Horace Purdy Journal January 1867 Entry
12pgs
JAN 01 TUESDAY - Stormy, snow all day. I swept paths and dug out the snow on my sidewalk before breakfast. George came down in the morning and we went into the street together in the forenoon. Gussie made fruit cake in the morning and frosted it. She desires one loaf as a present to George. She put on the frosting the initials of his name, also 1867 with small confectionary. George came here to dinner. He spent the day mostly in making calls. In the P.M., I cracked walnuts and cut up some wood I had in the wood house. Just before night, Robert Cocking and wife called as they were sleigh riding. He paid me $3.00 for December rent and we talked about letting Mr. Swift come into his rooms upstairs until April 1st. George called in the evening. I put up in a paper box two loaves of cake, one fruit cake frosted, 5 apples and about a quart of cracked walnuts. Gussie and I went over to Mr. Pond's about 10 o'clock for some butter ' 2 lbs.; we left George in the house while we were gone. He brought down his carpet bag backed all ready for a start in the morning. JAN 03 WEDNESDAY - George came this way on his way to the train for the trip to Brooklyn. He took his bags and box of good things which I packed for him last evening. After breakfast, I went to the shop expecting work but we were told that it would not be ready before Friday . I took my beef barrel over to Mr. Pond's before dinner intending to hoop it in the P.M. but was taken with a severe headache was obliged to abandon it. I retired early very sick. Gussie attended the weekly Temperance Meeting at Concert Hall in the evening. When she returned, I was in bed. JAN 03 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. The sleighing good and many are enjoying it. I hooped my beef barrel over to Mr. Pond's this forenoon. In the afternoon, I took a walk down to the shop and carried a copy of our Bill of Prices which I have been drawing up for my own use. I paid my post Office rent and my newspaper postage. The box rent is paid up to July 1st. In the evening, I took up Mr. Pond's and my hams and packed them over again. He came over and helped me pour the brine off into a tub and pour it on again before repacking. Bell called here before evening meeting. JAN 04 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have had work today in the shop for the first time this week. I have felt better today than I have in about two weeks. I worked as long as I could see in the shop and then came home by way of the depot and called at Fenton's Jewelry Store and got Father Griswold's clock which has been there for repairs. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's and got the $200 he was to lend me and gave my note for the same payable on demand. Bell came down in the evening and stayed to let Gussie go to Sewing Society. Mother came down this forenoon and stayed to dinner with Gussie and spent the greater part of the P.M. JAN 05 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. Bell stayed with us last night. As I went to work this morning, I took the jug and ordered a gallon of molasses at Benedict & Nichols. I had work all day at the shop. At noon, I went up to the Danbury Bank and took up my note of $200 to Hanford Fairchild which he took there and got discounted. I then returned to the shop and worked until dark. I last evening paid Gussie $8.00 for the first time under our new arrangement, viz. to pay her $8.00 per week for her to pay the house holding expenses and to let her do the contriving and providing and save all she can out of it. Today she did her first buying under the new order of things. Bell took the sled and drew Georgie up home with her to stay until tomorrow. This is his first ride on a hand sled. In the evening, I went to the barber's and then to S.S. Peck's store to increase Gussie' s order for onions from a peck to a half bushel. I saw O.H. Swift on the street and paid him $1.90 for Father Griswold's expressage on hand cider mill from Peekskill where he sent it for repairs. JAN 06 SUNDAY - A little snow during the day which came quietly. The day although cloudy has been warm for a winter day. We expected Georgie to be brought home by Father today but on account of the storm (which was slight) Gussie went up in the forenoon instead of going to church and made arrangements for him to stay over today. I went down to Sunday School and attended prayer meeting in the P.M. Dinner was ready at 3 o'clock when I returned from meeting, after which I took to my usual Sunday School writing and Gussie with Susan Brayman in company with Ed Ireland went up to see Anna Delavan, who is dangerously sick at Henry Hinman's. Not having any baby to stay home with, we both went to church in the evening. Brother Peck as usual preached a good sermon. JAN 07 MONDAY - Pleasant but colder. We had only about a half day's work in the shop. When I came from work in the P.M., I found Gussie in the street shopping. I set to work and arranged for smoking a shoulder in the fireplace. I soon hung it up and had a smoke going. Just before tea (between sundown and dark), Bell came down with Georgie on the hand sled. She stayed with us to tea and went to meeting in the evening. I today received again three of the papers printed by the Great American Tea Company and in the evening took one of them over to Mr. Pond. I have had a headache. Today this towards night increased in the back part of my head. JAN 08 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool, about the same as yesterday. We had but one dozen hats to finish today. I finished my work about the middle of the P.M. and came home by way of Fred Starr's meat market where I bought on credit a forequarter of beef 117 lbs.at 10 cents a lb. I saw it cut up. It came before night. As I went to work this morning, I took from the Office a letter which came last evening from George. I returned to Mother Griswold 8 lbs. of beef to replace 8 lbs. which I borrowed of them. Today the rum sellers were notified to close up. JAN 09 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work all day in the shop. As I came from work at night, I took from the Post Office a letter written November 9th to Henry Blair in New York about his dog which he never received and had been sent to the General Post Office in Washington and from there returned to me. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he helped me about putting on a hoop on my beef cask to tighten if possible the bottom, but we did not succeed. I will have to get a new bottom put onto it. Moses Baxter and wife were down to their house across the way this evenng to make arrangements for moving in again in a few days. They called in a few minutes before going home again. Bell came by this evening as she went to meeting. Gussie let her do some errands for her in the street. She came back this way and is to stay with us tonight. JAN 10 THURSDAY - Bell stayed with us last night. The day has been cloudy with a little fine snow in the forenoon. I have had work all day in the shop. The rum shops have all been closed today, they having been notified to do so or take the full extent of the law. The Temperance Committee having waited on them the 7th instant giving them today to close up in. Bell was here this P.M. and to tea. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Richards for my slippers which he has been making for me for $1.75. Mrs. Stone has been here this evening. Gussie called on Mrs. Swift this P.M. for the first time since they were burned out. They are now living in Charles Benedict's house on Deer Hill. I helped Louise catch and kill two chickens for Mother Griswold this evening. Gussie retired with the sick headache. JAN 11 FRIDAY - Have had work all day in the shop, but on account of a sick headache, I was obliged to stop a little early and come home. Mr. Cocking brought us a peck of carrots today. Moses Baxter moved back in his house across the way today. JAN 12 SATURDAY - Pleasant but colder. I worked as usual in the shop. To do my allowance and what was left over from yesterday, I was obliged to work as long as I could in the evening. John McNamee, a shopmate who bought my hay cutter, paid me for it today - $9.00. I went into the street in the evening and paid Fred Starr $12.28 for 117 pounds of beef (forequarter) at $.10 a pound which I bought on the 8th instant. I also called to see how O.H. Swift (who was burned out) is fitted up for a store on the south side of Potter's Music Rooms in Taylor's block. I walked up home with him after he closed and went in a few moments. He is living in a part of Charles Benedict's house on Deer Hill, lately sold to Jackson for a school. JAN 13 SUNDAY - Very cold last night and this morning. The weather has moderated during the day. It has been cloud with more or less snow during the day. Neither of us attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and stayed to the communion service in the afternoon. I brought home the third Assistant Librarian Book and drew it up anew for William Warren who I think I shall get to fill the position in place of David Bradley who has not of late attended to it as he should. Gussie went to church in the evening while I stayed at home. Bell came here after evening meeting to stay all night. JAN 14 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. Bell stayed with us last night. I worked all day in the shop. I attended Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening at which arrangements were made for a Sunday School festival on Wednesday the 23rd instant. Before retiring, I copied the minutes of the Sunday School Teachers' meeting. The day has been much colder than yesterday. Some think it was the coldest day we have had yet this winter. I think not. JAN 15 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but I think colder than yesterday. As I came home from work at night, I called at Fanton's Jewelry Store for Father Griswold's clock which was there for a new bell. When I got home with it, I found that he had given me the wrong clock. So I went back with it and exchanged it. At the same time, I took my 5 gallon oil can to Charles Hull's to have a new bottom put on, it having rusted so that it leaked. After tea, I wrote to the publishers of The Methodist to have my subscription renewed and sent the name of Aaron Morehouse with $5.00 enclosed to pay for both and thereby according to their advertisement, I shall receive a book entitled 'Six Months at the White House with Abraham Lincoln' by (Francis) Carpenter, this being a premium for my renewal and a new subscriber. