Horace Purdy Journal January 1869 Entry
11pgs
JANUARY 01 FRIDAY - A severe blowing snow storm. Except early in the morning, it was all day hard round snow mixed with hail. It packs so hard as it comes that one can walk on top of the snow, it being hard as earth. Where it does give way under foot, it is like sand. I have worked in the shop. As Joe Allen went home to dinner, I sent $24.00 by him to pay interest on a $1,200 note in the Danbury Savings Bank. It was closed. I left work before 4 o'clock and found it closed also. In the evening, I gave Father Griswold money to pay it for me tomorrow. I went into the street in the evening and mailed letters for Father Griswold. In the P. M., I bought a pair of rubber boots of the Benedict brothers - $3.25. Mr. Pond came in this evening after I returned from the street and we looked at our accounts together to straighten things up for the commencement of the New Year. He helped me mend Georgie's toy horse and cart. I made preparations for going to New York in the morning and then retired. Edwin Harris lost a child this morning, 3 weeks old. JANUARY 02 SATURDAY - Cloudy, but no storm in the forenoon. A little rain in the P.M. and snow in the evening. I have been to New York. I took four of Bartram & Fanton's placards for advertising their sewing machines to frame as samples. I took them from Bartram's office in Broadway near 13th Street. I packed three chromos, 'The Old Oaken Bucket', 'Home, Sweet Home' and 'Sunlight in Winter' and brought them home in frames for Mr. Pond. I broke one of the ornamental corners getting on to a horse car and shall probably have to take it back for repairs. Charles Hayes came home with me from the city. He is going to work for Joseph Ives. Mother Griswold, Louise, Gussie and Georgie went up to Father Griswold's today on a surprise. They took some good things and made a New Year's dinner. Father Griswold paid my interest at the Danbury Savings Bank for 3 months - $24.00. JANUARY 03 SUNDAY - A pleasant, mild day. I shoveled paths before breakfast. I went down to Sunday School at noon. Charles Hayes went with me. We returned after school to stay with Georgie for Gussie to stay to afternoon meeting. Our dinner was late, about 5 o'clock, after which Charlie and I took a walk. We returned home in time to go to evening meeting. I wrote to William inquiring about my diary which I think I left at the store yesterday, also informing him of Charlie's sucess in getting a situation with Joseph Ives. JANUARY 04 MONDAY - Foggy and a fine rain a part of the time. I have worked in the shop. As I went to work, I went with Charles Hayes to Joseph Ives' to show him where he is to work. After coming from the shop, I shoveled snow off the walk in front of my place and that of Father Griswold. Dr. Bulkely came just at night to see Fannie and Georgie. He left his bill for me - $13.88, but I could not pay it. I went into the street in the evening and having found the piece of the $2.00 bill which I let Dr. Brown, Postmaster, have on Friday at 30 cent discount, I matched it and he paid me the 30 cents discount. A concert this evening under the auspices of the ladies of the Episcopal Church. Father Griswold, having complimentary tickets, Gussie and Louise went to it. January 05 TUESDAY - Cloudy, misty. I have worked in the shop. As I went, I took our wash boiler to J. W. Ives for a new bottom. I finished my shop work about noon, came home and helped Gussie change our bedstead with the one upstairs. I then went down to Ives' for the wash boiler I left there this morning for repairs. JANUARY 06 WEDNESDAY - Colder. I have worked in the shop. While getting Georgie down home from Mother Griswold's to tea, I took a slide on the crust with him. In the evening, Charles Hayes and I went downtown together. I bought a wild rabbit and brought home. It was frozen hard this morning, but it thawed out and was soft and spongy during the day. I have today finished two dozen vicuna, 4 dozen Zepher full stiff jack up California hats. JANUARY 07 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. It has thawed considerably making it wet and disagreeable getting around during the middle of the day. I completed my work for the week about 2 P.M., I having earned $12.00, the amount of work allowed for this week. Egbert Marsh cashed my account as I am intending to go to New York tomorrow and perhaps on Saturday also. I brought an Alpine hat up to Marshall West at Gillette's store, but it being too small, I returned with it to the factory again. He will wait a few days and perhaps get another style. One of my employers, Rollo Nichols, gave me $2.00 which he borrowed of me last Saturday P.M. at the 27th Street Depot in New York. Before tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's and took the 'Sunlight in Winter' chromo from its frame (which I damaged in bringing from New York) and wound it with paper preparatory to taking it to New York tomorow for repairs. After tea, Charles Hayes and I went downtown. I did some marketing. After we returned, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he made out a list of books which he wanted me to get for him in New York tomorrow. He gave me $55.00 with which to get the things and pay a bill of $41.00 at Babbitt & Elliott's at 42 John Street. The books, Sherwood's Spellers, I am to get at the corner of John and Williams. JANUARY 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. I took down Mr. Pond's frame for a chromo for repairs. I bought 5 gallons of ink for him at Babbitt & Elliott's at $1.50 per gallon. Can cost $1.50, making a bill of $9.00. I found William sick with a quinsy sore throat. Today being his first at the store since last Saturday and Dan having been left in the store, business has been neglected. Dan, having an offer in Hudson Street for more wages, threatens to leave me. I fell in with George Benjamin's uncle George on the carriage coming home. He was formerly a hatter in Bethel. He is now a farmer out west doing well. He has not been in these parts in many years. JANUARY 09 SATURDAY - pleasant but warm. The snow has wasted fast. The streets have been very wet and muddy. I have been to New York. I took a half dozen Sherwood's Spellers and definers for Mr. Pond back to Babbitt's on the corner of John and Williams Streets in New York and exchanged for the Speller and pronouncer. I went to Tibbels' and got two more 'Outlines of the United States Government', also to ____ 381-83 Pearl Street for some walnut molding. I made from it 4 frames, 11x13 for Walker Bartram, 838 Broadway for Sewing Machine placards. I delivered them as I went to the depot. I brought home 2 quarts of oysters from Bleeker Street, near McDougal. Charles Hayes met me at the depot here. Henry Hinman paid $5.00 on account towards rent. I lent Mr. Pond my lantern about 10 this evening to see some ladies home to his house. I bought a diary at Tibbles'. JANUARY 10 SUNDAY - Muddy and soft this morning, it not having frozen in the least last night. We rose late and had New York Oysters for breakfast. Charles Hayes and I got ready in time to go down to Sunday School at noon. We came home and let Gussie go to Sacrament in the P.M. We had dinner about 4 P.M., after which Gussie went up home on Deer Hill to prayer meeting. Charlie and I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached a short sermon, after which a prayer meeting. JANUARY 11 MONDAY - Colder. Cloudy all day. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work early in the afternoon and called at John Cosier's office on White Street, then at the Jeffersonian Office to see about getting some Bill Heads printed. I talked with Swertfager, the editor, about the bill I am owing him. As I was passing Mr. Griffing's Coal Office, he called me to see if I could pay the bill I am owing him. I could not do it. I talked the matter up with him and then called at Swift's for the Sunday School Journals and then came home. About 6 o'clock in the evening, it commenced raining hard. The Sunday School Officers and Teachers' Meeting did not come off on account of the storm. I went down with the books but returned again in the rain, getting quite wet before reaching home. JANUARY 12 THURSDAY - Everything this morning was loaded with ice with a thin layer of snow to cover the ground. The sun shone a little this forenoon and made everything glisten with its load of ice. I had work in the shop until about 2 o'clock. I then delivered to William H. Warren an 'Outline of the United States Government'. I am to wait a few days for my pay. I took one also for David Hoyt, but he was not prepared to take it today. I went to Swift's and exchanged a diary with him which I bought in New York. I returned to the street again before tea for cheese, bread, tea and coffee. After tea, I wrote to William at the store ordering some frames made and to have him secure if possible Potter's Cabinet Gilding. Charles Hayes wrote a note to William and enclosed it in my letter. We then went into the street, did some marketing, mailed my letter and came home. JANUARY 13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. The ice on the trees looked when the sun rose like silver and gold. A beautiful sight. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work about 3 o'clock. I then helped Joe Kyle, and William Carlson finish up theirs. When I came home, I fitted up again the Lincoln and Washington families to make a triplet with the Grant family. I have for a long time until of late hanging in the parlor. I took two of the frames and sold to Edwin R. Hunniston and today I replaced them. I sold a 'Laughing Cat' today to Joe Kyle. After tea, I took off a little the toe of a 'Shoe Last' for Mother Griswold. Charles and I then went into the street. We called a short time at Swift's Auction and then came home. We then helped Gussie seed some raisins for fruit cake. JANUARY 14 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work about 3 P.M. I then went to the Railroad Shop and ground down to a point the broken knife given to me last evening by Mr. Pond. I came home but soon returned again to the store for some cheese. Robert Cocking called in the evening and paid me 50 cents for our Post Office box for the coming six months. Charlie and I walked down town with him. I paid Dr. Brown the box rent. I did some marketing and came home. I met James Maynard this P.M. I spoke with him about getting me a customer for my store. JANUARY 15 FRIDAY - Warm; cloudy all day; a little fine rain in the middle of the day. The lower district school house last night took fire from the stove and was badly burned inside before it was extinguished. It took fire about 9 o'clock. I have worked in the shop until about 2 P.M. Albert Marsh cashed my account for me - $13.00. On my way home I stopped at Swift's Store a while. After tea, Charlie Hayes and myself went to market returning about 8 o'clock. JANUARY 16 SATURDAY - A little cooler but pleasant. I have been to New York. On my way to the store, I called at Walker Bartram's office ' 838 Broadway near 13th Street and took two of his sewing machine advertisements for his man, Wilcox. I made the frames but did not have time to deliver them. The chromo frame of Mr. Pond, which a week ago I took down with me to mend the gold corner, being done, I brought it home with me and after tea went over to his house with it and put the picture in it again. I have had the headache all day. Charles Hayes was discharged today at J. W. Ives. I gave William today enough money to make out the $50.00 for this month's rent. As I came to the depot from the store, he came with me to call on Galen Terry, agent for the estate of Henry Young (my old landlord) and pay the rent. I brought a package and a letter from James Hurd to his family in West Street. I called as I came from the depot and delivered it. I also brought a small package from George containing some old clothes which he left at the store for me last week. JANUARY 17 SUNDAY - Pleasant until nearly night when it clouded over. Charles Hayes and I attended Sunday School; we went down about 1 o'clock. Charles attended Chittenden's Bible Class at noon. After school we came home to let Gussie stay in the P.M. After dinner which was about 4 o'clock, Charles, Gussie and myself took a walk up to the cometary. Charlie and I attended church in the evening. Brother Burch preached, after which there was a prayer meeting. JANUARY 18 MONDAY - I went to the depot this morning, intending to go to New York if I found Walker Bartram at the station as he has some pictures at this office for me to frame. He not making his appearance, I did not go but went to the shop instead and worked nearly all day. Charles Hayes has been looking around for a situation today. After I came from the shop and before tea, I started out with him again visiting the hat factories uptown but did not succeed in finding a place for him. I stopped at James C. Beers' as we came home and got four pictures to frame for him. At his gate when coming out, I slipped on the ice and fell pretty hard but fortunately did not hurt myself. This P.M. about 4 o'clock Mother Griswold fell on the ice on her way to Mr. Richard's Shoe Shop. Alexander Pine saw her while she was down and came to her assistance. She hurt herself quite badly. Dr. Bulkely was immediately called. After tea, Charles and I took a walk downtown to market, etc. It has snowed a little. JANUARY 19 TUESDAY - A beautiful morning. I went to New York. A light skimming of snow here, about an inch; in New York, about 6 inches. I bargained with Walter Bartram to frame 6 pictures ' the 'Four Seasons' and 'Night' and 'Morning'. They take an 18 inch circle. He is to have Sperry's polished walnut at $5.00 each. He wants them in about 2 weeks. On the train coming home, I partly arranged with him to give Charles Hayes a situation in his sewing machine factory; he will give me his answer tomorrow evening. JANUARY 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant; I have worked in the shop. As I went to the shop, I bought a ___ brush at Parmalee & Sherman's for 50 cents. J. M. Bailey, editor of the Times, sent me a note at the shop requesting statistics of our Sunday School, the names of it officers, number of teachers, scholars, deaths, etc. for publication. He is to publish an article on Sunday Schools embracing the different schools of the town. He gave me too little notice so that the report of our school, if published at all, will be deferred until next week. Mother Griswold is still in bed and not able to be up from the effects of her fall on the ice last Monday. After tea, Charles and I went into the street to see Walker Bartram and get his reply about giving Charlie work in his sewing machine factory. He tells him to come for a while at least. I brought home a piece of cloth from Swift's, 2 yards for pants and vest at 85 cents per yard. JANUARY 21 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Charlie Hayes went to his new business this morning at the sewing machine factory. I have worked in the shop; being behind in my work, I worked until dark. Charles and I went to market in the evening. I wrote to William at the store and mailed it in the evening with one to Gussie to Cousin Eliza in California. I brought home from Saul Fleig's a pair of pants and vest to try on to see how I like them. I think that I shall return them, the pants being too short. FRIDAY JANUARY 22 - Pleasant but very cold. I have worked in the shop. As I took Mr. Pond's milk over to him this morning after bringing it from Mr. McDonald's, he gave me $6.00 more in pay for cromos and frames, leaving now a balance of 81 cents due me. In the evening, Charlie Hayes and I went into the street. I returned the pants and vest I got last night at Saul Fleig's and took only another pair of pants a little larger. Father Griswold went away to New York this morning feeling about sick with a cold. I took home from the shop my drab ___ brush to repair by putting screws in to hold on the top. JANUARY 23 SATURDAY - Very cold this morning. I have been to New York. It grew warmer during the day, so the streets in New York were very muddy though here in Danbury, it has not thawed. On my way to the store, I went to the Book Room for two more copies of the Sunday School Advocates and a copy of 'Two Years with Jesus' Volume 1, which is the first year. I also called at Bigelow and Main's (Bradbury's old place in Broome Street) to see Richard Gilbert. From there, I went to 52 Broadway to see the new apparatus for warming houses by steam in place of an ordinary stove. It is a new invention. It is simply a pan of water heated by an ordinary gas burner. It condenses its steam so that the water is not exhausted. I then went to the store. After dinner, William and I took a deep frame to a customer in Amity Street (Mrs. Plant) and at the house put in it a piece of hair work. The bill was $15.00 which the lady paid before we came away. William and I then went down to Franklin Street to a wholesale clothing store to look at some clothing. A friend of his was salesman there. I thought his prices too high for wholesale so we then went to Baldwin's on the corner of Broadway and Canal Street. I saw some coats which I thought cheaper, but finally came away without buying. I went over to the Bowery to take a horse car to the depot and William walked up Broadway intending to beat me and get to the depot before me, but up at 18th Street, I passed him on the walk, the car I was in getting there first. Charlie met me at the cars here. Gussie went to the surprise silver wedding presentation this evening at Brother Burch's. I brought a small parcel from New York for Hiram Benjamin to his family at Mr. Wilcox's on Stevens Street, which I delivered before I came home. JANUARY 24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. We rose late. Charles and I went down to Sunday School at noon. Gussie came down bringing Georgie with her, his first at Sunday School in pants and the first since last fall in school. Charles and I came home after school with Georgie. Gussie stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. Father came down as we were getting our dinner about 3 P.M. and wanted me to get 'Graffenburg's Manual of Health' for him next time I go to New York at 139 William Street. Just before dinner, I crossed the street and called on Mr. Sherman who has been suffering for about two weeks with inflammatory rheumatism. After dinner, Charles and I took a walk up to Oscar Serine's new house and on the new street west of White's Pond on Tom Benedict's land. Minnie Vintz called about 6 P.M. to go to evening meeting with Louise. Charles and I attended church in the evening. Brother Burch preached after which was held a prayer meeting. I gave Theodore Bradley $6.00 this morning to give to Saul Fleig to pay for my pants. JANUARY 25 MONDAY - I brought water from Father Griswold's cistern for Gussie to wash with. I have worked all day in the shop. After tea, Charlie and I mended Georgie's high chair by gluing it together. We then went into the street. I did some marketing and then came home. Old Mr. Ely, leader of the Sandemanian Church was buried this morning. 26 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop. Mrs. James Nichols died this P.M. Bell came down and took Georgie up home with her this forenoon. She came home with him about 6 this evening. Charles Hayes went to the Sewing Machine Factory to do night work this evening. He returned as soon as he finished his tea. I drew a plan of Oscar Serine's house and sent to William at the store by letter this evening. We are trying to find a customer for Oscar. On my way to the Post Office, I stopped to see James Wood who has been sick for a few days. I then went to Market, carried a Sunday School statement to the Danbury Times office for publication, it having been omitted last week in an account of the schools in this town. The editor did not call on me in time for me to prepare it for him. When I returned from the street, I called on Amos Purdy who is sick. John Bouton was over there with some medicine for him. JANUARY 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cold but warmer towards night. We rose so late that our boarder, Charles Hayes, went to work without his breakfast. As I went to work, I carried it to him with enough for his dinner. I finished my work before night and called on William Warren at the Railroad Machine Shop for my pay ($2.00) for the 'Outlines of the U. S. Government' but he was out of money and promised it next Monday. Mother has been down this P.M. to see Mother Griswold. She stayed with us to tea. After tea, Charles and I went into the street. I engaged for Father Griswold Beatty's double team to go over to J. W. Nichols tomorrow to attend the funeral of Mrs. Nichols. I mailed some letters for Father Griswold and came home. An eclipse of the moon tonight. JANUARY 28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. It has thawed so as to make it quite muddy. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work at noon and then went over to the Sewing Machine factory to see Charles Hayes. From there, I called at John Cosier's shop where he cuts leather, then to T. B. Fanton's to see if my watch was repaired. It not being done, Saul Bailey gave me his to carry while he carries mine to regulate. I then bought and paid for 6 bushels of potatoes at D. B. Nichols which they sent up before night. James W. Nichols' wife was buried this P.M. on Great Plain. Father Griswold's family and Gussie went with Beatty's double team. I gave my tax list again this P.M. it is required for a borough tax. Mr. N. C. Pond's reply and explanation of the reported cruel punishments inflicted under his supervision at the new school came out in the Danbury Times today. The reports were utterly false and Mr. Pond's explanation is perfectly satisfactory to all reasonable minds. I wrote William at the store and mailed it this evening and then did some marketing and came home. JANUARY 29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow and ice has melted fast and it has been very muddy. I have worked in the shop. I completed my work about 2 P.M. and came home. Sarah Purdy was married last evening at her home to Lucius Wildman, Jr. After tea, I went into the street to market and then to the Post Office. JANUARY 30 SATURDAY - It was raining hard when I woke this morning. It soon ceased, however it remained foggy until about noon when it cleared off warm and pleasant. I have been to New York. I took down to frame for J. Clark Beers 4 pictures. I brought home two of them and delivered them after tea and got my pay for them. His Marriage Certificate and a Juvenile Missionary Certificate. I bought in New York, two copies of 'Two Years with Jesus', 1st Series for William Taylor, one copy Longking's Notes, Vol. 2 for Ellen Taylor, 'Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves, Combined' for Emily Anderson, 'Outlie of Theology' by Hodge for V. W. Benedict, and 'Graffenberg's Manual of Health' for Father. Also for myself, 13 oranges for 25 cents. JANUARY 31 SUNDAY - Pleasant but colder. To Sunday School at noon. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the P.M. I came home from Sunday School with Georgie. Kohanza Dam gave way this evening and swept away all before it. The bridge in White Street is washed away. After meeting, Charles Hayes and I walked up there to see what had happened. But it being dark, cold and muddy near the bridge where the high water had been but had receded, we came home leaving further news for tomorrow.
