Horace Purdy Journal July 1866 Entry
11pgs
JULY 01 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came down early this morning for the horse and took a horseback ride before breakfast. He came down before meeting time and we shaved each other. Edwin came in and shaved also with my razor. George and Gussie went to meeting together in the A.M. I went to Sunday School as usual at noon. George and Bell came home with us to tea after which I borrowed Saul Barnum’s wagon and George and I took Georgie and rode up to the cemetery, over to Sturdevant’s to see the new R.R. ,across from there to the lower end of Main street and home. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen lesson books for the Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Brother Webb preached for us. After meeting, we went up to visit with Edwin and stayed until after 10 o’clock. JULY 02 MONDAY - A lovely day. In the morning, I borrowed Charles Hull’s wagon and Edwin Griswold and Eddie, Jr., Josie Wheeler, Gussie and I took a ride. George went with us downtown where I stopped with him to buy a new set of clothes. He wants them by Thursday to take with him when he returns to Brooklyn. I paid Charles Hull $10.00 for the second hand hay cutter bought February 26th. I also paid my P.O. Box rent up to Jan. 1, 1867. After dinner George came down and hoed the garden for me while I painted my front fence. After tea, Gussie and Louise went with me over to Lake Kenosha to secure a boat for fishing tomorrow. JULY 03 TUESDAY - I took Charles Hull’s wagon home this morning and borrowed Mr. McDonald’s to go fishing. Father Griswold, Edwin and little Eddie, George and myself went over to Kenosha fishing. We stayed until nearly 4 o’clock. We took a bath and then came home. We had very good luck, though most of the items were small. After tea, I went up to James Fowler’s and borrowed Theo’s carriage which he offered for sale before he died. Plowed out Father Griswold’s corn and potatoes after tea. JULY 04 WEDNESDAY - I rose this morning by Edwin calling me and helped hoe corn and potatoes before breakfast for Father Griswold. I finished painting my front fence before dinner. After dinner, I practiced with my pistol at a target. Edwin tried, also Gussie. I sold my horse and harness to _______ this afternoon. Andrew James brought me the customer. I sold the old Theo Fowler carriage with him which I was using while my wagon was being repaired. I had the privilege of buying or selling the carriage for $25.00 for Mr. Fowler. I had a chance, so I sold the establishment - horse, harness and carriage for $90.00. The horse and harness stands me $65.00. After selling, I went up to the cemetery, our folks having gone up previously. From there, I went to Mr. Fowler’s to pay him for the carriage. I waited until it began to rain and then came home without seeing him. On my way home, I bought a pair of thin pants at Mr. Harris’ for $2.50. In the evening, we had a few pieces of fireworks to set off up at Father Griswold’s. It was done to please little Eddie Griswold. JULY 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went up to see Mr. James Fowler before breakfast and paid him $25.00 for his carriage which I sold with my horse yesterday. After breakfast, I went into the street again and settled my account with Benedict & Nichols by paying the balance $16.16. I felt about sick at noon, could eat no dinner, took a nap and felt better after. Caroline Mills was here to dinner. In the P.M., I painted the brickwork under my house in front and the piazza and steps. I used some old paint of Father Griswold’s by buying some oil to put with it. George got his new set of clothes and left for Brooklyn on the regular afternoon passenger train at 4 o’clock, 58 minutes. Mrs. Cocking made Georgie a present of a small cart. We took tea up to Father Griswold’s with Edwin. I wrote two letters in the P.M. for George on the sifter business to Everett C. Andrews, his manufacturer, ordering one dozen sent to D. H. Johnson at Newtown and one to Said (?) Johnson. George mailed them as he went to the depot. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, we went up to Father Griswold and sat until bedtime on his piazza. Did not go to the shop today, but worked around the house. JULY 06 FRIDAY - Very warm – over 90 in the shade. I took up and put down a new drain in the forenoon. In the P.M., I painted the lattice work under Father Griswold’s piazza. Edwin and little Edwin, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler, and Josie came down to tea. Edwin and Ed Jr. walked downtown with me in the evening as I went to the Office. JULY 07 SATURDAY - Very warm. My wagon being done at the blacksmith’s about 9 o’clock, I took it over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to be painted. I did not go to the shop, but worked around home, mowing my door yard and trimming my walks. I worked hard until 12 ½ o’clock in the hot sun. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and sleeked off a silk hat for Mr. McDonald. Fanny bought some ice cream in the evening. When I returned home from the market, I ate some with them. I had a headache in the P.M. and the evening. Mr. McDonald’s bill for iron work on my wagon was $14.30; he threw off the 30 cents and I paid him $14.00. JULY 08 SUNDAY - Very warm. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which I came home to keep cool rather than to stay to prayer meeting in the P.M. I took a chair in the yard under the trees and sat nearly all the afternoon. A shower came up about 5 ½ o’clock. It continued to rain at evening meeting time, so we stayed home. JULY 09 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day and colder. I went to the shop today- the first time. Edwin and little Eddie came to the shop to see me in the P.M. Gussie bought some handkerchiefs for him to take home with him as presents to the family. After tea and supper, I went to the church for a teachers’ meeting. JULY 10 TUESDAY - Cloudy with some appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off clear and pleasant in the middle of the day. We having trouble at the shop to get hot irons, we stopped work at noon to have a large flue put in the place of a small one we have been using. We contemplated going over to Daniel Manley’s to help him get hay in the P.M. we sent Joe Kyle over to see if he wanted us today, but the weather not looking favorable, he feared to get a large quantity of grass cut with bad weather to prevent getting it up so we stayed at home. I hoed cabbage, planted strawberry peas for seed next season, dug over the ground beside my hedge between Mr. Pond and myself, and after tea, went over near Oil Mill Pond with Ed Dunning to practice shooting at chimney birds. I hit two and he only one. Louise Vintz took tea with us. There being no one home at Father Griswold’s, Mother Griswold and Harriet having gone to Harford by the noon train with Edwin and son Eddie, who have been visiting with us since June 30th. I did not go the depot to see them off, having bid them goodbye in the morning. I saw Edwin on the train as it passed the factory. John Brayman paid me $2.00 on what he owes me today. I got the ramrod to my gun which has been to Stevens’ Machine Shop for a new head. Smith Pulling came with butter just at night. I paid him $1.49 which pays for all up to date. Georgie being badly broken out, Gussie went to the doctor with him. He pronounces it Scarlet rash and gave us medicine for it. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I took two letters from the Office this morning which came last night – one from George and one from Everett C. Andrews, saying that he has sold out his sifter manufacturing, but would try and fill the order of one dozen for George in a few days. I wrote a reply to Andrews and a note to D. H. Johnson in Newtown saying that his order could not be filled for several days. Cleaned gun before retiring. JULY 11 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. We were up considerable with Georgie last night. The flues at the shop which were repaired yesterday afternoon were so arranged as to make it dangerous to the wood work adjoining, and in consequence, we had to stop again this P.M. to change the flues. I came home to dinner, after which I went over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to direct about the wagon I am having painted there. From there, I went to Robinson’s and bought a record book for the Sunday School came home and copied the minutes of the last three meetings into it, which takes it back to the May meeting which was the first of the Sunday School year. Louise took care of Georgie while Gussie went up home to see Bell who is sick. She is having trouble again with her lungs caused without doubt from getting too tired and overdone while George was home to send the Fourth. After tea, I went again with Ed Dunning over to Oil Mill Pond to practice shooting at chimney birds. It was dark when we returned. JULY 12 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but the flues were not yet fixed and we could in consequence do no work, so I returned and went to work in my garden weeding out my strawberry bed and trimming the runners for new plants. I worked with bare arms and blistered them in the sun. After tea, I went to work again and worked until dark. Gussie put Georgie to bed and then went to market herself. She called to see the doctor about Georgie; he thinks that he has the “chicken pox” with the Scarlet Rash”. Later – not the chicken pox – July 16th. JULY 13 FRIDAY - Very warm. Gussie, having no bread baked neither pie; I bought my dinner at the baker’s as I went to the shop in the morning and carried it to the shop with me. Gussie had Mrs. Stone to wash for her today. I mailed in the evening a necktie and a collar with a note to George. JULY 14 SATURDAY - Very warm. Mr. Sifer mowed the remnant of my grass on Father Griswold’s dooryard today, not quite either- a little corner of it he left. It was so hot in the shop that I quit work at noon, waited for my pay and came home. I borrowed Charles Stevens’ horse and got my wagon home from Olmstead’s Shop where it had been to be painted. The whole amount of repairs on it is as follows: $14.00 to McDonald for setting up springs and one new leaf in the hind one and two new tires and $14.70 to Olmstead for new rims ($3.00) and six new spokes ( $1.00), washers ($.70), painting, striping and varnishing ($10.00) – total $28.70. I went to market in the evening and saw Harris Crofut about my feed cutter; he thinks he will buy it. When I returned from market, Gussie went down to pay Mr. Adams the balance due for Georgie’s’ straw hat. I sent by her for a pint of ale which Robert and I drank before retiring. She bought a pair of slippers for herself also. JULY 15 SUNDAY - Very warm; I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School after which I returned home. After tea, Gussie and I drew Georgie up home to see Bell who is not very well. Gussie went to church in the evening to the Baptists to hear their new organ. She went in company with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I stayed with Georgie. Ed Dunning sat in the yard with me all the evening. We talked on religion. I found him to be a fine young man, steady in all his habits with serious religious impressions. I trust the evening has not been spent unprofitably to either of us. I wrote a short letter to George and enclosed a letter received here for him directed to Willie Franklin. Gussie mailed it as she went to church in the evening. JULY 16 MONDAY - Hot; the thermometer 96 in the shop, the hottest day thus far this summer. I worked until about 5 P.M. and then gave up nearly exhausted. Gussie went to market in the evening. Harriet and Josie returned form Bloomfield on the evening train, she not feeling well. The difficulty with her side being so much worse, she feared to stay from home any longer. Alva Stevens was found dead this noon in his room in Hull block over Dr. Baldwin’s Drug Store. He has been missed since last Saturday morning. His body was in a very corrupt state. JULY 17 TUESDAY - Another very warm day. About 5 P.M., showers passed by us in the north giving us only a few drops. The lightning was sharp and the thunder heavy. It struck Stevens’ Carpenter Shop near Barn Plain Bridge. The fire was out before the hose got there. I worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening. When we retired, it looked as if we would have a settled rain. I made some lemonade in the evening; Robert drank some with us. JULY 18 WEDNESDAY - Warm again today but the sun was hid from sight several times which made it less oppressing out of doors. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. A shower came up about 5 o’clock which gave us a little rain. Robert Dunning came over and picked some currants after tea. I went to market in the evening. JULY 19 THURSDAY - It rained some last night; it has been cool today. I worked as usual in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left an advertisement at the Jeffersonian Office for my wagon. After tea, I went into the street with Ed Dunning. I called at the Jeffersonian Office and changed the wording of the advertisement I left there this morning. When we returned, we sat on my front steps for a while and partly made arrangements for going hunting a sort time early tomorrow morning. JULY 20 FRIDAY - I rose about 3 o’clock this morning and went over to Robert Dunning’s to wake his son Ed who agreed to get up and come over to wake me. I got the start of him. We started about 4 o’clock and got to the hunting ground down between Town and Middle Mountain by the time we could see to shoot. We found three woodcock and shot two of them; each of us got one. It was about 6 ½ o’clock when we returned. I went to the shop, but was obliged to come home about noon, having a hard headache. Getting up so early and taking so much of a tramp was rather too much for me, not being used to it. Bell came here after meeting last night and stayed all night with us. She took Georgie up home with her in the forenoon to spend the day. I went to market in the evening and came home about 8 o’clock when it commenced raining. JULY 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy with occasional fine rain and mist. I went to the shop and worked as usual. After tea, I trimmed an Elm tree standing in front of the house. Robert Dunning came along as I was doing it and helped me drag off the limbs I cut off, after which I walked downtown with him and did some marketing and returned home. JULY 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the time during the day. Mother walked down about 9 o’clock and went from here to church about meeting time. John Brayman came over and picked a mess of peas from our vines before we rose this morning. Gussie told him last night to come and get them. Gussie went to church this morning. I went down to Sunday School and returned when it was over, not staying to the prayer meeting in the P.M. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen new catechisms and one copy of the Sunday School Advocates for the three remaining months of the Advocate year. I enclosed $.56 for the both of them, that being the amount of the bill. After tea, I took Georgie to walk over to Mr. McDonald’s. When I returned with him, we took him in his carriage and went over to Daniel Starr’s and made a short call before evening meeting. I went to church in the evening; Mr. Webb preached. After meeting, I walked up home with Bell, she being alone. JULY 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and not so extremely warm as last week. I brought water from Father Griswold’s cistern before breakfast for Gussie to wash with; this is the first time we have been obliged to do so this summer. John Meaker made his finishing shop foul today. Mallory discharged all his finishers Saturday and it is expected that his shop will be made foul also. After tea, I hoed my cabbages and went to market. I called at David Osborne’s store to tell him of my wagon for sale, I having heard that he wanted to buy one. