Horace Purdy Journal August 1904 Entry
8 pgs
AUGUST 01 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 72. A very humid atmosphere this morning. “Dog Days” seem to have commenced in earnest. George went up to Mrs. Cornelia Depew’s after his arrival from Bethel this morning and had her execute proofs for her lightning loss on July 28 – Agricultural Insurance Company Policy 1703 - We then paid John Bouton $15.00 for repairs and her $.35 for oil cloth for a total loss of $15.35. For the first time in about a week, I rode into the street for some errands and over to Cleveland Street and collected $28.00 from Sarah Austin for insurance on her store and dwelling building on 234 White Street. A heavy thundershower in the afternoon, after which Clara Watkins and I rode over to 26 Spring Street and by word from George Barnum called on Mrs. Charles McClintock to try and insure their furniture. They did not, but gave encouragement for 2 or 3 weeks hence. From there, we went over to the Peoples’ Market on White Street and bought a brisket of corned beef. Hattie Mills died this morning. Funeral at 2 PM at George Osbourne’s at Bethel. In the evening, I walked up to Dr. Sunderland’s with his accident policy for July. George S. Purdy came over in the evening with pieces of steel armor from the battleship “Connecticut”. AUGUST 02 TUESDAY - Warm and muggy with a gentle rain. George went down to Steven’s Insurance office in the forenoon to ascertain about the facts of cow of Mary Jackson killed by lightning at King Street. After dinner, I went by trolley to Bethel with Fannie to attend the funeral of Hattie Mills at the residence of George Osbourne on Greenwood Avenue at 2 PM. On my return, I paid William Barber for a new shaft he put in my spindle last Thursday. I then laid in wait for Herbert Wildman to collect the $100 premium for a policy we wrote for him on Rundle & White Hat Factory on May 26th. I finally caught him and had a good talk with him. He promised to have the money for me in 2 or 3 days. AUGUST 03 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66; at noon – 80. A beautiful morning. After breakfast, Hattie Watkins went with me to King Street to take the proof of loss for Mary Jackson for loss of cow killed by lightning about 11:30 PM on Thursday, July 28th under Connecticut Fire Insurance Company Policy #1974 brokered to George Stevens & Son, after which we returned home by way of Pandanarum Reservoir. When we arrived in town, I observed that a hind shoe was gone from the left hind foot of Gip. I left Hattie to walk home while I went to D. Gage’s shop and had another shoe put on before coming home myself. After dinner, George mailed the completed proofs, we retaining the duplicate receipt to attach to the policy which we did on the policy we brought home with us for that purpose. AUGUST 04 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Muggy and warm again today. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show came to Danbury. George and I drove up to Joseph Blissard’s on Park Avenue to deliver a Reliance policy on his furniture, etc., but did not find him at home. In the PM, I wrote and enclosed a Connecticut Fire Insurance to Jacob Backer at New Fairfield, same being on his furniture written June23rd. I walked into the street before dinner and came home tired out and stayed in the office in the PM. I received a check from Commercial Union for loss of Achille Canale in Niagara Insurance Company reinsurance. AUGUST 05 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Muggy again. Received transfer endorsement from National of Hartford, reinsurers of Lafayette for Taggart & Siemon for their new building on Ives Street. I also received a check from the Connecticut Insurance Company for $20 to pay Mrs. Mary Jackson their half of the loss of the cow by lightning. I drove up to King Street and paid her, taking Clara Watkins with me for a ride. I rested awhile after dinner, then went downtown for a few business calls, among them Mrs. Holton at the School of Education for collection of balance due and Saul Clark on Moss Avenue. Neither was at home. Fire Box #61 struck about 4 PM on the corner of White Street and Locust Avenue. I went over. It was a dwelling at 13 Wildman Street near the railroad crossing. It not being our case, I took the trolley and came home. On my arrival, I found Priscilla Benedict and daughter at the office to pay the balance of their insurance premium. In the evening, Achille Canale came in and signed draft and receipt for $2.50 loss which occurred July 13th by gasoline stove in dwelling No. 2. I paid him the cash and then wrote Commercial Union, endorsing the duplicate receipt, the loss being under reinsured by Niagara policy #6312 by Greenwich Insurance Company who in their closing up, reinsured in Commercial Union. After writing, I went over to the Montgomery Street Box and mailed the letter and called a few minutes on George whose wife returned last night from New York bringing Mrs. Kimball with her. I shot our old mother cat this morning. She was sick so I buried the kittens. AUGUST 06 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Pleasant. Clara Watkins rode with me in the morning to do some marketing over to Andrews’ store on West Wooster Street for meat and in the street for other things. I bought a new catheter at Kinner’s Drug Store. George, Sarah and Mrs. Kimball came over and spent the evening. AUGUST 07 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7AM – 66; at noon – 82. Picked fruit and ripe tomatoes, also our first mess of green corn for dinner. Mr. Rogers brought over an armful of corn stalks for the horse, the first mess for her this season. I went to the Post Office at noon and received a letter from Jacob Layton of South Norwalk containing a check for the Hoyt Walthausen policy. Just at night, I went trolley riding with Mary Dean and Hattie and Clara Watkins to Bethel and returned to North Street and home. George had the accounts made up for the Sun, Connecticut and Reliance. I put the finishing stroke on them and mailed them in the evening. We all went over to spend the evening with George, Sarah and Mrs. Kimball. AUGUST 08 MONDAY - Mercury about 60 in the morning. A short but hard thundershower about 5 this morning. We picked up all the crab apples under the tree this morning after breakfast, mowed the backyard and then threw the apples and grass on the manure heap. The day has been close, muggy and partly cloudy. I called at Rundle & White’s just before dinner and reported to Mr. Rundle that the worthless check that Herbert Wildman mentioned was not theirs, etc. After dinner, I rode up to Park Avenue and delivered a policy to Joseph Blissard. He not being home, I left it with his wife. I put up the horse and took the trolley to Bethel and arranged for additional insurance on the sheet iron dwelling of Laura Wildman, also for insurance on her new barn, horse wagon, etc., including hay and grain for her husband Andrew Wildman. I then called on O. B. Smith and F. M. Clarkson. George, Sarah and Louise Kimball came in and spent the evening. AUGUST 09 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 62. Cooler and pleasant. Very much like a fall day. Eli Smith came in this morning being very much vexed about his insurance on account a broken term occasioned by the cancellation of Niagara policy #6134 after it had run 2 years. We wrote $500 on the new brick steam laundry of Taggart & Siemon; also wrote in Reliance of Laura Wildman’s iron clad house and frame barn in Bethel in name also of her husband, Andrew Wildman. In the evening, I drove down to Daniel McNamara’s to arrange for the renewal