no one drank it but myself. It was about 11 ½ o’clock when we retired. FEB 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. John Brayman came over this morning while I was feeding the horse and wanted to take him sometime during the day to go to Bethel, but did not go, finally. I worked a usual in the shop. I went down to the Post Office in the evening but it closed just before I reached there. Fanny brought a note from Brother Hill in the evening. He had heard from Mr. Northrup in Newtown, stating that he had concluded not to lend me the money I spoke with him about. Gussie went down to see Dr. Bulkeley today about the baby’s cough and got some medicine for the same. Fanny brought me a note in the evening from Brother Hill stating that Mr. Northrup could not let me have the $1,100 I expected from him. Before retiring, I wrote a note in answer to Brother Hill, also one to Mr. Jabine stating that I would take the $800 offered by the Savings Bank. When I came home from work, I found the horse gone and was not returned dup to time of retiring. FEB 24 SATURDAY - Stormy, a warm rain. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the note to Mr. William Jabine. I met Brother Hill as I was entering the Post Office and on that account did not mail the one I wrote to him. I left the shop earlier than usual. I went over to the foul shop to see George, but he was not there. Called at the Savings Bank and arranged with Mr. Jabine about the $800. I am to have it on the 1st of March. I borrowed Charles Hull’s hay cutter when I got home and George with myself cut up pile of hay and then retuned it. George stayed to tea, and in the evening, He ruled the Sunday School Librarian’s book and drew up the classes anew while I went to market. When I returned, we marked of the Sunday School Advocates to be distributed in the School tomorrow. Rained very hard all evening. FEB 25 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning; the surface of the ground a little frozen. It thawed during the day. Grew colder towards night. George went to Bethel as usual for the chorister this morning. Gussie attended church in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School at noon and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. which was in the audience room. Mr. W. T. Gilbert preached for Brother Hill this morning. Had a talk at noon with Mrs. Holmes, Female Supt. about Charles Stevens, Jr. taking my place as Secretary/Treasurer of the school another year. We concluded, judging from his past life, that he would not be a reliable person for the position. After supper, I went over to John Brayman’s a few moments to see their new baby, it being my first visit since its birth. When I returned, Gussie went over. George brought down a picture of Mollie Clark, his army correspondent from West Chazy, New York with whom he is corresponding under the assumed name of Willie Franklin. With it he brought her letters for me to read. Neither of them has ever seen each other. She wrote to him while in the army in answer to an advertisement for a lady correspondent. I went to church in the evening. W. T. Gilbert preached. Quite a number went forward for prayers; among them were Saul Bailey and Caroline Hull. FEB 26 MONDAY - A very cold morning. As I went to work, I mailed a letter for Gussie to Josephine Dare. We were stinted in our shop work today, had only one dozen. I came home before night and harnessed Old Jim before Seth Down’s sleigh (which has been in the barn since I went to Newtown on the 10th to see about money from Walter Northrup) and drew it home on bare ground. I saw Seth at his barn and arranged with him to use his saddle occasionally when I have need of it. From there I went to McDonald’s shop and had two of Jim’s shoes tightened. Martha Case from Essex came on the morning train to Father Griswold’s. After tea, I borrowed Seth’s saddle and rode down to the Post Office and then up home to see Mother. I mended a hold back strap to the harness. Bought a second hand hay cutter of Charles Hull for $10. I got trusted for it to pay when I could. FEB 27 TUESDAY - I woke and found it snowing, which it continued to do until just at night. I borrowed last night Seth Downs’ wrench with which to turn the axle nuts on the wagon to grease it which George did today and brought the hay cutter I bought last evening from Charles Hull’s barn. The cart of feed which he engaged yesterday came today. We had a full day’s work in the shop today, but tomorrow the shop will be closed ion account of a Baptist Church fast which they intend to observe on account of the great revival of religion and the great work being wrought in their church. Mr. Crofut, being one of the deacons, he will close his factory. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle again and rode down to the Post Office and up home to see Mother. She is no better. She now has an idea that she is going to die with this sickness. She is fearful that when she is gone, Father will sell of the furniture, bed and bedding, while she wants us children to have it. George Parmalee told me today that I would have to fill his place as assistant librarian in Sunday School as he is going next week to Bridgeport as salesman in a dry goods store. Gussie received a picture of Martha Lord this evening in a letter from Corydon to Harriet. FEB 28 WEDNESDAY - The Baptists have a day of fasting and prayer on account of the religious interest felt in the community; many are being converted in both the Baptist and our own church. Mr. Crofut closed his factory on that account and in consequence thereof we have had no work. Brother Hill rode up to see me early this morning to say that his mother had money from the sale of her homestead which she would like to invest and wants me to take the whole amount- $1,100 of her. I went down to see the Savings bank men to give up the claim I had on the money applied for. It made no difference to them so I agreed with Brother Hill to take the whole amount from his mother. I got some waxed ends, some pieces of leather and then came home and mended it and washed the harness with George’s assistance. After dinner, I harnessed Jim and took Martha Case, Harriet Wheeler and Gussie to the cemetery. Wrote to Mallett saying that I should probably not want to take up the mortgage until April 1st. I went to meeting in the evening. After meeting, I went over to Clark Beers to send by him to New York for 10 lbs. of coffee. Mr. Bray preached a prayer meeting after the sermon at which John Bouton, James Kyle and others went forward to the altar. Harriet Mills rose for prayers.
1866-02
Horace Purdy Journal January 1866 Entry
10pgs
JAN 01 MONDAY - Warm, cloudy, misty, but no rain to speak of. The sleighing is entirely used up. The baby, who was quite sick yesterday and who had the doctor, is better today. Talked with an agent of the “Aetna” at the shop about life insurance. After tea, I went into the street to see if I could exchange a syringe at Dr. Baldwin’s where I bought it for another as mine has a defect about it; it leaks air. I could not exchange it. I called to see Dr. Bulkeley at his office about Georgie. I bought a box of figs for $1.25 – 4 ¾ lbs. – and then came home. Gussie cut out 4 shirts for me today. JAN 02 TUESDAY - The ground was a little frozen this morning. It thawed a little, notwithstanding it was cloudy all day. I worked all day in the shop as usual. On my way to work this morning, I ordered a cart of feed for the horse at Crofut’s. Ellen Dare from Bethel was up and took dinner with Gussie. Maria and Caroline Mills were up also. They gave Gussie a call and then went up to Mother’s. As I came home from work in the P.M., I paid 50 cents for six months box rent ending July 1, 1866. Annual Meeting of the Hat Finishers’ Association in the evening. Election of officers. The old officers were elected as follows: for President: Victor W. Benedict; Vice-president: Abram Chichester; Secretary: William Withespoon; Treasurer: Calvin R. Dunning. JAN 03 WEDNESDAY - A light fall of snow last night. Father took the horse and carried Mrs. William Nab to Bethel and got a dollar for it. Bell is very sick again with lung fever. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to do some shopping. A one armed man at the shop today soliciting help; I gave him 10 cents. JAN 04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and colder in the after part of the day. After tea, I jumped on Old Jim and rode up home to see Bell. From there, I rode down to market. When I came home, I found John Brayman waiting to see me about moving the remains of John, William and Abagail from the Mill Plain Burying Ground to our lot in the cemetery. George has been calculating to do it tomorrow, but Father and I think it best to defer it until next spring. I arranged with John to get the horse’s shoes reset tomorrow. When George came down to go to meeting, He brought us two chickens from Mother. JAN 05 FRIDAY - Very cold. As I went for milk in the morning, I called at John Brayman’s to see if he would take the horse over to McDonald’s and get one of his shoes reset. I found him still in bed with a terrible headache, having had it all night. George came for a piece of corned beef and rode Jim up home and lost off the shoe, so he went and had it put on again. On my way home from work, I took a bill out from the post office from Joseph Ives for a lamp top – 20 cents, I bought October 12th. I having once paid for it, I went in the evening and had it rectified. After tea, I took Old Jim and rode into the street to see Ives. Bought 3 oranges for 15 cents for bell and rode up home with them to see her. After evening meeting, George called and I went up to Father Griswold’s for a pitcher of cider. JAN 06 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a very little warmer than yesterday. I worked as usual in the shop. It being pay day, I drew $30.62. Gussie went up to see Bell this P.M. After tea, Gussie went into the street to do a little shopping. When she returned, I borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Jim up home. I rode back into the street and bought the best beefsteak I could as the Doctor had ordered a little for her. The two Dr. Bennetts went to see her just at night and gave but little encouragement. If she gets over the fever, they think it will leave her with the consumption. JAN 07 SUNDAY - I woke and found that it had been and still was snowing, about 3 inches. – the 7th snowstorm. It cleared off before meeting time. Cold and blustering, a severe day to be out. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School; came home without going in the P.M. George came home with me and stayed to supper. After supper, he harnessed Old Jim, took George Starr’s carriage and went to Bethel for the Presiding Elder, Mead and Mr. Lockwood, our chorister and brought them up to church. As he started for Bethel, Gussie and I rode up home with him and stayed until he returned when he came for us and carried us home. Bell is very sick; she will probably never get well. We left Georgie with Mother Griswold while we were gone. I made out a quarterly report of the Sunday School for Brother Hill to give the Presiding Elder at Quarterly Conference this evening. I sent by George as neither Gussie nor I went out in the evening. JAN 08 MONDAY - Very, very cold. The mercury stood as low as 20 degrees below zero. I was sick last night (a bowel complaint), have felt poorly today and in consequence have not been to work. We kept both stoves going with a good fire all of last night and thereby kept the house comfortable. Brother Hill called to see me about 4 P.M. about the Methodist which I had talked about subscribing for. I concluded to take it and paid him $2.00 for it. He prayed with us before he left. He went with me to the barn to see the horse. From there, he went over to see Allen McDonald and I to borrow Charles Stevens’ saddle to ride up home to see Bell. I went down and bought a ½ pint of Madeira wine for bell with which to make wine whey. I then came back and went to McDonald’s for some milk and carried up home to Mother. While there, George too Jim and rode downtown on an errand. When he returned, I came home. While up there I gave Mother $2.00 which Fanny gave me from the church poor fund. Louise came down and spent the evening with us. About 8 o’clock the chimney to the north apartment of Gregory’s tenement house on the corner (formerly L. Nichols’ old Hat Shop) took fire and quite an excitement prevailed for a short time. There were reports that a large fire was raging in New Haven and no water to be had on account of the cold, all the hydrants being frozen up. Bell is a little more comfortable today. JAN 09 TUESDAY - Very cold but not so cold as yesterday. Was sick again last night and nearly all of today with diarrhea caused by eating chicken pie. After dinner, I made a cover for my guns. In the meantime, John Brayman’s wife came in and Gussie went with her over to one of Gregory’s houses to look at it with a view to renting it next April. Between 3 and 4 o’clock, I rode Old Jim down to the shop and then up home to see Bell. One of his shoes came off and I went down to Center Street and had them all reset and sharpened. It cost $1.00. While we were drinking tea, Mary Purdy called a few minutes to inquire about Bell. I went to market in the evening. JAN 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and mild. I went to the shop today for the first time this week. George called at the shop after dinner and told me that Bell was worse. Gussie went up to see her in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went over to Mrs. Hurd’s and borrowed a bed pan. I rode Jim down to market and then took the pan and carried it up home. Bell thought oysters would taste good so I rode back into the street and bought ½ peck for her. She is more easy this evening. She is now taking opium pills which accounts for it. JAN 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Before I went to work in the morning, Sarah Purdy called in to inquire about Bell. As I came home from work in the evening, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. After tea, I addled Jim and went to market and then up home to see Bell. Mother broke a lamp chimney, so I rode back into the street and got a new one for her. They moved Bell from the bedroom into the parlor today. Sarah Purdy went up and helped Mother today and then came again in the evening to watch with Bell for the night, she being the first to watch outside of the family. She is no better. Dr. Bennett thinks that the chances are against her. JAN 12 THURSDAY - But little sunshine today. A snow squall in the morning. John Brayman had the horse this forenoon to got to Bethel to see some of the Hat Makers about Henry Heinman’s case as the men at T. & E Tweedy’s have turned out against him as an apprentice.; as he went he took his wife and Gussie to see Bell and brought them home again as he returned. Father then carried Amos Purdy’s wife up to sit by Bell in the P.M. Before tea, George rode up to Russell Wildman’s and engaged Lucy to watch. After meeting he took the horse and went for her. He is to keep the horse up there tonight. Mary Purdy came in as we were drinking tea, after which, she and Gussie went up home again to see Bell. Hanson E. Smith got married last night. George had his time given him today at foul hat finishing. Robert Cocking paid his December rent to Gussie today - $3.00. Since writing the above, George has concluded to return the horse tonight. JAN 13 SATURDAY - Warm and pleasant with the exception of a short splatter or rain between 4 and 5 o’clock in the P.M. which came up sudden and was as soon over. John Brush and John Green paid me $1.50 each for sifters to be handed to George, which I did in the evening. I tried to buy some oranges for Bell as I came home from work, but could find none in town. George came in about 9 o’clock to get the team and carry Mrs. Amos Purdy up home to watch with Bell. When he returned with the horse we mended the harness and nailed up a small box on the manger for salt for the horse. JAN 14 SUNDAY - A very little snow about 6 ½ o’clock this morning, not enough to whiten the ground. George at that time came down for the horse to take Mrs. Purdy home from watching with Bell last night. I rode back home with him and returned with the horse to let him eat before going to Bethel for our chorister, Mr. Lockwood, as he agreed to go for him. He borrowed Brother McDonald’s carriage to go with. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. And I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service which was the sacrament. There were two ladies baptized. George carried Mr. Lockwood home again in the P.M. John Brayman called in the evening. Gussie went to 1st church in the evening to a lecture on temperance by Rev. Mr. VanZant. JAN 15 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cold this morning. The mercury stood at zero in the morning. It clouded over in the P.M. with the appearance of a storm when I retired. I went before the “Board of Relief” before going to work in the morning and swore off the eleven hundred dollars I owe Aaron Mallet in Redding. On my way, I stopped and ordered 3 bushels of oats at Crofut’s and paid for the same - $2.25. In the evening, I ordered 1o lbs. of buckwheat flour and paid for that also – 60 cents. In the evening, I rode the horse to market and up home to see Bell. While there, Joseph W. Allen and Brother Everett called in company with Ann Delavan who came to watch with Bell. George borrowed Mr. Judd’s hay cutter and cut up a heap of hay. While driving in the yard with it, the limb of a tree under which he was passing caught the cutter and turned it out with the seat together with George. Fortunately, neither he was hurt or the cutter broken. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. JAN 16 TUESDAY - It was snowing when we woke this morning, making the 8th snowstorm. It was about 4 ½ inches deep. It soon ceased snowing; it cleared off pleasant in the P.M. George came over before breakfast for the horse with which to carry Mrs. Delavan home. The oats which I ordered came yesterday; also the buckwheat cake flour. Louise came down and stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie and I go to hear Frederick Douglass lecture. It is the first time I ever heard or saw the man. It was 10 o’clock when we got home. JAN 17 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and with the horse, I took my first sleigh ride by taking Gussie up home to see Bell. I went down to the church and when meeting was out took Fanny over to Dr. Brown’s and got the bundles of work belonging to the Sewing Society and brought them to Father Griswold’s where the Society will meet on Friday P.M. I then took Fanny up home to watch with Bell tonight and then brought Gussie home. After going home with the sleigh and putting up the horse, I mended the harness bridle (one of the blinds). Before retiring, I drew up a bill of prices for the shop, it being the one adopted November 14th and went into effect on the 20th., the same being a deduction of 2 % (?) per dozen on all qualities except No. 5. JAN 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. The sleighing is used up. I worked in the shop as usual. After tea, I took the horse up home to see Bell. She is better. From there I rode down to the Post Office and home. Before retiring, I went to Father Griswold’s for a small pitcher of cider with which a few walnuts was very good. JAN 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. The Sewing Society met at Father Griswold’s this P.M. and when I came from work, Gussie and Georgie were up there, so I went there for tea. George, having another order for sifters from Johnson in Newtown, I repaired the wagon where he broke it with a hay cutter in order that it could be used tomorrow. When I had finished repairs, we harnessed and went to the stores and borrowed 6 sifters to send to Mr. Johnson towards the dozen he ordered until George receives some next week when he will fill the balance of the order. JAN 20 SATURDAY - Cloudy, foggy and warm all day until about 5 o’clock when it rained for a time. It came off clear and colder in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Father went over to Newtown for George to take sifters to Mr. Johnson. He went as I started for work in the morning. I rode into Main Street with him. In the evening, I carried Sunday School papers down to the church to be ready for distribution tomorrow. I did a little marketing and came home. Before retiring, I drew up Sunday School classes in a new book for one of my assistant librarians (E. Barnum); it took me until midnight. JAN 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. George went to Bethel this morning for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister, and as he was turning into West Street, his horse fell on the ice. No damage was done. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, but was too sick with a headache to stay in the P.M. After supper, I was taken with vomiting, which made me feel better in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to meeting. George harnessed his horse and drove to church so that the horse would be ready after meeting to carry Mr. Lockwood to Bethel. I wrote to Carleton & Porter for I copy of the Sunday School Advocate and 4 copies of the Sunday School Journal which they failed to send in the last lot. Also a dozen of each No. 1 and No. 2 Catechism for 48 cents and 60 cents per dozen. I enclosed $1.08 for them. Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. JAN 23 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. George kept the horse up home last night and drove him down as he came to work this morning, bringing as he came the cot bed home to Amos Purdy’s which Bell has been using during her sickness. Had new copper bottoms put on our tea kettles. When I came home from the shop tonight, I had to kindle a fire in the sitting room stove, Gussie having let it burn out for the first time this winter. I did not go out in the evening, but sorted over my apples. JAN 23 TUESDAY - Cold and pleasant in the morning but before night the sun was obscured from sight. I went into the street in the evening to buy a set of bricks for my cooking stove. Gussie put Georgie in the carriage and went over to call on Mrs. Daniel Starr. JAN 24 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work I bought 1 ½ lbs. of smelt at Avery Raymond’s, called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, got a package of Sunday School Advocates at the News Office, and came home. George quit work early, harnessed the horse and went to the depot for a crate of sifters (2 dozen). I stayed with the baby and let Gussie go into the street in the evening. She brought home some bees wax and before retiring made some grease for Hat Finishers' irons for George. Father was down here today and Gussie got him to take Father Griswold’s hams over to Lockwood Olmstead’s to be smoked. JAN 25 THURSDAY - Three to four inches of snow on the ground this morning and still snowing. It soon stopped, however, but remained cloudy through the day. It rained a little about 5 P.M. I worked as usual in the shop. Bell has been poorly again today. We fear a relapse of the fever. I stayed with the baby in the evening and Gussie went to meeting. We are having meetings every night. The house is crowded and some evenings the altar is filled with those seeking religion. JAN 26 FRIDAY - It snowed a little again last night, making the 10th snow of the season. It has been a pleasant day. I worked as usual in the shop. I received a package by way of Day’s News Office (which I previously ordered) from Carlton & Porter containing 2 dozen Catechisms No. 1 and No. 2, one dozen of each and a late catalog of their publications. After tea, John Brayman came in to have me direct a letter from him to his mother-in-law as he wants her to come and attend his wife which he hourly expects to be confined. I rode Old Jim up home to see Bell. George then mounted him and rode into the street on an errand. I sent by him for some ale for Bell – 2 quarts. JAN 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. In the afternoon, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and took Louisa up home to see Bell. I then carried Gussie and Georgie up there, she not having seen Georgie since she has been sick. After supper, we got Louisa to stay in the evening with the baby and we went to Bethel to Mr. Dare’s for a sleigh ride. We got home again about 10 o’clock. JAN 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy before night. George had Mr. McDonald’s sleigh this morning to go to Bethel for the chorister, Mr. Lockwood. In fact, I arranged for the sleigh last night and kept it at my barn until George returned this morning when he took it home. Gussie went to church this morning and I to Sunday School at noon as usual and over to the 1st church in the P.M. to the Union Sunday School gathering. After tea, Gussie called over at John Brayman’s and stayed until nearly evening meeting time. Before meeting, George came for the horse with which to take Mr. Lockwood to Bethel after church. He had Mr. McKinsey’s sleigh. When he returns, he is to put the horse in the barn and rive him down in the morning. Gussie stayed at home and I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached an excellent sermon. JAN 29 MONDAY - Cloudy all day, but not very cold. Now and then, a flake of snow would be seen flying but no storms of any account. We were stinted in our work in the shop today, but the amount given was enough to last me until night. The seats in the church were rerented today. Gussie and Mrs. Bradley both were there and secured our old seat No. 31 for another year. After supper, I borrowed Charles Steven’s saddle and rode Old Jim down to the market and then up home to see Bell. JAN 30 TUESDAY - Another cloudy day. It commenced a fine rain or mist about 4 P.M. John Brayman had the horse today to go to Bethel. I gave him permission to sell or trade him off under certain conditions but he did not succeed in doing so, I believe. Father Griswold came down just before tea to talk with me about the trouble I am into with George by undersigning for him. Before taking the horse out this morning, John too him over to Mr. McDonald’s and had his shoes sharpened as he was not safe to drive with the roads being very slippery. JAN 31 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day; not a cloud to be seen and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went up home to see Bell today. She is better. I stayed home in the evening and did some writing for the Sunday School and let Gussie go to market.