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up her currant jelly in cups. JULY 24 TUESDAY - A beautiful summer day, not extremely hot. Mrs. Coles came over this morning and picked a mess of peas which we gave her if she would pick them. Mrs. Pulling came about 7 o’clock as we were eating breakfast this morning with our butter – 2 lbs. I paid her for it - $.70. David Osborne came to look at my wagon. He thought the springs were not quite heavy enough to suit him. I went to market in the evening. JULY 25 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful morning. I worked as usual in the shop. We had a heavy shower about 1 o’clock P.M. As it passed over, the sun shone a short time, but another soon followed which was far heavier than the first. It continued until nearly 8 o’clock in the evening. I went into the street in the evening to take a lamp for repairs and to go to the Post Office. I bought a small kit of Mackerel No. 1 at Randell & Bradley’s to be sent up tomorrow morning. I paid $3.12 for them. I walked up with Joseph W. Allen from the street He came home with me to get a bottle of cider at father Griswold’s for his wife, it being ordered by the doctor. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. I made some lemonade which we drank before retiring. JULY 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I had the headache in the afternoon. As I came from work, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s; also one dozen No. 1 catechisms which I ordered last Sunday. After tea, I went over to Robert Dunning’s for a few moments to see him shoot at a mark with his rifle. I stayed at home in the evening with Georgie and let Gussie go into the street. JULY 27 FRIDAY - Warm, muggy, clouds, sunshine and a little rain. I worked as usual in the shop and stayed until about 7 o’clock. Gussie is calculating to go to Norwalk with an excursion tomorrow in company with and at the invitation of Mr. Cole’s folks. She accordingly went up for Bell to come and stay all night and take Georgie home with her tomorrow morning after she leaves for Norwalk. JULY 28 SATURDAY - An excursion to Norwalk and Roton Point. Gussie went in the company of Mr. Coles’ folks. Warm and muggy in the morning. Showers in the middle of the day; a severe one between 4 and 5 o’clock P.M. Walter Fayerweather’s house on Highland Avenue was struck by lightning. Bell stayed with us last night and did the work after breakfast to let Gussie go on the picnic and then took Georgie home with her. On account of the shower, she did not come home with him at night. The excursionist arrived here at 11 o’clock. I met Gussie and Susan Brayman at the depot. JULY 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. On account of retiring so late last night, we did not get up this morning until after 8 o’clock. Gussie is nearly used up from her excursion yesterday. She did not go to church as usual this morning, so I went instead. We expected Mr. Lockwood to tea with us, but he, not feeling well, concluded not to come. Father came down with Georgie this morning about 8 o’clock. After tea, I took a walk into West Street and up to Seth Downs’ and return. I then wrote to George to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and to the Bible House on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets to enquire the price of cheap bibles per dozen. Gussie walked up to the cemetery about 6 P.M. with Harriet and Mr.Stokes and others of their family, I believe. I stayed with Georgie. She returned too late to get to evening meeting, so she went over to Mrs. Green’s to see how their little boy, Sammy was. He is dangerously sick. I made some lemonade before retiring. JULY 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I gave Gussie $2.25 to pay Mrs. Baxter for dress making. I bought $.25 worth of sugar to make lemonade at the shop. Received a letter from George with $10.00 enclosed to pay Mr. Harris towards his suit of clothes which he bought when he was home over the 4th of July. Reverend L. Webb delivered a lecture in the evening at our church on the massacre by the Sioux Indians of the white settlers in Minnesota in August, 1862. As we went (Gussie and I), I called at Mr. Harris’ store and paid him the $10.00 George sent to him towards his clothes. Brother Webb was in Minnesota at the time doing military duty against the Indians. He was Adj. General to General Sibley at the time. The papers today state that the Atlantic cable has been successfully laid, it being the third attempt. Messages have been sent back and forth already. JULY 31 TUESDAY - I wrote a letter to George before breakfast in answer to one received yesterday but did not mail it until this evening. A number of men have been shopped today to go into the new shop (formerly used for foul men) as Mr. Crofut has more work than can be done in his main shop. Ed Harris, James Hagen, Daniel Manly, John Knowles and others were shopped. I worked until 7 o’clock at the shop. Received a letter from Carlton & Porter in reference to the bibles for Sunday School use. I went to market in the evening – bought clams, eggs and lemons. An account in the papers today of a riot in New Orleans, or rather a mob. Loyal men assembled in a convention were attacked by rebels who had formerly fought in the Rebel Army. The affair took place on the 30th of July.
1866-07
Horace Purdy Journal January 1866 Entry
10pgs
JAN 01 MONDAY - Warm, cloudy, misty, but no rain to speak of. The sleighing is entirely used up. The baby, who was quite sick yesterday and who had the doctor, is better today. Talked with an agent of the “Aetna” at the shop about life insurance. After tea, I went into the street to see if I could exchange a syringe at Dr. Baldwin’s where I bought it for another as mine has a defect about it; it leaks air. I could not exchange it. I called to see Dr. Bulkeley at his office about Georgie. I bought a box of figs for $1.25 – 4 ¾ lbs. – and then came home. Gussie cut out 4 shirts for me today. JAN 02 TUESDAY - The ground was a little frozen this morning. It thawed a little, notwithstanding it was cloudy all day. I worked all day in the shop as usual. On my way to work this morning, I ordered a cart of feed for the horse at Crofut’s. Ellen Dare from Bethel was up and took dinner with Gussie. Maria and Caroline Mills were up also. They gave Gussie a call and then went up to Mother’s. As I came home from work in the P.M., I paid 50 cents for six months box rent ending July 1, 1866. Annual Meeting of the Hat Finishers’ Association in the evening. Election of officers. The old officers were elected as follows: for President: Victor W. Benedict; Vice-president: Abram Chichester; Secretary: William Withespoon; Treasurer: Calvin R. Dunning. JAN 03 WEDNESDAY - A light fall of snow last night. Father took the horse and carried Mrs. William Nab to Bethel and got a dollar for it. Bell is very sick again with lung fever. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to do some shopping. A one armed man at the shop today soliciting help; I gave him 10 cents. JAN 04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and colder in the after part of the day. After tea, I jumped on Old Jim and rode up home to see Bell. From there, I rode down to market. When I came home, I found John Brayman waiting to see me about moving the remains of John, William and Abagail from the Mill Plain Burying Ground to our lot in the cemetery. George has been calculating to do it tomorrow, but Father and I think it best to defer it until next spring. I arranged with John to get the horse’s shoes reset tomorrow. When George came down to go to meeting, He brought us two chickens from Mother. JAN 05 FRIDAY - Very cold. As I went for milk in the morning, I called at John Brayman’s to see if he would take the horse over to McDonald’s and get one of his shoes reset. I found him still in bed with a terrible headache, having had it all night. George came for a piece of corned beef and rode Jim up home and lost off the shoe, so he went and had it put on again. On my way home from work, I took a bill out from the post office from Joseph Ives for a lamp top – 20 cents, I bought October 12th. I having once paid for it, I went in the evening and had it rectified. After tea, I took Old Jim and rode into the street to see Ives. Bought 3 oranges for 15 cents for bell and rode up home with them to see her. After evening meeting, George called and I went up to Father Griswold’s for a pitcher of cider. JAN 06 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a very little warmer than yesterday. I worked as usual in the shop. It being pay day, I drew $30.62. Gussie went up to see Bell this P.M. After tea, Gussie went into the street to do a little shopping. When she returned, I borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Jim up home. I rode back into the street and bought the best beefsteak I could as the Doctor had ordered a little for her. The two Dr. Bennetts went to see her just at night and gave but little encouragement. If she gets over the fever, they think it will leave her with the consumption. JAN 07 SUNDAY - I woke and found that it had been and still was snowing, about 3 inches. – the 7th snowstorm. It cleared off before meeting time. Cold and blustering, a severe day to be out. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School; came home without going in the P.M. George came home with me and stayed to supper. After supper, he harnessed Old Jim, took George Starr’s carriage and went to Bethel for the Presiding Elder, Mead and Mr. Lockwood, our chorister and brought them up to church. As he started for Bethel, Gussie and I rode up home with him and stayed until he returned when he came for us and carried us home. Bell is very sick; she will probably never get well. We left Georgie with Mother Griswold while we were gone. I made out a quarterly report of the Sunday School for Brother Hill to give the Presiding Elder at Quarterly Conference this evening. I sent by George as neither Gussie nor I went out in the evening. JAN 08 MONDAY - Very, very cold. The mercury stood as low as 20 degrees below zero. I was sick last night (a bowel complaint), have felt poorly today and in consequence have not been to work. We kept both stoves going with a good fire all of last night and thereby kept the house comfortable. Brother Hill called to see me about 4 P.M. about the Methodist which I had talked about subscribing for. I concluded to take it and paid him $2.00 for it. He prayed with us before he left. He went with me to the barn to see the horse. From there, he went over to see Allen McDonald and I to borrow Charles Stevens’ saddle to ride up home to see Bell. I went down and bought a ½ pint of Madeira wine for bell with which to make wine whey. I then came back and went to McDonald’s for some milk and carried up home to Mother. While there, George too Jim and rode downtown on an errand. When he returned, I came home. While up there I gave Mother $2.00 which Fanny gave me from the church poor fund. Louise came down and spent the evening with us. About 8 o’clock the chimney to the north apartment of Gregory’s tenement house on the corner (formerly L. Nichols’ old Hat Shop) took fire and quite an excitement prevailed for a short time. There were reports that a large fire was raging in New Haven and no water to be had on account of the cold, all the hydrants being frozen up. Bell is a little more comfortable today. JAN 09 TUESDAY - Very cold but not so cold as yesterday. Was sick again last night and nearly all of today with diarrhea caused by eating chicken pie. After dinner, I made a cover for my guns. In the meantime, John Brayman’s wife came in and Gussie went with her over to one of Gregory’s houses to look at it with a view to renting it next April. Between 3 and 4 o’clock, I rode Old Jim down to the shop and then up home to see Bell. One of his shoes came off and I went down to Center Street and had them all reset and sharpened. It cost $1.00. While we were drinking tea, Mary Purdy called a few minutes to inquire about Bell. I went to market in the evening. JAN 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and mild. I went to the shop today for the first time this week. George called at the shop after dinner and told me that Bell was worse. Gussie went up to see her in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went over to Mrs. Hurd’s and borrowed a bed pan. I rode Jim down to market and then took the pan and carried it up home. Bell thought oysters would taste good so I rode back into the street and bought ½ peck for her. She is more easy this evening. She is now taking opium pills which accounts for it. JAN 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Before I went to work in the morning, Sarah Purdy called in to inquire about Bell. As I came home from work in the evening, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. After tea, I addled Jim and went to market and then up home to see Bell. Mother broke a lamp chimney, so I rode back into the street and got a new one for her. They moved Bell from the bedroom into the parlor today. Sarah Purdy went up and helped Mother today and then came again in the evening to watch with Bell for the night, she being the first to watch outside of the family. She is no better. Dr. Bennett thinks that the chances are against her. JAN 12 THURSDAY - But little sunshine today. A snow squall in the morning. John Brayman had the horse this forenoon to got to Bethel to see some of the Hat Makers about Henry Heinman’s case as the men at T. & E Tweedy’s have turned out against him as an apprentice.; as he went he took his wife and Gussie to see Bell and brought them home again as he returned. Father then carried Amos Purdy’s wife up to sit by Bell in the P.M. Before tea, George rode up to Russell Wildman’s and engaged Lucy to watch. After meeting he took the horse and went for her. He is to keep the horse up there tonight. Mary Purdy came in as we were drinking tea, after which, she and Gussie went up home again to see Bell. Hanson E. Smith got married last night. George had his time given him today at foul hat finishing. Robert Cocking paid his December rent to Gussie today - $3.00. Since writing the above, George has concluded to return the horse tonight. JAN 13 SATURDAY - Warm and pleasant with the exception of a short splatter or rain between 4 and 5 o’clock in the P.M. which came up sudden and was as soon over. John Brush and John Green paid me $1.50 each for sifters to be handed to George, which I did in the evening. I tried to buy some oranges for Bell as I came home from work, but could find none in town. George came in about 9 o’clock to get the team and carry Mrs. Amos Purdy up home to watch with Bell. When he returned with the horse we mended the harness and nailed up a small box on the manger for salt for the horse. JAN 14 SUNDAY - A very little snow about 6 ½ o’clock this morning, not enough to whiten the ground. George at that time came down for the horse to take Mrs. Purdy home from watching with Bell last night. I rode back home with him and returned with the horse to let him eat before going to Bethel for our chorister, Mr. Lockwood, as he agreed to go for him. He borrowed Brother McDonald’s carriage to go with. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. And I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service which was the sacrament. There were two ladies baptized. George carried Mr. Lockwood home again in the P.M. John Brayman called in the evening. Gussie went to 1st church in the evening to a lecture on temperance by Rev. Mr. VanZant. JAN 15 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cold this morning. The mercury stood at zero in the morning. It clouded over in the P.M. with the appearance of a storm when I retired. I went before the “Board of Relief” before going to work in the morning and swore off the eleven hundred dollars I owe Aaron Mallet in Redding. On my way, I stopped and ordered 3 bushels of oats at Crofut’s and paid for the same - $2.25. In the evening, I ordered 1o lbs. of buckwheat flour and paid for that also – 60 cents. In the evening, I rode the horse to market and up home to see Bell. While there, Joseph W. Allen and Brother Everett called in company with Ann Delavan who came to watch with Bell. George borrowed Mr. Judd’s hay cutter and cut up a heap of hay. While driving in the yard with it, the limb of a tree under which he was passing caught the cutter and turned it out with the seat together with George. Fortunately, neither he was hurt or the cutter broken. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. JAN 16 TUESDAY - It was snowing when we woke this morning, making the 8th snowstorm. It was about 4 ½ inches deep. It soon ceased snowing; it cleared off pleasant in the P.M. George came over before breakfast for the horse with which to carry Mrs. Delavan home. The oats which I ordered came yesterday; also the buckwheat cake flour. Louise came down and stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie and I go to hear Frederick Douglass lecture. It is the first time I ever heard or saw the man. It was 10 o’clock when we got home. JAN 17 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and with the horse, I took my first sleigh ride by taking Gussie up home to see Bell. I went down to the church and when meeting was out took Fanny over to Dr. Brown’s and got the bundles of work belonging to the Sewing Society and brought them to Father Griswold’s where the Society will meet on Friday P.M. I then took Fanny up home to watch with Bell tonight and then brought Gussie home. After going home with the sleigh and putting up the horse, I mended the harness bridle (one of the blinds). Before retiring, I drew up a bill of prices for the shop, it being the one adopted November 14th and went into effect on the 20th., the same being a deduction of 2 % (?) per dozen on all qualities except No. 5. JAN 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. The sleighing is used up. I worked in the shop as usual. After tea, I took the horse up home to see Bell. She is better. From there I rode down to the Post Office and home. Before retiring, I went to Father Griswold’s for a small pitcher of cider with which a few walnuts was very good. JAN 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. The Sewing Society met at Father Griswold’s this P.M. and when I came from work, Gussie and Georgie were up there, so I went there for tea. George, having another order for sifters from Johnson in Newtown, I repaired the wagon where he broke it with a hay cutter in order that it could be used tomorrow. When I had finished repairs, we harnessed and went to the stores and borrowed 6 sifters to send to Mr. Johnson towards the dozen he ordered until George receives some next week when he will fill the balance of the order. JAN 20 SATURDAY - Cloudy, foggy and warm all day until about 5 o’clock when it rained for a time. It came off clear and colder in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Father went over to Newtown for George to take sifters to Mr. Johnson. He went as I started for work in the morning. I rode into Main Street with him. In the evening, I carried Sunday School papers down to the church to be ready for distribution tomorrow. I did a little marketing and came home. Before retiring, I drew up Sunday School classes in a new book for one of my assistant librarians (E. Barnum); it took me until midnight. JAN 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. George went to Bethel this morning for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister, and as he was turning into West Street, his horse fell on the ice. No damage was done. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, but was too sick with a headache to stay in the P.M. After supper, I was taken with vomiting, which made me feel better in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to meeting. George harnessed his horse and drove to church so that the horse would be ready after meeting to carry Mr. Lockwood to Bethel. I wrote to Carleton & Porter for I copy of the Sunday School Advocate and 4 copies of the Sunday School Journal which they failed to send in the last lot. Also a dozen of each No. 1 and No. 2 Catechism for 48 cents and 60 cents per dozen. I enclosed $1.08 for them. Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. JAN 23 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. George kept the horse up home last night and drove him down as he came to work this morning, bringing as he came the cot bed home to Amos Purdy’s which Bell has been using during her sickness. Had new copper bottoms put on our tea kettles. When I came home from the shop tonight, I had to kindle a fire in the sitting room stove, Gussie having let it burn out for the first time this winter. I did not go out in the evening, but sorted over my apples. JAN 23 TUESDAY - Cold and pleasant in the morning but before night the sun was obscured from sight. I went into the street in the evening to buy a set of bricks for my cooking stove. Gussie put Georgie in the carriage and went over to call on Mrs. Daniel Starr. JAN 24 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work I bought 1 ½ lbs. of smelt at Avery Raymond’s, called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, got a package of Sunday School Advocates at the News Office, and came home. George quit work early, harnessed the horse and went to the depot for a crate of sifters (2 dozen). I stayed with the baby and let Gussie go into the street in the evening. She brought home some bees wax and before retiring made some grease for Hat Finishers' irons for George. Father was down here today and Gussie got him to take Father Griswold’s hams over to Lockwood Olmstead’s to be smoked. JAN 25 THURSDAY - Three to four inches of snow on the ground this morning and still snowing. It soon stopped, however, but remained cloudy through the day. It rained a little about 5 P.M. I worked as usual in the shop. Bell has been poorly again today. We fear a relapse of the fever. I stayed with the baby in the evening and Gussie went to meeting. We are having meetings every night. The house is crowded and some evenings the altar is filled with those seeking religion. JAN 26 FRIDAY - It snowed a little again last night, making the 10th snow of the season. It has been a pleasant day. I worked as usual in the shop. I received a package by way of Day’s News Office (which I previously ordered) from Carlton & Porter containing 2 dozen Catechisms No. 1 and No. 2, one dozen of each and a late catalog of their publications. After tea, John Brayman came in to have me direct a letter from him to his mother-in-law as he wants her to come and attend his wife which he hourly expects to be confined. I rode Old Jim up home to see Bell. George then mounted him and rode into the street on an errand. I sent by him for some ale for Bell – 2 quarts. JAN 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. In the afternoon, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and took Louisa up home to see Bell. I then carried Gussie and Georgie up there, she not having seen Georgie since she has been sick. After supper, we got Louisa to stay in the evening with the baby and we went to Bethel to Mr. Dare’s for a sleigh ride. We got home again about 10 o’clock. JAN 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy before night. George had Mr. McDonald’s sleigh this morning to go to Bethel for the chorister, Mr. Lockwood. In fact, I arranged for the sleigh last night and kept it at my barn until George returned this morning when he took it home. Gussie went to church this morning and I to Sunday School at noon as usual and over to the 1st church in the P.M. to the Union Sunday School gathering. After tea, Gussie called over at John Brayman’s and stayed until nearly evening meeting time. Before meeting, George came for the horse with which to take Mr. Lockwood to Bethel after church. He had Mr. McKinsey’s sleigh. When he returns, he is to put the horse in the barn and rive him down in the morning. Gussie stayed at home and I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached an excellent sermon. JAN 29 MONDAY - Cloudy all day, but not very cold. Now and then, a flake of snow would be seen flying but no storms of any account. We were stinted in our work in the shop today, but the amount given was enough to last me until night. The seats in the church were rerented today. Gussie and Mrs. Bradley both were there and secured our old seat No. 31 for another year. After supper, I borrowed Charles Steven’s saddle and rode Old Jim down to the market and then up home to see Bell. JAN 30 TUESDAY - Another cloudy day. It commenced a fine rain or mist about 4 P.M. John Brayman had the horse today to go to Bethel. I gave him permission to sell or trade him off under certain conditions but he did not succeed in doing so, I believe. Father Griswold came down just before tea to talk with me about the trouble I am into with George by undersigning for him. Before taking the horse out this morning, John too him over to Mr. McDonald’s and had his shoes sharpened as he was not safe to drive with the roads being very slippery. JAN 31 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day; not a cloud to be seen and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went up home to see Bell today. She is better. I stayed home in the evening and did some writing for the Sunday School and let Gussie go to market.
1866-01
Horace Purdy Journal June 1864 Entry
8pgs
6/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Warm until about 4 P.M. when a hard thundershower came up. John Bussing was married this morning at 6 o'clock and took the train. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut and we carried our dinner (Harriet and I). On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Come's Marble Works and engaged a stone for Eddie. I went to market and to class in the evening. Our pay was put off on account of taking an inventory until today. But did not get pay for what work we did today. Gussie received a letter from an old Essex friend Kate Bailey, formerly Kate Doane. 6/2 THURSDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy this morning. Cleared off at noon. Before tea, I set a post for Clothes line. After tea, I helped Father Griswold move their refrigerator from barn to cellar. Went downtown by way of Bund's[?] garden with Mr. Cocking who went that way to carry some eggplants to Mr. House [?] in the evening. While downtown, I consulted carpenters and tinners about roofing my center. Received 3 letters from George. There was one for Mother, Harriet and Anne Purdy also in the Office from him. The letters gave the intelligence of the Capture of Companies B, H and K. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening up to Father Griswold's. Brother Hill called there after meeting. Before retiring, I looked over the letters from George and made out one for the Jeffersonian. 6/3 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. After breakfast, I commenced taking extracts from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. After the mail came in, I went up home to see Mother's letter from George. It was written later than mine and contradicted what he wrote to me about Companies H and K being captured. They are alright, but Company B had been taken sure. I bought the one half dozen pocket almanacs that George had ordered of R. C. Cowen and mailed them in the evening. I wrote a short letter also and mailed at the same time. I gave up the idea for the present of putting a tin roof on my wing and bought a few shingles to patch it for the present. While we were drinking tea, Burr Bradley, his wife and youngest child called on us. 6/4 SATURDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop today. I hoed in my garden. Went up to Chas. Chase's about mail time with Robert for a ride. I patched up my wing roof just at night. Gussie went to the cemetery in the evening. 6/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some rain. We were rather late this morning. I attended church during the day. Burr Bradley being absent, I took the collections for him. Gussie did not attend on account of the weather and not feeling well. Wrote to George after tea and mailed it with a Waverly in the evening. I copied from his last letter an account of the capture of Company B of his regt. At Welaka, Fla. for publication in the Jeffersonian. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. It was the Monthly Missionary Concert. On account of the weather, it was in the basement. After the meeting, I called at Mr. Ashley's residence and handed him the Cosmopolite's correspondence for the Jeffersonian. Gussie wrote to Kate Bailey, Essex, Conn. in the evening. 6/6 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Cleared off about noon. I worked until about 7 o'clock to wait to wait for the shower to be over. When I came home to tea, I found Mary and Carrie Mills. The came up to go to the N!66er Show. Carrie to stay all night with Emma Wildman and Mary to stay with us. I went to market in the evening for myself and Mother Griswold. 6/7 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. Mary Mills stayed all night with Hattie. She took the cars for Bethel after breakfast. Uncle Edwin bought me two dozen beanpoles this forenoon for 50 cents. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the cellar for us. On my way home from the shop, I conditionally bought or paid difference between and old watch and a new Hunter's Case Detached Lever for George. If the price is agreeable to George, I shall keep it, if not I am to return it get my money. I bought it at Robinson's. I set my bean poles and bushed my string peas when I came home. I set out some purple cabbage for Father Griswold just before dark. I went down intending to attend the Gen. Class meeting. I was late and besides before going in Dr. Ryder stopped me and wanted Mr. Hill to marry a couple. I went in the church and frightened the people terribly by calling out Bro. Hill. Bought a shower and chain for Bell at Swift's with George's money as he directed. 6/8 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cool for the season of the year. Cloudy with appearance of rain in the evening. I wrote to George in the morning before breakfast about the watch I have been getting for him. I sent the letter to the Office in time for the morning mail. I have worked on black hats today for the first time in a long while. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to inform him (Mr. Ashley) of the wedding last evening at Deacon John Fry's, the parties Bro. Hill was called from Gen. Meeting last night to marry. Oscar Serrine called on his way home from the shop and I gave him some pea brush. I planted over some pole and bush beans that did not come up good. We all went up to hear our presiding Elder, Bro. Pillsbury preach in the evening. After meeting, I went to market for my breakfast and to Mr. Swift's News Office and I bought 6 quires of note paper and two packs of envelopes. The Jeffersonian today, has a letter from George (Cosmopolite) in it from the 17th Regt, Connecticut Volunteers in St. Augustine, Florida. Before retiring, I strung and hung up dome ornamental shelves for Mrs. Cocking, my tenant upstairs. It rained a little as meeting was out and hard before retiring between 10 and 11 o'clock. 6/9 THURSDAY - Pleasant through the day. A shower just at night about 6 o'clock. I cut my finger with a jack plane while making a shelf for Mrs. Cocking's new set of hanging shelves. I am not able to work with it, it is so bad. I called at the shop this morning. Received two letters from George, they being designed for publication in the Jeffersonian. I bought a quarter bbl. No. 2 mackerel at Parmelee and Bradley's for $3.50. I took a nap after dinner. Harriet came down and spent the P.M and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I got some mortar and went up home and plastered up some mouse holes in Harriet's room. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 6/10 FRIDAY - pleasant but cold. Sore finger still. Can't finish hats with it yet. Mowed the grass in front of Father Griswold's and my own premises and trimmed the walk, finishing it up in good shape. After dinner, Gussie went up home and Harriet Mills went up there from the shop to tea. I went up to Mother Griswold's in their absence to tea. While there, I dressed my finger for the first time since I cut it. I then did it up in the blood and kept it wet with Witch Hazel Extract. Today, I changed it and put a plaster of Uncle Chauncey's Salve. Mother Griswold had a few strawberries for tea for the first time. After tea, I hoed out my garden with a rake. In the evening, I carried a pail down to the store for Mother Griswold to get molasses with. Bought some beefsteak for breakfast and came home. 6/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. Frost last night in some places. Very heavy in Brookfield, I learn. I see no effects of it on my premises. I prepared from George's last two letters from the Jeffersonian. I went to the Post Office before dinner. Called at the shop and to the Fish Market and brought home a lobster. Harriet was with us to dinner. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and to Mr. Swift's in the P.M., while I made some slats to put over the windows to fasten curtains and make them hang over the green shades. I then went to the Jeffersonian's Office with a letter from George for publication. Found Gussie in the street and then went to Raymond's and bought a peck of peas and some radishes. I came home and painted Dalia' sticks. Had our first mess of strawberries from our own bed. Hattie Mills went to Mrs. Ryan Whites' to tea. She came home in time to eat a few strawberries with us. I went to the Post Office and to Singing School in the evening. 6/12 SUNDAY - Cool, chilly. I attended church in the morning. Bro. Hill preached. A shower of rain, but no thunder, I believe, just before morning sermon closed. Sunday school prayer meeting at noon. There being no distribution of books, I spent nearly all the session in the churchyard talking with Bro. Chittenden. In the meantime, we walked over to Dr. Bulkley's office as I wanted to consult him about a cold I have on my lung. The office was closed. Bro. Hill went to Bethel to preach in the P.M. Bro. Crawford administered the Sacrament. Rebecca Mills was baptized and received into full connection. Gussie had the toothache and went out early in the service. After meeting, I wrote a letter to George with directions in R(h)yme to match the one he sent me. I mailed a Waverly to him also with the letter. After tea, Hattie Mills, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We stayed rather late and did not go to meeting in the evening as there was none at our church. A union service at the 1st Congregation Church. Sermon by Mr. Robertson to the Young Men's Christian Association. When we came home, we went upstairs to call on Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I drew a pitcher of ale and carried up. She gave some Madden Porter's Syrup for my cough. 6/13 MONDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I have a hard cold on my lungs. Intended to work I today, but after going down to the shop, I felt so poorly that I concluded not to. I engaged another stone in place of the one I ordered some time ago for Eddie's grave. Mr. Swift brought one half dozen verbenas from Norwalk for Fanny this morning. I brought them home from the Post Office. Mrs. Stone washed for us this morning. I went to bed after dinner. Got up about 4 o'clock and drew up my Librarian's Book anew for the Sunday School. Father called on his way home from work and left $5.00 towards our cemetery lot. Mr. Cocking and myself went downtown in the evening to Robinson's to compare George's new watch with his regulator. To the Post Office where I lost sight of him. I went into the War Meeting in the basement of Concert Hall for a few moments. The meeting was to take measures against the coming draft to fill quotas of volunteers or substitutes. I left soon. Did not stay to see what was done. Gussie and Hattie Mills went shopping too. 6/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant, warmer. Went to pay for cemetery before going to the shop in the morning, but did not see Mr. Tweedy. Called at Cowe's Marble Works to direct about inscription on Eddie's stone. There being several garnishes to spend at the shop, it was sent out for a keg of lager beer, crackers and cheese. Henry Ledger got drunk. A Mr. Kidder and Mother came home with Father Griswold today. Kidder stayed all night. I talked with Father Griswold about a chaplain for the 17th Regt. He thinks he knows a man. I went to market in the evening. Bought some liver for breakfast and 15 one half lbs. Ham 22 cents to be brought up tomorrow. I came home and drank some ale with Robert Cocking. 6/15 WEDNESDAY - I coughed about 2 hours last night, from 12 one half to 2 one half o'clock; felt poorly in the morning. Mrs. McNeil came down to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed with us to dinner. Harriet was with us also. After tea, I went down to see Dr. Bulkely. He gave me medicine to take and ordered a cold water bandage around my waist when I go to bed. I saw Mr. Tweedy, the cemetery man and paid him $15.00 for our lot, $5.00 from Father, $5.00 from George, and $5.00 myself. I did not attend class but came home to doctor myself and go to bed. The Evening Post says that Grant has changed his base from the White House on the York River to Charles City on the James River. 6/16 THURSDAY - My cough is a little better this morning. I think that the medicine that the doctor gave me did me good. It has been very warm. I sowed some French turnip seed after I came home from the shop. I went downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. When I returned, I drew some beer and we drank together. I received through the Post Office from E.S. Tweedy, the Secretary of the Cemetery Association my certificate of purchase and ownership of a lot in the cemetery. 6/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm again. Worked hard, was very tired at night. On my way home at night, I came by the way of Come's Marble Works to look at Eddie's stone. After tea, I went to market and waited until after 9 o'clock for the cars to come with mail and news and then go tired and came home. 6/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I worked hard until 4 o'clock and then went up to the cemetery to see about setting Eddie's grave stone. Mr. Comes and Northrop did it. I found Gussie and Fanny up there waiting. On our way home, we met Harriet Wheeler on her way up there at the corner of West and Main Streets. When we got home, it was about 7 o'clock. Hattie Mills had the tea table all set for us. After tea, went to the Post Office and received a letter from George, then went to Singing School. Our preacher, Mr. Hill came in and gave me Fannie's parasol to bring home and stayed and sang with us. It was just one year ago today that George was home and we had our picnic on Thomas Mountain. Before retiring for the night, I copied some extracts from George's letter for the Jeffersonian. 6/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church all day. Gussie went in the P.M. Our afternoon service commences now at 2 o'clock in order to give more time for Sunday School. I sat in the choir all day. Aunt Anne, Susan and Addie Benjamin came up to our folks this morning. We went up to see them after tea, but it was too late. They had gone home. I wrote to George and mailed it as we came from up home. I then called on Lieut. Governor Averill, to inform him that we had a man in view for Chaplain in the 17th Regt. I did not go to prayer meeting, but came home and drew a little ale. Robert and wife came down and he drank with me. When they went up, I wrote in journal and retire a little after 10 o'clock. 6/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. It was nearly 7 o'clock when we rose this morning. A shop call just before noon for an advance on our prices. A committee to draw up a new bill. They reported, the Report was accepted and we voted to stand by the bill. Mr. Crofut refused to give what we demanded. We finished off the work we had taken out and stopped. I came home by the way of the Jeffersonian Office and left a letter from George for publication. I then went over to George Hull's garden to see his Poor House Seedling Strawberries. Andrew gave me 4 samples to bring home. Before tea, I went up home and fixed curtain fixtures for Fanny, as they did not work good. After tea, Mr. Cocking and I cleaned out the cistern. I went downtown in the evening with Gussie. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. 6/21 TUESDAY - Cooler with prospect of a storm. I commenced hoeing in my garden after breakfast, as I was not going to work (the men being still on a turnout for prices). But soon Edward Smith, one of the apprentices, came after me to go to the shop, the men being there to allow Edward Stevens to iron off hats which were to go off on the train this P.M. He was allowed to do so. Then men then assembled at Barnum's Hotel to compare bills of other shops. A committee being sent down to Orin Benedict's shop for his bill. While there, one of the apprentices came in saying that Mr. Crofut had a proposition to offer. We went to the shop and he offered one half of what we demanded. We refused it. He then offered still more, but not what we asked for. We instructed the Foreman, (Victor W. Benedict) to say to him that we wanted what we asked for and nothing less. He did so, and Mr. Crofut wanted time to think about it. We then adjourned. I came home to dinner after which I hoed out my garden, finishing it about 3 o'clock. Then I took a walk up through Mr. Hurd's garden to look at his strawberries. From there, I went over to Burr Bradley's. He had just finished hoeing his garden. We went into the house and had some of his wine. After which, we went up to the cemetery for a walk. We had our third mess of strawberries for tea. After tea, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Before retiring, Fanny came down with a little dog left at their house by the Ice peddler. She wanted to shut him my woodhouse, so that Mother could not hear him cry in the night. Our folks had a letter from Edwin today. He has been drafted in Ohio. He paid $300.00 and got clear. 6/22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and very warm. No prospect of a storm. The dog Fanny shut in my woodhouse last night cried continually during the night, keeping us all awake and I doubt not at all, the neighbors until a little before 3 o'clock this morning when I became vexed with his whining and got up, dressed, and let him out, at the same time giving him a kick. He took the path toward Father Griswold's house. That is the last seen or heard of him. I hope he is dead. If he don't die of a sore throat, diphtheria, or a lung disease, I shall wonder for he cried himself hoarse before I let him out of the woodhouse. I mowed my door yard this forenoon and carried the grass home to the compost heap. Father Griswold came home on this morning's train. I put on my thin pants before dinner for the first time this summer. We had chicken pot pie for dinner. Went downtown after dinner. Had another keg of No.2 Mackerel brought up from Parmelee and Bradley's in exchange for the other one which proved not good. Mr. Fowler brought up 2 lbs. of butter just at night. I attended class meeting in the evening. There was a good attendance and the meeting was good. 6/23 THURSDAY - The warmest day of the season. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the morning. After which, I went down for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold, she being suddenly taken with a sore throat and fearing the diphtheria. I found several of my shop mates in the street. Mr. Crofut sent for us to come to the shop. We went down and he talked with us about prices. From present appearances, he did not see as how he could pay the full advance we asked as the market was full of goods and the demand small. He offered the same as on Tuesday, it being but a little less than our demands. He talked very candid and fair saying that we should really have all we asked as it cost as much to him. But he still could not from present appearances manufacture if he paid what we asked for his work. I borrowed his horse and went up for Joseph Kyle and Edward Harris. Harris was getting in hay and could not come. After I returned the men came together and voted to accept for the present Mr. Crofut's offer until he could get up what hats he had in the works which he thought would take about 2 weeks. After which, we would be governed by circumstances. We adjourned to go to work tomorrow morning, it then being noon. After dinner, I took a nap. Slept until almost 4 o'clock. After tea, I spent a little time around the yard. Went down town for the mail and the news. There was no mail, neither news. 6/24 FRIDAY - Very warm, but not quite so much so as yesterday. We went to work in the shop in the morning. In the evening, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Went to Raymond's and ordered lobsters for Mother Griswold and myself. Bought a linen coat and thin pants of Charles Stevens. 6/25 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood at 90 in the shade. Have been to work on black hats for the first time in a long time. Mr. Wing came to the shop today with Patent Clothes Dryer. I pretty much concluded to have one put up in my yard. After tea, I went over to David Bradley's to go to the Pond to bathe. But we concluded to wait until tomorrow morning. I then went downtown and found Gussie who went down alone as I intended to go to the Pond. We had some ice cream and came home. Harriet Mills has a bad cold and Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkley about it, but he was not in his office. Henry Starr and a son of Mr. Wing's came with the clothes dryer just before tea. I helped dig a hole to set the post. 6/26 SUNDAY - Made a fire. Went for milk and the went with Mr. Cocking as far as Oil Mill Pond where I went into the water and washed after which I went over to Mr. Lyons and waited for him to finish his chairs and then we came home together. He gave me a large head of lettuce when we got home. Gussie had finished breakfast and the table was waiting for me. The mercury has stood at 98 in the shade. After tea, I wrote to George and put up a Waverly for him to mail at the same time. About six o'clock, Gussie, Hattie Mills and myself went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. On our return, I mailed the letter and paper to George. We did not go to meeting, but returned home. I drew some beer and Mr. and Mrs. Cocking sat out on the grass plot in the yard and drank beer with us until 10 o'clock. There was a shower passed over a short time before we went to the cemetery. We got only a few drops of it. In an hour's time the dust flew as badly as ever. Mr. Hill preached in the morning from Proverbs 28:27. After Sunday School, I came home and did not go out in the P.M. While we were up on the cemetery, Bell made her appearance to visit Eddie's grave also. I have been giving Hattie Mills homeopathy medicine for a cold all day. 6/27 MONDAY - Smoky, so that the sun shone but dimly in the morning with the prospect of another warm day. But the wind finally went into the North and blew furiously and cool so that thin clothes felt almost uncomfortable. I worked hard all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone worked for us and used the new clothes dryer. Gussie does not like it very much on account of it taking the clothes too long to dry. Harriet was down to dinner. After tea, Robert and I went down to market. When we returned, I drew some beer, and Robert and I drank together. I then wrote this journal, fixed my fire for morning and retired. 6/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cool again today. I have worked hard and late in the shop. On my way to the shop this morning, I saw John Cosier and paid him $5.00 toward church seat rent - No.31. After tea, Robert and I went downtown to market and to Post Office. Robert traded his watch for a Hunter's case at Robinson's. 6/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool, though warmer than yesterday. The wind went around from North to Southeast. I felt very much like work and have improved it. Harriet Purdy was with us to tea. Father Griswold came home from New York on the evening train. The minister he previously spoke about wanting a position as chaplain has gone to South Carolina for the Christian Commission. I went to class in the evening. There were few present, but a good meeting. I took a letter from the Office for father Griswold from Uncle Chauncey. 6/30 THURSDAY - The sun shone in the morning, but it began to thicken over with clouds until nearly night, when it began to rain. Mr. Wing came to see Gussie and her folks about the clothes dryer in the forenoon. He sold the one he left for us to Father Griswold and brought a smaller size to us in the P.M. After tea, I got some cabbage plants of Father Griswold and transplanted them. I then went downtown with Mr. Cocking to get the mail. Before retiring, I drew off a gallon of vinegar and filled up the keg with old cider.
