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
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1870 Entry
9pgs
2/1 Tuesday. I talked in William A. Bedient's rooms on life insurance. As I started home, I saw Joseph T. Bates ath te crossing of Main St. by the post office. He wanted me to make out an application for a life insurance policy or him. Instead of going to dinner I immediately went with him to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. I then filled out the application and received the first quartely premiun, $4.89, to cover risk from present time provided the application is accepted and gave him his receipt. After dinner I went to see Lewis A. Ward, the friend he referred to me. I mailed the application to the company by the afternoon mail. I called on Stephen L. Beers expecting to get from him the premium due on his policy but he can't pay until Thursday. In the evening I went into the street and saw Oscar Levine and gave him a written statement of what I knew about his farm in Iowa or what I had heard other say about it. He wished me to do this in order to use as evidence on behalf of the farm is he should have occasion to do so. Mr. Levine came home with me and stopped a few minutes in which I showed him something pertaining to life insurance. 2/2 In the morning I took a coffee and a tea pot to Charles Hull's to be soldered and then went down to the Pahquioque Hat Shop and talked with Victor W. Bedient and George Foot abou life insurance. I called in at William A. Bedient's Photgraphic Gallery. He told me he would have the application made out for him and his wife. I this evening I went over to his house on Steven Street and filled out an application blanks for he and his wife . I spoke this PM in Swift's stoe with Fed Benedict of Miry Brook about his taking out a policy. He made some inquiries into the matter and spoke about $5,000. I am to see him again. 2/3 Between 8 and 9 this morning Dr. William Bulkely and I went over to William A. Bedient's and examined his wife. We then came back to his office and there examined William Bulkely himself. It is a joint policy. After dinner I went up to Victor Morrell's to get his sister, Mrs. Miller to sign the friend certificate for Mrs. Bedient. I mailed the applications by the 4 o'clock mail. I then went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and talked insurance with Charles Bradley, Nathaniel Barnum, and others. Received a letter in the evening from Homeo. Ins. Co. saying the Joseph T. Bates application was rejected for anything except a 15 yr. endowment. That is all they would grant. 2/4 After breakfast I walked down to see Joseph T. Bates to tell him that his application for a life insurance policy was rejected. I did not find him at home. On my return I called at L. L. [Houtbell's] office and left word with him that I wanted to see Mr. Bates. After dinner I called at the Rail Road Paint shop and then went to the Pahquioque shop and spent the remainder of the day talking life insurance with Seth Downs and Mr. Belltare. Gussie went in the evening to H. B. Fanton's to the Church Sociable or the Sewing Society. Louise Vintz stayed with Georgie for me to go into the street. I spent a part of the evening with A. E. Fuller at Sherwood's Store talking with him about insuring his life. 2/5 In the AM I put at door spring in Swift & Cowan's store door to let them try it. While at Swift's I saw Joe Bates about his rejected application for a life policy. He preferred not to take the 15 yr. endowment and wanted a 10 yr. annual life if they would grant it. I think it exceedingly doubtful but I wrote by the afternoon mail to the Company about it. I received by evening mail a joint policy for William A. Bedient and wife. Amos Stebbins died today. 2/6 I stayed at home all day. Gussie went down to church at noon and in the PM and again in the evening. While at tea Father came down and stayed for an hour. After tea we went over to Robert Cocking's and made a call. I wrote to William H. Hayes, 415 Hudson St,, NY and Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. 2/7 I put 2 door springs on the Billiard and Bar Room doors for Nathan Turrell. I broke one putting it on, there being a flaw in it. I left them on trial for a few days. If they suit him he will pay me for them. After dinner I took my spring bed model down to Beer's store to show Elijah Beers and Albert Miller. I then came home and wrote to Homeo. Ins. Co. for information concerning William A. Bedient's policy, the premiums being more than I expected. I mailed the letter in the PM and called in Randall & Bradley's store and talked life insurance a little. After tea I went into the street for the mail. 2/8 Commenced snowing early and continued all day. I went into the street in the forenoon and stayed until nearly noon at Randall & Bradley's store talking life insurance. I took a letter from the Post Office from David R. French from Dover Plains. He is there working life insurance and expects during this week to come my way and call on me. After dinner I wrote to Eva B. Filed and addressed Station G. I wrote in answer to one received about a week ago inquiring about some engravings she left with me to be framed when I was in NY. I went to the post office and mailed it and then wnet up to Burr Rolands and spent the remainder of the PM talking life insurance with Henry Perry, Jabez [Amiston], Alfred Heath. I went into the street again in the evening to the post office. I brought a letter for Charles Hayes from his brother William. 2/9 Heaviest snow we have had yet. I rose early and commenced digging paths at 5 ' o'clock and worked at it til the middle of the forenoon, then went down to the post office and received a letter from Homeo. Ins. stating that the premium on William Bedients policyno. 2099 was correct , $27.09. After dinner I wrote to T. E . Twitchell a friendly letter telling him how business was here, but not ordering anything. I called on George Starr before coming home to tea. After tea I went into the street and mailed the letter I wrote to Mr. Twitchell. I called at Beers store and then walked up West St. with Aug. [Kiessier]. 2/10 After breakfast I wrote to George in Brooklyn, Houston Street, 3 doors down from DeKalb Ave. I wrote speaking of the deaths of Abel Parsons' wife, Mrs. Stewart and Amos Stebbins. I also requested some money if he could let me have some. I went up to Harris L. Crofut's Carpenter Shop (in the rear of Bradley and Mansifield's Stables) to see George Barnum about life insurance. After dinner I took Gussie and Georgie up to William Bedient's Photograph Gallery to get Georgie's picture taken. After which I mailed my letter to George. Bedient this forenoon paid me the $27.09 premium on his joint policy. As Georgie and I were walking up West St., Robert Cocking and wife with some of Mr. Crofut's family were sleigh riding and Robert took Georgie up with them and gave him a fine sleigh ride about town and then drove home with him. In the evening I went to the post office and then home. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel today. 2/11 I spent a part of the forenoon in Charles Hull's tin shop talking life insurance with Peter Ambler. After dinner I called at Wooster House to see how the door springs worked which I had put on and then I went to [Frey Hoyt Ives] shop to talk insurance a little with Albert A. Stone. From there I called a few minutes on David Cosier by the Bridge and then went to William Bedient's Gallery and took 2 proofs of Georgie's picture to show Gussie how they looked. After tea I went again into the street. 2/12 I went into the street and returned the 2 proof pictures of Georgie to William Bedient to mount and finish up. I paid him for 4, $1.00, and brought home the 2 and am to wait until next week for the remaining 2. I saw Theo Lyon at Victor Morrell's blacksmith shop and talked with him until noon and then came home to dinner. After dinner I went again into the street and collected from J. C. Beers $32.80, the balance due me from Stephen L. Beers first premium of life ins. policy,. $40.17 was the premium but I traded $7.07 of it. I expected Mr. French would be here today from Dover Plains on his way home to Bridgeport but he did not come. I called on David Cosier this PM and I offered him $1 for every man he could send me that I would insure. In the evening I went to Frederick Starr's with Gussie to do some marketing. 2/13 Gussie and Hattie Mills went to 'love feast' this morning and Gussie came home after to finish her work. At noon she returned again to church and stayed in the PM. I did not go, but just before noon took Georgie up home to see my folks. We returned home about 2 o'clock. Mother and Bell are both sick but not dangerous. They have taken cold and are not able to go out, though not confined to their beds. 2/14 Monday. I went in the morning to Benedict Bros. Shoe Store and had my boot repaired. From there I went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and then to Pahquioque Hat Shop a few moments and then home to dinner. After dinner I went to Fred Starrs market and ordered half a hog sent to Father Griswolds. I then started to go up to Tweedy's factories but the rain drove me home. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal of a peddler. I wrote to D. S. Lessington, 88 South Halsted St., Chicago Ill. in answer to an advertisement in Harpers Weekly to send sample of goods free to any good energetic canvasser. I also wrote to D. R. French. Gussie and I went into the street together in the evening. I mailed my 2 letters, bought 50 cents worth of buckwheat flour and came home leaving her to do some other marketing. Henry Crofut's wife gave birth to a son about 2 o'clock Sunday morning when she went into a fit and has lain insensible since then. They have hope of her recovery. Before retiring I wrote a receipt for $40.17 for Stephen L. Beers, the first premium of his policy. 2/15 Henry Crofut's wife died last night. I went down to his factory this morning but found all the men about to go home and the shop to be closed. There was black crape on the factory and office door. I went from there up to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop to give Harry Davis a role of Griswold's salve which he engaged a few days ago. From there I went over to the Rail Road Paint shop and talked with William H. Warren about life insurance. I called a moment at Charles Griffins Coal Office to solicit life insurance from him, but he already has a much life insurance as he wants to pay at present. I then came down to Parmalee & Sherman's store and talked ins. with Mr. Parmalee, In the meantime Spencer the druggist came in and of course the drug seller must oppose Homeopathy so I had quite a dispute as to the merits of Homeopathy and Alopathy. Benjamin White who was there took sides against me and I fought the whole crew of them. After dinner Father called, also Horace Cable. They staid nearly all PM. After they went away I went over to Abbotts [Ban] Box Shop and talked with Ed Targett on insurance. I then called n Turner Stevens and had some encouraging talk with him on the subject, and then called on E. P. Davis at his shop. I then came home, it being about 6 o'clock. Before tea, I emptied my port cask to the the salt for Father Griswold to use in packing his pork. In the evening I went to market and to the post office and got a valentine for Georgie from Elyria Ohio. 2/16 In the forenoon I went into the street, called and talked insurance with Russell Hoyt, from there called on Saul Hawley's hat shop and talked with John Beard about ins. until about noon then went to Dr. Bulkely's office and paid him $8 for Homeop. Ins. for the 4 examinations ' Beers, Bates, Bedient and wife. I then went to the post office and got a letter from T. E. Twitchell speaking of the spring bed business in general and hoping that I will work the bed again in the spring. In the PM I took some sausage meat to Fred Starr for E. E. Griswold to be ground . I talked insurance a little in Avery Raymond's store with Albert Blissard and Rusell Bevans. I then called a few moments on Bedients Photograph Gallery and then went to Mortimer Jennings Carriage Shop and talked with him and Mr. Barber who works there. I called again at Bedients and then walked up West St. with him as I came to tea. Before coming home I went up to F. Starrs and got the sausage meat I took there and brought it home to Mother Griswold. After tea I went to the post office and to the store for coffee. I called on Dr. Bulkely and got a partial list of Homeopathists from whom to solicit ins. Henry Crofut's wife was buried this PM at 1 o'clock. Gussie went to a surprise party in the evening at Henry Tobias'. 2/17 In the forenoon called at John Meeker's Hat Shop and talked life insurance a little. Received a letter from D. R. French in the morning, he having gone home from Dove Plains by way of New York instead of coming through Danbury. In the PM I went to the Danbury Bank and got a draft which I mailed to him with my report of my two first policies issued for the Homeopathic Mutual. I went to Wooster House and collected from Mr. Turrell $3.00 for door springs on put on the Billiard and Bar room doors on the 7th. Went to William A. Bedient's Photograph Rooms and got 4 more carte de visite of Georgie and came home and painted a little on my house until night. After tea I wrote to D. R. French and that I this PM mailed him a report and draft for $42.34. I went into the street in the eve and mailed the letter. Before going into the street, as Gussie was putting Georgie to bed she had to whip him severely for disobedience through the day and sauciness at the time. 2/18 Rained hard all day. In the forenoon went into the street and took the door springs off at Swift's Store, he not caring to buy them. In the PM I called at Henry Ryder's, the Assistant Assessor's Office, to see about furnishing him a spring bed. I bought a Valentine for 5 cents for Georgie to send to his cousin, Willie S. Griswold in Elyria, Ohio in return for one received. In the eve I went into the street and mailed it. I called at Gould S. Disbrow's feed store and had a talk with him on life insurance. He liked the appearance of the Homeopathic Company very well. 2/19 Only a little snow left in place. I spent nearly all the forenoon in Disbrow's Feed Store talking life insurance with Charles Wilcox. I received by the morning mail a letter for W. H. Hayes. When I came to dinner I found Joseph T. Bates at the house waiting for me. He decided he would take the 15 yr. endowment on the stock plan. He paid me $6.00 for the first quarter premium payment and wishes to pay quarterly. I wrote to the company saying he would accept the endowment. In the PM I spent some time talking with Dwight Rogers in his store. I received by the evening mail a letter from C. M. Linington, 88 South Halstead St., Chicago with a paper of needles enclosed as one of the article for which he is soliciting agents. Also received a letter from D.R. French acknowledging receipt of report and draft for amount due his company. 2/20 I did not go to church at all. Gussie went down to Sunday School at noon with Georgie and stayed until after the afternoon service. Just at night Theodore B. Bradley came over and stayed until evening meeting time when he and Charles E. Hayes went together. In the evening Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 2/21 It grew very cold and blustery today, like March. In the forenoon I went to see Elijah Beers to get him to insure his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. He had pretty much decided to insure with Charles H. Crosby in the Connecticut Mutual of Hartford. In the PM I called to see Edmund Allen and Joseph Ives. I called a short time at the Pahquioque shop and then came home. In the evening I went into the street to hear Mr. Lord lecture on temperance at the Concert Hall. The weather being so cold and blustery few came, so the lecture was postponed for 2 weeks. While in the Hall, L. L. Hubbell handed me the receipt I gave to Joseph L. Bates on Feb. 1st for payment of the premium on the life insurance policy, which he had sent to me by Hubbell. 2/22 I talked life insurance up to Mallory's shop this forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and introduced my insurance there also. After tea I went to the post office and then up to Rose Hill to see and talk life insurance with Little Ed Duning. I filled out and application for him but he does not want the policy quite yet. I arrived home around 10 o'clcock. 2/23 I spent part of the AM in the street. In the forenoon I painted on the North side of my house. Charles Hayes paid Gussie $17.00 for board at noon, leaving a balance of $27.00 yet to be collected from his employer, James Olmstead, on March 1st. This he has made payable to me and I am to call for it. In the evening I went to the post office and then to Burr Roland's Shoe Store where I sat until time to close and then came up with Mr. Haviland. I today paid $2.50 for a life insurance agent license until May 1st. 2/24 Called to see George Bell at A. Anderson's coal yard. I agreed to call tomorrow evening at his home to talk life insurance. I also called to see John White at his home on River St. but he was just getting his breakfast so I postponed business until some other time. I received the 15 yr. nonparticipating endowment for Joseph L. Bates from Charles G. Wightman, General Agent at Bristol Connecticut. After dinner I took the policy down to him. When I returned I called at George Starr's Shop and then ordered a ' cord of wood for Mother Griswold of John Wildman. I wrote and mailed a letter to Mr. Wightman acknowledging receipt of the policy and letter enclosed. In the evening I received a list of prominent policy holders in the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. 2/25 Took order from Henry Ryder for a spring bed. Took George Bell and wife's application for a joint policy. Also Charles Wilcox on his life alone. 2/26 H. B. Fanton's shirt factory has burned last night, at 2 o'clock this morning. The alarm woke me about 2 ' o'clock. Charles E. Hayes and I went down and returned about 4 o'clock. I snowed just enough to whiten the ground. On account of having been up at the fire I suppose, I have had a sick headache all day. Have one a good day's work . Took an order for a spring bed from Elijah M. Beers and had 3 men examined for life insurance policies ' Charles E. Dunning, Charles H. Wilcox, and Charles E. Disbrow. In the evening I received by mail a package from Charles G. Wightman, Gen. Agent in Bristol, a package of blotters with my name on them but with a mistake in printing. Hartford is on them instead of Danbury and vicinity and Putnam County, NY. Charlie Hayes took the train to NY for spend a short time while work is dull. 2/27 Felt poorly this morning from headache yesterday and last night. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to church but I stayed home. In the evening Gussie and I went to church to hear Brother Burch preach a sermon on 'Women's Rights' 2/28 After breakfast I went up to Maple Ave. to get James M. Bailey to sign the friends certificate for Charles H. Wilcox application. Then went up to Mallory's Shop to see Ed Dunning's hair and eye color which was omitted on Dr. Bulkely's examination of him on Saturday evening. I stayed there until nearly noon. I then called on E. M. Jones at White's factory and talked life insurance with him a little and then came to dinner. I put in the Post Office for the PM mail the 3 applications. I then went down to the Pahquioque shop. Henry Reed called me into his room over Mr. Crofut's office to see about insuring James Fenning's life for our year or Seven for security. I called at Foster Bros. Shop and got 25 cents from Harry Davis for a roll of salve I sold to him a while ago. I then called at the Rail Road paint shop to talk with William Warren. He has pretty much concluded to take out a policy on his wife for $500. In the evening I mailed an order to Twitchell for spring beds for Griswold, Hawley, May, Beers and Ryder.