of a policy on the 11th, but he was not at home. I then went up to Pandaranum to see the mortgagor, George Peck. He too was away at Fairfield Beach. I then rode up to Eli Smith’s to explain about his insurance, but he too was not at home. I left word for him to call on me when was downtown. I mailed a bill in the evening to Royal Tomlinson for insurance last April on the dwelling at 5 Ellsworth Avenue. AUGUST 10 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 56. It commenced raining about daylight returned by mail to Mrs. V. E. Patch of Brookfield the pension certificate and June voucher of Mrs. Edith Ball, her mother and the widow of George Ball, which was left with me to collect the accrued pension for the three months from March to the date of her death in May. On account of my health, I did not feel able to undertake the case for her. It continued raining most of the forenoon and lowery all day, except about 2 PM the sun broke through for a short time, but soon disappeared again. I went downtown in the PM and made a deposit in the bank. I went into Hamilton’s printing rooms and talked insurance with Harry Mead and another fellow printer. I talked with A. C. Ferry, the Hackman, about selling my 2-seat covered wagon. Hattie and Clara Watkins sent their trunk to the railroad station for the 11:37 AM train to Hartford, but it rained so hard that they deferred gong themselves until tomorrow. In the evening, I made and mailed our July account with a check for $131.38 for the April balance to the Agricultural Insurance Company. Before dinner, I went by trolley to see Daniel McNamara about renewing a policy, but he has not yet returned from North Salem. AUGUST 11 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 70. Pleasant. In the forenoon, I delivered a policy on dwelling and barn on 38 Coal Pit Hill to Daniel McNamara at his saloon. I also took Mary to the 11:37 train to see Hattie and Clara Watkins off to Hartford, returning home after a visit since July 15th. After the departure of the train, we drove downtown and as stated, delivered the McNamara policy. About 4PM, I harnessed and drove over to Beaverbrook and collected on account from Fuller and grocer who gave me sweet corn, squash and tomatoes to bring home. In the evening, I made a gasoline stove permit for Edmund Sauer. AUGUST 12 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 62. The day has been somewhat mixed as to sunshine and clouds. Before dinner, I drove over to deliver the gasoline stove permit to George Sauer and collected $2.00 due from Ira Post. I also ascertained from the town records that on Feb. 25, 1903, A. T. Bates, administrator for the estate of Taylor Bates, gave to Valentine Patch a quit claim deed on the property situated on the northwest corner of George and Orchard Street, known as 21 George Street, this ascertainment being necessary for us in renewing a policy on the same tomorrow. After dinner in looking over our books, I could find no entry of George Hill paying the premium as to an endorsed reduction of this policy dated April 4th on his insurance. I stared at 3:45 and drove up to his place on Huckleberry Hill to see him as to the payment and the date thereof, which I found to be the 2nd day of April, OK. In the evening, I wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. I find that I had not charged for the rebate on this reduction. AUGUST 13 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 60. After breakfast and picking up crabapples under the tree, I went over to Chester Brush at 21 Montgomery Street to see her about the rebate on her furniture policy on October 1st, which her son, F. C. Bush, DDS of New York, wrote me about. I found that she is gone and is now at her son’s in New York. This PM, I wrote him relating to the matter. I also went up to Mallory’s factory to see William Phillips. He promised to come about 5 PM to pay the balance of his insurance; he did not come. In the PM, Mrs. Hawley and me went downtown and did our Sunday marketing. Orrin Smith from Bethel came in the PM and paid his fire insurance. Also about 7 o’clock in the evening, came A. L. Booth and paid. George and Sarah and Mrs. Kimball came over in the evening. George Blissard came in the evening and paid $4.00 on account. I gave George a pail of vinegar to take home with him. AUGUST 14 SUNDAY - Mercury at 8AM – 65. A gentle rain during the night; lowery all morning. I went down to the Post Office at noon for the mail and the Sunday New York Press. A letter of the 10th to Royal Tomlinson with a bill for insurance on the dwelling at 5 Ellsworth Avenue was returned to me unable to be delivered, due to the fact that he has moved. I remailed it to his new and correct address, 10265 Lexington Avenue, New York. I also mailed a letter and bill for insurance to Valentine Patch at Brookfield. After dinner, I took a specimen of my water up to Dr. Sunderland’s; he found no fault with it, but gave me some tablets. AUGUST 15 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 65; at 2PM - 80. A beautiful day. After breakfast, I drove down to Fannie’s with a mess of green corn and cucumbers. From there I drove by way of Triangle Street to Clarence Morgan’s and arranged for the renewal of his Highland Avenue bakery. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came up in the afternoon; Lottie to attend the funeral of Winifred Barry, who was drowned at New Haven while bathing last Friday. Steven Pierans called in the PM and I gave him a check for $48.06, the amount of the July rent collections. About 4 PM, I drove down to Clark’s Box Shop and arranged for renewal of policies for Eugene Bouton for which he paid me. Mrs. Hawley’s boarder, James Busby, was taken in a fit about 8:30 in the evening and I went for a doctor and got Dr. English. AUGUST 16 TUESDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 60. Pleasant. I spent most of the forenoon shaking and picking up crab apples. Just before dinner, I drove up to 26 Lake Avenue to see Carwell Higby about the renewal of the property, formerly Marcellus Voorhies, as to writing one policy on the whole instead of two policies as formerly. After dinner, I went to the city bank and had J. Beal’s’ check for $13.75 cashed. I then went to Bethel to see Mr. Higby who works at Higson’s, then made a call at French’s Dry Goods Store. Then I called on Andrew Wildman and delivered a policy and returned home by trolley after calling on W. Booth at Short’s shop. Mary went over to Montgomery Street in the evening to carry crab apples to Brother George. AUGUST 17 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60; at 2 PM – 80. Pleasant. Before dinner, I went down to see the new location where Frank Wilcox keeps his horse, etc. on Crosby Street to arrange a transfer of insurance but did not see hm. I also called on Stevens Street to see John Stevens about a policy on furniture, horses, etc. written last April; also an accident policy of August 6th. Fannie Hirsch was with me and did some trading after which I drove home with her and brought Lottie home with me to stay a few days. When I arrived, I found E. J. Couch waiting to see me. We had an afternoon visit and referred to his taking my mortgage which he was not able to do now but might do so later. On his departure at about 5 Pm, I opened a bottle of ginger ale. Before going out this morning, we shook off and gathered crabapples. Mr. Beeman with his artificial leg climbed where I could not and shook the tree. In the evening, I wrote to F. Bouton and enclosed a bill for insurance for Mary Turner. AUGUST 18 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. A pleasant day with a north wind which when out in the sun felt like a September day. I adjusted the Taggart & Siemon policy on the new laundry to conform to the newly promulgated rates and they paid for it. After dinner, Lottie Hirsch went with me about town looking after renewals, etc. Nellie Hamilton called on Mary this PM. Before supper, I also rode up to Lake Avenue and delivered a policy and bill for one left at the Danbury Savings Bank for Carwell Higby at 26 Lake Avenue; we then drove to the Post Office and mailed an accident report for July to Loomis & Nettleton and then came home. I was very tired. Mary and Lottie went over to Brother George’s on Montgomery Street in the evening. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 46. Joel Bates came over after breakfast to borrow money. I was compelled to refuse. I called on George Boughton about renewing his policy on furniture, etc. He is leaning toward the Danbury Mutual. I am to see him again. In the PM, I found John Stevens and he promised to look up my receipt for payment of premium on his insurance for furniture, etc., which he claims he paid and which I have no account of his doing so. I also delivered the Sun policy to Charles Dickens’ at Connett’s factory and had him sign the endorsement receipt on same for loss paid him under same. George, his wife and sister Mrs. Kimball came over in the evening. AUGUST 20 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Awoke and found it raining hard. It continued until after dinner when it ceased but did not clear up. At 2 PM, Lottie Hirsch rode with me over to Andrew’s store where I bought a pot roast of beef for Sunday dinner. On the way, I delivered a $1,000 furniture policy to W. H. Booth at 7 Division Street and collected for it. The right forward wheel to the wagon showed signs of collapsing. We feared to ride further and came home. I then walked into the street and did other marketing – fish for breakfast, etc. – and returned home. After supper, I went down for my laundry and stopped on my return at Dr. Sunderland’s and collected $2.65 for 5 lbs. of coffee for George Purdy. In the forenoon, I called on George Boughton and discussed the difference between a stock and mutual fire insurance company. I then went to Frank Wilcox and he consented to pay the increased rate for transfer of his insurance on horses, etc. Clear and starlight at 9 PM. Elmer Keeler called this PM when I was out and paid $25 on account of his insurance. AUGUST 21 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 65; at noon – 70. Pleasant. Before breakfast, I went over to Mr. Rogers’ garden and cut two armfuls of corn stalks for my horse. At 11:30, I went down to the Post Office and to Culp’s News Store for the New York Press. After dinner, I wrote to John Davis at Bridgeport to send his Sun policy with a more definite description of 881 Stratford Avenue for us to make the transfer. I also wrote to M. Thomas to give me a description of the property. I then wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company for their views on the cancellation of policies after partial losses. About sundown, George S., his wife Sarah, and her sister, Louise Kimball came over for a short visit. I then paid George $2.65 for Dr. Sunderland for 5 lbs. of coffee recently ordered. In the evening, I went to the Sam Harris block to see James VanGordon, a brakeman on the Highland Division to Hartford to see if he will buy at Thompson’s store at Harford for me two bottles of cod liver oil, but they were not at home. From there, I went over to brother George’s and came home with Mary Dean who had gone there to spend the evening. AUGUST 22 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60; at noon – 78. Pleasant. As I went to the barn this morning, I found a large armful of cornstalks at the door for my horse brought over by Mr. Rogers before I was out. I took my spindle buggy down to W. Barber’s for repairs, after which I took Mrs. Louise Kimball to ride with me over to Beaverbrook for collections, etc. On our return, we came by way of the Allen house and through the cemetery arriving home just at noon. After dinner and a rest for myself in the office, I got Mr. Beeman to go with me. I collected premiums of Philo Bradley, took a trace to my harness to Blackman’s to be mended, went up to Mallory’s shop to see W. J. Phillips, returned for my harness and hitched behind my carriage the spindle buggy at barber’s Wagon Shop and brought it home. After supper, I took the trolley to Bethel to collect from Andrew Wildman, but I made a mistake. Next Saturday was the day he promised to pay. On my return, I stopped at James VanGordon’s and left $1.00 with his wife for him to buy two bottles of cod liver oil for me in Hartford. I was caught in a thundershower as I came home about 9 o’clock. I ran in the rain from West Street to the house and got quite wet. Mrs. Anna Merritt called in the PM and paid for her insurance to be written on the 24th. AUGUST 23 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Clear and cooler this morning after the thundershower last night. I went to Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and had a long shoe tightened on a horse; the Mr. Beeman and I started for Westville to see James Stevens for money but did not find him at home. We found him at Vernon Young’s at Middle River. We came home by way of King Street and partly arranged matters with David Knapp about the insurance for the Silas Abbott place on Westville Avenue, it being now used in part for a grocery store. We brought home a good bushel of apples from Mr. Knapp’s. In the PM, I drove up to 33 North Street and delivered a policy to Mrs. Anna Merritt and to Tamarack Street with a policy for James Devine. Mary rode with me. Coming from King Street this forenoon, I stopped for a few minutes at Chester Wilson’s. He was not at home. AUGUST 24 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 48; at noon – 70. Quite cool this morning. Before dinner, I delivered a policy to Julius Stone on his store. I called at James in the Harris block for two bottles of cod liver oil which he bought for me in Harford. On opening the package at home, we found that he had by some mistake, got half sizes instead of full sized bottles and paid 69 cents for each, being the price for full-sized bottles. I returned them to Mrs. VanGordon to be exchanged by Mr. VanGordon tomorrow when waiting between trains. Fannie came up in the PM and rose with me to the Railroad Station to see VanGordon on his train going out at 2:57. I then went to the Turner Machine Company and exhibited to Mr. Wildman, the bookkeeper, the policy made over to him by Robert McClean on the former John Parker place which he has recently bought. I then delivered it to Mr. McClean at the store; he holds the mortgage on the place. I then carried Fannie around to do some marketing after which I drove down with her. She came up again in the evening, bringing Julia to stay all night. George, Sarah and her sister Louise came in for the evening. I received a letter from Mary Turner of Duchess County in New York, stating that she had decided not to renew the policy on her Brookfield place. I called at the Savings Bank who holds the mortgage to take up the policy, but they requested me to leave it until they write her and insist on the policy being continued. Fannie came up with Julia in the evening. Julia will stay with us over night and go to a children’s party tomorrow at Mr. Higgins on Brushy Hill road. AUGUST 25 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Pleasant. I mowed a part of the yard next to the grapevine before breakfast. After breakfast, Ira Renfield called and took his furniture