1869-01
Horace Purdy Journal September 1868 Entry
8pgs
SEPTEMBER 01 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop. Arranged with the Danbury Savings Bank to let my note lie over until October 1st. It is due the 4th of this month. I went up to see John Cosier in the evening to see about endorsing a note for me. He consented. SEPTEMBER 02 WEDNESDAY - I worked in the shop. Left work to go to the Danbury Bank with a note of Cosier endorsing, but could not get the money. I wanted $350.00. News from the Vermont election reports from 8 to 10 thousand increase in Republican majority last year in the polls. Guns were fired over Vermont. Mother came down and was with us to tea. The balance of 5 tons of coal came from Griffing today. SEPTEMBER 03 THURSDAY - To New York; cloudy in the morning, rain in the P.M. I brought up a 16x20 walnut and gilt frame for Eben Barnum, also a singing book, 'Revivalist' for Magee. FRIDAY - Stormy. I have worked in the shop. I stopped about 10 o'clock long enough to go to the Pahquioque Bank and take up my note of $350.00 by giving one of Father Griswold. The papers give us today the news of the death of ex -Governor Thomas H. Seymour. This morning, I paid Mr. Pond $10.00, $7.30 being for a box of soap he bought for me in New York the remaining $2.70 to stand on account to my credit. SEPTEMBER 05 SATURDAY - I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant at noon. A Grant and Colfax banner was raised at Concert Hall. A Mr. Adams and one Taney from New York spoke. A torchlight procession in the evening. SEPTEMBER 06 SUNDAY - I attended church in the morning and Sunday School at noon after which I came home with Georgie. Gussie came down with him to Sunday School. She stayed in the P.M. After tea, we took a walk with Georgie over to Spring Street. Gussie called at Henry Hinman's to see their baby who is sick with dysentery. At the same time I called on Daniel Manly. I took a leaflet of music to Mr. Lockwood in the evening, but I did not stay to meeting. SEPTEMBER 07 MONDAY - Showers in the morning; pleasant in the P.M. I worked in the shop in the A.M. There being no work in the P.M., I took the noon train to New York. Daniel, my boy in the store, gave me a mess of fish to bring home which he and his father caught yesterday. SEPTEMBER 08 TUESDAY - Cool in the morning. Nearly all the shops in the village adjourned to turn out in large numbers to scour the mountains and swamps in the vicinity of Brookfield for the Negro who last night committed a rape on Mrs. Russell Wildman. The search was a fruitless one. Georgie was last night taken with diarrhea and vomiting. Mrs. Bradley called this evening and paid me ___ of the seat rent. She is to wait and see if George pays and if not, then she pays her half of the six months, after which time, I give up my claim and her bargain thereafter is with Charles Stevens. George turned out to hunt the Negro today. Before breakfast, I wrote to Edmund Palmer about buying my New York picture business. SEPTEMBER 09 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I worked in the factory until noon and then took the train to Stamford to see Edmund Palmer. The business being new to him, he concludes not to buy me out. It being misty and almost rain at noon, I borrowed an umbrella of Robert Cowan, but had but little use for it. Finally it rained a little in Stamford about 6 o'clock. I talked on the corner of West and New Street on my way home with Clark Beers about my store; he has some idea of buying. Gussie sick with dysentery, apparently. Before retiring, I wrote to William Hayes at the store. SEPTEMBER 10 THURSDAY - Rain during last night and this morning. A part of the day has been pleasant. A thundershower this evening. I mailed the letter I wrote last night this morning. I have worked hard in the shop. George finished canvassing William and George Street for me today. I sent the list to the Club Room by him this evening. I being very tired, he did our marketing for us and I stayed at home this evening. SEPTEMBER 11 FRIDAY - Showery at times during the day; very warm. An Irishman called 'Fancy Pat', while crossing the stream near the factory on a timber, being intoxicated, fell into the stream. Had it not been for the factory hands (who were looking at him and expected him to fall in) going to his assistance, he would have drowned. One of our apprentices, Edward White, was first to him. George took the train this morning for Yonkers where he has secured work at Waring & Nichols. I bought 4 gallons of kerosene oil of Mr. Pond at 55 cents. SEPTEMBER 12 SATURDAY - The sun has been hot; summer all over again. I have been to New York. I framed and brought up with me two pictures ' 16x20, two inch walnut and gilt, one for Saul G. Bailey, 'Soldiers' Testimonial', the other for Mrs. Cyrus White entitled 'The Motherless', a picture she has taken the agency for and intends canvassing. I brought a bottle of whiskey for William Hutchings to carry out a joke in the shop between us concerning him and James Purcell, a rum-seller on the corner of Varick and King Streets in New York. I also brought two packages for Elijah Morris, one of them being candy for his little girl from his folks in the city. Walter Sparks told me that Fred Jennings threatened to sue me for talking about him. I despise him and treat him with silent contempt. It is this and not slander that enrages him. I am not concerned for what I may have said in fact, and besides, he knows he owes me $10.00 for rent; it is this that makes the trouble. Thief he is for blandly denying the debt. It is for three months' rent for January to April, 1859. See Ledger Account, page 29. I saw Gussie sick and the doctor at the house tonight when I came home from the depot. SEPTEMBER 13 SUNDAY - Very warm again. After breakfast, I went down to the church with the Sunday School papers and over to Elijah Morris with the packages I bought for him last evening. I attended church this morning. I gave to Mr. Lockwood, our chorister, the 30 leaflets from Bigelow & Main's specimen pieces of music from 'Chapel Melodies'. Gussie being sick, I came home from Sunday School. After tea, I took a walk with Georgie around the square, stopping a few minutes at John Bouton's. SEPTEMBER 14 MONDAY - I have worked in the shop. Two letters for George, I mailed to Yonkers this evening. I bought a new rope for my bucket. Bought this book for a journal and began copying from paper up to this time. Maine election. SEPTEMBER 15 - Worked in the shop. Georgie was last night taken with dysentery, it being just 5 years that Eddie died of the same complaint. Mrs. Amos Purdy was in to see him this evening. Jollification at torchlight procession this evening over Maine election which is reported to be 23,000 Republicans. This is a 12,000 gain over last year. The rejoicing was kept up to a late hour amid cheers, shooting Roman candles, and speaking by a Mr. Dellman of New York on the steps of the Wooster House. He is a war Democrat, opposed to Seymour and will, he says, vote for Grant. His democratic friends are highly indignant at him. SEPTEMBER 16 MONDAY - Gussie was up with Georgie all night. I did not undress or go to bed, but lay on the lounge. He is very sick. I have worked in the shop. I mailed a letter to William this morning; sent it to the Office by Mr. Sherman. There was a little rain in the forenoon. It came off cold in the P.M. I went to market in the evening. I saw Clark Beers in Billy Raymond's; he has not yet heard from his New York folks concerning buying me out. I got two oranges which I sent to Norwalk for by Robert Cowan, the only two to be found there or here. They cost 10 cents each, very small at that. I want them for Benjamin Rolfe's little girl who is sick. SEPTEMBER 17 THURSDAY - Cold last night and this morning, but no frost on account of the wind, though the air has been cold enough. Chilly all day. Work begins to give back; we were stopped after a half day's work. I went up home in the P.M. for some tomatoes. We want to put them up in airtight jars for winter use. I hoed out my strawberry bed before tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening; also to see Dr. Bulkely for instruction about giving medicine to Georgie. We try to think him a little better though he is very sick. Sarah Purdy came over in the evening to sit up a part if not all the night with Georgie. Gussie was up last night and I am nearly sick myself. The Soldier's Record having come for George, I mailed it to him this evening to Yonkers. SEPTEMBER 18 FRIDAY - Our first frost this morning; the day has been pleasant. Cool but warmer than yesterday. Sarah Purdy watched with Georgie in company with Gussie last night. I went to bed last night with a headache; have had it today but have worked in the shop. Our work being limited, I finished about 3 o'clock. Mother Griswold and Fanny came home from Bloomfield by the evening train. John Bouton borrowed my gun this evening to go for pigeons tomorrow. SEPTEMBER 19 SATURDAY - A lovely day, though cool in the morning. I have been to New York. Clark Beers' wife and baby were on the train with me to New York, going to her mother who is not expected to live. I came home on the 3 o'clock train. I bought a piece of cloth of John Gilbert at Georgetown for Henry Stone. I brought two frames for Harriet Mills. Georgie is better. SEPTEMBER 20 SUNDAY - Fanny stayed with Georgie last night so that Gussie and I had a good night's rest. Gussie did not go to church at all. I went down to Sunday School, but returned after its close. Father came down to see Georgie in the P.M. but returned before tea. After tea, Gussie went over to see Frank Bouton who has a little girl born on Thursday night last, the 17th. It commenced raining after dinner and continued during the day. Georgie is still better today. Mrs. Bradley called this morning to see how he was and Mrs. Daniel Starr at noon. After tea, I wrote to George telling him how sick Georgie had been. I enclosed to him his gold pen which he left home when he went away. SEPTEMBER 21 MONDAY - I stayed up with Georgie last night. Pleasant but cool today. I have worked in the shop. Our work being now limited, I finished mine about 3 o'clock. Doctor came a few minutes after I came home. He pronounced Georgie better and recommended a bird for him. I immediately took my gun and started to get one. I wrote and mailed a note to Southmayd and Company in New York with $2.50 enclosed with which to advertise. I also wrote to William at the store. SEPTEMBER 22 TUESDAY - Gussie sat up last night with Georgie. I have worked in the shop as yesterday until about the middle of the P.M., our work now being limited. The Negro who committed the outrage on the wife of Russell Wildman on Great Plain about two weeks ago was today brought to town and lodged in jail. He was caught in Canaan, a town in this state by another Negro and brought here. Later : it is yet to be known whether he is the guilty one or not. Before tea, Father Griswold and I ground his scythe for me to mow my dooryard as soon as I get time. Georgie is about the same as yesterday. We have fed him some bird, the broth and some toast which we must wait until tomorrow to see the effect. It commenced raining about 7 o'clock this evening. I went to market and to the Post Office this evening. Louise stayed a part of the evening with us. SEPTEMBER 23 WEDNESDAY - Rain this morning. I stayed with Georgie last night. I slept a good portion of the time in the lounge beside his bed. I have worked in the shop but finished all we could get before noon. I stayed with Georgie in the P.M. to let Gussie go to the dress maker, Mrs. McNeil. Just at night, I took my gun and started to get Georgie a bird, but could not so I got two red squirrels and came home. I wrote to William after dinner, directing him to put it in (my store) as many agents' hands as he could to sell for me. SEPTEMBER 24 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. It commenced raining in the P.M. I have worked in the shop. I came home about 4 P.M. and went up home to get a chicken for Georgie, but Mother killed the one she had been saving for me, so I came home without it, but brought a few potatoes in the basket instead. Georgie has been dressed today for the first time since he was taken sick. He sat up too long and got very tired. I went to market in the evening. It was about 9 o'clock before the train came in the evening. The Northern and Housatonic Railroad commenced today running trains from here to Brookfield in connection with the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad. While waiting for the train to come with the mail, I went into Concert Hall to see James Meany paint a Republican banner for Ridgefield. He has just completed a fine one for us which will be raised on Saturday in front of the Turner House. SEPTEMBER 25 FRIDAY - It rained very hard this morning. I had intended to go to New York, but the rain prevented me. I did not have my clothes off last night, but lay on the lounge. I have worked in the shop. SEPTEMBER 26 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. Some appearance of clearing off in the morning, but it rained again in the P.M. and in the evening. I have been to New York; I bought 6 copies of 'Two Years With Jesus' for Edmund's class; also two copies of the last edition (smaller size) and five hymn books. I went down to Richardson & Boynton in Water Street near Beekman for a set of No. 1 Opal Ranges fine brick for myself. I also left for sale my store with Hall & Buckle, real estate brokers, 101 Beekman Street. SEPTEMBER 27 SUNDAY - Stormy; it rained last night and has continued through today. Georgie is doing well so far as the dysentery goes, but he is very weak and he gains strength very slow. I went to Sunday School at noon but the attendance was very small. No lessons were heard or books exchanged. Brother Starr opened the school with singing a prayer. Benjamin F. Bailey talked to the school. John B. Merwin preached in the morning. I came home after Sunday School. Father came down to see us after tea. As he went home, I walked with him to Deer Hill. As he proceeded home, I went down Wooster Street, Main and West and then home again for a walk. I found Mrs. Bradley at the house on a call to see Georgie. We did not go out in the evening, but stayed at home. Father being out of coal, I last evening let him have a wheelbarrow load. SEPTEMBER 28 MONDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I took my gun and went to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods and vicinity to get a bird for Georgie to eat but could not find one. I was gone over two hours and came home to breakfast with a headache. I went to the shop, but there was no work for the men. I stayed about an hour when the foreman gave me a dozen to finish. I worked to finish them until 3 o'clock suffering with a severe headache. I was too sick to eat a mouthful at noon although I had my dinner with me and yet I worked. The widow of the late Hiram Cole was found in the river this morning about 9 o'clock near J. W. Ives Lumberyard, drowned. It is supposed that she committed suicide by jumping in at the rear of her garden which runs down to the water. Her home is on Elm Street opposite George Starr's. A small Irish boy about ___ years old, son of ___ was also drowned on Saturday in the same stream but lower down. He was carrying dinner to his father and while crossing the timbers which span the stream going over from the Pahquioque Hat Factory to the Bartram and Fanton Sewing Machine Factory, fell in. His body was floated down the ___ Shop before it could be stopped and recovered. Tom Thumb and wife, Commodore Grant and Minnie Warren show this P.M. and evening. I wrote to George in the evening. Gussie went to market and returned with a letter for me from George. I added a reply in the letter already written. While Gussie was in the street, I went into the woodhouse and cut some wads for my gun. SEPTEMBER 29 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I shot a robin for Georgie before breakfast on the sweet apple tree near Father Griswold's barn. My work in the shop lasted until about 10 o'clock. I then came home and fixed up and took the noon train to New York. I had about 20 minutes at the store. William told me of a looking glass which disappeared while Daniel was alone in the store. I am getting suspicious of Dan. Josephine Dare was on the train for New York this evening. I assisted her and a lady friend off the train at Bethel. Constable Charles H. Crosby met me at the depot this evening and notified me of the repairs needed to the walks in William Street. My walks, Father Griswold's and Mr. Pond's need repairs. The trouble is with Saul Barnum. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. Also Emily Anderson to inquire about Elisha Serine who has applied to her to rent her upper rooms. SEPTEMBER 30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I lay on the lounge beside Georgie last night and took care of him. Before breakfast, I wrote to William requesting him if he was able to trace the missing looking glass which I suspect Daniel the boy of stealing. I had work nearly all day in the shop. I went from the shop over to Town Hill to Cyrus White's for 30 green peppers for Gussie to make ___ of. A Mr. Latimer from out west came home today with Father Griswold to make a visit. He is an old family friend who Mother Griswold has not seen for 40 years. I went to market in the evening and brought home my clock which I had cleaned and a new mainspring. Bell came in about 9 o'clock after I returned from the street and said that Harriet had brought over from Mrs. Townsend's school some clothes ' coat, pants, boots, shoes and slippers - which if they would fit me, I could have if I would go up home with her. Accordingly, I went with her and brought home a pair of pants, a coat, a pair of boots and overshoes, 2 pair of shoes and a pair of slippers
