Horace Purdy Journal November 1865 Entry
10pgs
11/01 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone has been cleaning for Gussie today. Father has been helping Mrs. Stone and cutting up some wood and getting in my vegetables. George went to Redding today for my butter but it was not put down yet. I went to market in the evening. Before retiring, I wrote to Alfred Humphrey in reply to a note saying that he could not provide the flour for us which I spoke to him about. I also wrote to Carleton & Porter and enclosed $2.90 for papers which I ordered last week. I omitted to enclose the money at that time; until now I supposed that I did. 11/02 THURSDAY - Cloudy in the morning and rain in the P.M. As I went to the shop this morning, I carried my gun over to Stevens' Machine Shop to get a new tube put in and some other repairs. In the P.M., I saw Henry Blair's dog, Bird near the shop. I called him in and kept him until I came home from work. As I came out from the shop tonight, Mr. Crofut spoke to me about the $400 note he gave me to raise money on at the bank to assist George in buying the patent rights for his sifters. The note will come due on the 7th. Mrs. Stone finished cleaning house for us today '3 days' work; I paid her $4.00. Alex Pine came for the clothes last night his wife is to wash for us this week. After tea, I took the coffee pot, bread pan, funnel, toy tin pail and small tin cup to the tin shop to be mended. At an auction at the pawnbrokers, I bought a pound of black pepper for 20 cents. I bought 2 quarts of scallops for Mother Griswold and 2.5 pounds of striped bass for myself and came home. 11/03 Friday - Cloudy but no rain. I have felt nearly used up today. I lay down for a nap at the shop at noon. I got tired and stopped about an hour earlier than usual. As I came home from work, I called at A.G. Crosby's Coal Office and reported for not paying for some which I intended to about two weeks ago. I stopped at Charles Hull's for the tin ware I left there for repairs last evening. Before tea, I carried my apples from the woodhouse to the cellar. Just as we finished tea Clark Beers came in with the 5 lbs. of coffee and the 5 lbs. of black tea I have been for a long time expecting. We emptied it in jars and cans and then Clark, John Brayman and myself walked into the street together. Platt Osborne came in on the evening train; he came from Mexico; he has been an army sutler down on the Rio Grande. 11/04 SATURDAY - Stormy. On my way to work in the morning, I carried a high glass fluid lamp to Charles Hull's to be altered over for kerosene. An adjourned Hatters' Meeting at 3 P.M. in the room over Harris' Clothing Store opposite the 1st Church. The meeting was to further consider and take some action relating to Foul Shops and the apprentice rules of the National Trade Association and especially to hear the report of the Committee who were appointed at a previous meeting to wait on the bosses and make some arrangements if possible to prevent more Foul Shops and do away with what at present exist. The meeting was called by the Chairman of the Committee, Abram Chichester as it was left to him to do so as soon as a meeting could be had with the employers. They reported that arrangements could be made with the bosses to give fair men the work and stop giving out more to foul men provided we could supply men enough to do it and also if the Association would give them the privilege to take more apprentices. By doing so we would have to break over a law of the U.S. Association and at the meeting before I left (for I came out before it closed) they appointed a committee to wait on other soft hat finishing associations to see about withdrawing from the U.S. Association and establish one for ourselves for felt hatters. I carried in my tax list. I got some back numbers of Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals which I ordered. Got my lamp at Charles Hulls' and came home. Mr. Hull stuck a knife into his hand while at work on my lamp this morning and this evening I gave him a plaster of Griswold's salve to put on it. 11/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning but cooler. I stayed with Georgie in the morning to let Gussie attend church. She came home at 12 o'clock and I went to Sunday School and Prayer meeting in the afternoon, but having emptied the Infant Class money box, I had between 4 and 5 dollars in pennies to carry home and came home directly after Sunday School without attending the Prayer meeting. George kept his horse up to his house last night; he came back here with it about dusk. A snow squall, the first of the season came about dusk. I was sufficient to white the ground. I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached. Before retiring, I wrote to Carleton & Porter concerning the subscribers to the Teachers' Journal in 1864, now the Sunday School Journal. I requested that the paper be sent for the unexpired term of those who took it at that time when it was stopped with 6 months due to subscribers. Gussie wrote to Canton before retiring. 11/06 MONDAY - Pleasant this morning, but colder than before this season. I t froze harder. The snow which fell last evening was on the ground and gave it a wintry appearance but a few hours of sun drove it from sight. John Brayman came from Norwalk on the freight train and was with us to tea. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie go with me into the street. She went to the milliner's with her hat and to Mr. Morse with her furs to be relined. I bought a pair of gloves for myself and we went together to see Dr. Bulkeley about Georgie's cold. Before retiring, I drew up the prices paid in New York for hardening wool hats. John has been to New York at the expense of the hardeners to ascertain the prices for them. (the hardeners at P. Robinson's shop). He wished me to write it up for him. While I was writing this journal, John put up pennies in 25 cent rolls for me. 11/07 TUESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop in the forenoon on account of having to make a payment on a note in the bank and getting it renewed. The note was one given by Henry Crofut for $400 to assist George to buy the county right for Tilden's Flour Sifters. George being away at the time, I endorsed it for him, so it stood in my name at the bank. George gave me $50 to pay on it and $350 to be renewed which I got done for him. I worked in the shop in the P.M. As I came from work, I came by way of Stevens' Machine Shop and got my gun which he had been repairing, tightening one hammer and forging out a new tube and setting it in. I could not buy one large enough and he in consequence was obliged to make a new one. He charged me $1.00 for the job. Bought 2 yards of material for pants in the evening at Gillette's, carried them to Charles Stevens' to be cut and to be called for tomorrow. The material cost $3.00 per yard. The clerk at Gillette's (Crosby) is to get them made for me. Colder in the evening. While in the street, I let the news dealer (Mr. Day) have $3.00 in pennies; he gave me bills for them. New York and New Jersey state elections today. 11/08 WEDNESDAY - Very cold last night; the frost went into the ground about 4 inches. I loaded and tried my gun this morning to see if it leaked around one of the tubes as before it was repaired. I found it perfectly tight. I worked until about 2 o'clock in the shop and then came home with a hard headache. I brought home the Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals from the news office, also two stove pipe elbows from Charles Hull's which I ordered yesterday. When I got home, I marked off the papers for the Sunday school. John Brayman's boss (Peter Robinson) buried a child today and in consequence the formers' factory has been closed and John out of work. He put up some wood for me in the wood house in the P.M. Wrote to Carleton & Porter with 30 cents enclosed for another copy of the Sunday School Advocate. I not feeling able to go to market, I let John mail my letter and do the marketing. Corydon Lord from Elyria came on the train this evening form Warehouse Point near Hartford. He is a segar manufacturer and is here to buy tobacco. 