policy and paid for it. I went to Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and had Gip shod with new behind and forward shoes. While this was being done, I had Blackman, the harness maker mend a trace to the harness and also called on Mr. Wildman, bookkeeper at the Turner Machine Factory and got a promise of insurance on his furniture when he takes possession of the John parker house which he has recently bought. I wrote to Fred Lawton of Duchess County New York relating the insurance on the Mary Turner place in Brookfield which she wants to discontinue but the bank wants to keep it on. About 4 O’clock, I went over to Clarence Morgan’s to arrange for the restoration of his Equitable policy which lapsed for nonpayment when due on June 29th. He sent his check dated July 29th which was returned to him until he would send a statement of his good health, all of which I obtained and with the check enclosed, I forwarded to W. B. Schaffer, clerk at New Haven. AUGUST 26 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. I picked up crab apples for Mrs. Schepparance (?) after breakfast and before which I went over to Mr. Rogers’ garden and picked up an armful of cornstalks for the horse. Later and before dinner, I went down to Mr. VanGordon’s for my two bottles of cod liver oil which he was to get in exchange for small ones sent by mistake, but he had not yet got it. I went up in the PM to see Elmer Clark about furniture insurance; from there to the railroad station at 3 o’clock to meet Mr. VanGordon, the brakeman, about my cod liver oil, but he was not on the train. I receive Post Office orders from Mary Turner to pay for insurance on the Brookfield place. Mary went in the evening to see Dr. Sunderland and took little Julia Hirsch with her after which they visited George on Montgomery Street. I at the same time went to Orchard Street to collect on insurance of Mrs. Jennie Townsend. AUGUST 27 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM -46. Cold but pleasant this morning. Julia Hirsch rode with me nearly all morning. I called on Mr. VanGordon for my cod liver oil. I delivered a policy to Mrs. Popke at 96 Garfield Avenue, then went over to Andrew’s store and bought a veal chop for dinner. In the PM, Lottie came up and the little store girl with her, she having various parcels to carry home. I hitched the horse and took them down home. On my return, I took Mary downtown for some marketing. In the evening, George, his wife Sarah and her sister came over for a visit. AUGUST 28 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 50; art noon – 80. Pleasant. We had clam fritters for breakfast, after which I carried a fresh picked mess of corn, cucumbers and tomatoes over to brother George. I received letter from Mrs. Josephine Stout stating that she had been sick with the grippe which was the reason she had not paid the $5.00 balance of borrowed money and promising to pay the same next Saturday. Also a letter from the Sun Insurance Company for further explanation, maps, location, etc. of the Union Trust Company transfer. About 3:30 PM Mary went with Mrs. Hawley to Doctor Oley to have glasses fitted for her eyes. Mrs. Hawley sent over a dish of succotash and brother George brought in an apple pies for dinner. We spent the evening with George and visiting with Mrs. Kimball who returns to New York City tomorrow. AUGUST 29 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 56. Pleasant. After breakfast, I drove up to Westville Avenue to see Louis Bristol and his son-in-law, Edgar Platt who occupy the old Silas Abbott place and who are keeping a small grocery in the place and pursuant to arrangement with Davis Knapp, executor of the Abbott estate. I made arrangements with them to pay the difference in rates of insurance for the grocery feature of the risk. This they agreed to do. I collected on my drive home $5.00 on account from Edward Headley; also called on Mrs. Richtmyer at 75 Franklin Street about renewal of the Echo Lodge No. 30 Daughters of Rebecca policy. I then called on Mrs. Nellie Schoonmaker at 28 Starr Avenue. She promised to pay the balance due on next Saturday. Received from John Watkins of Hartford a letter asking about accident insurance. I answered it by return mail to Hartford today. Mrs. Emma Anni(?) called in the PM to get her furniture renewed at 27 Main Street where she is to move tomorrow. Also Mr. James VanGordon called to explain about the cod liver oil he did not get in Hartford. In the PM, I called at the New Street School to confer with Edgar Platt, who is the janitor of the school, regarding the insurance raised on account of the grocery store in the house, etc. I called for a few minutes at the office of the Turner Machine Factory and left some life insurance papers with the bookkeeper, Mr. Wildman. I commenced to make up an affidavit as to property, etc. for Melissa Griffith. In the evening, I wrote to J. H. Soule in Washington regarding pension blanks. AUGUST 30 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. Got a bundle of cornstalks for the horse from Mr. Rogers’ garden before breakfast, after which I drove down to Andrew Wildman’s near Short’s Hat Factory in Bethel and collected $6.00 for a $1,000 policy in the Agricultural Insurance Company on the dwelling. I called in the factory and took Eli Ferry’s application for one of the state’s honorary medals for the three month volunteers in 1861 in the War of the Southern Rebellion, he being a member of Company C in the Third Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. From there, I drove to Beaverbrook and collected from George Bradley on account $2.00 and two dozen eggs. After dinner, I went to the bank with a deposit, then to W. L. Wall’s Blacksmith Shop to try and collect from Howard Hall for a policy on furniture written April 19, 1904, but did not succeed. From there, I called on Taggart & Siemon and suggested a partnership life policy. In the evening, a Mrs. Virginia McKnight called about an accident policy for her nephew Arthur Francis Dugan. She is to call again tomorrow evening. When at Beaverbrook, I called on Albert Edwards who is an invalid. AUGUST 31 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 54. Charles Bevins came in the morning and borrowed $2.00 of me until next Monday, pension day. In the morning, I drove down to 23-25 Main Street and arranged with Adolph Jelenyik for renewal of his furniture policy on September 2. I then went up to Osborne Street and delivered the Echo Lodge daughters of Rebecca policy to Mrs. Stubbs. After dinner, I drove down to Bethel to Short’s Hat Shop for my fountain pen which I left there yesterday while taking Eli Ferry’s application for one of the state medals for the three month volunteers of 1861. After tea, Mrs. John Allen’s daughter came over to say that she had received a voucher for $2.80 to be executed for accrued pension for John Allen from Dec. 4, 1903 to the 10th of December – 6 days, with instructions to enclose with the same his old certificate for surrender. I went over with the daughter, Mrs. Waite, and fixed out the papers. I mailed the same to A. J. Hyatt, the U. S. pension agent at Boston. I also wrote and mailed a letter to Louis & Nettleton about accident insurance for Mrs. James McKnight and her nephew, Alfred Dugan. In the evening, Fannie called with Sarah Hirsch from New York who with her brother is stopping with Herman for a visit. In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Turnerville called to see about insuring about 200 Belgian Homing Pigeons. I sent a check to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company for $71.00, the amount of the June balance.