1866-01
Horace Purdy Journal June 1865 Entry
11pgs
06/01 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very warm. National Fast appointed by President Johnson to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer. The factory has been closed on that account. The first thing I did this morning was to mow the grass in front of the house in the street. After breakfast I went down to Stebbins's Lumberyard and bought a piece of studding for Father Griswold 16 feet long to make a flag staff on his house, the old one being too short. I spiced on the new piece after which the flag was run up at half-mast in observance of the national fast. Just before dinner Mr. Cocking came home and helped me clean up the front walk and straighten the edges after which we both took a walk up to James Scaitlin's to look at his strawberry beds. I called to for our folks at the same time. They were cleaning house. I brought home the scythe which I lent him last night. The religious services were held in our church at 11 o'clock. Sermon by Mr. Dunham a Congregational preacher. I did not attend. We sent for Dr. Bulkeley about noon and he came to see Georgie. He had a swelling near the left ear which we feel some concern about. Wrote to Carleton & Porter requesting the S.S. Advocates be sent in one package instead of two. Gussie and Sarah Purdy went up to the cemetery and did not return until about 9 o'clock. 06/02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but not quite so warm as yesterday. On my way to the shop in the morning ordered 6 lbs. of Potash to be sent up to Mother Griswold's. She is going to make soft soap. I found Potash and she the grease and I am to have a share in the soap. I worked until 7 o'clock before stopping at night. 06/03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I hoed out my Trompe de Gard strawberry bed. I spent a part of the forenoon in finishing over my old Nutria hat making it into a Spring Brim, the latest style. I should have finished over Father Griswold's old block soft hat which I have in the shop to make over into the same style if the new block which has been ordered had come but it did not. It is to be on the 5 deep 7 size. Gussie bought a new dress and shoes this P.M. After tea, I worked in my garden spading between rows of potatoes until 8 o'clock and then went to the Post Office and market. While I was at work in the garden Cousin Mary Purdy and David Bradley's wife called to see Gussie. Before retiring, I drew some beer and Mr. Cocking and I drank some together. 06/04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. Mary Purdy came and stayed with baby and let us both go in the P.M. The first Sunday of David Bradley acting as Assistant Librarian, James Parmalee not being there. I was obliged to help distribute Library books in addition to performing the Secretary and Treasurer duties. After supper, we went up home and drew Georgie. Mr. Charles Starr was up there and sat in the yard with us and talked. Mr. Squires and wife were there also. I went to Baptist Prayer meeting in the evening with Mr. Cocking. Gussie stayed at home with Georgie. When we returned we drank a glass of ale together. The wife of Truman Trowbridge died at 8 o'clock on Saturday (last) evening. The bell tolled this noon. A heavy shower passed around us by the North at about 10 o'clock, but we got no rain from it. 06/05 MONDAY - Sunshine in the morning and very warm, but the wind passed around into the east and soon clouded over so that before noon there was a great change in the atmosphere. I finished over Father Griswold's old high crown black soft hat on a 6 deep Spring Brim style. I felt nearly sick in the A.M. and came home to dinner thinking I would not return to the factory but after dinner I felt so very much better that I went back and worked until night. When I came home and after tea, I helped William Carlson clean out his rain water hogshead and then he helped me clean out mine as both of them were nearly dry and there being a prospect of rain. Mr. ____, Father Griswold's German neighbor joining on the west, mowed his yard today and Father Griswold gave me a little of the grass to put around my strawberry hills which I did just before dark. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and brought her little girl with her. Mrs. McDonald and Elisha Serrine's wife called in the P.M. and in the evening Mr. Swift's wife and mother called. It rained a little this P.M. Truman Trowbridge's wife was buried this P.M. Captain Morris Krasynski of Co. A, 11th Regiment, C.V. arrives home this evening by train having left the service. He declares that he ready to continue in the army when they want him. 06/06 TUESDAY - There have been indications of a storm all day though the sun shone some in the PM. David Scribner's wife who is crazy came into the shop at noon and said she was going to have a donation party this evening down at the County House after which there would be a dance. She went on with her crazy slang until our Foreman V. W. Benedict ordered out at the same time hurrying her by putting his hand on her shoulder and pushing her. After tea, I forked over the ground between my potatoes in the garden and then went to market. There is a meeting this evening at Concert Hall to make some arrangements for a 4th of July celebration. As I came home, the Brass Band was playing on the steps of the hall to draw the people together. Cousin Frank Bouton received a letter today from John mailed at Jacksonville, Florida stating that the regiment was on the way to Tallahassee to do garrison duty. Mother is not so well today. Bell came down this evening with a bottle to get some ale for her. I being away to market, Gussie could not draw it so she returned home and left the bottle. Before retiring, I put some insoles in my new patent leather boots. 06/07 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy but no rain. Edward P. Stevens, an old shop mate had a watch stolen from his home just before noon. I bought home Father Griswold's hat which I have been finishing off for him. I have intended to go to class this evening, but I am very tired so I stayed with the baby to let Gussie go to the milliner's to get a cap trimmed for Georgie. The thief who stole Edward Stevens' watch was caught by Charles Crosby over to Stony Hill. He denied having stolen the watch but upon being taken to the jail confessed it and told where he would find it. Abel Wheeler's father from New Fairfield is at Father Griswold's on a visit and is staying all night. A new railing in the Post Office to prevent crowding. 06/08 THURSDAY - pleasant and very warm. Have not felt very well today. The watch that was stolen from Edward P. Stevens yesterday was found by Charles H. Crosby where the thief told him it was under a stone near where he arrested him. After tea, I went up on the top of Father Griswold's house and with a pole placed the halyards on the pulley of the flagstaff which was off when the staff was erected. I also spliced the halyards to make them reach the window of the observatory. I stayed with the bay in the evening to let Gussie go to the milliner's for Georgie's cap. In the meantime Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank called. 06/09 FRIDAY - Very warm. I was changed from Drab Hats to Black just before dinner. It was so very warm after dinner that I stopped work between 3 and 4 o'clock and came home. A hard shower came up just as I left the shop and I got wet before I reached home. I went to market in the evening and brought home a blue fish and fixtures for a lamp. It is what is termed the 'Tom Thumb' arrangement. While fixing the flagstaff on Father Griswold's house last night, I left my pocketknife on top of the cupola. I went up for it tonight. We had a fine mess of strawberries for tea tonight. Mary Cable brought the baby's cap up which Gussie went for last night and found it not trimmed. 66 S.S. Advocates came today. 06/10 SATURDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and worked about 2 hours and I then quit as I did not feel able to work. I have a cold and have worked very hard for about a month which I suppose is the reason for my indisposition. After dinner I lay down and slept for about 2 hours and then I went downtown with Gussie. I bought a Weekly Tribune for Mrs. Hancock to send to her husband in the army, and then went with Gussie to Benedict's Shoe Store to exchange a pair of baby shoes for one size larger. I then went to the Danbury Bank and found it closed. I intended to take a hundred dollar U.S. 7 # 30 Loan but was too late as banking hours were past. I intended to take money from the Savings Bank to invest in the U.S. Loan as named. I then went to Joseph Ives and talked with Edmund Allen about a new tin roof on the wing of my house. I came home and worked off the S.S. Advocates and carried them down to the church before tea. A heavy thunder shower came up just after dinner and it was showery the remainder of the P.M. and evening. Mr. Cocking came with team to meet Mrs. Lynes at the depot. I rode down with him. Mrs. Cocking bought some beer in the evening for Robert and he brought down a glass for me before we retired. Mrs. Hancock was taken unexpectedly sick yesterday and today she has had the Doctor and is not able to sit up. She is a new wife and we suspect she has a miscarriage. Thomas Sproul brought another 1/4 ton of coal today for $2.75. I mean to pay him next Monday. Before retiring, I wrote again to Carlton & Porter about the S.S. Advocates to send them in one package. 06/11 SUNDAY - A little cooler after the rain but pleasant. Gussie went to church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. I went to Sunday School and in the P.M., Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon at which a collection for the Lincoln Monument was taken - $10.62. Sacrament in the P.M. We had lobster for supper after which we drew the baby and went up home to see Mother. John Cosier called to see her while we were there. We sang and he prayed before we left. He walked down with us when we came home. I went to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street in the evening to hear Brother Hill preach his sermon on Methodism. Wrote to Carlton & Porter to send our S.S. Advocates in one package. This is the second time I have written about it. 06/12 MONDAY - I worked in the forenoon and finished off a dozen hats I had out. I went back to the shop after dinner but did not work. I stayed until they paid off and then went up to Joseph Ives to see about a getting a tin roof for the wing of my house. I came home by way of E. Whaley to see his strawberries and to see him about sending S. Barnum to New York for fire crackers for the 4th of July. They will cost us more than we expected and I am in favor of not sending. I went over to David Bradley's to see about his doing the carpentry work to my roof. He was not home so I left word to have him call and see after which he did. He will not be able to do the work before Friday. While he was here Ed Whaley came along and I drew some ale for them. I went to teacher's Meeting in the evening and was made Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School. I had a severe headache in the evening and I retired as soon as I came from the Teacher's meeting. It is now Tuesday morning that I am writing this. I was not able to do it last night. 06/13 TUESDAY - Not feeling very well, I rose late. After breakfast I cut a little grass in my yard and put around my strawberry plants to keep the berries clean. Went down to the Post Office and to the Savings Bank to draw out $100 with which to take a $100 7-30 U.S. Loan but concluded not to do so as I would thereby lose the interest in the Savings bank from April until the present time and besides the Savings bank pays 6 % instead of 5% as I supposed and furthermore I shall probably pay the $100 on my place next April and unless Mr. Mallett was willing to take the 7-30 Loan, I would be obliged to sell it before I could pay him. So I came home without making the changes. After dinner I took a nap on the bed with Georgie and slept until nearly 3 o'clock. I then picked what strawberries there were ripe and rode downtown with Mr. Cocking and bought a gallon of molasses and 1 # lbs. of sugar at B&N and sent it up home. I then went over to the church and looked over the Sunday School classes on the Librarian's books and arranged them on the Secretary's book which I now have the charge of. David Lanigan was married at the Baptist Church in the P.M just before the cars went out and took the train for a wedding tour. He married Miss ___ Comstock from the Boggs District. While downtown this morning, I saw Charles Fowler and paid him $1.75 due him up to date for butter. After tea, I went over to Seth Downs and Dr. Bulkeley to see their strawberries. I came home by way of the Post Office and got a letter from George written at St. Augustine, Florida June 3rd and Jacksonville June 7th. They were waiting transportation to come home. 06/14 Wednesday - Pleasant but a little cooler. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get some dressmaking done and I carried my dinner at the shop. I worked all day though I have not been in a condition to do so. I feel nearly sick with my cold and also I have a sore mouth. On my way home from work, I overtook Father and he came around home to get a glass of beer. It has been reported today that David Mansfield has been found dead in a lumberyard in Norwalk. I went to market in the evening but was too tire to stay down to class. The 2nd Congregational Church is holding a strawberry festival this evening in Concert Hall. 06/15 THURSDAY - Cloudy and cool but no rain. The body of David Mansfield came last evening on the train. I have felt better today than for many days past. I worked all day in the shop. I went in the evening to Joseph Ives to see about having my tin roof put on tomorrow. They are to put it on if the day is pleasant. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. She went home after doing some shopping and I waited for the mail. I received a letter from Carleton Porter explaining about the extra packages of the S.S. Advocates sent to us. I answered it in Parmalee & Bradley's store and mailed it ordering 8 extra copies before I went home. 06/16 FRIDAY - Some appearance of rain in the morning, but at times during the day, the sun shone. I stayed home and with David Bradley ripped off the old shingle roof on the wing and put on new roof boards for a tin roof. After dinner, Mr. James Turner and Mr. William Allen came with the Irishman Mike and succeeded in putting on the tin roof by working until 7 o'clock. David came over after tea and helped me put on the strips of siding which we took off that the Turner's might work. We then went downtown together. I reported to Joseph Ives about the new roof, but they were just closing the store and desired me to call at some other time. I got a $10 bill changed to pat David what I owed him. 06/17 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I went to the shop in the morning, but feeling rather sore and stiff from yesterday's work, I concluded not to work. I went up to Joseph Ives' store and paid $20 on the bill of ___ for my tin roof. I took a nap after dinner and the Gussie and I took the baby up to the cemetery. While coming home in the morning, I met Louise Jones; she had just been to the house to see Gussie. In the evening, I went downtown and bought a thin vest and coat. Went to the barber's and got my hair cut and then came home. 06/18 SUNDAY - Very warm in the forenoon. A shower came up about noon and rained a little cooling the air very much. The sun was hid from view nearly all the remainder of the day. I stayed with Gussie in the forenoon to let Gussie go to church. She came home after the morning sermon to let me go to Sunday School and in the P.M. Dr. Holdrich preached in the A.M. He is Secretary of the Bible Society. F. W. Jackson preached in the P.M. from the last clause of the tenth verse of the 12th chapter of 2nd Corinthians. We continued the subscriptions in Sunday School for the Lincoln Monument Fund. After tea, I did my writing for the Sunday School and then we put Georgie in his carriage and went over to Aunt Louisa's. I also carried David Bradley's pipe to him which he left here last Friday while at work. I went to hear Dr. Holdrich on the Bible Cause at our church. Rev. Mr. Shepard preached at the West Street 2nd Congregational Church in the evening on Universalism. I walked from the church in the evening with Widow William Bradley as far as the corner of New Street. John Cosier's class met at 5 o'clock up home with Mother. 06/19 MONDAY - Cloudy all day; misty at times but no rain. I worked all day in the shop. When I came to dinner, I ran up Father Griswold's flag as I promised him I would as he wanted to make a little sport with Aunt Ruth and Anna Eliza when he should come with them on the freight train. They came with him as expected. When I came home, I found the flag caught on the point of the lightning rod. I went to the top of the house as soon as I could and took it down. While doing so, Anna Eliza came up to see me. She had changed so much that I should not have known her if I had seen her anywhere else. When I came down, I went into the sitting room where they had just finished tea to see Aunt Ruth. I stayed there to tea. Anna came down with Gussie and stayed while I went to market. While down to the Post Office, I saw Henry Hoyt who is to be gatekeeper at the Fair tomorrow and the next day and he wanted some of our Sunday School Festival tickets for the Committee at the Fair to use while running out and in. We went over to the church together and I went to the Library and got them for him; he took 35 of them. I took from the Post Office some King of Swedes Turnip Seed sent by Congressman J. H. Hubbard or at least the envelope had his frank upon it. 06/20 TUESDAY - Cloudy but no rain. The wind went around from East to Southwest and our threatened storm will I think prove a dry one. Before breakfast I stuck down some of the vining plants to my Russell Strawberries. I am trying to force a few plants to put out early. The Ladies' Sewing Society Fair of our church commenced today in Concert Hall. Bell came down in the P.M. to take care of Georgie so that Gussie could attend the Fair with Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza Mills. I worked hard all day and until after 6 o'clock at night. In the evening, Gussie went to the Fair again with Anna and Eliza Vintz. I walked down with them; as they went into the Hall, I went to the Post Office and to market. I then came home without going into the Hall. When I came home, I took care of Georgie and let Bell go home. There was a Hatters' Meeting which I did not attend to take into consideration an invitation from the Town Committee to participate in a body by joining the procession on the 4th of July. I was notified before leaving the street that I was Chairman of an Auditing Committee, consisting of C. H. Hoyt, Nathaniel Cable and myself to audit the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer of the Association. 06/21 WEDNESDAY - Foggy, misty and some rain in the morning, but before noon the sun came out warm and pleasant. I was very tired when I stopped work. Gussie and Anna Mills went to the Fair again in the evening. I went to the Post Office and found a letter from the Post Office in Washington, D.C. It was one that Gussie wrote to Emmaline Francis in Leavenworth, Kansas and it never reached its destination and it came back to her by way of Washington. I went into the Fair to carry the letter to her and while there, I bought three dishes of ice cream for Gussie, her cousin Anna and myself. I then came home to relieve Cousin Mary Purdy who was taking care of baby for us. I gave her 25 cents and sent her to the Fair. 06/22 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Being tired out from hard work, I stayed out of the shop. I called at Sheather & Lacy's shop and went from there down to where I work at the Pahquioque Shop, It being then about noon, I walked up with Edwin Whaley. After dinner I took a nap and woke up and found a hard shower coming up. The thunder was heavy, also considerable wind. It rained hard and cleared off between 5 and 6 o'clock. Aunt Ruth, Cousin Anna Eliza, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler spent the afternoon with us. Father Griswold came down and took tea with us while Harriet went home with Josie. After tea, we all took a walk around the corner by Mr. Pond's place and upon the lime rocks. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. While down there I found that there was a meeting of the Union League called to vote the use of the cannon to the citizens' celebration on the coming 4th of July. I attended before going home. 06/23 FRIDAY - The day has been pleasant. Last night's shower having cooled the air so that it has been a comfortable day to work. I carried my dinner today in order that Gussie might have more time to visit with her Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza. Father Griswold got Beatty's double team and took his company out to ride this evening. When I came home to tea, I found a letter from George which Gussie had taken from the Office. He sent his last bounty check and over $6 in Confederate money for preservation as a relic. After tea, I worked until about dark starting the new plants in my Russell Strawberry bed. Gussie and Anna Eliza went downtown in the evening, while I stayed with Georgie. 06/24 SATURDAY - A beautiful day. I came home to dinner after which I went with Gussie and Cousin Anna Eliza to Mr. Crofut's Forming Shop in West Street and then down where I work at the Pahquioque Shop to show them the way hats are manufactured. From there we went up into Main Street and found Fanny, Harriet and Aunt Ruth. Aunt Ruth went to Dr. Ryder's and had a tooth extracted and then they did some shopping. In the meantime I talked with O. H. Swift about the paper business for George when he should arrive home. After tea (Bell came in and stayed to tea), we all went downtown to show Eliza where General Wooster died. We went by the way of Deer Hill and I called at Father's a few minutes. The Sunday School Advocates came today and before tea I marked them off and carried them downtown with us and came up Main Street when we came home and left them at the church. Mr. Cocking came down stairs and drank a glass of beer with me in the evening. 