1868-09
Horace Purdy Journal November 1868 Entry
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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 March 1867 Entry
16gs
MAR 01 FRIDAY - Lowery with fine rain. As I came home from work, I left the 'Sentence of Christ' at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. I then called at D. B. Booth's office to look at the state register for the residence of Dr. Henry Stearns, formerly surgeon of the 1st Connecticut Volunteers. Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's this P.M., from there to Emily Anderson's, where she stayed to tea. Frank Bouton came this way to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society. John came in soon after and we went into the street together. He returned with me and stayed until the women came from the Sewing Society. Wrote to Dr. Stearns to find when and where I could have an interview with him relative to a pension for hernia received in the army. MAR 02 SATURDAY - A little sunshine during the day. Warm and muddy. We had work in the shop until noon. Received a letter from George. Before coming home, I went to D. B. Booth's office to see if George's name was still on the list so that he can vote; I found that it was. I went to D. W. Benedict's and brought home 3 pairs of rubbers from which to have Gussie select a pair. One pair was not mates, though nearly alike. These she concluded to take as they would cost only 75 cents where the others were $1.25. I returned them before night and tried to get another pair of odd ones for the same price for Mrs. Stone, but could not. I called at the Selectman's Office and paid Mr. S. Peck my taxes which were $18.05. By paying now I had 3 % deducted, making the amount which I paid, $17.52. I went to the Post Office in the evening, came home and commenced a reply to George's letter. It cleared off in the evening and grew colder. MAR 03 SUNDAY - The ground was frozen hard this morning. The sun shone until towards night when it clouded over and now looks like storm. Gussie attended church in the morning. She came home and I went down to Sunday School at noon. I was busy at the Library until after 2 o'clock. It was so late that I came home without going into church. We expected Bell would come here to tea, but she did not. After tea, Father came down to see us. Susan Brayman came in also. Before Father went home, I cut his hair for him a little. It looked so badly that I would not let him go longer looking so. I do not feel so well this evening, so I let Gussie attend church and I stayed home. Before Gussie went, I finished a letter to George and sent it by her to the Post Office. MAR 04 MONDAY - The ground this morning was covered with snow about 3 inches deep and a fine rain was falling. It remained misty with increasingly a little snow through the day. I have worked all day in the shop, though I have felt about sick, my head and stomach feeling badly. I ate only a mouthful of my dinner and felt better for not eating. As I came from work, I took from the Office two letters, one from George with $5.00 enclosed for Mr. Harris towards the $38.00 for his account, and one from Dr. Henry P. Stearns, formerly surgeon of our regiment in reply to one written to him as to where and when I could find him to see him about a certificate for me regarding hernia which I received while in the service. I am obliged to get one and forward the same to Washington in order to get a pension. I am thinking about going to Hartford to see him about it. His residence is at 196 Main Street. After tea, I wrote to George acknowledging receipt of $5.00 for Harris. I went into the street in the evening to see the agent of the Merchants' Union Express for George's washing in a traveling bag from New York. I added to the letter what it would cost and mailed it. I left my watch at S. G. Bailey's for cleaning. I called at O.H. Swift's and bought a pass book for my use at work at the shop and a top for Georgie. I then walked up West Street with Swift. MAR 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. I had but little appetite at noon and ate but little. I worked hard and was very tired at night. Bell came in while we were at tea and wanted me to go up home and pull a tooth for Mother but I was too tired to go into the street and up there too. I went to the Post Office and got a letter from Father Griswold mailed from West Granby saying that he would be in Hartford at the Trumbull House on Friday next instead of Saturday as he told me before he left home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to him. John Stone told me this evening that Bird (Henry Blair's dog) had been shot. Before retiring, I wrote to Henry Blair, telling him what I heard. MAR 06 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. While waiting for a block this forenoon, I went up to Mr. Barnum's office to see about me going to Hartford to see Dr. Stearns about my getting a certificate of disability to enable me to get a pension but found his office closed. As I came from work this evening, I took a note from the office from Louise Blair saying that Bird was dead. While at tea, Miss English, our old nurse came in for a call. Bell soon came in also to stay all night. Gussie went with Harriet and her mother to hear Anna D. Dickenson lecture, while I went over to Mrs. Blair's to see Bird and do some marketing in the street. I stopped at Mr. Swift's store and when he shut up, I walked up with him. Mr. Crofut is having the roof of his drying room raised up to make another story. Robert Cocking paid me his February rent today - $3.00. MAR 07 THURDAY - A little snow this morning and through the day. I came home from work with a headache. A letter from George this evening. George Hawley, P T. Barnum and Judge Pitkin from New Orleans speak this evening at Concert Hall, the first meeting of the campaign. I now hear the band sweetly playing to escort the speakers from the Wooster House to Concert Hall. I am too sick to attend. Gussie has gone into the street. Before retiring, I went over to see Mr. Pond about stopping in New Haven (as I go to Hartford tomorrow) to get his watch. Amos Purdy, who I engaged this morning to bury Bird, tried but the ground was frozen too hard and he was obliged to defer it until the frost should get out more. Bell has been down today, but went home again this evening. MAR 08 FRIDAY - My head and stomach feel badly still though better than yesterday. We rose early so that I could take the train to Hartford. I took the accommodation to New Haven where I stopped and got Mr. Pond's gold watch at Benjamin's Jewelry Store near the depot. I waited half an hour and took the express to Hartford where I arrived at 12:30 o'clock. Father Griswold was on the platform waiting for me. We went together to my old Regimental surgeon, Dr. Henry P. Stearns, at 196 Main Street. I, not telling him of my hernia at the time, it occurred on July 2nd, 1861 at Fall's Church, Virginia. He of course had not personal knowledge of the case to warrant him in giving a certificate that would be of any good to me. I therefore failed to accomplish what I went for. I was not, however, surprised at the result. It was exactly what I expected for he lacked the positive knowledge required. I went with Father Griswold to the Trumbull House to dinner. John Parker, proprietor, is an old family friend of Father Griswold's. I took the steamer, 'City of Hartford' at 2 P.M. for New York. We got out of the river at Saybrook between 9 and 10 o'clock at night. MAR 09 SATURDAY - I was awakened at a quarter before four this morning by the steamer arriving at Peck Slip, East River, New York. I turned out from my berth and after making my toilet, I waited nearly an hour for daylight when I went to Fulton Market and got my breakfast after which I went over to Brooklyn to George's boarding place, 115 Myrtle Avenue and found him still in bed. His landlord, Mr. Peter Haver, invited me in and then called George saying that a gentleman wished to see him. He was greatly surprised to see me. After breakfast, we walked to his shop and then to Fort Greene. He concluded not to go to work, so we returned to his boarding place. He changed his clothes and we went over to New York. We went to the Great American Tea Company, where I gave in my club order of $37.00, made arrangements for its shipment today, and then we called on Henry Blair at 327 Broadway. I told him about the death of Bird, had a little pleasant conversation and then we called at the Merchant's Union Express Office at 180 Broadway, to see about the tea and carpet bag (which George left there last evening.) being forwarded today. We then returned to Brooklyn and called on Louise at 380 State Street. From there, we went to George's boarding place to dinner. In the afternoon, we tried to find some soda ash, but could not. We crossed at the Catherine Street ferry and went to Pier 37 at the foot of Market Street, New York, where we met Henry Blair who was coming to Danbury also. George stayed at the boat with us until it left at 2 P.M. I lent him a dollar before we left which he promises to pay next Saturday. We arrived at Norwalk a little after 5 o'clock. Arrived in Danbury about 8 o'clock where Gussie met me at the depot. My box of tea from the Great American Tea Company and the bag from George was on the train with me by Merchant's Union Express. I took the bag with me leaving the box to be sent up on Monday. We walked around home with Henry Blair to see Bird as he lay dead in his house. When we got home we went over to Mr. Pond's to carry Mr. Pond's watch which I got in New Haven. MAR 10 SUNDAY - Stormy, rain. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I came home as I felt tired. After tea, Gussie and I went up home to see Georgie, Bell having taken him up home with her yesterday. I took the bag of dirty clothes of George which I brought home with me last night up home to have Mother wash and mend them. We stayed until dark and then came home. It has rained more towards night and this evening than it did earlier in the day. We stayed at home in the evening and retired early. MARCH 11 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Merchant's Union Express office to pay for the box of tea from the Great American Tea Company, but the agent was not in and I called again as I came home from work at night and paid for it with the bag of clothes from George sent home for washing. I opened the box of tea and coffee before tea. I attended the Sunday School Business meeting in the evening. L. S. Barnum speaks this evening at Concert hall in opposition to P.T. Barnum a candidate for congressman from this district. After returning from Teachers' Meeting, I carried Amos Purdy's tea over to him and the tea and coffee to O.H. Swift which he ordered. Before retiring, I entered the minutes of the Teachers' meeting in the Sunday School records. Susan Brayman was over this evening and I sold her 1 lb. of bulk tea. MAR 12 TUESDAY - Stormy; a little snow in the morning and fine rain most of the time during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I carried Edward Ambler's tea to him which he sent for by me to the Great American Tea Company. There has been considerable excitement today over L. S. Barnum's speech in opposition to P. T. Barnum last evening. The makers today have struck for their old wages. Mr. Crofut says that he will not give it. As I went to work this morning, I called into Mr. Swift's store and he paid a part of his bill for tea and coffee and the balance this evening. After tea, I went into the street and carried George's bag of clothes to the Express Office to send to him and mailed a letter to him with a note enclosed to the New York express agent from our agent arranging for carrying his bag for 25 cents. I carried Robert Dunning's tea over to him this morning. Before retiring we put John's picture and our marriage certificate each in a shell frame. MAR 13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I have worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work, Istook from the Post Office another receipted bill for tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company, sent doubtless by mistake as they gave me one when I bought the tea and coffee last Saturday. I now have two. 11 o'clock P.M. - Gussie has had this evening a carpet bag bee. The party has just left. They sewed about 23 lbs. of rags. We had loaf cakes with doughnuts and apples for refreshments. We had a good time. The party was as follows: John Bouton and wife, William Warren and wife, Henry Miller and wife, and Daniel Starr and his wife, Carrie Hoyt and Sarah Francis, Mrs. Nickerson and daughter, Libbie, Eliza Hill, Lottie Keeler, Mrs. George Davis, Mother Griswold, Fannie, Harriet and Louise. Father Griswold came down and stayed awhile in the evening, but went home again before refreshments were served. MAR 14 THURSDAY - Colder, cloudy in the forenoon. The sun shone pleasantly this P.M. and melted what it froze this morning. It froze up again by dark. A shop call today to raise our prices. Mr. Crofut being in New York, the matter was postponed until tomorrow when he is expected home. Bell came home with Georgie today and stayed awhile into the evening until I could go into the street and return, Gussie having gone with Susan Brayman up to Mrs. Cole's before I came home from work. When I returned in the evening from the street, Bell went up home. I weighed out a pound of coffee for her to take to Nellie Freeland, she wanting to buy some from me. I took my small spring balance with me into the street and traded with Charles Hull for a pair of steel yards. Upon trial, I found them incorrect. MAR 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; as I went to work this morning, I took back to Charles Hull's the steel yards I got there last evening. We raised our bill of prices at the shop today 2% on a dozen, only half the reduction made on the 28th of last December. A grand Republican rally at Concert Hall this evening. Judge Culver and ____ spoke. A boy named McDermott was today carried by a belt over the main shaft and both legs broken at Tweedy' Forming Factory. MAR 16 SATURDAY - Bell stayed with us last night. It commenced snowing this P.M. and it still continues (it is now 9 o'clock in the evening). I have worked hard all day in the shop. A democratic political meeting is being held this evening at Concert Hall. MAR 17 SUNDAY - It has snowed all day, clearing off between sundown and dark. Mr. Pond with Frank Fanning (and a boy with Frank), George Davis and myself, drew our snow plow out to West Street, up Father Griswold's lane and in Fanning and Davis' yards before breakfast. I swept out the paths in my yard again when it cleared off this evening. I went down at noon to Sunday School which was very small and returned home again when it was over. Except for me going to Sunday School, we have both stayed home all day and made a rest day of it. Father came down after tea to tell us that Mother came near dying last night. It was her old trouble in her chest with an accumulation of phlegm, which came near strangling her. Father said that for two or three hours, she struggled so for breath that he thought she would die. She being better now and the snow so deep, I have concluded not to go up this evening. MAR 18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and Gussie engaged her for Wednesday for Mother as she is not able to do her washing this week. She is still in bed from the severe attack on Saturday night. I worked as usual in the shop. Susan Brayman came over after tea and paid for the lb. of black tea she bought of me and then went into the street with Gussie. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let me go into the street to carry a lb. of coffee to Oscar Serine. I called at the Republican Club Room a few moments and then went up home to see Mother and take letter to her from George which came this evening. MAR 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I returned one of the pairs of shoes which Gussie brought home last evening to fit a pair to Georgie. I also took from the Office a letter from George which was not put in my box last evening., Dr. Brown having withheld it for the few minutes I was at the Office to read what was on the envelope and to make out who it was for, George having wrote the face over with some rhyme in which was the address, the rhyme being about our Connecticut Gubernatorial Campaign, naming George Hawley and P.T. Barnum our nominees for Congress. The sentiment evidently not suiting some New York Post Office officials as on the opposite side of the envelope was written in pencil ' 'Oh gas! You are a da-n fool. You lie'. Enclosed was a letter for Harriet, also the dollar he borrowed of me when I was in New York. In the evening, Gussie had another rag bee. Mrs. Amos Purdy and daughters, Sarah and Lucy, Mrs. Coles and daughter Sarah, Mrs. Short, Mrs. Stone and daughter Matilda, Clarissa Smith, Susan Brayman. Mr. Coles and son Paul came in late for Mrs. Coles and Sarah. They came just in time for refreshments. We had loaf cake, crullers, green and black tea and apples. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed it. MAR 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Mrs. Coles came down again today to help Gussie sew carpet rags. As Gussie was going to the Sewing Society, she took the rags over to Susan Brahman's and spent the P. M. there and sewed rags. Father Griswold having two tickets sent to him to hear George William Curtis (ed. note lecturer, editor of Harper's Weekly, one of the founders of the Republican Party) lecture and none of them being able to attend, Gussie and Louise took them and went. Mother Griswold offered one ticket to me but I was too tired to go, so I let Gussie go in my stead. MAR 21 THURSDAY - Stormy; snow which melted about as fast as it came. My work at the shop only lasted until noon. After dinner, I took Mother Griswold's chopping knife over to Benedict's factory and rounded the edge by taking off the corners. The remainder of the P.M, I spent in Mr. Pond's barn helping Oscar Serine get out material for a grape arbor and make some lattice work. I mended a flour sifter also for Gussie to give to Harriet. After tea, I went over to see Henry Blair who is quite sick. From there, I went into the street and paid for a half lb. of smelt - 33cents - which they brought to us yesterday (Avery Raymond). I saw the band with their new instruments which they played from the depot to Concert Hall for William H. Burleigh of New York who spoke on the issues of the day for the Republican Party. I heard him about five minutes and then came out and went over to Randell & Bradley's and engaged a kit of mackerel to be brought up tomorrow and then came home, after which I went over to Mr. Pond's to set my watch by his in order to regulate it. I then went to the barn and finished repairing the flour sifter. MAR 22 FRIDAY - Cloudy and windy. It was frozen in the morning, but thawed during the day. The moon shone at times through the clouds in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. I came from work by way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I also got the Sunday School papers at the news office. After tea, John Bouton came over with his wife to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at Widow Thomas Barnum's. Mother Griswold stayed with Georgie to let John and I go into the street. I went to Randell & Bradley's and paid $3.25 for the kit of mackerel they brought me today. I also called at D. B. Booth's office to see if the $100 bounty for George had come. After the arrival of the mail John and myself walked up together. He stayed with me until the women came from the Sewing Society. In the meantime, he read off the names for me to write on the Sunday School papers. MAR 23 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. As I went, I carried a pumpkin down to the Post Office for Joseph Kyle. He was to get it from there. I came home leaving Gussie to do some trading and I went up home to see Mother who has been sick. I carried some rotten specked apples up to them and a letter to Harriet which came enclosed in one to me from George. I stayed until 10 o'clock. MAR 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy; warm and very muddy. I went down to church in the morning with the Sunday School papers and arranged them with the lot which came the week before for distribtion this noon. I then went to the barber's and got shaved. Homer Peters and I came home in time to let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went up on Deer Hill to see Mother. I wrote to George and enclosed samples of muslin to aid him in buying some for shirting. I also wrote to the Book Room ordering another copy of the Sunday School Journal. I went over to Mr. Pond's to get 50 cents changed that I might enclose 35 cents for the paper and stayed and talked until nearly meeting time. Gussie returned just in time to let me go to evening meeting which I did mailing as I went the two letters I wrote. Missionary Collection in church today. MAR 25 MONDAY - I woke and found it raining this morning. It soon stopped and rained no more during the day, but remained cloudy. Mrs. Stone washed for us. I worked as usual in the shop. I had pearl cassimeres weighed out for the first time. The Board of Registration met today and a large number were made freedmen. They meet again on Wednesday. While we were at tea, Frank Bouton came in to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at George Starr's. After they were gone, I went over to see Henry Blair a few minutes. From there, I went down to the Post Office and returned home, not wanting to leave Georgie longer alone in the house. A Democratic meeting at Concert Hall this evening. Babcock from New Haven was expected, but did not come. John Bouton called about 9 o'clock and waited for the women to return from the Sewing Society. MARCH 26 TUESDAY - Pleasant. As I went to the shop this morning, I went by way of George Starr's and carried a rubber Gussie borrowed there last evening. I also went to S.S. Peck's store and bought 50 cents worth of pulverized sugar for frosting cake and ordered it sent home as Gussie is to make cake today for the oyster supper at the church tomorrow evening. I have worked on pearl cassimeres today, it is very hard work. When I came from work, I brought two cassimere hats each a different style for Mr. Pond to select from as he is to have a new hat. Georgie is quite sick today, a sore throat. He has taken cold, I think, from going out bareheaded and getting his feet wet yesterday. Susan Brayman and Mrs. Short came in while we were at tea to go with Gussie over to Frank Bouton's to a carpet rag bee. As soon as tea was over, they all went leaving me with Georgie. Theodore Tilton speaks tonight in Concert hall ' Subject ' 'Reconstruction'. After the arrival of the mail, Bell came here from the street to stay all night and brought me a letter from George. I sat down and wrote a reply, but shall defer mailing it until tomorrow evening to wait the result of the board of registration to see if his name is taken from the list of voters that I may add to the letter regarding it. MARCH 27 MONDAY - As I went to work this morning, I left word on Dr. Buckley's slate to have him come and see Georgie who is no better. He came about 10:30 o'clock A.M. and pronounced it a severe case of sore throat and not Diphtheria as we feared. Bell, who stayed last night with us, stayed until after breakfast and then went home and returned again just before tea to stay with Georgie to let Gussie and I attend the Oyster Supper at the church, the proceeds of which are to help furnish the new parsonage. I, according to appointment, acted as doorkeeper with John Bouton. We had a good time, it being nearly 12 o'clock when we came home. As I went down to the church early in the evening, I mailed a letter to George with a note to the 'Great American Tea Company' requesting a pound of their best oolong tea if they have any better than what I bought March 9th. George is to get it if he has time. I told George that he was alright and could vote and I enclosed $5.00 for him to come home expecting the Republican Committee will refund to me. I sold the Sewing Society one pound of tea for the Oyster Supper. MARCH 28 THURSDAY - Squally, cloudy, cold (not freezing) but muddy. Bell stayed with us last night. We were limited to one dozen hats in the shop today. I finished mine about the middle of the P.M. Mr. Pond's new hat being trimmed, I took it over to the curling shop and had it curled and brought it home with me. Before tea, I went for Dr. Buckley, we fearing that Georgie had the Diphtheria. He came but said our fears were groundless, there being no symptoms of the dread disease. Just before tea, I took Mr. Pond's hat over to him. He was well pleased with it. I went to the Post Office and to market in the evening. MARCH 29 FRIDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle's brother-in-law came to the shop today with the brooms the men engaged of Joe. I took a dozen at $4.00. I divided them with Mother Griswold, Mother Purdy and Mr. Pond. Gussie got pay today for the 5 lbs. of coffee I got for Father Griswold in New York on March 9th. Also for a half lb. of tea I sold to the Ladies' Aid Society. Bell came down just at night to stay this evening with Georgie to let Gussie go with me to hear Horace Greeley in Concert hall. She is to stay all night. Just before tea, Freddie Dunning came over to buy a pound of coffee which I promised his father. We attended the lecture as we intended and got home after it about 11 o'clock. MARCH 30 SATURDAY - A beautiful spring day. I took Mr. Pond's hat back with me to the shop this morning to have the trimming reversed, his head being such shaped that the back of the hat put in front fits his head best. George Benjamin and John Morris got into a quarrel today about politics. Loud words and hard names passed between them, but no blows were exchanged. After tea, Gussie and I went to Dr. Buckley's for more medicine for Georgie. We went to market and then to the depot to meet George who came on the evening train to vote next Monday. He went home with Gussie and I. I went to the caucus to nominate representatives to the Legislature. Saul Mallory and Grandison Foot were nominated. After the nominations, the meeting was organized into a club meeting. I then left them and came home where I found George taking tea. He brought me a pound of oolong tea from the Great American Tea Company of a better quality than the last lot I bought. He stayed until nearly 10 o'clock and then went home with Bell who came down about dark and stayed with Georgie while we went into the street. MARCH 31 SUNDAY - Brother George came this way to church this morning and went with Gussie. She returned at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I returned immediately after school to let her return to attend Jennie Humphrey's funeral which was held at the church in place of the P.M. service. As I returned, I went to Charles Stevens and engaged his horse and buggy to for Brother Lockwood in Bethel to sing for us this evening. George went home from Sunday School with William Warren and stayed until 3 P.M. and then came here to tea, after which I went with George Stevens with his father's horse and buggy to Bethel for Benjamin Lockwood to lead our choir this evening, it being Brother Peck's farewell sermon. The house was crowded to overflowing. As soon as he finished his sermon, George Stevens and I went out and went to his father's and harnessed and came to the church as soon as the meeting was closed and took Mr. Lockwood home again. I helped him take care of the horse when we returned. Harriet Purdy sent by George for a half pound of tea. I let her have it for 50 cents.
1867-03
Horace Purdy Journal November 1866 Entry
15pgs
NOV 01 THURSDAY - Cool and pleasant. Wrote to Carlton & Porter before breakfast ordering 5 one dollar medals. As I went to work, I mailed it with one to Tibbel’s for Centenary books and papers. I had work all day in the shop. Mr. Warren was married this P.M. at 4 o’clock and took the train for Newark, New Jersey. George stood up with him with Charlotte, his wife’s sister. They accompanied them as far as Norwalk and returned on the evening train. I consulted D. B. Booth in the evening about the time of a bank account being outlawed, having in view factorizing Fred Jennings. After the wedding, Gussie went up on Deer Hill for Georgie where he has been since Sunday. Before retiring, I wrote to Edwin to have him send Serine’s butter direct to me. Mrs. Stone was in a while in the evening. As she went home, I sent the letter to the Office by her. The “Columbian” baseball Club of this town went to New Milford today to play a match game with “Weannitaug” of that town. The game stood Weannitaug 14, Columbians, 60. NOV 02 FRIDAY - Beautiful day. I went to the shop early and finished off my work and went to Mrs. Blair’s for the dog that had just come home from George Beebe’s who stole him last Tuesday. I came home and George with me started on a hunting excursion. I borrowed McDonald’s gun for George. We started out between Town and Middle Mountain, across Middle and up the valley between Middle and Thomas. We got 3 woodcock, 3 quails and a lark. George went home and changed his clothing and came down and took tea with us. I came home with a severe headache but felt better after tea. George and Gussie went up in the evening to see Henry Hinman and wife and Harriet at Mr. Jabine’s. NOV 03 SATURDAY - George came this way this morning as he went to the depot to start for Brooklyn. I gave him some apples to take to Louise Jones and went with him to the depot. I went to the shop, but there was no work. I came home and cleaned Mr. McDonald’s gun that George used yesterday and took it home. I then went to the shop and got my pay and came home to dinner, Stopping at the Post Office on the way and got the Centenary papers and books which I ordered a few days ago. After dinner, I pulled my beets and parsnips and put them in sand in the cellar. I also sorted my apples in Father Griswold’s barn. I went to market in the evening, gave my account with Fred Jennings for rent in 1859 to Constable Crosby for prosecution. Bought a pair of rubber boots of C. H. Reed and brought them home –price $5.00. I got them on credit. Received by mail the five medals I ordered on Thursday at the Book Room. I got a receipted bill today of A. G. Crosby for my winter’s coal. NOV 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the forenoon, but cloudy and cool in the P.M. While we were eating breakfast, Mr. Curtis came over with some bones, bits of meat, etc. from the market for the dog. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. Our new preacher, Brother Peck preached for us for the first time today. I wrote to the “Book Room” ordering more Sunday School Advocates. Also lessons for every Sunday in the year and a few easy lessons. I attended church in the evening and mailed it as I went. NOV 05 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. It froze all day in the shade. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Mr. Curtis took Blair’s gun on trial to hunt with today. I let him take “Bird” also. A letter from George with $10 enclosed to pay borrowed money when Mr. Warren was married. Paid for rubber boots and bought a pair of leather gloves of Benedict & Nichols for $.90. I answered George’s letter and mailed it in the evening. I gathered the remaining few sweet apples by the south door. NOV 06 TUESDAY - Cold last night but a little warmer today. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I picked a little sweet corn which was left I the garden and then pulled up the stalks. I went to market in the evening and called on Charles Crosby to see if he collected for me the $10.00 of Fred Jennings who is working at Rundle & Whites. He could not get it as there was nothing coming to him on the books. I also inquired of D. B Booth about the time allowed soldiers to send in their claims to government for bounties on behalf of George. I came home early to let Gussie go down and see about a new hat. Election in New York and a number of other states today. NOV 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work nearly all day in the shop. I received lesson books, easy lessons, and Sunday School Advocates for the Sunday School. After shop work, I put the rest of my cabbages in the cellar. Gussie went to the milliner’s in the evening while I stayed with Georgie and marked off the Sunday School Advocates. William H. Hanford was buried yesterday in Norwalk. He died in New York City. NOV 08 THURSDAY - A warm pleasant day. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I took Bird, the dog, over home to see his mistress and to get some remnants they had saved for him. I made some arrangements with Mr. Curtis to go hunting tomorrow (there being no more work this week for me). I went to market in the evening and received a letter from George by the evening mail concerning soldiers’ bounty, etc. Before retiring, I wrote a reply. Gussie took Georgie up home in order to be able to attend Rev. Mr. Stone’s child’s funeral this P.M. Bell came home with him in the evening and broke the handle to the carriage. NOV 09 FRIDAY - A warm, pleasant day. Mr. Curtis and I went out hunting. George Sears died this morning. I received a letter this evening from Henry Blair saying that he had made arrangements with George Beebe of Brookfield of Brookfield to take Bird for the winter and asked me to give him up when Beebe calls for him. I was surprised and disappointed but penned a reply that I would cheerfully give him up though I regretted to lose him. I went to the office before retiring. Susan Brayman and Sarah Coles called early in the evening and Gussie went with them up to see Anna Hinman. NOV 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. I went hunting with Mr. Curtis. We returned about 5 P.M. After tea, I went into the street to do some errands and returned early to let Gussie go to the milliner’s. NOV 11 SUNDAY - I am 31 years old today, if I was born in 1835. If in 1834 (as there is some doubt in my mind about it owing to a mistake in our family records), I am 32 years old. I felt rather old this morning, the result of the last two days’ hunting trips. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School after which I came home without staying to the Communion Service I the P.M. Cloudy all day and about 9 ½ o’clock in the evening, it commenced raining. After tea, I copied a list of subscribers to the Sunday School Centenary Fund to send to New York for publication. Gussie completed a letter this evening to Cousin Eliza in California. NOV 13 MONDAY - But little rain this morning. Cloudy this morning. It came off pleasant in the P.M. and grew colder. I went to the shop expecting work, but there was none. George Beebe came and took “Bird” (Blair’s dog) this morning. I went over to Mr. McDonald’s before dinner and got the handle to the baby carriage which he has been mending for me. I also fastened the wormer on the ram rod to my gun, which came off the other day. In the P.M., I repaired my inside cellar door and shoveled over a pile of muck and manure and wheeled it onto the north side of my garden, which job lasted me until dark. I gave on subscription $.50 to the widow of George Sears. A meteoric shower looked for tomorrow bout 3 o’clock, it being an event occurring about once in 33 years. NOV 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant. The meteoric shower expected this morning did not appear. It will confidently be looked for tomorrow morning. I had work all day in the shop. Father Griswold came home today from Hartford and brought the remains of infant daughter, who died at the age of ___years ___ ago. As I came home from work, I took a letter from the office from Edwin saying that he could not furnish Oscar Serine the butter he wanted. Gussie went to the milliner’s in the evening. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie while I went over to Mr. Pond’s and held lamp for him to finish off a partition in his cellar. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Edwin’s letter. NOV 14 WEDNESDAY - The meteoric shower did not appear this morning as expected. I went to the shop and finished off2 hats left over from yesterday; there being no more to do, I came home. I went to the church and opened the Infant Class Collection Box and took from it $1.55 and added to their amount of Centenary money. I then got from the Danbury Bank, a draft of $31.07 and mailed to Carlton & Porter, the same being the balance of the Centenary Fund on hand, making total sent $392.37. I also wrote to Henry Blair about his unfair treatment to me in taking away his dog. As I went to the shop in the morning, I mailed to Edwin a reply to his stating that he could not supply Oscar Serine the butter he wanted. Gussie dyed yellow for carpet bags this forenoon. I worked around home in the P.M. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond’s and held lamp for him to work in his cellar until about 8 o’clock when I went to market. NOV 15 THURSDAY - I sat up a portion of last night to watch for the metric (meteor) shower but the latter part of the night was too cloudy to see if it had appeared. It either came in the daytime or the clouds prevented us from viewing it in the night. It has been stormy today. I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I have been sick this P.M. with a headache caused doubtless from sitting up last night. After tea, I felt better and went to market. It rained steady in the evening. NOV 16 FRIDAY - A hard rainstorm last night which drove into the house through the roof in a shocking manner. I went to the shop this morning, expecting work, but the few hats which they intended to have finished did not give satisfaction and they were left. I went from there down to the courthouse expecting to hear an argument between the councils on the Great Adams Express Robbery case. But the principal counsel on the part of the prisoners, Judge Stewart of New York being absent, the judge threw it out of court and now it remains only to sentence the prisoners, they having been convicted. When the verdict before the prisoners was brought in, their counsel (Stewart) asked for an arrest of judgment claiming that one of the jury had previously expressed an opinion in the case thereby making the verdict illegal. Sentence was therefore postponed in order that there might be a hearing regarding the juryman in question and this morning was set apart for that purpose. Father Griswold gave me a wheelbarrow load of Hubbard Squash. I went into the street early to order blue ink, made at the druggist, one pint for dying purposes. I came home to let Gussie go to Mrs. Keeler’s to get a dress plaited. Louise came down and took care of Georgie in the evening. Georgie is two years old today. NOV 17 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop this morning expecting work, but there was none. It being payday, I got my account cashed by John Greene - $14.00. I came home about 11 o’clock and found Gussie gone again with the baby. I made a new slide of a draft in Father’s stove. I got a piece of tinder to repair my gate. I nailed down the siding on the south side of my house on the upper story. It had warped and sprung up so that the rain drove under and came into the house. Gussie returned about 6 o’clock with Bell, having left Georgie up home to stay all night. Bell took the stove draft I made for Father and Georgie’s night clothes and went home while Gussie and I went to market. We bought a pint of blue ink at the druggist for dying purposes. NOV 18 SUNDAY - Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I stayed home to wait for Georgie to come home from Deer Hill. Soon after Gussie went to church, Father came with him. He is not very well. We think he is troubled with worms. I went to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. Mother was to church in the afternoon and came home with me to tea. After tea, I went up home and got some fig paste of Mother to give Georgie. John Brayman was up there and walked down with me as I returned. I brought Father’s parlor stove’s door home with me to fit in the draft I made for him yesterday. I shall try and do it sometime this week. I wrote to Carlton & Porte ordering one dozen No. 1 catechisms for the Sunday School. Bell and Mrs. Stone called just before evening meeting time. I went to church in the evening. Brother Peck preached from the 4th verse of 23rd Psalm, a good sermon. NOV 19 MONDAY - Cloudy a great part of the day but no rain and warm for November. I had work all day in the shop. I went to market for Mother Griswold in the evening and called on Dr. Bulkley who is quite poorly having symptoms of worms. I received by mail three copies of “The Great American Tea Company Advocate”. NOV 20 TUESDAY - A little rain last night; also a little this morning. Cloudy during the day but the moon shone in the evening. It has been quite warm for the season. I fitted the new damper in Father’s parlor stove this forenoon. We took dinner at Mother Griswold’s. In the P.M., I went into the street and bought some putty and spent the last part of the P. M. stopping with putty the cracks and crevasses in the siding of my house where I think it leaks – upper story, south side, over the wing roof. I begin to think the trouble with Georgie is constipation as we gave him an injection to move his bowels this morning and he has appeared like a different child since. The trustees of the church had a meeting last evening at which they decided to move off the old parsonage building and build a new one. Bell called a short time this P.M. Charles Crosby told me today that he had served the writ on Fred Jennings last Saturday factorizing Rundle & White, his employers, the $10.00 he owes me and that he, Jennings refuses to pay it saying that he does not owe me. The bill will come, so Crosby tells me on the ___. Gussie having to go out to the street this evening to do some shopping, I stayed at home with Georgie to let her go. NOV 21 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I went in the morning to see D. B. Booth about the writ served to collect from Fred Jennings what he owes me and found that Booth had made a mistake in the date of the papers. He dated it Nov. 31 for the trial, which killed the document and the proceedings therefore are a failure. I got some thick paint of A. Knox to put in the shrunken places of the siding of my house and used a part of it. Night coming on prevented me from completing the job. I had a severe headache when I stopped work. I did not feel able to go out in the evening. Gussie went up home on Deer Hill for some washing fluid and carried Father’s stove door which I have been putting on a new damper. NOV 22 THURSDAY - First snow storm. It commenced about 9 A.M. and continued more or less during the day, but melted about as fast as it came down. I went to the shop and finished seven hats and then came home before dinner sick. Climbing around on the roof yesterday and a cold taken at the same time is the cause of it. Received Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School journals with a dozen No. 1 catechisms from New York, also a receipt for $31.37 for Sunday School Centenary money previously sent. I felt better after tea. Louise came down in the evening with a pair of socks from Mother Griswold which was Father Griswold’s and too small for him. I can wear them and she gave them to me. NOV 23 FRIDAY - It has been cooler today. It has snowed a little at times through the day. I feel miserable today, though better than yesterday. I worked in the ship until the middle of the P.M. I took a letter from the Office this morning which came from George last night. Another again from him by the morning mail. He has been sick most of the time since he returned to Brooklyn. He has but little work to do and little pay for doing it. I wrote a hasty letter to him by the afternoon mail and another more at length this evening advising him to come home if he could not earn his board. The bell tolled this morning for Wilie Crosby, son of Judah Crosby of Mill Plain. I wrote this evening also to the publishers of the Methodist inquiring about new subscribers in getting up a club. Gussie sold a roll of salve this morning to Amos Purdy. NOV 24 SATURDAY - Cold; but little bright sunshine during the day. I had work all day in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left the Sunday School papers and some catechisms at church. John McNamee bought my feed cutter of me today. I am to wait awhile for the pay - $9.00. I went to market in the evening and to the depot to see if George would come as I somewhat expected him. NOV 25 SUNDAY - Squalls of snow in the morning. Just before breakfast, “Bird” H. Blair’s dog (which I had kept for him about a month in Oct and Nov. and has been since with George Beebe on Stony Hill) came into the yard very unexpectedly. He came in and we gave him his breakfast after which I took him over to Mrs. Blair’s knowing that I had no right to keep him, but she wished me to take him home with me and secure him so that Beebe should not get him again until Henry comes home on Thanksgiving. I did as she requested. Gussie attended church this morning. I went down to Sunday School. I worked at renumbering some of the library books so long after school that I did not get to the afternoon meeting. I received for the Sunday School Centenary Fund another dollar from Theo Lyon’s class I mailed it to William Hoyt 200 Mulberry Street New York, The general Secretary of the Centenary Society. Gussie went with Louise at 5 o’clock to the Band of Hope. In the meantime, Mrs. Stone and Susan Brayman called and stayed until church time. I attended church in the evening. Brother Peck preached an excellent sermon from St. John, 10:28. NOV 26 MONDAY - Pleasant and I think a little warmer though pretty cool today. It remained hard frozen in the shade all day. I went to the shop and finished of some hats left over from Saturday and then came home with the sick headache, leaving what little work there was to be done today over until tomorrow. I felt better just at night and went to market and bought a bear’s pluck for “Bird” and then went up home to see Mother about writing for Aunt Abby and Eddie Palmer to come and spend Thanksgiving with us. I found that she had written for them last Saturday. I then came home to tea. In the evening, I went into the street and got pay of George Crofut & Son for two of the three sifters left there which had been sold. - $1.60 – there being still one left there not sold. I then went to the depot somewhat expecting George, but he did not come. Borrowed chain at Charles Hull’s for dog. NOV 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I had work until noon in the shop. In the P.M., I repaired my front gate. Before tea, I went over home with Bird to let him have a run to stretch his legs after being chained all day. Mrs. Blair gave me a small pail of scrapings to bring home and feed him. I went to market in the evening and got a small bottle of ale for Georgie to see if it will do him good. I called at Miss Adams and got Gussie’s straw jockey which she has been pressing over into a gladiator for her. George Tracy was married this P.M. at 3 o’clock to Laura Wildman. NOV 28 WEDNESDAY - Warm, but little sunshine. Showers of rain during the P.M. I went to the shop this forenoon to get my pay (which was postponed until today on account of Thanksgiving). I took my chisels down and ground them while waiting for my pay. When I returned, I oiled all of my tools. After dinner, I raked off a part of my dooryard and then went as far as Mount Thomas with my gun and dog. I went more to give Bird a little run than anything else. I got no game. In the evening, I went to the depot to meet George and Aunt Abby and Eddie Palmer if they should come. I saw Sherman Smith who came in from Brooklyn yesterday. He says George is not coming home. The train was an hour and 40 minutes behind time. It did not arrive until 20 minutes before 10 o’clock. A rainbow in the east just before sundown. NOV 29 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Henry Blair came today over for his dog. I went to the depot this morning at 10 O’clock to meet Aunt Abby and Eddie Palmer, but they did not come. So we went up home to help our folks eat their turkey. I went down to Bunker’s (?) and got 3 quarts of ____ for dinner. We left Georgie up there to stay all night and came home ourselves just after dark. Gussie went over to John Bouton’s in the evening; I retired before she returned. NOV 30 FRIDAY - The same kind of weather as yesterday and the day before. A little sunshine, cloudy and occasional showers of rain. Just before night the wind blew up colder and gave signs of coming off clear and cold, but did not do so before retiring. I went to D.B. Booth’s office at 9 A.M. and got papers applying for additional bounty for George made out ready for his signature and witnesses and am to send to him by Sherman Smith tomorrow who works with him in Brooklyn. George is to see them properly signed and remail them to D. B. Booth. In the P. M., I got some mortar of Lyman Richards and added a little lime to it (which it needed) and went on to my house and painted my chimney. The mortar between the bricks being nearly all washed out and I feared it would be tumbling down some windy day. I too up fennel roots in the P.M. Mother sent down a baked chicken, a mince pie, a turkey leg and a half loaf of cake to send to George. I put them up carefully in a bundle and then wrote a letter to George. About 8 o’clock and while Gussie was downtown, Sherman Smith and his lady Miss Bennett called for the bundles and letter to George which I gave them. Another rainbow in the north this time just before sundown.