1904-08
Horace Purdy Journal December 1904 Entry
8pgs
DECEMBER 01 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. Pleasant. Before dinner, I signed an endorsement for a Reliance policy on E. A. Mallory & Sons for George C. Stevens & Sons written by them when they represented the Reliance, changing same to firm name of E. A. Mallory & Sons, Inc. I delivered same. I called at the bank about my note of $100 due today. I paid it. Then, Mr. Beeman being with me, we drove up to Mr. Corbulon’s fruit store on Patch Street and delivered his policy and collected, then delivered a furniture policy to Clarence Nelson, bookkeeper at Roger’s Silverplate Shop. From there, we drove over to Sarah Austin’s store and dwelling on White Street to see if the store had been removed that a reduced insurance rate may be given it. After dinner, I walked downtown and gave the bank a check to pay the note and went to Meeker’s Hat Shop to find Bert Hitchcock. Not finding him, I went to his home on Maple Avenue, and his mother gave me his policy for transfer or cancellation. Then I called at the silver plate shop for Nelson’s policy, then came home about 4 PM. George and Sarah were with again in the evening. Mrs. Virginia McKnight called this evening to say that Arthur Durgie had resumed work, being disabled for one week only. DECEMBER 02 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Hazy with the appearance of snow but neither storm nor sunshine. I was kept busy all the forenoon doing insurance correspondence with the Connecticut Insurance Company regarding the Targett & Siemon new laundry risk, making Agricultural report and notifying Standard Accident of Arthur Durgie’s one week disability claim. After dinner, George Olmstead called to arrange for unoccupancy for two or three months which he expects to be away from home. About 4 PM, I went downtown and got Davis Knapp’s PO order for $5.40 cashed and arranged with E. Pancirole for renewal of the Italian Co-operative Grocery Provision Company. George and Sarah came over again in the evening. DECEMBER 03 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 20. Colder. Sent by early morning mail a dunning letter for $10.00 to the estate of John Wixtead. The day being cloudy, chilly and cold with an indication of snow, I stayed in the office all day except about 4 PM when I went hastily downtown for Sunday marketing. Just before going, Mrs. Lucy Haines called as she promised and said that she had decided to let Mr. Budd do her insurance at Brewster. I therefore at once cancelled her insurance in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company covering her barn, etc. In the PM, I burned rubbish in my yard. Discussion with George as to the Sun liability with Rundle & White on Wildman’s broker policy with us when Wildman neglect to pay. 2 ½ pounds of coffee and ½ pounds of tea came today which brother George ordered from New York. 15 pounds came in the same shipment from Dr. Sunderland which George delivered, but the doctor not being in, he did not collect. He with Sarah spent the evening with us again. When they went home, I wrote a letter to A. J. Hoyt, US pension agent at Boston making inquiry as to whether a pension voucher issued on Sunday would be legal. DECEMBER 04 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 24. Hazy, cloudy, cold and unpleasant. Not a moment’s sunshine or not a drop of rain or a flake of snow. A beautiful red in the west at sunset thought the sun never shone. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came after Sunday School and stayed in the PM. I received by mail a voucher to sign for new life insurance renewals which I signed and also mailed with it to Schiffer, agent at New Haven; also my new fire insurance account to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company in Hartford. Mary dictated a letter which I wrote for her to Clara Watkins at Hartford requesting her to come and make us a two or three week visit over the holidays. We called on brother George in the evening. On the way, we called on Dr. Sunderland. He gave a check for George to pay for his 15 pounds of coffee which came yesterday. Notwithstanding clouds and threatening of storm, it became clear about sundown and a beautiful starlit evening. DECEMBER 05 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14. Clear until after daylight when it became cloudy and about 2:30PM, it began snowing and continued through the day. It being Pension day, we were very busy. After dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to make vouchers for the cripples, lame and lazy and old widows. We were caught in a snowstorm before our return. Rachel Dickenson, a widow of the Revolutionary War, lies at the point of death. I took her signature by X mark at her bedside. She will probably never sign another voucher. J. L. Day came early in the evening and made his voucher. He will make an application for an increase under the old age order, he being 65 years old, which will give him now $8.00 instead of $6.00. It ceased snowing at bedtime, about 9 o’clock. DECEMBER 06 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14. A beautiful sunshine morning. The cleaning of the paths was the first thing on order this morning. George finished them when he came from Bethel. James Martin called about 9 AM, of course to borrow something on the strength of his pension to come in a few days. I allowed him a small amount. I delivered to E. Pancirole on the Italian Co-operative Grocery and Provision Company for which he paid me. In the PM, George drove Gip to the blacksmith shop and left her there to be shod while I went down to Dr. Clark’s for his statement as to the treatment of Arthur Durgie’s finger which was hurt and for which he makes a claim for one week’s disability to the Standard Accident Insurance Company of Detroit, after which I went to Gage’s shop for Gip. She having been shod, I drove home. After which, I went up to Fancher’s shop and had Durgie sign and execute his proof of claim to the accident insurance company. George and Sarah came over for the evening. He got shopped and went to Mallory’s shop for the first time in about a week. W. H. Merritt came in the PM and made his pension papers; Elias Osborne came this evening. DECEMBER 07 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – Sunshine at intervals during the day. Most of the time however, squally looking clouds prevailed. Between 8 and 9 AM, I went up to Fancher’s shop and got his eyewitness statement as to the hurt Arthur Durgie received for which he is making a claim. I mailed the proof of said claim today to Loomis & Nettleton, agents to the accident insurance company. James Martin came in the morning to borrow on his pension check which will come in a few days. After dinner, I drove over to Beaverbrook to see about furniture insurance of Eliza Hoddinott which she has moved from John Street in the city to her son John Hoddinott’s at Beaverbrook and stored them in an outbuilding. I cancelled the policy. After I returned, I delivered a policy to Joseph Pond on White Street and collected the premium of $30.48. Peter Hardwick called in the evening and made his pension voucher which I completed and mailed. I received a check from cashier Schiffer for my commissions on the second quarter of John Watkins life insurance which he mailed to New Haven. DECEMBER 08 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. Fire alarm 32 struck last night about 10 o’clock for a fire in the 5 & 10 cent store which is pretty well burned out. A little before daylight this morning, it began snowing moderately. Before dinner, I went up to the Union Shop and arranged for a renewal of sand paper stock for Charles Croft and before I left I took an order for a $500 furniture policy for Joseph Gauche at 72 Elm Street. S. W. Bradley brought the two bushels of potatoes to George Purdy which I had engaged of him. In the evening, William Bedient came in with two other members of the painters union to make an oath in a funeral benefit claim in the loss of life of the wife of one of the parties. About 8: 30 in the evening, after executing papers for Bedient and others, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with the duplicate of his life insurance examination by Dr. Clark on December 29, 1898 for his record as to a family record, etc. in contemplation for an application for new insurance. DECEMBER 09 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 18. Pleasant; received my pension check this morning. Mr. Beeman received his last night. He came in and paid me the $2.00 he borrowed of me. A postal by mail this morning, from Col. Saul Gregory to come up to his place and make out his pension voucher for him, he being unable to come down. George and Mr. Beeman drove up there and attended to it. A fire last night