Horace Purdy Journal June 1867 Entry
12pgs
JUNE 01 SATURDAY - Pleasant; no work in the shop. I went down, however, after breakfast and arranged with Charles Purdy to draw my pay and bring it to me at noon with a new 3 D Pearl cassimere hat which I bought and left to be trimmed and curled. He brought me the money at noon and the hat as he came at night. I spent the day working with Mr. Pond. We worked in company. We worked on his premises the first part of the day digging his flower borders and later in my yard making over the flower bed by the piazza and mowing the north and front door yard. The south, I have previously mowed and raked off. After tea, Gussie went into the street. While she was gone, Robert Dunning came into the yard to look at my strawberries. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with Robert. I got my Harper's Weekly at the news office, called at Swift's a few minutes and then walked up with Charles Bennett. George and Bell came here. Bell stayed with Georgie while Gussie and George went over to John Bouton's. They returned about 10 o'clock and George and Bell went home and we soon retired. JUNE 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the forepart of the day. Gussie went to church in the morning and came home at noon to let me go to Sunday School. I did not stay to the Prayer Meeting in the P.M., but came home after Sunday School in order to get through with my Sunday School writing and tea early in order to go up to see Father who is sick. Bell came here after Sunday School and stayed to tea and went up with us. Before going, I wrote to Carlton & Porter for the Sunday School ordering 2 dozen Judd's Lessons for each Sunday in the year, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each; also 2 dozen catechisms, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each; also another copy of the Sunday School Journal for the remaining 4 months of our Sunday School paper year (for Charles Barnum). The amount of the bill was $4.08, which I enclosed. It commenced raining as we got to Dr. Hendrick's going up home, so Gussie turned about with Georgie in his carriage and went home while Bell and I went on. Father is not dangerously sick; it is only a stitch (as he calls it) in his back and neck, making him so lame that he can hardly move. I came home about 7 o'clock and went down to the Post Office and mailed the letter to Carlton & Porter ordering the things as before named. I returned without going to church on account of the rain. JUNE 03 MONDAY - No work in the shop. I however went downtown morning and got a new pearl cassimere trimmed and curled for Mr. Pond and brought it home to him at noon. I selected it from a lot of damaged ones and got it for half price - $1.00. A perfect one would cost $3.00. It was so nearly perfect that few would ever know the difference. I commenced weeding my strawberries before dinner. While I was at the shop getting the hat for Mr. Pond, George came and trimmed out my dooryard walks for me. I found them nicely done and he gone when I came home. After dinner, I went into the street and had more talk with Mr. Swift about business. He had pretty much concluded to to sell out, but we took a new tack and talked about going in company and take the New York store with the one here and run both, one of us to be in the city and the other one here and exchange so that each can be home with his family half of the time. After tea, I went up with Dr. Kellogg over to Theodore Lyons' for some oat straw for his horse's bedding. It was dark when we returned. He borrowed Rollo Nichols' box wagon to go with. I went into the street again late in the evening and had a talk again with Swift. I came home and talked with Father Griswold. He approves and we intend going to New York tomorrow morning to see about the business there. Bell came down this evening and sprouted my potatoes for me. I am going to pay her in potatoes. She worked late and will stay all night. JUNE 04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I went to New York this morning with Mr. Swift to see about the picture frame business at 68 Carmine Street which we have been talking about buying. We saw the business and before we got home, concluded not to go in company. The expense of doing business would be so large that it would not net profit enough for bother. I pretty much concluded to buy out the New York store myself and start it alone. It is owned by Henry D. Clark. After arriving in town this evening, I saw Mr. Jabine at the Post Office and walked up home with him to talk about the business and money from the Savings bank to buy it with. JUNE 05 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful day. Before breakfast, I went down to Mr. Swift's house to get some statistics on paper regarding the New York store. It was so late before I got my breakfast that I had a hard headache which lasted me all day. I never the less had business to attend to. I had to make my application to the Savings bank for $1,200 which was granted on a joint note of Father Griswold and myself. I went to the shop and bought a 4 D. pearl cassimere for Mr. Swift. He telegraphed for me to Mr. Clark saying that 'all was right regarding the money' and that I would be down in the morning. I went with Mr. Swift to the Savings Bank and made arrangements for him to draw my $1,200 in my absence in New York. I went into Dr. Kellogg's office and took some medicine for my headache. After tea, I felt better and went into the street and borrowed $50 of Mr. Swift to buy a commutation ticket on the New York and New Haven Railroad provided I make all things right in New York regarding the store. I have made arrangements for George to go with me and be head salesman. I received lesson Books, Catechisms and Sunday School papers for the Book Room today. I did not send money enough and had to remit the balance with the bill to be receipted by mail. George helped me bush my peas this P.M. JUNE 06 THURSDAY - Another pleasant day. George went with me to New York this morning as clerk in my store. We took the steamer, 'Neversink'. We got aground getting out of Norwalk Harbor, and together with having to up to the bridge and down to Gregory's Point to the boat, we were to nearly noon getting to the city. We found Mr. Clark at his new place of business in the Gilbert Clock Manufacturing Company of Winsted, Connecticut at 12 Cortlandt Street. We took dinner and then spent the afternoon completing our bargain of me buying his store at 68 Carmine Street. I paid by check on the Danbury National Bank for $1,000 and gave him four notes of $125 for three, six, nine and twelve months for the remaining $500. I gave him a chattel mortgage on fixtures of the store as security and then brought the notes home with me to have O. H. Swift endorse them. We also went to the office of the Greenwich Insurance Company and had the insurance transferred to me. Then we went to the Manhattan Gas Company and deposited $12.00 for meter as security for payment of gas. As I came home, I bought a commutation ticket