11/09 THURSDAY - A snow or hail squall this morning about 7 o'clock, after which it was pleasant all day. John forgot to mail my letter last evening and I mailed it as I went to work this morning. Between 3 and 4 o'clock this afternoon, Gussie and Harriet came to the shop with Corydon Lord who wished to go through the factory and see how hats were made. I went through with him and the he waited for me to finish off one hat and part of another when I came home with him. We found Gussie and Harriet who had been in the trimming room waiting for us at the foot of the stairs. The hat which I finished yesterday for John was trimmed, so I brought it home with me. While waiting for tea, Mr. Wright's boy came with 5 gallons of kerosene oil which I engaged yesterday. Alex Pine brought a keg in the evening for us to save our swill in for him. I stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie go up to William Scofield's where Harriet Mills boards to get some corers from hat trimmings to send by Corydon Lord to his daughters when he returns home to Elyria. 11/10 FRIDAY - George had a new shoe put on his horse; borrowed $2.00 of me; started on peddling trip in the P.M. to be gone until tomorrow night. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, Corydon Lord, Fanny and Harriet came in to spend the evening. I went into the street and engaged Beatty's to come for Cousin Corydon and take him to the cars in the morning. John went with me. When we returned Harriet had gone home and Fanny went soon after, leaving Corydon to finish the evening with us. 11/11 SATURDAY - Corydon Lord left this morning on the train. My Birthday. I worked all day in the shop. On my way home from work I got my new pants at Gillette & Fairchild's. I got the material there and they got them made for me. They cost $10.37. Gussie got her furs today which Mr. Morse has been repairing for her. After tea, John and I went into the street together, he to a Hat Makers' and I to a Hat Finishers' Meeting. Ours was to hear a report from a committee (A. Heath and A. Chichester) who had been sent to confer with other Finishers' associations in Bethel, Norwalk, New Jersey and New York relative to calling a meeting of the National Association or cutting loose from it altogether. I left the meeting before its close. Louise stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie go and get her new bonnet. 11/12 SUNDAY - Cold in the morning but it moderated before night. George came home last night and kept his horse up there until this morning when he came down with the team. John Brayman stayed with the baby in the forenoon and let Gussie and I go to church together. She came home at noon and I stayed to Sunday School and to Sacrament in the P.M. Mr. Breckenridge from Bethel preached in the morning and Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon. George came home with me to supper. John went up home with him after supper and Gussie went up to the cemetery with Mrs. Daniel Starr. Philo White, a son of Cyrus White, and the one who has all his life had fits died in one at about one o'clock this afternoon. John not having suitable clothes to attend church, I stayed home and lent him my overcoat and he went to meeting. George's horse is sick; it acts like horse distemper. Before retiring, I drew up a paper soliciting help for Henry Heinman. John is to take it to the shop with him in the morning and put it into the hands of Mr. Squires or some other good man for circulation. 11/13 MONDAY - Pleasant and warmer; Indian Summer weather. A shop call after dinner to hear a proposition from Mr. Crofut. He wants to reduce our wages to 2 (per cent?) on a dozen now that the hurry is over. As the last raise was made in hurried times and he obliged to lose money on account of it. As there was a trade meeting called at 3 P.M. by the journeymen of Mallory's shop on the same question of reducing prices, we deferred final action until tomorrow morning. The shop adjourned at three o'clock to attend the meeting. After the meeting, I bought material the same as my new pants at Gillette's for a new vest. Carried it to Charles Stevens' to be cut. Bought some horse powder at Dr. Baldwin's for George to give to his horse. Mrs. Stone washed for us today; she did the ironing also. I went to Sunday School's teachers' Meeting in the evening. When I returned, I found John Bouton and wife at the house spending the evening. They stayed late. I copied the minutes of the Teachers' Meeting before retiring. John Brayman and I rolled a half barrel of cider in the cellar for Father Griswold before we retired. Mr. Harris brought it just at night. 11/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. A shop call at 8 o'clock this morning (it being an adjourned meeting from yesterday. And we accepted Mr. Crofut's proposition of a reduction of 2 (per cent?) per dozen on our bill of prices except on one Quality No. 5. All the employees in town are reducing their prices on account of a slack of trade. By working for little less, we can have work steady. When at our late high prices they will not manufacture without orders and store the goods. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. George carried Gussie and baby up home this P.M. She stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. 11/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and mild. I worked hard in the shop. Father dug up two cherry trees and moved two pear trees in their places for me this afternoon. I sent my boots to the shoemaker's this morning by the errand boy at the shop; he went for them just before I quit work. George went to Norwalk on the afternoon train to help John move tomorrow. After tea, I went to market. I stayed in the street until the mail cam and then came home and went up to Father Griswold's barn and finished putting a lock on George's peddling box which Father commenced just at night but did not finish it. 11/16 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. Father came down early this morning to put another lock on one of the seat boxes to George's peddling box. He started on his first peddling trip about 10 A.M. We expected John Brayman and family up here today as he went down home last night intending to move today but they did not come. I went into the street in the evening and got the Sunday School Journal back numbers which were due old subscribers in 1864 when they stopped for a season publishing them. William B. Davis died today from injuries from being thrown from a wagon. 11/17 FRIDAY - It is still very warm for the season. There were signs of rain in the morning and in fact, it did rain a little at noontime. John Brayman moved from Norwalk today by railroad. George has been helping him. His wife and children took tea over to Aunt Louisa's and John at my house. Gussie and I went over to see how they were getting along after tea. They got the stove put up and a bed so that they could stay overnight. John and I went into the street together to do some marketing in the evening. Father came home from peddling this evening. 