1870-02
Horace Purdy Journal July 1867 Entry
7pgs
JULY 01 MONDAY - Very warm. I took 7 quarts of strawberries to the city with me this morning for Miss Donavan who lives in rooms over the store and to Mr. Ferguson, the man I board with at No. 10 Grove Street. Daniel (my boy) wanted some money for clothing, so I paid his wages in advance this week. George went to Yonkers at noon. I went in the P.M. and again in the evening to Pier 42 at the foot of Canal Street to see if I could hear anything from the California steamer, 'Rising Star' as she is now about due. We are expecting Lauren E. Humphrey and wife and children on her. In the evening, I wrote to Gussie that the steamer was hourly expected. JULY 02 TUESDAY - Before breakfast I took a walk down the pier but nothing had been heard from the steamer. I went six times during the day and evening but not a word from her. Got a deep circular frame for a hat wreath for Swift at Ferguson's on the corner of Broadway and Broome. JULY 03 WEDNESDAY - I let Daniel have $2.00 more today to get into the country for the 'Fourth'. George, having no work in Yonkers until after the 'Fourth', he came down about noon. I got $17.70, this is from Crosby which he took from a burglar that he stole from my house. I brought the circular frame to Swift this evening as I came home. JULY 04 THURSDAY - The store is not open today and I stay at home and hoe garden. Very warm. About 10 o'clock, after hoeing my garden, I dressed anew and walked downtown. I saw Officer Crosby; He gave me $6.00 which he collected for me from Russell Smith. The 'Band of Hope' have a picnic today in Lyman Keeler's orchard on Deer Hill. While I was in the street, they had formed in procession, headed by the Bartram and Fanton Brass Band and marched to the orchard. The band move in their new uniforms for the first time and made a good appearance. Gussie took Georgie and went up. I was there a short time. In the evening, I mended a trunk for my wife as she is anticipating a visit to Canton this month if her cousin Eliza comes from California as expected. Just at night, I picked strawberries to take with me to the city in the morning. A heavy shower in the evening. Mr. Cocking had some ice cream given him by Mr. Lynes and in the evening, he brought it downstairs and treated Gussie and I to a dish of it. JULY 05 FRIDAY - I took the strawberries to the city with me this morning and in the P.M., Mr. Ferguson had some strawberry shortcake made for George's special benefit. Hot in the city this morning. It partly broke away about 9 A.M., but in the middle of the day, it became thick cloudy again and rained hard in the afternoon. The 'Rising Star' arrived yesterday. I went down today to see if Eliza came, but her name was not on the list of passengers. I went to the Great American Tea Company and bought a pound of Japanese tea for Father. I intended to go home this P.M., but a customer came in at the time I should leave the store and detained me so I could not go. JULY 06 SATURDAY - I went over to Brooklyn this A.M. to get a photograph Louise Jones has been coloring for me for my customer. I got the vase of wax flowers also that she had previously spoken about me putting in my store to sell for a friend of hers. On my return, I went to 41 and 43 Beekman Street at Hollerbach's for some porcelain-headed nails for rustic frames. In the P.M., I cut down a looking glass frame for a customer. I walked up to 27th Street and took the 4 1.2 P.M. train for home where I arrived at 7:30 P.M. It rained hard while I was on the Danbury & Norwalk train. It was a shower which subsided when the train arrived here in Danbury. As I came from the depot this evening, I met Oscar Serine who paid me $2.94 for 10 ## lbs. of butter I sold him of what we had from Ohio. JULY 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Before church, I picked our first mess of peas. We had more than we wanted and I asked Mr. Pond to help me pick. He sent Miss Hutchinson. I divided with her. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School in the P.M. and came home after the session. After tea, we went up home to my Father's and drew Georgie in his carriage. We took some strawberries which I picked in the garden. We took George's dirty clothes up to be washed which he sent by me from the city yesterday. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Frisbie preached for us. Mr. Birch preached in his church. They exchanged. Before retiring, I drew up a list of books, etc. wanted from New York by Goodall for the Miry Brook Sunday School and by Fanny for her infant class here. Also a book wanted by Edward Everett. Also the singing book for Harriet Taylor's class. JULY 08 MONDAY - I returned again to business in the city this morning. I found Daniel there all right, he having been away in the country since the Fourth. George, who has been at the store while Daniel was away, returned to Yonkers this forenoon. I called on E. D. Hill and got $14.00 advance on the wreath I am preserving for him. Or rather, I solicited it and he promised it this afternoon or on the morrow. JULY 09 TUESDAY - Business at the store is about the same ' very dull! I went down this P.M. to Charlton Street to Mr. Hill's Coal Office and got the $14.00 he promised me and with it made but the amount of my bill with John Sherry - $18.50 and went over and paid him. A hard thunder shower about 4 P.M.; it was so dark that we were obliged to light the gas in the store. JULY 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool last night and this morning. The bed bugs tormented me last night. I annihilated a few of them this morning. I have done considerable running today. I went to the Book Room this P.M. and bought some Cards, reward Books, etc. for the Infant Class and went from there to the depot and came home. I found John Leland on the train coming home from Orange, New Jersey, where he has been at work. Gussie met me at the depot. I went with her to market and to D. M. Benedict's to get a pair of shoes for her and Georgie. After tea, I went up to see Father Griswold to get his name as endorser to a note in Danbury Bank to be given on the 19th inst. As a renewal of one of the same amount due at that time, the note being one put there in George's behalf. He expected his one hundred dollar bounty from the government to meet it but it did not come. JULY 11 THURSDAY - Returned to the city this morning. I called at the Book Room and paid for the things I got there yesterday for the Infant Class. The coal steamer 'Aragonia' arrive today. The passengers were brought from the steamer by a tug, the steamer being left below at quarantine. I was there, but Eliza did not come. I wrote home to Gussie in the evening to say that the steamer had come but Eliza had not come. JULY 12 FRIDAY - Stormy most of the day. Thunder showers about 7 P.M. A man by name of Buell came to the store and talked of canvassing to sell pictures for me. I took him with me to dinner. Rained hard in the evening. JULY 13 SATURDAY - Cloudy this morning; it soon came off pleasant. George came down from Yonkers this forenoon by boat. After dinner, I went to the Great American Tea Company for 4 lbs. of black tea for the lady where George boards in Yonkers. I bought two 11x13 gold gilt frames (oval) to Mr. Swift as I came home this evening. Helen Webster and her sister Sarah Corbin came to Father Griswold's from Plainville this evening on the train. JULY 14 SUNDAY - A pleasant day, not uncomfortably warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and Communion Service in the P.M. We had a small mess of strawberries for tea, the last of the season. After tea, I went to Rev. Mr. Stone's to inquire where Wesley Burnett boarded. I want to see if he will take my place as Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School. I returned without seeing him. We went up to Father Griswold's and visited with Helen Webster and Sister Sarah until evening meeting time. I had the headache and did not go to meeting on that account. Father called and stayed a while in the evening. Gussie picked flowers and made a bouquet for me to take to George in the city in the morning. JULY 21 SUNDAY - During the past week I have been much engaged with my business in the city and have had no time to write up my journal. Mr. Buell, who is interested in business with me outside the store, insofar as to share the profits with me in whatever work he can secure for me outside, has during this week disposed of 15 large French pictures (engravings of French ports) for me. Also secured for me a job of framing 100 22x28 sporting pictures for Smith & Rand Powder Company. I yesterday made arrangements to do the work. It has been cold for July and more or less showery during the past week, particularly as regards showers yesterday. George came down from Yonkers yesterday P.M. I came home on the 4:30 P.M. train from the city. It rained almost continually on the ride home. I bought two rose and gilt 7x9 frames for Swift. Gussie met me at the depot. Helen Webster and Sister Sarah Corbin left Father Griswold's yesterday noon for Plainville in company with Father Griswold. We rose late in the morning and in consequence neither of us went to church in the morning. I went down in time for Sunday School and returned home after intending to let Gussie go in the P.M., but I spent too much time on the corner of Williams and West Streets talking with Joseph W. Allen trying to persuade him to take my place as Secretary and Treasure of the Sunday School to give Gussie time to go in the P.M. After tea, I took Georgie to walk up to Deer Hill to see Harriet. I called at Mrs. Barnum's on our return. Before walking with Georgie, I went over to see Joseph Allen again about my position at Sunday School. From there, I went to the church and emptied the Infant Class money box. I took from it and put into the treasury of the School $5.35. Gussie went to church in the evening. I stayed with Georgie. JULY 24 WEDNESDAY - I went to the city again on Monday morning and while on the Danbury train fell in with Brother Webb on his way to Collinsville (where he now preaches) and by him found that Eliza and Lauren Humphrey were in Clinton and had been since about the 1st of July. Mr. and Mrs. Pond went with me to New York in Monday. They went direct to my store with me, after which I went with them to Pier 40 North River to the steamer 'Bristol'. He bought their tickets and I went with them on board. After seeing Mrs. Pond comfortably settled on board, he went with me up into the city for a walk and for me to do some business pertaining to the store. I finally left him on the Broadway Bridge at Fulton Street and completed my business and he, I suppose, to make his way back to the steamer. We had a shower just at night on Monday. Tuesday and today, we have had no showers and it has been very warm. Yesterday, Daniel and I fitted up the first 25 large frames on the order of 100 for Smith & Rand Powder Company and got $56.00 on them. Crowe & Powell sent me the balance of the glass for the job today. A number of orders have come in today and business appears a little better. Mrs. Stevens came for the pay today for the carpet she wove for us. Gussie borrowed the money - $14.95 - of her father and then borrowed again before night of my father to pay him. I came home from the city tonight and fell in with a fellow on the train for the first time to Danbury and wanted to go to Isaac P. Hull's. He came with me from the depot and I showed him the way to Mr. Hull's. I brought home with me a large bundle of kindling wood from the city.