at the 27th Street Depot for six months - $80. Our butter came from Ohio today. I paid the expressage for it - $3.45. I also before I came home engaged William Mansfield to bring me a ton of coal tomorrow. JUNE 07 FRIDAY - Before breakfast, I went up to see Oscar Serrine about getting my apron, overshirt, towel and tools at the shop. Also gave him my check with 20 cents with which to pay my dues to the Hatters' Society and draw my traveling card. I started for the cars in good season and went to Mr. Swift's house and gave him the note to take to the Savings Bank and draw $1,200 for me which they have agreed to loan me. I also borrowed $29.00 of him, he to take it from the money he draws for me at the bank. When I arrived at the store in the city, I found Daniel there, George having gone out with William Hayes to get acquainted with parties who patronize and work for the store, also some from whom to buy frames. The day has been hot. We made some sales and took some orders for work. I took dinner with George at his boarding house; also tea and I am to stay all night. JUNE 08 SATURDAY - I stayed with George last night . It commenced raining about 6 o'clock this morning. It rained at times during the day, though not very hard. I went to buy picture frames and glass this forenoon. The account books which I ordered yesterday of Crawford & Nadine were sent to the store this P.M. I commenced to arrange in the front basement under the store for a workroom but had to leave it to go home. Just as the train left 27th Street at 4 o'clock, it commenced raining and rained very hard all the way to Norwalk. When we arrived at Redding, I perceived that it had not rained there. Gussie was waiting for me at the Depot. We did some marketing and then went to Mr. Swift's store before coming home to get the balance of the money which he drew for me yesterday at the Savings Bank. He paid the interest on the note of $1,200, stamped the same, deposited $1,000 in Danbury bank for the check of that amount I gave Henry Clark towards the business I bought from him. He bought me a large pocket book and had left for me in cash $64.50. After tea (which was late), I went to see Mr. Pond about the butter which came from Edwin and paid him my half of the amount $14.01 which with his half he will remit in a few days to Edwin. JUNE 09 SUNDAY - Stormy until after dinner. On account of the storm, we did not go to meeting. After tea, I went over to see Dr. Kellogg a few minutes and then went up home to get George's shawl and hairbrush to take to him in New York tomorrow morning. Bell stayed with us last night and today and will stay with us tonight. Gussie and I went to meeting in the evening. Brother George Hughes of New Jersey, agent of the Freedmen's Bureau, preached. Brother Hill, our old pastor, now from Redding, was with us and read the closing hymn. I took a card and went the length of the aisle to solicit for the freedmen. I got nothing. JUNE 11 MONDAY - A beautiful day. I packed up some of my carpenter's tools before breakfast and took them with me to New York to put up a bench to join frames. I was too busy to make my bench, so I came home without making it. Gussie went to the depot to meet me. We went together and paid for a half ton of coal bought last Friday of Sproule & Mansfield. JUNE 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the city again as usual. I had a great deal of running about to do and was very tired when I returned to the store. I took it easy the rest of the day. I brought home George's washing and my new shoes which I put on in D. M. Benedict's Store, leaving my boots to be mended. JUNE 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the city as usual. I bought a vise for my workbench in the basement of the store. As I came home, I went to the Bible House and got three bibles for Emily Anderson, Harriet Wheeler and Aunt Louise. As I came from the Depot this evening, I stopped at D. M. Benedict's and got my boots which I left there last evening to be mended. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he reported that the butter which came for us from Ohio did not hold out. It was billed for 111 pounds but it would weigh only 101 pounds and six ounces. JUNE 13 THURSDAY - pleasant and very warm. I took a fine bouquet with me to the city this morning and put in my show window. I built my work bench for joining frames in the basement of my store today. Gussie went to Ridgefield with Mrs. Short and carried her rags to be woven today. They had Alfred Gregory's horse. After tea, I got out a piece of cherry from Mr. Pond's barn to attach to my new frame making plane I mailed a letter to Edwin this morning intending to enclose a money order of $26.78 for butter but was too late for the morning mail and left the amount with Dr. Brown to be sent by the afternoon mail which he sent this P.M. JUNE 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York as usual. I finished putting up my apparatus for joining frames at my store today. I bought a crate of strawberries at Washington Market for Christian Quien. The locomotive gave out on the New York & New Haven tonight so that we were obliged to get another one at Stamford. JUNE 15 SATURDAY - I took some clean clothes down to George this morning to the city. I have felt about sick today. I repaired Mrs. McCormick's looking glass today. She lives at 19 McDougal Street. Eliakim Wildman called at the store to see me today but I was out. I saw him on the train coming home. Gussie and Louise met me at the depot this evening and I went with them to market. Daniel Minnerly, my boy gilder gave me his picture today. I promised him one of myself. JUNE 16 SUNDAY - Cloudy and hazy in the morning, but it finally came off hot and oppressive. Bell stayed with us last night as she has been doing for a week past. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I came home after school to do my Sunday School writing and to rest, as I am pretty nearly tired out from last week's work in the city. Bell came here to tea and to stay all night. A thunder shower about 6 P.M. We did not go out in the evening on account of the rain. We picked some flowers before the shower and made a bouquet in the evening which I expect to take with me to the city tomorrow morning. Mr. Pond called in the evening while we were making the bouquet. JUNE 17 MONDAY - I rose early and helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe before breakfast. I took a large bouquet to the city with me for one of the conductors on the 6th Avenue cars which I promised last Friday, I believe. I gave a bill which Russell Smith owes me to David B. Booth as I went to the cars this morning for him to give to Constable Crosby to collect for me. It commenced raining as the cars left and rained hard until I got to New York. It came off pleasant and hot in the middle of the day in the city, though they tell me it has rained nearly all day here at home. As we were coming out from the city, it clouded over again and here at home it looks as if it would rain at any moment. Later - 