about 10 o’clock destroyed a house owned by John Walsh on the west end of Highland Avenue. Another call for the firemen about 9 o’clock this morning on Cherry Street. A chimney fire in a house occupied by James Newton insured by us in the Greenwich Insurance Company on furniture. A small damage will come to us from it. I immediately notified the Commercial Union, the reinsurers of the Greenwich Insurance Company. After dinner, I mailed up and mailed the Sun account for November, enclosing the cancelled Bert Hitchcock policy. I called at the Turner Machine Shop with the tools policy for Henry Biddescombe. I called on William Lyon at the Renfield Wholesale Store on Rose Street to try and write him up for life insurance but could not. On returning, called on Mr. Daragan to insure more on his stock if possible; he will wait for an inventory to ascertain the amount wanted. At 5:20 PM, the postman brought pension checks for Fred Bevans, Charles Bevans, Joel Bates and John Cree. During the evening. Fred Bevans called and I cashed his check. George and Sarah were over in the evening. Fannie also called. DECEMBER 10 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14. Cloudy with indications of snow in the morning. About 3 PM, it commenced snowing gently and continued through the day and evening. I went downtown in the forenoon ad made a deposit in the bank. I saw Herbert Wildman and got another good promise for the $100 he owes me on the Rundle & White insurance. I saw Mortimer Rundle in the bank regarding it; he was surprised that Wildman had not paid me. Joel Bates called in the morning and I cashed his pension check for him. In the PM, I got a check for $57.00 of Jake Hartz on account. George Nelson called about 5:20 PM to see about $1.50 due him for transfer to a lower rated location. Clarence Wilson called in the PM and paid $3.00 on account of furniture insurance. DECEMBER 11 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 5; at noon – 24. Pleasant and very cold; the coldest we have had yet this winter. The water pipe to our sink froze for the first time but it was easily started however with a little warm water. About 10 AM, Frank Hart called and for his wife, Celia Hart paid $3.00 on house rent which he promised to pay yesterday, there being now $1.00 balance due. Grandchildren Lottie and Julia Hirsch came from Sunday School and were with us to dinner. In the PM, I mailed our November account to the Reliance Insurance Company and enclosed a check for the August balance. In the evening, we went over to George Purdy’s, prior to which I called at Charles Sherwood’s to see how old Mrs. Dickenson was, as she is not expected to live day to day as she is 93 years old. While at George’s, I cashed his pension check for $18.00, deducting the $10.00 he owes me for money borrowed to pay his rent on December 1. MONDAY DECEMBER 12 - Mercury at 6 AM – 10. Not entirely clear yet not stormy in the morning. Later, there began to be flurries of snow which continued more or less all day without more than 2 inches of snow. Mrs. Hawley borrowed 50 cents of me this morning. George and I drove over to Mrs. McDermott’s on West Wooster Street and arranged for the renewal of her little store building, then to Lake Avenue and renewed W. H. Jones and Mrs. Catherine Ryan. I then left George at the office and drove over to 11 James Street and renewed Mrs. Susanna Taylor. After dinner, I rested in the office until 3 o’clock and then went over to White Street and renewed William Charles and brother; then took a car at West Wooster Street to renew for Frank Andrews. James Martin called this morning for his pension check, but it had not yet arrived. It snowed steady all evening. DECEMBER 13 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. It snowed all last night and still at it at 10 AM with 20 inches of snow. As yet no wind accompanying the storm and the snow lies pretty and level. Before dinner, I put on my hip boots and went downtown and left Mrs. Emma Taylor’s policy at the Union Savings bank; also one on the pipe organ at the 1st Congregational Church with Mr. Rundle and received his order for payment on Rev. Reynolds, the church treasurer. James Martin called in the forenoon for his pension check, but it had not come. About 3:30 PM, I went into the street and got G. Rundle’s order on Perry Reynolds, the treasurer of the 1st Eccliastical Society for the premium on the church organ insurance cashed. I then called on William Conklin, engineer at the Turner Machine Shop and got $2.00 on account of his insurance. DECEMBER 14 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 6 above. Another very cold morning. When George arrived at 8:30, we finished digging out snow and got the sleigh out from upstairs in the barn. James Martin called again to get his pension check, but was disappointed as it had not arrived. I let him have another dollar on same, making it $4.00 advanced on same. Before dinner, I went downtown and called on Wagner Brothers, clothiers on White Street for $1,000 insurance by word of J. Hartz. They did not deal today, but promised to consider it. I received by morning mail forms from Lewis Reed wishing us to write $750 on the shop of P. Young & Sons. I wrote back on the forms “Please Excuse Us.” Ruth Waterman called after dinner with her voucher returned for correction; George omitted the date on the first. I supplied the want and remailed the voucher. About 4 PM, I delivered the Shaffer Brothers policy and collected same. Also $5.00 on account of Fred Seymour. About 5 PM, the postman delivered the pension check for James Martin. DECEMBER 15 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 4 below. The coldest morning yet this winter. James Martin called for his pension check. I cashed it for him. I delivered Frank Andrew’s policy to Mrs. E. Mallory, mortgagor. I got another bottle of Liprozine on account of insurance of James Doran. I called again to see Charles Watts about renewing policy on his barn. Not being able to see him, we wrote the policy and sent it to him by mail. After dinner, Mr. Beeman went with me (our first sleigh ride) and I collected from Mrs. Emma Taylor the $7.00 balance of her account. I called at William Charles Brothers, the corner of White Street and Ives Street to deliver a policy. He being undecided about accepting it, I promised to hold it open for his acceptance until next Monday. From there, we drove to Bell’s Lane off River Street to see a Mr. Repoli for furniture insurance; we did not find him at home. We went later and found him. I secured a policy of $500 on furniture for a 5 year term. I also delivered a policy to William Jarvis on his store. I found him sick; his son promised to send a check tomorrow. After tea, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s to see how he is. Yesterday he was sick n bed. He is better, having been out attending to his patients today. He wants 5 lbs. more coffee. From there I went over to brother George’s on Montgomery Street and gave the order. Charles Betts called in the evening and paid $4.50 the first half of the rent. DECEMBER 16 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 25. A $5.00 check from Standard Accident Insurance Company for one week of disability for Arthur Durgie was received this morning from Loomis & Nettleton, state agents at New Haven. I delivered the same before dinner and cashed it for Mr. Durgie. I also received notice from the Pension Bureau that an old age pension had been granted to Andrew Bell; I drove up there and told him, after which and before noon, I drove over to Clarence Morgan’s with Mr. Beeman for him to pay for a tone of coal and for myself to tell Clarence to finish putting in my coal. After dinner, Charles Watts called to say that he had received his policy on his barn and will in a few days’ pay on the same. Charles Bevans called while I was out for his pension check; George delivered it to him. After dinner, Robert Chambers called and endorsed a blank note for me to use in the bank for such amount as I may need for discount about January 1st. I gave him calendars for the New Year -1905. While doing my barn work about 5 PM, George Brush called for two Agricultural calendars. Following that, Mrs. David Hoyt called and paid me a $2.00 fee for the age increase of David’s pension. About 3 PM, I carried Mary down to Dr. Oley’s for eye treatment. While away, Nellie Johnson left a note on my desk to call tomorrow at her place of business at 209 Main Street. Mrs. James Newton called just before tea to see if I had heard from the insurance company about her damage. Fannie Hirsch and Sonya Lyon called about 8:45 in the evening. DECEMBER 17 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM- 2. Letter this morning from W. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union Company, re-insurers of Greenwich Insurance Company, asking for more particular description of the James Newton damage. I went over there and looked up the matter and then wrote Special Agent Furness and recommended a half damage on the value of the carpet - $6.00 and the value of a child’s dress - $1.00. See letter of this date. I then went down and made a deposit in the bank. I called on Nellie Johnson as requested yesterday by a note left on my desk. She wanted to know about her pension voucher received with her last check. Arthur Barnum delivered before dinner 10 bushels of oats I ordered yesterday. In the evening, Charles Watts called and paid me the insurance on his barn. Also Clarence Wilson called and paid me the balance due on his furniture insurance. Mary is having another attack of her liver problem which nearly prostrated her. Minnie Wilberg’s rent is overlooked; she supposed it had been paid. DECEMBER 18 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 25. The day has been pleasant though about 4 inches of snow fell during the night. Mary is still feeling badly though around and still doing her work. Mrs. Hawley came over and helped her make a chicken pot pie for dinner. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came from Sunday School and took dinner with us returning home about 4:30 PM. I mailed a check for the August balance to the Agricultural Insurance Company. I shoveled all the paths this forenoon and went to the post office at noon. I felt pretty tired the remainder of the day. George and Sarah spent the evening with us. I wrote the Watkins family for Mary and George mailed it as they returned home. A beautiful moonlit night. DECEMBER 19 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 10. A hazy frosty morning without sunshine. Received by mail from W. Furness, Special Agent of the Commercial Union, and a short proof of loss of James Newton loss under Greenwich policy No. 2668093 reinsured for us to make up and refer to him. Before dinner, I drove over to 14 James Street and delivered a policy transferred thereto for Charles Small and gave to his wife, $1.42 returned premium for lesser rate in this location. From there I drove up to Lake Avenue to see if Andrew Bell had received pension papers from Boston in the matter of age increase allowed him. He has not yet received them. Mary received a letter from M. Delos Thomas from Bridgeport. In the PM, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s for a bottle of lame back medicine for Mrs. Hawley. From there, I went to the Foster Brothers’ shop and delivered a furniture policy to William Elwell. From there to William Charles & Brothers’ Fruit Store on White Street to deliver a policy. They put me off until next Monday the 26th. Received a check from Charles Hallstead for $2.00 for his barn. Mrs. Ella Smith sent her husband Arthur Smith and her policy for endorsed permit for other insurance. Nathan Hoy called for a large agent’s calendar. DECEMBER 20 TUESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 22. A beautiful morning. About 9 AM, I called on James Newton at Cherry Street to see why he did not call last night and sign proof papers for his loss. I arranged to see him tonight. I then with Mr. Beeman (taking Mary over to Sarah’s as we went), went to Frank Verra’s at 169 Main Street to deliver a furniture policy. I received a letter from the Sun Insurance Company asking for the September balance, which I mailed to them by check in the PM. I then called at the Foster Brothers’’ shop and received a check for $5.00 from Wilbur Elwell in payment for furniture insurance. Then over to Clark’s Box Shop with an agent’s calendar for John Coyne. I stopped at Hugh Allen’s store and met Mary and Sarah there. Jake Hartz stopped me near Spiro’s clothing store and took me to task for George dunning them for a broker policy on his account. I pacified him and he promised to pay before January 1st. About 4 PM, I wrote a letter for Mary to Clara Watkins in which she enclosed a dollar for a Christmas present. About 8 o’clock in the evening, I went over to Cherry Street thinking to get James Newton’s signature on loss proof. I did not succeed as he had not yet arrived home. DECEMBER 21 WEDNESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – I arose at 5 AM thinking to catch Mr. Newton as he took the freight train to Norwalk (of which he is conductor) to sign the proof of loss, but he did not stop. George and Lill made me a Christmas present of two night shirts. I slept in one of them last night for the first time. They are very nice and comfortable. About 10 AM, I with Mr. Beeman drove down to Frank Verra’s and received from Ms. Verra an order for renewal of their furniture insurance policy. I then delivered one to William Repoli at the barber shop on White Street. I also went to the Union Shop to see Joseph Gancher as to his policy already written. We then came home and I let Beeman take the horse and give his wife a sleigh ride out to Fry’s corner for an errand and then to go to the Dewey Inn for me to see the brick chimney Mr. Bradley, the owner said he had built at our request. He found it all right. I wrote a dunning letter to Arthur Dibble at Bethel and also mailed a calendar to him. In the PM, I took Mary up to Mrs. Raymond’s. I then delivered a policy to Mrs. Frank Verra on furniture and she paid me $2.00 on account. We also drove out to Clarence Morgan’s to have him bring me some furnace coal if possible tomorrow morning. Fannie called just at night and took tea with us. George and Sarah came in the evening and brought 2 ½ pounds of coffee from New York. Also five pounds for Dr. Sunderland which I sent up and delivered and collected for same. I gave George a check to send to Mrs. Kimball to pay a bill to her for coffee, etc. About 8:30 in the evening, on his way home from his train, Mr. Frank Newton called and signed a proof of loss under the Greenwich Insurance Company, reinsured in the Commercial Union. I mailed the proof before retiring. Charles Dean called in the evening to notify me that Frank Oeztel had sold his grocery to his wife Adelia Dean and to change the policy. DECEMBER 22 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 4 below. Mr. Beeman rode with me to arrange the Oetzel policy, then we got an express box for Beeman at the Express Office. I called on Sunderland’s shop with agent calendars. We then called on Byron Dexter’s house on Pleasant Street about a renewal on his house but, he being sick, I did not see him. Clarence Morgan brought me 1 ½ tons of furnace call this morning. After dinner, a son of Henry Supple called to have us insure a house near Lime Kiln above the Iron Works at Brookfield. About 4 PM, I harnessed and drove over to Frank Oetzel’s to arrange assignment of the store policy to Adelia Dean. He not being home, I took Mrs. Robert Haskins and daughter home on Hoyt Street, giving them their first sleigh ride. In the evening, I went over to Orchard Street to collect the balance from Mrs. Jennie Townsend, but could not as she was not at home. Mrs. Hawley presented me with a pair of home knit mittens. DECEMBER 23 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 35. The snow has melted fast today. In the morning, I drove over to Frank Oetzel’s store on Liberty Street and made over his store policy to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Adelia Dean. I then drove to Brookfield and made up a policy to Henry Supple’ farm just at Lime Kiln just above the Iron Works in the amount of $1,000. On my return, I stopped at Robert Jones, hoping to collect. He was not at home but is expected to return tomorrow and will see me next week. I arrive home a little before 1 PM. After dinner, I made up the daily report and George took it for mailing. Stephen Pierans called about 2 PM and I settled with him for the November rents. At 4:30 PM, after doing my barn work, I went into the street trying to collect. I did not succeed but got a promise from Mr. Daragan for January 2nd. On my way home in front of Warner’s store, I found a pair of spectacles minus the glass. A postal this evening from Andrew Bell that the papers from his pension increase had come. DECEMBER 24 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 40. Soft and the snow is getting away fast. Without a cold change we will lose our sleighing. After George arrived from Bethel, we rode up to Andrew Bell’s on Lake Avenue to care for his pension increase recently allowed - $10.00 – for age 68. A new certificate was sent and the old one ordered returned with the voucher. I mailed the old papers to Boston. I wrote Henry Supple at Brookfield to see if I left my fountain pen there yesterday. I also made an application at the bank for a loan about January 1st. It has grown cold since morning and the thaw has turned to freezing. After dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to do a little shopping for Sunday and Christmas. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening with us. We gave them a large lamp and I received an umbrella. This PM, Mrs. Stuart from Bethel came to borrow money to buy a watch for a Christmas present for her daughter. Not being financially fixed to do so, I declined. DECEMBER 25 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 15. Christmas Day. Cloudy all day with the appearance and feel of snow. We rose about 7:30 AM. Mary attended church in the morning. I went to the Post Office and to get the paper at noon. After dinner, I bound by entry in the Register a policy in agency for Byron Dexter on 40 Pleasant Street occupied by himself and one for Charles Cary on furniture in Dr.Oley’s house at 135 Main Street. I found my fountain pen today in my room which I thought I left at Henry Supple’s in Brookfield on Friday and wrote to them to save it for me. I wrote to them again to say that I had found it. It commenced snowing at 4 PM and was still at it when we retired at 9 PM. After doing my barn work today, I called on Mr. Hickok who has taken to his bed and will probably never be any better. DECEMBER 26 MONDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 20.It snowed moderately during last night giving us a topping of snow. I made paths to the barn, privy, office and to the driveway. George arrived from Bethel around 8:30 AM. I sent him up to Carol Rider’s to ascertain if Byron Dexter’s policy which expired yesterday was still payable to the Union Savings Bank. Rider was not at home. Later, I saw L. L. Hubbell, the teller. He said the policy should be made payable to the bank. I had a controversy with William Charles & Brothers, corner of Ives and White Street about taking the policy I wrote for them. I left them without settling the matter. We were notified this morning of a small loss of George Bard of 48 ½ Balmforth Avenue under Sun policy No. 678530 originating from the kerosene lamp and Christmas decorations last night about 7:30. We notified the Company that the damage would not exceed $25. We took Christmas dinner with brother George on Montgomery Street. After dinner, I called on Frank Seymour and collected a $5.43 balance on a policy expiring today at 19 Elm Street in Perry’s block. I arranged for the renewal of the same. I then went home to do the barn work, fed Gip, and then returned to George’s to spend the evening. DECEMBER 27 TUESDAY- Mercury at 6 AM – 34. I commenced raining before morning with signs of losing our snow and consequently our sleighing. I delivered and collected premium of William Charles & Brothers by changing the date of the policy from December 14 to December 24. We renewed on the 14th without orders and they declined taking it on account of the high rate of premium. I today however persuaded them to be insured on condition that the policy be dated as of today. I then made a deposit on the bank and left the policy of Byron Dexter at the bank as mortgagor. In the PM, I sent a check for $23.72 to the Equitable Company for George and myself due on the 29th. Lottie Hirsch came up and spent the afternoon with us. I wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company to change the date of the Charles Brothers’ policy, explaining the matter. About 6 PM, Mrs. Hickok called to me across the street to assist her to get old Mr. Hickok back in bed. Being out of his head, he imagined he was obliged to move and attempted to get up and dress himself. The bandages on his sore leg were partly torn off and he was bleeding profusely. I sat by him until they could send for his son, William. DECEMBER 28 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 48. Warm and foggy this morning. About 9 o’clock it cleared up with the wind northwesterly and growing colder. After breakfast, I cut a new tin bottom and with the help of George, we riveted it to the bottom of the ash pan. About 10 o’clock, George went with me in the sleigh and arranged fort the renewal of Morelock & Husk Machine Works and 19 Summit Street for Peter Beradi. By the morning mail, I received a letter form Estelle White in reference to James Shelby’s insurance on piano at New Milford.; also a draft for the James Newton loss in the amount of $7.00 from W. Furness, special agent of the Union, reinsurers of the Greenwich. Rufus Rice, the soldier and pensioner, died about 7:30 this morning died this morning of apoplexy at Byron Dexter’s where he was caring for Mr. Dexter as a nurse. In the PM, I sleigh rode Mary don to Dr. Oley’s office for her to consult him about her eyes. Then I dove up to Mallory’s shop and delivered to Clifford Sturgis the Edwin Whaley policy now owned by Mr. Sturgis and his wife, the daughter of Mr. Whaley, now deceased. From there, we drove to Rufus Rice’s to ascertain about his death. As we started from there, the bits to Gypsy’s bridle broke in her mouth and very fortunate it was that they did not break while driving fast or downhill. I used the hitch strap put around her neck, then passing same around her nose, I led her home with Mary riding alone. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Newton’s on Cherry Street to have him receipt for the draft of $7.00 from the Commercial Union, but he was not yet at home. DECEMBER 29 – THURSDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 20. Pleasant. Slept well last night and did not rise until 6:30. William Phillips, an old fire insurance customer called for a calendar. I started to go downtown and met Davis Monroe coming to pay his insurance. I returned with him. As he departed, he, by mistake, took my mittens, but a little later, returned them. I then started again for the street and arranged with K. Come for renewal of his furniture insurance policy on January 1st. I saw John Vail’s grandson and he drove up home with me for calendars. Lewis Orton called after dinner for a calendar. I then went up to Willard’s shop and arranged with Mr. Regan for a policy on the life of his mother. I went to their home on Foster Street and took their application. From there, I went down to Dr. Clark’s to arrange for the examination, but did not find him. In the evening, I wrote and sent a check for the September balance to the Reliance Insurance Company, and for the first time in my life sent a check without money in the bank to cover it to the Agricultural Insurance Company and other balances, but I have arranged for money to be there by the time the checks are returned on next Tuesday, January 3rd. DECEMBER 30 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 25. Cloudy with the appearance of snow early this morning. It soon, however, came off clear and pleasant. I got up at 5 AM and opened and lighted my office, thinking that possibly James Newton, who goes by about 5:30 to take his freight train as conductor would see that I was open and would call and sign the receipt for a draft to pay his loss; he did not, however, call. After breakfast at about 8:30 I went down to 5 Foster Street and got a specimen of Ann Regan’s urine and took down to Dr. Clark and arranged for her further examination to be made at noon, while I was there. We drove up to Millard’s Hat Factory just before noon and got the particulars of Michael Regan as to being the beneficiary of his mother Ann Regan. One hind foot was off Gip’s foot this morning and while I was attending to the examination of Ann Regan, George went to Gages shop and had it put back and also had the other hind one reset. About 5 PM, Rufus Reed came in and paid the quarterly premium du today in the Equitable. I immediately made the check and mailed it to W. Schiffer the agent at New Haven. Rufus Rice was buried this PM at 2 o’clock. George mailed Ann Regan’s application after dinner to G. W. VanFleet, manager at New Haven. Received this morning from the Sun, a short form proof of loss for the case of George Bard. DECEMBER 31 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Pleasant. I made up the Connecticut December account and enclosed check for the October balance and, being too late for the mail at the Post Office, I went to the railroad station and gave it to the mailman for the train. I received this morning another short form proof of loss for the Bard loss from Arthur Hatch, special agent, with orders to adjust. Mr. Wixtead called in the PM and settled for his insurance. I delivered a policy to K. L. Comes. Jennie Bratton send word in the evening that they had moved to 29 Stevens Street. Harry Gray also called and settled his insurance. James Newton also called about 9 o’clock on his way home from his belated freight train and signed his receipt for payment of loss in amount of $7.00 and endorsed the draft and I cashed it for him. George and Sarah spent the evening with us.
1904-12