1867-07
Horace Purdy Journal November 1867 Entry
13pgs
NOVEMBER 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I went direct (when I got to the city) to the California steamer at Pier 29 to see Lauren, Eliza and their children for California. The steamer started at precisely 12:30 o'clock. Alfred and Anna were there to see them off. They had some trouble with their trunks, they having been taken to the ___ (?) steamer at Pier 42. Alfred, however, by the aid of a policeman, got them just in time to put them on board before the steamer started. I went from there with Alfred and Anna to the Merchants' Hotel and then over to 380 State Street in Brooklyn to Louise Jones about some oil paintings. I returned to the store just in time to eat some lunch and get to the depot to come home. Henry Crofut's shop on the hill near his large factory was burned this afternoon. It was caused by the overturning and blowing up of a ___ (?) lamp in which was used Benzene. NOVEMBER 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to New York again today. Our neighbor Mr. Brown and wife went down. They were strangers in the city and I put them on the Bleeker Street cars to go to Fulton Ferry When I got home this evening, I was quite tired. NOVEMBER 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant until evening when it rained a little. We both (wife and self) went to church in the morning and took Georgie. We came home after Sunday School. Bell came and took supper with us. After tea, I went up and called on Oscar Serrine who about a week ago hurt his foot badly by having a timber fall on it while working on his barn which he is building. When I came from there, Gussie and I took Georgie and walked to New Street to see the new schoolhouse which we are having built. NOVEMBER 04 MONDAY - The stars shone early this morning and again this evening. I have been to New York and the day has been cloudy and has grown cold this afternoon. It rained a little about 3 P.M. When I came home this evening, I found Gussie nearly sick with Neuralgia. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's barn and held lamp for him to make a coal riddle for his nephew. I suppose he was making it for me when I went to the barn, but found I was mistaken. He proposes making one for me tomorrow evening if I wish. Before retiring, I drew up a form for advertising circulars for preserving natural flowers which I contemplate having printed. NOVEMBER 05 FRIDAY - I did not go to the city today. After breakfast, I went up home with a bundle of clothes for George for Mother to wash. I then went down to the shop and found some work to do. Before going to work, However, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and arranged with Swertfager to print me 5,000 advertising circulars for preserving flowers. I worked until dark at the shop. After work, I called again at the Jeffersonian Office. I also called under Concert Hall to see the new store of pictures and Yankee notions just opened. I received a letter by the evening mail from Dr. Kellogg requesting me to hand a note (which was included) to John Brayman requesting him to pay what he owed him for medical attendance. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Kellogg. Also wrote to William H. Hayes at the store in New York. NOVEMBER 06 WEDNESDAY - Cool; a snow squall in the middle of the day, just enough to say snow. I mailed a letter in time for the train this morning to Dr. Kellogg in reply to one received with John Brayman's bill enclosed. Also one to William Hayes at the store in New York. I worked in the shop all day. As I came from work at night I got 5,000 circulars at the Jeffersonian Office advertising my preserving of flowers and brought them home. After tea, I went into the street and got the deed (mortgage), I gave Father Griswold from the Town Clerk's Office. I stopped a little time at the picture auction under Concert Hall, bought a box of paper colors and came home. NOVEMBER 07 THURSDAY - Cold, the ground froze hard last night and it has thawed but little today. The sun shone but for a few minutes about 1 o'clock. It has looked and felt all day like snow. I had work until noon in the shop. As I was coming home, I met Gussie going down to Main Street. She did a little shopping and then I went with her to Dr. Fitch and she had 2 teeth extracted. I then came home leaving her to call on the widow Burr Bradley. Just before dark, I moved 5 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into my own. Mrs. Gilbert called after tea, to see if her sister, Widow Hull could rent my upper rooms another year. Aunt Louise also called. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I held lamp for Mr. Pond (in his barn) to make a money drawer for Daragan & Rider. It was 11 o'clock when I retired. NOVEMBER 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop today. As I intend to go to New York in the morning, I got my pay before leaving the shop. In the evening, I made two small frames at Swift's for my advertising circulars. I dug my salsify before breakfast this morning. NOVEMBER 09 SATURDAY - I went to New York this morning and took 5,000 circulars advertising the preservation on natural flowers. I left a few of them at Norwalk, also a few at Stamford. I sent a few to Newark, New Jersey by George Hodges. William Hayes, my principal man at the store went to Keyport New Jersey this P.M.; he also took a few of them with him. When I left the store to come home, I came by way of the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, and ordered 10 more Sunday School Advocates ($3.00) and five more Sunday School Journals ($1.75) added to our list of Sunday School papers. I also bought for the School, one dozen Judd's Lessons ($1.80). I t has been pleasant and warm today, but before I got home, it commence raining. NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY - Rain last night and misty this morning. It came off clear in the forenoon and was pleasant and warm. Gussie, on account of a scar on her face produced by the use of Kennedy's Liniment from neuralgia did not go to church. I went down in time for Sunday School. I stayed to Communion Service in the P.M. Mother. Having another poor turn and being sick abed, Gussie went up to see her after tea. There came up again a rain just at night and Gussie got caught in it coming home and she got very wet so that she made a complete change of clothing. It rained hard all the evening. We did not go out but spent a part of the evening upstairs in Robert's rooms. NOVEMBER 11 MONDAY - I am 32 years old today. I have been to New York today. I intended to meet Father Griswold at the 27th Street Depot at noon, but missed him. He came around to my store about 3 P.M. It is his first visit to the store. It looked like rain this morning, but it came off warm and pleasant. NOVEMBER 12 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. According to agreement, Father Griswold went at the 27th Street depot at 9 ## o'clock, but on account of the storm, I did not go to see him as planned to see his lots in Brooklyn. He went alone and I went to the store. It has rained and snowed together more or less all day. It has melted as fast as it came in New York but when I got as far on my way home as Wilton on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, the ground was covered an inch or more deep, the first snow we have had to whiten the ground any and the 3rd time it has been flying in the air. NOVEMBER 13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. The snow has not all disappeared today. It has thawed none in the shade. I had about a ## day's work in the shop. I went into the street before tea, and called at Mrs. Barlow's to say that the wreath I am preserving for her will most likely be done on Saturday. I then called on Henry Day and explained why I have not yet paid anything on my account with him. I had an understanding with him about it. After tea, I went into the street again and got some medicine of Dr. Bulkely for Mr. Pond and myself. I called at Hawley & Sayers and offered 10 % on jobs preserving funeral wreaths which they may get for me. I stopped at Swift's and he ordered through me a half dozen imperial passe-partouts. I then came down and stopped at the auction under Concert hall a short time and then came home. NOVEMBER 14 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool this morning; the ground was frozen hard. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped at Robert Sayers' and talked with him about preserving funeral wreaths. I offered him 10 % on every job he will secure for me. It is warmer tonight; the snow has disappeared very fast this P.M. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Last night and tonight, the falling stars were expected again. A few were seen early this morning by some people, I believe. NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop expecting work but there was none so I came home and helped Gussie clean the bedroom. I also shoveled my heap of ashes and manure into a pile on the garden. I used Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. I went to market in the evening. It has alternated between cloudy and sunshine during the day. NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAY - Went to New York; Cloudy and looked like rain in the morning, but the after part of the day was pleasant. I was busy at the store making frames, etc. I came by the way of Handler's in West 19th Street (my passe-partout maker) to get a half dozen Imperial pass-partouts for Swift. He had but one of the style I wanted, so I took it and ordered 5 more to me made on Monday. Just before the train got to Stamford this evening, the steam ran low so that we could not run. It delayed us nearly half an hour. After tea, I went over to Mr. Sherman's and furnished over 8 yards of cord and brought 5 pictures for him. I went out while Gussie was upstairs, she not knowing where I went became alarmed before I returned and called for me and then woke Robert upstairs to go look for me. Before he was dressed, however, I came in finding Gussie crying. NOVEMBER 17 SUNDAY - I went to church in the morning. Gussie and Georgie came down at noon to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. I came home after Sunday School. George Starr sent $5.00 to me by Gussie with which to get a half dozen of Philip Philips new singing book entitled ''Singing Pilgrims 'and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one. We had our first mess of vegetable oyster or salsify for supper. They were very fine. Neither of us went to church in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. I went to New York in the morning. As I went to the store from the Depot, I went to Handles' In 19th Street and got the other 11 Imperial Pass-partouts for Swift. I stopped at the store a short time and then went over to Fanton's at 491 Broadway and got 12 pairs of Rider's Sewing Machine casters and took the 12:30 train to Stamford to sell the casters. I sold but one pair. I called at Aunt Abbie's and after tea, I took the train for home, being very sick with a sick headache. I vomited at the Stamford Depot and again when I got home. I left the passe-partouts at Swift's store as I came home. I retired soon after I returned home, too sick to eat anything. NOVEMBER 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very cold again. It has thawed none at all today. I stayed at home and worked in the factory. I have not felt very well today from yesterday's sickness. After tea, I wrote to William Hayes, my chief man at the store. I mailed it as I went into the street to exchange a pair of shoes for Georgie which Gussie got for him last evening. After the mail was opened, I called at the Auction under Concert Hall for a few minutes and then walked up with Oscar Serrine. Before retiring, I wrote a plain letter to George about paying me what he owes me as I am now in great need of it. NOVEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool until after dinner when the wind changed to the south and it grew warmer. As I went to the shop this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I had $3.00 worth of work which lasted me nearly all day. Carpenters have been at work in the shop today making a new set of straight stairs leading into the finishing room in place of the old winding ones. As I came home from work, John Sharp came home with me for some cut wads to use in my gun which he has borrowed. After tea, I wrote to Wells Webster in Plainville to see if he could give Edmund Palmer work at carriage trimming. I mailed it in the evening. I also took back again the shoe makers (D. Benedict) the shoes we bought for Georgie, they not being quite large enough. Robert and wife came downstairs and spent the evening with us. We passed the time in a jocular way, telling stories, etc. NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work in the shop until after dinner. I came home by way of Rider's Shoe Store to see some boots he had just come in from New York, but as usual with ready-made boots, none of them would fit me. I then came home and covered my strawberries for the winter. Gussie and Frank Bouton went to the milliner's in the P.M. Frank came home with her to tea. After tea, Frank went down to meeting. I walked down with her. NOVEMBER 22 FRIDAY - Warm and cloudy; a little rain in the fore part of the evening. I have worked in the shop today. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at George Andrews. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go into the street. . While in the street, Alexander Wildman met me and very unexpectedly paid me the $3.25 he has for some time owed me and which I did not expect to get. I called a short time in George Rider's Shoe store and spent a little time talking about the preservation of natural flowers and the came home after exchanging some stale butter crackers at Randall & Bradley's for some pilot bread for Mother Griswold. After I came home, I went up and exchanged the iron casters on Fanny's sewing machine for a pair of brass ones. She paid me $1.00 for the price of them. NOVEMBER 23 SATURDAY - Cloudy, misty and some rain during the day. I went to New York. Before going to the store, I went to the Book Room and got a ## dozen 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one book for George Starr ' retail price 75 cents. They being for our Sunday School, I got them for 60 cents each. From there, I went to the corner of Broome and Elm Streets to see a German bookbinder for James Wallace Pine about binding a book he has been writing ' a poem entitled 'The Pilgrim's Hope'. I then went to 491 Broadway at H. B. Fanton's place to see Benjamin Rider and return to him what sewing machine casters I did not sell and pay for what I did. I then went direct to the store. I brought home the books for Brother Starr and the small wreath I have been preserving for Mrs. Barlow. I showed the wreath to a number on the train coming home. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and showed it, also over to Mr. Pond's and upstairs to Mr. Cocking. NOVEMBER 24 SUNDAY - Lowery through, but little rain. I went to church in the A.M. Brother Ira Abbott, who preached in New Milford when John lived there and was converted, preached for us this morning. We had rather an interesting time in Sunday School this noon singing from the new books, 'The Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combined into one. I delivered to Brother George Starr in Sunday School ## dozen which I got for him in New York. I also got 17 names for others which I am to get this week. Prayer meeting in the afternoon; we both attended. Georgie stayed with his Grandma Griswold. Gussie came home from church with a severe headache. She felt better after tea and went over to Henry Hinman's on Stevens Street to see Anne Elizabeth Delavan who is dangerously sick. She returned in time to let me go to church in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After the sermon, a short Prayer Meeting was held. Joseph W. Allen came home with me after meeting to get a singing book, 'Fresh Laurels' which I sold him. Warm and foggy in the evening, but no rain. NOVEMBER 25 MONDAY - Cloudy, muggy, lowery, foggy, warm, nasty muddy, and very unpleasant. We rose late. I have worked in the shop. I lent Oscar Serrine $2.00 until Wednesday. As I went to work this morning, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's, corner of Railroad Avenue and Liberty Street to see if she would be at home this evening if I would bring her wreath home, but I learned that she would not until next week. After tea, Gussie went into the street to see her dressmaker. In the meantime, Sarah Bouton, Frank Bouton and Fanny Griswold called in to see Mrs. Barlow's wreath which I have been preserving. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with the wreath to have it put into Swift's show window for the public to see. Mr. Swift not being in, I left it with his clerk who promised to put it in in the morning. NOVEMBER 26 TUESDAY - Cloudy and foggy this morning. It came off clear before night. I worked hard all day on 4 Drop Jack-ups, Vienna, Col., F. Stiff. As I came from work, I came by way of O. H. Swift's and got Mrs. Barlow's wreath. I concluded not to put it on exhibition for fear that she might not like it. After tea, I went to market. Charles Hull sent the tin leader today which I ordered last Friday evening. Robert put a lock on the inside cellar door today. NOVEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Was very busy making frames, etc. Came to the Depot via the Book Room and bought 17 Singing Pilgrim and Musical leaves combined for the Sunday School. I got them at the trade price of 55 cents. I took charge of a buffalo robe for at Norwalk for Mr. Potter and left it at Swift's store. Warren Bouton was on the train from Georgetown; he is to spend Thanksgiving in Danbury. His wife met him at the Depot here. Gussie met me also. I expected to find George on the train this evening on his way home from Yonkers but did not. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal today at 20 cents a bushel. NOVEMBER 28 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Stormy. I went to the shop in the morning, but found it closed. I returned by way of Swift's store and got $4.50 for the dozen passe-partouts I got for him. We took dinner with Father Griswold's folks, after which we left Georgie with them and went up to my father's to see George who came home yesterday from Yonkers. I wrote to William Hayes in the store and enclosed a note to George Talmadge about paying his rent. Also one to H. D. Clark about my note to him of $125 due December 9th. I mailed it in the evening and carried three pictures ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families ' over to Timothy Foster's. NOVEMBER 29 FRIDAY - Stormy. Rain. I have worked in the shop. Our foreman (V. W. Benedict) drew my pay while I was in New York on Wednesday and paid it to me today. Before breakfast, I killed a turkey and a chicken for Mother Griswold. The turkey Father Griswold will take to Harriet in New Haven as a present. I went into the street in the evening to buy a camp chimney and went to the Post Office. NOVEMBER 30 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning with considerable wind. I went to New York. Father Griswold also took the same train to new Haven; he took the turkey to Harriet. When I arrived in the city, I went to the Book Room and bought one dozen no. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School. I then went to Ferguson's and arranged with him to let me have goods on credit for a time in order that I may be able to meet a note to Henry D. Clark on December 9th. When I arrived at the 27th Street Depot in the morning, I renewed my commutation for the second 6 months ending May 31st, 1868 for $45.00. I found a letter waiting for me at the store from Smith & Rand to call at their office at 170 Broadway and get 72 more sporting pictures (22x28) to frame in Wall Gilt. I went down after dinner and got them, at the same time ordering the frames of Nonnebacher and the glass of Crowe & Powell. Daniel, who had promised to be at the store again on Friday, had not made his appearance up to 4 P.M. Mr. Pond, who has been in the city on business, called at the store and we came home together. George and Gussie met me at the Depot. George, after doing some business in the street came around to the house and spent a part of the evening. Gussie went up home today with Georgie but it grew cold so fast that she left him up there to stay overnight. Mrs. Green's mother died at 5 P.M.