06/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning; I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon. I went down to Sunday School and to preaching in the P.M. Asa Hill preached for us today. I had the headache in the afternoon. We had our first mess of peas for supper, from our dwarf vines. Mr. Mackey, a son-in-law of Joseph Foot, the hatter formerly of this town, who has been lately converted was in our Sunday School and made the opening prayer. He also made some remarks to the school before it closed. I felt so poorly after tea that I lay down until nearly evening meeting time. I did not go to prayer meeting; neither did Gussie, but we spent a part of the evening up home with Aunt Ruth. I felt better before retiring. 06/26 MONDAY - It rained in showers all day and very hard in the afternoon. I carried my dinner to the shop. We were paid off in the P.M. On my way home from work at night I took from the Office a letter from Cyrus Benjamin, giving the intelligence of the death of his youngest brother Joel. He died of consumption. The letter was written yesterday. The funeral will be attended tomorrow. The letter was written to Father, but I opened it to see who was dead. After tea, I went up home and carried the letter. I gave Father $1.00 with which to attend the funeral as I could not go myself. From there I went into the street to pay the balance of my bill for tin roof to Joseph W. Ives for $8.41. I then went to the depot to see Mr. Beatty about coming for Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza as they want to start for Canton tomorrow morning. I did some marketing and then came home while it was raining in torrents. Before we retired, it was starlight. While in the street, I called on O. H. Swift to see if he had done anything more about the newspaper business from George. He told me that he had about settled the matter and thought he would be able to let George have the business when he came home. Fred Brinker's wife was buried this morning. 06/27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool after the rain. Father took the train for Ridgefield this morning to attend Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral and Aunt Ruth Griswold and Anna Eliza Mills took the train also for Canton. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe and sickle. I ground our scythe also. I went to the Post Office in the evening but got nothing. Father returned from Ridgefield by the evening train. 06/28 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool for June. I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle, Ed Whaley and William Norman were off from the shop this morning. After tea, I hoed some corn in the garden and propped up tomato vines. I then went down to the Post Office and to see Dr. Bulkeley about Georgie who is sick from continued constipation. He was not at his office, so I walked around to his residence in Spring Street. He prescribed for him. I came by way of Oscar Serrine's to borrow his syringe, but it was broken so I went to Dr. Baldwin's Drug Store and bought one of Loewe's pattern for $1.50. I came home and gave the baby an injection and the medicine Dr. Bulkeley prescribed. 06/29 THURSDAY - Prospects of a storm in the morning and did rain a little about 6 o'clock, but it finally came off pleasant and warmer than yesterday. There has been considerable wind; otherwise it would have been very warm. The baby is better today. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Joseph W. Ives to see about the gutter in my new tin roof. He (Mr. Allen) promised to call in a day or two and look at it. Mr. Cocking brought me some cabbage and cauliflower plants this morning; I set the out after supper. I gave what cauliflower plants I had left to Mr. Pond. I set out some cabbage for Father Griswold. Gussie went to the market in the evening while I worked in the garden. 06/30 FRIDAY - Very warm; I worked as usual in the shop. Uncle Joe Rotier, who lives just below Father's at the lower end of Deer Hill Avenue fell dead I Ed Tweedy's shop while drinking some ice water. It is supposed that he was overheated and the ice water caused his death. There is quite a stir in the community about the affair of Orange Beebe and John Rowan's widow. It seems that On Monday evening, June 19th, Beebe committed or attempted to commit a rape upon her. They were riding together. She resisted ad in consequence received such personal injuries that it is feared she will not recover. Beebe is under ____ bonds. When I came from work, I found Georgie sick. After tea, I went to see Dr. Bulkely and he pronounced it mumps and prescribed accordingly. I went to Raymond's and ordered a lobster for Mother Griswold and peck of clams for myself tomorrow. A thunder shower came up in the evening about 9 o'clock
1865-06
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal May 1865 Entry
10pgs
05/01 MONDAY - The insurance runs out today and as I went to work this morning, I took the policy to get it renewed. I called at L. C. Hoyt's office and found that he died this morning at five minutes past 4 o'clock. Some say that it was the spotted fever that killed him and others that it was erysipelas, and some say that it was the plague that is prevailing in Russia, and one account is that Dr. Bennett gave him powerful medicines and poisoned him. He was well a week ago. The insurance on my house and furniture which I wished to renew was in the Aetna Company. I concluded to defer the matter until he was buried and someone began to conduct the insurance business in his stead. Burr Bradley is very sick. He has indications of a fever. After tea tonight, I went over to see him and took a pail at his house and got some ice as I went into the street. 05/02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I pulled some weeds from my strawberry bed until dark and then went over to see Burr Bradley. He is pretty sick, no better than yesterday and last night. He wished me to order through Peter Starr one dozen lesson books, 1st Series. I went to the paper office and did so. When I came home, I walked up West Street with Nathaniel Cable. L. C. Hoyt was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. The services were in our church. I did not go, but Gussie did by going up and getting Bell to take care of Georgie. I took the baby carriage over to McDonald's as I went for milk this noon and had it mended. 05/03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but rather cool. Gussie got up with a severe headache, tried to get breakfast but could not, so I cooked it myself. I ate, cleared off the table and went to the shop. I found Gussie very much better when I came home from work. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him better. From there, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought my first mess of porgies at Raymond's three large ones for 13 cents. From there, I went down to Billy Kyle's in the Pahquioque Block and bought a large shad for Father Griswold for 18 cents a lb. 05/04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday, though there was a white frost this morning. Just as I was starting for the shop, Mr. Stevens, the gardener, came to spade my garden for me. As the manure was not yet on the garden, I stayed to get it out. It was coal ashes, door yard grass and other vegetable matter. The best part of the forenoon being used in getting out the ash heap, I then concluded to spend the day in planting. Accordingly, I went into the street for some garden seeds, June potatoes, etc. I spent the P.M. in planting lima beans, potatoes, sweet corn, string peas, beets and parsnips. Miss English and her friend Miss Brown called in the P.M.; also Bell Purdy. In the evening, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called to see Mr. B. Bradley. He is worse than he was yesterday. 05/05 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I planted more potatoes in my garden before going to the shop this morning. On my way, I carried to Parmalee & Bradley's 5 lbs., 10 oz. of pieplant for Mother Griswold. Gussie drew Georgie up home on Deer Hill this A.M and spent the day. When I came home from work, I found the house locked. I got my supper ready to eat just as she came in accompanied by Bell. After supper, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him more comfortable than he was last night, though I suppose he is really but little if any better. I then went to the Post Office and home. 05/06 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained gently all day until just at night and in the evening when it rained very hard in showers. There was some lightning with it but no thunder. On my way to work in the morning, I carried my boots to Reed's Shoe Store to have some pegs drove in the soles to stop them squeaking. I came home to my dinner for the first time since last fall. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley. I engaged to go and watch with him tonight. Mr. Pond got some trompe De Gard Strawberry plants of Father Griswold this morning and set them out. I planted a few more potatoes in the garden this morning, also some squash. I took 6 lbs. of pieplant for Mother Griswold this morning and started for Parmalee & Bradley's store with it but sold it to Hoyt Dibble, engineer at Mr. Crofut's Forming Factory in West Street. 05/07 SUNDAY - I watched with Burr Bradley last night. I came home about half past four this morning and went to bed. I slept until 8 o'clock. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home as soon as church was out and I went down to Sunday School and attended preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached upon the providences of God in our own congregation during the past week, viz. the death of L. C. Hoyt, the severe sickness of Burr Bradley, etc. His text was ____. A dispatch was received today that Sally Ames (Sally Keeler it used to be) was dead. She being pregnant miscarried, at the same time had the small pox. She died at 10 o'clock this morning. After tea, Fanny came down to take care of Georgie to let Gussie and I go to call at Burr Bradley's that I might leave the Sunday School collection - 65 cents with him as he is the treasurer. His wife took the money and brought the book so that I could put down the amount taken. I did not see him as he is too feeble to see anyone. From there we called on Mrs. Stone (our wash woman) and at Daniel Starr's. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening while I stayed with Georgie. As she went she mailed a Harper's Weekly to George for me. 05/08 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the bedroom tearing off the paper preparatory to putting on the new. She made out nearly a day's work. I paid her a dollar. I helped her shake carpets at noon after dinner. In the evening, Louisa took care of Georgie and Gussie went with me and bought some paper for the bedroom. Dr. Bennett and son and Dr. Lacey held a consultation this morning and decided that his disease was erysipelas and that there was no hope in his case. I called a little after 6 o'clock as I came home from work and found him dying. After buying paper in the evening, Gussie and I came that way home. Gussie went home soon after seeing him and I stayed a while and fanned him. I left him fading fast and got home at 10 o'clock. While in the street I left my watch with Captain S. G. Bailey for repairs. Received this noon through the Post Office a blank to be filled out with my income the past year. It was from C.H Sanford, Asst. Assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue. Showery just at night and in the evening. 05/09 TUESDAY - Stormy all day. I started for the shop and went by way of Burr Bradley's to see what time he died and when he was to be buried as I supposed that he was certainly dead as none expected last night that he would live until morning. But to my surprise, he was still alive. There being no man present except his own family friends, I pulled off my boots and stood over him until he died which was a quarter to 12 o'clock. I gave him his last nourishment and wet his lips the last time. Soon after he was done breathing, I put his false upper teeth in his mouth, closed his eyes and mouth and helped tie a handkerchief under his chin to keep his jaw in place. I took two pennies (large ones) from my pocket and placed them on his eyelids after they were wrapped in paper to prevent them from coloring the lids. I came home to dinner and returned again soon after to assist if necessary in laying him out, but the undertaker, Mr. Holy (?) and Amos Stone had already begun the job and needed no more help. So I then took the blank sent to Burr by the Assistant assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue and carried it to the Assessor (C. H. Sanford) to see what could be done in regard to it. He was not sure that it could be collected (the tax). I left the blank with him and he is to see if the payment of the tax by the widow can be avoided. I handed in my own receipts for 1864, which were as follows: wages for the year, $773.62, rent upstairs rooms, $36.00making the total receipt $809.62. The deducting from the sum total $66.00 interest money and insurance $4.20 and taxes $3.80, it leaves $735.62. The deducting $600.00 not liable to taxation. It leaves subject to tax $135.62 which at 3 percent tax will make it $6.78 as my taxes under the Internal Revenue law. I went to the shop about 3 o'clock and finished off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then quit. I came home by way of Burr's to see about watchers. I took it upon myself to procure two for the night which I did in the Street in the evening by getting George Hamilton and Captain E.E. Wildman. Gussie went over to see the corpse in the evening and I came home that way to come home with her and to tell them that watchers were engaged. 05/10 MONDAY - pleasant but a little cool. I took 12 lbs. of pieplant to Parmalee & Bradley's Store for Father Griswold as I went to the shop. We notified Mr.Crofut this forenoon that if he wished to keep his men he must advance $2 per dozen on his whole bill. He agreed to give it. We worked until noon and then all hands attended Burr Bradley's funeral, which was at 2 o'clock at the house. From there we repaired to the church where Brother Hill preached a sermon. I, in company with several other hat finishers walked up to the cemetery and witnessed the burying. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lynes' and got some lettuce plants which Robert Cocking, his gardener who lives with me promised to give me. I gave David Bradley a few of them on my way home. It took me until quite dark to set them all out. David and Hart then came along and I went with them downtown. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. In it was the death of Burr Bradley and Uncle Stephen. While in the street, I saw Andrew Knox about papering our bedroom. It is doubtful about his being able to do it this week. I fear we will be obliged to engage someone else as the room is all ready for the paper. I bought some halibut and went with David Bradley around to call on Mrs. Bradley to see how she was bearing the loss of her husband and to get the dress that Gussie had borrowed for her of Mrs. Barnum. 05/11 THURSDAY - Rain last night and this forenoon. It partly cleared away in the P.M. and the sun shone a little. A little splatter of rain about 6 o'clock and a very hard shower with thunder and lightning and a tremendous wind about 7 o'clock. I heard in the evening that it blew over the spire of the Presbyterian Church in Bethel and unroofed one house. Andrew Knox papered our bedroom in the P.M. He finished before I returned from work and lest his l=pocket knife. He consequently went home without his pay. Mrs. Cocking came down and stayed with Gussie in the evening while I went to get my Aetna insurance policy renewed by the General Traveling Agent who is now here to adjust the business that was left by the death of L.C. Hoyt. I then went over to Widow Burr Bradley's to get the list of S.S. Advocate Subscribers to mark off the papers for distribution on Sunday. She not only gave me the list of names but gave all the books pertaining to the Secretary and Treasurer of the School which I took until the School appoints someone in Brother Bradley's place. My insurance policy I put up in an envelope to send to Aaron Mallett at West Redding, but on account of the lateness of the hour I did not mail it. 05/12 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and this morning, but it cleared off about noon, pleasant but a little cool. On my way to work this morning, I mailed my insurance policy to Aaron Mallet, West Redding. Not feeling well, I came home before night. On my way home, I engaged ton of coal of Tom Sproul which came between 5 and 6 o'clock. I also took one dozen lesson books from Starr & Hopkins (through whom we got them from New York) and carried them over to the church. Before tea, I helped Gussie put down the bedroom carpet. Brought our last ham down from Father Griswold's barn after tea and cut a slice for our breakfast tomorrow morning and cut off a piece which we feared was fly blown to boil for dinner tomorrow. I wrote to Aaron Mallett, West Redding notifying him that I had sent him my insurance policy and telling him why I delayed so long before sending it which was that the agent L. C. Hoyt was dead. I sent the letter to the office in the evening by Gussie as she went to the milliner's and to Sewing Society. I spent a part of the evening in looking over the Sunday School secretary and treasurer's books which have been temporarily been given into my hands since the death of W. B. Bradley, out old Secretary and treasurer. The Sunday School Advocates have come and I tried to find among the books and papers the list of subscribers in order that I might mark off the papers ready to distribute on Sunday but I could not make the list which I found agree in numbers with the number of papers received from New York. 05/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. We moved the bed back again into the bedroom from the parlor where we put it in order to clean and paper the bedroom. I helped move the bureau and such things as required my help and then went to the shop. On my way home to dinner, I took three letters out of the Post Office from George. There were two more there, one for Mother and one for Harriet. The two last are written April 21 and 24 and speak of the surrender of General Lee and army to General Grant and the assassination of Lincoln. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock in the evening to finish up the work I had out. Gussie made calls at Mrs. Daniel Starr's and Widow Burr Bradley this P.M. and went up to the cemetery. I met Andrew Knox and paid him $1.40 for papering our bedroom last Thursday. Gussie went to the milliner's in the evening while I went to market and around to Widow Burr Bradley's to see about the list of subscribers for the Sunday School Advocates. 05/14 SUNDAY - A lovely day but it clouded over again in the evening threatening a storm. I stayed with Georgie in the forenoon to let Gussie attend church. Brother Hill having a boil on his foot sat down and preached. Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon. I commenced taking names for the Sunday School Advocate at noon. Brother Bradley began it before he was taken sick but did not complete it before he died. I have taken charge of the books until another Secretary and Treasurer can be elected. On account of Brother Hill's sore foot the sacrament was not administered in the P.M., but Mr. Van Meter who is here with 11 girls and 1 boy from the Howard Mission preached or talked to the church and his girls sang some sweet music. They were arranged inside the altar. Mr. Van Meter talked and his children sang at the Baptist Church this forenoon. Mother came home to our house to tea. At 4 o'clock the three Sunday Schools, 1st and 2nd Congregational and Baptist, assembled at our church to hear Mr. Van Meter and his girls. I went to hear them again. When it was over I got George Cosier to take Mother home from my house. Bell came home from the 4 o'clock meeting and stayed until evening meeting time and went to hear them again at the 1st church with Gussie. I sent a letter and Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Gussie as she went and mailed them to George at St. Augustine, Florida. As I was coming from the regular afternoon service this P.M. and got just at the head of our street in West Street, I saw Curtis Hoyt get run away with. He had his Grandfather Hoyt's double team and was coming for Mary Richards to take her up to Pembroke where she teaches school. There was a little girl in with him, his cousin a daughter of Frank Hoyt's. They were thrown out and the wagon turned bottom upwards and dragged as far as the corner of George Street by Mr. Pond's where the horses were stopped; neither of them were badly hurt. Rumors that Jeff Davis and cabinet are captured. 05/15 MONDAY - It has been a beautiful day, though early this morning, I feared a storm. I drew $2.50 for Burr Bradley and $.67 in checks making $3.17 his due at the shop. As I came home from work, I carried it to his widow. The papers today officially confirm the capture of Jeff Davis. The first dozen wire brim hats were weighted out today. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian office to see about the publishing of George's last letter. From there, I went to market and to the Post Office and came home. Mr. Basset's wife died very suddenly today. Dr. Bennett says it was similar to what Clark Hoyt and Burr Bradley died with. I sat up until 12 o'clock preparing a letter for publication in the Jeffersonian for George. 05/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson were shopped after dinner. I sent at noon by Joseph Kyle to have Nathan Farrell send me a # barrel of ale beer which he did in the P.M. I gave Mr. Cocking a glass in the evening and then rode down to market with him. Sarah Purdy called just as I went downtown with Robert. Before retiring, I worked awhile at Cosmopolite's letter for publication. 05/17 WEDNESDAY - Very warm, the warmest of the season. It has been almost intolerable in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson worked for the first time in the shop today; the first since they were shopped which was yesterday. William Patch was buried this P.M. After tea, I went into the street and got my Jeffersonian and mailed one to George. I returned immediately for fear of being caught in a shower which threatened. As I came home, I overtook Miss English who was coming to call on us and walked home with her. She talked awhile and played with Georgie and then returned to Dr. Ryder's where she is stopping. I did not go to class on account of the threatening shower. Before retiring, I completed arranging George's letter to the Jeffersonian for publication. After tea and before going downtown, I planted some cucumbers. 