11/18 SATURDAY - Another beautiful day. I worked until about 2 o'clock and then came home feeling about tired out. I laid down on the lounge and slept until tea time. Harriet Mills came here to tea from the shop and spent the evening. I went to market in the evening and paid William E. Wright for 5 gallons of kerosene oil - $4.60. Paid Dr. Bulkeley 25 cents for coming to see the baby last week. I got my new vest at Gillette & Fairchild's. 11/19 - Stormy. Gussie attended church in the morning and evening and I in the P.M. A Union Temperance Meeting in the evening at the 1st Church addressed by Col. Smith. After tea, I went over to see John Brayman a few minutes. In the meantime, his wife and Aunt Louisa had gone up to see Anna and my folks on Deer Hill. 11/20 MONDAY - Cloudy all day but no rain. I ordered one cwt. Of horse feed for George's horse and paid for it myself as I went to the shop this morning. George went to Redding to _____ for the pot of butter she has been putting down for me. There were 34 pounds of it at 55 cents for $18.83. I bought a pocket clothes track of George for 80 cents. I paid 50 cents sinking funds money to Fanny in the evening. I sold a roll of salve in the evening to Henry Earl. 11/21 TUESDAY - Stormy all day. Sold two rolls of salve at the shop to Walter Sparks and George Benjamin. I traded one roll with Oscar Serrine for 2 pounds of a new kind of soap. We had strawberries for tea which were kept in Lyman's patent air-tight fruit jars. They were very delicious. Father and George built a rack over the horse manger in which to put hay for the horse to feed on between feeding times. Before tea, I went to Serrine's for the soap. After tea, I went to the barn to see about the horse and as he had been standing in the stable all day, I put on his bridle, mounted him and too a horseback ride up Main Street by lamp light, the first time I ever rode him except to water him. I went to market and brought home some scallops, after which I washed the grease from Mr. Kerrigan's hat. Before retiring, we ate our last pear from my dwarf trees in the garden. 11/22 WEDNESDAY - The sun has tried to shine once or twice today but most of the time it has been cloudy with some rain. Just after tea, about 6 o'clock, it cleared off and the moon and stars shone quite beautifully but it became quite cloudy about 8 o'clock. The hat which I washed last evening to finish over today would not bear blocking over but broke before putting it on the block. After tea, I cleaned off the horse, cleared out the stable and fed him and then went to market. 11/23 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day with the exception of once or twice when the sun shone rather dimly for about 5 minutes. I am nearly sick with a cold. I feel sore and lame; my bones ache. I finished over an old hat for Mr. Kerrigan of the Jeffersonian Office. Carried it to him as I came home from work. I got $1.50 for the job, all trimmed up and in good shape. 11/24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. We having so many hats ahead of the trimmers, they concluded to pay us off this afternoon and stop work tomorrow to let the trimmers get a little start. I felt bad in the morning, had a severe headache come on before noon. I ate nothing at dinner time but kept at work all day and actually felt better in the P.M for not eating anything at noon. I came home sick however and retire early. Louise came down in the evening and took care of Georgie to let Gussie attend the Sewing Society at Emily Anderson's. John Brayman called to see me after I was in bed. 11/25 Saturday - Cloudy and cool with some appearance of rain in the morning. There being no work in the shop, I went with Henry Blair and George hunting. It being so late when we started, we did not go where we intended # Starrs Plain. I brought home one quail only. As soon as I came home I cleaned my gun and put it away. After returning from hunting George left me at the house and then drove up home. After tea, George dressed for Singing School and took Mother in and drove down to my house and she spent the evening while George went to Singing School and I to market. After marketing I went into the rehearsal for a few minutes. Mr. Lockwood, our new choir leader was with us for the first time. He is hired, I understand, to lead our choir. After rehearsal, George came to my house and harnessed the horse to take Mother home. I rode up with them to drive the horse home and put him in the stable. Got a picture of Georgie at the artist and lost it. 11/26 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Dr. Durbin, Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society, preached in the forenoon and the missionary collection was taken. Gussie attended and came home directly after the service to let me go down to Sunday School and the afternoon service. Mr. Lockwood led the choir today for the first time on the term for which he is hired. After supper, I went over to see John Brayman for a few minutes. Dr. Durbin addressed our congregation again in the evening. I attended. I was requested by Brother Hill to take a card and pass down the aisle and take subscriptions; I did so. We finished up the work by rising up $500.00 for the missions. When I returned, I found Father and John Brayman at the house. Father came for a handkerchief and spectacles which Mother left yesterday. John came to borrow my overcoat to wear to Norwalk tomorrow, he having been subpoenaed on a case to be tried there tomorrow. 11/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. George went out selling sifters and took in $10.00. He took my gun with him and brought home 3 red squirrels. Carried vest to Gillette & Fairchild's store to get a watch pocket put in as I went to work in the morning. Also, I ordered a new coat at Harris' store and was measured for the same. John Brayman returned form Norwalk where he went as a witness on a case in law. He returned my overcoat in the evening which he borrowed to go down. His wife came in with him as he brought the coat and from here they went into the street together. Mr. Crofut's new shop near the Gas Works was raised today. 11/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cold. George too my gun with him today on a peddling trip. He shot two red squirrels. He broke the wormer (ed.note, used to extract unfired bullets from gun barrel) off the end of the ramrod. I repaired it in the evening and also made a pouncing block (ed.note, device used hat manufacturing) to use in the shop. Bell came down today with her old cloak to be cut over. She stayed all day. I went to market in the evening. 11/29 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and cold with the appearance of snow all day. I came home before night with a headache. I picked up some wood around the woodhouse and carried it in. Father raked off my yard and covered my strawberry beds with leaves before tea. I bridled Jim and rode up home and paid Father $.50 for working for me. After tea, Moses Baxter and myself helped Father Griswold move stoves. I then went into the street and bought a fore quarter of beef and ordered it sent up tomorrow. I got shaved at Homer Peters' and came home. 11/30 THURSDAY - Pleasant. My beef came today -85lbs. at 12 cents of David Osborne. I called in the evening and paid him for it - $10.62 and 18 cents for 4 quarts of salt. Came home and ruled a Librarian's book for David Bradley; expected him to call and read off names for one to write them in the new book but he did not come. George was not able, he said, to drive away and sell sifters today on account of a sore face, where he had a tooth extracted. He could not even cut some hay for his horse, but could go downtown and this evening take Sarah Purdy and his cousin Mary Purdy and ride over to Mill Plain. Gussie went over to Mrs. Baxter's in the evening and got her new dress which she has been making for her.