1864-06
Horace Purdy Journal May 1864 Entry
8pgs
5/1 SUNDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy but no rain. Cleared off just at night. I went to church all day and to prayer meeting in the evening, which was a missionary meeting with a missionary collection. Brother Hill's talk in the morning was 1st Thes. 5-6; in the PM, Phil. 3:7-8. I sat in the choir in the afternoon. I wrote to George after church. I mailed it with a Waverly in the evening as I went to prayer meeting. Gussie attended with me. After tea, Hattie Mills went up home with us to see Mother. Roxie gave me a pail of milk to bring home. Alexander Hodge died this P.M. about 3 o'clock. 5/2 MONDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool in the morning. Hattie Mills went to Bethel in the morning to have Dr. Schoolmocker take her impressions for a set of teeth. She returned on the first train at 10 one half o'clock. After work at night, I called at Come's Marble Works to see further about a stone for Eddie. Before tea, I went up to Father Griswold's cellar and got some early June seed potatoes. After tea, I went with Gussie and Harriet Wheeler over to her yard and took up plants for them, since they are intending to take up to the cemetery. In the evening, Gussie went to market and I went up house with a shelf for Harriet's closet and put it up for her. 5/3 TUESDAY - Rain last night and this morning. Showery and sunshine during the day. Windy and cool, pleasant in the evening. Alexander Hodge was buried this P.M. I went to market in the evening. I carried George's watch to the jeweler's for repairs. 5/4 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I dug around my three cherry trees and put some coal ashes around them. I came home to dinner and on my way took a letter from the office from George with $10.00 enclosed with which I am to pay what he owes - take $5.00 towards cemetery lot and deposit the remainder. Gussie and her sister Harriet went up to the cemetery in the P.M. with some plants to put around Abel and Eddie's grave. Before tea, I spaded up a place and set out some Triumph de Grand strawberries. I started for class meeting in the evening but there was none. The General Class meeting last evening took the place of it. I answered George's letter before retiring. 5/5 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day was very tired at night. I deposited $5.00 for George this noon. Harriet was with us to dinner and tea. Mrs. Fuller was buried this P.M. 5/6 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than any day we have had this season. Bought a shad before going to the shop of Raymond's peddler. Gussie read a paper form Cousin Eliza from California with the publication of the birth of another daughter. I attended Council of the [??] in the evening. 5/7 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. A shower about 6 o'clock in the evening. Harriet was down to dinner. I left my work at the shop early and came home to spade garden. I planted a row of Champ England peas. After the shower, I went around to Father Griswold's and my trees and destroyed worms. I went to market in the evening and to singing school. 5/8 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Mr. Coe preached for us in the morning. He exchanged with Brother Hill. His text was 137th Psalm, 1st to 6th verse inclusive. He preached an excellent sermon, at the close of which, he spoke of his leaving town and that this was in all probability, the last time he would preach for us. He spoke very feelingly of the pleasant associations he had enjoyed with our preachers and Church, that he had learned to love us as well as his own church and people. It being Communion Day, we had our usual Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon as heretofore on Sacrament Sabbath. The Sacrament was administered in the P.M. for the first time by Brother Hill in Danbury. After church, I wrote to George. News by telegraph today that the army in Virginia has been fighting for the last three days and that Grant thus far was victorious. After tea, we went over to Burr Bradley's and he and his wife went with us up to the cemetery. A sermon in the evening to the Young Men's Christian Association by Mr. Stone at the 1st Congregational Church. We did not attend. I sent my letter to the Office by Fanny who went to church in the evening. 5/9 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm again. Mrs. Stone worked for Gussie and cleaned the bedroom. Joseph Furbush helped me spade the garden. I stayed a t home to work at it and help Gussie. Mrs. Courtney, sister to Mrs. Cocking, went home this P.M. Glorious News! from Grant's army. He has whipped the rebel General Lee in three day's fighting. He is driving the rebels back on Richmond. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel this afternoon with her new set of teeth. I went to market in the evening. 5/10 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. I spent the day in the garden with my hired man, Joseph Furbush. We finished the job and did a little planting before 6 o'clock. He went to the well for a drink about 4P.M. and broke the rope, letting the bucket go to the bottom. We went over to McDonald's for a well hook and we fished it out. I paid him $4.00 for two day's work. We spaded up Mr. Cocking's and his border's to make out a day's work. Harriet came down to dinner. She stayed the afternoon and stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. 5/11 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day and cooler. I sowed beets, parsnips, cabbage and spinach before breakfast. I sent home a bunch of asparagus for dinner, our first for the season. Harriet was with us to dinner again. I came home early at night and planted dwarf peas, cucumbers, lettuce and radishes. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill, our preacher, led and at its close, consulted the class about a new leader. John Cosier was unanimously voted for and was appointed by the preacher. 5/12 THURSDAY - Cloudy in the morning with somewhat the appearance of storm. The shone a little in the middle of the day. A thunder shower passed over between 6 and 7 o'clock, which gave us a little spatter. When I came home from the shop, I went home with Mr. Witherspoon and got a dozen early cabbage plants and set them out before tea. The news from General Grant in Virginia is still good, though the fighting is desperate and losses great. I went to market in the evening. It was misty and a little rain at intervals. 5/13 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty with some rain. I went to the shop and finished 4 hats, the remainder of a dozen and stopped work on account of diarrhea. I went up to Tweedy Bros. to see Henry Ely about hedging cemetery lot as his joins mine. Ordered 8 more pictures at Couch's - $1.00 worth. Called at Come's Marble Works to see further about stone for Eddie's grave. After dinner, planted some pole beans and set out some onions for the tops. Went to bed before night. Before tea, got up and went down to the Assessor's Office (E.S. Sanford), and got a blank Income Tax list to send to Philadelphia to Father Griswold (who is at the General Conference now in session in that city.) together with a notification which has been taken from the Post Office to have him send in his list. I mailed a Weekly and Daily Tribune to George In the evening containing the war news since Grant's forward movement. Glorious News! from him by the evening paper. Additional victories. The rebels' right and center crushed and their rout complete, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. 3 generals, 30 pieces of artillery and 4,000 prisoners captured. 5/14 SATURDAY - Stormy in showers. The clouds broke at intervals revealing blue sky. A good deal of rain has fallen. I have felt poorly and in consequence did not go to the shop. I hung our new parlor curtains. Robert brought me some tomato plants, also some peppers. Harriet came down to dinner again. The war news continues good. General Grant is giving General Lee a sound thrashing. I went to market in the evening. I fixed Mother Griswold bolt to her front door in the P.M. 5/15 SUNDAY - Cloudy still. Misty, though with but little rain. Gussie and I both attended church this morning. Brother Hill preached from 115th Psalm, 11th verse. There was no service in our church in the P.M. on account of Mr. Coe's farewell sermon. Our congregation went over there. Gussie and I came home. I wrote to George and mailed two papers to him last evening's Post and the Waverly. After tea, I walked downtown to hear the war news. General Butler has taken the outer works of Fort Darling. I did not go out in the evening, but sent my letter and papers to the Post Office by Fanny as she went to prayer meeting. Gussie wrote to Nellie Post in the evening. 5/16 MONDAY - Cloudy and misty. Just before night, the sun shone out about 5 minutes. Oscar Levine and myself went up on Rabbit Hill to Sidney Thompson's on our way home from work for some lettuce plants. We got them and I came home and transplanted them. I the dug up Mother Griswold's flower bed on the terrace by the piazza. I had a severe headache when I finished it. I also transplanted 5 tomato plants for her which Mr. Cocking brought to them. I went to market in the evening. As I came home, the moon broke through the clouds and shone faintly for a wonder. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with Gussie and Hattie as usual. 5/17 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm Mrs. Stone worked and cleaned house for us today. She tore off the paper in our sitting room preparatory to papering anew. I went to market in the evening. I saw Sergeant Scott of Co. C, 17th Regt. He told me that the 17th arrived at Fortress Monroe last Thursday on their way to join General Butler at the front near Richmond. On my way home in the evening I found a breast pin with hair enclosed. 5/18 WEDNESDAY - Shower. We had one before dinner and another just after. I received a letter from George with a bounty check at noon. I carried the check to the Danbury Bank for collection on my way back to work at noon. Caroline Mills came up from Bethel and came home with Hattie to dinner. I worked late at night to finish off a dozen hats. I was the last man out and locked the shop. I got 8 more card pictures in the evening at Couch's Gallery. I was too late to get to class. 5/19 THURSDAY - Warm and Pleasant. Just before noon, Dr. Stevens appeared at the shop with a small box by express prepaid from George containing a piece of bomb shell, cotton seed, etc. Mrs. Stone cleaned parlor and sitting room and James Harvey and Brother papered the sitting room. Harriet came down, but went up to Mother Griswold's to dinner on account of our cleaning. I gave her $5.00 in addition to the dollar she borrowed about a week ago to help her. There being so many carpets to shake and put down, I stayed at home in the P.M. I got through about 5 o'clock and went back to the shop to get my shirt and watch. I went into the street in the evening to return a roll of paper which was left after papering the sitting room. Mother and Bell sent down their letters received from George for me to read and to take extracts from for the Jeffersonian. I spent the evening in preparing a piece for the paper. 5/20 FRIDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop, I carried a letter to the Jeffersonian Office from George for publication. I sent a shad home for dinner. Harriet was with us to dinner. I brought home a pair of kid shoes for myself when I came home from work. I sawed up some wood before and after tea. Josephine Dare spent the P.M. up to Father Griswold's and with Gussie. Gussie and Hattie Mills went into the street in the evening, while I stayed at home and sprouted my potatoes in the cellar. 5/21 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We worked at the shop only until noon as the carpenters were to cut a hole over the flues to carry off the heat. I bought a pair of kid shoes last evening and carried them to the shop this morning to have some nails driven in the heels of them. Burglars entered the Depot last night and blew open the safe of the Railroad Company with powder and it is reported they took from it six or seven hundred dollars. I bought one half cord of hardwood of Mr. Sanford for $4.50. It came in the P.M. and I took it from the northwest corner of the house to the wood house with a wheel barrow and piled it up. After dinner, I went downtown and ordered one half barrel of Hamer's Champaign Ale at Ferrell's Hotel (Wooster House). In the evening, I called at Elias Sanford's to sign a paper of Father Griswold's which he overlooked and did not sign when he filled it out. It was his tax list. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's this P.M. and stayed to tea. Father had a one half barrel of ale come today. Hattie Mills went home this P.M. to stay over Sunday. 5/22 SUNDAY - A little rain last night and considerable mud. Pleasant this morning, but the air a little cooler than yesterday. We both attended church in the morning. Brother Hill gave us a talk about the Christian Commission and took up a collection for that purpose. After school, we both came home. I wrote to George in the P.M. Mr. McKinney with his team went up and brought Mother down to meeting in the morning. After tea, we went up to the cemetery. We carried some flowers to put on Eddie's grave. When we returned, I completed my letter to George and left it to be mailed by some of our folks, either Fanny or Eliza, and then went up home to see Mother. Father gave me a glass of ale. It was too late for meeting when I returned, so I did not go. 5/23 MONDAY - Cool and pleasant. Mrs. Stone worked and cleaned the pantry for us today. On my way home from work, I called again at Come's Marble Works to see further about a stone for Eddie. I brought home a string of porgies for my breakfast tomorrow morning. Went over to Mr. McDonald's and borrowed a gun to shoot pigeon's on my garden. I went downtown in the evening, got a letter for Hattie Wheeler, bought a box of gun caps a match safe and Fred Bradley treated me to a glass of beer. 5/24 TUESDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but not a drop until about 9 o'clock in the evening when it began to mist a little. There being no work in the shop, I ground up the scythe and mowed my door yard. I shot three pigeons on the premises. They have nearly destroyed our row of peas. After tea, I put out some Dahlia roots. Just as we were finishing up the last one, Edith Newman, Sarah Purdy, and Mrs. Wildman (Mr. W. Stevens' daughter) called. They stayed until about 8 one half o'clock. I then went down to the Post Office and to the store. I bought one half lb. of bulk tea, 1 lb. shot No. 6 and the Waverly for George and came home. 5/25 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Had pigeon pot pie for dinner. The sun shone a little in the P.M.I worked hard until about 6 o'clock to finish my second dozen, which most of the men left for tomorrow, as it is doubtful about getting any work then. I went to market and to class meeting in the evening. A Mr. Hollister led the class. He is a furious fellow with stentorian lungs and given to shouting. 5/26 THURSDAY - There being some doubt about having work today upon what our foreman said (Mr. Green), I went to work at my walks in the yard, trimming the edges and raking them off, etc. When I got the job about half done, it began to rain, but I was determined to finish it, so putting on an old coat, I kept at it and between the perspiration and the rain, I was about wet through, or rather my clothes were. At noon, I carried Hattie Mill's dinner to her at the shop as it rained too hard for her to dome home. The foreman weighed out a dozen Full Stiff Drab Half Brush Hats. I squared them up, cut out tips for them and then got Hattie's dinner pail and left. I went to the Danbury Bank and got the $10 for Bounty Check I left there one week ago for collection for George. I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see if Ashley wanted a communication from George this week for insertion in his next week's issue. From there, I went to Cowe's Marble Shop to see further about a grave stone for Eddie. Before going to see Ashley, I had taken three letters from the Office from George from St. Augustine. He gave the news of his appointment to Regimental Postmaster. There was a picture of St. Augustine enclosed in one of them. He wants me to send 4 copies of Carmine Sacra (Note Books) ( Ed. Note: These are hymn books). When I came home from the street, I finished hanging the green curtains (shades) in the parlor. I mailed a Daily Tribune to George in the evening. I went to market in the evening and bought the largest pineapple I ever saw for 30 cents. Before retiring, I prepared a letter for the Jeffersonian from George's letters received today. 5/27 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning. It cleared off the P.M. I have taken cold and do not feel very well today. I bought another pocket dictionary for George and mailed it this evening. The other one, he never received. This one cost 50 cents; the other one only 25 cents. On my way to the shop this morning, I left a letter of George's at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. In the evening, I wrote notice of the breast pin I found to put up in the Post Office tomorrow. Smith Ferrel bought me a one half barrel of ale today. 5/28 SATURDAY - Pleasant through the day, though somewhat the appearance of a storm in the evening. I left a notice at the Post Office this morning with the pin to be called for. I began to brush my peas before breakfast and finished them before tea. Gussie walked down to market with me in the evening. Robert Cocking and I drank some of my beer before retiring. Father Griswold returned from General Conference in Philadelphia Pa. by the evening train. 5/29 SUNDAY - Cool but pleasant through the day. Mr. Atkinson, an Army Christian Commission agent, preached for us in the morning and talked in Sunday School. So much of the time was taken up that books were never changed. Father Griswold preached to the young people on the P.M. text Ecclesiastes 12:1. Mother attended church all day. Mr. McKinney carried her to church in the morning and home as far as our house to tea. After tea, I hired a team and took her and Gussie up to the cemetery after which, I carried her home. Harriet Mills went up to Philo Wildman's yesterday with a friend and returned this evening about 7 o'clock. She went with us to a Union Meeting at the 1st Congregational Church in the evening. Mr. Atkinson (Agent for the Christian Commission), Mr. Kennedy, the Baptist boy preacher (now chaplain of the 79th Regt. New York Volunteers) and another agent from Hartford spoke and a collection for the Commission was taken. When we came from this meeting, it was cloudy and just after we got home, it began to rain. I finished a letter to George and mailed it as I went to evening meeting. After breakfast this morning, I went up home and got my Carmina Sacra to send to George, also his medal which he writes for. 5/30 MONDAY - Pleasant. Cool this morning but warmer at night. The three Note Books ( Carmina Sacra) came this morning to Mr. Swift. I brought them home at noon. After tea, I put them up in two packages (my old one making four) and carried them to the Office and mailed them. The postage on them was 84 cents. Frank Boughton was here when I came from work at night. I lent her $8.00 until Wednesday. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the sink room today. Read a letter from Cousin David Mills by the evening mail. 5/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and rather warm. Sent a letter and paper to the Office this morning by Mr. Dunham. They were for George. We had but one dozen hats today; finished them before dinner. Mr.Cocking came in while we were eating and drank a glass of beer with me. I went downtown after dinner and bought a wire basket for myrtle. Went up to Mallory's shop and engaged some bean poles of Uncle Edwin. Came home.