1866-11
Horace Purdy Journal January 1866 Entry
10pgs
JAN 01 MONDAY - Warm, cloudy, misty, but no rain to speak of. The sleighing is entirely used up. The baby, who was quite sick yesterday and who had the doctor, is better today. Talked with an agent of the “Aetna” at the shop about life insurance. After tea, I went into the street to see if I could exchange a syringe at Dr. Baldwin’s where I bought it for another as mine has a defect about it; it leaks air. I could not exchange it. I called to see Dr. Bulkeley at his office about Georgie. I bought a box of figs for $1.25 – 4 ¾ lbs. – and then came home. Gussie cut out 4 shirts for me today. JAN 02 TUESDAY - The ground was a little frozen this morning. It thawed a little, notwithstanding it was cloudy all day. I worked all day in the shop as usual. On my way to work this morning, I ordered a cart of feed for the horse at Crofut’s. Ellen Dare from Bethel was up and took dinner with Gussie. Maria and Caroline Mills were up also. They gave Gussie a call and then went up to Mother’s. As I came home from work in the P.M., I paid 50 cents for six months box rent ending July 1, 1866. Annual Meeting of the Hat Finishers’ Association in the evening. Election of officers. The old officers were elected as follows: for President: Victor W. Benedict; Vice-president: Abram Chichester; Secretary: William Withespoon; Treasurer: Calvin R. Dunning. JAN 03 WEDNESDAY - A light fall of snow last night. Father took the horse and carried Mrs. William Nab to Bethel and got a dollar for it. Bell is very sick again with lung fever. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to do some shopping. A one armed man at the shop today soliciting help; I gave him 10 cents. JAN 04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and colder in the after part of the day. After tea, I jumped on Old Jim and rode up home to see Bell. From there, I rode down to market. When I came home, I found John Brayman waiting to see me about moving the remains of John, William and Abagail from the Mill Plain Burying Ground to our lot in the cemetery. George has been calculating to do it tomorrow, but Father and I think it best to defer it until next spring. I arranged with John to get the horse’s shoes reset tomorrow. When George came down to go to meeting, He brought us two chickens from Mother. JAN 05 FRIDAY - Very cold. As I went for milk in the morning, I called at John Brayman’s to see if he would take the horse over to McDonald’s and get one of his shoes reset. I found him still in bed with a terrible headache, having had it all night. George came for a piece of corned beef and rode Jim up home and lost off the shoe, so he went and had it put on again. On my way home from work, I took a bill out from the post office from Joseph Ives for a lamp top – 20 cents, I bought October 12th. I having once paid for it, I went in the evening and had it rectified. After tea, I took Old Jim and rode into the street to see Ives. Bought 3 oranges for 15 cents for bell and rode up home with them to see her. After evening meeting, George called and I went up to Father Griswold’s for a pitcher of cider. JAN 06 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a very little warmer than yesterday. I worked as usual in the shop. It being pay day, I drew $30.62. Gussie went up to see Bell this P.M. After tea, Gussie went into the street to do a little shopping. When she returned, I borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Jim up home. I rode back into the street and bought the best beefsteak I could as the Doctor had ordered a little for her. The two Dr. Bennetts went to see her just at night and gave but little encouragement. If she gets over the fever, they think it will leave her with the consumption. JAN 07 SUNDAY - I woke and found that it had been and still was snowing, about 3 inches. – the 7th snowstorm. It cleared off before meeting time. Cold and blustering, a severe day to be out. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School; came home without going in the P.M. George came home with me and stayed to supper. After supper, he harnessed Old Jim, took George Starr’s carriage and went to Bethel for the Presiding Elder, Mead and Mr. Lockwood, our chorister and brought them up to church. As he started for Bethel, Gussie and I rode up home with him and stayed until he returned when he came for us and carried us home. Bell is very sick; she will probably never get well. We left Georgie with Mother Griswold while we were gone. I made out a quarterly report of the Sunday School for Brother Hill to give the Presiding Elder at Quarterly Conference this evening. I sent by George as neither Gussie nor I went out in the evening. JAN 08 MONDAY - Very, very cold. The mercury stood as low as 20 degrees below zero. I was sick last night (a bowel complaint), have felt poorly today and in consequence have not been to work. We kept both stoves going with a good fire all of last night and thereby kept the house comfortable. Brother Hill called to see me about 4 P.M. about the Methodist which I had talked about subscribing for. I concluded to take it and paid him $2.00 for it. He prayed with us before he left. He went with me to the barn to see the horse. From there, he went over to see Allen McDonald and I to borrow Charles Stevens’ saddle to ride up home to see Bell. I went down and bought a ½ pint of Madeira wine for bell with which to make wine whey. I then came back and went to McDonald’s for some milk and carried up home to Mother. While there, George too Jim and rode downtown on an errand. When he returned, I came home. While up there I gave Mother $2.00 which Fanny gave me from the church poor fund. Louise came down and spent the evening with us. About 8 o’clock the chimney to the north apartment of Gregory’s tenement house on the corner (formerly L. Nichols’ old Hat Shop) took fire and quite an excitement prevailed for a short time. There were reports that a large fire was raging in New Haven and no water to be had on account of the cold, all the hydrants being frozen up. Bell is a little more comfortable today. JAN 09 TUESDAY - Very cold but not so cold as yesterday. Was sick again last night and nearly all of today with diarrhea caused by eating chicken pie. After dinner, I made a cover for my guns. In the meantime, John Brayman’s wife came in and Gussie went with her over to one of Gregory’s houses to look at it with a view to renting it next April. Between 3 and 4 o’clock, I rode Old Jim down to the shop and then up home to see Bell. One of his shoes came off and I went down to Center Street and had them all reset and sharpened. It cost $1.00. While we were drinking tea, Mary Purdy called a few minutes to inquire about Bell. I went to market in the evening. JAN 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and mild. I went to the shop today for the first time this week. George called at the shop after dinner and told me that Bell was worse. Gussie went up to see her in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went over to Mrs. Hurd’s and borrowed a bed pan. I rode Jim down to market and then took the pan and carried it up home. Bell thought oysters would taste good so I rode back into the street and bought ½ peck for her. She is more easy this evening. She is now taking opium pills which accounts for it. JAN 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Before I went to work in the morning, Sarah Purdy called in to inquire about Bell. As I came home from work in the evening, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. After tea, I addled Jim and went to market and then up home to see Bell. Mother broke a lamp chimney, so I rode back into the street and got a new one for her. They moved Bell from the bedroom into the parlor today. Sarah Purdy went up and helped Mother today and then came again in the evening to watch with Bell for the night, she being the first to watch outside of the family. She is no better. Dr. Bennett thinks that the chances are against her. JAN 12 THURSDAY - But little sunshine today. A snow squall in the morning. John Brayman had the horse this forenoon to got to Bethel to see some of the Hat Makers about Henry Heinman’s case as the men at T. & E Tweedy’s have turned out against him as an apprentice.; as he went he took his wife and Gussie to see Bell and brought them home again as he returned. Father then carried Amos Purdy’s wife up to sit by Bell in the P.M. Before tea, George rode up to Russell Wildman’s and engaged Lucy to watch. After meeting he took the horse and went for her. He is to keep the horse up there tonight. Mary Purdy came in as we were drinking tea, after which, she and Gussie went up home again to see Bell. Hanson E. Smith got married last night. George had his time given him today at foul hat finishing. Robert Cocking paid his December rent to Gussie today - $3.00. Since writing the above, George has concluded to return the horse tonight. JAN 13 SATURDAY - Warm and pleasant with the exception of a short splatter or rain between 4 and 5 o’clock in the P.M. which came up sudden and was as soon over. John Brush and John Green paid me $1.50 each for sifters to be handed to George, which I did in the evening. I tried to buy some oranges for Bell as I came home from work, but could find none in town. George came in about 9 o’clock to get the team and carry Mrs. Amos Purdy up home to watch with Bell. When he returned with the horse we mended the harness and nailed up a small box on the manger for salt for the horse. JAN 14 SUNDAY - A very little snow about 6 ½ o’clock this morning, not enough to whiten the ground. George at that time came down for the horse to take Mrs. Purdy home from watching with Bell last night. I rode back home with him and returned with the horse to let him eat before going to Bethel for our chorister, Mr. Lockwood, as he agreed to go for him. He borrowed Brother McDonald’s carriage to go with. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. And I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service which was the sacrament. There were two ladies baptized. George carried Mr. Lockwood home again in the P.M. John Brayman called in the evening. Gussie went to 1st church in the evening to a lecture on temperance by Rev. Mr. VanZant. JAN 15 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cold this morning. The mercury stood at zero in the morning. It clouded over in the P.M. with the appearance of a storm when I retired. I went before the “Board of Relief” before going to work in the morning and swore off the eleven hundred dollars I owe Aaron Mallet in Redding. On my way, I stopped and ordered 3 bushels of oats at Crofut’s and paid for the same - $2.25. In the evening, I ordered 1o lbs. of buckwheat flour and paid for that also – 60 cents. In the evening, I rode the horse to market and up home to see Bell. While there, Joseph W. Allen and Brother Everett called in company with Ann Delavan who came to watch with Bell. George borrowed Mr. Judd’s hay cutter and cut up a heap of hay. While driving in the yard with it, the limb of a tree under which he was passing caught the cutter and turned it out with the seat together with George. Fortunately, neither he was hurt or the cutter broken. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. JAN 16 TUESDAY - It was snowing when we woke this morning, making the 8th snowstorm. It was about 4 ½ inches deep. It soon ceased snowing; it cleared off pleasant in the P.M. George came over before breakfast for the horse with which to carry Mrs. Delavan home. The oats which I ordered came yesterday; also the buckwheat cake flour. Louise came down and stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie and I go to hear Frederick Douglass lecture. It is the first time I ever heard or saw the man. It was 10 o’clock when we got home. JAN 17 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and with the horse, I took my first sleigh ride by taking Gussie up home to see Bell. I went down to the church and when meeting was out took Fanny over to Dr. Brown’s and got the bundles of work belonging to the Sewing Society and brought them to Father Griswold’s where the Society will meet on Friday P.M. I then took Fanny up home to watch with Bell tonight and then brought Gussie home. After going home with the sleigh and putting up the horse, I mended the harness bridle (one of the blinds). Before retiring, I drew up a bill of prices for the shop, it being the one adopted November 14th and went into effect on the 20th., the same being a deduction of 2 % (?) per dozen on all qualities except No. 5. JAN 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. The sleighing is used up. I worked in the shop as usual. After tea, I took the horse up home to see Bell. She is better. From there I rode down to the Post Office and home. Before retiring, I went to Father Griswold’s for a small pitcher of cider with which a few walnuts was very good. JAN 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. The Sewing Society met at Father Griswold’s this P.M. and when I came from work, Gussie and Georgie were up there, so I went there for tea. George, having another order for sifters from Johnson in Newtown, I repaired the wagon where he broke it with a hay cutter in order that it could be used tomorrow. When I had finished repairs, we harnessed and went to the stores and borrowed 6 sifters to send to Mr. Johnson towards the dozen he ordered until George receives some next week when he will fill the balance of the order. JAN 20 SATURDAY - Cloudy, foggy and warm all day until about 5 o’clock when it rained for a time. It came off clear and colder in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Father went over to Newtown for George to take sifters to Mr. Johnson. He went as I started for work in the morning. I rode into Main Street with him. In the evening, I carried Sunday School papers down to the church to be ready for distribution tomorrow. I did a little marketing and came home. Before retiring, I drew up Sunday School classes in a new book for one of my assistant librarians (E. Barnum); it took me until midnight. JAN 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. George went to Bethel this morning for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister, and as he was turning into West Street, his horse fell on the ice. No damage was done. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, but was too sick with a headache to stay in the P.M. After supper, I was taken with vomiting, which made me feel better in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to meeting. George harnessed his horse and drove to church so that the horse would be ready after meeting to carry Mr. Lockwood to Bethel. I wrote to Carleton & Porter for I copy of the Sunday School Advocate and 4 copies of the Sunday School Journal which they failed to send in the last lot. Also a dozen of each No. 1 and No. 2 Catechism for 48 cents and 60 cents per dozen. I enclosed $1.08 for them. Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. JAN 23 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. George kept the horse up home last night and drove him down as he came to work this morning, bringing as he came the cot bed home to Amos Purdy’s which Bell has been using during her sickness. Had new copper bottoms put on our tea kettles. When I came home from the shop tonight, I had to kindle a fire in the sitting room stove, Gussie having let it burn out for the first time this winter. I did not go out in the evening, but sorted over my apples. JAN 23 TUESDAY - Cold and pleasant in the morning but before night the sun was obscured from sight. I went into the street in the evening to buy a set of bricks for my cooking stove. Gussie put Georgie in the carriage and went over to call on Mrs. Daniel Starr. JAN 24 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work I bought 1 ½ lbs. of smelt at Avery Raymond’s, called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, got a package of Sunday School Advocates at the News Office, and came home. George quit work early, harnessed the horse and went to the depot for a crate of sifters (2 dozen). I stayed with the baby and let Gussie go into the street in the evening. She brought home some bees wax and before retiring made some grease for Hat Finishers' irons for George. Father was down here today and Gussie got him to take Father Griswold’s hams over to Lockwood Olmstead’s to be smoked. JAN 25 THURSDAY - Three to four inches of snow on the ground this morning and still snowing. It soon stopped, however, but remained cloudy through the day. It rained a little about 5 P.M. I worked as usual in the shop. Bell has been poorly again today. We fear a relapse of the fever. I stayed with the baby in the evening and Gussie went to meeting. We are having meetings every night. The house is crowded and some evenings the altar is filled with those seeking religion. JAN 26 FRIDAY - It snowed a little again last night, making the 10th snow of the season. It has been a pleasant day. I worked as usual in the shop. I received a package by way of Day’s News Office (which I previously ordered) from Carlton & Porter containing 2 dozen Catechisms No. 1 and No. 2, one dozen of each and a late catalog of their publications. After tea, John Brayman came in to have me direct a letter from him to his mother-in-law as he wants her to come and attend his wife which he hourly expects to be confined. I rode Old Jim up home to see Bell. George then mounted him and rode into the street on an errand. I sent by him for some ale for Bell – 2 quarts. JAN 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. In the afternoon, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and took Louisa up home to see Bell. I then carried Gussie and Georgie up there, she not having seen Georgie since she has been sick. After supper, we got Louisa to stay in the evening with the baby and we went to Bethel to Mr. Dare’s for a sleigh ride. We got home again about 10 o’clock. JAN 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy before night. George had Mr. McDonald’s sleigh this morning to go to Bethel for the chorister, Mr. Lockwood. In fact, I arranged for the sleigh last night and kept it at my barn until George returned this morning when he took it home. Gussie went to church this morning and I to Sunday School at noon as usual and over to the 1st church in the P.M. to the Union Sunday School gathering. After tea, Gussie called over at John Brayman’s and stayed until nearly evening meeting time. Before meeting, George came for the horse with which to take Mr. Lockwood to Bethel after church. He had Mr. McKinsey’s sleigh. When he returns, he is to put the horse in the barn and rive him down in the morning. Gussie stayed at home and I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached an excellent sermon. JAN 29 MONDAY - Cloudy all day, but not very cold. Now and then, a flake of snow would be seen flying but no storms of any account. We were stinted in our work in the shop today, but the amount given was enough to last me until night. The seats in the church were rerented today. Gussie and Mrs. Bradley both were there and secured our old seat No. 31 for another year. After supper, I borrowed Charles Steven’s saddle and rode Old Jim down to the market and then up home to see Bell. JAN 30 TUESDAY - Another cloudy day. It commenced a fine rain or mist about 4 P.M. John Brayman had the horse today to go to Bethel. I gave him permission to sell or trade him off under certain conditions but he did not succeed in doing so, I believe. Father Griswold came down just before tea to talk with me about the trouble I am into with George by undersigning for him. Before taking the horse out this morning, John too him over to Mr. McDonald’s and had his shoes sharpened as he was not safe to drive with the roads being very slippery. JAN 31 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day; not a cloud to be seen and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went up home to see Bell today. She is better. I stayed home in the evening and did some writing for the Sunday School and let Gussie go to market.