05/18 THURSDAY - Cloudy with a cool East wind during the day. It began to rain a little in the evening. On my way to work this morning, I left George's letter at the Jeffersonian for publication. I also dropped a line in the Post Office to Andrew Knox for Mother Griswold this morning. 05/19 FRIDAY - Still cloudy; no hard rain but misty. I planted some evergreen corn in the garden before breakfast. After dinner the shop was called and a vote passed that we Have $2.50 extra for a scoped faced block finished on a scope band. Mr. Crofut was sent for to talk up the matter. He finally agreed to give the $2.50 extra for a scope faced block which was designed to cover the Spring Brim. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock. Received a letter this noon from Aaron Mallett acknowledging the receipt of the insurance policy. 05/20 SATURDAY - I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed before breakfast until the rain drove me off. It rained very hard for a time in the morning. I worked as usual in the shop. This is the third day I have been on the Spring Brim hats. We have just announced that style of a hat. There is a prospect of a large run on them. I came home for dinner and found Mrs. Stone cleaning house for Gussie. The bedroom upstairs and the bedroom has been her work for today. Mother Griswold was with us to dinner. I helped Mrs. Stone shake carpet before returning to work. I worked until 6 o'clock to finish off a dozen. I went to market in the evening. I waited for the mail before coming home and received a letter from George. Miss English came for some pepper plants which Robert left for her. Mr. Cocking lost his pocketbook today with about $8.00 and some papers of more or less value. He purchased an article at George Hurd & Sons and that is the last he remembers of the pocketbook. 05/21 SUNDAY - South wind and warm. A little rain in the morning. Flying clouds so that we had but little sunshine. I stayed home in the forenoon and let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. I wrote to George; sent a Harper's Weekly to him also. Wrote a note to the editor of the Connecticut War record in New Haven and enclosed a copy of George's letter in the Jeffersonian for publication in the War record. It is to be printed in the Jeffersonian this week. _____ from the Five Points Mission reached for us this morning and took a collection for the mission. A collection was also taken for the Lincoln Monument. After tea, Father called to see us. I gave him a glass of ale. From here he went over to Aunt Louisa's. I stayed with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go to Prayer Meeting. As she went, she mailed my letters and papers. Mr. T. Scofield's adopted child Charlie died this P.M. at 5 o'clock. 05/22 MONDAY - Lowery all day. A very little rain in the P.M. I worked hard until 7 o'clock in the evening and earned the largest wages ever in my life - $7.00. Dwight Rogers became father to a little daughter this forenoon. Our old nurse Miss English is nursing Mrs. Rogers. I went to market in the evening and down to Mr. Thompson's to get my truss repaired, cleaned, covered and a new pad. He charged me $2.00. Charlie Scofield was buried this P.M. at 3 o'clock. Gussie went to the funeral. While I was down to Mr. Thompson's in the evening, Sarah Purdy called. 05/23 TUESDAY - Lowery in the morning. The Masonic Order of this town went to Norwalk this morning by a special train to attend a celebration. It cleared off about noon; a little cooler. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the parlor today. After dinner and before returning to the shop, I helped her shake the carpet. After tea, I nailed down the carpet and Gussie put the room in order. Mr. Cocking came to bring his wife home from Mr. Lynes' and I rode downtown and back again with him. By evening mail I received a note from John W. Norris, editor of the War record acknowledging the receipt of George's letter for publication. Bell came down about 4 P.M. in a great fright about Mother who had a poor turn. After I returned from market about 49 o'clock, I went up home to see her and found her rather poorly but to all appearances at least not more so than she has been for some considerable time past. I feel rather old today on account of working hard yesterday and setting up until midnight to repair my truss. 05/24 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. Mrs. Stone cleaned the sitting room and sink room today. I have felt nearly sick today from a hard cold. I worked all day nevertheless. After tea, I helped Mrs. Stone put down the sitting room carpet. I went down to the Post Office and to the news Office for the Sunday School Advocate. I being very tired retired early. Father Griswold up to Mother today. He thinks her to be in a worse situation than ever before. 05/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked until 7 o'clock in the evening to finish off a dozen hats. After tea, I sharpened some Pea Bush. I broke the crystal to my watch last night while putting down the sitting room carpet and carried it in my hand as I went to the shop this morning until I got to Robinson's store where I got it repaired. Susan Hancock came on the evening train to make a visit to Father Griswold. Report from Miss Barber had a letter from ___ of the 7th regiment that they were soon coming home. 05/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop but came home earlier than usual to bush my peas. After doing it, I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed until nearly dark and then, to let Gussie go to the Sewing Society at Dr. Brown's, I came in to take care of the baby. Louisa came in however, and sat by him to let me go see if Mr. Barnum on the corner wanted by yard grass for the mowing. I did not see him but while returning, met Nathaniel Gable and he came in with me to have me refer to my journal and see when it was that George Davis enlisted. We found it was about September 1st, 1864. Gussie drew Georgie up home this P.M. to see Mother. She found her quite cheerful though poorly. 05/27 SATURDAY - Cloudy during the day; rain just at night. I left the shop about 4 o'clock and came home and borrowed Mr. Pond's scythe and mowed my dooryard. Jacob Fry (one of my shop mates) came and raked it up, I having promised it to him for raking up. After tea, I went downtown and brought home a pair of patent leather boots to try them tomorrow if I concluded to keep them. A fellow from New York State named Nichols was run away with this evening in Delay Street this evening. Upon turning the corner at Liberty St., the wagon struck a tree at which time the horse broke one hid leg. The last seen of him, a fellow was leading him up West Street and was reported that he was going toward the Bogg's to kill him. The leg was so badly broken that it dangled about and he was obliged to go on three legs. 05/28 SUNDAY - Rain last night, lowery all day and some fine rain. Gussie went to church in the morning and I to Sunday School in the P.M. I acted as Secretary and Treasurer of the School and arranged with David Bradley to take my place at the library. The Superintendent (George Starr) wishes me to take Brother W. B. Bradley's place as Secretary-Treasurer. I am acting in that capacity though no appointment has yet been made since Brother Bradley's death by the Board of Officers and Teachers. I distributed the Sunday School Advocates for the first time since Brother Bradley's death. After tea, Father came down and brought a bottle to get some ale for Mother. I went up home with him to see Mother. I found Mr. and Mrs. Squires there. I went into the parlor and sang with Bell a little while she played and came home again about 7 o'clock. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I sent it to the Post Office by Fanny as I did not go to meeting. I took care of baby and let Gussie go to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street to hear Dr. Hanley deliver a discourse on the Protestant Episcopal Church. 05/30 MONDAY - Rainy this morning. The wind got around into the west after dinner and the sun shone for a while, but just at night and in the evening it was cloudy again. I drew for my last two weeks work $62.00, the largest wages I ever earned before. I worked until 7 o'clock before coming home to tea. After tea, I returned the grindstone up to Father Griswold's barn for Mr. Carlson to grind our scythes that he might mow his door yard. While we were grinding, David Bradley was putting casters on Mother Griswold's kitchen table legs. We were until dark grinding the scythes and sickles. I then went to market, at the same time taking my new patent leather boots Mr. Benedict's (where I bought them) and paid for them $6.50 and left them to have some steel nails put into the heels on the outer edges. Mr. Cocking brought me some pepper plants this morning and I set them out at noon. He brought some for Father Griswold at the same time with some eggplants. I got another package of Sunday School Advocates for Sunday School. 05/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock in the evening. When I came home to tea, I found Miss English, our old nurse, talking with wife and baby. She just called for a few minutes; she is now nursing Dwight Roger's wife. Mr. Pond has been trimming up his sidewalk today. I went to market in the evening and walked up the street with John Cosier. 05/31 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. On my way to work in the morning I left my 5 gallon can at B&N's for 5 gallons of oil. I paid him for it and he sent it up before noon. From there I went up to S.G. Bailey's Jewelry Store to get a hand on my watch which got off last night. He put it on and charged me nothing. Mr. Fowler sent up 3 lbs. of butter today. While we were drinking tea, Father came down with a bittersweet vine for Mother Griswold and wanted to borrow Father Griswold's scythe. I helped him grind it. Also Mr. Pond's which I intend to use tomorrow. I drew some ale and Father and I took a glass. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I drew some more ale for Mr. Cocking.
1865-05
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal April 1865 Entry
13 pgs
04/01 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy again in the evening. We had but one dozen to finish at the shop; I got through before dinner. I brought home a little paint for the edge of some picture frames and painted them after which I went to caucus at 3 P.M. in the basement of Concert Hall. David P. Nichols and Mr. H. Tweedy were nominated for our two representatives. L. C. Hoyt was chairman of the meeting. Edwin Harris and John Tweedy were appointed Tellers. I expected Aaron Mallett of Redding here to get his interest money, but for some reason he did not come. After I returned from Caucus, I helped Father Griswold trim some trees in his yard and move a bird house from under the cornice of his house to the sweet apple tree near the barn. When I came from Caucus however, I went to B. Cable's and got a large sized clothes dryer to use in place of the one we have been using which was a small size. The small one I am going to store until Mr. Wing or his agent calls for it. In the evening, I went to Dr. Buckley's and got a change of medicine as Georgie has some indications of croup. I went to market (after talking with Dr. and his son about politics, the war, etc.) and bought some oysters for our breakfast. By the evening Post, gold is 151. Gussie went to the dressmakers (Mrs. McNeil) in the P.M. Louise took care of the baby. Bell called this P.M.; Mother is no worse. Our new neighbor, Mr. Pond moved in today. 04/02 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold preached for us today. I attended in the morning. His text was 1st Corinthians 3:21.22.23rd. George Cosier went up for Mother in the morning and brought her to church. After class meeting, he carried her to our house where she stayed in the P.M and to tea. I came home to let Gussie go in the afternoon. At evening meeting time, I went to the church and borrowed Mr. Levi W. Bartram's team to take Mother home with. Mr. S.W. Platt, the Newtown Methodist preacher gave a scientific temperance lecture at our church. He illustrated it by charts. The other churches were closed and all attended the lecture. A collection was taken up to help pay for the Newtown parsonage as this is the object for which he now lectures. I mailed the Harper's weekly to George as I went to the church. At the close of the lecture, the telegraphic news just received from General Grant was read to the audience. After three days hard fighting, our troops have been completely successful. Sheridan is sweeping everything before him capturing large numbers of prisoners. Grant has ordered an advance of his whole line and has captured the enemy's whole line of defenses. As the news was read the audience could with difficulty restrain their joy. President Lincoln is at City Point and directed the above dispatches to be sent. Julia Pine died this morning. She has been nearly or about a year been sick with consumption. 04/03 MONDAY - Election day ' Republican majority ' 208. The papers today confirmed the reports received by telegraph last evening. About noon we received by telegraph the intelligence that that Richmond and Petersburg had fallen with 40,000 prisoners. About 4 P.M. the cannon was fired 36 times in honor of the event. At the firing on Ira's Hill, I saw Andrew Knox for the first time to speak with him since his return from the army. He was 1st Lieutenant in the 1st regiment Heavy Artillery, C.V. His time of service had expired. He left his regiment near Petersburg. I have had no work in the shop. I worked around the house a great part of the day. Mr. Mallett of Redding came about noon for his latest interest on $1,100. I paid him $59.40 having paid his tax for him on the amount last summer, which was $6.60 the same being deducted from the 66 dollars. Later 10 o'clock at night I have just returned from Concert Hall where we have had a gathering to rejoice over victory in the field and to receive returns from the election. We have heard from nearly all the state and we have increased Union majorities and falling off of Copperhead majorities in strong Copperhead towns. The indications are that Buckingham is elected by a larger majority than ever before. By the evening post, gold is 145. During the day, it varied from 141 to 149 closing as above named. 04/04 Tuesday - I had work all day in the shop. On my way to work in the morning I took Gussie's shoes to C.H. Reed's to be mended. Buckingham is elected by about a 12,000 majority. The war news is good. The evening paper quotes gold at 146. 13,000 rebel prisoners have arrived at City Point. General Lee with what is left of his army is skedaddling and strewing the roads with the implements of war. Grant is in hot pursuit. Our prisoners are released. Libby is empty. Hatters' meeting in the evening. I got excused and left before it was over. Julia Pine was buried at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Gussie attended. We made up a purse at the shop for William Pine of about $4.20 with which to pay funeral expenses for his wife. 04/05 WEDNESDAY - Hager's barn was burned about 3 o'clock this morning with a wagon and sleigh and hay cutter belonging to Dr. Brewer and some books belonging to Mr. Robertson. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I came home about 3 o'clock and washed down my fruit trees with a solution of Salsoda. A fight today between two Dutch merchant tailors named Zarkowski and Harris. Two of their men took up the cause of their employers and had a clinch in Parmalee & Bradley's store. They were immediately parted by Bradley and Charles Hadden taking each of them one and taking them away. Thomas Stone was yesterday arrested by A.B. Hull (the freight agent at the depot) for adultery. His case was examined today and his trial put over to the next court and he was bound over under $500 bonds. John Bussing cut my hair at the shop after I finished my work. While we were at tea, Bell came in and said that Mother wished to see me up there as soon as I could come after tea as her business was important. I accordingly went up. It was about a gravestone for John and having his, Abagail's and William's remains moved from Mill Plain here to the cemetery. We concluded to let the matter rest for the present until a more convenient time. By the evening post, gold is quoted at 152. There is a rumor that Jeff Davis has been captured and that Abraham Lincoln has been taken by rebels at Richmond, but these need yet to be authenticated. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. On account of going up home, I did not get to class. 04/06 THURSDAY - Rain a little at times, sunshine and wind. No work in the shop. I bought a little more Salsoda and finished washing my trees. Set out some horse radish roots under the drain. I filled out where plant had died in my Trompe de Grand strawberry bed. Raked leaves off the door yard. Sawed my 4 foot wood in the woodhouse once in two and piled it away in a smaller compass to make room for Mr. Cocking's wood. Gussie received a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. I sorted over the apples in the cellar. I went to market in the evening and walked up West Street as I came home with Rev. Mr. Shepard (Universalist clergyman). Good news in the evening post. Grant has cut off Lee's retreat. Gold at 150. 04/07 FRIDAY - No sunshine during the day, a little rain. There were enough rays from the setting sun to produce a rainbow. The grass has taken a fresh start today. It looks fresh and green. I have been at work on Full Stiff Drab Brush hates today. The papers tell us today the Sheridan has occupied the R. Road junction at Burkesville ahead of General Lee and Grant being close in Lee's rear there is all about a certainty of the destruction of the rebel army under Lee. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. Alberta Hoyt's in the evening. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. News by the Evening Post that Sheridan has handsomely whipped Lee again near Burkesville and captured six rebel generals, a large number of prisoners, cannon, etc. Gold 147 by the Post. 04/08 SATURDAY - pleasant and a little cooler. About a half days work for the men, but I being on Brush hats had all that I could do. The news by the Evening Post last night was fully confirmed by the morning papers. Gussie made mince pies today. After tea, Louise came down and stayed with the baby and let Gussie go with me to market as she wanted to do some shopping. I bought meat, oyster crackers and two collars for myself. Nothing new by the evening papers. Gold quoted at about 149. After we came home, Fanny came in to make some arrangements about presenting books to the Sunday School Superintendents tomorrow. Brother Pegg and wife came to George Starr's this P.M. by freight train. He is to preach for us tomorrow. 04/09 SUNDAY - pleasant but cool; a heavy frost last night. Fanny and I went to church early and took the books for presentation to the Sunday School Superintendents from the parsonage into the Sunday School room. At noon, they were presented by Brother Pegg. 'The History of Methodism' in two volumes was presented to Brother William White and George Starr, Supt. and Asst. Supt. 'Biographical Sketches of Methodist Ministers', imitation of Moroccan Gilt price $3.00 was presented to Sisters Holmes and Bartrams, female Supt. and Asst. Supt. It being Conference Sunday and Brother Hill being too sick to go to conference or to preach, Brother Pegg came and preached for us. Text in the morning, Hebrews 12th, first 3 words of the second verse, viz. Looking Unto Jesus. Sacrament in the P.M. After the morning service Mary Purdy came up and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go to the presentation at noon and the Sacrament in the P.M. I went over in the morning and engaged her to come. She stayed and went with Gussie in the evening to hear Brother Pegg preach. I stayed at home with Georgie. I finished a letter to George and sent it with a Harper's weekly and yesterday's tribune to the Post Office by Gussie as she went to meeting. A prayer meeting was appointed to Mother's at 2 o'clock. 04/10 MONDAY - A day of rejoicing, General Robert E. Lee yesterday surrendered to General Grant. This morning's papers brought us the news. Stores and factories were immediately closed and notwithstanding the rain, the streets were filled with people all carrying happy faces. The bells were rung and cannon fired; the Brass Band and Drum Corps was out. In the evening, Concert Hall was illuminated and a large enthusiastic crowd assembled. Music by the Glee Club and Drum Corps. and Brass Band. Speeches were made, etc. I bought some sperm candles and illuminated father Griswold's cupola. The girls helped and also illuminated the whole house. We lighted up the lower part of our house also. I went up home and got Bell to come down and stay with baby to let Gussie go with me to Concert Hall. The evening mail brought us a letter from George. Bell stayed all night. Teachers' meeting in the evening. Mary Purdy came over before tea, and I cut her hair for her. 04/11 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, cloudy again in the evening with a chilling atmosphere. On my way to the shop this morning, I called and paid Fred Bradley $1.00 for the sperm candles I bought there yesterday to illuminate Father Griswold's cupola. I also went to the Jeffersonian office and gave Ashley the item of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsen's death for publication. I worked late on some brush hats in the shop. It was about 7 o'clock when I came home to tea. After tea, I went to market and bought some table salt. There was an adjourned Hatter's meeting, but I was too tired to attend and came home as soon as the mail was opened. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. At the Sunday School Teacher's Annual Meeting last evening, the same officers were elected except the male Supt. and Asst. which was only changed. George Starr was made Supt. and William S. White, the former Supt. made Asst. 04/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day. The sun shone a little after dinner though faintly. I am completely tire out finishing badly cleaned Brush hats. I burned one a little on the brim this P.M. and may have it to pay for. I stopped and would not take any more of them. I came home with the headache. An article in the Jeffersonian from George speaking of the death of Lieut. Col. Wilcoxsen of his regiment who died in Tallahassee, Florida in the rebels' hands, a prisoner of war. Inflammation set in his wounds and caused his death. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed with it in the evening a New York tribune of Monday and the Jeffersonian rolled up together. It is reported that William Seward, the Secretary of State in Washington is dead. He died from injuries received from being thrown out of a carriage. It is also reported that Lynchburg, Va. is taken by General Thomas. Gold by Evening Post is quoted at 145. Father Griswold returned from conference (which was held in the 17th Street Church in New York City) by the evening train. 04/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant. D.L. Chichester called the shop this forenoon to get an advance on some hats that were heavy, called B&W Hats. It is certainly harder and heavier work than we ordinarily have and we ought to have more for doing it. But as we had said nothing about it when trade was good, we thought it an unfavorable time now to ask an advance just as trade was over and a prospect of dull times coming on. It being late before I got to the shop this morning, I did but little during the day, only 1 dozen and then came home. Robert Lewis was off today, has gone to Lacey & Sheathars. I bought glass for two picture frames at O.H. Swift's. Gussie drew the baby over to Mrs. Lynes this P.M. to see Mrs. Cocking. She stayed to tea. Hattie Mills came to see us before she returned. She stayed until evening when Gussie went into the street with her. I understand that Theodore Flagler and Fred Wildman arrived home last evening, their term of service of one year having expired. 04/14 FRIDAY - A beautiful day. Fast day, no work in the shop on that account. I did some grafting for Father Griswold and myself. Before breakfast, I carried home the bottle of cut rubber and other ingredients called cement which a long time ago I borrowed of John Cosier to mend my rubber boots. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and carried Mother to church and home again. After dinner Father and Mother Griswold took the same team and rose over to Mill Plain to engage butter for the summer for themselves and us of Chris Fowler. They also spoke for Mrs. Cocking. Mr. Fowler agreed to furnish us ___ . At the same time that they went over there, Harriet, Gussie and myself went up to the cemetery to repair the flower beds and set out some plants. On my return I brought home a 3 # pound shad at 20 cents/lb. from Avery Raymond's, our first this season. It came from the North River. I finished grafting for myself before tea. In the evening, I intended to attend the Union League, but the room was not lighted, so I waited for the mail and came home. Gold 146. 04/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; began to rain about 4 P.M. I finished grafting for Father Griswold in the morning, and while at it about 9 o'clock, a dispatch was received saying that president Lincoln was shot last night while at Ford's theatre in Washington. He died this morning about the same time the President was shot, an assassin, perhaps the same one, went to Secretary Seward's room where he lay sick in bed and cut his throat at the same time lunging his knife into his side. As he left, he stabbed ___. Upon the receipt of the news, all the bells commenced tolling. Flags are at half-mast and many houses are dressed in mourning. A general sorrow pervades the people and indignation is aroused anew against the rebels. A later dispatch this evening states that the murderer has been caught. I raked off my garden and burned the rubbish. I dug around my trees and destroyed worms. Mr. and Mrs. Lynes having come home for the season today, Robert and wife returned to their rooms and furniture. Her sister, Mrs. Courtney is visiting with them. She is to occupy our bedroom upstairs while she stays. Mrs. Lynes gave Mrs. Cocking a basket of eggs as she came away. When she got here with them she gave Gussie a dozen of them. Later, 10 o'clock in the evening I have been downtown. Received 2 letters from George, Gussie one and Harriet one. There was no evening papers come. There are rumors that Secretary Seward is not dead but that his son is and then right the reverse that the secretary is dead and not the son. Taking all the reports together we are yet in the dark as to the safety of Seward. While we were eating dinner this afternoon, Harriet Purdy called. Aunt Louisa called also a short time afterwards. 04/16 SUNDAY - Pleasant, a shower about 6 P.M. Mr. Stone, the Baptist preacher, preached for us in the morning. Gussie attended; I stayed with the baby. Father Griswold being home, he exchanged with Mr. Stone. Gussie came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached for the first in quite a time. He has been prostrate with inflammatory rheumatism. He looked like a ghost as he stood at the desk and preached. The church was draped in mourning at the death of President Lincoln. The galleries were hung in black. The pulpit was covered in a large American flag, draped in mourning. A solemn mournful feeling pervades the people. Father Purdy was at church and came to our house to tea. Mr. Cocking and myself bought a Sunday Times to get further news about the murder at Washington. The paper cost 20 cents. Henry E. Comes and Allison Smith went to Brewster Station for them. They sold like hotcakes even at that price. I completed my letter to George and Gussie mailed it as she went to meeting in the evening. A Harper's weekly and yesterday's Tribune also at the same time. I had dreadful sick headache and could not go out in the evening. There was a Union meeting at the 1st Church in the evening; I was too sick to go. I went to bed. Fanny came down and took care of Georgie. 04/17 Monday - Pleasant but a little cool. I am over my sick headache and have worked all day. I bought a New York Tribune to send to George and mailed it this evening. The papers today give an account of the taking of Mobile with a large number of cannon and 3,000 prisoners. Ezra Wildman was off from the shop today. Theodore Flagler called at the shop today. He has been in the Navy for one year. He came home one day last week. Harriet Mills called in the evening. The shop today was dressed in mourning by hanging black and white festooned together out the trimming room windows and the factory flag trimmed in black hung over the front entrance. Secretary Seward is better and his son Fred out of danger. The assassins not yet caught. 04/18 Tuesday - A little colored boy about 10 years old came to the door just as we were retiring about 11 o'clock and wanted to stay overnight. I refused and soon after heard him crying near Mr. Pond's east gate. I went to him and he said his feet were cold. My sympathies were aroused and after considerable questioning as to where he was from and how old he was, I took him in, gave him some supper and let him sleep in the lounge. His name is James Martin. He has no parents living. He is from Peekskill and is the same boy who about a year and a half ago stayed all night with us. I called him up this morning and set him at work sawing some wood for me to pay for his lodging, supper and breakfast which I thought he could do as well as me anyway. When breakfast was ready, I called him in to eat. After which I gave him as good a written recommendation as I could to help him get employment with some farmer. He promised to go into the farming districts and with his paper to get employment. I went to the factory and soon saw him with two other Negroes on the railroad tracks after having been kicked out of the boiler room by Hiram Haddam the engineer. I send Orlando Morris, the errand boy, after him. He brought him up into the finishing room where I talked to him and took away the papers which I gave him in the morning, not wishing the little vagabond as he proves to be to carry around a recommendation with my signature. It was cloudy in the morning, rainy in the middle of the day and cleared off before night. It is reported in the evening post that the man who attempted to murder Secretary Seward has been caught. An extra meeting of the Union League was held to make arrangements for the observance of tomorrow which is the burial of President Lincoln. All business is to be suspended and stores to be closed from 11 o'clock. What further was done at the meeting, I know not as I left before business was over on account of the lateness of the hour. They concluded, however, I believe to call a meeting of the citizens tomorrow forenoon and have it a citizen's affair rather than confine it to the League itself. I bought a shad for Mother Griswold and when Fanny came home she bought another, so I took one of them off their hands. 04/19 WEDNESDAY - The anniversary of the Wooster Guards tendering their services to Governor Buckingham under president Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops for 3 months in April, 1861. NO! It was 4 years ago yesterday and 4 years ago today that the Guards left home on the afternoon train for the rendezvous at New Haven. It is also the anniversary of the first blood shed in the revolutionary war at Lexington as well as the first of this war by the killing of a Mss. Soldier in Baltimore. President Lincoln was buried today or rather the funeral obsequies were held in Washington. All over the land services were held in churches and a sermon preached. Our churches as usual on all such public occasions united. The service was held in the First Congregational Church. Father Griswold preached the sermon or delivered the discourse as he had no text. At 11 o'clock, a meeting of citizens was held at Concert Hall to make arrangements about badges, a procession, etc. They voted to wear a badge of mourning during the day. (The Union League or its members are to wear one for 30 days.) and after the service in the church which commenced at 12 o'clock (the same hour as the services at the Presidential Mansion) a procession was decided upon which according to arrangements was formed at the church at the close of the service about 2 o'clock in the following order Band (Drum Corps), soldiers who had served in the war, ladies, next gentlemen and ladies and brought up with gentlemen. The procession was a long one. We marched down to the Courthouse and then up to Franklin Street and back again to the place of starting where we broke up in the churchyard with a benediction from Bishop Williams of the Episcopal Church. In the morning, I put coal ashes around my trees and decorated the front door and piazza with emblems of mourning. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie put Georgie in his carriage and drew him down to Brother Hill's where she witnessed the procession. I went into the street in the evening, but there being no evening papers, we got no news. Bell came down at noon for some vinegar. Smith Terrell was this morning married to Margaret Dibble. Mr. Townsend officiated. They went off on the train. Saul Mallory was marshal of the procession at A. Lincoln's funeral, or rather at the demonstration made here at Danbury at the time of the funeral. The day has been lovely. In the evening in the post office I paid my taxes, $13.79 to Charles H. Crosby. 04/20 THURSDAY - A little sunshine during the forenoon, but after dinner, it clouded over and commenced raining about 5 o'clock. I have had no work in the shop today and have worked around the house. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the yard, made the flower bed by the piazza, set out a few Poor House Seedling Strawberry Plants which Mr. Cocking brought me to fill out my bed where a few had died out. Mr. Cocking took two dozen perpetual bearing raspberry plants from Father Griswold to set out over to Mr. Lynes. They are 50 cents per dozen. He is to let Father Griswold have tomatoes and eggplants in exchange. After dinner, I took a nap and then put out some myrtle in the tubs for that purpose in the yard. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from George from St. Augustine, Florida. I also received by ail the insurance policy for renewal from Aaron Mallett, West Redding. He holds the policy as additional security with a mortgage on my place for $1,100. Before retiring, I helped Gussie commence a shell frame for John's picture. It rained hard when we retired. 04/21 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty but only a little rain. I have not felt well today and did not go to the shop. I went into the street in the forenoon and talked with O. H. Swift about buying out his business picture framing, stationary, books, etc. After dinner I lay on the lounge and took a nap. About 3 o'clock, I went downtown again and helped Mr. Swift carry a large picture of the deathbed of Daniel Webster (which he had been framing) up to Mr. R. White's. I then went to the shirt factory to see Edith Newman about making a general exchange for George of pictures. Letters, etc. for which purpose I came downtown. She and George had held an intimate correspondence since he has been in the army and now she has engaged herself to be married to one Samuel Main of Georgetown. George wishes me to make the exchange of letters, pictures, etc. She promised to come to our house next Monday evening and bring the letters, etc. to make the exchange. I stayed with baby in the evening and let Gussie go to the sewing society up to Mrs. Fanton's on Balmforth Avenue. While she was away, I commenced a letter to George. 04/22 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. Cloudy but a very little rain before dinner. It cleared off about 10 o'clock. There is but a few men left in the shop, they having left and gone to Tweedy Brothers, Mallory's, and Sheather's & Lacey's to get more work and better prices. What men there are left have all the work they can do. At 4 P.M. a meeting was held in Concert Hall to nominate a man for Postmaster in the coming term. Dr. Brown was selected by a majority of over 50 above all others. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie got to the stores with me. Elias Fay's remains came in the evening train and were taken over to his father's. He died last Monday April 17that Chatfield Minnesota. News came today that Fred Vintz was dead and buried. He was wounded and taken to Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C. where he died with a fever. We sat up until 12 o'clock working on a shell picture frame. 04/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning. Our new presiding Elder, Nathaniel Mead preached for us this morning. A love feast was held a t 9 o'clock this morning. We rose too late to attend. Gussie went to church in the forenoon while I stayed with the baby. She came home after the morning service and I went down to Sunday School. It took so long to put on anew the numbers which were off from some of the books that I did not go to church in the afternoon. When I got there at noon, I found Saul Main in the seat by the library with Edward Barnum. He is to be married to Edith Newman before long. Next month, I believe. After supper, I finished my letter to George. There were three sheets full. A Mr. Dorman who preached for the 1st Congregational Church 4 weeks ago and also again today preached this evening at their church and the 3 other congregations, viz. 2nd Congregational, Baptist and ours united and I went to hear him. It was a eulogy on Abraham Lincoln. His text was Revelations 18:8. It was a good thing. It was fitting the occasion of the nation's grief and he did justice to Lincoln. As I went to church, I mailed a letter and a Tribune to George. The Harper's weekly did not come yesterday as usual. I expect them tomorrow or the next day. 04/24 MONDAY - I was informed wrong about Elias Fay's remains coming home Saturday evening. It did not arrive, but is expected every day. The day has been pleasant but cool; a heavy mist last night. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I had all I could do in the shop and worked until sundown. Georgie is cutting his teeth and is very worrisome. Gussie went in the evening to the Baptist Church to hear Mrs. Bingham, the southern refugee speak. While she was gone I sorted Edith's letters from other letters of George's in order to return them to her in exchange for his in her possession as he requested me. I somewhat expected her here this evening to make the exchange. She partially promised me that she would come. 04/25 TUESDAY - Pleasant. Elias Fay's remains came on the train last evening and were buried this afternoon at 2 o'clock. On my way home from work tonight, I borrowed a pair of trimming shears of Charles Hull to make a knuckle fender for my irons. I returned them in the evening. The Harper's Weeklies came today. I sent one to George and mailed it with a letter I finished after tea. Edith Newman sent the old letters she received from George with pictures, relics, etc. including a white handkerchief with blood stains on it from his wound received in the trenches before Fort Wagner on James Island. Her Mr. Saul brought them and took hers written to George in exchange. Mrs. Burr Bradley called on Gussie this afternoon. I bought some halibut for my breakfast for the first time this season. 04/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Nothing unusual in the day. When I came home from work at night, I found the house locked up and wife and baby gone with Mother Griswold's folks up to Mrs. Bartram's. I got my own supper and was about starting for class when Mrs. Bartram drove up with them all. Just at that time Sarah Purdy came along and took Georgie and came in to the house with him. Mrs. Bartram also came in. The consequence was that I did not go to class, though I rode down with Mrs. Bartram to get my Jeffersonian and to mail one to George which I did, putting it up and directing it in the Jeffersonian Office. 04/27 THURSDAY - Warmer than yesterday. It has been like midsummer. News by telegraph this noon that J. Wilkes Booth the murderer of President Lincoln was shot dead in a swamp in Maryland. They were doubtless obliged to shoot him in order to get him at all. He was shot through the head. The cherry blossoms are coming out fine. Some trees were blossomed out full yesterday. Others have blossomed today. When I left the shop I came by way of George Hull's and got some pieces of tin for upright partitions in our Sunday School library and went to the church and put a part of them in before I came home. After tea, I took the lantern, went up to Father Griswold's barn and made a pair of cleats for a drawer which I brought home from the Sunday School room which was not of any use there and intend to put it up under my bench at the shop. After I did this, I went up home to see if I could get Father to come and make my garden for me. He is too busy in the shop and cannot. Mrs. Cocking's sister, Mrs. Courtney went home to Fort Hamilton, Long Island this morning. In the evening, Father Griswold wanted to borrow $10.00 until next week. I let him have it and $4.90 of it to balance my account with him. He gave me back 10 cents leaving my due borrowed money $5.00. 04/28 Friday - Very warm again for the season. I put up my dinner at the breakfast table but finally concluded to stay at home and commence making my gardens as I wanted to dig up a certain spot and plant dwarf peas as well as make the flower borders which I preferred to do myself rather than hire it done as I could suit myself much better though I could have earned in the shop more than enough to pay a man for doing it. I accomplished the task I laid out to do though working in the sun gave me a severe headache which I was obliged to endure until the heat of the day was over. After tea, I carried a drawer down to the shop which I intend to put up under my bench and then came home by way of Avery Raymond's and bought a shad for 12 cents per lb. I bought a New York Daily Times with the account in it of the capture of J. Wilkes Booth and one of his accomplices named Herold. They were found secreted in a barn near Port Royal on the Rappahannock in Virginia. Herold gave himself up but Booth would not surrender. He said they would never take him alive. They set fire to the barn to drive him out. As he was coming out and in the act of shooting, one of the men shot him through the neck. He lived only two or three hours after being wounded. He murdered President Lincoln with a bullet and came to his end in the same manner. Gussie mailed the New York Times to George as she went to the Sewing Society in the evening up to Mrs. Fantonӳ on Balmforth Avenue. I stayed with Georgie while she was away and in meantime, David Bradleyӳ wife, Frank Bouton, and Mary Purdy called to see her. I heard a Bob oҠWhite this morning for the first time this season. I planted dwarf peas and some radishes. I commenced a letter to George while staying with Georgie in the evening. 04/29 SATURDAY - Showery through the day, though there was a little sunshine in the P.M. I put up my drawer under my bench at the shop at noon time. While we were drinking tea, it thundered hard. It rained hard in the evening. I went to the church and finished putting up the tin partitions between every ten books in the library. I worked at it until 4 oӣlock; when I came home the stars were shining. The wind has blown hard all day. 04/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant but colder. Gussie went to church this morning. I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon and I went to Sabbath School and to the quarterly Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church. Sunday School books were taken in but none were given out. After tea, Father came and gave me the particulars of Uncle Stephenӳ death of the 2nd Connecticut Light Battery at the Battle of Mobile when the city was captured. He went safely through the battle and while helping to carry the wounded from the field stepped on a secreted torpedo which blew up taking clean from his body one leg and badly shattering the other. He lived about an hour. Fanny came down and stayed with Georgie and we went up to the cemetery leaving Father with her. I mailed a Harperӳ Weekly to George ֠wrote a little in a letter I had begun to George speaking of Uncle Stephen's death. We being tired when we returned from the cemetery neither went to church in the evening.