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to do some errands and mail the letter. JAN 16 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and very cold thought I think it was a little warmer towards night. We rose late and I did not get to work until after 9 o'clock. I let 'Bird' out last night as usual for a run and he did not get back until the middle of this forenoon. I went onto the street this evening and found that Charles Hull had repaired my 5-gallon oil can by cutting off the bottom about 1 and a half inches where it leaked on account of rust and putting on a new one which I suppose will lessen its measure about a half gallon. I had him put 4 gallons of oil in it at 65 cents per gallon. I paid for it and ordered it to be sent up tomorrow. James Clark Beers was married yesterday in New York to a daughter of the Rev. Joseph Wildy. He arrived here last evening on the train with his bride and stayed at his Mother's last night which I suppose for the present he will make his home. Widow Wanzer died this evening about 9 o'clock. She sank into a sleep at 2 P.M. out of which she never came. JAN 17 THURSDAY - I woke this morning and found it snowing hard which continued all day and made the heaviest snowstorm of the winter thus far. There was which kept me at the shop until noon. No work given out today but I had some left over from yesterday. I swept the paths this morning and shoveled them out again this P.M. After Mr. Pond got his tea, we went to work and made a snow plow. We got it nearly done when I left him to finish it while I went up to Father Griswold's to visit with Clark Beers and wife who came there this afternoon. His mother and two sisters Emma and Lydia came with them. George Starr sent Amos Bouton with his horse and sleigh to bring them. He also came to take them home about 8:30 o'clock. After they had gone, I went with Mr. Pond to try our snow plow on our sidewalks. JAN 18 FRIDAY - There was but little if any snow last night, but the wind blew fiercely driving the already fallen snow into heavy compact drifts filling up most of the paths which were shoveled yesterday and last evening. There but being no work in the shop today, I spent about half the forenoon digging out the paths again. The drifts were too hard to make any use of our snow plow today. After dinner, I wrote to New York ordering some pictorial books for Fanny to present to our infant class at the Sunday School festival next week. I gave it to her to mail as she was going into the street. After tea, I went over to Mrs. Blair's to see if 'Bird' had been there today, he having been about all day. From there, I went into Main Street for my Jeffersonian and home in time to let Gussie got to the Sewing Society at Mrs. D. Brown's. JAN 19 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I went to the shop, but there was no work. I went into the street and did some errands and then returned to the shop just before dinner and got my pay. I then came home to dinner after which Mr. Pond helped me repair the bottom to my beef cask. I then helped him clean out his cistern, after which we put a pair of handles on our snow plow. In the evening, Gussie and I went into the street with some rags to Charles Hull's and traded them out in tin ware. We called to see Dr. Bulkley about Georgie. I went up to Fred Starr's Meat Market to see about some lard for Mother Griswold. I took 'Bird' home this evening over to Mrs. Blair's. JAN 20 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the A.M., but about noon, it began to be cloudy and in the evening, it commenced snowing. Gussie attended church in the morning. Mr. Frisbie of the 1st Congregational Church preached for us, Mr. Peck having exchanged with him. I went down to Sunday School as Gussie returned from the morning service. I stayed to the prayer meeting in the P.M.; it was a good meeting. Many of the young members gave their testimony for the Savior. After tea, I wrote to Carlton & Porter, ordering three more copies of the Sunday School Advocate, also a dozen No. 1 Lesson Books for every Sunday of the year. I also wrote to George. Father came down after tea and stayed until nearly evening meeting time. Gussie at the same time went to the Band of Hope at 5 o'clock. I let Father have a half lb. of my black tea to take home with him. When Gussie returned, I went down to the Office and mailed the letters I wrote and returned as it was snowing. JAN 21 MONDAY - The fall of snow last night was about a foot. It was still snowing a little this morning and continued more or less during the day. It took me until about 10 o'clock to shovel out my paths. It was about 11 o'clock when I went to the shop. We had only one dozen hats which I did before night. As I came home, I got the package at Chichester's News Room which I ordered last Friday of Carlton & Porter - pictorial books for children for Fanny to give to her Infant Class. Before tea, I made me a snow shovel of pine wood. In the evening, I shoveled off my side walk and helped Mr. Pond do part of his. Gussie went over to Spring Street in the fore part of the evening to see Mrs. Stone about washing and into the street to do some trading. While she was gone, Louise stayed with Georgie to let me shovel snow. JAN 22 TUESDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. Mrs. Stone came and washed for us. She came crying because Stone yesterday struck and beat her without any provocation. They are very poor. We paid her for washing and gave her some flour and meat to take home. I shoveled out Father Griswold's path from his gate entrance to his house. I lent Mr. Bradley and Green a snow shovel to dig out their sidewalks in the P.M. Bell was here to dinner and to tea. Father came this way from work and paid me $1.10 for the half lb. of tea which I let him have from ours. After tea, I wrote to Henry Blair about his dog, 'Bird'. I wish that if I keep him any longer, not to be responsible for his safety. Before mailing it, I went over to his Mother's to get his address. From there, I went to class meeting. As I came home, I took from the office Carpenter's 'Six Months at the White House with Abraham Lincoln' which I got as a premium from the publishers of 'The Methodist' for renewing my own subscription and sending one other new name. JAN 23 - Pleasant. Only a half day's work in the shop. Sunday School Festival in the P.M., which I attended. A Mr. Leonard of New York was there and spoke to the children. 139 scholars were present out of 294. Bell stayed with Georgie to let Gussie go also. We both went to the Tea Meeting in the evening where the members of the Church and congregation assembled and a delightful social time was enjoyed. A report of the doings of the Sinking Fund for the last year was given and new subscriptions taken. We brought some nice cake home for Bell to take to Mother tomorrow as she is to stay all night here. I mailed this evening two Jeffersonians to George and by the evening mail received a letter from him. JAN 24 THURSDAY - After breakfast, Bell took Georgie on the hand sled and drew him up home with her. Gussie went up in the P.M., but on account of the wind let him stay up there all night. I have had work all day in the shop. Received a letter from Henry Blair saying that I could keep his dog 'Bird' until he needed him and he will be responsible for his safety. Gussie also received a letter from her cousin Eliza in California with card pictures of her three children enclosed. Georgie being away and we by the means being at liberty, we, after tea, called on Clark Beers and wife. We then went into the street to market and after returning home went over to Mr. Pond's and made a call. JAN 25 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy later in the day and warmer; signs of rain. I had work all day in the shop. We were limited, but the amount lasted me until night. As I came from work, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and to the news office for the Harper's Weekly and for some Sunday School Lesson books which I sent for and the Sunday School papers - Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals. Georgie is still up to Father Purdy's. I went to market in the evening. It commenced snowing before we retired. JAN 26 SATURDAY - No work in the shop. It was snowing when we rose this morning and continued more or less until the middle of the forenoon when it came off warm and pleasant. It became cloudy in the P.M again and grew cloudy and colder. About 10 A.M., I went to the church with the Sunday School papers and then to the factory for my pay, which I got just before dinner. In the P.M., I went up to see Mr. Barnum - War Claim Agent - to direct him to send for my discharge papers to Washington (where he sent them with an application for pension for me for a hernia contracted while in the army). As there is no probability of me ever receiving a pension for want of the Regimental Surgeon's certificate of the disability and that I could not get as he was not knowing to the case because I did not make known the difficulty to him, it being but a few days prior to the expiration of our term of service. Mr. Pond engaged a barrel of flour for me of Eli Hoyt for $18.00. He paid the amount for me and I paid him $10.00 towards it, leaving the balance for one week. Mr. Cocking called in the P.M. to see if he had caught any mice in the trap he set a few days ago in his rooms upstairs. Bird (the dog) came home before night with a wound on his breast between his forelegs. I tried to sew it up, but it was too sore to do it without assistance, so I gave it up. I went into the street in the evening and paid Fred Starr $2.30 for Mother Griswold for lard and a beeve's pluck - 10 lbs. of lard at 18 cents and a pluck at 50 cents. Before coming home, I bought of O. H. Swift a 5 quire blank book for a journal to use when this is filled up - price, $1.75. I drew $9.00 for my week's work, which is small. But when I consider that most of the hatters have earned nothing for about 3 months past, I count myself exceedingly fortunate. Since January 1st, I have earned $41.00. Bell has not yet brought Georgie home. He has been up home since last Thursday morning. Yesterday, I hung another shoulder in the fireplace to smoke. JAN 27 SUNDAY - The sun shone most of the time today, though at times it has been hidden flying looking clouds. Gussie went to church in the morning, and at noon rode out home with Robert Cocking and wife, first stopping at the house to see if I would go out there for tea, which I did after Sunday School. We stayed until after 8 o'clock in the evening when Robert harnessed and gave us a sleigh ride home. His wife came with us for a ride. Georgie is still up to Father Purdy's where he has been since last Thursday, today being too cold to bring him home. Fred Shears helped me this noon at the Sunday School Library as 3rd Assistant Librarian. JAN 28 MONDAY - I have had work all day in the shop. Gussie did her washing in the forenoon, and before she finished it, Bell came home with Georgie. He has been up there since last Thursday. Bell stayed here through the day and after tea went to meeting. My flour came today from Eli Hoyt's. Mr. Pond helped me get it in the house this evening. Between 8 and 9 o'clock in the evening, I went over to Mrs. Blair's and got my dog collar and chain which I took over there on the 19th inst. to have them try and keep Bird, but he is here so much of the time that I want for the chain and I shall keep him myself for the present. JAN 29 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but pretty cold. I have had work again all day. Yesterday and today, we have had full work. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. I went over to Mr. Pond's in the evening and got 2 lbs. of butter. I took his hams out of brine in my cellar also in the evening. I intended to go to class this evening but I was too late and too tired, so I stayed home. A young man called this evening and brought a letter from George, a box with a gold bracelet in to give to Harriet and a letter and paper for Lottie Keeler. My letter was marked 'Favor of Charles Stevens'. If this was the man, he was a stranger to me, and not one of our Danbury Charles Stevens'. Mother Griswold was down here while we were at tea. Louise came down a little later and spent the evening. JAN 30 WEDNESDAY - Very cold last night . I got some eggs this morning at Mr. Cypher and Mr. Wildman this morning. I have had all that I could do again in the shop. Gussie took the papers and letter from George over to Lottie Keeler's this P.M. Bell came down early in the evening as she went to church and brought the Jeffersonian for me to send to George. After meeting, she came here to spend all night. There has been no wind today and the sun has shone brightly, but still it has been cold and now (at bedtime) it is very cold again. JAN 31 THURSDAY - Cloudy, it snowed a little in the morning. It grew warmer during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. After tea, Mrs. Stone and Matilda came in, and Gussie went with them over to John Bouton's. I retired before she returned. Soliloquy Upon Laying Aside This Work: Farewell, Old friend! No more will we be associated together as in the past. Many has been the time when I needed to be resting on my couch that I have bended over thee in the quiet hours of the night to note down the incidents of the day. And weary of the tales of the day, Often have my eyes irresistibly drawn together and my pen from want of guiding has somewhat disfigured thy face. But yet, I regard thee with somewhat of pleasure and interest none the less. Henceforth my pen will cease to write upon thy ages and for reference alone shall thou be preserved. And now that I lay thee aside with others like unto thee, I will commence another volume to place by the side of thee if my Heavenly Father spares my life to complete it. Thus again I say 'Farewell!' Repose quietly in thy place. The work which was appointed thee to do is completed and henceforth shall thou rest, except when I may require thee to testify to thing which transpired in the past. - H.