1864-05
Horace Purdy Journal April 1864 Entry
8pgs
4/1 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. On my way to the shop this morning, I drew from the Savings Bank $40.00 to make out with what I had on hand $66.00 to pay Aaron Mallett interest on $1,100.00. He called just after dinner for the money. John Boughton and Frank were with us to tea and spent the evening. I finished my letter to George and mailed it together with a pocket dictionary and the Waverly in the evening. John went down with me. When we returned, we had walnuts, cider and apples. We had great sport with John trying to see how much he would eat. After eating more walnuts than any other two, he ate an apple and two pieces of pie. They stayed until 11 o'clock. 4/2 SATURDAY - Stormy still - about half snow in the evening. I worked until dark at the shop. After tea, I went to market. I called a few moments at the Republican Caucus in the basement of Concert Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. 4/3 SUNDAY - Stormy in the morning. A little broken with some sunshine in the middle of the day. Father Griswold preached in the morning from John 12-26. Brother Crawford preached in the P.M. from Matthew 20:19. He was personal in his remarks, referring indirectly about Edith Newman leaving the choir inferring that she was the only party implicated in the difficulty of Melodeon playing. William Stevens, John Cosier and myself talked over the matter of taking up a purse for Edith. I got $1 from Mr. Chittendon towards it; making now already raised $13.00. After tea, I went up home to see Mother. Aunt Louise, John and Frank Boughton were up there. I brought home my dictionary when I came. Gussie and I went to church in the evening. Mr. Coe preached in our church to the Young Men's Christian Association from Romans 14:7. 4/4 MONDAY - Election Day - a glorious victory for the Union 227 majority in this town. I worked in the forenoon around home trimming trees, etc. I went down and voted before noon. After dinner, I went to the shop. It took me all the P.M. to get up my Saturday's work. I dug my parsnips before tea. Gussie weighed out the 10 lbs. of butter which we bought some time ago with Father Griswold and brought it down home. Mother went down to the artist this P.M. and had some pictures taken. Mr. Donald sent Fred Vintz up with his horse and carriage for her. I went into the street in the evening and engaged Beatty to come for Mother Griswold tomorrow morning for the cars. I went to market and came home. Robert Sayers gave me $1.00 today towards the purse to be given to Edith Newman. Paid to the Secretary of Trade (Mr. Witherspoon) 2 months Hatters' funeral taxes 50 cents and 3 months dues 30 cents. 4/5 TUESDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but not a drop. The stars shone a little in the evening. I burned the rubbish in my garden before breakfast. I worked as usual in the shop. On my way home from work, I called on Edward Allen and got 50 cents towards the purse to be given to Edith Newman. John Cosier, Gussie and myself called there on our way up to present the purse to Edith and they (Allen and wife) went up with us. We spent a little time in singing when John Cosier stepped forward and presented her with the purse in a few brief and appropriate remarks. She was completely taken by surprise. It nearly overcame her. It was with great difficulty that she could control her feelings. The amount given her as $33.00, contributed as follows: John Cosier $5.00, Mr. W. Stevens $5.00, George Starr $5.00, Henry Fanton $5.00, Edward Davis 50 cents, A. McDonald $2.00, P. Starr $8.00, Mr. White 50 cents, Morgan Chittendon, $1.00, Robert Sayers $1.00, Edward Barnum $1.00, Jessie D. Stevens 50 cents, Mr. Lyon 50 cents, J. Clark Beers 50 cents, Edward Allen 50 cents, Rundle $1.00, myself $1.00. Hatter's meeting not being out as I came down, I stopped, but it closed in a few minutes after I went in. 4/6 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but the wind has been northeast. It clouded up just at night. I worked quite late in the shop until 6 one half o'clock. After tea, I commenced a letter to George. A man by the name of Lawrence W. Smith formerly of Co. F 17th Regt. (a Company from Norwalk) came to me at the shop to get the letter of the company that George belongs to, as John Cosier had paid him $1.00 for the War Record to be sent to him. He was an agent for the publisher getting subscriptions. He was with the Regiment until they got to Gainesville when they first went into Va. and there, he not feeling well, was sent to the hospital and has since been discharged. Gussie baked some bread and carried a loaf up home this evening. 4/7 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I gathered up the trimmings from my fruit tree around the yard before breakfast. I worked all day and late in the shop. In the evening, I bought a peck of russet apples and $2.00 worth of granulated sugar (9 lbs.) of Charles White. I bought the sugar because it was cheaper than anywhere else and the price still going up. I spoke for some manure this morning of Moses Norris but it did not come an account of his not procuring a man to haul it. Before retiring, I wrote more in a letter that I am making out for George. 4/8 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm came home to dinner. Mrs. Caroline O'Leary died this morning. Received a letter from George by the morning mail. It was in reply to the one I wrote him giving him the news of Mother's sickness. He feels very bad that Mother is likely to die before he returns home. Mother also received one from him. Hattie Mills was this morning surprised before she was dressed in her room by Dwight Rogers who came to see Mrs. Cocking and got into the wrong room. Christian Quien who has got married within a short time to Marion Nash came to the shop today with 2nd Lieutenant shoulder straps on. He was married on Monday last, I believe, and received a 2nd Lieutenant's commission on the following day. He was previously orderly sergeant. Hatter's meeting in the evening. It was an adjourned meeting from Tuesday evening to take into consideration the possibility of doing something in regard to foul shops. The meeting resolved themselves into a committee of the whole and discussed the matter pretty thoroughly but adjourned for two weeks without coming to any definite conclusion. 4/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant through the day, but it threatened storm in the evening. Hattie Mills and I came home to our dinner. Sister Hattie Purdy was with us to dinner. I scolded her somewhat for her conduct about my dictionary. She accused me of saying things to her when I took the book away that were not true. Hattie Mills went to Bethel in the P.M. I came home from work earlier than usual and went up home and got the gooseberry bushes which I have neglected to get for 2 or 3 years past. I intended to have cleaned out my privy and mix its contents with ashes, but upon commencing, I found the ash heap frozen hard a little below the surface and was obliged to delay the job for a season. Gussie went over to Frank Boughton's in the P.M. and down street with me after tea. We called at Mr. Couch's and got the pictures of Bell, 4 in number, and 3 more of Mother. 4/10 SUNDAY - Stormy. Rain and snow both in the morning. I went to meeting in the A.M., but few were there and it was held in the basement. Bro. Crawford took no text, but talked to us. I came home at noon. Gussie went in the P.M while I stayed at home. Sacrament in the P.M. Gussie said it was held in the audience room above. I finished a letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Waverly. I enclosed Bell's carte de visite to him. Caroline O'Leary was buried this P.M., aged 60 years. I did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. Edgar Johnson died at his home in Wild Cat[??] about 2 o'clock this afternoon. 4/11 MONDAY - The weather is still stormy. I felt the Rheumatism in my right shoulder blade again this morning. I felt but little like work but did all day. On account of the storm, I carried my dinner to work. John W. Bussing cut my hair after work. Hattie Mills came up from Bethel on the morning train and worked until night without anything to eat. I went to the annual Sunday School Teacher's Meeting in the evening. Officers were elected. I was reelected Librarian. My assistant E. Barnum, was taken from me and put in paper distribution. After the meeting, I walked some with Edith Newman to talk with her about Saul, her brother, for assistant librarian in Edward Barnum's place. The moon shone faintly through the mist in the evening. 4/12 APRIL - The weather still cloudy, but no rain today. I came home to dinner. Before dinner was ready, I commenced raking off my grass flat on door yard. I carried a bottle of cider to the shop and left it for John W. Bussing for his dinner. After tea, Robert Cocking came with Mr. Lyon's team to go to the depot and I rode down with him. Mrs. Stone came up and worked for us today and was with us for dinner. Mrs. Cocking came down and spent the evening with us. George H. Benedict, son of Price Benedict, one of our neighbors from just west of us, died today. Aged 23 years. 4/13 WEDNESDAY - Cold in the morning. A little warmer in the P.M. with rain. I came home to dinner. Frank Ward of Beaverbrook died this morning about 5 o'clock. A letter from George by the morning mail in answer to one I wrote to him in regard to the affairs of his old letters of his which Mother has made some trouble about. He places the fullest confidence in me and does not believe any of the stories told about Gussie and me by Mother. After tea, Gussie and Hattie Mills went up home to Father Griswold's to see to see Mrs. White while I commenced a letter to George. Soon Mr. Cocking was ready to go to the depot with Mr. Lyon's carriage and I rode down to market. I called at the church, but the classroom was dark. When I came home, I found Mrs. Cocking, Fannie and Hattie Griswold (Wheeler) and Louise Vintz spending the evening with us. I cracked some walnuts and they stayed until after 10 o'clock. I then wrote more in my letter to George. 4/14 THUSDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant before night. I carried my dinner to the shop. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I mailed a letter, a Waverly and a New York Daily Tribune of last Tuesday the 12th to George. The Tribune contained the official report of General Gilmore regarding the Battle of Olustee in Florida. Father Griswold returned for Conference in Hartford this evening. As we were going down, we met him coming up from the depot with his hands full of trees and vines and his carpet bag. Charles H. Reed was carrying his bag for him. He left the tree and vines at Reed's gate and I brought them home when I came. 4/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work at the shop today for the first in a long time. I finished at noon. Harriet was with us at dinner. After dinner, I sowed a little plaster on my yard and then went down town to buy a fence post to repair my gate and to get a cart man to haul some manure for me. I succeeded just at night and got one load and the post brought home. Gussie went up to Mother's in the P.M. and stayed to tea. Hattie Mills went up also from the shop. Carrie Mills came up on the freight train and went up with Hattie. Edith was there to tea. Gussie and the girls came home just at dark. I ate bread and milk for my supper. Gussie, Carrie and Hattie Mills went into the street in the evening. Mr. Cocking being here with Mr. Lyon's horse and carriage, he took them all in and carried them down. 4/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Carrie stayed with Hattie Mills, her sister last night. This morning, she took the train to Bethel. I got to the shop about an hour earlier than usual in consequence of getting breakfast in time for Carrie to take the cars. On the way to the shop, I mailed three letters for Father Griswold. The remainder of my manure came this forenoon, making 3 loads. I finished my work about 3 o'clock and paid Norris for the manure $3.00 and $1.50 to the cart man for hauling. I commenced repairing my gate and righting up the fence in front of my house. I got the fence straighted up and the new gate hinge post set and was obliged to leave it without hanging the gate on account of its growing dark. In the evening, I went to market. I bought a carte de visite of Captain Moore at Bennett's Store for 25 cents and a pair of gate hinges at Charles Hull's for 65 cents. 16 screws for 15 cents. Before retiring, Mrs. Cocking came down and wished me to get her a quart of milk in the morning. At the same time, she gave me a glass of ale. 4/17 SUNDAY - Pleasant though somewhat windy. I got a quart of milk at Mrs. McDonald's this morning for Mrs. Cocking. Our new preacher was with us today (Mr. Hill); his family is not here yet. He preached in the morning from John 14-27.In the P.M. Luke 15-17. Father Griswold was with him in the pulpit all day. Brother Crawford was also in the morning, but sat in the congregation in the afternoon. Mr. Coles led the choir and Miss Newman played. Edward Barnum being appointed paper distributor, I now have James Parmalee for asst. librarian. Gussie and I were at church all day. Harriet came to the house at noon for something to eat. Hattie Mills gave her a lunch. After tea, I wrote two letters to George and David Mills; Hattie enclosed one with her picture in mine to David. Gussie and I went to prayer meeting in the evening. William T. Hill, our new preacher, was there. He walked up with Harriet Wheeler to see Father Griswold. Gussie went up after she got home. He talked about church affairs. Father Griswold posted him in regard to some things about the church. Mother worse today. A little rain about 11o'clock in the evening. 4/18 MONDAY - The weather was rather uncertain in the morning, but it came off pleasant before noon. Mrs. Stone worked for us. I had work all day in the shop. After I came home from work, I worked as long as I could see at hanging my gate with new hinges on a new post. The women folks (Gussie and Hattie Mills) went to the Baptist Church in the evening to hear Mrs. Ambler speak of the conditions of the paroled prisoners as they arrive there from Richmond in a starving, dying condition. I ate my supper alone after they left for church and then I went up home to see Mother. As Bell had called saying that she wanted me to come up. She wanted to see me about keeping their cow. Father was of a mind to let her go and they did not want to part with her. I persuaded him to keep her, I think, as he consented to have me buy a bale of hay for her on his account. 4/19 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler towards night. I set out my Concord grape vine this morning; the one Daniel Manly gave me. On my way to the shop, I went to Isaac W. Ives Lumber Yard and bought two bales of hay for Father $7.00. Gussie had her first mess of greens for dinner. Harriet Purdy was with her to dinner. I received a box from George with the last evening's mail with some roots and plants for Gussie. I finished the work on my gate before tea. In the evening, I went to market and got a lot of oysters for breakfast. Mrs. Cocking came own and spent the evening with us. 4/20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had to wait about an hour this morning at the shop for work. After tea, I went to market and to class. I got there just as it was out. Peter Starr, our old leader, has left town and we talked awhile about a new one. We rather want J. Cosier to take it but he does not want it. Father called this morning on his way to work and paid me for the hay I bought for him $7.00. 4/21 THUSDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast and before tea, I dug around some of my fruit trees and manured them. I came home to dinner. I had suckatash (dried corn and beans). When I came home from work at night, I bought my first shad at 13 cents a pound. I mailed a short letter to George in the evening with a dollars' worth of stamps enclosed. Gussie went with me in the evening and looked at wallpaper at William Wright's and at Benedict and Nichols. Bought 3 window shades (green) and fixtures for the parlor $1.50 each and 25 cents for the fixtures. Total $5.25. A beautiful evening, the moon being full. 4/22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I dug around and manured my Harvest Apple tree. Harriet came in while we were eating dinner and sat down with us. I worked until 6 o'clock before leaving the shop. I bought 2 pounds of maple sugar of Nosh T. Hoyt in the evening. Went to Hatter's Meeting at Concert Hall. It was an adjourned meeting to take into consideration the case of foul shops. Gussie exchanged the new window shade fixtures she bought last evening for silvered ones. She paid 15 cents in exchange. 4/23 SATURDAY - Pleasant, and it seemed to me warmer than any day previous this spring. I came home to dinner. Hattie Mills went home to Bethel on the passenger train to have the impression taken for her teeth, but the dentist (Schoolmocker) could not do it. She came back on the evening train. Before I ate supper, I manured and dug up Gussie's flower bed by the piazza. We went to market together in the evening. We went to Mr. Wright's to look at wallpaper I bought a shad and came home. I made some egg cider before I retired. I received a letter from George by the morning mail. 4/24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Bro. Hill preached in the morning from Acts 18:9-10 Books taken in but none given out in Sunday School on account of the previous Sunday School meeting in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church, usually called Sunday School concert. Gussie attended, but I came home and wrote a letter to George. I enclosed six 3 cent postage stamps and six 2 cent ones as a present. Mother sent by Bell to have Hattie Mills go up there. After tea, she went. Gussie and I went up to the cemetery; we found John Cosier there with a team. He took us in and drove over the grounds, then rode out on the Great Plain Road nearly to Marsh Brick Kiln, crossed over on to the Beaverbrook Road and back home, he bringing us to our own door. Gussie was too tired to go to prayer meeting in the evening, so Hattie Mills and I went together. Father Griswold was there. He both prayed and spoke. Brother Hill and Clark Hoyt went up to see Mother after tea. She is about the same, apparently no worse, though I suppose really no better. 4/25 MONDAY - Stormy, a warm rain. Received an invitation by mail to attend a presentation to Alfred N. Gilbert in the evening. Read a letter from George with items for the Jeffersonian. The breaking up of their Brigade and the places to which the several Regiments were assigned. The account of Jim Hammer's what is its [???], etc. I did not attend the presentation, but went to the Post Office and to market. I then came home ( after calling on Mr. Ashley to see if he had some room this week for a letter from George) and prepared the letter for publication. Mr. Cocking came down and spent the evening with us. 4/26 TUESDAY - Still stormy. I carried a letter I had made out from George to the Jeffersonian for publication this morning. I came home to dinner and on account of the rain, I carried Hattie Mills' (?) to her. The sun shone a little this P.M., but it clouded over again. Gussie and I went up to Mr. Wright's in the evening to look at wallpaper. Before retiring, I answered two letters in one of George. 4/27 - WEDNESDAY - Showery still, though the sun shone a little this P.M., the same as yesterday, and gave signs of clear(ing) off. I came home to dinner and carried Hattie Mills' to her at the shop. After I finished work, I went to Comes' Marble Works to see about a stone for Eddie. I decided upon nothing. Called at the Jeffersonian's office to tell Ashley where to direct papers to the 17th Regt. To St. Augustine instead of Jacksonville, Fla. Harriet brought George's watch down for me to take to the jewelers for repairs. I went to class in the evening. Bro. Hill (our preacher) led the class. On my way to the shop this morning, I stopped and ordered Dr. Buckley to come up and see Mother Griswold. She is quite sick. 4/28 THURSDAY - A little bit of snow before daylight. Cooler, cloudy until just before night when the sun shone again. Mr. Silverthorn came to Father Griswold's today; was there to dinner. After tea, Gussie and I went into the street and bought some wall paper for our sitting room. Mrs. Cocking's sister came to see her from Fort Hamilton, Long Island. 4/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold started this morning for Philadelphia to attend the Gen.Conference. No work today for the black finishers today at the shop. I being on fancy colors, had work all day. I came home by the way of George Starr's and got a board for Harriet to make shelf in her closet up home. After tea, I commenced grafting one of my apple trees with Golden Sweets. Went to market in the evening and bought a shad for breakfast .4 and a half lbs. at 15 cents a pound from the Housatonic River. Gussie went up to the cemetery this P.M. and made some preparations at Eddie's grave for some plants. Frank Boughton was with her and selected a lot for John. Burglars last night at Tandy's, Fowler's, Barnum's, Wildman's, and Benedict's. 4/30 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked hard all day. Came home to my dinner. Gussie and Hattie Mills went up to the cemetery on the P.M. Gussie engaged Mr. Day to make a small flower bed around Eddie's grave. Before tea, I grafted an apple tree in the garden with Roxbury Russett. I went to market and to Singing School in the evening.