1865-04
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal July 1864 Entry
10pgs
7/1 FRIDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I woke in the morning with a severe pain in my bowels. I went down to see Dr. Bulkley, but he was not in his office. The pain increasing and to all appearances growing worse, I called on Dr. Skiff. He gave me some medicine and after the mail came in, I came home and went to bed. I could eat nothing for dinner. The pain seemed to increase in the P.M. After tea, Gussie and Hattie Mills went down to Dr. Skiff. After they had gone, Bro. Hill, who had been making a call at Father Griswold's, came down to see me. Being in somewhat of a hurry, his call was a short one. He prayed with me and then left to join a friend who was with him at Father Griswold's. He called him Bro. Whitney from New Canaan, one of his old church members. After Gussie returned, Mr. Wing, who had called at Father Griswold's on business pertaining to his clothes dryers, called to see me also. As soon as he left, which was after 9 o'clock, Dr. Skiff came. I was somewhat afraid of inflammation of the bowels. He changed his medicine and promised to call on the following morning. (It is now Saturday morning that I am writing this, I was not able to write yesterday). 7/2 SATURDAY - I suffered considerable pain last night. Could not sleep until after midnight when I fell asleep. I woke in the morning feeling easy, the pain having all subsided, but my bowels feeling sore. Dr. Skiff called about 10 o'clock as he was going to Dr. Hawley's to the next door. He left me some phosphorus for my cough. I paid him $1.00 for last night's attendance. Harriet Purdy came down before dinner and stayed until about 4 P.M. After dinner, or rather, in the middle of the afternoon, I went over to McDonald's Blacksmith Shop and made an iron thing to put top of bullets under the rod to press them home in loading my revolver. We had tea a little earlier than usual to enable Harriet Mills to take the train to go home to Bethel to spend the Fourth. After tea, I weeded out my strawberry bed. Gussie not feeling well, I went to Dr. Buckley's and got some medicine for her. I waited until nearly 10 o'clock for the mail and then came home. After I got home, I heard the locomotive blow. I then went back to the Post Office, but there was no mail matter for any of our folks. As this was only why I went back, I had the walk for nothing. 7/3 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie, not feeling well, did not attend church. Mr. and Mrs. Powel and daughter came last night to Father Griswold's and attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and returned to church with Mr. Powel; the other folks did not attend. Fanny was waiting for him at the church door, but her seat being full, he sat with me. Bro. Hill preached all day. Bro. Crawford opened with prayer and scripture reading in the P.M. Text in the morning - Eph. 2:4-5-6, in the P.M. -John 8:36; it was in part, if not entirely, a Fourth of July sermon. He dwelt considerably on the nation, the war, and the anniversary of our independence. By invitation, we went up home and took dinner with the company. After tea, Mr. Powel and I took a walk around Father Griswold's and my premises. I went to prayer meeting in the evening with the Company, Gussie staying at home with her mother. 7/4 MONDAY - Pleasant. The firing woke me at 4 o'clock. I got up and fired at a target with my revolver a few times. I went down and mailed a letter and Waverly to George before breakfast. After breakfast, I went down again to market for Fanny. As soon as the women got their morning work done, Mr. and Mrs. Powel and daughter, Harriet Wheeler, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. On our return home, I took from the Office 4 letters and 5 bundles of Florida papers. The Ancient City, printed at St. Augustine. They were back numbers which he wants preserved. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I took a nap and then Robert Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's barn to practice target shooting again with my revolver. But previous to doing so, I went down to the baker's for some bread. After tea, we all took a walk (Father Griswold included) up West Street to Gallows Hill and around by Mallory's shop into River Street and up New street to West and home. I went to the Post Office myself previous to coming home. Harriet Mills came up on the evening train from Bethel. She spent the evening upstairs with Mrs. Cocking. Gussie and I went up into the cupola of Father Griswold's house with the company to see what little fireworks there was. 7/5 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Mrs. Stone could not work for us today, one of her children being sick. Our neighbor, Mrs. Curtis done it for us. I went downtown in the morning to see if I could get my winter's coal put in today, but could not; they were too busy. I waited until the cars came to get the mail. I took out two letters for Frank Boughton and took them over to her house. She being at the shop, I left them with her mother. After dinner, I went to look for a team to take us on Mount Four. Mr. Powel went home this morning. I went to the cars with him. Gussie went up to Mr. Bartram's in the P.M. with Mrs. Powel and daughter, Frank and Harriet. Before tea, I wrote to George in answer to the 4 letters received yesterday. Hattie Mills and I got our supper of bread and milk. I went to the depot when the cars came in to see Beatty about his double team to go to Mount Four tomorrow P.M. I saw John Sharp, his driver and engaged it at $4.00 for the afternoon. I then went up to Thomas Fowler's store and paid him for a gallon of molasses which he sent me this P.M. - $1.20. I then went to the Post Office. News by the evening papers is that the rebel pirate Alabama has been sunk. I attended Hatters' Meeting in Benedict and Nichols' Hall in the evening. It was the semi-annual meeting and the election of officers. It was quite late when I got home. Before retiring, I prepared some items from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. 7/6 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I carried some extracts form George's letters to the Jeffersonian for publication as I went to the shop in the morning. Before breakfast, I set out some cauliflower plants for Father Griswold and myself. In the afternoon, I went with our folks and Brooklyn friends to Mount Four. We had Beatty's double team. While up there, I cut a new pole and replaced the one George put up in 1861. Father Griswold, Fanny, Harriet, Louisa, Hattie Mills, Mrs. Powel and daughter and myself. Bro. Hill, our preacher, saw the flag from mother's and started across the fields in a straight line for the place. He arrived while we had gone down to the spring to take our refreshments. I found him on the peak waiting for us when I returned for the horses. While turning round to come down the pole strap broke. Bro. Hill assisted me to repair damages. He rode home with us. When we arrived home, Father Griswold and Mother Griswold and Gussie drove up to the cemetery. When he returned, I drove the team up to the depot and paid John Sharp $4.00 for the team. I did my marketing. 7/7 THURSDAY - Hot and muggy. It commenced raining about 11 o'clock. I came home to dinner without an umbrella. I felt too much exhausted to return. I lay down on the lounge until 3 o'clock. I then got up and fixed the hinges to the pantry door and did some writing. Hattie Mills did not come home to dinner on account of the rain. I wrote to George before tea, giving an account of our trip to Mt. Four. I went to the store in the evening and bought $6.00 worth of sugar, $3.00 crushed , 9 lbs., $3.00 of a coffee sugar and 10 one half lbs. I mailed a letter to George and went into prayer meeting a few minutes before it closed. 7/8 FRIDAY - Showery in the morning. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I have felt better and have done much more work than before in over a week. Had soup and milk for supper, after which Robert and I went to market and to the Post Office together. When we returned, I found Gussie and Hattie Mills gone away. Probably gone to find a boarding place for Hattie as it is not convenient for us to keep her longer. 7/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. Mike Kelly woke me this morning, shaking the door for Robert Cocking, my tenant. He was after him to help get hay. We were limited in our work today at the shop on account of the facer's getting behind with their work. I finished my work about 4 o'clock. I went to the Jeffersonian Office to get a copy of the Jeffersonian printed in June, 1863 with the memorial of Ireneus P. Woodman of Co. C, 17th Regt., Connecticut Volunteers who died at Brookes Station, Va. My 19, 1863 of a wound in the breast received at the battle of Chancellorsville fought 17 days previous to his death. I found in June 3 a card from his father in reference to his death. Also a memorium in an issue of March 2nd, 1864 taken from the Connecticut War record. These Mr. Ashley gave to me for George as it was for him that I was getting them to send to Bell Conrad in Stratford. I had been home but a short while when Burr Bradley, according to an agreement before he left the shop, came to go to the pond with me to bathe. We went over to Oil Mill. Just as we were dressing, two of our shopmates came also, Mr. Rousseau and James Sparks. After tea, I fixed a fastener to one the upstairs blinds and hoed in my garden a little. After which, I went down to market and b ought a piece of meat for Sunday. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening in trying to find a boarding place for Hattie. They did not succeed. 7/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie and I attended church in the morning. Brother Hill preached from Hebrews 2:17. After the Sunday School Prayer Meeting, Gussie went home. I stayed to the communion in the P.M. Clark Hoyt's child was baptized. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. I borrowed a pitcher of water at Mr. Days to fill the vases with. Mailed a letter to George and two Jeffersonians with card and memorium in them on the death of Ireneus P. Woodman to Isabella Conrad at Stratford by request of George. Being tired after our walk, we did not go to meeting in the evening. Hattie Mills feels badly that she must get another boarding place as we have notified her that it will not be convenient for us to keep her longer. She cried over it this morning. 7/11 MONDAY - A shower last night. Pleasant and warm today. We were limited in our work at the shop, having only 2 dozen to finish. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. Hattie Mill's engaged board this morning at Henry Fosters, but tonight they had changed their minds and concluded not to take any boarders. Hattie felt bad and cried about it. Bro. Hills' mother called at Father Griswold's and to our house in the evening. I walked down home with her on my way to Teachers' Meeting. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Dr. Bulkley's office and left word with him to come and see Fanny who is sick with the Dysentery. In Sunday School, the propriety of a Sunday School picnic was considered. Definite action on it was deferred for one month. 7/12 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Another small shower last night. Before breakfast, I repaired by coal bin a little preparatory to putting in my coal. A ton of soft coal came before night. Gussie made her currant jelly and ironed. She was taken very sick with bilious colic about 3 o'clock P.M. When I came home, I found the doctor (Bulkley) there prescribing for her. Mother Griswold and Hattie Wheeler got my tea. Mother Griswold and Hattie Mills cleared the table and washed the dishes. I set out some cabbage plants between the hills of my early potatoes and then went to market. The great rebel raid into Maryland threatening Washington and Baltimore which has cut telegraph lines and stopped railroad trains, etc. The news from the tonight is a little more favorable for us. Telegraph communications are again resumed and railroad trains from Washington to Baltimore are again running regular. Excitement throughout the country runs high but things this evening by the papers seem a little more quiet. On my way back to work this noon, I mailed a Waverly to George. On my way to the shop this noon, I left 3 nice ripe tomatoes at the Jeffersonian Office for the Editor (B. Frank Ashley). They are the first ripe ones in this vicinity. He is to give Mr. Cocking a puff on the in the paper tomorrow. 7/13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Hattie Mills got up and prepared breakfast this morning and let Gussie get up when she got ready. She got up in time to sit at the table with us, however. She is about well with the exception of feeling pretty weak. Received a letter from Henry Mead saying that for some unforeseen circumstances, their visit would be for the present deferred. While we were at tea, Edith Newman came in to tell Hattie Mills that she had got a boarding place with her. I walked down to class with Edith. 7/14 THURSDAY - Wrote to Henry C. Mead before breakfast in reply to his stating that the visit would be deferred for the present. I sent it to the Office by Nathaniel Cable to have it go in the morning mail. The day has been pleasant and warm. I worked very hard in the shop and was pretty much used up at night. After tea, I went to market to get my breakfast and to Dr. Buckley's office for some medicine for Gussie for bilious colic. He not being in, I got the medicine from his son William who happened to be there. 7/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Cool nights and heavy dews. I pulled weeds in my garden a little while before breakfast. Worked hard and late at the shop. On my way to dinner, I took home from the Post Office a roll of paper and 5 sheets both upon which was written sketches of historical facts relating to the early settling of Florida. Frank Boughton was with us to tea, after which, she and Gussie wen to the Post Office which enabled me to stay at home in the evening. I paid Alden G. Crosby $15.00 towards coal as I was coming home to dinner. 7/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant . I pulled weeds in my garden before breakfast. We were limited in our work to 2 dozen today. After I got up my work, I finished a damaged hat and got it trimmed but it was too small for me. I brought it home and will sell it to some boy perhaps. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian Office with sketches of the settlement of St. Augustine, Florida to see about getting them printed. Harriet Purdy was with us to dinner and stayed nearly all the afternoon with Gussie. 7/17 SUNDAY - Pleasant ' hot ' dry and dusty. Brother Hill being away to Middletown, a man by name Willard from Colorado, a presiding elder in this section, soliciting funds to help build a church at Denver in that state preached for us. He preached two excellent sermons. In the morning, form Hebrews 2:17, the same text Brother Hill preached from last Sabbath. In the P.M., 1st Timothy 6:12, the first clause of the verse. Collections were taken at both services for his benefit or rather the benefit of his people. Brother J. W. Nichols went up for Mother at noon and carried her to and from church in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George about the historical sketches of St. Augustine, Florida, which he wanted printed in pamphlet form for sale down there. I took a nap until meeting time, then went down and mailed a Waverly to George and attended prayer meeting. 7/18 MONDAY - Dry and warm, no prospect of rain. Nothing unusual that I know today. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock P.M. After tea, I ate a few currants from the bushes and then went to market and to the Post Office. The evening papers give a rumor that General Sherman has taken Atlanta, Ga. I was the last man out of the shop tonight and locked the door. Took the key over to Harry Stone's for Hiram. When I returned from market in the evening, Mr. Thompson, who lives in Mr. Gregory's little blue just south of us a little distance, came over to see if any of us wanted some French Turnip plants. I went over and got some and set them out and watered them before I retired. 7/20 WEDNESDAY - Still hot and dry. We were limited I our work at the shop, having but 2 dozen. But it lasted me until about 5 o'clock nevertheless. I did not go to class in the (evening) on account of getting and setting out more turnip plants. It was nearly 9 o'clock before I finished transplanting and watering. Gussie and I went out in the street to do some trading and got home at 9 o'clock. 7/21 THURSDAY - The third anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Warm, but considerable wind. Cooler in the evening. We were limited in our work in the shop today, only 1 dozen. I finished it off before dinner. John Bussing then cut my hair for me. I ate my diner (which I carried for the first (time) in a long time on account of Gussie being up to my folks to spend the day) and on my way home called at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and talked a while with him and John Cosier. When I got home, I changed my clothes, went back downtown and paid Dr. Bulkley for a visit to (my) wife a short time ago. He had another charge against me which I disputed and he did not insist upon it. I then went up home and spent the remainder of the P.M. and stayed to tea. I brought home my drawing knife which I found in a rusty condition. Went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. I got 3 letters from George. There was three more in the box from him to Mother, Harriet and Bell. The New York Times gives an account of an interview in Canada opposite Niagara between rebel commissioners and Horace Greely relative to an adjustment to our National Struggle, the war. Also of one between Rev. Col. Jacques and another man sent by President Lincoln to Richmond and Jefferson Davis, the rebel president. Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 7/22 FRIDAY - Yesterday's account of the interview between Horace Greely and rebels in Canada concerning a settlement of our national troubles was greatly exaggerated. I shot Mother Griswold's black cat this morning by her request. Her crime was catching chickens. On my way to the shop this morning, I called on Ashley at the Jeffersonian Office to see about a letter he received from George last evening. I carried my dinner to the shop again today. We were limited in our work at the shop, but it was enough to last me all day. I mailed a New York Times and a Tribune to George in the evening. Hattie Wheeler came down a while in the evening. Edith Newman sent me a letter she received from George for me to take some extracts from for the Jeffersonian. There was a picture in it for me. Answered George's letters before retiring. 7/23 SATURDAY - Cold this morning. Dry and dusty still. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to George and brought home a piece of corned beef for dinner. We had but 1 dozen hats at the shop. I finished before dinner. After dinner, I took a nap and the fixed our clothes wringer which was broken. I finished up the afternoon work by cleaning off and trimming the edges of the walk in front of the house. After tea, Aunt Louise, Frank and Emma called to get a few currants. Mr. Cocking carried 6 quarts of tomatoes to the Wooster House. I walked down with him. While waiting for the mail, a fellow came and spoke to me calling may name, but I could not recognize him until he gave his name. It was Moses Wheeler of Company C, 17th Regt., in the same Company with George. He is home on furlough. He came from Hilton Head. He has been detached for a clerk to some officer at the place. 7/24 SUNDAY - Morning dry and smoky. Homer B. Barnum of the Co A, 11th Regt. Was buried from the Disciples' Church this forenoon. Captain Henry Hall of Company F, 8th Regt. was buried from our church this P.M. He as well as Barnum of the 11th Regt. was killed by a sharpshooter in the rifle pits in front of Petersburg. Brother Mc Kinney brought Mother to church this morning and up to our house at noon. After Sunday School, I borrowed David Cosier's team and went for her again to attend Captain Hall's funeral. Father was there, so I rode down with her. Mr. Mootry died about 11 O'clock last night. A collection was taken this forenoon to raise $350.00. I gave $1.00. I left Harriet at the house this noon when I came for Mother. I expected to find her when we came home in the P.M., but she was gone. Gussie attended church all day. We were too tired to go in the evening and stayed home. 7/25 MONDAY - Rain. When I rose this morning, I found the cat had treed a rat on one of the evergreens in the yard. I got the gun and shot it. I bought a one half bbl. of flour this morning of Crofut for $7.75. We had one dozen hats to finish at the shop. I went back after dinner to finish them off. We were paid off in the P.M. On my way home, I paid my poll tax to the collector, Charles Crosby - $1.80. He had a military tax of $1.00 against me, but I thought it should be abated on account of having served the required time by law in the state militia. We concluded to let it go unpaid for the present until he found out something definite in regard to it. I paid 3 cents to Dr. Brown for a letter overnight that someone had directed and sent to George. I spent the evening in taking extracts from George's letters for publication. 