10 o'clock. Clear and pleasant; the stars are shining brightly. JUNE 19 WEDNESDAY - A pleasant day. I went to the city as usual. I took dinner at Mr. Thompson's where George boards. I bought a pound of coffee for William Warren at the Great American Tea Company and let Mr. Fanton have it on the train before I got home. I bought 4 feet of green worsted fringe for Mr. Smith and brought it home with me. Before tea, I put grass around my strawberries around a part of them. I worked until dark and then drank my tea. JUNE 20 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I rode as far as Norwalk in the mail car with Mr. Swift. I got out at 42nd Street when the engine left the train and walked from there over to 6th Avenue with J. M. Potter and his brother. I bargained with George Baker (a son of the woman who lives on the upper floor over my store) to paint the front of the store. He commenced it immediately. I worked again as long as I could see putting grass around my strawberry to keep berries from lying in the dirt. JUNE 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant again today. Edward S. Davis and wife went to New York this morning. Trade has been a little better with me today. I bought a sample of tea today at the United States Tea Warehouse opposite the Great American, I having heard that they gave a better article for the money than the Great American. I brought home a frame from New York to show Mr. Swift. JUNE 22 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had Father Griswold's company to Norwalk this morning, he going east to his work as elder and I to New York. I went with George to dinner at his boarding place at Mr. Ferguson's. After dinner, I went downtown and bought a chrome lithograph (The Chickens) for a customer. I brought home my ripsaw this evening from the city. Gussie met me at Raymond's Fish Market when the train arrived. I did some marketing with her and then came home. She having some more errands to do, I left her in the street. I had strawberries and milk for supper. Wells Webster and wife came to Father Griswold's today. JUNE 23 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. While Gussie was getting ready for church this morning, I took Georgie to walk over in Mr. Pond's garden to see his strawberries. Gussie came home at noon. I went to Sunday School and came home at its close to do the writing for the school. I then picked what strawberries were ripe. We had some for tea. Gave a quart to the Griswold's (Wells Webster and wife being there to tea), saving the remainder to take with me to New York in the morning. Father came down about 7 P.M. with pants and coat for George which I am to take to him in the morning. I went to church in the evening; Brother Birch preached. After church, Sherman Smith and lady (Lucy Bennett) called, he to see me about work at Yonkers, George having sent word to him that they were to commence work again on Monday. JUNE 24 MONDAY - Pleasant in the morning. I took a bag of clothes with me to the city this morning for George and a bucket (4 quarts) of strawberries to my boy in the store, Daniel Minnerly. When I got to the city in the middle of the forenoon, George took his clothes and started for Yonkers to go to work at hatting. It commenced raining about 8 o'clock this evening. After closing the store, I walked over to my boarding place in Grove Street to Mr. Ferguson's. I take the same room and bed that George left. JUNE 25 TUESDAY - I slept until 6 o'clock this morning. It rained all last night and still continues. After breakfast, I went to the store and opened it. Daniel came in a little after 7 o'clock. I completed my fixtures for joining frames today. I took the 6th Avenue cars about 4 P.M. and rode to 27th Street, from there to the depot and home where I am now writing these words. It has rained all day and we have sold nothing in the store. Theodore Bradley came up today and picked 7 quarts of strawberries for Gussie. She gave him 3 quarts to take home with him to pay for picking. JUNE 26 WEDNESDAY - The sun shone a little about 7 o'clock. It soon became thick cloudy again and more rain. I joined my first picture frames today. I took down with me this morning to the city 4 quarts of strawberries to Mrs. Baker (the lady who lives over my store). She made strawberry shortcake for tea, and my boy Daniel and I dined with her. JUNE 27 THURSDAY - Daniel spoiled a looking glass plate today by accidentally marking the back side. George Baker broke a light of glass in my showcase which stands out the door. He was painting the inside of the case when he did it. Sherman Smith came down from Yonkers this P.M. and brought me news that my house had been entered by a burglar and over $17.00 taken. A few minutes later, I received a letter from Gussie bearing the same intelligence, but both were too late for me to take the train to go home. Ill luck seems to be my portion today. JUNE 28 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Sherman Smith tried to sell sewing machine (Wheeler & Wilson) casters today for me but did not succeed very well. I took the train this P.M. and went home to see about the robbery. I found things about as represented. Constable Crosby searched the thief and found my money in his boot. Crosby now has the money in his possession. JUNE 29 SATURDAY - I returned to the city this morning. I had the company of Louise Jones going down, she having been on a visit to Mr. Jabine's. When we arrived in the city, she went with me to my store. From there, I accompanied her to Broadway and saw her in a stage for Fulton Ferry. I then went down in Beekman Street to Hallerbach's to get some porcelain headed nails for rustic frames for Mr. Swift. Sherman Smith being at the store at noon, I took him with me to dinner. George came down from Yonkers about 2 P.M. He is to stay over Sunday at my boarding place and the store until I return on Monday from home. I took the 4 o'clock train for home. Arrived about 7 1/2 P.M. Robert Cocking came back from Mr. Lynes' today to occupy our rooms again. The day has been warm. JUNE 30 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Bell took Georgie home with her yesterday to stay overnight. Father went to church this morning for the first time in a long time. He let Georgie walk down home with him as he came down to church this morning. I wore my white pants today to church for the first time this summer. Gussie went to church this morning as usual. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. Misses Camp and Hutchinson visited our school this noon. I took them up to see the Infant Class . As we came down, Miss Hutchinson fell down the gallery stairs. It hurt her but little, she said. She had a narrow escape. I was behind her coming down when she fell. I walked up home with them after school. Thomas Bradley came up in the P.M. and helped me pick some strawberries. I gave him 2 quarts to take home with him. After tea, I finished picking what was ripe. I had the headache after tea and on that account did not go to meeting in the evening.