1865-11
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal August 1868 Entry
8pgs
AUGUST 01 SATURDAY - Pleasant and hot. I have been to New York. Dr. Brown's wife went down with me and stopped at Mr. Ryfield's at 44 Downing Street. Levi Wildman called at the store, also James Fanning. A heavy shower on my way home from Stamford nearly to Danbury. AUGUST 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant. George and I went over to the Oil Mill Pond to wash after breakfast. It has been warm. I went down to Sunday School at noon and came home again at its close. We had a hard thunder shower about 6 P.M. I called at Mr. Pond's early in the evening. The meeting was held in the basement today on account of painting, repairs, etc. going on upstairs. AUGUST 03 MONDAY - Pleasant and hot. I dug out worms from my apple trees in my yard before breakfast. I have worked in the shop. A moonlight excursion on the steamer 'Nelly White' on Long Island Sound this evening. An excursion train left here for Norwalk about 6 P.M. After tea, I went up to see Mr. Jackson to see about my pay for looking glass frames. He promises it tomorrow. I then went to market. AUGUST 04 TUESDAY - A hard thunder shower this morning. George went on the moonlight excursion last night. He got home between 3 and 4 o'clock this morning. The door being locked, he could not get in, so he went in Father Griswold's barn and took a nap until morning. I got don work in the shop before dinner. As I came home, I called and settled my old account with O. H. Swift in exchange of frames and molding, etc. between us. I owed him $1.25 I mowed a part of my dooryard this P.M. In the evening, I got my pay from F. G. Jackson for looking glass frames - $17.00. He left it at the Post Office for me. Mr. Sherman put up some cabbage (which Gussie bought) as he came from the store tonight. I bought a half gallon measure for Mr. Pond to measure kerosene oil in. He gave me credit on it for what I owe him. Before retiring, we sealed up 10 cups of currant jelly. AUGUST 05 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain. I trimmed with a scythe where I mowed last night before breakfast. I have been to New York. The sun shone in the P.M. I took dinner with William Hayes at No. 16 Bedford Street. I paid store rent to Mr. Young. It rained very hard when we retired for the night. AUGUST 06 THURSDAY - This morning was lovely. The sun shone brightly for an hour or two. I raked off my yard before breakfast where I mowed it on Tuesday. I have worked in the shop. Mrs. Haviland living in the house with Mr. Richards was buried this P.M. AUGUST 07 FRIDAY - I worked at digging up plantains in my yard before breakfast and again as long as I could see at night. I have worked in the shop. A thunder shower about 5 P.M. Gussie went to the market in the evening while I stayed at home. William Carlson cashed my account at the shop - $15.00 - before I came home as I shall be in New York tomorrow and cannot draw my pay myself. AUGUST 08 SATURDAY - Showery. While in New York, we had a heavy thunder shower. The Liberty Pole at the corner of Carmine and Bedford was struck by lightning and the upper half shattered at 2:30 o'clock. I priced marble mantels for Oscar Serine near the junction of 6th Avenue and Broadway. AUGUST 09 SUNDAY - George and I went over to the pond to wash before breakfast. I went to church in the morning. Mr. Kearn from New Fairfield preached. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, I came home with him, leaving her to stay in the P.M. The collection made by the children for the National Orphan Homestead at Gettysburg was handed in. The amount so far handed in was $53.89. After tea, we took a walk with Georgie up to Serine's new house. A thunder shower about 6 P.M., though the rain was not very heavy here. AUGUST 10 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop today. I went to Teachers' Meeting in the evening at which the Infant Class money box was opened and I brought home a portion of the money. AUGUST 11 TUESDAY - Showery. I have worked in the shop. Before tea, I made a strawberry bed. After tea, I finished setting out the plants. I then went into the street to the Post Office and returned early but tired. I bought a new grate for our Opal Range of Joseph W. Ives. Gussie got Mrs. Bradley to go with her this P.M. and got a tooth extracted. AUGUST 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went to market. I engaged my winter's coal this evening of Charles Griffing, 5 tons at $9.75. AUGUST 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have worked in the shop hard all day. This is brother George's birthday. AUGUST 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Worked ## day in the shop. A 'Clam Bake' in the P.M. at 3 o'clock at the river bank in the rear of Joseph Kyle's. It was by the shopmen to spend over $3.00 fine money in the shop. We had a very pleasant time. An adjourned Sunday School Teachers' Meeting this evening in regard to a picnic which was voted for on Monday evening. On account of expense, the vote was reconsidered and lost. AUGUST 15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I took with me and framed and brought back with me this evening a Soldier's Testimonial for Cyrus A. White and two more pictures, same size ' 'Heroes Dead' and 'Brave and True' groups for Mr. Frank Page. AUGUST 16 SUNDAY - A small shower early this morning. After breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond to wash. Mr. Vincent, the great Sunday School man, has been with us today. He preached in the morning, talked to the school at noon and lectured the several schools in our church in the P.M. After tea, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk to George Starr's to give him the $53.89 collected by the children for the National Orphan's Homestead in Gettysburg, Pa. AUGUST 17 MONDAY - Cool but pleasant. I have worked in the shop. Deborah Merritt with Bell was here to tea. I went over to Cyrus White's in the evening with his testimonial which I framed for him. AUGUST 18 TUESDAY - Muggy and warmer than yesterday. I have worked in the shop. Martin