7/26 TUESDAY - The sun shone this morning, but there have been some fling clouds all day and at time the sun was obscured from sight with the appearance of rain. We had but little work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. I attended the funeral of Thomas Mootry at 2 o'clock at his late residence. From there, I carried an item up to B. Frank Ashley for publication in the Jeffersonian. It was the resignation of a 1st Lieutenant in Company G, 17th Regt. C.V. sent from one of George's letters. I called at Scofield's Dry Goods Store and paid Aaron Mallet's tax to Charles Crosby, the collector - $6.60. I went to market in the evening. Mrs. Cocking is sick and had Dr. Bulkley today. 7/27 WEDNESDAY - Eddie Vintz, youngest brother to Louisa, who was adopted at his mother's death to a German family named Davis died this morning at nearly 4 years old about 4 o'clock with the croup. I did what there was to do at the shop by 10 o'clock and came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office, agent for the Danbury Coal Company, and ordered my winter's coal to be brought today. I brought home a small iron from the shop belonging to John Morris to let Gussie try it at ironing her clothes. Bell came down in the P.M. and wanted Gussie to go with her to select some paper curtains for Mother. She could not go on account of staying with Mrs. Cocking who is sick so I went down with her. We bought 4. I gave her 10 cents to help get her some a little nicer. My coal came in the P.M. - 4 tons. I bought 2 Jeffersonians for George and sent them as follows: one to Bell Conrad at Stratford and one to Cornelia Smith at North Pitcher, Chenango County, New York and put his name in pencil under his piece headed 'An Evening in St. Augustine' as he directed me to do. I gave John Cosier $40.00 in the evening on my coal bill to the Danbury Coal Company to be credited to me under date of tomorrow the 28th. I attended class in the evening. Clark Hoyt's and ours went together in the middle classroom and were led by a New York man named Sudlow. We had a good meeting. The room was full. Mother was down. Some of the friends with their team brought her down as she is not able to walk so far. 7/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work but the hats were not ready and could have nothing to do today. I came up to A. G. Crosby's coal office and talked awhile with [??] and John Crosier. I waited until the train came in and then got the mail for Father Griswold (I not having any) and came home. I fixed the eave trough to my sink room roof before dinner. I took a nap after dinner. While lying in the lounge, Hart Purdy came in to have me take the gun and take a ramble with him. I did so; we went over toward Mr. Lynes and then over to Oil Mill Pond and we shot at a few birds and at a muskrat and brought nothing home. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then copied a letter of George's for publication in the Jeffersonian. Gussie attended the funeral of Louise Vintz's brother who was adopted by Mr. Davis, a German. Mrs. Feeks called after tea. I went into the street in the evening, bought a beefsteak for breakfast, went to the Post Office and came home. Before tea, I gave my borrowed gun a good cleaning and put it away. The gun belongs to Mr. Montgomery, brother-in-law to Mr. McDonald. 7/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and pretty warm. On my way to the shop this morning, I left Cosmopolite's letter at the Jeffersonian's office for publication in next week's issue. It was an account of how the Regt spent the 4th of July in St. Augustine. I took the extracts of his letters and arranged them by his request. We had heavy CG hats at the shop and I got tired out before night. Harry Ledger told me how to make a grease for my iron. I bought the tallow and beeswax on my way home to make it. I went to market in the evening. Took a letter from the Post Office for Father Griswold from Rev. Joseph Henson, now at Hilton for the Christian Commission. The letter was in reply to one from Father Griswold about his taking the chaplaincy of the 71th Regt., C.V. John Morris caught a turtle at Mill Pain Pond while eeling last night which weighed 61 pounds. 7/30 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood 84 in the shade at 5 P.M. There was a town meeting held at 2 o'clock to raise an injunction previously laid to prevent paying out money previously appropriated for the procuration of volunteers, etc. The meeting being illegal on account of there being but 4 days' notice given when there should have been 30 days, nothing was done. I finished my work about 3 one half o'clock. Went to market in the evening. News by the evening post that the rebels are in Penn. and are advancing in 3 columns. Grant has also been successful near Richmond. Charles Parsons, 1st Lieutenant, Regular Army, came to Father Griswold's in the evening from West Point. He is on his way to Hartford to drill the militia officers of this state at the Officers' drill commencing next Tuesday and ending Friday. He is Professor of Ethics at the Military Academy, having been assigned to that duty instead of the filed on account of lameness caused by varicose veins in his legs. He is sick; he says he was overcome by the great heat. 7/31 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Cousin Charlie Parsons is feeling poorly this morning, being sick to his stomach, did not eat anything at breakfast. Fanny came down for my lantern to let down in their well in their cellar thinking that their new kitten which they brought home last evening and put in the cellar had got into it. I went up and lowered the lantern but no cat was there. I then looked behind some rubbish and found him hid away. I attended church in the morning and sat in the choir. Gussie stayed at home with Charlie Parson and let her folks go, he not feeling able to go himself. Union Sunday School concert in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church. I came home after Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. with Gussie and Cousin Charlie. We had dinner up there with them by taking our piece of roast lamb up there. After the meal, Charlie came home with us to see our premises. I added a few lines to the letter I was writing to George and sealed it. I also put up A Saturday's Tribune and Evening Post and mailed with the letter in the evening. Instead of going to prayer meeting, I went down to see John Sharp and engage him to come for Cousin Charlie in the morning and take him to the train. I then came home and spent the remainder of the evening with Charles Parsons. We gave him our card pictures to take home with him.
1864-07
Horace Purdy Journal April 1864 Entry
8pgs
4/1 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. On my way to the shop this morning, I drew from the Savings Bank $40.00 to make out with what I had on hand $66.00 to pay Aaron Mallett interest on $1,100.00. He called just after dinner for the money. John Boughton and Frank were with us to tea and spent the evening. I finished my letter to George and mailed it together with a pocket dictionary and the Waverly in the evening. John went down with me. When we returned, we had walnuts, cider and apples. We had great sport with John trying to see how much he would eat. After eating more walnuts than any other two, he ate an apple and two pieces of pie. They stayed until 11 o'clock. 4/2 SATURDAY - Stormy still - about half snow in the evening. I worked until dark at the shop. After tea, I went to market. I called a few moments at the Republican Caucus in the basement of Concert Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. 4/3 SUNDAY - Stormy in the morning. A little broken with some sunshine in the middle of the day. Father Griswold preached in the morning from John 12-26. Brother Crawford preached in the P.M. from Matthew 20:19. He was personal in his remarks, referring indirectly about Edith Newman leaving the choir inferring that she was the only party implicated in the difficulty of Melodeon playing. William Stevens, John Cosier and myself talked over the matter of taking up a purse for Edith. I got $1 from Mr. Chittendon towards it; making now already raised $13.00. After tea, I went up home to see Mother. Aunt Louise, John and Frank Boughton were up there. I brought home my dictionary when I came. Gussie and I went to church in the evening. Mr. Coe preached in our church to the Young Men's Christian Association from Romans 14:7. 4/4 MONDAY - Election Day - a glorious victory for the Union 227 majority in this town. I worked in the forenoon around home trimming trees, etc. I went down and voted before noon. After dinner, I went to the shop. It took me all the P.M. to get up my Saturday's work. I dug my parsnips before tea. Gussie weighed out the 10 lbs. of butter which we bought some time ago with Father Griswold and brought it down home. Mother went down to the artist this P.M. and had some pictures taken. Mr. Donald sent Fred Vintz up with his horse and carriage for her. I went into the street in the evening and engaged Beatty to come for Mother Griswold tomorrow morning for the cars. I went to market and came home. Robert Sayers gave me $1.00 today towards the purse to be given to Edith Newman. Paid to the Secretary of Trade (Mr. Witherspoon) 2 months Hatters' funeral taxes 50 cents and 3 months dues 30 cents. 4/5 TUESDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but not a drop. The stars shone a little in the evening. I burned the rubbish in my garden before breakfast. I worked as usual in the shop. On my way home from work, I called on Edward Allen and got 50 cents towards the purse to be given to Edith Newman. John Cosier, Gussie and myself called there on our way up to present the purse to Edith and they (Allen and wife) went up with us. We spent a little time in singing when John Cosier stepped forward and presented her with the purse in a few brief and appropriate remarks. She was completely taken by surprise. It nearly overcame her. It was with great difficulty that she could control her feelings. The amount given her as $33.00, contributed as follows: John Cosier $5.00, Mr. W. Stevens $5.00, George Starr $5.00, Henry Fanton $5.00, Edward Davis 50 cents, A. McDonald $2.00, P. Starr $8.00, Mr. White 50 cents, Morgan Chittendon, $1.00, Robert Sayers $1.00, Edward Barnum $1.00, Jessie D. Stevens 50 cents, Mr. Lyon 50 cents, J. Clark Beers 50 cents, Edward Allen 50 cents, Rundle $1.00, myself $1.00. Hatter's meeting not being out as I came down, I stopped, but it closed in a few minutes after I went in. 4/6 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but the wind has been northeast. It clouded up just at night. I worked quite late in the shop until 6 one half o'clock. After tea, I commenced a letter to George. A man by the name of Lawrence W. Smith formerly of Co. F 17th Regt. (a Company from Norwalk) came to me at the shop to get the letter of the company that George belongs to, as John Cosier had paid him $1.00 for the War Record to be sent to him. He was an agent for the publisher getting subscriptions. He was with the Regiment until they got to Gainesville when they first went into Va. and there, he not feeling well, was sent to the hospital and has since been discharged. Gussie baked some bread and carried a loaf up home this evening. 4/7 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I gathered up the trimmings from my fruit tree around the yard before breakfast. I worked all day and late in the shop. In the evening, I bought a peck of russet apples and $2.00 worth of granulated sugar (9 lbs.) of Charles White. I bought the sugar because it was cheaper than anywhere else and the price still going up. I spoke for some manure this morning of Moses Norris but it did not come an account of his not procuring a man to haul it. Before retiring, I wrote more in a letter that I am making out for George. 4/8 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm came home to dinner. Mrs. Caroline O'Leary died this morning. Received a letter from George by the morning mail. It was in reply to the one I wrote him giving him the news of Mother's sickness. He feels very bad that Mother is likely to die before he returns home. Mother also received one from him. Hattie Mills was this morning surprised before she was dressed in her room by Dwight Rogers who came to see Mrs. Cocking and got into the wrong room. Christian Quien who has got married within a short time to Marion Nash came to the shop today with 2nd Lieutenant shoulder straps on. He was married on Monday last, I believe, and received a 2nd Lieutenant's commission on the following day. He was previously orderly sergeant. Hatter's meeting in the evening. It was an adjourned meeting from Tuesday evening to take into consideration the possibility of doing something in regard to foul shops. The meeting resolved themselves into a committee of the whole and discussed the matter pretty thoroughly but adjourned for two weeks without coming to any definite conclusion. 4/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant through the day, but it threatened storm in the evening. Hattie Mills and I came home to our dinner. Sister Hattie Purdy was with us to dinner. I scolded her somewhat for her conduct about my dictionary. She accused me of saying things to her when I took the book away that were not true. Hattie Mills went to Bethel in the P.M. I came home from work earlier than usual and went up home and got the gooseberry bushes which I have neglected to get for 2 or 3 years past. I intended to have cleaned out my privy and mix its contents with ashes, but upon commencing, I found the ash heap frozen hard a little below the surface and was obliged to delay the job for a season. Gussie went over to Frank Boughton's in the P.M. and down street with me after tea. We called at Mr. Couch's and got the pictures of Bell, 4 in number, and 3 more of Mother. 4/10 SUNDAY - Stormy. Rain and snow both in the morning. I went to meeting in the A.M., but few were there and it was held in the basement. Bro. Crawford took no text, but talked to us. I came home at noon. Gussie went in the P.M while I stayed at home. Sacrament in the P.M. Gussie said it was held in the audience room above. I finished a letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Waverly. I enclosed Bell's carte de visite to him. Caroline O'Leary was buried this P.M., aged 60 years. I did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. Edgar Johnson died at his home in Wild Cat[??] about 2 o'clock this afternoon. 4/11 MONDAY - The weather is still stormy. I felt the Rheumatism in my right shoulder blade again this morning. I felt but little like work but did all day. On account of the storm, I carried my dinner to work. John W. Bussing cut my hair after work. Hattie Mills came up from Bethel on the morning train and worked until night without anything to eat. I went to the annual Sunday School Teacher's Meeting in the evening. Officers were elected. I was reelected Librarian. My assistant E. Barnum, was taken from me and put in paper distribution. After the meeting, I walked some with Edith Newman to talk with her about Saul, her brother, for assistant librarian in Edward Barnum's place. The moon shone faintly through the mist in the evening. 4/12 APRIL - The weather still cloudy, but no rain today. I came home to dinner. Before dinner was ready, I commenced raking off my grass flat on door yard. I carried a bottle of cider to the shop and left it for John W. Bussing for his dinner. After tea, Robert Cocking came with Mr. Lyon's team to go to the depot and I rode down with him. Mrs. Stone came up and worked for us today and was with us for dinner. Mrs. Cocking came down and spent the evening with us. George H. Benedict, son of Price Benedict, one of our neighbors from just west of us, died today. Aged 23 years. 4/13 WEDNESDAY - Cold in the morning. A little warmer in the P.M. with rain. I came home to dinner. Frank Ward of Beaverbrook died this morning about 5 o'clock. A letter from George by the morning mail in answer to one I wrote to him in regard to the affairs of his old letters of his which Mother has made some trouble about. He places the fullest confidence in me and does not believe any of the stories told about Gussie and me by Mother. After tea, Gussie and Hattie Mills went up home to Father Griswold's to see to see Mrs. White while I commenced a letter to George. Soon Mr. Cocking was ready to go to the depot with Mr. Lyon's carriage and I rode down to market. I called at the church, but the classroom was dark. When I came home, I found Mrs. Cocking, Fannie and Hattie Griswold (Wheeler) and Louise Vintz spending the evening with us. I cracked some walnuts and they stayed until after 10 o'clock. I then wrote more in my letter to George. 4/14 THUSDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant before night. I carried my dinner to the shop. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I mailed a letter, a Waverly and a New York Daily Tribune of last Tuesday the 12th to George. The Tribune contained the official report of General Gilmore regarding the Battle of Olustee in Florida. Father Griswold returned for Conference in Hartford this evening. As we were going down, we met him coming up from the depot with his hands full of trees and vines and his carpet bag. Charles H. Reed was carrying his bag for him. He left the tree and vines at Reed's gate and I brought them home when I came. 4/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work at the shop today for the first in a long time. I finished at noon. Harriet was with us at dinner. After dinner, I sowed a little plaster on my yard and then went down town to buy a fence post to repair my gate and to get a cart man to haul some manure for me. I succeeded just at night and got one load and the post brought home. Gussie went up to Mother's in the P.M. and stayed to tea. Hattie Mills went up also from the shop. Carrie Mills came up on the freight train and went up with Hattie. Edith was there to tea. Gussie and the girls came home just at dark. I ate bread and milk for my supper. Gussie, Carrie and Hattie Mills went into the street in the evening. Mr. Cocking being here with Mr. Lyon's horse and carriage, he took them all in and carried them down. 4/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Carrie stayed with Hattie Mills, her sister last night. This morning, she took the train to Bethel. I got to the shop about an hour earlier than usual in consequence of getting breakfast in time for Carrie to take the cars. On the way to the shop, I mailed three letters for Father Griswold. The remainder of my manure came this forenoon, making 3 loads. I finished my work about 3 o'clock and paid Norris for the manure $3.00 and $1.50 to the cart man for hauling. I commenced repairing my gate and righting up the fence in front of my house. I got the fence straighted up and the new gate hinge post set and was obliged to leave it without hanging the gate on account of its growing dark. In the evening, I went to market. I bought a carte de visite of Captain Moore at Bennett's Store for 25 cents and a pair of gate hinges at Charles Hull's for 65 cents. 16 screws for 15 cents. Before retiring, Mrs. Cocking came down and wished me to get her a quart of milk in the morning. At the same time, she gave me a glass of ale. 4/17 SUNDAY - Pleasant though somewhat windy. I got a quart of milk at Mrs. McDonald's this morning for Mrs. Cocking. Our new preacher was with us today (Mr. Hill); his family is not here yet. He preached in the morning from John 14-27.In the P.M. Luke 15-17. Father Griswold was with him in the pulpit all day. Brother Crawford was also in the morning, but sat in the congregation in the afternoon. Mr. Coles led the choir and Miss Newman played. Edward Barnum being appointed paper distributor, I now have James Parmalee for asst. librarian. Gussie and I were at church all day. Harriet came to the house at noon for something to eat. Hattie Mills gave her a lunch. After tea, I wrote two letters to George and David Mills; Hattie enclosed one with her picture in mine to David. Gussie and I went to prayer meeting in the evening. William T. Hill, our new preacher, was there. He walked up with Harriet Wheeler to see Father Griswold. Gussie went up after she got home. He talked about church affairs. Father Griswold posted him in regard to some things about the church. Mother worse today. A little rain about 11o'clock in the evening. 4/18 MONDAY - The weather was rather uncertain in the morning, but it came off pleasant before noon. Mrs. Stone worked for us. I had work all day in the shop. After I came home from work, I worked as long as I could see at hanging my gate with new hinges on a new post. The women folks (Gussie and Hattie Mills) went to the Baptist Church in the evening to hear Mrs. Ambler speak of the conditions of the paroled prisoners as they arrive there from Richmond in a starving, dying condition. I ate my supper alone after they left for church and then I went up home to see Mother. As Bell had called saying that she wanted me to come up. She wanted to see me about keeping their cow. Father was of a mind to let her go and they did not want to part with her. I persuaded him to keep her, I think, as he consented to have me buy a bale of hay for her on his account. 