1867-11
Horace Purdy Journal December 1867 Entry
12pgs
DECEMBER 01 SUNDAY - Very cold last night; cool today, but pleasant. Georgie being up home, we both went to church in the morning. Before dressing for church, I went down with the 17 Singing Books I bought in New York for the Sunday School. We had some excellent singing at noon under the leadership of Brother Lockwood. We came home at noon and in the P.M., we went up home to dinner and brought Georgie home with us. Just before evening meeting time, Susan Brayman came in. She walked down with me as I went to church. Brother Birch preached a good sermon after which they held a short prayer meeting. Gussie wrote in the evening to Edwin's wife. DECEMBER 02 MONDAY - Went to New York again today. Just as the train left this morning at 6:30 o'clock, it commenced snowing and threatened a hard snowstorm, but it snowed only a little, about a half inch here and less in New York. The sun came out about three o'clock in New York and the evening was fine. The engine gave out while we were in the upper tunnel in New York this morning and we were detained nearly a half hour. One of the cylinder heads blew out. We waited for the next train which then pushed us down to 42nd Street. Daniel has not yet returned to the store and work is put back on that account. I went down to No. 12 Cortlandt this P.M. to see Mr. Clark about the note due him on the 9th inst. As I fear I shall not be able to meet it. DECEMBER 03 TUESDAY - The tenth anniversary of our wedding. Sunshine and clouds but no storm. I worked in the shop. When I came from work, I went up to W. F. Olmstead's to see him about making application for me at the Union Savings Bank to renew my note of $400 which is in there. After tea, I took to Mrs. Barlow in Liberty Street, the funeral wreath I have been preserving for her. which was on the coffin of her infant child. I did not get the pay for it. I mailed a letter to William W. Hayes, my man at the store. Called at Swift's store; bought meal and buckwheat flour for pancakes. When I came from the street, I found George at the house waiting for me. After talking over the matter, he concluded to write to Yonkers to a shop mate to whom he sold some frames for me and see if he could not get the pay for them to help me out in meeting notes. I went down and mailed it before retiring. The Band of Hope gives an exhibition this evening at Concert Hall. DECEMBER 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop today. I called this P.M. at the Union Savings Bank to see if at the Board meeting last night they decided to renew my note of $400 and found that they did. I fastened the tin leader to the house which carries the water off from the sink upstairs. We moved the stove from the sitting room into the parlor preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. After tea, I drew up a copy of an advertisement which I am thinking of having put in the paper. I took it into the street with me, but found the Jeffersonian Office closed. I called a few moments in the auction room under Concert Hall and then came home. Before retiring, I took my note for renewal up to Father Griswold for his endorsement and left it for him to hand in tomorrow and take up the old one, as I am going to New York tomorrow. DECEMBER 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Daniel, not having made his appearance, we have hired another boy for the present, if not permanently. I did a great deal of running in the city today and am very tired tonight. George has been helping Gussie clean the sitting room and pantry today. Father Griswold attended to the renewal of my note at the Union Savings Bank for me today. I refunded the interest to him this evening after returning from New York. DECEMBER 06 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but not very cold. I did not rise until about 6:30 o'clock this morning. Before breakfast, I went down to mail a letter to William at the store in New York with one enclosed to Mr. Clark about the $5.00 he promised me if I would meet my note due him on next Monday. I was too late for the morning mail. I have worked in the shop today. George helped Gussie clean the sink room this forenoon. High wind in the forenoon and rain in the evening. I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I bought one dozen more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves for the Sunday School and let William Hayes have one at the store, bringing home 11. Mrs. Bartram was on the train from New York. Gussie, Louise, George and Hattie Mills met me at the Depot, George and Hattie having come on the same train with me from Bethel. Gussie stopped at the dressmakers and before she came home George and I killed our favorite cat 'Prince' to get him out of misery. He has been sick about 2 weeks with no prospect of ever being better. We had him buried before Gussie came home. After my supper, I went over to Mr. Pond's with three of my new singing books and we had a sing together. Before I came home, I borrowed for a few days $100 to meet a note on Monday in New York. DECEMBER 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. Gussie attended church in the morning while I stayed home with Georgie. George came down in the morning and went with Gussie. I took Georgie up to Mother Griswold's a little before 12 o'clock to wait until Gussie should return while I went to Sunday School. I delivered another batch of 11 books 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' to members of the School's sacrament in the P.M. which I attended. George called after tea while I was up to Mother Griswold's. He went over to Aunt Louise's before I returned Mother Griswold came down to stay with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I attend church together. DECEMBER 09 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have been to New York today. Bell went there today for the first time. George, being on his return to Yonkers, he took her with him by way of steamboat from Norwalk to New York. When they landed (about 11 o'clock), he took her up Fulton Street and on the Broadway Bridge. From there, they walked up Broadway to Barnum's Museum where they stayed until after 3 o'clock and then came over to the store for Bell to go with me as far as Stamford which she did by the express train. We left George at the store to take a later train up the Hudson River Road to Yonkers. I took up my note to Henry Clark today - $125 with interest. I brought a wreath home with me from New York to put in Swift's window on exhibition. DECEMBER 10 TUESDAY - The thermometer early last evening stood 4 degrees below zero. I woke this morning and found it snowing. Not so cold today. I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant before noon. As I went to work in the morning, I left my boots at Daragan's to be mended and called for them as I came home from work. A letter from William Hayes that Nunnebacher in Pell Street had not enough Walnut molding of the pattern I ordered; the 72 22x28 frames of for Smith & Rand Powder Co. He made 60 of them and waits to hear about using another pattern. I wrote to William after tea, giving directions about it and mailed it as I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I worked late to finish up my work as I am going to New York tomorrow morning. I came home late and very tired. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go to market. DECEMBER 12 & 13 THURSDAY & FRIDAY - Very cold. It was snowing very hard when I rose. I went to New York. The storm increased during the day. The wind blew terribly. I took the train at 27th Street for home at 4:30 o'clock. We had difficulty in getting up to 42nd Street with horses. After attaching the engine, we went as far as 49th Street and could get no farther on account of Harlem trains on the track ahead and ice at the street crossings. We finally, however (after Mr. H. B. Fanton and myself went to the Reunion Hotel on the corner of 42nd Street and 4th Avenue for something to eat) got under way a little after 11 o'clock, and after a great deal of difficulty we arrived at Mamaroneck about 4 o'clock Friday morning when the water in the engine tanks was exhausted and we could get no farther. We suffered for fuel to warm us and many for food. There was not wood enough at 27th Street to properly supply the cars for even an ordinary trip and no snow plow for the engine. There was evident mis-management all around. We were obliged to lie at or around Mamaroneck Station until about 1:30 o'clock P.M. on account of the inability of the Superintendent of the road ' Hoyt. The engines which were sent to Stamford at noon for water could just as easily been sent in the morning if Superintendent Hoyt had so directed. When we finally got underway again, the passengers held an indignation meeting on board and passed resolution censuring the officers of the road and particularly Superintendent Hoyt, who was on the ground and did so little to assist us. A committee was appointed to see that the resolutions were printed in the New York papers. They were still acting on the matter when we arrived at Norwalk which was about 3 o'clock. There I found Brother Birch who came from Stamford on the same train. We went over to Bixbee's Hotel and stayed by a good fire until the Danbury train came down which waited until 8:30 o'clock for another train from New York. We arrived in Danbury at 10:30 o'clock. Thursday P.M. as I went to the Depot, I went to Philip Phillip's at Broadway Union Square for a dozen Singing Pilgrims and Musical leaves combine for our Sunday School which I brought home with me. (Marginal Note: 30 hours coming from New York to Danbury detained on the cars on account of the snow). DECEMBER 14 SATURDAY - I went to New York again this morning and delivered 72 frames to Smith & rand Powder Company at 170 Broadway and got my pay for them. As I came home, I went again to Phillip Phillips for 10 more singing books. The trains came through with little trouble tonight though they were a little behind time. I am nearly used up tonight. DECEMBER 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not so cold. I went down to the church before breakfast and carried the music books I brought from New York for the Sunday School. Neither of us attended church in the morning. I went early to Sunday School. Gussie came soon after with Georgie. After delivering most of the music books to subscribers, I found that a part of the book was differently arranged from others I had previously procured for the school. Most of the music was there, but the pages did not agree. I took a few of them back again and am to see Phillip Phillips about the matter when I go to New York again. Feeling very tired and weary, I came home again after school with Georgie. Father came down and made us a call after he had eaten his dinner but before we had eaten ours. We did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. DECEMBER 16 MONDAY - Pleasant. The sleighing is splendid and is being improved by many. I am troubled with rheumatism in my right leg. I have worked in the shop today. Robert took down the tin leader which carries off the water from their sink upstairs; it being froze up solid. He has thawed it out today and in now ready to put it up again. As I came from work tonight, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's on the corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue and collected the remaining $12.00 for preserving and framing the wreath which she owed me for. She, being away, has left it with her mother. I went into the street in the evening to see about buying 4 gallons of kerosene oil. Mother Griswold is 71 years old today. DECEMBER 17 TUESDAY - It was a little red in the east as the sun rose this morning, but since then the day has been lowery and towards night misty with indications of rain. As I went to the shop this morning, I took my can to Benedict & Nichols for 4 gallons of kerosene oil which I got on credit for 65 cents per gallon, the price for small quantities being 70 cents. I had about a half day's work in the shop, after which I got Tom Signor to finish a Cass hat for me made from a California Full Stiff Pearl which I spoiled by cutting the brim too small and got it colored and blocked on another shape for my own use. Cal Chichester curled it for me and I brought it home when I came. Before tea, Fanny and I made some arrangements about mats and frames for some pictures she wants me to get for her in readiness for her by Christmas day. After tea, I went into the street to see Mr. Couch about repairing an oil portrait of Nathaniel Cable. Also, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and left an advertisement for preservation of flowers. I returned home about 7 o'clock to let Gussie go into the street to do some trading. DECEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Before going to the store this morning, I went to Phillip Phillips with 6 singing books, 'Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves' of the first edition which he gave me last week by mistake in place of the last edition. I left the 6 and made arrangements to return other 16 and get in their place next Saturday the same number of the last edition. I have been kept very busy at the store today making frames, etc. I brought home two mats for pictures for Fanny. Gussie has been up home to Father Purdy's today. She drew Georgie up on his little sleigh. DECEMBER 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have worked in the shop today doing my yesterday's allowance with that of today which kept me busy until late. As I felt very tired in the evening, I let Gussie go into the street to do some marketing for me and I stayed home. She brought home a few more small Christmas toys for Georgie to the amount of 34 cents. Fanny came in about 9 o'clock with her mother's photograph for me to frame in an 8x10 polished walnut spring pattern which I did and charged her $2.00, my price at the store - $2.75. DECEMBER 20 FRIDAY - Very cold last night. The mercury last evening stood at 5 below zero. It commenced snowing this morning and continued to moderate with more or less snow during the day until evening when it was mild and pleasant and cleared away. I have had work all day in the shop. Joe Day came to the shop for his brother Henry and solicited some money from me on what I owe him for meat. I gave him $10.00. As I came from work, I stopped at Avery Raymond's and got a singing book to take with me to New York tomorrow and exchange for a later edition. Also stopped at Wesley Burritt's for one. I attended a Teachers' Meeting at 6 o'clock in the middle classroom to make arrangements for the coming Sunday School Festival on the 26th of December. Before retiring, I entered the doings on the Sunday School records. DECEMBER 21 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I took Father Griswold's large photograph with me and framed it in a 16x20 Walnut & Gilt Sperry's pattern. I brought it home with me at night. I returned 5 more singing books to Phillip Phillips before going to the store in the city and expected some of the last edition in return for them but he had none. He expects a supply of them daily. I have been very busy in the store. I borrowed a punch of Mr. Fanton (the shirt man) this evening to use on our Sunday School tickets as a private mark to prevent the use of such as are in other hands. We contemplate using the old tickets to save expense next Thursday. After tea, we went over to Mr. Pond's to see their new baby and to show them picture of Father Griswold which I brought from New York. From there, we took it up home and hung it for Fanny. DECEMBER 22 SUNDAY - Warm and muggy with some rain which with the snow on the ground makes the walking very bad. Gussie has been home all day with the sick headache. I went to the church in the forenoon and spent the time in the basement punching heart-shaped holes in the old Sunday School exhibition tickets to prevent fraud by using old ones now in the hands of many who never returned them from previous exhibitions. After Sunday School, I came home and stayed with Gussie. Father came down after tea for a call. He took the letter from Bell for Mother which we took from the Office last evening. She wrote from Port Chester. Just before tea, I went for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold who has been complaining all day. DECEMBER 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Mrs. Nathaniel Benedict went to New York. I accompanied her to the city and saw her safely on the 4yth Avenue horse cars. I have been very busy again at the store. I had the sick headache in the P.M.I had a talk with Daniel Minnerly and finally consented to take him back again in my employ. I returned 4 more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves combine to Phillip Phillips, making 15 of the 22 returned. His other (the revised edition) has not yet come. Before I left home this morning, Mr. Pond came in with a note for me to sign for $1,000 at the Danbury National Bank. I did it to accommodate the firm to which he belongs, Steven Sunderland & Company. They are to endorse it and get the money as they have notes coming due for lumber before they can get any money for the new school house which they are building. The note is drawn for three months from December 3rd. They confidently expect funds before this note matures, and I consider the risk small. I would have not done it for any other man, but he (Mr. Pond) has several times favored me and I feel it would be unkind to refuse him. DECEMBER 24 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. James Maynard came to the store to see me today. He was under the impression that I kept bouquets preserved for ale and wanted to get some for John Wanderville in New Haven to put in his confectionary store. I walked with him over to Broadway and there left him and returned to the store. After dinner, I went down to E. D. Hill's Coal Office to order another to of coal and to settle up for the wreath I preserved for him. I balanced it by taking coal. He would give only $10.00 for the frame which was $3.00 less than I intended. I saw James Maynard again at Norwalk as I was coming home. I intended to send some circulars with him to New Haven for distribution but forgot them when left the store. Before retiring, I helped Mr. Pond prepare a Christmas tree in his barn. DECEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY - Christmas Day. Georgie had a good time this morning when he found his stocking full of toys, candy, etc. I went to the shop after breakfast, but it was closed; no work to be done today. Father came down and took Georgie home with him this forenoon. Gussie went to church in the P.M. to help dress it in green. I went to the Depot and paid the remaining $28.00 on the $38.00 for my commutation for 6 months ending June 1st. I took Augustus Hoyt's horse and sleigh and with Fred Shears went down to Whittlesey's Evergreen Hill and got some ivy for dressing the church. I went up home for Georgie just at night and stayed to tea. In the evening, I drew up a roll of the Sunday School Scholars for use tomorrow evening at the exhibition. Gussie went to the church again in the evening to assist in further dressing the church. The day has been cloudy and warm. The snow has wasted fast; about 9 o'clock in the evening, it began to rain. DECEMBER 26 THURSDAY - Rain last night, but it cleared off pleasant and warm this morning. The snow has wasted fast today and the sleighing is about used up. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I bought a pair of rubbers at Daniel Benedict's and got trusted for them. After tea, I went directly to the church to assist at door keeping at the Sunday School Exhibition. We had a very good time. We took in about $60.00. Georgie went with us. He took a part with other three-year-old children. He got to sleep after his part was played. We drew him down and back in Mr. Pond's baby carriage, ours being broken. DECEMBER 27 FRIDAY - The ground was frozen a little this morning and the sun shone pleasantly for a time but before noon it became cloudy but no rain. The snow has wasted very fast and it is very muddy. I have worked in the shop. James Wallace Pine presented the shop with two books as a testimonial of his regard for the men who have shown him such kindness and encouragement in getting his books (poems) before the public. The books were 'The Cotton Family' and 'Bayard Taylor's Travels'. As I came home from work, I took the wreath of D. E. Hill's from Swift's window and carried it to Mr. William's office at the depot in readiness to take with me to New York in the morning. After tea, I went to market. DECEMBER 28 SATURDAY - I have been to New York today. It was raining hard when I started. I took D. E. Hill's wreath back with me as he now wants it delivered. It came off pleasant before I arrive in the city and the remainder of the day was delightful, except the wind. I came to the 27th street depot by way of Phillip Phillip's at Union Square, but his music books 'Singing Pilgrim and Music Leaves Combined', 30 of which I ordered, he has not yet got from his printer. Bell was at Norwalk waiting for me. She was just returning from her visit at Port Chester and Stamford. Father met her here at the depot and Gussie met me to assist in carrying the music books, but I required no help of that kind. DECEMBER 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The ground was frozen this morning, but at church time it was very muddy. I went in the morning to church. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, I came home with him. At noon, Henry Hoyt gave over to me the money taken at the Sunday School Exhibition on Thursday evening, $59.00. There are as yet two scholars to make returns of tickets sold with which we hope to make the amount over $60.00. Bell came here to tea from church. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's a few minutes. I attended church in the evening. The attendance was good. Brother Birch preached a good sermon. DECEMBER 30 MONDAY - Colder. It has frozen all day. I have worked in the shop. Elijah Morris came with me from work to see frames at the house to select one for a picture of his father-in-law which he wants me to frame tomorrow at the store and deliver to his folks at their residence at 40 Suffolk Street. I returned to the street and exchanged $34.00 in currency for bills for the Sunday School, the same being money taken at the Christmas Exhibition. Mr. Pond, not having been obliged to use the note of $1,000 (which I lent my name to for him to raise money for a short time for Steven Sunderland & Company) gave the same back to me this evening and I gave back his personal note of same amount which he gave as security. After tea, I killed the turkey which Father Griswold gave to us as a New Year's present. I also went over to W. Olmstead's with some samples of frames for him to select fro for some frames he is contemplating getting. I then went into the street to get some raisins, eggs, etc. for New Year's. DECEMBER 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant (or rather, not stormy) as there was but little sunshine. The day has been cold. I have been to New York. I took down with me a picture for Elijah Morris and framed for him and delivered to 40 Suffolk Street. I had the company of Dr. Brown and wife to New York this morning. They were on their way to Newburgh to spend New Year's Day with her folks. I invited my headman at the store, William H. Hayes, to come home with me and spend New Year's Day, but he could not on account of the expense accept the invitation though much he would like to.