1866-01
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1870 Entry
9pgs
4/1 I have sent the day mostly in running errands pertaining to Mother Griswold's sickness and watching railroad trains for Edwin who finally came by the Brewster Stage. Letter from George to Father in the evening mail asking for roots bark to cure jaundice. 4/2 I went over to the sewing machine factory in the forenoon to see James Ryder but he was not there. In the PM I answered George's letter to father about roots for medicine, also told him that Mother Griswold is yet living. 4/3 Mother Griswold died this morning at 2:20. She suffered intensely during her sickness until within 5 minutes of her death when pain seemed to cease and she died as if falling asleep. Mrs. [Reseleer] and Mrs. Amos Purdy laid her out. I wrote to George telling him of Mother Griswold's death and mailed it in the evening. 4/4 After breakfast, Father Griswold, Edwin and I went to the undertakers to select a coffin, then went to the cemetery to mark the place to have the grave dug. Before coming home I went down and voted (it being our state elections). About noon when Mr. Hawley came with the coffin, I borrowed their horse and went up for Father and Mother and brought them down to attend the funeral which was held at 2 ' o'clock at the house and 3 o'clock at the church. Mrs. Pond cooked dinner at her house for us all at Father Griswold's . She sent it all smoking hot at 5 o'clock. It was unusually kind of her to do so. 4/5 In the morning I took Elias B. Stevens hat to the Pahquioque Shop to be rebound and curled. Edwin went with me and from there we went up to Lacey's shop where he bought a Pearl Soft Hat for $1.75. We then met Father Griswold and Mr. Stevens at D. B. Booth's office where they were having some papers made out relative to Josie's pension. We also had a document drawn up giving Father Griswold power of attorney to manage and if necessary sell a parcel of land, 3 acres more or less, which is situated in Bloomfield and belonging to the old Webster farm now used by Uncle Lorenzo Burr. It belonged to Mother and now belonging to the children - Edwin, Fanny, Harriet and Gussie. We all signed the document making Father Griswold our attorney. Elias B. Stevens, Harriet's husband took the noon train for New Haven. After dinner, Mr. Pond took Edwin, Charlie Hayes and myself into the new school house and showed Edwin the rooms and explained the workings of the institution. It was very interesting to us all. We all contributed to purchase a book of poems called Yesterday, Today and Forever to present to Mr. and Mrs. Pond as a token of friendship for kindness rendered by cooking our dinner on the day Mother Griswold was buried. The book has not yet been presented. In the evening I went to market and then to the post office. I received a letter from George and one from T. E. Twitchell. I came home and spent the evening with Edwin up to Father Griswold's where we ate walnuts, apples etc. Edwin gave me a stopover check from Brewster Station to New York, which he had left when he came home. It will carry me to NY from Brewster station. Before retiring I wrote to T. E. Twitchell. 4/6 I rose early and wrote a letter to D. R. French at Bridgeport. Father Griswold, Edwin and Harriet took the morning train. Father Griswold for a conference at 7th St, NY, Edwin for Hartford, and Harriet for New Haven. I went to the depot with them and mailed the 2 letters I wrote. I carried to the news office a notice of the death of Mother Griswold to be inserted in that paper. In the forenoon I took George P. Foots application for life insurance. I paid Father Griswold's bill for burying his wife. After dinner I took hams to Mr. Olmstead's to be smoked for Father Griswold. I also paid William Day for digging the grave. I mailed George Foot's application in the PM. In the evening I went to the post office and got a for Charlie Hayes from his brother William. 4/7 I rose with a headache. Having the stopover check from Edwin and wishing to go to New York, Charlie and I took the stage for Brewster at 9 o'clock. At 12 ' o'clock we took the Harlem train for the City. We arrived there between 3 and 4 o'clock after a long and tiresome ride. I was very sick when I arrived. I called at Conference at the 7th St. Curch to give Father Griswold his pen which he left at home. I gave it to Brother Burch who I found standing on the corner of 7th St. and Bowery. Charlie Hayes and I went directly to his brother William's house at 415 Hudson St. where I took to a lounge feeling very sick. [Wife] Coburn gave me a dose of salt & water which enabled me to vomit. I then took a [Ledlitze] Powder which settled my stomach. Feeling better in the evening, Charlie and I went over to Conference. When we returned about 10 o'clock we found William at home. He had just arrived from Portland CT where he had been to look after shipping goods to Chicago IL where he is going next week to open a branch store for his employer, Heath & Smith. They made a bed for us on the floor of the parlor where we retired for the night. WIlilam H. Hayes and I went over to Newark in the forenoon to see Henry M. Day. We found him in his store at no. 6 Bank St. I endeavored to get some money from him but only got $4.00, but with articles I took from his store I made it $16.50. We returned to NY and went to the offices of the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co., 201 Beroadway, where I insured William's life for $1,500 with payments to be made quarterly. It was late when we returned to his home for dinner. After dinner I wnet over to Brooklyn to see George but found he had gone to New York for Conference. I waited for his return and took tea with him at his boarding place, after which he went back with me to NY to Conference where we stayed a short time and then he walked over to Hudson St. with me where we separated. 4/9 In the forenoon I visited the home office of the Ins. Co. again and got an additional supply of documents for prosecuting the life insurance business. After dinner, I called on J. E. Chapman, 177 Grand St., the Empire Spring Bed maker. Charlie Hayes went with me to the depot for the 4 ' PM train to start for home. I there met Father Griswold whose company I had home. After arriving home I stopped at my office and left a portion of my insurance documents. After tea I returned to the office with the remainder of them. George P. Foots policy was at the house. Gussie took it from the office while I was away. 4/10 I did not attend church during the day. Gussie went down with Georgie to Sunday School and stayed in the PM. At noon I took a walk up home to see how Bell was getting along. She is gaining very fast in health. I stayed about an hour. After supper, Gussie and Hattie Mills went up to the cemetery and Georgie and I took a walk around the square via Division St. I went to church in the evening. Victor W. Bedient preached, Brother Burch being gone and our new preacher not yet come, Conference being still in session. This was the first time I heard Victor. I think he did well. 4/11 I commenced painting on my house again this morning but the rain soon drove me off. I went down to the Pahquioque shop to notify George P. Foot that his life insurance policy had come all right. He expected to be able to take and pay for it next Saturday. I then went up to Mr. Rogers jewelry store to get a top mended for Georgie. Ireceived by the morning mail a paper 'The Liberal Christian' from the President of the Homeo. Mut. Ins. Co. in which was an advertisement of the company. Also a letter from Charles Gordon of Norwich, N.Y asking about the Connecticut spring bed. He wants to sell them. I wrote in reply referring him to J. E. Chapman of 177 Grand St. After dinner I took my invoice book and T. E. Twitchell's old spring bed bills down to my office and stuck them in for preservation and reference. I dug my vegitable oysters this noon. I gave Mrs. Pond a mess of them. After tea I went to the post office to mail my letter to Charles Gordon and one to Fanny. 4/12 Before breakfast I began to rake the leaves off my door yard. After breakfast I did some insurance writing then went up town to canvas a little for life insurance. On my way home to dinner I talked with George F. Larkin on life insurance. After dinner I went down to my office then went over to see Mr. Stevens, the gardener, about coming to help Father Griswold. I found him sick with a hard cold and a boil on his neck. I took an order for a spring bed this AM from William Barlow. Paid Theodore B. Bradley, Secretary of our Sunday School $18.89, balance due the leasing of the school since I vacated the position of Secretary and Treasurer last fall. I went to A. Knox for some putty, then came home, and used some of it preparatory to painting my house. In the evening I went down to my office. Received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French from Derby CT relative to the Brooklyn Life Ins. Co. 4/13 I watched last night with Mr. Garrison. Came home about 5 o'clock this morning and rested for an hour then I got up to breakfast. After, I commenced painting my house again. I painted until noon then went up to measure R. B. Glover's beadstead for a set of springs. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and talked life insurance a little. Horace Cable came this morning to tell me that W. J. Dick of Newtown had written to him about spring beds. 4/14 I finished off this morning the raking of my south front yard. Went up to Tweedy's in the forenoon and took a mess of vegetable oysters to Charles Gunn and took his order for a spring bed. After dinner I went up town again and took an order from Walter Fairweather for his second spring bed. Bell has been down to see us for the first time since her recent sickness. This evening I wrote to W. J. Dick concerning spring beds. 4/15 Fast Day. In the morning I finished raking off my door yard. I went down to my office before dinner. In the PM while at my office, I wrote to George about selling spring beds in Brooklyn for Mr. Chapman. I then took a walk up Spring St., then on Dr. Bennet's hill, past O. H. Swift's house and then home. After tea I went down to my office for a short time. Hattie Mills brought up from Bethel this evening some horse radish which I grated before retiring. 4/16 I rode to Bethel this morning with Mr. Hopkins, spent the day there canvasing for spring beds and for life insurance. I took George S. Ferry's application for life insurance. I took dinner with Aunt Harriet and came up on the evening train. I received a letter by the evening mail from T. E. Twitchell with a letter enclosed from Charles A. Gordon to him about spring beds. I wrote a reply and mailed it before leaving my office. While in Bethel I took Saul Ambler's order for a spring bed. 4/17 Gussie having a sore throat and some indications of a fever , did not go to church. None of us attended. In the afternoon I went down to consult Dr. Bulkely about Gussie but the medicines we were giving her were correct and he ordered us to continue them. Father Griswold is to preach this evening but on account of the rain I did not go out. 4/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's factory. In the afternoon mail, I mailed George P. Foot's policy back to the home office to get 'Connecticut' inserted as it was omitted on the blank requiring Town, County State to be named as the residence of the applicant. In the evening I mailed to D.R. French a report but no money being collected I of course had none to include. 4/19 I walked to Bethel in the morning to canvas for spring beds and for life insurance. I stopped as I went at G. M. Hoyt's and at Orin Benedicts. I spent the day in Bethel. I had George S. Ferry examined for a life insurance policy by Dr. [ Mather]. I took William Lawrence's order for a spring bed. I came home from Bethel on the evening train and after going home to tea I returned again to my business office and finished up the application I took today and mailed it. 4/20 In the forenoon I talked with Edmund Allen about life insurance. Received by the morning mail George P. Foots policy which I had sent back to be corrected. I went to Bethel by the noon train to talk life insurance with the people down there. I collected from John Mead $10.00 for William A. Bedient. I took a work train up from Bethel about 6 ' o'clock. I rode on the engine and it cost me nothing. I called to see Henry Berry in the evening about life insurance and to compare notes with the Asbury Life Ins. Co. 4/21 I received George S. Ferry's policy by the morning mail. After dinner, John Crosier drove his horses with me over to Newtown for me to see W. J. Dick, landlord of the hotel, about spring beds. He had gone to New Jersey so we drove back home again by way of Bethel and was caught in a hard shower which was part hail. I received by the evening mail a letter from William H. Hayes from Chicago, his first letter to me since he went out there. Before coming home I answered it at my office and mailed it as I came home. 4/22 I took two hats for Father Griswold to the Pahquioque hat shop to be repaired. I took me all forenoon between Mallory's shop, the Pahquioque and David Manley's little shop at his house. The Drab [Cossinere] I finished over at Pahquioque Shop and had it curled by David Manley. The other being a wire brim, I took it to Mallory's . In the PM I took Georgie to walk with me and took Father Griswold's old silk hat to Manley to be renovated. With passing Walter Fairweather's house, his wife called me to take the measure of a larger bed than the one I measured last week and bring it instead. I called at A. Knox to see if his new lot of paint had arrived. I had. I stopped at my office a few minutes with Georgie and then we came home. In the evening I wrote to J. H.Swertfager and to George Purdy. 4/23 I had Andrew Knox bring me this AM 5 gallons of paint. I put in for Charles Gunn a spring bed this forenoon. At Tweedy's factory, while taking payment for the bed, I met Mr. Hoag, agent for the Brooklyn Life Ins. Co. After dinner I went down to Crofut's shop to see George P. Foot about taking his policy. I then ordered from George Bell the ' ton of coal towards payment of Life Ins. premium. I then came home and painted on my house the rest of the day. In the evening I went down to the office. I received in the evening mail a letter from George. 4/24 Fanny called me up early this morning to go for the doctor for Louisa who was taken sick last night with the pleurisy. Our new pastor, William Hatfield preached for the first time today. Gussie went today and I in the evening. After supper I went up home for Georgie. Bell took him home with her yesterday to stay overnight. I wrote and mailed a letter to George in reply to his. I enclosed to him one of my spring bed circulars. 4/25 I painted all the PM on my house. Received in the morning mail from D. R. French the receipt for Joseph T. Bates 2nd quarter premium. There was a mistake in the figures. It was filled out for $18.84 when it should have been only $12.84. I immediately re-mailed it to him to be corrected. In the evening I went to my office where I saw George B. Bell who gave me $5.00 on his policy, making now $15.00 he has paid in cash which with the ' ton of coal he brought me for $5.37 makes a total now paid of $20.50. 4/26 After breakfast I went down to Andrew Knox to see about getting my house blinds to him to be painted. From there I went to the Pahquioque shop and talked life insurance a little. Victor W. Bedient promised to insure with me pretty soon. From there I went home and resumed painting my house. I worked at it until 7 o'clock and then took tea, after which I went down to my office. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal today from a peddler for $1.00. 4/27 I stayed home all day and painted on my house. Completed the second coat. In the evening I went down to my office. Our military company paraded today and had a [Lesget] practice. 4/28 In the morning I painted the stoop at our south door and Father Griswold's privy seats and the west end of his wood house. I then called a few minutes at Paul Manley's shop and put up one of my spring bed circulars, and called a few minutes at Mallory's Shop, and also on Charles Green at Tweedy's Wool Shop to see how he liked the spring bed I sold to him. I received from the home office of Homeo. Ins. Co. the corrected receipt for Joseph L. Bates premium. I took the noon train for Bethel and delivered George L. Ferry's policy and received the money for it. I took the work train home and arrived about ' hour ahead of time of the regular passenger train. After tea I went down to my office for the evening. I mailed to Joseph T. Bates a notification of his premium being due. 4/29 Friday. In the forenoon I made a new piece of lattice work to place under the side of my piazza. After dinner I painted it with a prime coat preparatory to having it painted green with my blinds. I did a little painting for Fanny also. Before night I went into the street and cleaned the spittoon etc. in my office, talked life insurance with 2 parties. Louisa is better today. She had been very sick since last Saturday with pleurisy. Fanny took tea with us. I went to my office in the evening and wrote to T. E. Twitchell ordering 6 spring beds for Danbury and 2 for Bethel. 4/30 A white frost this morning, cool and pleasant during the day. Before dinner I took the little paint I had left down to Knox to be colored for trimming window cases and cornice. I worked late and then was unable to finish my work as expected. In the evening I went down to my office for a while.