1867-01
Horace Purdy Journal November 1868 Entry
12pgs
NOVEMBER 01 SUNDAY - Stormy all day. I went down to the church at noon, but there was no session of the Sunday School on account of the rain. So Fred Shears and I spent an hour or more at the library putting books in their places and putting numbers on the backs of such as had lost them off. I then came home where I spent the remainder of the day. NOVEMBER 02 MONDAY - Rain and snow all day until evening when the stars shone. I have been to New York. I made frames at the store. I brought home a walnut and gilt 16x20 frame for Egbert Gilbert's soldiers' testimonial. I found George on the Danbury & Norwalk train. He came on an earlier train to Norwalk having walked from Yonkers across to Mount Vernon to take the train. Bell, being at Bethel, she joined us at that place. They both came from the depot up home with me. George took a cup of tea with me. I sold to Walter Bartram an 'Outline of the U.S. Government' while on the train this evening. Henry Hinman moved into our upper rooms today. NOVEMBER 03 TUESDAY - Presidential Election. Snow showed on the ground last evening and did not altogether disappear until about the middle of the forenoon. I worked around home this morning, went up to Oscar Serines's for a half barrel of lime. I then dressed myself, took two of my books, 'Outlines of the U.S. Government' and delivered to Henry Kessler and Rollo Nichols. I then went down and voted. I came home at noon to dinner. After dinner, I cleaned out the woodhouse, cut up some old rubbish, sawed open my old vinegar barrel and found it to be too rotten for any use. I then dressed again and took George and Henry Quien's testimonials down to Saul Kleig's clothing store to be called for. Henry paid me for his at the courthouse - $2.25 - $2.00 for the frame, 15 cents for the card and 10 cents for the nail. I then went down to the courthouse again to hear the vote declared. I was there at 4 o'clock. The polls were closed at 5 o'clock. About 5, the vote was declared. Whole number of votes cast ' 1,654 ' Rep., 889, Dem., 765, Republican majority, 124. I immediately came home and told the news. Henry Hinman paid me $5.00 while I was at tea for his first month's rent. Our Republican majority last spring was 51. George took his trunk and left for Yonkers on the noon train after depositing his vote for Grant and Colfax. After tea, I assisted Henry Hinman to put up window shades and Gussie in putting our small chamber in order, setting up bedstead, etc. I then went into the street, exchanged 2 boxes of paper collars for one at Fleig's, mine not being so good an article and also being an inch too large. I then went to Concert Hall to hear the telegraphic returns form the election. I stayed until nearly 11 o'clock and came home. Walked up with Marshall West. NOVEMBER 04 WEDNESDAY - A pleasant beautiful day. I went to the shop this morning and had one dozen of hats which I finished by noon. There then being no further work, I came home. I delivered 'Outline' this P.M. to Adam Boyd at the sandpaper factory. The cannon was brought out this P.M. and guns were fired over the election. I ran up our folks' flag on their home this P.M. Preparations are being made for a general rejoicing and an illumination over the election of U. S. Grant as president of the United States form the 4th of March next. I went to market in the evening. NOVEMBER 05 THURSDAY - Georgie had the croup last night about 11 o'clock just as we had retired. I got up and went for Mrs. Richards who came over and advised us. We gave him some hive syrup which vomited him and gave immediate relief. He breathed and slept well all night thereafter. I have worked a part of the day I the shop. Not feeling well, I slept on the lounge awhile before tea. I went into the street in the evening and left my watch again with Fanton's man S. G. Bailey, it having stopped. Before leaving the street, there was an alarm of fire. I went sown as far as Saul Wildman's and found that the fire was somewhere on the flats as low down as Bethel and a little west. I returned, helping draw the hook and ladder truck as far as D. P. Nichols & Company. I then bought a pound of crackers and then came home. Robert Cocking came in about 9 o'clock for a roll of salve. Before retiring, I went up to Father Griswold's and prepared in part for illuminating his cupola tomorrow evening, it being a jollification over the election of General Grant as President of the United States. NOVEMBER 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I had part of a day's work in the shop. After work, I brought home some partly burned candles of Parmalee for Father Griswold to illuminate his cupola with this evening, it being the occasion of a jollification over the election of President Grant. I put eight of them in each window, making 32 of them in all. I superintended lighting the cupola, also my own house. I hung a picture of General Grant in our parlor window and our folks' flag in another. The Grant and Colfax Legion turned out on parade with torches. After the procession, O. H. Ferry spoke in Concert Hall. I did not attend the speaking. NOVEMBER 07 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I called on Mason Thorp at his factory at 167 West 26th Street. I wanted to put new frames on his two looking glasses but he does not want it done yet. I made a few frames at the store. Mrs. Fields called at the store and gave me an order for framing. . On the train coming home, I fell in with one named Fitch from Aiken, South Carolina. . He married a girl, by name Lois Coleman, related to Mr. Griffin at Redding Station where he stopped to meet his wife. She has been staying there where he sent her a few weeks ago. He was ordered to leave Aiken by the Ku Klux Klan on Saturday, the 17th of October (I think it was). They gave him until Monday to get away in. He sent his family ahead to Mr. Griffin's. I expected to bring to Mr. Swift ## dozen gold frames 8x10, seal and ribbon pattern, but could not get them in the white soon enough. I took down for Elijah Morris a book on architecture to be called for by his folks at the store. I also took clean clothes for George and left at the store. NOVEMBER 08 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon. It was our monthly concert. I did not stay in the P.M. It commenced to rain as I came home from meeting Gussie wrote to Hattie in New Haven in the evening. NOVEMBER 09 MONDAY - Warm with the appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off pleasant during the day. I went to the shop in the morning (As I went, I took an oil can and a note to Aaron Morehouse in Taylor's Block for Henry Hinman), but the foreman told us that there would be no work for the journeymen until Thursday. I then came home and got in my winter turnips and the rest of my cabbage. I discharged my gun which had been loaded for several weeks and cleaned and oiled it and put it away. In the P.M. at 3 o'clock, I attended a special town meeting at the courthouse to see about exchanging a piece of ground in the rear of Concert Hall for a part of what the steps in front now occupy with the owners of the hall, but the people, believing that both the front and rear, also the grounds on which the hall stands belong to the town and that the stockholders own nothing but the old building that they replaced, refused to grant the request. I have had a headache all day and now feel about down sick. Henry Heinman today gave up and went to bed sick. They fear lung fever. Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening. I attended. As I went , I took my watch again to F. B. Fanton's to his man, S. G. Bailey, who put in a new main spring on the 17th of last month and since then it stops nearly every day. As I came home from Teachers' Meeting, I took a letter from the Post Office for Gussie from her cousin Eliza in California. Before retiring, I copied the minutes of the Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting. NOVEMBER 10 TUESDAY - Misty a part of the day. I have been to New York. Mrs. Randall was on the train this morning going to Pennsylvania. As I went down to the store, I stopped at Phillip Phillip's for two more 'Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves Combined'. They are engaged in the Sunday School. I have been very busy in the store today making frames etc. Mr. McDonald's hired boy met me at the station this evening to borrow my gun, I having promised to bring it to him on Mr. McDonald's account as he is going hunting with him. He came home with me and got it. I today was informed that the notice in the paper last week of Henry Young's death was my landlord. Abel Gray, I am told, died yesterday. NOVEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY - Rain until about noon. The locomotive ran off the turntable this morning and delayed us from the regular time ' 6 ## o'clock ' until 4 minutes past 7. . Instead of 80 minutes, the usual time of running to Norwalk, we ran it in 50 minutes including stoppages, the quickest time yet made on this road. J. B. Gibbs of New York, on a wager with Walter Bartram of the Fanton & Bartram Sewing Machine notoriety, started about 10 A.M. from Merritt's Eating House, 78 Ninth Street to walk to Hartford. He carries an American flag with 'Grant and Colfax' on it, also a haversack well stocked with circulars advertising the Fanton & Bartram Sewing Machine Company which he is to circulate in every place through which he passes. He started in the rain with a brass band to escort him up through the city where they left him to go on his way. I sold to Benjamin Ryder a looking glass and delivered to his office on the corner of Broadway and Spring Street. I brought up a half dozen gold 8x10 oval frames seal and ribbon pattern to Swift tonight. I also brought to Louise a No. 2 Longking's Notes. Star light this evening. My birthday. I am 33 years old. NOVEMBER 12 THURSAY - Pleasant but cooler. I have worked in the shop. I took Father Griswold's old broad brimmed hat to the shop with me to cut of the brim and curl it over again and put a spring under the curl to hold it in shape. After tea, I called at Egbert Gilbert's on Division Street to get his testimonial to frame. His wife only knowing where it was and she being out, I did not get it. I went into the street, waited until the mail was opened and then came home. Before retiring, I marked off the Sunday School papers. NOVEMBER 13 FRIDAY - The coldest morning, I think, we have yet had. The day has been pleasant. I had work in the shop until after 3 P.M. I then came home, stopping on the way at Bedient's Photographic Gallery and collected a bill of $4.00 from him for 8x10 rustic frames, a half dozen at $7.50 a dozen. There was 50 cents extra for a carved leaf on top of one of them. As I was going to the shop this morning, Mr. H. Griffing asked me if I could pay my coal bill before December 1st. After work and before tea, I brought some apples down from Father Griswold's barn and put them in my cellar. I got them as pay for picking them for him. There was about a barrel of good picked fruit and a bushel of windfalls. I brought from the shop Father Griswold's hat that I took there for repairs. I brought home my gun from Mc Donald's this morning. His hired boy used it yesterday hunting. I went into the street in the evening. Called at Swift's for $7.50 for half dozen 8x10 gold oval frames scale and ribbon pattern, but he did not pay me. I got my watch from Fanton's and came home. NOVEMBER 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I have been to New York. Galen Terry, Mr. Young's agent, he (Young) being dead, called for his rent today. I had a talk with him about the rent, now that Young is dead. So far as I can learn, there is not to be any change in affairs at present, at least. I brought home a piece of bacon with me from the city. Gussie met me at the depot to have me do a little marketing with her. I brought the small looking glass with me for Homer White. NOVEMBER 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went down to church with the bundle of Sunday School papers and returned. Gussie attended in the forenoon. I left Georgie upstairs with Anna and went down to Sunday School. Gussie stayed and came home with me after school. After tea, I went down to church to look for my handkerchief which I have lost somewhere. In the meantime, Gussie went with Georgie over to Andrew Williams in Montgomery Street to see Mrs. Bradley. Mrs. Cocking called in just before meeting time and I walked down to church with her and Louise. NOVEMBER 16 - MONDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I wrote to William at the store ordering a half dozen rustic frames for Bedient the photographer here over Gillette's store. I had work in the shop today. Before tea, I commenced raking leaves off my dooryard. Hattie Mills came in while we were at tea. She took tea with us and then spent the evening. I went into the street in the evening where Bedient saw me and was in a hurry for his frames. I wrote again to William before retiring. NOVEMBER 17 TUESDAY - The weather has been more cloudy today and threatens storms. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed two letters, one to William at the store and one to George at Yonkers asking him for money on what he owes me. I have worked in the shop a part of the day. In the P.M., I finished raking off my dooryard and covered my strawberry beds with the leaves. I then dressed and carried over to George Starr and Daniel each a book which they subscribed for, (Outlines of the U. S. Government'. I did not get my pay, George being out and Daniel not having any money with him. Before tea, I went up to Father Griswold's and took the looking glass out from there old two story gilt frame preparatory to taking it with me tomorrow to New York to regild. While we were at tea, Amos Purdy came for another roll of salve. I went to market in the evening. Gussie attended the Temperance Mass meeting with Anna Heinman in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY - To New York. I was late; took a cold breakfast and ran to catch the train. I had just time to stop at D. M. Benedict's and get a pair of rubbers on credit. It was raining so that I need them as my boots were old and leaked. I took an old style looking glass frame of Mother Griswold's down with me to regild. I spent a great part of the day at the store making frames. It rained all the forenoon but very little in the P.M.I squared and framed in walnut a small piece of looking glass (broken) from the old frame I am to regild and brought up with me to Fanny. I also brought a half dozen 8x10 rustic frames for Mr. Bedient the photographer. I left them at Simon's Shoe store. I found Louise at the house when I got home. She stayed to tea, Gussie having gone to the Aid Society. NOVEMBER 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I took with me to the shop an 'Outlines of the U.S. Government' for George Sherman which he took and paid me for - $2.00. I have had work all day. On my way home, I stopped at Bedient's and collected a bill for ## dozen rustics - $3.50 After tea, I took our 8x10 frame, 1 ## Walnut with 1 inch gilt inside and gold mounted and corners and sold from it one for sample to Hamelin, to Couch and Bedient. I bought some fish at market and came home. While in the street, I paid D. M. Benedict, $1.00 on account for rubbers bought yesterday morning. NOVEMBER 20 FRIDAY - Cloudy during the day. I worked in the shop until noon then came home and spent the P.M. in preparing mortar for laying up my cellar wall, getting a few stones, etc. Before tea, I went into the street, mailed a letter to Mrs. Holmes at Essex informing her of the finding of her boy's overcoat in the car at Norwalk last Wednesday. I also mailed for Gussie a Danbury Times to Harriet in New Haven. I called at Swift's and got my pay for the ## dozen gold 8x10 ovals, scale and ribbon pattern I sod him $7.50. After tea, (Bell being here) I went up home with Bell and Louise to see Father about helping me repair my cellar wall. I brought home a small basket of my turnips. NOVEMBER 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy and threatened storm all day. I have been to New York. I only ate about half of my breakfast today. I had to run to catch the train. I took down and undershirt to George today. In reply to a note I wrote to him on Tuesday asking him for money, he wrote to William at the store and enclosed $15.00 which I found there today. I went to Philip Philip's today for a 'Singing Pilgrim and Leaves' for Minnie Vintz. I have been pretty busy making frames. I have had a severe headache, but after taking a nap in the New Haven cars, I felt better. I brought home a lot of clock keys, hand bells and springs from the shop to sell to T. B. Fanton. Isaac Jennings sat in the seat with me from New York. Bell was here when I came from the cars and got my tea for me, Gussie being downtown on an errand. I paid Galen Terry $40.00 today on November rent today for Henry Young's estate. NOVEMBER 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day. A little blustery and threatens snow. I went down to Sunday School at noon. A collection was taken to send to the Five Points Mission to aid in getting up a Thanksgiving dinner for them. $16.93 was taken up, $9.93 from the main school and $7.00 from the Infant Class box which for over a month they have been collecting for that purpose. Gussie came down to the Sunday School and went to the Baptist church in the P.M. to hear the funeral sermon for Pierce Abbott's wife preached by their new preacher, Mr. Hubbard. I came home after school to count and put up in packages the money taken for the Five Points. After tea, I went over to George Starr's with the money as he wants to send it tomorrow. NOVEMBER 23 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have worked all day in the shop. Father has worked for me today rebuilding a piece of my cellar wall. He took tea with Mother Griswold, he being up there at that time for some rotten specked apples. She persuaded him to do so. After tea, I wrote to George trying to get more money from him on his old debt to help me out on December 1st. I went to F. B. Fanton's and let him have 34 clock keys, about a dozen springs, three bells, three pendulums and about a dozen hands for $3.00 in trade. I took a box of 10 packs of envelopes, $1.00, and ten quires of paper, $1.25, one dozen pencils, 40 cents and 15 rubber heads for pencils, 35 cents. I mailed the letter to George, bought a broom for Gussie and came home, walking up with Marshall West. Before retiring, I took some samples of wall molding over to Mr. Pond's for him to take and show to his assistant teacher, Mr. Holmes who wants some to make into frames himself. I took Marshall's hat home with me and heated the brim and set up the curl anew for him and returned it in a few minutes. NOVEMBER 24 TUESDAY - Cool but pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I took Mr. Pond's hat with me to the shop to set up the curl a little more for him. I came home about the middle of the P.M. and cleaned my gun and took it down to Benjamin Rolfe who wants to borrow it on Thanksgiving Day. I received a letter from William at the store stating that Sigler, Wurzberger & Ferguson in Mercer Street have been burned out. Four frames of mine at Wurzberger's to be mounted with composition corners were also burned. Henry Crofut's daughter Delia was married to one Davenport of the firm of Croft & Knapp at Norwalk. Bell came down this evening and brought a hen and 9 chickens just hatched, a present to us if we will raise them. I wrote to William and mailed it in the evening, directing Father Griswold's looking glass to be completed and ready for me on Thursday. I went to market in the evening and took an order from Swift for three frames. NOVEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful forenoon, but before night, it clouded up. The wind changed to the south and at 4 o'clock, every indication of a stormy day tomorrow, but in the evening, it looked less like a storm. I have worked in the shop. We got paid off today, our pay last Saturday having been deferred until today in view of Thanksgiving tomorrow. I got a damaged hat for nothing and trimmed and finished it. It is the new style, 'Alpine'. After tea, I went to market and brought home a chicken that Gussie engaged of Eli Stone. I waited until about 9 o'clock for the mail, the train being that much behind. I called at Charles Andrews by consent of E. S. Davis and engaged him to furnish what additional pipe is needed and turn it through the thimble into the lecture room and enter the furnace pipe, the present arrangement causing the stove in the Librarian's Room to smoke so that we cannot stand it. I brought a letter for Fanny from the Post Office from Elyria, Ohio from Annie and the children. NOVEMBER 26 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Rain in the forenoon, clearing away at noon. No shop work. I have been to New York. I went down in the morning and returned at 3 ## P.M. by the 12 ## train from New York. The store has been closed, but I called at William's home at 16 Bedford Street and he went over with me and put a looking glass in the frame of Father Griswold's which I have been regilding and went down expressly for. I left $10.00 with William to do business with. Emma Bartram, the school teacher, went to New York this morning, Jennie Fairweather. She was on her way to Bridgeport. Ambrose Hill was also on the train coming from Brooklyn. Gussie and Georgie took dinner with Father Griswold. Dinner being over when I returned, I ate mine alone after which I set the other looking glass in the fame I brought from New York(it being a two story glass) and left it ready to hang up. I wrote another plain letter to George soliciting money. I went over and read it to Mr. Pond and then went into the street and mailed it. I called at Swift's, got my Harpers Weekly and came home. Before retiring, I mended a fancy black walnut bracket for Marshall West. NOVEMBER 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. My father and family and Gussie's father and family were all here to dinner this P.M. having work in the shop, I stayed until night and ate my dinner alone when I came home. Father and Mother stayed in the evening. I went to the Post Office in the evening. I paid Father $2.00 for mending my cellar wall. NOVEMBER 28 SATURDAY - Cold last night. A white frost this morning. Sarah Bouton, her son Edgar and his wife were on the train this morning going home to Georgetown, they having been up to John Bouton's keeping Thanksgiving. Alfred Targett went to New York this morning also. I have been very busy at the store today making frames. William yesterday rented the upper floor over the store to a man and wife and two children. Van Orden moves out on December 1st. Clark Beers' wife and child came up this evening. They have been down to bury her mother. I bought a passe partout and some mats up for Swift from Handler's. I also brought up the small passe partouts for Alfred Targett. I bought a hymn book for Hattie Brockett at the Book Room. When I arrive home this evening, I found Mother Griswold, Mary Vintz and Louise at the house. NOVEMBER 29 SATURDAY - Sunshine. Some clouds and a little blustery. Gussie did not go to church during the day. I went down at noon to Sunday School and returned again after the session. Through my efforts during last week, we have had the stove pipe changed in the Librarian's Room and carried through the partition to the furnace pipe in the Lecture Room. As it was before entering the chimney in the room, it smoked so that we could have no fire. Now it is remedied, I think, as it burned well and made our room comfortable today. After tea, I drew up anew the Infant Class from Fanny's book into mine. I then went over to Hattie Brockett's with the hymn book I bought for her in New York, a present to her mother. I stayed a short time and then returned about 6 o'clock. NOVEMBER 30 MONDAY - A beautiful morning before daylight but nearly all day it has been cloudy and cool. I have been to New York. Reuben W. Holmes was on the train this morning going to new Haven. He was on the train again this evening going home. I had some conversation with him about buying me out in New York. Jennie Fairweather got on the train this morning at Ridgefield on her way to her school in Yonkers. I had her company down. I helped her off the car at 30th Street while they were in motion and walked with her towards the Hudson River railroad depot as far as 6th Avenue where I left her and took a car down to my store. I have been quite busy at the store making frames. In the P.M., I went down to Tibbels', 37 Park Row, for some Judd's Lessons for the Sunday School and some reward books for the Infant Class. I took a 4th Avenue car from there up to the depot and came home. My commutation tickets expire today from here to New York.
1868-11
Horace Purdy Journal September 1864 Entry
10pgs
9/1 Wednesday - I rose and wrote a letter to George before breakfast. I mailed it with a New York Times and went to the Depot to see Charles and Henry Hinman. Louise Jones and Harriet went off on the train, Louise to New York City and Harriet to Stamford. When the train left, I came home to breakfast. I made over the walk from Father Griswold's back door to the barn and the went downtown to the Post Office and got a letter from Charles Parsons with his pictures and a dollar enclosed for the pictures of his brother Phil which I sent to him. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I went downtown and waited for the freight train in order that I could get some peaches which Parmelee and Bradley effected. They came and I bought one half a crate containing 18 to 20 quarts. The Catholics are having a picnic at Redding today. I wrote an answer to Charles Parsons' letter before tea and while Gussie was away on a walk to the cemetery. Just before retiring, I mailed my letter to Charles Parsons, went to Couch's Picture Gallery to engage him to take Mrs. Davis' boys picture tomorrow. I was at the cars when they came in and Charles and Henry Hinman returned home having been rejected by the surgeon at Bridgeport. Mike Ryan, George Blissard, and John Pollett were rejected also. Mrs. McDonald raised from 5 to 7 cents a quart for milk this morning. Frank Boughton returned the $6.00 I borrowed for her of Alden G. Crosby. 9/2 FRIDAY - No work. Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, I wrote to George about the rejection of the Hinman boys. About 10 o'clock, I borrowed Dr. Buckley's horse and went up for Mother and brought her down to spend the day with us. After dinner, I helped pare and halve peaches for canning. I mailed the letter to George and went to the shop and drew George Davis' money for his wife as he has enlisted in the navy. After tea, I got Parmalee and Bradley's team and carried Mother up home. Gussie and I went with Mrs. Davis to Couch's in the evening to get her pictures to send by James S. Taylor to George on board the North Carolina at the navy yard in Brooklyn. We waited until the cars came to see Mr. Taylor about sending a small parcel to George Davis. James Leuning (sp), William Hickok and others who were accepted yesterday at Bridgeport as volunteers and sent to camp in New Haven came home this evening in uniform on furlough until next Tuesday. As we came home in the evening we found Gussie's cousin, Miss Williams from Kansas up to Mother Griswold's. She came by the evening train. 