1867-12
Horace Purdy Journal January 1868 Entry
19pgs
JANUARY 01 WEDNESDAY - I went to the Savings Bank in the morning and paid $48.00 interest for six months ending July 1, 1868 on $1,200. From there I went to the shop and took out some work. Then left it and borrowed Parmalee & Sherman's horse and went up home for Mother, Bell and Georgie, who went up home yesterday and brought them down to our house to eat turkey and stay overnight, Father being away on a visit to Ridgefield. Fanny and Louise were with us also as they were alone, Father and Mother Griswold being in New Haven on a visit to Harriet. It has been stormy, snow in the morning, rain later in the day. I went to church in the evening to attend a Special Teachers' Meeting, but there being but few present, no business was done. I mailed this evening a few circulars advertising the preservation of flowers with a few of my cards to James L. Maynard. JANUARY 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant; it has seemed like a spring day. I have worked in the shop. Mother and Bell stayed with us last night. As I came from work this P.M., I hired Mr. Beatty to take Mother home. I paid him 25 cents. I have been rather low spirited today in view of the hard times and my liabilities. I called at Benedict Brothers' Shoe Store and told them that I must have a little more time on what I owe them which was satisfactory. After tea, I went into the street and bought a diary of Mr. Swift, 50 cents. I talked to Mr. Potter about hiring George to drive his team and sell musical instruments for him. I mailed a letter to him about it, requesting him to meet me at the store on Saturday. JANUARY 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop today. I came home from work by way of the Jeffersonian Office to get my paper. William Hurd cashed my account for me before I left the shop - $10.00. I marked off the Sunday School Advocates in the evening. I stayed at home to let Gussie go with Louise up to George Davis'. JANUARY 04 SATURDAY - When we rose this morning, I found it snowing hard and two or more inches of it on the ground. I have been to New York. I had Josephine Dare's company from Bethel to the city. Her brother, Samuel, met her at 27th Street. Willie Hurd, Jr. was on the train with his sister and another lady friend on his way home from Danbury to Patterson. They took the 6th Avenue cars down with me. It has been misty most of the day here, while in New York, there has been no snow and a part of the day the sun shone. Soon after leaving Norwalk on my way home this evening, it began to snow again. As I left the cars on arriving home, it was snowing very fast. Gussie and Louise met me at the depot. George came down to the store to see me today about a position with J. M. Potter to drive a team on the road and sell melodeons, pianos, etc. He thinks of taking the situation if he and Mr. Potter can make a bargain. Before we retired, it cleared off finally and the stars shone brightly. JANUARY 05 SUNDAY - Good sleighing. Pleasant but cold. Gussie attended church in the morning and I went down to Sunday School when she returned from morning service. I stayed to Prayer Meeting in the P.M. Mrs. Holmes, our female superintendent, gave over to me $6.14 which she had collected to pay the expenses of our Christmas Exhibition. Bell was with us to tea. About 6 o'clock P.M., a fire broke out uptown. It was the dwelling in Franklin Street next to what was the old finishing shop on the corner of Main and Franklin Streets, owned by a Mr. Sturgis. Aunt Sally Hoyt and daughter Sarah Smith were living there. Sam Main and wife also boarded there. The house was not entirely burned down. Most of the things were got safely out except the clothing belonging to Mrs. Smith and her three children. It was about evening meeting time when I returned from the fire, but we stayed at home. JANUARY 06 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went to the shop and finished off five hats which I had left over since last Friday. There being no more work, I came home before dinner. After dinner, I went into the street and went before the Board of Relief to swear off $1,100 which I owe Father Griswold. I then went to Brother Burch's and collected 75 cents which his boy Charlie took for tickets sold to the Christmas Exhibition. I then paid him $12.75 for candy which he bought for the cornucopias on that occasion. On my way home to dinner, I stopped at Foster's Carpenter Shop and collected $3.75 from Tim Foster for pictures and frames which I sold him ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families. I took the train at 4:30 o'clock and went to Norwalk to see two undertakers there and arranged for flower preserving. I returned by the evening train. Paid printer for School printing - $6.50. JANUARY 07 THURSDAY - S. C. Holley's wool hat factory was burned this morning between 1 and 2 o'clock. I went to the fire. I have worked in the shop today. After work, I went up to see Father as he has worked for Holley and now will be out of work. Gussie having gone up before me, she got some pictures of Nellie Freeland for me to frame. I rode down home with Charles Starr. I went to a Hatters' Meeting at No. 2 Hose Company's room. I got excused early in the meeting and came home stopping at Flieg's Clothing Store to see if Theo Bradley wanted to go to New York with me in the morning; he thinks he will. When I came home, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he weighed out for me 26 lbs. of sugar at 15 cents per lb. with 2 percent added for expense of getting it here from New York. It came to $4.04. I paid him the 4 cents, leaving my indebtedness just four dollars. JANUARY 08 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with a little snow early in the morning as I was going to the depot. I have been to New York. Theo Bradley has been down with me. I spent a good part of the day going around with him. We took dinner at the 'Savory Dining Room' in Fulton Street just out of Broadway. I framed three pictures (two of them in one frame) for Nellie Freeland and two very small ones for Gussie ' 'Christ Crowned With Thorns' and 'The Virgin Mary' colored in oil. Nellie's were Deacon Benjamin Ambler and wife in one frame and Hattie Gregory (as it were) and her husband, Mr. Craig both on one card in another. Theo and myself were about tired out when we got home. Daniel Starr had a son born to him last night at about 12 o'clock and died at birth. Mrs. Bradley and Gussie went up this evening to see Mrs. Starr and also to call in Stevens Street and see the remains of John Stone who died yesterday morning at 6 o'clock. Mr. Pond came in the evening to see if I had a new hat for him as he intends going to Boston tomorrow. I have not yet made the hat for him. Gussie went sleigh riding with 10 others with George Starr's team by invitation from him. He sent William A. Bouton, his hired man to drive. The load was made up of old maids and widows ' Emily Anderson, Paulina Pepper, Fanny Griswold, Mrs. Noah K. Barnum, Widow Hiram Cole, Mrs. Starr and others. JANUARY 09 THURSDAY - Sunshine; snow squalls and high wind in the P.M. with increasing cold. I have worked in the shop. I have worked as long as I could see, having yesterday's work and today's too to get off. Bell was with us to tea. I gave her Nellie Freeland's pictures which I framed for her. She took them with her to church in the evening and will take them with her up home after meeting. John Stone was buried this P.M. I went to market in the evening and found it to be very cold. JANUARY 10 FRIDAY - Very cold last night and today. I have worked in the shop. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to market, etc. JANUARY 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer, though it is yet very cold. I have been to New York today. I saw Mr. Wing on the train this morning with a new washing machine. I brought one of them home to try. I tried today to find out which of my tenants over the store in New York it is that makes such a nuisance of the water closet but could not. Each denied it and charged the other with it. I threatened to turn out of doors the one who did it, if I could find out the guilty one provided it was not stopped. I brought 1 and a half yards of tracing cloth for drafting purposes to Morgan Chittenden from Burton's in 6th Avenue, between 4th and 5th Streets. Before retiring, I arranged a wash tub for the new washing machine preparatory to washing on Monday. JANUARY 12 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. Gussie went to church in the morning and came home at noon to let me go to Sunday School. I stayed to the Sacrament in the P.M. We stayed at home in the evening and retired early. JANUARY 13 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. The mercury stood at zero this morning. I have worked in the shop all day. Gussie tried her new washing machine, but before she had tried it long, a handkerchief got caught around one of the rollers and she, not being able to get it out again, abandoned it and did not on that account, give it a fair trial. A Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening. I attended as usual, I being the Secretary. The voted to expend one hundred dollars for the new library books and appointed the preacher, Brother Burch and myself a committee to purchase them. They also voted to get up an oyster supper, the proceeds from which to be used in fitting up and furnishing the Librarian's Room. JANUARY 14 TUESDAY - Cold during the morning, but the weather moderated somewhat during the day. Cloudy in the after part of the day with strong indications of snow. I have worked in the shop. About 11 o'clock, Brother Burch and George Starr called at the shop to get the catalogue to the Sunday School Library. I gave Brother Burch the keys to the church and library and directions where he would find the catalogue. He went to New York this P.M. and I am to meet him at Tibbel's on Park Row about the middle of the day tomorrow to assist in spending $100 for library books. As I came home from work this evening, I called at the Parsonage for any keys which he left there for me. Father completed splitting Mr. Pond's wood today. He took dinner with Gussie. Bell came in as we were drinking tea and stayed until meeting time and went down with Gussie who went to market and I stayed at home. Bell came after meeting to stay overnight. About 8 in the evening, it began to snow. JANUARY 15 WEDNESDAY - Snow last night and this morning. It cleared off about noon. I have been to New York and with Brother Burch, bought Sunday School books at Tibbel's. I was busy until time to come home and then left Brother Burch to finish the job. I brought home an old door mat from the store. Bought 'Bullion's Latin Reader' for Charles Hodge. JANUARY 16 THURSDAY - Pleasant, excepting a short snow squall after dinner. I have worked in the shop. I took the Latin Reader to Charles Hodge at the shop and got 75 cents for it. Gussie washed some clothes for George today which I brought for New York yesterday. She took the up home and ironed them while Mother mended. She used the new washer and liked it better today. After tea, I went to market. Gussie went with me as far as the street and then went down Liberty Street to see Mrs. Bradley about going out to Mr. Reynold's tomorrow evening with the Sewing Society on a sleighing party to have a gathering there. JANUARY 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cold in the morning. I have worked in the shop. I brought home a new hat for Mr. Pond. Brother Burch came home today. The Library books came also. He had them unpacked and his boys carried them into the Librarian's Room in the church. The Ladies' Aid Society meets this evening over to Brother Reynold's in Miry Brook. Brother Starr and Isaac Smith each furnished a double team. Avery Raymond supplies one single and Augustus Hoyt, two single teams. They were well filled and all hands started over there on a sleigh ride about 6 o'clock this evening. Gussie went with them. Georgie being sick with a head cold, I stayed with him at home. I went down, however, to the church (Louise at the time staying with Georgie) where they started from to see them off. I then called at D. B. Booth's office to see if the $100 bounty for George had come and found the check there waiting for him, it having come last Monday. I took it and am to take tomorrow to the city for his endorsement. JANUARY 18 SATURDAY - I have been to New York today. I took George's clean clothes down to him, but he not having made his appearance before I left to come home, I left the bounty check with William to have George endorse it when he did come. I cut down William's wages from $10 to $8 per week. Phillip Phillips had his new singing books that I have been waiting for so long, but I was at his place so late that I had no time to wait for them to be put up for me, so I came very reluctantly without them. I was sick with headache when I came home. Nelson Nickerson was on the train this evening on his way home from a coasting trip on the Southern Coast. He arrived in New York today by steamer from Charleston, South Carolina. JANUARY 19 SUNDAY 19 - Pleasant. Georgie being sick with a sore throat and a heavy cold and we both rose rather late. Gussie did not go to church at all today. I went down at noon to Sunday School and in the P.M., William Taylor, the Librarian and Fred Vintz, assisted by myself, put numbers on the backs of the old books and put them in the Library. In the evening, we met in the basement again and took a list of the new books and put into them what labels we had. JANUARY 20 MONDAY - Georgie, who yesterday and the day before was quite sick, is better today. He had no fever last night and today he was more like himself. I have worked in the shop until about 2 o'clock. Then, before coming home, went up to see Harriet at Mr. Townsend's to get a picture she wants framed, but Bell had been there for it and had taken it to my house. I fitted up a family group of Washington and gave to Robert. Bell came back from the street and took tea with us. Before and after tea, I worked at arranging the list of new Sunday School books in alphabetical order ready for entering them on the catalogue. When I completed it, I took the list down to the church and did some marketing. I received a letter from William, my man at the store, saying that H. D. Clark wanted a certain looking glass marked $35 for $27 and the same to remain on my $125 note due him next March. I replied before coming home. (I wrote in Swift's store and immediately mailed it) that $27 was too cheap on account, but that he could have it towards the note for $30. JANUARY 21 TUESDAY - A hard snowstorm. I was trouble so with headache last night and this morning, that I did not get up until breakfast was ready and did not go to the shop until after dinner. As I went, I mailed a letter to the store, directing William to send by return mail the $100 Bounty Check of George's which I left there on Saturday for George to endorse. As I came from work, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for 150 labels for Sunday School books which I ordered printed. When I got home, Father was at the house waiting for me to get the new washing machine for him. He wants to try it at Nellie Freeland's. After tea, I went down to the church per agreement with the Librarian to assist at putting labels on the books, etc. It cleared off so that the stars shone in the evening and grew colder. Georgie has evidently got the measles. JANUARY 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. In the evening, William H. Taylor, the Librarian, and I put numbers on the backs of the new Sunday School books. We worked until after 10 o'clock. JANUARY 23 THURSDAY - I have worked in the shop today. It commenced raining about 9 o'clock this A.M. and continued all day. As I came home from work, I took from the Office a letter from William with George's bounty check enclosed which I wrote for on Wednesday. I left it at the store last Saturday for George to endorse when he came down from Yonkers. I went down to the church in the evening and copied the numbers of the new Library books into the catalogue. I gave the bounty check to D. B. Booth to draw the money tomorrow. I wrote to George telling him that J. M. Potter would see him about selling instruments for him. I also wrote to Phillip Phillips to have him save me 35 of the Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves Combined and I will call for them Saturday. JANUARY 24 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked in the shop. I went to D. B., Booth's office in the evening and got George's $100 bounty money, leaving $5.00 of it with Booth as a fee for collecting the same. Gussie then went with me to see the new Library books at the church. Before retiring, I completed copying in alphabetical order the new Sunday School books into the catalogue. Bell was with us to tea. JANUARY 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I sent William out from the store with $90.00 with which to pay some bills and to buy some tea and coffee for me at the Great American Tea Company. He also bought a large slate and some small books which are calculated as helps to teachers for Mr. Pond. I brought home 35 of Phillips' singing books for the Sunday School. I had William come to the depot with me to help carry some of the packages and Mr. Pond met me here at the depot and assisted me. I also brought home for Harriet a pencil drawing which I framed for her. Gussie today took a letter from the Office for me from George. JANUARY 26 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, although not unpleasant. I went down to the church between 9 and 10 o'clock with the Sunday School papers. I returned and let Gussie attend in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School. The Librarian's Room is not yet fully furnished and completed though the center table chairs and carpet are there. The new Library books were given out today for the first time. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached us a good sermon. JANUARY 27 MONDAY - Stormy. It has snowed more or less all day. I have worked in the shop. I went to Teachers' Meeting in the evening, it being a special one to make arrangements for an Oyster Super on February 5th. Before I retired, I copied the minutes of the meeting and drew up a notice of the supper for publication in the paper. January 28 TUESDAY - Cloudy. It has snowed more or less during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I left a notice of our proposed Oyster Supper at the Times Office for publication. I went over to Dr. Brown's to see Lizzie Hill and got some pictures of our church and parsonage and again this evening and got some more which I am to frame and offer for sale at the Oyster Supper next week. After tea, I went over to see George Starr about the money with which to pay for our new Sunday School books. I then went up to Mr. Townsend's and took Harriet's picture which I framed to her. From there, I went over home and got the washing machine as Gussie wants to use it tomorrow. JANUARY 29 WEDNESDAY - Stormy ' snow. As I went to the shop this morning, I left a notice of our proposed Oyster Supper next Wednesday evening at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. There being no work at the shop, I spent the forenoon in trying to get George W. Raymond to go to our church and cut a pipe hole in the chimney in the Librarian's Room, but did not get him. I saw Andrew Knox about doing a little graining the same room in a few days. Mr. Norris, the pianist who played for us at the Christmas Exhibition, came here with his bill which I paid. - $12.00. I dropped a note to George Starr with the bill enclosed requesting him to make up the $7.00 which it was more than we expected as it will ben needed to pay for our new library books. I also wrote to George, notifying him that J. M. Potter would call on him in Yonkers on Friday with the view of employing him to sell musical instruments. After tea, I went up to Mr. Rundle's to see George Mortimer, his son, and get $1.00 for exhibition tickets which he sold. I then went over and carried a Singing Pilgrim to Harriet Phillips. JANUARY 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and mild after the snowstorm. I have worked in the shop. I came home feeling nearly sick. The German who disappeared last Monday was found in Turner Street. He was crazy. He seemed not to know where he had been or how long he had been gone. He is a hat maker and works for Henry Crofut. His name is Steiner. His wife, before he married her, lived with Father Griswold, a servant when they first came to Danbury when they resided in the old Parsonage. After tea, I shoveled the snow off the walk in front of my house and to Mr. Pond's gate. I then went into the street and to the church and opened the Infant Class money box and took from it $5.26 and put it into the Sunday School Treasury. I went into Prayer Meeting a few minutes before its close. JANUARY 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cold last night and this morning. I have worked in the shop. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Dr. Brown's. Louise stayed with Georgie while I went to the Society to get my key which I lent to Mrs. Holmes to clean the Librarian's Room. From there, I went over to the church and made a fire in the new stove in the Library to see if it would draw. Brother George Starr left a draft of $90.00 at the house for me today to take with me to New York tomorrow and put with other money from the treasury and pay N. Tibbels , 37 Park Row for the new Library books - $158.68.