1870-04
Horace Purdy Journal, January 1870 Entry
11pgs
1/1 Mr. French stayed with me last night. In the morning we went over to see Ambrose Hill. We called on Dr. Bulkely to solicit his aid in soliciting applications from the friends of Homeopathy. He then came home with me to dinner, after which I went to the Depot with him. He took the 12 o'clock train home to Bridgeport. Ambrose Hill took the same train on his way back to business in Brooklyn. I came directly home and wrote to Henry A. Ellis relinquishing my agency for the New Jersey Mutual in order to take up the Homeopathic Mutual of N.Y. Hattie Mills having gone home last evening with Emily Anderson, Gussie, Georgie and I went by invitation of Mrs. Bradley over to Andrew Williams to tea. We stayed and spent the evening. 1/2 Severe rain storm and high wind. I did not go out. Anne Heinman is only just alive, she has typhoid fever. Amos Purdy called just at night for a few minutes to see me. Father came down to see me and to see how Anne is doing. 1/3 Belle's birthday, she is 18 years old. I spent part of the day in the street principally at Noah Hoyt's store talking life insurance. In the evening I called for a few minutes on Dr. Bulkely and talked about the merits of Homeopathic Ins. Co. I did some marketing and came home. Before tea I wrote to D. R. French asking about a paid up policy on the regular plan. I mailed it in the evening and received by evening mail a statement of account from T. E. Twitchell. 1/4 After breakfast I took over and put in for Mr. Fuller a spring bed. Anna Heinman died last night a little after 11 o'clock. Gussie was there with others and helped lay her out. I was in Main St. before dinner. I received by morning mail a bill from Sigler Bros. 131 & 133 Mercer St. N.Y. requesting immediate payment. I answered by PM mail that it was impossible at present without neglecting my family. This PM I went into the street again and called at Lacey Hoyt & Co. Hat Shop. I there talked life insurance with Zerah Hoyt. From there I went to A. Knox paint shop and talked with him. I took tea with Loiuse up to Father Griswold's . I went to Hatters meeting in the evening and stayed for roll call and was excused. Went to post office and came home. Charlie Hayes and Theo Bradley came from N.Y. on the evening train. 1/5 I went over to the school house with Mr. Pond and put a door spring on one of the back doors. Ann Heinman was buried from the Church at 2 PM. Father Griswold made a prayer at the house before going to the Church. Brother Burch attended the funeral at the Church. Roxanna Hall and George, her son, came over to the funeral and took tea with us before returning to [Lodam]. In the evening Gussie and I went up town to look after a pair of black glovers Andrew Williams sister lent to Mrs. Barnum, sister of Henry Heinman. By evening mail I received a letter from H. A. Ellis, Norwich, General Agent for New Jersey Mutual Life Ins. Co. in reply to mine about giving up the agency of said company for Homeopathic of N.Y. He was very surprised and disappointed. By same mail received one from D. R. French of Bridgeport answering mine regarding a paid up policy as regular life in Homeopathic. Before retiring I wrote to the Homeopathic of N.Y. to ascertain some facts concerning the Company, to French also to know if its commissions he offers are the same on all forms of policies. 1/6 Talked life insurance today. I was at the Pahquioque shop in the PM. Joe White asked me about the $60 I borrowed from Mr. Crofut, Dec. 4, 1868. He said it was $80 I owed. The amount was originally $80, but I paid $20 in Feb. 8, 1869 to Mr. Crofut and they had neglected to give me credit. In the evening I called at Charles Andrews and Charles Hull to look for a sheet iron air tight wood stove for Mother Griswold. I called into Randall's & Bradley and walked up with Egbert Gilbert, Orin Bronson, and Fred Bradley after Fred closed the store. Received by mail another letter form H. A. Ellis extorting me to stick with New Jersey Mutual and trying to convince me it was the best company. 1/7 Harry Buckely called at 8 A.M. for my harness blacking. I received 3 letters in the morning mail., from Homeopathic Ins. Co. in NY, D. R. French in Bridgeport, and H. A. Elllis, Norwich. Father came down in the forenoon and stayed till noon but would not stay to dinner. In the PM When I came home to tea I found Carrie Mills at the house. She came from Bethel to see Hattie and to stay all night. I called on Harry Bulkely in the PM and pretty much presuaded him to take a policy on his life. After tea I called to see Hattie Taylor about rebinding my overcoat and repairing it generally. 1/8 Solicited for life insurance again today. I saw [James] Selleck at Clark Beers Grocery. He has pretty much concluded to insure his life with me. I am to see him again. I called at the Jeffersonian office to see Mr. Swertfazer,the editor. I have not seen him since I came home . He lost his wife while I was away. I called on Deacon Stone about a spring bed. I am to see him again next week. Carrie Mills, from Bethel up to see Hattie, took the train for home this PM. My bundle of Life Ins. documents came by express prepaid this evening. I emptied the drawer to my secretary to put them in. Preparing a place for them took me until 11 o'clock. 1/9 Pleasant but cold. We all went down in time for Sunday School. I took Georgie after school and came home with him. It was the monthly concert, an interesting time. My first attendance since coming home from New London County on Christmas Eve. The Sundays since my coming home have been stormy. We had a trukey for supper. After supper Louise and Minnie Vintz came down for a short time. Minnie is stopping for a few days with Louise. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed home with Georgie. 1/10 It snowed nearly all day. In the forenoon I went to George Hull's and to Charles Andrews to get a sheet iron air tight stove for Mother Griswold. I finally selected one of Charles Andrews. After dinner I went down and arranged to have it brought up. Benjamin Rolf came up with it and I rode up with him. He and I put it up and he took her old stove in exchange. I wrote to H. A. Ellis and mailed it in the PM, renewing my invitation to leave the New Jersey Mutual and go in for the Homeopathic Mutual of NY. I made of some old stocking legs some leggings for Georgie to reach above his boots and with elastic fastened them above his knees. 1/11 Snow has melted fast. I called at the shop in the forenoon and talked with Elbert Marsh about life insurance. After dinner I took Georgie on his sled and drew him int the street and down to the Pahquioque Shop, up the R. Road and then home. I sledded down Father Griswold's lane with him twice after returning from the street. I then went into the street and took an order from Abel S. Hawley for a spring bed. I called at Lacey Hoyt & Co. to see Zerah Hoyt. The drop letter I took for George yesterday I remailed to Brooklyn. Father Griswold offered to pay for paint for my house if I will apply it. The evening he gave me an orderon A. Knox for paint. I called in the evening to see how Dr. Bulkely who is sick with the fever is. His son William is here to attend to his patients. 1/12 I mended Georgie's crib by gluing up joints in the PM. I went down to the post office and then to Pahquioque shop to give Joe White, the bookkeeper, the date when I paid Mr. Crofut the $20 toward the $80 I borrowed of him. From the shop I went to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and paid for Father Griswold a bill of $1.90. After dinner I went down town again and called to see George Stratton at Tweedy's [Foul] Shop about a spring bed. On my way back I stopped at Geroge Starr's Shop to see Lee Daniel Starr about insuring his life. In the evening I went into the street again. I called to see Dr. Bulkely, he is worse with the fever. 1/13 In the forenoon went down to Andrew Knox with an order from Father Griswold for paint, enough to cover my house. About noon I talked with Andrew Bedient at his Daguerreian rooms about life insurance. in the PM I borrowed O. H. Swifts horse and wagon and took 6 gals. of chemical paint up home with which to paint my house. 1/14 I commenced painting my house. I worked until noon and painted on the south side . In the PM I went into the street. I talked life insurance in Saul Hawley's Hat Factory to Saul Petit, Timothy Rose and a man living on Great Plain. I called a few minutes at Andrew Williams Machine Shop and then walked over home with him. His father is not expected to live long. In the evening Gussie went up to E. S. Davis to the Sewing Society gathering, the first time it has met at Mr. Davis' new house. I went to market in the evening. 1/15 We had snow and the fine misty rain which makes it icy. I went into the street this forenoon and before coming home called in and talked with William Warren about life insurance in the R. R. paint shop. After dinner I wrote to A. Stanley Smith, New London; George W. Kies, Norwich, Latham & Owens, Noank; and G. J. Stevens at Stonington, and also Watsons & Bidwell at Mystic River to find out how the demand for spring beds is since I came home. The above 5 places are the headquarters for the bed in the several towns. I mailed these letters in the PM and called a few minutes at William Bedient's Picture Gallery to see how he still feels about insuring his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. From there I went up to John Cosier's office on White St. and talked with him about the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. I enlisted his sympathy in the matter so that his influence for the company is gained along with a desire to assist me. Then bought a little cheese for tea and came home. Gussie went to maket in the evening while I stayed at home. Louise Vintz has a party of young folks this evening. Before retiring I completed a letter to Henry A. Ellis, General Agent for the New Jersey Mutual Life Ins. Co., Norwich Conn. That with other writing kept me up until 2 o'clock. 1/16 Went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I returned with Georgie. Father came down to see us just before night. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to church 1/17 In the forenoon I talked life insurance with Almon Hickok in his shop . I went into the street again in the PM and talked insurance with George Ryder and Michael Daragan in their store. When I came to tea I found Bell at the house waiting for me to cut her hair, which I did before tea. After tea I went into the street again. Our preacher Thomas H. Burch lectured this evening in Concert Hall on temperance. 1/18 In the forenoon I took my model and went up to Saul Hawley's shop to show it to John Way. I took his order for a spring bed. In the PM I painted on the south side of my house. After tea Charles E. Hayes who boards with us paid me $25.00 on the amount he owes us for board. I mailed a letter in the evening to H. A. Ellis and enclosed $6.00 to balance the account between us, this with spring beds and door springs pays the commission I was to have on the policy on my own life which if I had stayed with New Jersey Mutual I would have had. I pay the amount of my commission to him as being his just dues. I went with Gussie in the evening to F. Starr's market to have my acccount looked up and paid him $10.00 and then took out a pass book and had $6.25, the amount of our indebtedness entered and we commence to use the pass book there after. 1/19 After breakfast, I took the 1/2 gal. oil can down to Fred Starr's store for some kerosene. From there I went to Clark Beer's store and took Stephen L. Beers application for a 12 payment life policy. In the PM I went up to Saul Hawley's shop to see Lee, George and the block makers in the rear of the factory about life insurance. In the evening I went with Beers to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined, After which I mailed his application to D. R. French in Bridgeport, he being the general agent I work for. I wrote this PM to the Home Office of the company, 231 Broadway, NY, asking about a 10 year paid up policy whether thereafter the dividends may be drawn in cash annually if desired. Also what a 10 yr. life policy is worth in cash paid by the company to the policy holder after the payment of the annual premium. Also what an endowment will cost for a boy 5 yrs old, payable at 21 years of age. 1/20 I went down to the Pahquioque Shop in the forenoon, called at Andrew Knox paint shop for a little putty to use while painting my house and came home. In the PM I painted my paizza except the railing and floor. In the [evening] I went into the street and mailed the letter to the Homeopathic Ins. Co. asking whether a policy on 2 joint lives will be givent for a man and wife and also about the dividends on a paid up policy. I called at Clark Beers and arranged for 4 gals. of oil. After coming home I went up to Mother Griswold's for a while to cheer her up as she is not feeling well. 1/21 Worked until noon painting the railing and finishing on my piazza. After dinner I went into the street . On my way home just at night I went to Hattie Taylor's for my overcoat which she has been binding, working button holes and putting in new pockets. By the morning mail I received a letter from H. A. Ellis, Norwhich, acknowledging the receipt of $6.00 to bring him to balance of account on my policy. I the evening I went to the post office, Gussie having gone to sewing society at Walker Bartrams. Louise stayed with Georgie while I was in the street. Before coming home I went with William Bedient up into his Deguerreian rooms for a few minutes to compare Phoenix Life Ins. tables with a copy I had. Ifound them alike and he gave me his to take home. 1/22 Saturday. After breakfast I went over to the ledge to see Charles Short and his men quarry out the stone, getting the old ledge leveled down for Mr. Pond who is contemplating building a house the next season. From there I went over to John Bouton's to see his new baby, a fine boy from last Thursday night, the 20th. From there I went over to George Crofut's mill and talked life insurance to the miller. Returning, I passed over Gallows Hill around by Tweedy's factories talking insurance when I had the opportunity. I went to the post office to get a letter from the Homeopathic Mutual in reply to quesitons asked. It then being noon I came home. Before we were through with dinner, D. R. French came in from a train on the line of the Harlem Rail Road. He took dinner with us, after which we talked over many things pertaining to life insurance. I got from him some very desirable information regarding note companies. I went with him to the depot to see him off to Bridgeport on the 4 1/4 PM train. After the train left I went over to Lacey - Hoyt Hat Shop and talked with Zerah Hoyt more about insurance on his life. I am gaining ground with him and shall take an application from him before long. I came home to tea, after which I returned again to the street, Louise came to stay with Hattie Mills all night. 1/23 Sunday. I have stayed at home all day. Bell came down jsut at night and went to church in the evening with Hattie Mills and Gussie. Fanny brought from Sunday School a picture of the National Lincoln Monument for which I subscribed a few years ago, 50 cents towards exacting it. This being the price of shares which were taken all over the country for which every shareholder was promised a picture of the same. The monument is now completed and is erected in Springfield Illinois, the home of Lincoln. Many in our Sunday School subscribed to it and each received a picture. I not being at School today, Fanny brought me mine. 1/24 In the forenoon I repaired my bedstead by putting in 2 new sockets, fasteners, in place of 2 broken. I received by morning mail from the Return Letter Office, the letter I wrote from Mystic River to Henry M. Day on Nov. 24th, notiflying him when the premium came due on his life insurance policy which I hold as security for notes given in payment for store business in NY which I sold to him March 22, 1869. I bought the 2 pairs of bed fastenings of Guthrie for 10 cents. In the PM I painted the front of my house. I went to the post office in the evening and took out a letter for Bell and brought it home. 1/25 In the forenoon I called on Lockwood Olmstead's carriage shop and talked with his 2 sons, William and John, about insuring their lives. From there I went to see John W. Bussing at his Beer and Pie shop near Tweedy's factories. After dinner I wrote to the Home Ins. Office, NY, in reply to one received in the morning mail, sending me 2 blank policies for reference and complaining about my wanting more supplies for working Insurance. I received at the same time one from Mr. French in New Haven. He is just bound from there to NY and will call at the home office. In the PM I went to Bedient's Photograph Gallery, then to John Bussing again, and then to see the block makers at Paul Newley's Shop. Received [Barnes] report by evening mail, also another letter from Mr. French from NY saying that I must not be scared by what Mr. Plummer says about more documents. 1/26 Spent the day talking life insurance at the Pahquioque Shop with Victor W. Benedict and Edwin Harris, at Wooster House Stable with George Bell in the forenoon. I called to see Harry Bulkely but he was not at home. I then called on George Starr and talked a long time with him and made some progress toward insuring him for $5,000. I am to see him again. I then went down to Sherwood's store and collected $6.5o for a spring bed from Fuller. I came home to tea with a severe headache, felt better after tea. After Gussie and Hattie Mills went over to Mrs. Bradley's to attend with her a Wooden Wedding at William Porter's on River St. nearly opposite Saul Hawley's Wool Hat shop, and Louise Vintz came to stay with Georgie. I went to the post office and took a letter from the Homeopathic Life. I called at Beers Store and showed the policy to him, Stephen L. Beers, and then went up to Dr. Bulkely's office to have him take the number of the policy. I found the young Dr. out, but his father in the office for the first time since his severe sickness.He is just able to crawl about. I came home suffering extremely with headache and retired as soon as I got home. 1/27 Had the headache all night and was late in consequence. About 9 AM the express man came with 2 sings and a policy register and those books for an agent from the Homeo. Ins. Co. Annals, Annecdotes and Legends of Life Insurance, Life Agents Manual, Life Agents Vade Mecum. Before dinner I called at Dr. Bulkely's office and left the number of the Beer's policy and then delivered it to him. He will pay the money by the 1st of Feb. if not before. In the PM I took my oil can down to Beer's store for 4 gallons of kerosene oil to come out of $5.00 I am to trade out of the premium on Stephen L. Beers policy.which will have $35.17 which he is to pay in cash. I had some conversation with Henry Barry about a policy, also William Siguor and Zerah Hoyt. I called on Andrew Knox and congratulated him upon having taken out a policy on his life though he did it with Mutual Life of New York. I saw the new iron bridge on White St. which was today completed so that teams drove over it. I came home by way of New Street to pay Harriet Taylor $1.25 for repairing my overcoat. She was not in so I left $1 with her mother who could not make change and I could not pay her the whole amount. I then went again into the street and saw Harry Bulkely and tried to persuade him to take a life policy now but he wants to postpone it for a while. In the evening I called on Mr. Barry to see how his little boy is, they are afraid of scarlet fever. Mr. Barry and I went into the street together, he to Dr. Bulkely's for medicine while I tried to persuade him to be examined for an application for life insurance but he has not yet fully decided. After dinner I put one of the tin insurance signs on the front of my house. 1/28 Another splendid day, more like May than January. I worked on painting my house all day. I finished the front and made a good start on the north side. We had 2 rabbits for dinner which Gussie bought last evening. I went to the post office in the evening and called at Mr. Barry's to see how his little boy was. 1/29 It was snowing when I arose. Around 9 o'clock I went over to Hattie Taylor's to pay her the 25 cents I owed. From there I called on George Starrs shop and had quite a spirited talk with Daniel Starr and William Bouton on life insurance. I then went to the post office and got a commission from Homeo Ins Co. for William Bulkely making hime examing physician for the company. I called on William Bedient at his photographic rooms, explaining to him the joint policy for man and wife. I then called on Victor Morrell at his blacksmith shop and talked life insurance and coming home to dinner walked up West St. with him. I spent the greater part of the PM at William Bedient's rooms. He pretty much concluded to take out a policy. I went for the doctor just at night for Father Griswold, he is severely afflicted with rheumatism. 1/30 About 2 in. of snow on the ground, neither good sleighing or wheeling. I went to Sunday School at noon with Georgie. Came home with him after and left Gussie at the afternoon prayer meetingg. I attended preaching in the evening. Our female Sunday School Supt and assistant, Mrs. Bartram and Mrs. Holmes are very sick. Mrs. Bartram has the typhoid fever. 1/31 Snowed most of the time all day. In the forenoon I rode down to Bethel with William A. Bouton on a load of hat boxes. I did it in order to talk to him about insuring his life. After dinner I went into the street and called on William A. Bedient at this photograph rooms and filled out an application for a life ins. policy all except the date and signatures. I am waiting to see about his wife going in with him on a joint policy. I then went up to George Starr's shop and had a long talk with him about a librarian in the Sunday School and a little on life insurance. From their went up to see John W. Bussing, had quite a talk with him on life insurance. I went over and spent the evening with William A. Bouton and spoke with him and his wife on life insurance.
1870-01