Foster came to the shop to see me about preserving a cross, I believe from a friend's coffin in Ridgefield in memory I believe connected with John Rockwell who sent the flowers to me. Upon naming the price, he was in doubt about what to do. He promised to bring it to me this evening if they concluded to have it done. I brought home a new black soft hat for Mr. Pond. After tea, I dug a place for another strawberry bed. AUGUST 19 WEDNESDAY - Warmer than for some time past. Before breakfast, I set out a bed of strawberry plants. I have worked in the shop. Received a bill of $1.65 from Hull & Rogers for tin conductor. Mother and Father Griswold came down in the evening and sat awhile. AUGUST 20 THURSDAY - Hot and muggy again today. A special hatters' meeting last evening about consolidation of the Fair independent Societies. They did not consolidate but adjourned until next Tuesday evening when the matter will again be brought up for final action. A heavy thunder shower about noon. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant. On account of a bad color of hats, our work in the shop was stopped before dinner. William Carlson cashed my account for me for $23.00. In the P.M., I paid my bill at Hull & Rogers - $1.65. It was contracted last November. I also paid $8.00 to Henry Williams, Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, for commutation during September. AUGUST 22 SATURDAY - A beautiful day; have been to New York. Father Griswold went down this morning also. I went to Carlton's Book Publisher at 699 Broadway for Wallace Pine. I went also to Phillip Phillips for 3 'Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves Combined' for members of the Sunday School. I framed and brought home with me a picture for Frank Page, 'Heroic Dead', 16x20, two inch walnut and gilt. James Wood (clock dealer) from No. 5 Courtland Street called to see me at the store. AUGUST 23 SUNDAY - I attended church in the morning. Gussie came down at noon to Sunday School with Georgie. I came home with him after school. The awards to the children for collections for the Gettysburg Orphan Asylum were distributed this noon. After tea, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk around the square West, Division, Wooster and Deer Hill Streets. AUGUST 24 MONDAY - I have worked hard in the shop; came home late. Feeling tired, I stayed at home in the evening. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal. AUGUST 25 TUESDAY - Worked in the shop Adjourned special meeting this evening to investigate the case John Clark, Walter Signor and Saul Brockett. Signor was granted a card, but Clark and Brockett were rejected. Consolidation was disposed of by laying the motion on the table. While at the meeting, John Morris gave me a picture of his wife's daughter to frame for him in 8x10 polished walnut. AUGUST 26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. Have worked in the shop. In the P.M., a fine Liberty Pole was raised by the Democrats in the street near the Wooster House. Mr. Fowler's boy, Frank, came in while we were at tea with butter for Mother Griswold. They being away, we are taking it in their stead. I wrote to William at the store. Gussie mailed it in the evening. AUGUST 27 THURSDAY - Worked in the shop; headache all day. George Foote, for a wager of $1.50, walked up to the depot, down Main and Liberty while wearing an old caved-in silk hat. Two large placards with the names of candidates for President on them of each political party ' Grant & Colfax and Seymour & Blair. The Republican candidates, Grant & Colfax on his shoulders and the other Democratic, beneath his shirttail which was a very long one made of two kinds of calico (shop shirt) hung outside. He did it in 7 minutes including a stop for a drink. Gussie and Louise Vintz, another Griswold girl (who is staying with us now while they are away on a visit to Hartford County) have been up to George Davis' to spend the day. Georgie went up to Mother Purdy's yesterday where he still is. George, not having any work, went to Norwalk on the noon train to stay over tomorrow at the reunion of his old regiment, the 17th. AUGUST 28 FRIDAY - Gussie went to Norwalk this morning to act as lady for George at the reunion. I have worked in the shop. Edward Dickenson was this morning found dead near the junction of Main and Town Hill Streets, supposed to have been murdered. He was intoxicated when last seen about midnight. A post-mortem examination found that he died in a fit. Many think, however, that he was murdered by one called Bully Townsend, a desperate character seen last with him. George Foote after the wager yesterday was drunk the remainder of the day. He cried off the shop this morning, but I persuaded him to try and return again which he did and was shopped. Cyrus White cashed my account as I intend to go to New York tomorrow. AUGUST 29 SATURDAY - Shower early this morning. I have been to New York. I framed for the Sunday School a certificate of shareholder in the Gettysburg Orphan Asylum for soldiers and sailors of the war. Also a photo for John Morris ' 8x10 oval, polished walnut. A Democratic banner raising at the Wooster House. Philander Comstock's horse ran with his daughter, Lois. She was thrown from the carriage and picked up insensible. Her life is despaired of. She was reported dead once today, but this is not so. John Smith, an unprincipled Democrat, abused Saul G. Bailey this evening in a shameful manner. Captain Bailey could stand it no longer and gave him a beating up. AUGUST 30 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Before breakfast, I went down to the church with the certificate I framed and hung it in the Sunday School room. It was sent to the school for contributions made in the amount of $58.85. George and I went to Oil Mill Pond to wash after breakfast. I attended church in the morning. Our chorister, Benjamin Lockwood, came home with me to tea. We went over to Mr. Pond's and had a sing, Mrs. Pond playing the piano. AUGUST 31 MONDAY - A shower at noon. Another just at night and in the evening. I have worked in the shop. Wrote to William before I retired.