9/3 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until after 3 o'clock. Gussie finished putting her peaches in cans today. Atlanta has fallen and is now in the hands of General Sherman and his noble army. After the papers came and the news was read, the bells were rung and the cannon fired. Flags were hoisted and there was a rejoicing time generally. After I came home from work, I gathered my beets and put them in the cellar in order to make room for a strawberry bed. Before tea, I killed a chicken over to Mrs. Davis'. She gave it to me. I offered to pay her but she would not take anything. After tea, Gussie and I went to market. The cars being late, she went home and I stayed to wait for the mail. The train came a little after 9 o'clock. The news of the capture of Atlanta was fully confirmed. Just before retiring, Mr. Cocking brought a glass of beer down to me. 9/4 SUNDAY - Cloudy and rain in the P.M. Gussie did not attend church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 12:12. In the P.M. from John 2:24. I walked home from church with John Cosier under his umbrella. Talked to the Sunday School at noon. I took a nap after tea. No service in our church in the evening on account of a sermon by Starr Hoyt Nichols to the Young Men's Christian Association in the 1st Congregational Church. I went down about 7 o'clock and mailed letters for Mrs. George Davis. 9/5 MONDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. I had calculated to work in my garden and set out a strawberry bed, but on account of the storm could not. I went down to Charles Hull's Tin Shop and make some pistol bullets. I came near putting out my eyes by wetting the molds to cool them and then before they were dry pouring in the melted lead which splattered and flew into my face blistering my eyelid a little. The first number of the War Record was sent to me for another year which I had not subscribed for on account of not feeling able to do so and not because I did not like the paper. On the contrary, I like it very much. I ordered it sent back to the publishers again. In the afternoon, I went to the shop for my pay for the last two weeks' work. Went to Sanford's Wood Sawing establishment and got a piece of hickory for a ramrod for Mr. McDonald's gun which I am keeping for him. I shaved it down in Robert Sayer's Undertaking Shop and then came home and finished it off which took me all the afternoon. I retired with the sick headache after which Mr. Cocking returned from the Post Office with two letters for me from George. He acknowledged the receipt of the hat and watch which I sent him on the 16th of August. The Letters were written the 16th and 23rd and postmarked August 27th. News by the evening paper of the capture of the rebel [Raider] Georgia, a pirate. 9/6 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning. John Cosier came up for a gallon of vinegar before I got up. I rose with the headache again. My fingers which I cut yesterday with a wire on my umbrella being pretty sore, I concluded not to go to the shop. After breakfast, I copied some extracts from George's two letters for the Jeffersonian and carried them to Ashley. I waited for the mail which was rather late and then came home to dinner. I went over to McDonald's to repair Emaline Williams' trunk lock after dinner. I went into the street and got short iron, nails straps and buckles and just about made over new her trunk by working nearly all afternoon on it. I went to the depot in the evening to meet cousin Lieut. Charles C. Parsons and wife if they should come as we somewhat expect them. But they did not come. Went to the Post Office and while there listened to Rev. Mr. Shepard talk as he has just returned from the front of our army at Petersburg. I walked up home with Mr. Cocking. Brought a letter for Father Griswold from Canton. Stayed up there a short time to visit with Cousin Emaline. The celebrated Guerilla John Morgan who was formerly captured and broke jail has been killed and his staff captured. So says the Evening Post. A letter in the office from Harriet from George which I remailed to her in Stamford where she is visiting. Commenced a letter to George in the evening. 9/7 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I finished gathering my vegetables on the place where I want to set out strawberry plants. I got my first Jeffersonian from the printing office on my new subscription for one year. In the evening I went to the depot and got a through ticket to Cleveland by the Erie route of Mr. Williams, the ticket agent, for Cousin Emaline Williams who goes tomorrow morning. Fred Vintz cut his foot badly today. 9/8 THURSDAY - Cousin Emaline Williams left on the morning train for Kansas. Had work in the shop until early night. There was a rainbow circle around the sun just after dinner, a thing which I never saw before or heard of either. It was a circle the same as usual, except that it contained all the colors of the rainbow. Brother Woodruff was at Father Griswold's with George Starr when I came home from work. Cloudy in the P.M. I finished my letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Harper's Weekly and two Jeffersonians. One back number with the piece in it that George wrote of how the 17th Regt. spent the 4th of July at St. Augustine and the last number. I went to the depot to see if Charles Parsons and lady came. From there, I went to the Post Office and then to prayer meeting. Brother Woodruff was there. The evening post gives us news of the French in Mexico being whipped. When I came home, it was clear and cool with prospects of a frost. 9/9 FRIDAY - Rain early this morning. Cloudy during the day a little broken between 3 and 4 o'clock with an occasional ray of sunshine. After I finished my shop work, I came home and spaded garden to put out strawberry plants. I spaded about half the patch and put out two rows of plants. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's in the P.M. and was late getting home. A balloon was seen (I saw it) between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening in a northeast direction. I went to the Post Office in the evening. and returned as soon as the mail was opened as I was very tired. 9/10 SATURDAY - pleasant and warmer than before since September came in. I had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. On the way home, I bought 4 lbs. of excellent coffee of Parmalee and Bradley, the last he had of the kind, and I was desirous of securing it for fear of not being able to get any more of the kind. As soon as I got home, I went immediately back again to Hull's Tin Shop to have a new bottom put into our tea kettle and a top with a lid on our old fruit can. When I returned, I spaded a little more ground and put out two rows more of the Russel Prolific strawberry plants. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary came in. Gussie went with me downtown to market and to the Post Office in the evening. A soldier who lost one hand at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip at the time General Butler took New Orleans came to the shop today soliciting assistance to go to his home somewhere on the North River. I gave him 25 cents. 9/11 SUNDAY - Stormy. I went with Gussie down to the church and then went to Barnum's Hotel to see what arrangements had been made for the Ridgefield Military Company to get dinner, they being here to bury the remains of Captain White, Company I, 10th Regt. Connecticut Volunteers, as if there were no arrangements made to feed them, I was going to ask our friend Rockwell who is a member of the company home with us to dinner. They were to take dinner at the hotel. Mr. Tweedy not having a load, I went down to Long Ridge with him where the religious part of the service was conducted at the Methodist church by Mr. Clark of Georgetown, a protestant Methodist. He preached an excellent sermon from Job 14:14 'If a man die shall he live again. As soon as the service was over, we drove home as soon as possible not waiting for the procession as it was raining in torrents. The service at the church was at 11 o' clock. We arrive home a little before 2 o'clock. I went to the sacrament in the P.M. Brother Woodruff assisted in administering it. He preached in the morning but I, being at Long Ridge, did not hear him. The procession passed up Main Street just after the services in the church were over. I heard the three volleys fired over the soldier's grave at 3 one half o'clock as I was writing at home. Though his house was on Long Ridge, he was buried in our cemetery. After tea, I took a nap until evening meeting time. The meeting was one of thanksgiving in accordance with President Lincoln's proclamation. The three congregations united in our church. The meeting was one of great interest. Remarks were made by the several clergy with occasional prayers and singing by the choir. Brother Woodruff made the last speech which was a good one after his peculiar style. It brought down the house by way of intense interest and laughter. The exercises were closed by the congregation joining the choir in singing 'The Star Spangled Banner'. 9/12 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day. It cleared off in the evening or just before night. I had one dozen cheap hats to finish which I did before noon. Received three packages of old letters by from George by mail. After dinner, I cut off each end of Fanny's flower stand to make it small enough to go in their bay window. I then went over to George Starr's for a board with which to make a work bench for Gussie. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went to the depot with Bell in the evening to meet Harriet as we expected her form Stamford, but she did not come. 9/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cool for the season. After breakfast, I took my gun and started for Starr's Plain where I found David Bradley as I expected. We went on Moses Mountain and there and on the way home we spent nearly all day. The game I brought home was as follows: 1 rabbit, 1partridge, 2 pigeons, 2 robins and 2 chipmunks. I was very tired at night. We dressed the game before tea. After tea, I went to the Post Office. Mr. Cocking had a load of wood come today. Charlie, the boy who works for Mr. Lynes with Robert came in the evening and wheeled the wood to the woodhouse and piled it up. 9/14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I finished digging my strawberry ground as far as I could on account of the tomatoes and put out three rows of Poor House seedlings. I pulled up my squash vines and all the corn stalks that had no corn on them and gave them to McDonald. I then went down to the Post Office and came home to dinner. We had Father and Mother Griswold with us to eat a wild game pot pie. I cleaned my gun before breakfast. It is just one year ago this morning since Eddie died. No, I made a mistake a year ago tomorrow. I was thinking today was the fifteenth. Before tea, I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Pictorial with a Jeffersonian and last weeks' Danbury Times with the historical sketches of St. Augustine in it sent by Montgomery Bailey. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill led it. After class, I walked up with John Cosier and called to see David Bradley to see how he stood the hunt yesterday and to see if he could go again tomorrow. I stayed about an hour and talked. When I came home Gussie had retired. It clouded up about 6 o'clock and sprinkled a little as it did during the evening. Moses Baxter, who went away to avoid the draft I see is at home today. He doubtless had word sent to him that our quota was filled and that there would be no draft. If the American people were all like him and his father the country would be destroyed before it would be defended. They will not only not fight themselves but will prevent others from doing so if they can and are continually condemning the administration for putting down an armed rebellion by force of arms. 9/15 THURSDAY - Eddie died one year ago this morning at a quarter past three o'clock. I t has been pleasant today. I took up and put in pots Gussie's house plants. Repaired Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. Nailed a strap in Mother Griswold's trunk. It was then noon. After dinner I took my gun and went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain swamp to hunt for pigeons. I wounded one and could not find him in the swamp and shot at another but the distance was so great I did not kill him. It was dark when I got home. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. 9/16 FRIDAY - I have had work all day in the shop. I came home about sundown and found the house locked and Gussie away. I had a fire and boiled tea before she came. She was up home. I scolded some for coming home and finding the house fastened and no one to get supper when I had worked so hard all day and was tired. Mr. Swift occupies his new store for the first time this evening with his newspapers. I attended the Union League before I came home. 9/17 SATURDAY - Had work in the shop until noon. After dinner, I took my guns and started to find David Bradley according to last evening's agreement and found him in company with Hart Purdy and Robert Raymond in Hull's Orchard near the old Isaac Levine place down the road leading to Fox Pond Hollow. From there, we went over near the old David Ambler farm and down across the flat meadows to the edge of Mill Plain Swamp on Granville Amblers Fish Ware land. We came home by way of Terry's Woods and Oil Mill Pond. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking, who have been staying out to Mr. Lyne's all the week came home in the evening. Mother Griswold and Fanny started for Bloomfield this morning. A Democratic mass meeting in Norwalk this morning. Harriet came home from New York this morning. 