1868-01
Horace Purdy Journal February 1868 Entry
6pgs
FEBRUARY 01 SATURDAY - Very cold last night and this morning. Pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. Cold again tonight. I have been to New York today. I paid N. Tibbels & Company $158.68 for library books I bought January 15th. Bought 10 more of The Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves Combined to sell in the Sunday School. Went to Book Room for No. 3 Judd's Lessons. Called to see Brother Duprey at the same place to get job of framing photographs of preachers. I framed 12 pictures of the church and parsonage to bring home. William was to meet me with them at the 27th Street Depot but did not, so I came without them. Martin Clark was on the train tonight. I partly got a job of framing from him. Gussie received a letter this evening from Lydia in Canton telling of Lauren and Eliza's journey to California. FEBRUARY 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant; before breakfast, I went over to Rabbit Hill to see Mrs. Holmes, our Sunday School Female Supt. about the time to be specified (in the notice to be given to the preacher) for bringing to the church donations of cake, etc. for the Oyster supper to come off on Wednesday. I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School. We had a fire in the Librarian's Room in the new stove for the first time. After supper, I went over to Harriet Phillips with a Methodist Almanac I got for her in New York. From there, I went up home to see father where I stayed until nearly meeting time when I came home and stayed in the evening to let Gussie go to church. FEBRUARY 03 MONDAY - Very cold. I worked in the shop. Had a new mainspring put in my watch - $1.25. The seats in the church were re-rented this P.M. at 1 ## o'clock. Gussie attended and took our old seat again at an advance of $4.00, making it now $24.00. FEBRUARY 04 TUESDAY - Very cold this morning. The mercury stood at 10 below zero in some localities. I have been to New York. I brought home for sale tomorrow evening at the Sunday School Oyster Supper, One dozen pictures of the church and parsonage in 8x10 ## frames square. Also 4 8x10 rose and gilt and gold for Brother Burch's photographs to be sold also I put in screw eyes and cords to all of them before retiring. FEBRUARY 05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but before night it commenced snowing and continued during the evening. Our Oyster Supper, conducted by the Sunday School Teachers, came off this evening, notwithstanding the snow and considering the inclemency of the weather, was a success. I have worked in the shop. Clarissa Smith came in and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie and I attend the Oyster Supper. FEBRUARY 06 THURSDAY - It snowed the forepart of the day. It has thawed all day. I worked in the shop. It cleared off before night. Kellen Brockett was buried this P.M. FEBRUARY 07 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have worked in the shop. Gussie went to Sewing Society at Mrs. Bartram's this evening. Borrowed 40 dollars of Augustus Hoyt. FEBRUARY 08 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have been to New York today. Went to C.C. Goss about making his frames. Josephine Dare at the store. Paid my rent to Young. FEBRUARY 09 SUNDAY - Stormy. It snowed in the morning. It turned to rain before noon and continued all day. Gussie rode to church in the morning with Robert. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the Communion Service in the P.M. After tea, Father came down and called on us. On account of the storm, we stayed at home in the evening and Gussie wrote to Eliza in California. FEBRUARY 10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked in the shop until noon and came home, there being no more work to do for the day in the shop. On my way home, I stopped at the church to see Knox' man grain the Librarian's Room I finally went home (after taking out two bricks from the outside of the church at the base of the chimney to make it draw) with the sick headache. We took tea with Father Griswold's folks. I retired early with the headache. FEBRUARY 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant . I have been to New York. Business is improving at the store. George came home with me on the train this evening. He took tea with me and is to stay all night. FEBRUARY 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. George stayed with us last night. I have worked in the shop today. I gave a picture of our church and parsonage framed to Fanny. FEBRUARY 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop. Went to market in the evening. Bought two sets of underclothes - $2.50. I went into Prayer meeting just before its close. FEBRUARY 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. George came down after tea and we went into the street together. FEBRUARY 15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold got left by the cars this morning and took the stage to Brookfield and by cars from there to New Haven via Bridgeport. I have been to New York today. I brought home a steel plate engraving of 'Christ Walking On The Sea' and hung in our Sunday School's Librarian's room at the church. Gussie and George met me at the Depot. David Cosier went this morning with Paul McKay (who is crazy) to the lunatic asylum in Hartford. FEBRUARY 16 SUNDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, George and I went down to church with the Sunday School papers and drove two more picture nails in the Library Room and for the present hung on them pictures of the church and parsonage. Gussie being too sick to attend in the morning, George and I went to church. After Sunday School, Mrs. Holmes gave over to me $57.59, the balance of receipts for the Oyster Supper, after she having paid for the oysters, help, sugar and dishes and whitewashing which amounted to $31.08. Father came down to see us after tea. George and Gussie went to church in the evening, while I stayed at home. FEBRUARY 17 MONDAY - Pleasant in the morning. It commenced snowing before noon and continued hard during the remainder of the day and evening. I worked in the shop. On my way home from work, I paid the editor of the Times for printing notice of our Sunday School Oyster Supper - $2.00. I also paid Crofut & Benedict for carpenter work in the Librarian's Room - $8.58. I am suffering this evening with rheumatism. Gussie went into the street and bought 20 yards of muslin at 15 cents - $3.00. FEBRUARY 18 FRIDAY - Considerable snow fell last night. It was windy in the morning and blowed in heaps. The day has been pleasant. I was forced to leave my work at the shop before night on account of the rheumatism. I stopped at Dr. Bulkely's and got some medicine for it. I was about done over when I got home. I stayed in and let Gussie go to market in the evening. FEBRUARY 19 WEDNESDAY - Have been to New York. It snowed hard until I got nearly to the city when it cleared off and the day has been warm and pleasant. I called to see Brother Woodruff in Seventh Street, but he was not in. I called on their sexton about preserving funeral wreaths. I had a severe headache tin the P.M. and came home with it. The New York & New Haven Railroad Company gave us a through car to Danbury this evening which was heated with steam. This was the first of the kind that has ever been through to Danbury. FEBRUARY 20 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm today. I have worked in the shop. I feel better today: no headache and no rheumatism. Gussie went up home on Deer Hill this P.M. George and Bell came down with her after tea and went from there to meeting. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter to William Hayes at the store in New York. I then went up to J. W. Ives and got 4 clothes hooks and went down to the church and put them up in the Library Room to hang hats, coats, etc. upon. FEBRUARY 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm until just at night when the wind changed for South to North and it grew colder I have worked in the shop. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie attend the Sewing Society at John Earles'. FEBRUARY 22 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but very cold. I have been to New York. Brought home from Benjamin Rider's, one dozen Wheeler & Wilson's Sewing Machine Casters for George to try and sell. FEBRUARY 23 SUNDAY - Pleasant but very cold. George stayed with us again last night. He and Gussie went to church together in the morning. I took little Georgie up to Mother Griswold's just before noon and then went down to Sunday School. It was so cold that we all stayed home in the evening and kept comfortable. February 24 MONDAY - Very cold this morning, but it moderated before night and began to snow. Saturday's paper brought us the news of President Johnson's removal of the Secretary of War Stanton and appointed General Lorenzo Thomas in his place. The evening papers say that a bill of impeaching the President has been brought before Congress and that Thomas has been arrested. Today has been full of excitement over the matter. I have worked in the shop today. In the evening, I went down to the Post Office and called a few minutes in the Club Room. Gussie wrote this evening to her sister Harriet in New Haven. I wrote a line to Augustus Hoyt wishing to see him between now and Thursday evening. I want to borrow some money of him. FEBRUARY 25 TUESDAY - Not so cold. A little snow at times during the day. I have worked in the shop. As I went to work this morning, I mailed Gussie's letter to her sister Harriet and a drop letter to Augustus Hoyt to have him call and see me. I wanted to borrow $300 of him. He came to the shop in the P.M. He could not spare the money. I worked late in the shop. I came home tired and low-spirited in view of my liabilities. After tea, I went into the street. FEBRUARY 26 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. I brought home one dozen No. 2 Judd's Lessons for the school, also 100 of Phillip Phillip's Musical Gems. Cloudy all day, but not stormy. FEBRUARY 27 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. More or less snow during the day; it snowed very hard just at night. I have worked in the shop. On my way home from work, I left at the Union Savings Bank, an application to renew my note of $400 on the 7th of March. Adrian Baker died at the Pahquioque Hotel about noon today. FEBRUARY 28 - Cloudy again today. A little clear sky just at night. I have worked in the shop. I have finished my work early in the P.M. I brought home from Swift's store the Sunday School Advocates and marked them off before tea. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at William Scofield's in the evening and after Georgie fell asleep, I went to market and to Singing School a few minutes. I gave the leaflets of Phillips' new music which I bought for the school to the Chorister, Benjamin Lockwood, and heard them practice the same. FEBRUARY 29 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I brought home 3 lbs. of coffee for Father Griswold and two lbs. for myself, 'French Breakfast and Dinner' from the great American Tea Company. I went to the City Hall to see about a permit to have a sign project 12 inches or more from my building. Gussie met me at the Depot this evening.