1868-08
Horace Purdy Journal September 1868 Entry
8pgs
SEPTEMBER 01 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop. Arranged with the Danbury Savings Bank to let my note lie over until October 1st. It is due the 4th of this month. I went up to see John Cosier in the evening to see about endorsing a note for me. He consented. SEPTEMBER 02 WEDNESDAY - I worked in the shop. Left work to go to the Danbury Bank with a note of Cosier endorsing, but could not get the money. I wanted $350.00. News from the Vermont election reports from 8 to 10 thousand increase in Republican majority last year in the polls. Guns were fired over Vermont. Mother came down and was with us to tea. The balance of 5 tons of coal came from Griffing today. SEPTEMBER 03 THURSDAY - To New York; cloudy in the morning, rain in the P.M. I brought up a 16x20 walnut and gilt frame for Eben Barnum, also a singing book, 'Revivalist' for Magee. FRIDAY - Stormy. I have worked in the shop. I stopped about 10 o'clock long enough to go to the Pahquioque Bank and take up my note of $350.00 by giving one of Father Griswold. The papers give us today the news of the death of ex -Governor Thomas H. Seymour. This morning, I paid Mr. Pond $10.00, $7.30 being for a box of soap he bought for me in New York the remaining $2.70 to stand on account to my credit. SEPTEMBER 05 SATURDAY - I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant at noon. A Grant and Colfax banner was raised at Concert Hall. A Mr. Adams and one Taney from New York spoke. A torchlight procession in the evening. SEPTEMBER 06 SUNDAY - I attended church in the morning and Sunday School at noon after which I came home with Georgie. Gussie came down with him to Sunday School. She stayed in the P.M. After tea, we took a walk with Georgie over to Spring Street. Gussie called at Henry Hinman's to see their baby who is sick with dysentery. At the same time I called on Daniel Manly. I took a leaflet of music to Mr. Lockwood in the evening, but I did not stay to meeting. SEPTEMBER 07 MONDAY - Showers in the morning; pleasant in the P.M. I worked in the shop in the A.M. There being no work in the P.M., I took the noon train to New York. Daniel, my boy in the store, gave me a mess of fish to bring home which he and his father caught yesterday. SEPTEMBER 08 TUESDAY - Cool in the morning. Nearly all the shops in the village adjourned to turn out in large numbers to scour the mountains and swamps in the vicinity of Brookfield for the Negro who last night committed a rape on Mrs. Russell Wildman. The search was a fruitless one. Georgie was last night taken with diarrhea and vomiting. Mrs. Bradley called this evening and paid me ___ of the seat rent. She is to wait and see if George pays and if not, then she pays her half of the six months, after which time, I give up my claim and her bargain thereafter is with Charles Stevens. George turned out to hunt the Negro today. Before breakfast, I wrote to Edmund Palmer about buying my New York picture business. SEPTEMBER 09 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I worked in the factory until noon and then took the train to Stamford to see Edmund Palmer. The business being new to him, he concludes not to buy me out. It being misty and almost rain at noon, I borrowed an umbrella of Robert Cowan, but had but little use for it. Finally it rained a little in Stamford about 6 o'clock. I talked on the corner of West and New Street on my way home with Clark Beers about my store; he has some idea of buying. Gussie sick with dysentery, apparently. Before retiring, I wrote to William Hayes at the store. SEPTEMBER 10 THURSDAY - Rain during last night and this morning. A part of the day has been pleasant. A thundershower this evening. I mailed the letter I wrote last night this morning. I have worked hard in the shop. George finished canvassing William and George Street for me today. I sent the list to the Club Room by him this evening. I being very tired, he did our marketing for us and I stayed at home this evening. SEPTEMBER 11 FRIDAY - Showery at times during the day; very warm. An Irishman called 'Fancy Pat', while crossing the stream near the factory on a timber, being intoxicated, fell into the stream. Had it not been for the factory hands (who were looking at him and expected him to fall in) going to his assistance, he would have drowned. One of our apprentices, Edward White, was first to him. George took the train this morning for Yonkers where he has secured work at Waring & Nichols. I bought 4 gallons of kerosene oil of Mr. Pond at 55 cents. SEPTEMBER 12 SATURDAY - The sun has been hot; summer all over again. I have been to New York. I framed and brought up with me two pictures ' 16x20, two inch walnut and gilt, one for Saul G. Bailey, 'Soldiers' Testimonial', the other for Mrs. Cyrus White entitled 'The Motherless', a picture she has taken the agency for and intends canvassing. I brought a bottle of whiskey for William Hutchings to carry out a joke in the shop between us concerning him and James Purcell, a rum-seller on the corner of Varick and King Streets in New York. I also brought two packages for Elijah Morris, one of them being candy for his little girl from his folks in the city. Walter Sparks told me that Fred Jennings threatened to sue me for talking about him. I despise him and treat him with silent contempt. It is this and not slander that enrages him. I am not concerned for what I may have said in fact, and besides, he knows he owes me $10.00 for rent; it is this that makes the trouble. Thief he is for blandly denying the debt. It is for three months' rent for January to April, 1859. See Ledger Account, page 29. I saw Gussie sick and the doctor at the house tonight when I came home from the depot. SEPTEMBER 13 SUNDAY - Very warm again. After breakfast, I went down to the church with the Sunday School papers and over to Elijah Morris with the packages I bought for him last evening. I attended church this morning. I gave to Mr. Lockwood, our chorister, the 30 leaflets from Bigelow & Main's specimen pieces of music from 'Chapel Melodies'. Gussie being sick, I came home from Sunday School. After tea, I took a walk with Georgie around the square, stopping a few minutes at John Bouton's. SEPTEMBER 14 MONDAY - I have worked in the shop. Two letters for George, I mailed to Yonkers this evening. I bought a new rope for my bucket. Bought this book for a journal and began copying from paper up to this time. Maine