1867-06
Horace Purdy Journal May 1867 Entry
12 pgs
MAY 01 WEDNESDAY - Stormy still. I worked as usual in the shop. I went in the evening to the 1st Congregational Church to the Teachers' Convention and heard a lecture by a Mr. Gage on Bismarck and Prussia. It was very interesting. One of Handel's pieces, 'Angels Bright and Fair' was sung by a small boy during a few minutes' intermission made for the purpose. It was well executed. MAY 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. Charlotte Keeler came this morning to help Gussie cut a suit for Georgie and a toque for herself. She worked until noon. Bell was here to tea. Joseph Furbush was buried today. Bell came from meeting this evening and stayed with us all night. MAY 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. The work in the shop is pearl cassimeres, very hard. I came home at night very tired. Father Griswold this P.M. buried the remains of their youngest child, Mary Victoria, who died in 1839 and was buried in Bloomfield, the remains having been lately disinterred and brought here. Gussie went into the street this evening. I being very tired remained at home. Bell was with us last night and this morning took Georgie up home to stay tonight. MAY 04 SATURDAY - A heavy white frost this morning. The day has been pleasant. I have worked as usual in the shop. I sowed some lettuce seed before tea. Joseph Kyle gave it to me yesterday or the day before. As I went to work this morning, I left with O.H. Swift (by request of Father Griswold) to be recorded the certificate of marriage between Elias Stevens and Harriet Wheeler. Before retiring, I wrote to Samuel W. Stevens, carpet weaver in Ridgefield, about weaving our carpet. MAY 05 SUNDAY - Cool. Sunshine in the morning, but cloudy in the after part of the day. As usual, Gussie attended church in the morning, and I to Sunday School and the prayer meeting in the P.M., also to the preaching service in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After tea, Gussie and Louise went to the Band of Hope at the Baptist Church. As I went to the evening meeting, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Ridgefield to Samuel W. Stevens, our carpet weaver that is to be. MAY 06 MONDAY - Warmer today. Father returned my shaving knife this morning as he went to work. I worked late in the shop, it being about 7 o'clock when I came to tea. Received a letter from Edwin saying that he would procure butter for me in Ohio if I wished, price ' 23 cents per pound. I conferred with Mr. Pond about it. We concluded to wait 2 or 3 weeks before deciding about it. Gussie went into the street on some errands while I stayed at home in the evening. MAY 07 FRIDAY - Warmer, but cloudy and some rain. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I helped Gussie weight her carpet rags preparatory to sending them to the carpet weaver. A double Hatters' Meeting this evening, an Adjourned Special and another Special called to assemble immediately on the adjournment of the first to take into consideration the case of opening Richmond Hoyt's shop and making the same fair. I went to market but did not attend the meeting. I received by the evening mail a letter from George. He has left Prentice in Brooklyn and gone to Yonkers to work for Waring. Before retiring I answered the letter. MAY 08 WEDNESDAY - It rained very hard last night and this forenoon; not so much rain this P.M. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. Gussie went to market this evening. I stayed home and made a new ramrod for my gun. MAY 09 THURSDAY - Pleasant today, though pretty cool for May. Mr. Pond borrowed a little butter of us this morning. Bell came down this morning to see if George's carpet bag of clothes to be washed had come from New York. I sent her down to the Express Office to see if they had come last evening, but they did not. She took Georgie up home with her and as he has not yet returned, I think she intends to keep him all night. I worked until after 7 o'clock this evening at the shop. After tea, I went into the street to see about a new arrangement for George's carpet bag from Yonkers instead of New York as here to fore. Before retiring, I wrote to George about it. MAY 10 FRIDAY - I sent the letter I wrote to George last night to the Post Office this morning by Charles Purdy. I worked very hard in the shop today and until 7 o'clock in the evening. Frank Bouton came this way this evening to go to the Sewing Society with Gussie. Bell brought Georgie home this P.M. She stayed with us tonight. Louise Purdy came over and stayed with Bell a part of this evening while Gussie was at the Sewing Society. I bought a bottle of E. S. Davis & Co.'s Catarrh Remedy today at the shop for $1.00. MAY 11 SATURDAY - A beautiful day. Bell stayed with us last night and took Georgie up home with her after breakfast, bringing him home again about 6 P.M. Gussie went with Mrs. Piper this afternoon to see a carpet weaver downtown about weaving our carpet. We being short of gum to spread lip paper with at the shop, we had in consequence only a half day's work. I came home and commenced making my garden. I spaded enough to put in some early Kent peas, and got the rubbish together in the garden and burned it. Emily Anderson called in while we were at tea. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go to the milliner's and to market. I went to the barber's to have my hair cut and get shaved. Fanny this evening brought home from H. E. Couch's, a group in a picture containing Josie Wheeler, our dead Eddie and Georgie and Fido. Robert Cocking called just as we were going into the street this evening and paid his rent due for last month - $3.00. MAY 12 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. I took Georgie to walk while Gussie was dressing for church this morning. Before breakfast, Fanny and her mother came down to show the picture of Josie, Eddie, and Georgie and Fido. Gussie came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. It was our Monthly Concert of Prayer. I gave a written notice of our Sunday School Teachers' Annual Business meeting tomorrow evening to Brother Starr which he read to the school. I stayed to the Communion Service in the P.M. After tea, we put Georgie in his carriage and drew him up to the cemetery. We came home by way of Crofut's Factory (where I work), Comstock Street, up Liberty and home. We felt rather tired so did not go out in the evening and retired early. MAY 13 MONDAY - Cool but pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I took from the Post Office a letter from S. W. Stevens of Ridgefield about weaving our carpet. After tea, and as I went to the Annual Teachers' Meeting at church, I returned carpet warp to Benedict & Nichols which Gussie bought last evening and was delivered today. At the Teachers' Meeting, the same officers were elected, only that William H. Taylor was made Librarian in my place (I insisting upon giving it up), so that now I am only Secretary and Treasurer. Before retiring, I recorded the minutes of the meeting, I retired about 11 