4/19 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler towards night. I set out my Concord grape vine this morning; the one Daniel Manly gave me. On my way to the shop, I went to Isaac W. Ives Lumber Yard and bought two bales of hay for Father $7.00. Gussie had her first mess of greens for dinner. Harriet Purdy was with her to dinner. I received a box from George with the last evening's mail with some roots and plants for Gussie. I finished the work on my gate before tea. In the evening, I went to market and got a lot of oysters for breakfast. Mrs. Cocking came own and spent the evening with us. 4/20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had to wait about an hour this morning at the shop for work. After tea, I went to market and to class. I got there just as it was out. Peter Starr, our old leader, has left town and we talked awhile about a new one. We rather want J. Cosier to take it but he does not want it. Father called this morning on his way to work and paid me for the hay I bought for him $7.00. 4/21 THUSDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast and before tea, I dug around some of my fruit trees and manured them. I came home to dinner. I had suckatash (dried corn and beans). When I came home from work at night, I bought my first shad at 13 cents a pound. I mailed a short letter to George in the evening with a dollars' worth of stamps enclosed. Gussie went with me in the evening and looked at wallpaper at William Wright's and at Benedict and Nichols. Bought 3 window shades (green) and fixtures for the parlor $1.50 each and 25 cents for the fixtures. Total $5.25. A beautiful evening, the moon being full. 4/22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I dug around and manured my Harvest Apple tree. Harriet came in while we were eating dinner and sat down with us. I worked until 6 o'clock before leaving the shop. I bought 2 pounds of maple sugar of Nosh T. Hoyt in the evening. Went to Hatter's Meeting at Concert Hall. It was an adjourned meeting to take into consideration the case of foul shops. Gussie exchanged the new window shade fixtures she bought last evening for silvered ones. She paid 15 cents in exchange. 4/23 SATURDAY - Pleasant, and it seemed to me warmer than any day previous this spring. I came home to dinner. Hattie Mills went home to Bethel on the passenger train to have the impression taken for her teeth, but the dentist (Schoolmocker) could not do it. She came back on the evening train. Before I ate supper, I manured and dug up Gussie's flower bed by the piazza. We went to market together in the evening. We went to Mr. Wright's to look at wallpaper I bought a shad and came home. I made some egg cider before I retired. I received a letter from George by the morning mail. 4/24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Bro. Hill preached in the morning from Acts 18:9-10 Books taken in but none given out in Sunday School on account of the previous Sunday School meeting in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church, usually called Sunday School concert. Gussie attended, but I came home and wrote a letter to George. I enclosed six 3 cent postage stamps and six 2 cent ones as a present. Mother sent by Bell to have Hattie Mills go up there. After tea, she went. Gussie and I went up to the cemetery; we found John Cosier there with a team. He took us in and drove over the grounds, then rode out on the Great Plain Road nearly to Marsh Brick Kiln, crossed over on to the Beaverbrook Road and back home, he bringing us to our own door. Gussie was too tired to go to prayer meeting in the evening, so Hattie Mills and I went together. Father Griswold was there. He both prayed and spoke. Brother Hill and Clark Hoyt went up to see Mother after tea. She is about the same, apparently no worse, though I suppose really no better. 4/25 MONDAY - Stormy, a warm rain. Received an invitation by mail to attend a presentation to Alfred N. Gilbert in the evening. Read a letter from George with items for the Jeffersonian. The breaking up of their Brigade and the places to which the several Regiments were assigned. The account of Jim Hammer's what is its [???], etc. I did not attend the presentation, but went to the Post Office and to market. I then came home ( after calling on Mr. Ashley to see if he had some room this week for a letter from George) and prepared the letter for publication. Mr. Cocking came down and spent the evening with us. 4/26 TUESDAY - Still stormy. I carried a letter I had made out from George to the Jeffersonian for publication this morning. I came home to dinner and on account of the rain, I carried Hattie Mills' (?) to her. The sun shone a little this P.M., but it clouded over again. Gussie and I went up to Mr. Wright's in the evening to look at wallpaper. Before retiring, I answered two letters in one of George. 4/27 - WEDNESDAY - Showery still, though the sun shone a little this P.M., the same as yesterday, and gave signs of clear(ing) off. I came home to dinner and carried Hattie Mills' to her at the shop. After I finished work, I went to Comes' Marble Works to see about a stone for Eddie. I decided upon nothing. Called at the Jeffersonian's office to tell Ashley where to direct papers to the 17th Regt. To St. Augustine instead of Jacksonville, Fla. Harriet brought George's watch down for me to take to the jewelers for repairs. I went to class in the evening. Bro. Hill (our preacher) led the class. On my way to the shop this morning, I stopped and ordered Dr. Buckley to come up and see Mother Griswold. She is quite sick. 4/28 THURSDAY - A little bit of snow before daylight. Cooler, cloudy until just before night when the sun shone again. Mr. Silverthorn came to Father Griswold's today; was there to dinner. After tea, Gussie and I went into the street and bought some wall paper for our sitting room. Mrs. Cocking's sister came to see her from Fort Hamilton, Long Island. 4/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold started this morning for Philadelphia to attend the Gen.Conference. No work today for the black finishers today at the shop. I being on fancy colors, had work all day. I came home by the way of George Starr's and got a board for Harriet to make shelf in her closet up home. After tea, I commenced grafting one of my apple trees with Golden Sweets. Went to market in the evening and bought a shad for breakfast .4 and a half lbs. at 15 cents a pound from the Housatonic River. Gussie went up to the cemetery this P.M. and made some preparations at Eddie's grave for some plants. Frank Boughton was with her and selected a lot for John. Burglars last night at Tandy's, Fowler's, Barnum's, Wildman's, and Benedict's. 4/30 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked hard all day. Came home to my dinner. Gussie and Hattie Mills went up to the cemetery on the P.M. Gussie engaged Mr. Day to make a small flower bed around Eddie's grave. Before tea, I grafted an apple tree in the garden with Roxbury Russett. I went to market and to Singing School in the evening.
1864-04
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1863 Entry
5pgs
3/1 Sunday - Stormy. Snow and rain. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and in the P.M. I wrote to George and to Cousin David Mills. Mother came down just before evening meeting and brought a letter which she had written to George to be enclosed in mine. I went to meeting in the evening. It was a prayer meeting in the basement. An unusual interest was manifest for the country both in prayer and exhortation. It cleared off in the evening with a high wind and growing cold fast. 3/2 Monday - Pleasant. I worked as long as I could in the shop. After tea I mailed a Tribune to George and a letter to Louise Wright for Gussie. 3/3 Tuesday - Stormy in the forenoon; snow. It cleared off after dinner. I have worked very hard and am very tired. I went to the market in the evening. Gussie received a letter from Anne (Edwin's wife) by the morning mail with a Carte de Visite of herself and baby for Gussie. 3/4 Wednesday - Pleasant . When I came home from work at night I found that Mrs. Powell and Mead had come from Brooklyn. They were up home, and I went up there to tea. I went to the market in the evening but it was so late before I went on account of company that I did not get to class meeting. I mailed a Semi Weekly Tribune to George. 3/5 Thursday - A pretty cold night last. Mrs. Mead stayed with us last night while her sister m Mrs. Powel stayed with Harriet. Having a severe headache, I left my work and came home after dinner. Mrs. Powel, Mrs. Mead and Harriet took teat with us. I stayed at home in the evening to lest Gussie go with her company into the street shopping and to meeting. I mailed to George the Danbury Times and a Semi Weekly Tribune, both in one wrapper. 3/6 Friday - A snow squall in the morning. It lasted for an hour or two and then ceased. It remained cloudy during the day. The moon and stars shone in the evening. I received a letter from George in the morning mail. He is flat on his back with a fever. I wrote to him in the evening. Mr. Mallet from Redding called to see me this noon about letting me have some money $1,100.00 with which to take up two notes and mortgages on my place and have any indebtedness on my house in one amount in one place, but to be paid annually at the expiration of each year instead of semi-annually and in advance as I have done on $700.00 heretofore at the Savings Bank. I gladly accepted the offer. Eddie is in a singular manner deprived almost entirely the use of his legs in walking today. We feel some concern about him. 3/7 Saturday - It began to snow before noon and continued all day and in the evening. Mr. Mansfield was buried today. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter for Gussie from Harriet. 3/8 Sunday - It snowed until about noon. I shoveled paths around home and up to Father Griswold's in the morning. I went down to the church in time for Sunday School. Communion in the P.M. I wrote to George after tea. Louise came down and stayed with Eddie and let Gussie and I go to hear Mr. Coe preach his sermon on patriotism at our church. He preached the same sermon on Washington's Birthday two weeks ago in his own church. Text. Deut 34:7-8. 3/9 Monday - About 4 or 5 inches of snow fell last night. I spent considerable time this morning in sweeping paths for Harriet, Father Griswold and myself. A little boy of Mr. Allen's (our first neighbor north) accidently had his foot nearly cut off by Violette Pine (a little colored girl across the way) while cutting wood together. Dr. William C. Bennett who came home today from the army on furlough dressed the wound. I went to Teachers' Meeting in the evening. After I came home, I copied the minutes before retiring. I took a letter from the Office for Gussie from Marianne Underhill, one of her old schoolmates at Armenia Seminary (Ed. Note ' town of Amenia in Duchess County , NY) 3/10 Tuesday - I have worked as usual in the shop. Did not get paid off yesterday on account of Mr. Crofut being in New York, but was paid today $28.00. Josiah Day discharged from the 17th Reg't. Called on me at the shop and handed me a package of George's received letters which he sent home by him. He said that George was some better when he left the Reg't last Thursday. I wrote a letter to George after tea and went down and mailed it. 3/11 Wednesday - More snow last night. It cleared off in the middle of the day. A snow squall in the evening. I received a letter from George by the evening mail. It was written by Mr. Warren, I think. He was better when it was written. I went to class meeting in the evening. 3/12 Thursday - Pleasant . I have worked as usual in the shop. I brought home Mr. Witherspoon's vinegar jug to [let] him have a [gal ??] and carry it to him at the shop in the morning. I went to Dr. Bulkely's in the evening to consult him about Eddie and got some medicine for him I paid him what I owed him $8.30. I then went over to the Post Office and finished a letter I had begun to George and mailed it. At the Office I saw Dr. William Bennett who said that he could take a small parcel to George when he returns which will be on Saturday he says. I went up home and got George's soft hat to send to him. 3/13 Friday - Pleasant. I carried Mr. Witherspoon's jug filled with vinegar to him to the shop this morning. I went over to Mr. Olmstead's for Father Griswold's hams before tea but they were not out of the smokehouse. I went to market in the evening. I carried a small package containing a soft hat over to Dr. Bennett's this morning to carry to George in the 17th Reg't as he returns to his Reg't the 5th tomorrow. 3/14 Saturday - Pleasant. Bell stayed with us last night. After dinner, Gussie came to the shop with a letter from George. He is worse and in the hospital at Brook's Station on the Aquia and Falmouth R.Road, Va. I left my work to go to Bethel to see if Chas. Mills had got home yet as George requested that he should come and take care of him if he could be persuaded to do so. He had not got home. I stayed to tea and took the evening train up. I also went to see Lieut. George Averill before going to Bethel and after my return about getting a pass at Washington to go within our lines if I should go to see George. I received a letter from Cousin David Mills 5th Reg't in the evening. 3/15 Sunday - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and wrote in the P.M. and evening to George and to Dr. William Bennett, Surgeon in the 5th Reg't requesting their influence to get a furlough for George to come home and regain his health or a transfer to some hospital nearer home. I got Lieut. George Averill's signature joining with me in my request to Dr. Hubbard. Gussie went to prayer meeting I the evening. 3/16 Monday - I worked until noon. I ate my dinner and then came home with a sick headache. On my way home, I stopped at the Jeffersonian Office to let Mr. Ashley extract something from David Mills' letter for the issue of this week. I ate no supper. I vomited a good deal in the evening. Gussie went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter for me from Mr. Warren informing me about George. He visited him last Tuesday at the hospital and again on Thursday, the day he wrote the letter. He says that he is better. The hospital doctor says that he has the Typhoid Fever, but the Regimental Surgeon says not. 3/7 Tuesday - St. Patrick's Day. Not feeling well, I did not go to the shop. I went down to the Post Office. I stayed home in the P.M., went to bed, after which I wrote to David Mills and to Mr. Warren. The Irish turned out in grand style to keep up St. Patrick's day. This was their first demonstration ever made on this day in Danbury. Gussie went downtown in the P.M.I went down and mailed my two letters in the evening. Father Monahan, the Catholic priest lectured at Concert Hall in the evening. 3/18 Wednesday - Pleasant . I worked hard all day in the shop. Bro. Crawford and wife, Charles Stevens and wife, George Miller and wife, were at Father Griswold's to tea. Gussie being there, I also went there to tea. I went down intending to go to class, but was too late. I took a letter from the Office for Gussie from Mrs. Mead Brooklyn and then went to hear Wadsworth speak on the political issues of the day at Concert Hall. 3/19 Thursday - Pleasant. In the P.M. I, with other returned Volunteers under the command of Capt. Wildman, attended the funeral of Patrick Lilly who died in hospital. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Co. B. We turned out with drum and fife with Jackson's Cadet Muskets. He was buried in the Catholic burying ground. I took a letter from the Office for Mother from Harriet in the evening and went to prayer meeting. 3/20 Friday - Pleasant . I felt in excellent condition for work in the forenoon, but after dinner I was taken with the sick headache and was obliged to leave work about 3 o'clock. I went home by way of Couch's Picture Gallery and got a dollar's worth of Cartes de Visite of wife and baby which I ordered a few days ago. I went to bed after I got home. Bell came down after school to stay all night and tomorrow Aunt Louisa called while we were at our tea. Gussie went to Sewing So(ciety) in the evening. I, not feeling well enough, did not go into the street. 3/21 Saturday - Charles Mills arrived home in Bethel last night. He came up on the train this morning and came to the shop. I stopped work and took him home with me to dinner. Caroline came up on the freight train. I spent the afternoon with them and went to the depot at {??] o'clock as they returned to Bethel. Harriet joined them at the depot and went home too. Bell, who came down last night stayed with us today and went up home again after tea. I received a letter from George by the morning mail. He is still in the hospital at Brook's Station and somewhat better, the fever being broken and changed. 3/22 Sunday ' Pleasant and warm, but the melting snow made it very wet and muddy. I went to church and spent both the forenoon and afternoon at the library checking the book from Carleton & Porter's and the Sunday School Union Catalogues in order to use the catalogues to select some new ones for the library as we have about one hundred dollars to spend for new books for our library. After Sunday School, Bell came up to take care of Eddie so that Gussie could go in the P.M. I finished a letter to George and mailed it with the Times in the evening. John Cosier called just before evening meeting time to see about going to New York to get the Sunday School library books. He wants me to go with him. 3/23 Monday - Sick, Joseph Young drew my pay and brought it to me at night. I went down to John Cosier's office and stayed until the mail came. A letter for Gussie from Ellen Dare. I not feeling able, Gussie went to doctor's and got some medicine for me and to the Post Office in the evening. She got a letter from her old school mate, now Mrs. Wright. 3/24 Tuesday - Cloudy, chilly, southeast wind. Appearance of storm. Sick. I stayed at home and took medicine all day. 3/25 Wednesday - I took a profuse sweat last night. I feel better, though very weak. It rained hard with thunder in the P.M. I received a letter from David Mills and answered it. A Mr. Hamilton from Texas is to speak to the people tonight a Concert Hall upon the political issues of the day to aid in the election of Buckingham for Governor. 3/26 Thursday (Ed note: Purdy calls it 3/25) I went down to John Cosier's office in the morning and we checked off more books on the Book Room catalogue preparatory to going to the city to buy them. Charles Mills came up on the train and stayed to dinner. I went with him to Averill's office to get him to take a pension agency for his friend in Washington. I then went to the Cars and went to New York with John Cosier and wife to buy books for the Sunday School. I stopped for the night with Bro. Pegg in Forsyth Street. 3/27 Friday (Ed note: Purdy calls it 3/26) - In New York. After breakfast, Mr. Cosier came down to Bro. Pegg and we went up to the Book Room to buy our books. We bought some at the Sunday School Union and also at then Tract Societies Room. But the largest portion, we bought at the Book Room. We were very busy all day. We took dinner at a Restaurant. We finished our book buying about 4 o'clock, when we went over to Brooklyn together. I went up Fulton Avenue to Gideon Powell's and Cosier went another way. I stayed to Mr. Powell's to tea. I went with them to hear Cyrus Foss preach in the evening. But we were disappointed. His brother Archibald preached in his stead. I returned with them and stayed all night. 3/28 Saturday (Ed note: Purdy calls it 3/27) ' After breakfast at Mr. Powell's, I went over to the corner of Classon and Greene Avenues to call on Mrs. Mead. From there, I went to Claremont Avenue near DeKalb and stayed with Harriet until noon at her boarding place at Mrs. Boyles. I took dinner with them. After which, I started for New York on my way home. I intended to stop in Pine Street to see Mr. Mead and in Murray to see Mr. Powell, but it began to rain so hard that I did not. I arrived home in the evening. 3/29 Sunday - Pleasant and muddy in the morning. It grew cold in the P.M. and evening and froze up hard. I attended church in the morning. Mr. Coe preached for us. After Sunday School, I came home. After tea, I wrote to George and Harriet. I filled out 3 Certificates of discussion for the Loveland and DeWolfe children. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 3/30 Monday - Do not feel very strong yet. I ordered 1,000 labels for our Sunday School books at Ashley's (the Jeffersonian office). The books came from New York this P.M. by freight. I went down to the shop just before night and ironed over Father Griswold's silk hat preparatory to going to conference. In the evening I received and answered a letter from George. He is better, or was when he wrote. I mailed to him $1.00 in money and stamps. 3/31 Tuesday - Snow in the morning. Father Griswold and myself went to the Savings Bank about 9 o'clock to do business with Ephraim and Alfred Gregory and Mr. Mallett of Redding. I took eleven hundred dollars from Mr. Mallett and gave him my note and a mortgage deed together with my insurance policy to secure him. With the said $1,100.00 I took up Gregory's note of seven hundred at the Savings Bankand my note of Four Hundred with Alfred Gregory and took quit claims from the parties. D.B. Booth executed my papers for me. The mortgage deed required a Revenue Stamp of $2.00, the Note, 60 cents. I sold some specie (silver) for 23% premium which amounted to $1.37. I sold it to Robinson the Jeweler. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I did some writing for the Sunday School and retired about 10 o'clock. The snow storm continued all day.
1863-03