1868-02
Horace Purdy Journal April 1868 Entry
9pgs
APRIL 01 WEDNESDAY - A lovely warm Spring day. I have been to New York and for the first time without an overcoat. Fanny went down with me to attend Conference in Brooklyn. She went to the store with me, her first visit at the place. I bought a few more card photos at Meeker's, 106 Nassau Street to sell in the shop. Also, a few of Longfellow at Anthony's, 501 Broadway. I had a lady put in my charge at 27th Street to go to Mr. Fanton's Shirt Factory. When we arrived, I showed her into his office. He then paid me $5.50 for pictures bought at the Oyster Supper of the Sunday School. I stopped at J. W. Ives and paid it over towards what we owe him for furnishing the Library Room. APRIL 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but showery in the P.M. The first thunder shower of the season. I have worked in the shop. I was very tired and stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop. I expect to go to New York tomorrow and William Carlton cashed my account today and will draw it tomorrow. As I came from work, I called on Swertfager, editor of the Jeffersonian, to see about my indebtedness to him and the letter I wrote to him with $3.00 enclosed for the first quarter of advertisement. Ex-Vice President Hannibal Hamlin spoke this evening for the Republicans at Concert Hall on the issues of the day. I went in for a few minutes to look at the man and then came home. APRIL 04 SATURDAY - A little cool this morning. Pleasant during the day. I have been to New York. Difficulty with the gas pipes at the store so that they could not light up last evening. I had plumbers work at it today who made things all right again. Father Griswold, who has been this week at Conference in Brooklyn, started with me from New York this P.M. to come home to vote on Monday and by leaving the train a few minutes at Norwalk got left. I took charge of his satchel and umbrella and brought them home. I brought a picture I framed for George Fenner, also my discharge papers in a frame and some picture cards for George. I stopped at Kern's Clothing Store and brought home a coat which if I like by daylight, I shall keep. It commenced snowing a little in the evening. I brought a letter for Mother Griswold from Fanny given me on the train by George Starr. APRIL 05 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Though last night it snowed so that this morning it was 3 inches on a level. Gussie attended church this morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which George came home with me to tea and went with me to meeting with me in the evening. He returned with me and found Bell waiting who had come from the Baptist church. I persuaded him to take three pictures belonging to him which he sent home from war and which I framed and have hung in our sitting room. I want the room for others. Brother Burch in his sermon this evening made an appeal to the people upon the use of the ballot tomorrow at our state election. He advocated no party but exhorted us to vote as our consciences dictated, to act as Christians for right and justice and not for party ends merely or for any selfish motive. APRIL 06 MONDAY - State election. Pleasant but cold in the morning. I voted in the morning and then worked the remainder of the day. While at the courthouse today, I paid my taxes to Charles H. Crosby - $4.00. Later in the evening - the votes are counted and the Republican majority is one more than last year, it being then 50; this year it stands 51. Last year, we elected but one representative; this year we have both. The news from the surrounding towns is not very encouraging, our majorities being less than last year. Letter from William in the evening. APRIL 07 TUESDAY - The ground is white with snow this morning. It snowed in the morning but soon turned to rain and continued all day until evening when it cleared away. I went to Hatters' Meeting in the evening and called at the Wooster House to see Smith Ferrell about the style of frame for his wreath and cross I am preparing. Another letter this evening from William. He wants me to assist him to borrow $200.00 on mortgage valued at $200.00. After returning from the street, I went over to John Bouton's for Gussie who went over to John's tin wedding. On account of the stormy weather, the party was postponed until tomorrow evening. APRIL 08 WEDNESDAY - Cold this morning with some snow on the ground. I have been to New York. I brought home a picture frame and two looking glasses for Mr. Samuel Dare in Bethel. John Bouton had his tin wedding this evening. We stayed until after midnight and the came home. APRIL 09 THURSDAY - Anniversary of the surrender of General Lee to General Grant. I have worked hard today in the shop. I took the P.M. train to Bethel and carried 2 looking glasses and one picture frame to Mr. Dare and took an order for small looking glasses to the amount of $6.00. I took tea with them and returned on the evening train. APRIL 10 FRIDAY - Fast day. Snow this morning. I went to New York. Mrs. Carlson was in my charge to New York on her way to New Jersey. The storm turned to rain in the middle of the day and continued all day. Father Griswold and Fanny came home from conference on the evening train. At Norwalk Bridge, one of the axles to the locomotive broke, and in consequence, we were until after 10 o'clock getting to Danbury. APRIL 11 SATURDAY - The snow is sufficient for sleighs to run this morning. The day has been pleasant and the snow has disappeared very fast. I have worked in the shop. Gussie took the looking glass over to John Bouton's (which I brought from New York) this evening. I saw John in the street and he paid me for it, 85 cents. Paid Father Griswold $10.00 towards interest I owe him. APRIL 12 SUNDAY - The day has been blustering. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and returned when it was over. After tea, we went up home on Deer Hill and left Georgie to stay overnight. APRIL 13 MONDAY - Cold as winter; I have worked in the shop. Oscar Serine gave me a picture to take to New York next time I go and frame for him. The widow Caleb Benedict (Mother to Harriet Phillips) was buried this P.M. I attended Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening at the church. I received a letter from William H. Hayes this evening, stating that the money he was expecting from his intended wife had failed to come. I wrote a reply and mailed it. APRIL 14 THURSDAY - I have worked in the shop. A beautiful morning; in fact, pleasant until towards night when it commenced raining about 5:30 o'clock. I brought from the shop a cup of shellac for Father Griswold to cover where he sawed limbs from his trees. I went to market in the evening and got at Barnum's Saloon, opposite the Danbury Bank, my Testimonial awarded by the legislature of 1867 to soldiers who served during the War to Suppress Rebellion and Traitors and Maintain Constitutional Liberty. APRIL 15 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York today; exchanged tea for the second time at the Great American Tea Company and got a better quality this time. I tried to borrow for William Hayes of Gideon Powell $250.00, but could not. William delivered two wreaths today and got for them over $50.00. William is near crazy over his disappointment in not getting the money he expected to get married with. It rained last night but none today, though it has been cloudy until late in the P.M. Cloudy and windy again this evening. I framed a picture today for Oscar Serine and delivered it this evening. Rev. Mr. Powers is to be installed pastor this evening of the West Street Congregational Church. APRIL 16 THURSDAY - A thunder shower this morning between 6 and 7 o'clock. Showery all day. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to Father Griswold's and paid him the balance of the interest which was due April 1st. I paid $10 on the 11th inst. and $30.00 this evening. The amount was $45.00, but he gave off $5.00. After making the payment, I went down to the Post Office. APRIL 17 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop. Tomorrow being payday, and as I shall be in New York, William Carlson cashed my account - $11.00. I took our wash boiler to Charles Hull's in the evening to be mended. . While in the street, I paid O. H. Swift $4.50 for expressage for one year on Sunday School papers, etc., the year ending April 1st, 1868. Mr. Pond being afflicted with a boil and wanting the plans of the new school house, I went for them for him over to John Stevens on Stevens Street. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Russell Wildman's. APRIL 18 SATURDAY - Pleasant though cool in the P.M. and this evening. I have been to New York. I escorted Isaac Smith's wife to the city this morning. Father Griswold started this morning on his first trip to his new district on Long Island. I brought home my Soldiers' Testimonial in a frame which I have made this P.M. APRIL 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant until just at night when it clouded over and now has the appearance of storm. The presiding elder, Mead, has been here today. There was a love feast at 9 o'clock which Gussie attended. She returned to let me attend preaching at 10:30 o'clock. Brother Mead preached. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to attend Sunday School. I came home with him after leaving her at the prayer meeting in the P.M. Having the headache, I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to church. Just seven years ago today, I left home for the war with my old company, the Wooster Light Guards. We went to New Haven. We were the first company on the ground, being the first to respond to Governor Buckingham's call for troops in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers for three months. APRIL 20 MONDAY - Rain all day. I have worked in the shop. Have scarcely felt able to work from headache. George R. Tremaine, lecturer and exhibitor of paintings of the Holy Land, came to see me at the shop about an exhibition which he designs giving under the auspices of our Sunday School next week. After work, I helped Mother Griswold put up a bedstead in her garret. We then stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. APRIL 21 TUESDAY - It gave promise of a fine day in the morning, but it finally clouded over again and continued so during the day. I have worked in the shop. Bell was with us to tea and to stay overnight. I got another $1.10 worth of sugar (7 lbs.) of Mr. Pond again this evening. After tea, I went to market and to the Wooster House to see Smith Ferrell about a card picture of his mother to put in the center of the wreath I am preparing for him. Gussie also went down to Mrs. Bradley's. and Mrs. B's sister, Mrs. Williams, came home with her. APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. Josephine Dare came with me from New York to Bethel. Fuller came to the store this P.M. and we walked up 6th Avenue to 23rd Street and then to the 5th Avenue Hotel and across Madison Square to the depot where I met Josephine Dare. I brought 8 small looking glasses for Mr. Dare. Josephine and a friend took them at Bethel to take to Mr. Dare. When I arrived home, I met Gussie and we went to the market where I bought my first shad of the season. APRIL 23 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower of wind and rain about 4 o'clock, P.M. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I grafted some apple trees for Father Griswold. I went to the grocery in the evening and called at the Wooster House for a picture of Mrs. Ferrell to set in the center of a wreath (which was on her coffin) that I am preserving, but I did not get it. From there, I went to prayer meeting at church. APRIL 24 FRIDAY - Cold. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work early and went down to Bethel to see Mr. Dare about looking glasses. He paid me $2.40 for what I sent him on Wednesday. I took the freight train from Bethel to Georgetown and met the passenger train and came home. Gussie went to the Sewing Society up to Thomas Fanton's. Father came down in the evening and borrowed our syringe, Bell being sick and requiring its use. Bought a cake of Lewis' Tar Soap. APRIL 25 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. The day has been stormy. It commenced snowing about 5 o'clock this morning and continued more or less all day. The ground is well covered here in Danbury, although none is to be seen in New York. I was I company with a lady to New York who has been staying at Mr. Dare's in Bethel. George was at the store this morning before I arrived, but left before I came. I joined him at Norwalk on my way home this evening. He came home with me to tea. I framed my soldier picture in a carved rustic to match my discharge. APRIL 26 SUNDAY - The ground was covered with snow this morning, but the day being pleasant. It soon disappeared. Gussie attended church in the morning. She returned at noon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went down to see Widow Bradley, leaving Georgie and myself at home. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. I arranged with George after meeting to help me pay my seat rent by assuming half of it. I had thought about giving up the seat on account of the hard times, but shall now keep it. I arranged with Benjamin Bailey this noon to take my place in giving the Sunday School Children's tickets to dispose of for the entertainment to come off on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings ' 28th and 29th. The same being scenes and views of the Holy Land as shown at the Heliographorama. One half of the proceeds to be for the benefit of our Sunday School. APRIL 27 MONDAY - Cool in the morning so that I wore an overcoat to New York, but the day has been warm. I got for our Sunday School Infant Class, the Apostles' Creed from the Episcopal Book Room at the Bible House. I also brought a small package for Mr. Dare and left at the Bethel Depot this evening. I bought one dozen 'Laughing Cats' at Meeker & Pickford's in Nassau Street and let Joe Kyle have a half dozen of them at the depot this evening. Mrs. Bradley called this evening while I was taking my tea. My chief man at the store, William Hayes, is to be married this evening at his new residence, No. 16 Bedford Street. APRIL 28 TUESDAY - I slept but little last night on account of my business affairs weighing so heavily on my mind. It looked like storm early this morning, but the day finally proved beautiful and warm. I have worked in the shop. I bought a 3 and a half pound shad of a peddler at the shop and came home to dinner expressly to bring it home. I was doorkeeper this evening at the church for a heliographic exhibition of scenes and pictures of the Holy Land, one half the profits of which go to our Sunday School. Lucy Purdy took care of Georgie in the evening to let Gussie attend. When we returned, I gave Lucy three tickets so that she and others of her family who feel too poor to buy them can go tomorrow evening. I sent a note this P.M. to Mr. Dare in Bethel stating that last evening, I left a package for him at the depot. APRIL 29 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and in the evening, rain. I have worked in the shop. Had my boots mended at M. Daragan's. Sewed up for nothing where previous mending had ripped. I attended the exhibition again this evening of the heliographic views, a very good house for a rainy night. The Sunday School realized $31.00 from the affair, the proprietor giving us half after paying expenses. APRIL 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. George has helped Gussie clean the pantry today. He stayed to tea, after which he helped me graft for Father Griswold. We then went to market. I called at the Wooster House and got Mrs. Ferrell's card picture to set in a wreath for them. After returning home, I wrote to William and enclosed the picture and then went to the Post Office with it. Went to the barber's for a haircut and then returned home again.
1868-04
Horace Purdy Journal May 1868 Entry
8pgs
MAY 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cooler than yesterday. I have worked in the shop. The new schoolhouse was dedicated today. From 9 A.M. until noon it was open for inspection to the public. In the P.M., addresses were delivered. Cut down a tree in my yard. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond graft a little. I went to market in the evening. MAY 02 SATURDAY - Stormy; have been to New York. William Carlson went down with me. I brought home some of William's wedding cake. Brought a package for Mr. Dare at Bethel from Marlowe's in Bleeker Street. Took an order for regilding two frames and making connecting corners for them for parties in 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. VanAmburgh showed his menagerie today on Deer Hill near our folk. Gussie went to see it at Fannie's expense. MAY 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but not very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School, returned and took a nap in the P.M. George came home with me. We had an early tea and then took a walk up home with Georgie. The menagerie's tent was still standing. Georgie saw the elephant for the first time in his life. I went to church in the evening; Brother Burch preached. George and I this evening notified Charles Stevens that he (George) would take half of my seat with me. MAY 04 MONDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Two large Pier Glasses to regild from 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. Paid $50 for rent to Young for store in New York. I am about discouraged with my business prospects; have been very low spirited today. George has helped Gussie clean house today. He is to take his pay in boarding with us for a while. He commences today. MAY 05 TUESDAY - Pleasant until evening when we had a thunder shower. I slept but little last night on account of my business. I had a talk this evening with Father Griswold about business and felt better in consequence of it. I have worked in the shop. George helped clean house again today. They cleaned the parlor. In the evening, we hung paper curtains. MAY 06 WEDNESDAY - George helped Gussie again about house cleaning. I have worked in the shop. John Bussing started yesterday morning at 6 o'clock and walked to New Haven arriving there at 4:20 last evening. It was done to fulfill an agreement between him and Seth Northrup regarding our last election. It fell to John to walk to New Haven to see the governor inaugurated. I wrote to William at the store regarding buying me out and mailed it. MAY 07 THURSDAY - Lowery and a part of the day rain. I have worked in the shop. The work being the last for this week, I got my account cashed - $11.00, by William Carlson. I came early and picked a lot of greens for dinner tomorrow. I made out my annual report for the Sunday School to present next Monday evening at the Annual meeting. I went to market in the evening. I received a statement of my indebtedness from Benedict & Nichols - $34.00. MAY 08 FRIDAY - Stormy; it rained hard all last night and this morning. Early this morning the hills were white with snow. I have been to New York. I had conversation with my man, William Hayes, today about selling to him the business. He thinks he will take it if he can find a friend to loan him the required money. It cleared off pleasant and cool in the middle of the day. MAY 09 SATURDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Called at E. H. Purdy's in 13th Street to see about having Mr. H. Griffin's frames repaired, which were badly made last August by E. H. Purdy. They would not make it good without charging for it. I left a hand looking glass at Fanton's store at Broadway, corner of Spring Street for B. F. Ryder which I have been setting a plate to for him. Mrs. Pond called in the evening. MAY 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower just at night. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. George and I took a walk over to John Bouton's after tea. George and I went to church in the evening. I gave a written statistical report of the Sunday School to Mary Vintz at the evening meeting to carry to George Starr. MAY 11 MONDAY - George helped me commence making a garden this morning before breakfast. I went to the shop and had a little work. Bought a half ton of coal of Charles Griffing. Prices reduced today on the two coarsest qualities, Nos. 6 and 3. Borrowed $60.00 of Mr. Pond to pay to John Cosier. The Annual Teachers' Meeting was held this evening. The same old officers were reelected. MAY 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. I called on L. B. Sage at 424 Grand Street. Bought a mess of porgies, the first in town. George spread manure on my garden. Left with Lorenzo Nickerson $76.00 for John Cosier. MAY 13 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I spaded garden until noon when it commenced raining. I went to the factory in the P.M. and ordered a hat for Father Griswold, also one for Mr. Pond. I paid $11.67, the balance for the Sunday School indebtedness to Joseph W. Ives for furnishing the Librarian's room. I carried an umbrella up to George to Montgomery's shop for him to come home with. MAY 14 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night. I have been to New York today. Cloudy in the morning, but no rain. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I took dinner with my salesman, William Hayes this noon. I brought one half dozen looking glasses to Bethel for Mr. Dare tonight. I left them at the depot with Mr. Gillette. George and Gussie met me at the depot this evening. I got some seed potatoes this evening of Mr. Philander Brotherton. MAY 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came home and planted corn, potatoes and peas. I weeded out my strawberries. I went to Bethel by the afternoon train to see Mr. Dare about the looking glasses I brought him last night. I came home and found a letter from him with a check enclosed for the amount of the bill - $5.00. He sent it by the baker. I walked from Bethel as far as Orin Benedict's factory and rode up from there with Lucius Wildman. George and I spaded more garden after tea. I went into the street in the evening and Swift cashed my check from Mr. Dare. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. George and Gussie went home with her. MAY 16 SATURDAY - I went to New York today. I took William Carlson's soldier's testimonial down with me and framed it. I brought home and delivered it in the evening and hung it for him. He paid me for it $2.50. I also brought home a preserved wreath and cross for Mrs. Ferrell. John Cosier went to New Rochelle today for the remains of Saul McNeil, who was found dead in a barn. He saw the account in the New York Sun. He died with the heart disease. The vote of impeachment was taken in Congress today. President Johnson was acquitted by one vote. MAY 17 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I have had a headache all day. I only attended Sunday School at noon. Theodore Lyons, John Green and Daniel Starr and wife called to see the preserved flowers I brought last night from New York. Mrs. Bradley called also after tea and Gussie went with her to the cemetery. A little sprinkle of rain in the evening. MAY 18 MONDAY - Stormy and rain. I rode about 40 miles today to Fishkill Village for J. M. Potter to take a melodeon and meet him there with three new horses from Middletown, New York, 25 miles back of Newburgh. He was to meet me this evening at Jackson's Hotel. I received a dispatch from him to wait for his arrival. MAY 19 TUESDAY - It is still unpleasant. I went this forenoon to Mrs. Knapp's where I left the melodeon yesterday and unpacked the instrument and set it up for them. I stayed about 4 P.M. to ride down to Fishkill's landing and if I should not meet Potter to go over to Newburgh and call on Daniel Manly. I met Potter at Mattawan with his horses and I returned with him to the village. After tea at the hotel, Mr. Potter and I called on Mrs. Knapp. Mr. Potter sang and played for them. MAY 20 WEDNESDAY - I started a little after 8 A.M. for Danbury (with the same team I drove to Fishkill on Monday) and led one of the new span which Potter bought. I stopped at Towner's Station on the Harlem Road to feed horses and eat my own dinner. I arrived in Danbury about 4 P.M., just after it began to rain again. I saw the horses taken care of and then went down to the factory and from there home. MAY 21 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night and a great part of today. The streams are very high. I worked a little in the shop. I finished a hat for Father Griswold and one for Mr. Pond. I then finished 9 odd hats which kept me nearly all day. I the evening, I delivered some flower work to Nathan Ferrell, a wreath and cross. Henry Day had placed in his hands an order of $30.00 which he wanted me to allow Ferrell on the flower work. It was unexpected to me but I honored the order and then called on Day and told him what I thought of the transaction. My indebtedness to him (Day) was perfectly understood between us and before doing so, he should as a friend as he professed to be given me notice of his intention to turn the account and thereby save me trouble. MAY 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Paid Mr. Pond this morning $25.00 toward $60.00 borrowed on the 11th instant. I went to the shop and finished up 5 hats to finish up a lot of odd ones, 14 in number. I brought home 3 new Pearl Cashmere hats for Father Griswold, Mr. Pond and Mr. Pond's nephew. I went to the factory again after dinner and got an old knock down Pearl Cashmere body and finished for myself which made a very good hat. It cost me only for the trimming. I brought home Hiram Hadden's soldier's testimonial to frame for him. George, Gussie and Mrs. Bradley went to the cemetery in the P.M. to set out plants, etc. I sold 8 ## pounds of pie plant in the evening at Benedict & Nichols' I let him have it on account at 5 cents per pound. MAY 23 SATURDAY - Stormy and rain. I have been to New York. I took down some pictures to frame for Fanny, John Bouton and Lucy Bennett. I brought one for Hiram Hadden, Fanny and Lucy Bennett. I helped Fanny hang some pictures in the evening. George has worked today for Mr. Pond, whitewashing, etc. MAY 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some mist, but no rain during the day. I attended church in the morning, returning after Sunday School. Father made us a call about 4 P.M. and stayed an hour or more. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie attend church. MAY 25 MONDAY - I have been to New York. It has been neither pleasant nor stormy. Rain in the morning, sunshine in the middle of the day, rain again after 3 P.M. I made two sample frames for Tibbel, having in view a large order. Called at 12 Courtland Street to see H. D. Clark. He has not yet got home from his trip selling clocks. I gave Daniel a scolding at the store today for being so lazy about his gilding. I bought tea and coffee at the great American Tea Company. I brought a small package from Saul Northrup at the New York and New Haven Railroad Depot in New York to N. P. Gillette. George and I went over to River Street this evening to see his boss Kellogg Nichols to get his pay but could not get it, he not being at home. MAY 26 TUESDAY - Clouds, sunshine and rain. I started from home this morning to go to New York. I went to the depot but on account of the weather, concluded to stay at home. I went to the shop and worked all day. After work and before going home, I went to see E. S. Davis about endorsing paper for me to get $300.00. George went into the street in the evening while I stayed at home. I got a picture from Mr. Pond to frame. MAY 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant day. I have been to New York. I went to see Tibbel at 37 Park Row and arranged to do some framing for him. In the P.M., I went with William up to 23rd Street to put up pier glasses. I took a picture down to frame for Mr. Pond. Bought ## barrel of flour in the evening of Charles Crofut at $17.00 per barrel. Went to market in the evening and borrowed $10.00 of Fuller at the market. Before retiring, George and I took down our sitting room stove and carried it up to Father Griswold's barn. MAY 28 THURSDAY - An East wind. Cloudy and a little rain. I have been to New York. I accompanied Mrs. Cyrus White to New York. I have been very busy at the store today. I brought Mr. Pond's picture of 'Christ Blessing Little Children' which I framed for him. After tea, I went into the street again to see Mr. Crofut about borrowing some money. I saw him but my courage failed me and I did not ask him. Mr. Burch returned this evening from Chicago. George and Gussie cleaned the sitting and sink rooms today. Charles Crofut brought me a ## barrel of flour today which I ordered and paid for last evening. MAY 29 FRIDAY - Rain in Danbury, but none of any account in New York where I have been. I spoke with Mr. Fanton on the train this evening about lending me some money for a few days. Frank Butler came home, or rather, came to town from Minnesota this evening. I talked with him on the train. Gussie met me in the street. We went to market and then she went to see Mrs. Bradley and I came home. George went up home to a rehearsal this evening. MAY 30 SATURDAY - Rainy a part of the day. I have been to New York. Helped put up cornices at Mrs. Haight's in 23rd Street and found that they did not fit as they should. Alterations will consequently have to be made. I called at Tibbel's in Park Row with some frames. I bought of him 1 ## dozen No. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School and ## dozen 'Two Years With Jesus' for George. I went to Schermerhorn's in Browne Street for school records for Mr. Pond. I brought him one for a sample. I borrowed of H. B. Fanton, $150.00 for a few days. Soldiers' graves today were decorated with flowers all over the country. A grand demonstration was made here by the Grand Army of the Republic, Fire Department and Temperance Lodge. Georgie is up home to stay overnight. MAY 31 SUNDAY - A lovely day, the first in a long time. Georgie having been sent up to Father Purdy's yesterday and being still there, we all attended church in the morning. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We called for Mrs. Bradley in Liberty Street and she went with us. We returned rather late for meeting, so we stayed at home in the evening. I wrote to William at the store in the evening.
1868-05
Horace Purdy Journal July 1868 Entry
6pgs
JULY 01 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. I came home by steamer to Norwalk to bring a looking glass frame for Mr. Jackson. I sat up until about midnight, cutting plate and fitting and fastening in the new frame. Mr. Pond assisted me. JULY 02 THURSDAY - Very warm. I have worked in the shop. After tea, George helped me to carry the glass to Mr. Jackson's and hang it. JULY 03 FRIDAY - Very hot; a heavy shower commencing little before 4 o'clock and lasting an hour or more. The rain fell in torrents accompanied with hail. The mercury stood from 90 to 100 in the shade. JULY 04 SATURDAY - Another hot day. I went to New York and took to William Hayes about 3 quarts of strawberries. I returned on the 12:15 Express from New York and arrived here at 3:45. The Catholics held a picnic in Keeler's Orchard on Deer Hill. The 'Grand Army of the Republic' held one in McDonald's Woods at Oil Mill Pond. Gussie attended the G.A.R company. With what was expected, it was a failure. It has been very hot. Georgie has been up home on Deer Hill today in order to let Gussie attend the picnic. He is to stay overnight. The Democratic Convention meets today in New York at the new Tammany Hall between 3rd and 4th Avenues on 14th Street. A salute was fired this evening at sundown at Rose Hill by members of the G.A. R. JULY 05 SUNDAY - Very warm again. After breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond to wash. Georgie being up home, we all attended church in the morning. While we were at tea, Father came with Georgie. Showers around us with heavy thunder and lightning but no rain here. Georgie has a bad cough. I went over to West Street to Mr. Wood's to get a recipe for a cough syrup to make for Georgie. JULY 06 MONDAY - A pleasant warm day though more comfortable than yesterday there being more breeze. I had work in the shop until nearly 6 o'clock. I went down to Swifts with two 10x12 one inch Rose and Gilt frames and cut them down for Fanny to make 8x10's of them. I went to market in the evening. JULY 07 TUESDAY - Cloudy. No work in the shop. I took the 12 o'clock train and went to New York, arrived a 3:20. I took the 4:30 train back again. The shone when I got to the city. Before I arrived home, we had a summer shower. George met me at the depot with my overshoes and an umbrella. JULY 08 WEDNESDAY - Lowery; muggy and hot, but little sunshine. I have worked in the shop. I have filed my saw which belongs to the store after I came from work. After tea, George went to market for me and I took F. G. Jackson's old looking glass frame to his house which I have had since I made his new one. Before bedtime, I went up to Father Griswold's and had a talk with him about my business affairs. JULY 09 THURSDAY - Thunder shower this morning early. Went to New York. William started today with his regiment for Norwich. Horatio Seymour was today nominated for President and Blair for Vice-President. JULY 10 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. We had Dr. Bulkely for Georgie. I talked with Mrs. Willard about learning Gussie to preserve flowers. I brought a package from John Carpenter in New York to Charlie, his brother, in Burnett & Stone's store. JULY 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant but hot. I have been to New York. As I went to the depot this morning, I carried to Charles Carpenter at Burnett & Stone's store, 4 rolls of salve. The store not being open, I left them at Benedict's Shoe Store. William returned this P.M. from his excursion with the New York 7th Regiment to Norwich. I delivered 6 Bead Walnut and Gilded frames to N. Tibbel this P.M. I came near being left by the train in New York this P.M. Gussie moved our bed upstairs today and put my secretary in the bedroom. JULY 16 SUNDAY - Before breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond and washed. I went to church in the morning and to Sunday School. Gussie went in the P.M. to the Communion Service. Before its close, it was nearly broken by an alarm of fire. A Mr. Beers on Balmforth Avenue owned the house. A part of the house was nearly destroyed. After tea, Gussie went with Mrs. Rowan to see Mary White, an old schoolmate. JULY 13 MONDAY - Very warm. HOT! I have worked in the shop. After tea, George and I trimmed the edges of the walk in front of the house. Father Griswold's and Mr. Pond's front also. I wrote to Southmayd & Company, my agent for selling my store and enclosed $2.50 for advertising in the Herald, which with $2.00 given him when I arranged with him to try and sell the business makes $4.50. George took it to mail for me. I also wrote to E. Wing, West Goshen to send an improved washing machine for the one we have had of the first lot, it being imperfect. JULY 14 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very warm. The mercury stood at 95 in the shade. I worked until after 3 P.M. in the shop. As I came home, I bought a quart of Old Stock imported ale for Georgie. The doctor ordered it for him. I sent to the office this morning the letter I wrote to Mr. Wing. JULY 15 WEDNESDAY - Very warm again today. I have been to New York. I left our washing machine at Ridgefield Station for Mr. Wing this morning; he is to send another in its place. I delivered more frames to Tibbels' and received $34.00, the amount of his bill. Hannah Gregory and Mary White from Dover, New York were here to tea. They were old Amenia school mates of Gussie's. George and I went across to Mr. Green's about 11 o'clock and took a wash in the brook and then retired, being nicely cooled off. JULY 16 THURSDAY - Warm, but more comfortable there being a breeze. I have worked in the shop all day. JULY 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop all day. I went to market in the evening. JULY 18 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I took a small bundle for Elisha Morris to be called for at my store. I put in a 10x17 looking glass plate for Robert Cocking and built two small ones. I brought them home with me and delivered them this evening and got my pay for them. Dan Rice's Circus has been here today. George went to Yonkers. JULY 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. As I went for milk this morning, I carried to Mr. McDonald the 3 cents worth of Children's Tracts which I got for him yesterday in New York. George went to Yonkers yesterday and is consequently not with us today. I went to church in the morning. Brother Burch preached to the Sunday School. I came home after school. Gussie came down at noon and stayed in the P.M. After tea, Father came down with Georgie who has been up there since yesterday. We stayed home in the evening. JULY 20 MONDAY - Cloudy; east wind and misty and fine rain just at night. I have worked in the shop. William Carlson drew my pay - $12.00 ' on Saturday and gave it to me today. Bell drew George's pay at Montgomery's today and left $10.00 with Gussie for board. He expects to return from Yonkers tomorrow. Gussie went to market this evening. JULY 21 TUESDAY - Cloudy; east wind but no rain. I have worked in the shop. George came home from Yonkers on the evening train. Thought I lost my pocketbook at A. E. Fuller's Market, but found it at home. The seventh Anniversary of the 1st Battle of Bull Run. JULY 22 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. Cloudy in the morning with fog. Sunshine in the middle of the day. Warmer than the last two or three days. Mrs. Stewart went home this morning from Father Griswold's. I escorted her to the city. I saw her on a 3rd Avenue and Fulton Ferry Stage and left her. Elisha Morris' wife was put in my care also. She took the boat at Norwalk where I turned her over to John Cosier who was going to the city. I framed and brought home Hanson Smith's and George's Soldiers testimonials and brought them up with me at night. JULY 23 THURSDAY - An east wind and cloudy most of the day, but no rain. I have worked in the shop. In the evening, I went to market and paid Charles Griffing for the ## ton of coal I owed him for. JULY 24 FRIDAY - I have worked hard in the shop. JULY 25 SATURDAY - A heavy rain last night. I have been to New York. The day has been fine in New York, though it has rained here about two o'clock; also about 7 this evening and again between 9 and 10 o'clock. I had some conversation with William Hayes in the store about buying me out. Gussie met me in the street after the train arrived and I went with her to market. JULY 26 SUNDAY - Before breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond and took a good wash. I went to church in the morning. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to Sunday School. After school, I came home with him and left Gussie to the afternoon meeting. After tea, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk up West Street into Stevens and Spring Streets. JULY 27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to F. G. Jackson's to see about the $20.00 he owes me for the looking glass frame I made for him July 2. He promises to pay it this week. From there, I went up to Agnes Keeler's to see the size of the three pictures I framed for them last summer; also to inquire the price of braiding a hair watch chain for John Cave in New York. From there, I went to market. The proprietor of the Turner House failed this morning. The sheriff was there and attached his property. JULY 28 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop. A shop call after dinner to put the price of No. 7-6-8-and 4back again to the old price, we having made a deduction on these qualities during dull times about 6 weeks or two months ago. We got the price on all except the No. 6 which Mr. Crofut would not give the 2%, but we agreed on 1% advance. Elijah Morris and myself were the committee to wait upon the boss. I worked all the P.M. in misery with a sick headache. Gussie went to market in the evening. I cut George's hair and helped Mr. Pond set out celery plants. JULY 29 WEDNESDAY - Went to New York. Levi Wildman came to the store to see my business. He thinks of buying a business of some kind. I got two pounds of coffee and one pound of tea at the Great American Tea Company. I brought up two pictures to Oscar Serine which I framed for him ' 'Lost' and 'Saved' in Rose and Gilt. I delivered them after tea and then went to Mr. Richards for my boots and shoes for Georgie which he has mended today. JULY 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I turned grindstone for Mr. Pond to grind his scythe up to Father Griswold's barn. I have worked in the shop. Today has been the first for a long time that we have had full work in the shop. After tea, Bell came home with Georgie. He has been up to Grandmas since yesterday. Gussie went to market in the evening, while I, being tired, stayed home. Gussie bought a pair of heeled slippers - $1.15. JULY 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Real Dog Days' weather. I have worked in the shop. Oscar Serine cashed my account - $20.00. In the evening, I called to see F. G. Jackson per agreement to get my pay for looking glass frames but he was away to New York. I went to market in the evening.
1868-07