o'clock. A heavy thunder shower came up while we were at the church. It stopped raining so that we got home dry, but when I retired, it was raining again very hard. MAY 14 TUESDAY - Cloudy this morning; pleasant with sunshine in the middle of the day. A thunder shower about 4 P.M. Clearing off with a rainbow. Sun setting clear. Bought a wormer for new ramrod as I came from work; put it on before tea. After tea, I wrote to Saul W. Stevens in Ridgefield in reply to one received yesterday about weaving our carpet. Wrote also to Carlton & Porter ordering 100 copies of Sunday School Life Guard Pledges for the school. Widow Barnum living in the house formerly owned by Abel, died this A.M. about 9 o'clock. I went into the street in the evening and mailed two letters and received one from George from Yonkers. I went to class just as it was out. Before retiring, I wrote an answer to Edwin's letter received the 6th instant. I wrote about Harriet's marriage, Stevens' circumstances, etc., which he requested me to do in his letter. MAY 15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the forepart of the day. Another shower just at night; it was, however, light here. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Edwin. I got some old black clothing of Mr. Pond this morning to help out on black rags for our carpet, we not having quite enough of that color. Bell stayed with us last night and took Georgie home with her this morning. John Morris and Walter Ligner had a fight at the shop today. It was sort of a rough and tumble fight, neither getting hurt very badly. Morris got the worst of it, Ligner being rather too much for him. I went into the street in the evening with Gussie to get some Mantilla silk which she looked at today at William H. Clark's. I brought home some porgies for the first time. MAY 16 THURSDAY - I went to the shop, but not being able to work, I came home again. The trouble being, I ate succotash for supper last night made from dried corn and beans. Mr. Pond helped me this morning to help move two stoves for Father Griswold from his house to the barn. I also trimmed back my dwarf pear trees. I came home about noon. I lay down until about 4 o'clock and then weeded my strawberry bed. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal at 20 cents. Widow Barnum was buried this forenoon. Before retiring, I wrote an answer to George's letter received on the 14th. May 17 Friday - Rain in the morning, but came off clear before night. Mr. Pond by request last evening shook my window blinds and woke me before 5 o'clock this morning. I have felt nearly sick today, but have worked all day in the shop notwithstanding. Gussie went up home just at night and got Georgie. He has been to Grandma Purdy's since Wednesday. I worked until 7 o'clock in the shop. I came home very tired. My trouble is a hard cold settled in my bones making me lame and sore. MAY 18 SATURDAY - One of the Davis men who engaged to spade my garden came to look at it before breakfast. It being too wet, I concluded to defer it until next week. I worked all day in the shop. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. After tea, I spaded until after dark on one of my flower borders. Gussie and Louise went to market in the evening. Before they returned, I went also and took the Sunday School papers to the church. Brought a new key for the Sunday School Library to give over to the new librarian (William H. Taylor) who commences in the new position tomorrow. I also went to Charles Stevens and paid him $10.00 for my church seat. Gussie brought home a letter from her Cousin Eliza in California with hers and her husband's card pictures enclosed. MAY 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. A Mr. Weed from Allen Street in New York preached for us. Our new librarian, William H. Taylor acted for the first time today. I went as usual to prayer meeting in the afternoon after attending to my usual duties in the Sunday School. Bell came home with us to tea. After tea, we took Georgie in his carriage and went over to Mr. Lynes' to see Robert Cocking and wife, calling as we went at John Bouton's . We brought home some splendid 'Panzas' which Robert gave to us. We showed them to Mr. Pond. I went to church in the evening and heard an excellent sermon by Mr. Weed. MAY 20 MONDAY - Stormy. I worked as usual in the shop. Wesley Ridge yesterday while walking down to the Mountain found in the woods across the small brooklet running down the side of the mountain from a place called 'Let off' the skeleton of a man. A portion of his clothing was left, not being decayed. Not a particle of flesh, not even a hair was to be found. It is a mystery how he came there or how long since it occurred. The bones today, I understand, were brought to Dr. Lacy's office. Gussie went in the evening to look up help to clean house. I spent nearly all the evening in Mr. Pond's barn holding lamp for him to make sash for open grated windows for his cellar and to mend Mr. Fenning's spading fork. MAY 21 TUESDAY - Cloudy this morning, but before night it came off clear. About 2 P.M., George made his appearance to me very unexpectedly in the shop. He came home last evening from Yonkers. Mr. Waring, the man he works for, is changing a cog wheel at his engine for a belt which will take about two weeks or more before they will get to running again. He today got shopped at Tweedy's foul shop (Brick Shop) where he will work until he is wanted again in Yonkers. He and Bell came this way to class this evening. He went home with Lottie Keeler and Bell came here to wait for him. I was very tired tonight but went into the street to return a pair of shoes, which Gussie brought home with another pair which she kept for Georgie. I found Bell and she walked up with me. MAY 22 WEDNESDAY - Stormy this morning. Before breakfast I dug a place in my garden large enough to set out seven tomato plants which Robert Cocking brought me yesterday. I have taken cold which has settled in my bones and makes me feel lame and sore. I could scarcely work today but did, having to work as long as I could see to get up my stint which was 2 dozen pearl cassimeres. I came home very tired. The sun shone a few minutes this P.M., but soon disappeared again leaving it cloudy. MAY 23 THURSDAY - Pleasant again. A little shower of rain about noon and then pleasant again during the day. We had but one dozen of hats today which I finished at noon. I cleared out the vault of our privy and laid up anew in mortar a portion of the stone work. Mr. Stevens (the gardener who is working for Father Griswold) helped me turn over the building. Mr. Pond helped me put it back again. MAY 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I replaced the boards which divide my garden from the path to the woodhouse which were broken down yesterday by moving the privy. I had only a half day's work in the shop. As I came home from the shop, I found Robert in the street and rode up with him. I paid him for 6 tomato plants sold to Mr. Pond which I collected for him this morning, 42 cents. I went into Parmalee & Sherman's' to see the curious pig, a malformation which Ed Hull gave them. It was dead. It has a trunk like an elephant, only one eye directly in front over the nose the side of the head and the nose and mouth resembling the human species. In the P.M., I made a step for the privy and made the east flower border on the walk going to the woodhouse. Gussie went to the Sewing Society this evening at Daniel Starr's. I went into the street to see Burton Davis about spading garden for Mr. Pond and me tomorrow. I left word at his house to come on in the morning. MAY 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant until just at night when it commenced raining a little about 7 o'clock. Burton and Wharton Davis worked for Mr. Pond and me making garden. I paid them $5.00 for the work, $2.50 each. Mr. Pond and I divided the bill; my share was $2.75. My work in the shop lasted all day. I planted before dark, beets, parsnips, salsify, Blue Imperial Peas, cucumbers, and radishes. George came down with little Georgie who has been up to Grandma Purdy's since yesterday morning. George went with Gussie to market in the evening. MAY 26 SUNDAY - It was raining hard this morning. It stopped, however before church time and the sun shone a little for a few minutes at a time. With this exception, it was cloudy all day and quite windy too. For the first in a long time, I went to church in the morning and came home after Sunday School to let Gussie go in the P.M. This is owing to my giving up the Librarian's duties which enables me to leave soon enough to let Gussie go in the afternoon. I wrote to the Book Room ordering another copy of the Sunday School Advocate for the remainder of the year for Peter Starr. Also repeating the order of the 14th inst. For 100 copies of 'Sunday School Life Guard Pledges' which I have not yet heard from. After tea, Gussie started to go to see Susan Brayman who we heard was sick. I sent the letter to the Post Office by her as she went. She returned by way of my folks on Deer Hill between 6 and 7 o'clock while it was raining very hard. While she was gone, Mr. Pond came in and stayed a little while with me. I took the Sunday School Record Book to school with me and the Superintendent (George Starr) read from it the election of officers and the Annual Reports of the Superintendent, Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian which was a portion of the business transacted at the Annual Meeting and was recorded. MAY 27 MONDAY - A beautiful day. I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe before breakfast by turning the stone for him up at Father Griswold's barn. I had only a half day's work at the shop. On my way to work in the morning, I met Mr. Swift and he proposed to me to buy out his picture framing business provided that he goes to New York as he thinks of doing. I talked with again in the evening. In the P.M., I planted pole beans, summer squash and sweet corn. I mowed my dooryard just at night. Gussie and I went to look at wallpaper in the evening, but did not suit ourselves. We went up to see Andrew Knox and engaged him to paper our sitting room. On our way home, Gussie stopped at Rudd's Shoe Store and bought a pair of slippers. I went over to Mr. Potter's store and talked with Mr. Swift about the picture framing business until she came from the shoe store. Wrote to Edwin ordering butter. MAY 28 TUESDAY - I raked up my dooryard grass this morning. I had work all day in the shop on black cass. hats, the first I have had in some time. The day has been hot ' 80 degrees in the shade. I came from work very tired. After tea, I planted one row of blood beet seed and I went to market in the evening and brought home a 4 pound shad, some sugar and a small piece of whitewash lime as we are thinking of cleaning house tomorrow. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Edwin ordering 100 lbs. of butter. Bell came here and stayed through the evening to wait for George to come and go home with her which he did about 10:30 o'clock. MAY 29 WEDNESDAY - Our house cleaner, Maggie McCarthy, came today and cleaned the sitting room and the bedroom. I went to the shop and finished off three hats which I had left from yesterday. The being no work today, I came home and assisted in cleaning. George had no work in the P.M., so he helped me tear off the old sitting room paper. Mr. Pond got some red eye bush beans and divided with me. I planted them just at night. The came up a shower before I finished them. I went down in the evening to see Mr. Swift about taking his picture frame business, but he was too busy and could do nothing towards taking an account of stock so I came home and went over to Mr. Lynes' where Gussie had gone to spend the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking while George, who went with her, went down to the pond with Charley to fish. I got there about 10:30 o'clock. It was about 12 before they stopped fishing and we started for home again. MAY 30 THURSDAY - Our cleaner came again today and cleaned the sink room. I have been about down sick with headache, though I have spent most of the time in Swift's store. Charles Bennett talked with me about going in company, and he put in silverware, provided I buy the business. I did not think favorably of it. I went down to Mr. Evert's in the morning for a pot of soft soap. I applied to the Savings bank for $600.00 to go into business with. Gussie went to E. Davis to look at wallpaper just at night and was caught away in a shower. She brought home samples. I received 200 Life Guard Pledges for the Sunday School today. I retired early with a sick headache. MAY 31 FRIDAY - No shop work. Cloudy in the morning. It came off clear, however, about 9 o'clock and has been a beautiful day. Our house cleaner came again today and cleaned the parlor. After getting them started in their work, I went over to George Starr's with 200 Life Guard Pledges for Sunday School scholars to have him sign them as superintendent of the school. I talked with him about me buying out Swift and about the prospect of procuring more from the savings bank. From there, I went over to Davis' shop with the samples of wallpaper which Gussie brought home last evening and ordered some of the samples which we selected; he sent it to us at noon. I took a walk with Davis up to his lot on Franklin Street, where he is about to build him a house. From there, I called at Mr. Swift's store to talk more about his business which he has thought about selling to me. He is yet rather undecided about the matter. He goes to New York tomorrow to see more about the business he contemplates going into if he sells here. I also talked with F. S. Wildman, one of the directors of the Savings Bank about the money from the bank. About 5 P.M., I rode with Kellogg over to Theodore Lyons to show him where to buy straw for horse bedding. I received a letter today from Carlton & Porter saying that they had forwarded the 100 Sunday School Life Guard Pledges. About dusk, I helped Mr. Pond trim some of his apple trees. I went to market in the evening.