election. SEPTEMBER 15 - Worked in the shop. Georgie was last night taken with dysentery, it being just 5 years that Eddie died of the same complaint. Mrs. Amos Purdy was in to see him this evening. Jollification at torchlight procession this evening over Maine election which is reported to be 23,000 Republicans. This is a 12,000 gain over last year. The rejoicing was kept up to a late hour amid cheers, shooting Roman candles, and speaking by a Mr. Dellman of New York on the steps of the Wooster House. He is a war Democrat, opposed to Seymour and will, he says, vote for Grant. His democratic friends are highly indignant at him. SEPTEMBER 16 MONDAY - Gussie was up with Georgie all night. I did not undress or go to bed, but lay on the lounge. He is very sick. I have worked in the shop. I mailed a letter to William this morning; sent it to the Office by Mr. Sherman. There was a little rain in the forenoon. It came off cold in the P.M. I went to market in the evening. I saw Clark Beers in Billy Raymond's; he has not yet heard from his New York folks concerning buying me out. I got two oranges which I sent to Norwalk for by Robert Cowan, the only two to be found there or here. They cost 10 cents each, very small at that. I want them for Benjamin Rolfe's little girl who is sick. SEPTEMBER 17 THURSDAY - Cold last night and this morning, but no frost on account of the wind, though the air has been cold enough. Chilly all day. Work begins to give back; we were stopped after a half day's work. I went up home in the P.M. for some tomatoes. We want to put them up in airtight jars for winter use. I hoed out my strawberry bed before tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening; also to see Dr. Bulkely for instruction about giving medicine to Georgie. We try to think him a little better though he is very sick. Sarah Purdy came over in the evening to sit up a part if not all the night with Georgie. Gussie was up last night and I am nearly sick myself. The Soldier's Record having come for George, I mailed it to him this evening to Yonkers. SEPTEMBER 18 FRIDAY - Our first frost this morning; the day has been pleasant. Cool but warmer than yesterday. Sarah Purdy watched with Georgie in company with Gussie last night. I went to bed last night with a headache; have had it today but have worked in the shop. Our work being limited, I finished about 3 o'clock. Mother Griswold and Fanny came home from Bloomfield by the evening train. John Bouton borrowed my gun this evening to go for pigeons tomorrow. SEPTEMBER 19 SATURDAY - A lovely day, though cool in the morning. I have been to New York. Clark Beers' wife and baby were on the train with me to New York, going to her mother who is not expected to live. I came home on the 3 o'clock train. I bought a piece of cloth of John Gilbert at Georgetown for Henry Stone. I brought two frames for Harriet Mills. Georgie is better. SEPTEMBER 20 SUNDAY - Fanny stayed with Georgie last night so that Gussie and I had a good night's rest. Gussie did not go to church at all. I went down to Sunday School, but returned after its close. Father came down to see Georgie in the P.M. but returned before tea. After tea, Gussie went over to see Frank Bouton who has a little girl born on Thursday night last, the 17th. It commenced raining after dinner and continued during the day. Georgie is still better today. Mrs. Bradley called this morning to see how he was and Mrs. Daniel Starr at noon. After tea, I wrote to George telling him how sick Georgie had been. I enclosed to him his gold pen which he left home when he went away. SEPTEMBER 21 MONDAY - I stayed up with Georgie last night. Pleasant but cool today. I have worked in the shop. Our work being now limited, I finished mine about 3 o'clock. Doctor came a few minutes after I came home. He pronounced Georgie better and recommended a bird for him. I immediately took my gun and started to get one. I wrote and mailed a note to Southmayd and Company in New York with $2.50 enclosed with which to advertise. I also wrote to William at the store. SEPTEMBER 22 TUESDAY - Gussie sat up last night with Georgie. I have worked in the shop as yesterday until about the middle of the P.M., our work now being limited. The Negro who committed the outrage on the wife of Russell Wildman on Great Plain about two weeks ago was today brought to town and lodged in jail. He was caught in Canaan, a town in this state by another Negro and brought here. Later : it is yet to be known whether he is the guilty one or not. Before tea, Father Griswold and I ground his scythe for me to mow my dooryard as soon as I get time. Georgie is about the same as yesterday. We have fed him some bird, the broth and some toast which we must wait until tomorrow to see the effect. It commenced raining about 7 o'clock this evening. I went to market and to the Post Office this evening. Louise stayed a part of the evening with us. SEPTEMBER 23 WEDNESDAY - Rain this morning. I stayed with Georgie last night. I slept a good portion of the time in the lounge beside his bed. I have worked in the shop but finished all we could get before noon. I stayed with Georgie in the P.M. to let Gussie go to the dress maker, Mrs. McNeil. Just at night, I took my gun and started to get Georgie a bird, but could not so I got two red squirrels and came home. I wrote to William after dinner, directing him to put it in (my store) as many agents' hands as he could to sell for me. SEPTEMBER 24 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. It commenced raining in the P.M. I have worked in the shop. I came home about 4 P.M. and went up home to get a chicken for Georgie, but Mother killed the one she had been saving for me, so I came home without it, but brought a few potatoes in the basket instead. Georgie has been dressed today for the first time since he was taken sick. He sat up too long and got very tired. I went to market in the evening. It was about 9 o'clock before the train came in the evening. The Northern and Housatonic Railroad commenced today running trains from here to Brookfield in connection with the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad. While waiting for the train to come with the mail, I went into Concert Hall to see James Meany paint a Republican banner for Ridgefield. He has just completed a fine one for us which will be raised on Saturday in front of the Turner House. SEPTEMBER 25 FRIDAY - It rained very hard this morning. I had intended