1864-04
Horace Purdy Journal March 1864 Entry
7pgs
3/1 TUESDAY - Stormy, snow. Received three packages by mail from George. Old letters and a diary with a line saying that they (the 17th Reg't. had gone to Florida. Widow of John Keeler was buried today. 3/2 WEDNESDAY - On my way to work, went to the Jeffersonian Office to notify Ashley that the 17th Reg't. had gone to Florida. Sgt. David Dickson of Co. D, 10th Reg't. (C)onnecticut (V)olunteers was found dead in his room this morning at the Wooster Hotel. A post mortem examination was made and the decision was that he died of heart disease. 3/3 THURSDAY - Pleasant as it was also yesterday. The snow has melted fast today. Gussie and her mother went over to Mrs. Cocking's today. Hattie Mills came home and got tea ready, but before we sat down, Gussie came. The bound volume of Harper's Weekly for 1863 which I ordered for George some time since came today. It cost $4 which I paid from money in my possession belonging to George. 3/4 FRIDAY - Pleasant . Wm. Mantz was buried today. I came home in the P.M. with a headache. I had the crystal to my watch changed on my way home. Bought this book for a journal - $1.50. Hattie Mills started for Bethel this P.M. to have the remainder of her teeth out. Caroline came up to go down with her and both came home again and stayed all night. Went to market in the evening and to [???]. News by the evening paper that Kilpatrick has returned from his expedition in the rear of Gen'l. Lee's rebel army and to Richmond. Got some medicine of Dr. Buckley in the evening for bilious headache. 3/5 SATURDAY - The sun rose clear but was soon nearly excluded from view. It rained awhile after dinner and again quite hard in the evening. Hattie and Carrie Mills went to Bethel this morning. Hattie intending to have her few remaining teeth out. I met her in the evening with a lantern and umbrella. She brought her teeth back with her in her mouth, having concluded to let them remain until she got her uppers set in. I felt rather poorly this forenoon. Sick or lazy. A little of both, I guess. I felt better in the P.M. Received a letter for Gussie from Cousin Eliza Humphrey from Todd's Valley, Placer County, Cal. 3/6 SUNDAY - Clear and pleasant this morning. Yesterday's and last evening's rain together with a warm day today has nearly finished the snow, there being only a little here and there to be seen. Gussie and I both went to church in the morning. After the service, I went with her over to Dr. St. John's and she had two teeth drawn. She then went home and I went to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. After tea, I took a nap and did not go to meeting in the evening. Gussie wrote to Frank Boughton in Philadelphia and I commenced a letter to George. Hattie Mills cracked some walnuts just before bedtime. John Rooney died this morning. He had been sick about a year, more or less. He lingered and suffered much, but was very patient, they tell me. He was a strong Catholic, though I believe sincere in his faith. 3/7 MONDAY - Cloudy early this morning. Wind clouds, quite windy in the forenoon. Pleasant in the P.M. I have felt quite well today and have worked hard and late. It being payday, I drew for my last two weeks work $36.00. After tea, I went to market and called at Dr. Buckley's office and paid him $13.88 to balance my account with him, the same being for attendance during Eddie's sickness. He gave me more medicine for my bilious difficulty. He charged me nothing for it as I had just settled my old account. 3/8 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked hard all day and as late as I could see at night. John Rooney was buried today in the P.M. On my way home from work I took two letters from the Post Office from George from Jacksonville, Florida. In one of them, he demands his watch from Mother in order that I may have it put in working order and send it to him the first opportunity I have. He also requested me to find out the truth of the matter Of Capt. Daniels getting the $25.00 company money from Capt. Moore's widow. I did so by calling on her in the evening. He did not demand it, as many of the Company suppose, but she requested him to call for it as he was the proper person to receive it. Before retiring, I wrote more in my letter to George, telling him of my visit to Mrs. Moore's, etc. 3/9 WEDNESDAY - It has been a beautiful day. I came home from work very tired at night. On my way home, I got my Jeffersonian. The poetry on Eddie's death was in it. In the evening, I bought five other copies to send away. I mailed a letter to George with Abel's and Father Griswold's picture enclosed. Also the Waverly and a Daily Tribune. Bought a piece of meat for Harriet and came home without going to class. A surprise party for Bro. Crawford this evening. 3/10 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning. It soon became cloudy and about 6 P.M., it commenced raining. After tea, I went out into the street, mailed a letter for Father Griswold. Went to the Jeffersonian Office and got a paper to send to Mrs. Charters in Brooklyn. Got Hattie Mills' shoes which had been mended. Bought a picture of General Gilmore and came home. Burr Bradley told me at the shop that Mother was very sick or rather that Clark Hoyt had said so in class last evening. I intended to go up and see her this evening, but when I came home, Gussie said that Carrie had been down and told that the circumstances. Mother has a formation of a vein or an accumulation connected with the main artery which is increasing in size and will in a short time kill her by bursting and bleeding to death. I mailed 5 Jeffersonians this morning to Ohio, Cal. Canton, and Essex and to David Mills in Philadelphia. 3/11 FRIDAY - Storm-rain. It was rather late when we rose this morning. I have worked as usual in the shop. After tea I went to see Mother and to bring (home) a pail of milk. The pail was carried up yesterday by Harriet. I came home about 9 o'clock in a thunderstorm, the first of the season. 3/12 SATURDAY - Clear and pleasant. The makers had a strike for higher prices today and I believe got their demands. Gussie and Mother Griswold went up to see Mother this P.M. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Cousin Mary called. Mary came again afterward for Gussie to go downtown with her. I went to market and to Robinson's for my watch where it has been for repairs. Fanny came home from New York on the evening train. She brought some things for Gussie which she sent for - table cloth, album and Mrs. Foss's picture. I copied extracts from George's letters for the Jeffersonian before retiring. 3/13 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy before night. I went up this morning to see Mother; did not get back in time for church. On my way up, I left 5 of the Rolls Books from the Sunday School library at Edmund Barnum's for him to read. Communion in the P.M.; Gussie and I attended. After tea, I finished George's letter for the Jeffersonian. It rained when it was time for evening meeting, and I, not being in the mood for meeting, being quite tired, did not go. Gussie began a letter to Cousin Eliza in the evening. 3/14 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning with something of the appearance of snow. It came off clear and pleasant before noon. On my way to the shop, I took a letter to Ashley from George for publication. I came home sick before night. On my way, I took from the office two letters from George, or rather two envelopes and one a letter and the other some old letters for preservation. In the letter, he returned Eddie's carte de visite that I had copied and sent to him. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. I bought one dollar's worth of stamp to enclose to him, he having ordered them. Charles Beach died this afternoon. 3/15 TUESDAY - Pleasant until just at night and then cloudy with a little flitting of snow. While we were at tea, Mr. Cocking called in on his way to the depot. He was expecting some of Mr. Cyrus' folks by the Cars. I rode down with him. I did some marketing and called at the Post Office. While in there, I saw Saul Wildman's son, who had just arrived from Hilton Head. He states that on the 10th, heavy fighting commenced at Jacksonville, Fla. And was going on when he left. I walked up with Dr. Bennett and had a talk with him about Mother. He thinks that she imagines herself worse that she really is and lies right down and gives up to it. 3/16 WEDNESDAY - Cooler today with snow squalls. On my way home from work, I called at the express office and got a box of shells from George. They came last evening. He sends them home for safe keeping for his own use if he ever returns. The expressage was $1. I paid it from his money as he requested. I went to market in the evening. Captain Daniels arrived home on the train. He has resigned. 3/17 THURSDAY - 1st St. Patrick's Day in the Mourning. The Irish turned out to the number of 160with the brass band. Father Monahan (the priest) was in carriage drawn by a pair of greys at the head of the procession. John Waters was marshal. He was mounted on a splendid grey horse. I had a dispute with Ezra Wildman and Dan [Healy ?] about taking out work at the shop. I worked quite late. Received a letter from George for publication in the Jeffersonian. I finished my letter to him and mailed with $1 postage enclosed. I mailed also to him two Waverley's and a New York Times. Before I retired, I made corrections in his letter from Ashley. 3/18 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off clear. Not very cold, but considerably cloudy. I had a headache in the P.M., but worked until night. We attended Louise's Temperance Lecture in the evening. 3/19 SATURDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop this morning, I went to A. Raymond's and ordered one half bushel of oysters. I worked as long a t night as I could see to get up my work. I was the last in the shop and locked the door. A report coming from Saul Brockett that George was wounded in the arm and amputation was unavoidable. I do not credit the report. Mr. Cocking came down today and they now occupy the rooms. Aunt Mary came to our folks today to take care of Mother. Frank Boughton was expected this evening, but she did not come. I went to market in the evening, walked down with Mr. Cocking. I found Lieutenant Knox on the street. He came home last evening, is to stay until next Friday. His health is not very good. I saw Ashley at the Post Office. I took back the letter from George which I gave him for publication, but he could not do it in his next issue as he had one already. I am to make some alterations in it and prepare it for next week. 3/20 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but a little cool. Very good weather for March. We attended church all day. Mr. Baldwin of Bethel (Congregational) preached for us. Text in the A.M. Psalm 62:1, in the P.M. Luke 14-17. In Sunday School, they concluded to do away with the old Hymn Book and adopt the Golden Chain and Shower. After tea, Hattie Mills, Gussie and I went up home to see Mother and Aunt Mary. Fanny came up just after we got there. Aunt Mary and Bell came down with us and went with us to meeting in the evening. Mr. Isaac Kelso, a Southern Methodist preacher from Missouri preached. I found Gussie and Hattie Mills upstairs in Mrs. Cocking's room. I went up also and had some wine and cake which Mrs. Cocking passed around. While I was at church and before she (Gussie?) went upstairs, she wrote to Eliza Humphrey in California and enclosed with the letter, a little book entitled 'Tiny Footsteps Within the Golden Gate'. 3/21 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cold. Before going to the shop, I went up to Edgar Tweedy's and bargained for a cemetery plot, the one in the rear of Father Griswold's. Price $20.00. Not feeling very well, I left work before night. I got my pay and came by the way of Alden Crosby's coal office and paid $10 to balance my account for coal for Harriet. I attended Mr. Kelso's lecture at our church in the evening. Gussie went to the depot with Mary Purdy to meet Frank Boughton as she was expected from Philadelphia. She came and Gussie went home with her. On my way home from the shop, I called at Come's Marble works to see about a grave stone for Eddie, but decided nothing. Before retiring, commenced a letter to George. Before breakfast this morning, I went to the Post Office and mailed letter to for Gussie to Cousin Eliza. 3/22 TUESDAY - Not feeling well, I did not go to the shop. I went down to Crosby's coal office in the forenoon and talked with John Cosier about making up a purse for a donation to Edith Newman to show our appreciation for her services as Melodeon player in the choir. Frank Boughton came over after dinner and went up home with Gussie to see Mother. I took my jackplane and went up to Father Griswold's and made a few shavings to kindle fire with. I sawed a little wood and brought in some, etc. I went to market in the evening. Uncle Jessie came up today to see Mother. He, Father and Bell came over and spent the evening with us. I gave them a few apples to take home to Mother. I sent a volume of Harper's Weekly, bound, up by them. It belongs to George which he requested me to buy for him. We think that Mother is gradually failing. 3/23 WEDNESDAY - Cool and windy. Went to the shop and did about a half day's work in nearly all day. Nearly sick. Bought 8 rubber buttons for overcoat for 15 cents. Went to market and to class in the evening and stopped a few moment s on my way home at the school meeting in the basement of Concert Hall. Mrs. Cocking came down stairs and spent the evening with us. She is alone at night (as Mr. Cocking is staying for a while until Mr. Lyons comes from New York) over there at night. 3/24 THURSDAY - More pleasant today. Not so cold. After tea, I finished a letter to George and mailed it. It was mostly about the transfer of his letters and his affairs left to my care, the trouble Mother is making about it and her accusing Gussie of reading his letters which he sends home. Mr. Wright, ex- governor of Indiana, spoke before the union men of this place this evening. I went and was never more pleased with a public speech than I was with his. 3/25 FRIDAY (fast day) - Pleasant, the shop closed. I copied George's letter for Ashley and carried it to him. Went to the Post Office, came home, and went up on Deer Hill to see Mother. I copied the family record in 'The Life of Christ' for Mother. I offered Father that if he would get a team and let us go up to the cemetery and take Aunt Mary, I would pay for it. But he would not. I then agreed with Aunt Mary that if she would come down to my house after dinner, we would go up to the cemetery with her. I got Beatty's double team and carried her, Harriet, Hattie Mills and Gussie up there. They all strayed away except Sister Hattie and I. I could not find them and drove home without them. They were all home when we arrived. Aunt Mary stayed to tea and I drove up home with Harriet. Took Edith in before we got there as she was on her way to give music lessons to Bell. I went to the Post Office in the evening. As I returned, I found George, Bell and Carrie Mills with a carriage at the door. They spent the evening with us. In the meantime I took the horse and carried Aunt Mary up home. Bell also, who came down to go up home with her. The colored folks across the way had a dance in the evening to make merry, I suppose, before morning as they are about to move out of the neighborhood. 3/26 SATURDAY - Stormy all day, rain and snow. It cleared off in the evening. We having to wait considerably for work in the shop, we concluded to adjourn and let the facers get a few ahead of us. We accordingly stopped when each man finished the dozen he was working on. Lewis Bradley came home on the freight train from Annapolis, Maryland. I bought 4 large oranges and brought home to Gussie. Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet spent the evening with us. I went to market for Mother Griswold. I bought a small piece of Canton flannel and made a wick for our large lamp in the evening. Mr. Price (colored) moved out of the house across the way today, Richard E. Smith having bought it. I had a hoop put on an old water pail over to McDonald's Blacksmith Shop this morning - price 10 cents. 3/27 SUNDAY - Warm and pleasant. Gussie and I both attended church. No! I attended all day and she in the P.M. Mr. Kelso, the Missouri refugee, preached in the morning from Luke, 16t chapter commencing with the11th verse -the parable of the prodigal son. Sunday School as usual. Father Griswold preached in the P.M. from Luke 24-25.26 on the death and resurrection of Christ. An Easter sermon. He preached unusually good. The whole congregation seemed much interested. It was really a feast to hear him once more. Hattie Mills stayed at home as usual. Aunt Mary was at church and walked up West Street with us. After tea, we went up home to see Mother. Just before we got there, we met Aunt Harriet coming away on her way home at Ridgefield. We stayed until dark and then came home after which we went upstairs and spent the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I cracked some nuts and brought up a pitcher of cider. George Starr was at Sunday School at noon for the first time since his sickness. He is still rather feeble. Old Mr. Segar on Mill Plain died today. 3/28 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. Worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went into the street and ordered one half bbl. of George Crofut's best wheat flour $5.23. I paid him (or his son Charles); he is to deliver it tomorrow. John and Frank Boughton called in the evening. I drew some cider for John and myself. His wife, being a member of the Crystal Wave, of course did not drink. They went home between 9 and 10 o'clock. I wrote in my journal and retired. 2/29 TUESDAY - Cloudy, a little cooler. Before breakfast, I went over to Oscar Levine's to have him bring a steel jack (or card) to the shop with him, as I wanted to borrow it of him to finish Brush hats with. He brought it and I have used it today. Elbert Segar out on Mill Plain was buried this P.M. The Free Masons attended the funeral. I brought home form the shop some shellac for Father Griswold to daub on the places where he has sawed off limbs from his fruit trees. I got that which was already cut and prepared for use. After tea, I went down to the Post Office. Got a letter for Father Griswold and returned. Joseph Kyle lost his little boy this P.M. with scarlet fever. 3/30 WEDNESDAY - Stormy. Rain and snow together. I worked in the shop as usual, but felt about sick in the P.M. Bowel complaint, headache, and cancer sore in the mouth. Mrs. Cocking took tea with us and spent the evening. Read a letter from George with one enclosed for Mother, also one for Edith. He sent some poetry of his own, composing for insertion in the Jeffersonian if Ashley and I thought it worthy of room in his paper. Russel Wildman had a telegraph dispatch this P.M. that his wife was dead. She started for St. Louis, Mo. on a visit with Mrs. Levi Bartram. 3/31 THURSDAY - Stormy still. Joseph Kyle's little boy was buried this P.M. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Fenton's Shirt Factory and gave Edith Newman a letter from George sent enclosed in mine yesterday. Gussie and Hattie Mills went up home to see Aunt Mary who goes away tomorrow morning, as she is to be married on Sunday at Ridgefield. Gussie carried a letter to Mother from George sent enclosed in mine yesterday. I went to market while they were up home. I left the poetry at the Jeffersonian Office which George sent to me. I also got a letter from George telling me of his position as clerk to Lieutenant Henry Quien. He asked for a pocket dictionary. Before retiring, I commenced an answer to George's letter.
1864-03
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