1867-05
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1861 Entry
10pgs
APRIL 01 – MONDAY – State election. Mr. Warren moved in upstairs today. I worked in the shop until noon and then went down and voted. I went to the shop again after dinner and drew $60.00. It was the wages that had accumulated during the winter as Mr. Crofut has paid us but little money since last Thanksgiving. After I drew it, I went into the street and distributed it to my creditors and paid my interest to Alfred Gregory - $24.00. I went into the street in the evening to compare accounts with Noah Hoyt and to mail a letter for Father Griswold. It commenced snowing just before night and it was coming thick and fast when we retired. I paid 9 months’ dues to the Hatters’ Society – 90 cents. I took my watch away from Woodford’s in the evening. APRIL 02 – TUESDAY – It was still snowing hard this morning and continued through the forenoon. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Zerah Hoyt paid a garnish and with it was bought eggs and cider. I came home by way of George Starr’s shop and got a bag of shavings. George was at the Democratic meeting at the Concert hall last evening and while setting down the election figures for his own gratification, was mistaken for the Jeffersonian’s reporter and was given three groans and then a vote was taken to put him out, but he saved them the trouble by going himself. The returns they received last night were quite favorable for them and they thought that they had carried the state, but today the scales have turned and they laugh from the other side of their mouths. We have carried the state. Governor Buckingham is elected by a larger majority than last year. We have a majority of both branches of the legislature, but we have lost O. S. Ferry of this district for Congress. I attended hatters’ meeting this evening. APRIL 03 – WEDNESDAY – It snowed a very little this morning. I have worked all day in the shop. Mother called on her way to meeting while we were at tea. We both attended. The classes met together in the Lecture Room for a Prayer Meeting. After the meeting, I wrote a letter to Brother Goodenough ordering 6 dozen Sunday School Hymn Books and sending the amount of his last bill. APRIL 04 – THURSDAY – Pleasant. I went down to the Office to mail two letters for Father Griswold and one for myself to E. Goodenough with $7.40 money and an order for books for the Sabbath School. The Office not being open, I came back to breakfast and then went to the Depot when the train went out and sent it by Express. I got $3.00 from S. Stebbins to make out the amount and gave him a check on the Pahquioque Bank for the same amount. I worked all day in the shop I went to market in the evening, but did not get to class. APRIL 05 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I have worked hard in the shop. Six dozen hymn books for the Sunday School came for me by express by the morning train which I left at the church on my way home from the shop. I went to drill in the evening. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at John Rowan’s. APRIL 06 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I have worked at the shop. We have had a bushel of oysters at the shop this noon. They were bought with garnish money. At 3 o’clock, I went up to Concert hall to vote on the nomination of Postmaster. The first was an informal ballot which was as follows: Dr. E A. Brown - 184, Charles Fry – 118, Henry Smith – 54, Armstrong – 52, Eli Mallory – 46, Charles Bennett – 3. The second ballot was as follows, 454 votes cast, necessary for a choice, 228. Dr. Brown received 247 and was elected, after which the meeting was adjourned. I then went down to the shop, from there, up to Brother William Scofield’s for a scion of his White Ox Heart cheery tree to graft on to my Red Ox Heart tree. I came home and grafted it, also one for Abel. I stayed at home in the evening and wrote up Fannie’s Infant Class Book for her and did some writing for the Sunday School and some for myself. APRIL 07 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from John 11:40. A German preacher, Mr. Jost, was in the Sabbath School and talked a little to the school. Father Griswold preached in the PM. Subject, the importance of a faithful ministry. The foundation of his discourse was taken from Ezekiel 11 and Acts 1. After meeting, I went to Dr. St. John’s with Gussie and had him extract a tooth for her. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. The church was crowded. Mr. Jost was present and exhorted, told his experience, etc. Father Griswold was also present. He gave an invitation to all such as would seek the salvation of their souls to come forward to the altar, when quite a number presented themselves. The meeting was a good one. On my way to church, I mailed a letter to Carlton & Porter for a subscription to the Sunday School Advocate for 6 months for one of the scholars. APRIL 08 - MONDAY – Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. After tea, I made out a report for our Sunday School to go to Conference and carried it to Brother Pegg in the evening. APRIL 09 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have had work in the shop. D. K. Hickok, the clothes dryer man, called to the shop to see me in the forenoon. I went to the Wooster House in the PM to see him and again in the evening, accompanied by Andrew Knox. I would like to buy the right for this county, but think it exceedingly doubtful about raising the money. APRIL 10 – WEDNESDAY – I did not go to the shop today on account of seeing Mr. Hickok, the patenter and proprietor of the clothes dryer. I spent nearly all the forenoon with him. I then found George in the street. He came home with me to dinner, after which we prepared father Griswold’s hot bed in my garden and sowed some tomato and pepper seed and put my dahlia roots in it to sprout. We sent out Father Griswold’s cabbage stumps and my own and moved tow stoves for them. I cut George’s hair for him and then he went home without staying for tea. Abel, with some help which he procured, raised father Griswold’s barn and nearly covered it. I went to class in the evening. I have deferred buying the county rights for the clothes dryer until Father Griswold returns from conference. The news today is alarming. War seems to be inevitable between the North and the South. APRIL 11 – THURSDAY – The day has been pretty warm. I have worked in the shop. I did not go to church in the evening, but stayed home and did some writing. APRIL 12 – FRIDAY – I have worked in the shop all day. Aunt Louisa’s Cousin Betsy died this morning at the Poor House. I went to drill in the evening. Several officers of the Bethel Company were