9/18 SUNDAY - Gussie's birthday - 28 years old. The sun shone brightly in the forenoon. Fling clouds and wind in the P.M. I attended church all day. Gussie did not. Brother Hill preached. Text in the morning _______. In the P.M. Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 11:2. After Sunday School, I took Thomas Lyons' team and went up for Mother and brought her to church. She walked home. Just as Brother Hill commenced his sermon in the P.M., Aaron Morehouse's wife was taken faint. He was obliged to leave church with her. After tea, I took a nap until nearly evening Meeting time. We both attended. Just before going, Bell and a little Squires' girl who lives just this side came bringing two letters from Harriet to mail. Gussie had news this evening that Marianne Underhill, an old schoolmate and chum of hers at Amenia School was dead with two of her children also with dysentery. She lived near Gaylordsville on the Housatonic River road. 9/19 MONDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until about 3 one half o'clock. David Mills appeared to me in the shop this forenoon. He came from Bethel on the train. He arrived home on Saturday evening. When I finished work, I went to the Depot to see him off. Carrie came up with him and Harriet returned with them. I went to Austin's store and drew $2.50 the same being my traveling expenses to and from Bridgeport to have my name stricken from the rolls. James S. Taylor, the first selectman left the papers and money there to be paid to all such as myself who went down to Bridgeport for that purpose and had their names taken off. Paid to John Cosier the balance of my seat rent for this year. - $3.00 Reverend Mr. Shepherd, the Universalist minister gave a lecture or rather his experience of what he saw on a visit to our army under General Grant in front of Petersburg and Richmond., Va. Gussie attended with me. After his lecture a collection was taken up for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission. Also he presented a book to take one dollar subscription which is to be circulated throughout the country to buy a house for General Grant as a token of the country's appreciation of his service to the country. It was 10 one half o'clock when we arrived home. 9/20 TUESDAY - Had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. I then came home by way of Burr Bradley's with him and drank some new cider which he had just got. The shop was called in the forenoon to raise the price on the Round Crown or Smith Block. We got 2 cents extra on soft hats and 3 cents on stiff rims. Mr. John Cosier called before tea to engage a gallon of vinegar for Lucius Wildman. I agreed to let him have it. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I received a letter from George, the first since he was ordered to join his regiment. He is now with them at Picolata. The evening papers state that a heavy but successful battle had been fought by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Also that rebels in Canada have seized small steamers on Lake Erie. I put down my name to give $1.00 toward buying a house for General Grant. 9/21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home to dinner and ate with Mrs. Jesse D. Stevens and her mother. Jesse's wife was spending the day with Gussie. While we were eating dinner, the commenced firing 34 guns in honor of the late victory by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The bells were rung also. I went on to Ives Hill after dinner where they were having the salute and went with them to help put up the gun. (Mrs. Lanford who was with us to dinner came in just before dinner having been over to the Sand Hill for some scouring sand). I called at Tweedy Brothers and then came home and got out a piece of hickory for a ramrod in McDonald's gun, the other one which I made being rather small. Between 4 and 5 o'clock, I went out into the street to get my Jeffersonian and met John Cosier who wanted me to go hunting with him a short time over west a short distance which I did. We went over as far as Granville Ambler's land on the edge of Mill Pond Swamp and returned without seeing anything to shoot at. We arrive home after dark. I drank my tea and started for class meeting but so much of the evening was taken up with finding a daily paper to send to George and mailing it together with the Harper's Weekly and Jeffersonian that I did not go but attended the Union League which kept me out until 10 one half o'clock. I sent the daily paper in order that George might read the news of Sheridan's victory at Winchester. Mr. James Fowler brought us but 1 one half lbs. of butter this week instead of two as usual and notified us that he could bring us butter but once more. 9/22 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. I had work in the shop until noon. I ate my dinner which I had with me and came home by way of Alden G. Crosby's coal office and paid him the $6.00 I had borrowed of him some time ago for Frank Boughton to pay her interest with. When I got home I finished the ramrod to McDonald's gun, it being the second one I made, the first being too small. Wallace Hyatt, one of the boys at the shop, climbed the flagstaff on the shop this morning to put in some new halyards. The flag was then run up and kept flying during the day. After tea, I wrote a letter to George and intended to mail it in the evening, but before mailing it, I concluded to wait for the evening mail to see if another letter came from him and sure enough there was one. While reading it in the post office, there was an alarm of fire. It was a linty (sp) on the rear of Heurie's (sp) Tobacco Store. For a few minutes prior to the arrival of the hose, there was every prospect of a large fire. But the hose soon extinguished the flames. I having just previous to the fire bought some scallops for breakfast, I took them and came home. Before retiring, I answered the letter from George just received and enclosed the letter I wrote before going to market. 9/23 FRIDAY - Cloudy with some mist in the P.M. Had work all day in the shop. I collected money in the shop for powder to fire on the first occasion we have such as a victory or the capture of Richmond. Before breakfast went down and mailed the letter to George which I wrote last night. I attended the Union League in the evening. Came home about 10 one half o'clock. 9/24 SATURDAY - Cloudy and rain between 3 and 4 o'clock P.M. A thunder shower about an hour after. I had work in the shop until after dinner. On my way home I called at Louis Moegling's (sp) dying establishment to see what it would cost to get the field of our flag at the factory dyed as it has become so faded that it is not respectable. I came home and commenced making out a letter for George for publication in the Jeffersonian from his last two letters. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We did our marketing and she came home while I stayed for the mail. I did a little collecting of money with which to buy powder for salutes in our Union Gun. The new Union Club room was to be opened in the evening, but for some reason was not. Further good news from General Sheridan. He continues to whip the rebel General Early very severely. Upon receipt of the news, bells were rung and the cannon fired. 9/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cooler. I attended church all day. Gussie came down to Sunday School and afternoon meeting. Brother Hill exchanged with Mr. Stone the Baptist I the P.M. Mr. Stone preached from Luke 23:42-43. Before and after supper, I finished copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I then finished also the letter I commenced writing to him this morning. I mailed also in the evening with the letter, The Harper's weekly and Friday's Tribune. Also a comic picture of Lincoln, Little Mac, General Grant, Richmond, and Weldon R. Road. There being prospects of frost, we gathered what few dwarf pears there were remaining in the trees, a dozen perhaps. In the letter to George, I requested that he send me a list of the names of those in his Company who are 21 years old but who have not been made freemen, on account of coming of age since entering the army. There are measures being made to get them home to vote for president in November. Just before meeting time, Gussie and I went over to Burr Bradley's and went from there to prayer meeting with him and his wife. We got their card pictures. 9/26 MONDAY - Pleasant. My work in the shop lasted until about 2 one half o'clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian and left a letter from George for publication. He thinks it cannot be printed this week as the paper is full of matter for this issue. I bought one pound of shot on my way home to go hunting tomorrow with Burr Bradley. I picked beans before tea to save them from the frost. I got the one half dozen Army and Navy Dictionaries at Swift's News Office in the evening and mailed them to George. At the same time, I wrote a letter with pencil and mailed to him, stating the price of the dictionaries. After which I went to the Union meeting in Concert Hall to organize a Union Campaign Club. I was organized in due form making John Tinely (sp) president. We had speaking from Rev. Mr. Shepard and Chaplain Ambler. Also the song 'Rally Round the Flag, Boys' led by Mr. Jackson. The meeting was well attended and enthusiastic. I carried cartes de visite of Gussie and myself to the shop and gave them to Burr Bradley in exchange for theirs received last night. 9/27 TUESDAY - I rose about 5 o'clock and found it raining hard and with that gave up the idea of hunting with Burr Bradley and went back to bed as I was in no hurry having no work in the shop. I lay half an hour and then got up again, but found it pleasant, the rain being but a little shower passing over. I then hurried as fast as possible about breakfast, but Burr came before it was ready. I ate such as was ready and started with Burr. We went over to Jacob Fry's. He had promised to carry us over to Pine Mountain with his team. He not being ready, we went on and followed the stream from E. Hull's up to Fish Ware looking for ducks. While I was hunting partridge, Burr saw three ducks, but did not get a shot. Mr. Fry overtook us on the Miry Brook road just beyond Fish Ware. We rode up the old Spruce Mountain Road by Thomas Smith's and then hunted around crossing over to Pine Mountain, paying a visit to the U.S. Coast Surveyors. From there we hunted the woods down coming out in the vicinity of Starr's Plain Pond. We then went on the mountain the other side of the road up to Hawley Branson's farm over Moses Mountain across by Charles Starr's wood and home. My game was one partridge, one pigeon, one chipmunk, and a Brown Thrasher. We arrive home at 2 o'clock. At 5 P.M., went down to see the Lincoln and Johnson banner flying to the breeze. Speeches were made by John Tweedy, Silas Ferrel and Mr. H. Francis. Having a severe headache and feeling lame after my tramp, I came home and retired early, feeling quite used up. Harriet Purdy left a letter here for Gussie from Eliza Humphrey in California. Gussie being out with me to the banner raising, she put the letter in at the window beside the casing some way, how we could not imagine. This morning, while Burr Bradley was waiting for me to eat breakfast, Sarah Purdy came in to tell me that George wished her to tell me that the Regiment had received their instrument for a Regimental Brass Band. He wanted me to have it inserted in his letter for the Jeffersonian. 9/28 WEDNESDAY - Had work until noon at the shop. A subscription came to the Copperheads at the shop this morning for a McClellan banner to match and without doubt will excel ours for Lincoln and Johnson. We had the game I shot yesterday for dinner today. A little rain about 2 P.M. It soon stopped and then Burr Bradley as he promised at the shop came along with his gun and we took a little stroll to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods, Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp, across to Thomas Lyons, from there across in the rear of the old Captain Fairchild Ambler's estate, up toward Edward Mack's, the old Benjamin Ambler orchard opposite the Levine(sp) place, the across to Charles Starr's woods and home arriving about 6 o'clock with 2 High holes and a chipmunk, which I gave to Burr. I then dressed, took tea, went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and one to send to George, which I immediately mailed with a New York Times of today. I then went to class, had a good meeting, after which I went to the grocery store for some things, to the Post Office, and for the first time visited our Union Club rooms over Harvey's new store, 3rd floor. I put my name down as one of the club. Sat a few minutes and walked up home with John Green and Rev. Mr. Shepard. 9/29 THURSDAY - Stormy in the forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I worked all day I the shop. Frank Cornwall's (colored) house on Turner Street fell down over his head this morning about 6 o'clock. It stood on a side hill and fell for want of proper underpinning. I went to hear Henry C. Demming of Hartford speak in Concert hall in the evening upon the issues of the day. He arrived by the cars in the evening and in consequence was late in commencing his speech. I got home at 10 o'clock. Demming was the late colonel of the 12th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. 9/30 FRIDAY - Stormy again in the morning, but some sunshine in the P.M. and pleasant in the evening. I had work all day in the shop. Gussie spent the afternoon up to my fathers. T. H. Bond of New Haven spoke to the Copperheads in Concert Hall in the evening. They made considerable display by escorting their speaker from the cars to the Hall with a band of music. I went to the Union League in the evening. Father Griswold was initiated with a large number of others. Fido was close to his heels all the time.