present. It was the Quarterly meeting, but because of the hard times, no dues were paid. APRIL 13 – SATURDAY – Rainy. It is reported in the papers today that the rebel batteries, together with Fort Moultrie, have opened fire on Major Anderson at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor I South Carolina and that the major has returned fire. I went into the street in the evening to get the news if there was any. The news by telegraph states that Fort Sumter is on fire and that the flag is at half-mast and the Harriet Lane is sunk. It may be correct or it may not. I have worked all day in the shop. APRIL 14 – SUNDAY – Pleasant with the exception of a shower just before evening meeting. Brother Pegg, being at Conference, we have had Prayer Meeting all day. Gussie stayed at home in the evening and I went alone. The telegraph has been at work all day receiving the war news. It say that Fort Sumter is on fire and that Major Anderson has surrendered to the rebel forces commanded by General Beauregard. I don’t believe it myself. Neither shall I until I hear more tomorrow. APRIL 15 – MONDAY – The surrender of major Anderson at Fort Sumter is confirmed. The fire from the rebel batteries was too hot for him, burning the inside of the fort until all the wood works (the officers’ quarters, etc.) was consumed by the red-hot shot and shell. The President has issued a call for 75,000 troops from the militia of the adhering states. I have worked all day in the shop. It clouded over in the PM and rained a little in the evening. I attended the Annual Meeting of the Teachers and Officers of the Sunday School in the evening, but on account of the absence of three officers of the Society, the meeting was adjourned for one week. APRIL 16 – TUESDAY – It has rained all day with a hard wind. I have worked in the shop. Our company assembled in the drill room in the evening. We are expecting to be called into the service of the government immediately, as the President has issued a call for 75,000 men from the states adhering to the Union. We are hourly expecting an order from our Governor. APRIL 17 – WEDNESDAY – I have worked in the shop during the day. I attended a special meeting of our Guards at our hall in the evening at which we volunteered our services to our Governor (Buckingham) as volunteers in the United States service in answer to the President’s call for 75,000 troops. There were a large number of spectators at the room and when we, with one voice, offered our services, a long loud shout went up from the people. APRIL 18 - THURSDAY - Today has been spent mostly in parading the street and hoisting the Stars and Stripes I received my pay from Mr. Crofut preparatory to my going away. The bells began to ring in the PM on account of a dispatch from the Governor accepting our services for the government. Supposing that we were to leave this afternoon, I went home immediately and packed what clothes I intended to carry, bid goodbye to my wife and friends, and started for the Hall, but we did not go, so I returned home again.
Copied from Pocket Diary written while in Camp during my three months’’ enlistment in the service of the United States.
APRIL 19 – FRIDAY – I went to the shop in the morning to get my shop clothes and my tools. I came home and completed my preparations for leaving my home. We took dinner over to Father Griswold’s. He broke a bottle of wine to drink together before my departure. After dinner, I bid goodbye to all and started for our Hall. Before taking the train (which was the freight), the Company paraded up as far as Franklin Street and down to Concert Hall where, unexpected to me, Father Griswold was waiting to pray with and for us as we left our native town. After the prayer, we went to the depot where the train was in readiness for us and a large concourse of people waiting to bid us perhaps a last farewell. After shaking hands with a thousand or less, we finally moved off amid deafening cheers. A number more enlisted in our company in Norwalk. We arrived in New Haven about 6 PM. A delegation from the New Haven Greys escorted us to the New Haven Hotel where we were quartered. In the evening, we were serenaded by the New Haven Cornet Band which played beautifully. We are the first company in the state to arrive at the rendezvous. APRIL 20 – SATURDAY – Three other companies arrived today. We spent a part of the day drilling on the Green. We were escorted by Ex-Colonel Gregory to the cars in the PM. He made a short speech on the platform of the rear car previous to starting. APRIL 21 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. We were sworn into the service of the United States by Colonel S. Loomis of the 5th U. S. Infantry. The examination and administering of the oath was done on the Green in front of the State House. The examination was not very close. APRIL 23 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. Drill in the morning and in the PM. After tea, we changed our quarters from the hotel to the State House. APRIL 24 – WEDNESDAY – Judah P. Crosby and Charles T. Stevens came onto the Green in the forenoon. They were on their way to Hartford to procure overcoats for our company. In the PM, we pitched our tents on a field near the hospital and went into camp. Rain in the evening. We continue to go to the New Haven House for our meals. APRIL 25 – THURSDAY – Pleasant. Received a letter from Gussie. I was detailed for guard duty at noon to continue until tomorrow morning. APRIL 26 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I tried my revolver this morning by firing it a mark. It gave me good satisfaction. It shoots well. My feet are very sore. I retired very early or rather bunked in my tent. Retiring is rather too refined an expression for camp life. APRIL 27 - SATURDAY – We drilled in squads in the AM. The Captain excused me in the PM to go to the city to get my boots mended. A. H. Byington, one of our members, mended them for me after getting permission from a shoe maker to use his seat for the purpose. APRIL 28 – SUNDAY – I attended the 1st Methodist Church, Dr. Kennedy, preacher. Text in the AM, Hebrews 10:35. In the PM, it was Revelations 2:17. George Allen, along with several others and myself, attended. Prayer Meeting at the same place in the evening. It has stormed all day and in the evening. APRIL 29 - MONDAY – Clear this morning with a rainbow. Squad drill in the AM. I had the headache in the afternoon and evening and did not eat any supper. APRIL 30 – TUESDAY – Discontentment amounting to almost mutiny in our Company on account of our rations. A sergeant belonging to the Meriden Company was court martialed for disrespect to the colonel. Cold in the evening. I retired with a tooth ache.
1861-04-01