1864-09
Horace Purdy Journal, August 1862 Entry
6pgs
8/1 Friday. Cousin Roxanna Hall came from [Sodom] to Aunt Louisa's today because of Anna's sickness and will stay over Sunday. Stopped work early because of a hard pain in my chest. Bought a bushel of flour of Mr. Crofut for $8. The evening papers report the iron clads in Mobile is a monstrous lie or is reported to be. I called to see Mr. Sanford who is to procure a place for George. After I saw him which was about 9 o'clock I went up home but he was not there, being at his lodge meeting. I went down there and waited a long time for him. which made it midnight before I retired. 8/2 Not as troubled with pain in my breast and side and was able to work longer in the shop. After tea George came down and I went with him to Mr. Sanford's to talk more about him going to a trade.I then went into the street to get the news and went to the Times office to order Father Griswold's paper discontinued. 8/3 I went to the 9 oclock prayer meeting and Brother Crawford preached from Mathew. William Warren who has enlisted came home from Bridgeport and was in his usual place as Assistant Librarian in the Sunday School. I came home after School to let Gussie attend in the PM. Cousin Mary wanted me to bring Eddy over in the PM and I did so for a while. After tea Cousin Roxana and Mary made us a call. I had a severe headache and stayed home in the evening. 8/ 4 Worked as usual in the shop. Went into the street in the evening and bought a gallon of ale at Mr. Rowan's. The New Haven train broke down and detained our train and it was 9 o'clock before it reached here. The mail which came on it brought a letter from Cousin David Mills, Banks Division, Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Army of Virginia. 8/5 I see by the papers that the President has called for an additional 300,000 troops by drafting. It is causing considerable excitement in this community. I answere Cousin David Mills letter in the evening and commenced one to Charles. 8/6 Limited in our work at the shop. I came home to my dinner. Leiut. Keeler of the 5th connecticut Volunteers called at the shop this forenoon . He spoke at Concert Hall this evening, his object being to get recruits for the 5th regiment. I wrote a letter to E. A. Stanford at Starr's Arms Co., Yonkers for George to see if persons working there were exempt from the draft. I finished one and mailed it to David Mills 8/7 Great excitement about the drafting. Enlistments are going on rapidly. Many are enlisting rather than stand a draft. I went to Dr. Bennett's on my way home from the shop this afternoon and got a certificate of exemption from military duty on account of being ruptured. I mailed a letter to Cousin Charles Mills in the evening. 8/8 A warm day thought by many to be the warmest of the season thus far. Joseph Young walked up with me from the shop and stopped at my home. I gave him some ripe apples (Harriet) and then we went through Father Griswold's new house then he went over to Granville Amblers to see his lady I suppose, Mary Prior. I then started up home for tea where Gussie was but I met her coming home with George drawing the baby for her. I returned home for tea and after, walked down to the Post Office with George. 8/9 I came home to dinner. Went to market in the evening 8/10 Went to prayer meeting a 9 o'clock then came home to take care of Eddy while Gussie went up home with some white flowers with which to lay out John Freeland's little boy who died at 5 o'clock this morning. Gussie returned home at noon and I went to the communion service in the PM. Brother Hare was there and assisted Brother Crawford. After tea we went up home and Gussie attended the funeral with Mother. We brought home a small pail of milk and did not go to meeting in the evening. John Boughton and Frank called in the evening. He is going to war with Capt. Moore's company. 8/11 Worked as usual in the shop. News in the papers today of a hard battle fought near Culpeper Courthouse between Gen. Pope and the rebel Stonewall Jackson. The Colonel of the 5th Connecticut and his major were wounded and taken prisoners. Lieut. Col. Stone was killed or hurt. We will have more particulars tomorrow afternoon. I went to the Teachers meeting in the evening and we voted to have a picnic on the 20th in the Orchard just back of the church. 8/12 Went to the shop but did not feel like work because of a bad diarrhea. Was up several times during the night. I bought a new flower pot and carried it up to John Pollitt's to have a Fuschia transplanted into it. From there I went to the street and the picture rooms (Rittons) where George was having a picture taken for the [Nereka] Lodge of which he is a member. He went home with me to dinner. I went to the depot to see him off on the freight train. Mother, Bell and Gussie with Eddy went as far as Bethel with him where he also stopped to see friends and took the other train to join his squad. He went off in good spirits. I took tea with Father Griswold. I went to the depot in the evening to meet Gussie, Eddy, Mother and Bell. I received a letter in the morning mail from Mr. Sanford at Yonkers in answer to the one I wrote in reference to drafting workmen at Starr Arms Co. It was too late for George and even if it came sooner it would have made no difference. George had made up his mind to enlist. 8/13 I went to the shop but before I took off my coat, Theodore Fowler, Joseph Young and Daniel Manley wished me to got with them to Dr. Bennett's to get military exemption papers. Theodore and Joseph got theirs but Daniel could not. I came home to dinner. I stopped work just before the train left the depot to go to see John Boughton, David Bradley and his brother George and others off to join their regiment in Bridgeport. Gussie was there with Eddie in his carriage. We went from there up to John Pollitt's to get a Fuscia Mrs. Pollitt had promised Gussie. I went to class and to market. It is George's birthday and his first full day in camp. 8/14 Worked all day in the shop. Came home to dinner. Charles Small enlisted this morning in Capt. Moore's company and went off on the passenger train this afternoon.Eddy acted very strange about tea time. We thought he was sick but I guess he was intoxicated from being up to Father Griswold's house where the painter was dissolving shellac with alcohol. I mailed a letter to E.A. Sanford this morning to inform him that George had volunteered for the war and could not go to a trade. 8/15 I my way to the shop I stopped at [Morner's] and bought material for a pair of cheap shop pants and had them cut. I carried them up home in the evening to let Mother make them. George Weed brought a letter in the evening from George who is in camp in Bridgeport with the 17th Regiment. He wanted me to send him money to come home with tomorrow. I sat down and answered it and enclosed $5.00. 8/16 I was late in getting my letter to the post office this morning and had to take it to the cars. I persuaded the post master's clerk, Oliver Bedient to receive it there. George started for home on the morning train and intercepted the letter at Norwalk. He called at the shop when he arrived. Gussie went up home in the PM. I went up to tea. George and I went down to the meadow and helped Father get up his hay. We left Eddy up home in the evening and went into the street and to Singing School. We then went up home for Eddy and got home and retired around 11 o'clock. 8/17 I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting. I opened with selection of a hymn and George led the prayer. Mr. Coc, Presbyterian, preached for us in the morning. George and William Warren are both home from camp. They assisted Aaron Moorehouse and Francis Clark who have taken their places as Librarian and Assistant in the Sunday School. I gave a notice of our picnic to Brother Crawford to be read in the PM. After Sabbath School I came home and Gussie attended church in the PM. Harriet Mills and George came home with Gussie to tea. After which George got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and took Harriet down home to Bethel. After Gussie got her dishes washed we went over to Aunt Louisa's to see John Boughton and Frank. John left his regiment as did George to spend the Sabbath at home. They are to return to Bridgeport on Thursday. Gussie went to meeting in the eveninig while I took care of Eddy. 8/18 Felt more like work today than some time past. Came home to dinner and on the way stopped at the Post Office and got a letter from Edwin. Gussie went up home in the PM to visit Marie Mills and Harriet. George came home with her and drew Eddie. I answered Edwins letter in the evening. 8/19 George left on the train this morning to go back to camp in Bridgeport. On my way home from work I felt sick (bowel complaint). After tea I went to the the grocers and the post office. I called at the military hall to see some recruits drill under Jenkins C. Barry. 8/20 Sunday School picnic in the orchard at the back of the church. I did not go because of work at the shop. Letter from George stating that their regiment, 17th is to leave for Washington on Monday. I wrote in reply and mailed it in the evening. 8/21 We had the shop called this forenoon to raise our prices for the work. Mr. Crofut finally consented to give us what we asked. I was made Chairman of the meeting. Worked later than usual, to 7 o'clock. Went to market in the evening. I know not why, but I felt impressed that George would come home. He did and he is to stay until Saturday. He has been having some photographs (carte de visite) taken and gave me one. A town meeting was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock to vote a bounty for the 9 month volunteers. I was told they voted $200 each. I did not attend. 8/22 Headache in the PM. George came to the shop as I finished work. I went with him to Rittons to see about some photographs. He then came home with me to tea and then we went to borrow a team to go up home to get his melodeon to take to his Lodge room for the evening. Capt. Jas. A . Betts of Company A, 5th Regiment, lately a prisoner at Salisbury, North Carolina came home on the evening train. I carried the Sunday School Role Book and my checks for my money at the shop over to Burr Bradley's as I anticipate going to Bridgeport in the morning to stay over to Sunday to see the 17th Regiment off. 8/23 I went to Bridgeport in the morning. After we got to camp, Camp Aiken) I went with the squad of men and took a bathe in sea water. I took dinner with the boys on Government army rations and drilled with them in the afternoon. There was a prayer meeting in their chapel tent in th evening. I am living camp life. When we turned in we were all in a story telling mood and consequently it was late before we fell asleep. George tents in the same mess with Phineas Lounsbury, William Warren, William Otis, John Grannis, Montgomery Bailey, Edgar Knapp, Lewis A. Ward, Amos Day and William H. Curtis. All have respect for religion and most of them are professors. They have bible reading and prayers every night in their tent. 8/24 swervices by acting chaplain Thompson. There was a collection taken up for the chapel tent. There was a large attendance from the city and ladies even threw in their gold rings. Wrote letter to wife in PM, by Seth Downs who was down with a team. About 400 of the regiment attended Mr. [Mailey's] church and Mr. Thompson preached. The house was filled to utmost capacity. 8/25 After breakfast I went up to the city and returned before dinner. George was detailed for guard duty last night and is still on duty. George proposed a prayer meeting in the chapel tent in the evening and it was a good meeting with the tent full. 8/26 went to the city again this morning . I carried a watch up to Blackman's on [Easu St] for Rufus Warren , and a letter to mail for Sargt. [Bousson]. John Brush came down on the train and went over to camp with me. The new chapel tent was dedicated in the afternoon and I started for home about 5:15. 8/27 Sick today with a bad diarrhea. Went to the shop in the morning but did not work. I wrote a letter to George after tea and mailed it. 8/28 Worked in the shop today. Gould Disbrow carted some sand for me to fill up the ditch in front of my entrance to make it easier getting in with a load. I went into the street in the evening and exchanged a bottle of Arnolds ink for one of Davids which I like better. I got my hair cut and stopped at the post office. I was going to pick my crab apples but there was a shower. 8/29 Eddie's birthday - a year old. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills from Old Point Comfort VA and one from George, Camp Aiken, 17th Regiment, Bridgeport. Just as I finished tea Granville Morris called and handed me a letter from George which he brought from camp. George sent $2 to pay for $1 worth of pictures at Rittons and to order another $1 to be struck off immediately. Gussie mailed my letter in the evening and I stayed home to take care of Eddie. Cousin Charles letter was written in pencil and I inked it over in the evening. 8/30 I picked a few crab apples before breakfast. I came home to dinner and found a telegraphic dispatch from George saying Capt. Moore's company would be home on the freight train. George went to Stamford and brought Eddy (Cousin Edmund) Palmer home with him on the evening train. The company assembled in the Concert Hall when they arrived to present Swords and Sashes to Capt. Moore and Lieut. Daniels and Lieut. [Lorisen]. Lieut. Governor Averill presented them in behalf of the company. The ceremony was quite interesting. Gussie was up home in the PM and evening so I got my supper then went to the depot to meet George. News by telegraph this PM that a heavy battle was fought at the old Bull Run battleground in which the rebels were severely beaten. Our killed and wounded estimated at 8,000 and the rebels double that number. Fanny came home on the evening train from Camp Meeting. 8/31 Afflicted with a severe headache all day. Did not go to the 9 o'clock prayer meeting. George and Eddie (Edmund) Palmer came this way to church. I attended in the forenoon. Brother Crawford's son-in-law, Mr. Hease preached. After Sunday School I came home and Gussie attended in PM. Edmund came and stayed with me til church was out and George called in for him and they went up home. After tea we took the baby and went up home and stayed until evening meeting. Cousin Edmund stayed with me in the evening to take care of Eddie while Gussie went to meeting.
1862-08
Horace Purdy Journal, December 1862 Entry
6pgs
12/1 I was rather late at the shop. Payday, I drew $22 for the last 2 weeks of work. I mailed a letter to David and Charles Mills with our cart de visite to David enclosed. I received two letters from George this evening with a sheet for Mother enclosed in one of them. This one was written on Thanksgiving Day. It was quite pleasant and star light in the early evening. I sat up until past 11 o'clock and wrote to George. 12/2 Worked in the shop all day. Bell came down and took care of Eddy in the PM so Gussie could go into the street. I mailed the letter I wrote to George in the evening. 12/3 I mailed the Danbury Times to George in the evening. Walked home with Mr. Swift when he closed his office and found Gussie upstairs with his wife. I stayed a while too. Before going downtown in the evening I took out the tacks in the bedroom carpet in preparation for cleaning tomorrow. An alarm of 5 abount 10:30. While cutting bread for tea I cut quite a gash in my thumb. 12/4 Before going to the shop I helped empty the bedroom for cleaning. My thumb troubled me considerably at work. Eddie is quite poorly with a difficulty of the bowels. We sent for Dr. Bulkely. He is afraid of an inflamation of the bowels. Mrs. Lounsbury has the mittens done for George (soldiers mittens having a thumb and finger). I mailed them to him in the evening, cost of 18 cents letter postage. I walked up home with Mr. Swift. 12/5 Very cold last night and I found ice frozen in our sink room in the morning. Mr. and Mrs Chapman and Mrs Smith were at Father Griswolds and I found Gussie up there when I came from work. I went up there to tea and came home after and soon Mr. Witherspoon came as expected with a spare rib which I engaged from him today at the shop. It weighed 10 lbs 2 oz. I then went to the post office and to Lounsbury's shoe store where I bought a pair of rubbers for $1.20. When I returned I went up to Father Griswolds and we stayed until the Company left, coming home about 1/4 to 9 o'clock. I also brought home some medicine from the Doctor's for Eddie. Gussie has had a severe head ache this PM. 12/6 An eclipse of the moon about 1 o'clock last night. I went to see Dr. Bulkely about Eddy in the evening. I went to the post office and walked up home with Mr. Swift. We found Mrs. Swift down stairs with Gussie so he came with me and stayed a little while. I brought up some apples and we enjoyed their visit very much. 12/7 If froze hard in our sink room last night. I didn't go to church in the AM but went down in time for Sunday School and stayed in the PM. When I came home found Eddy so miserable that I must go for Dr. Bulkely. He gave him and injection and left medicine for his difficulty which is a weakness in the lower bowelss tending to piles. After supper I wrote to George and went down in the evening and mailed it and returned without going to meeting. Gussie wrote to Edwin's wife Anne in the evening. 12/8 We rose rather late and I worked as usual in the shop. Bell came down after dinner and stayed until night to help Gussie. Mother called on her way to the Prayer Meeting for the Country. I attended the Teachers Meeting in the evening. I ordered 1 dozen [Longlings ] Questions, vol. 1st for John Corsier. Received a letter from David Mills this noon. 12/9 I worked in the shop as usual. Eddy is better, having had a movement of the bowels this forenoon. I got some more medicine from Dr. Bulkely for him in the evening. I answered David Mills letter before retiring. I lent Father Griswold $9.00 this evening to pay a bill for manure from Crossmans Stables. 12/10 I worked at the shop as usual. Father and Mother were here to dinner but I was at the shop, having taken my dinner. Daniel Manly cmae home with me to get 5 gallons of cider which I had sold to him. After tea went down to market and the post office. I took the School Societies Minutes Book with me to let Aaron Moorehouse take it to copy the bylaws. I mailed the letter to David Mills and the Danbury Times to George 12/11 The snow is melting very fast and the sleighing is leaving fast also. The dozen questions books which I ordered at Mr. Swifts came today. George [w.] Ives died today. I took a letter from the post office for Mother from George and also one for Father from Horace [Meaglie] from Norwalk about the flourwhich he promised to Father. 12/12 Worked as usual in the shop. After tea I went up home with the 2 letters for Father and Mother. I got a drink of cider then went to the post office and walked up home with Mr. Swift. 12/13 Still warm and snow is melting fast. Sleighing is already used up and wheels are used again. Aaron Moorehouse paid me a dollar today for George for use of his melodeon. After tea I went to market. 12/14 Pleasant and warm but very muddy. A sermon to the Sabbath School today, after which at collection was taken for the benefit of the lame. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon with passages from scriptures beginning with the letter M were recited by the scholars and for the first time by the teachers also. I stayed home and let Gussie attend in the PM. Mother and Bell stopped by on their way to evening meeting. I wrote to George and mother enclosed a sheet with mine, and I mailed it as I went to church in the evening. I also wrote to Harriet and left it for Gussie to add more to in the evening. She wrote to her old school mate Louise Howe also. Brother Crawford preached in the evening. 12/15 Joseph Young having gone to New York, his wife came over before breakfast to give me his checks on order that I might draw his money for him at the shop, $16.00. Edward Stevens wife's funeral was at 2 o'clock. I attended with others of his shop mates at the Disciples Church. He was married at the same place a year ago next New Year's Day. Mrs. Young with Mrs. Wilcox to accompany her came for Joseph's money as we were drinking tea. I mailed a letter to Harriet and one for Gussie to Louise Howe in the evening. I attended an adjourned Sunday School Teachers meeting in the evening. Came home and copied the minutes before retiring. Harriet Wheeler and Josie came from Brooklyn this evening, she having been there to see Abel off in the 23rd Regiment 12/16 Medad Bradley died about 10 o'clock today. Sheridan Disbrow brought me the last 2 tuns of coal on my order just at night. I gave him $15.00 for this delivery which settled our accoutn . I went to the post office and market in the evening. 12/17 Worked as usual in the shop. I maile the Times to George in the evening and took our tea drawer to the Joiner to be mended and went to class. I walked up from the street with Brothers Chittenden and Crosier, and Lounsbury and Mr. Swift. 12/18 Medad Bradley was buried today. I have had the sick headache which compelled me to stop work before night. I took care of Eddy in the evening to let Gussie go to Prayer Meeting. 12/19 I worked in the shop all day and felt quite well. Joseph Ives' wife was buried this afternoon. I went to the post office in the evening expecting to hear from George but did not. 12/20 Saturday. Pleasant but very very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie took a letter from the post office for me from George this PM. It was written last Sunday at Dumfrey's within sound of the guns at Fredericksburg. They were on the way to the latter place and had a tedious march from Fairfax through the mud. It is reported that the Sec. of State at Washington, William H. Seward, has resigned. Mother came downin the evening to hear the letter from George. I went to market, to the post office and returned home as soon as the mail was opened. A severe cold night. I commenced a letter to George before retiring. 12/21 I went to church in the morning and to Sunday School at noon. Neither Gussie nor myself attended in the PM. Isabella came from church to our house and stayed until evening meeting time. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Josie came in for a while after tea. I finished my letter to George and mailed a Harpers Weekly with a picture of the late great battle of Fredericksburg Va in it at the same time. 12/22 A little snow on the ground. Worked as usual in the shop. Emptied the old brine from my pork barrel in the evening, preparatory to putting down my new pork which I am expecting tomorrow or the next day. I mailed 3 of the last [Lewis] Weekly Tribunes to George this evening and received 2 letters from him and one from Harriet. In one that George sent was enclosed one received by him from Isabella Conrad of Bridgeport which he sent home for safekeeping. As I came home from the street this evening I went with Mr. Swift to Brittens, the Druggist, for strichnine to poison mice with. Eddy having a bad cold, we borrowed some goose grease from Mrs. Swift to grease his stomach before retiring. 12/23 Warmer, what little snow as on the ground disappeared. George Loomis, discharged from the army on account of wounds, came home yesterday. He came to the shop in the AM to see his old shop mates. He went on turn and was shopped. I answered George's letter and also mailed him a box of Brown's Bronchial Troaches in the evening. Bell came down after tea and stayed with Eddie while Gussie went into the street with me to do a little trading. I stopped at [Ansael] Hoyt's to see about my pork which he is cutting up for me to be delivered tomorrow. I borrowed a meat saw from him to cut up some beef I expect tomorrow. Bell took my lantern and went home as soon as I returned. When Mr. Swift came home he went down the cellar and brought up some sweet cider which he got today and gave me a glass. Before I went downtown, Miss Edith Newman called and gave me $15.00 which George sent in a letter to her for me to deposit in the Savings Bank for him. 12/24 On account of not sleeping much last night (Eddy being sick) I felt poorly today and quit work before night on that account. Noah Hoyt brought my pork this morning and just at night Granvil Ambler brought my beef that I had ordered of Jacob Fry, 112 lbs. I went downtown in the evening and bought more pork to fill up my barrel. Gussie spent all the evening shopping and keeping up Christmas Eve. I spent the evening packing my pork. Bell has spent the day with us taking care of Eddy to let Gussie take care of her pork and is to stary the night with us. Mr. Swift helped me cut up my beef before we retired.12/25 Christmas Day. I spent my time at home taking care of pork and beef. Bell stayed last night and today. At about 1 o'clock we went up to Father Griswold's to dinner. Mother received a letter from George with $5.00. $3.00 for her and $2 for me to deposit for him. In the evening Mr. Swift gave me $1 which Alfred Heath left there for George to be handed to me. I mailed a pair of stockings to Ohio for Fanny, directed to Mrs. E. E. Griswold intended for her little WIllie. 12/26 I worked all day in the shop. Mother came to tea and went to prayer meeting in the evening. I gave her a sparerib of fresh pork to take over to Mrs. Curtis whose husband has gone to war. I carried up fresh pork and beef into the observatory of Father Griswold's house and hung it up then went down to the post office. I mailed a Harpers Weekly to Georgeon account of the Christmas pictures it contained. Before retiring I started a letter to George. 12/27 I made a brine and salted my beef in the evening and rubbed my hams also. I went to the barbers and to the post office in the evening. Mr. Swifts father came on the train in the evening to stay with him until Sunday. We let hime occupy our bed in the parlor. Gussie's old nurse Mrs. Jackson, who died in Stamford was brought home on the train and buried this afternoon. 12/28 The last Sabbath of the year. I went to church in the morning and came home after Sunday School to let Gussie attend in the PM. I finished my letter to George. Mother came down on her way to evening meeting and enclose a letter to George with mine. I sent 85 cents in postage stamps to him, bought with his money. John Crosier came in to have me direct for him the soldiers mittens which he is sending to Amos C. Day, one of his old Sunday School scholars. I gave him the money to get the stamps for George and to enclose them in the letter and seal it and mail it. Gussie went to meeting in the evening while I stayed with Eddie. 12/29 Eddy is 16 months today. I worked as usual in the shop. Received 2 letters from George in the evening in which he ordered a box of good things sent to him immediately. I bought a pound of almonds and some walnuts to send to him. I wrote a hasty reply at Mr. Swift's office and mailed it before coming home. 12/30 I took the letters that I had from George last evening down for Mr. Ashley, the editor of the Jeffersonian, to take some abstracts from for his paper. I went out in the street in the evening and bought a box to fill with good things to send to George. I went up home before breakfast this morning to have Mother bake a cake for George and to have Bell come down and take care of Eddy while Gussie ironed and prepared things to send to George. John W. Bussing's wife died in the PM. Commenced snowing in the evening. 12/31 Stormy all day, a considerable snow fell. I mailed the Danbury Times to George. I took a letter from the post office directed to Mother from Harriet. I paid a bill at Russel Hoyt's of $12.96 for the pork.
1862-12