to go to New York, but the rain prevented me. I did not have my clothes off last night, but lay on the lounge. I have worked in the shop. SEPTEMBER 26 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. Some appearance of clearing off in the morning, but it rained again in the P.M. and in the evening. I have been to New York; I bought 6 copies of 'Two Years With Jesus' for Edmund's class; also two copies of the last edition (smaller size) and five hymn books. I went down to Richardson & Boynton in Water Street near Beekman for a set of No. 1 Opal Ranges fine brick for myself. I also left for sale my store with Hall & Buckle, real estate brokers, 101 Beekman Street. SEPTEMBER 27 SUNDAY - Stormy; it rained last night and has continued through today. Georgie is doing well so far as the dysentery goes, but he is very weak and he gains strength very slow. I went to Sunday School at noon but the attendance was very small. No lessons were heard or books exchanged. Brother Starr opened the school with singing a prayer. Benjamin F. Bailey talked to the school. John B. Merwin preached in the morning. I came home after Sunday School. Father came down to see us after tea. As he went home, I walked with him to Deer Hill. As he proceeded home, I went down Wooster Street, Main and West and then home again for a walk. I found Mrs. Bradley at the house on a call to see Georgie. We did not go out in the evening, but stayed at home. Father being out of coal, I last evening let him have a wheelbarrow load. SEPTEMBER 28 MONDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I took my gun and went to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods and vicinity to get a bird for Georgie to eat but could not find one. I was gone over two hours and came home to breakfast with a headache. I went to the shop, but there was no work for the men. I stayed about an hour when the foreman gave me a dozen to finish. I worked to finish them until 3 o'clock suffering with a severe headache. I was too sick to eat a mouthful at noon although I had my dinner with me and yet I worked. The widow of the late Hiram Cole was found in the river this morning about 9 o'clock near J. W. Ives Lumberyard, drowned. It is supposed that she committed suicide by jumping in at the rear of her garden which runs down to the water. Her home is on Elm Street opposite George Starr's. A small Irish boy about ___ years old, son of ___ was also drowned on Saturday in the same stream but lower down. He was carrying dinner to his father and while crossing the timbers which span the stream going over from the Pahquioque Hat Factory to the Bartram and Fanton Sewing Machine Factory, fell in. His body was floated down the ___ Shop before it could be stopped and recovered. Tom Thumb and wife, Commodore Grant and Minnie Warren show this P.M. and evening. I wrote to George in the evening. Gussie went to market and returned with a letter for me from George. I added a reply in the letter already written. While Gussie was in the street, I went into the woodhouse and cut some wads for my gun. SEPTEMBER 29 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I shot a robin for Georgie before breakfast on the sweet apple tree near Father Griswold's barn. My work in the shop lasted until about 10 o'clock. I then came home and fixed up and took the noon train to New York. I had about 20 minutes at the store. William told me of a looking glass which disappeared while Daniel was alone in the store. I am getting suspicious of Dan. Josephine Dare was on the train for New York this evening. I assisted her and a lady friend off the train at Bethel. Constable Charles H. Crosby met me at the depot this evening and notified me of the repairs needed to the walks in William Street. My walks, Father Griswold's and Mr. Pond's need repairs. The trouble is with Saul Barnum. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. Also Emily Anderson to inquire about Elisha Serine who has applied to her to rent her upper rooms. SEPTEMBER 30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I lay on the lounge beside Georgie last night and took care of him. Before breakfast, I wrote to William requesting him if he was able to trace the missing looking glass which I suspect Daniel the boy of stealing. I had work nearly all day in the shop. I went from the shop over to Town Hill to Cyrus White's for 30 green peppers for Gussie to make ___ of. A Mr. Latimer from out west came home today with Father Griswold to make a visit. He is an old family friend who Mother Griswold has not seen for 40 years. I went to market in the evening and brought home my clock which I had cleaned and a new mainspring. Bell came in about 9 o'clock after I returned from the street and said that Harriet had brought over from Mrs. Townsend's school some clothes ' coat, pants, boots, shoes and slippers - which if they would fit me, I could have if I would go up home with her. Accordingly, I went with her and brought home a pair of pants, a coat, a pair of boots and overshoes, 2 pair of shoes and a pair of slippers
1868-09
Horace Purdy Journal March 1869 Entry
10pgs
MARCH 01 MONDAY - Very cold last night and this morning, though the day has been pleasant. I rose early this morning and wrote to William and mailed it before breakfast. I wrote to have him while up to Yonkers tomorrow to have a look around for a store at that place suitable for my business. I have worked in the shop. I had some words with William Carlton about my pay which he advanced for me last Friday and drew on Saturday. He claims to have paid me $28.00 when he only paid me $24.00 the amount of my account. I am certain that he did not pay me $28.00 and he is just as certain that he did. I finally gave him $4.00 with the understanding that it was a present and not for what he claims that I owed him for I owed him nothing. While we were at tea, Henry Hinman came down with a picture of their child for me to frame which I did in a rose and gilt frame, 8x10 for $1.00. I went to the Post Office and the baker's in the evening. When I returned, I went up to Father Griswold's to visit with Gussie's cousin Arthur Griswold. MARCH 02 TUESDAY - A very cold morning gain. After breakfast, Charlie Hayes helped me get a barrel of flour form Father Griswold's barn into his house. I have worked in the shop. Sam Larkey and Edward Stevens were shopped today. We are now having all we can do, so I work until dark. The weather has moderated during the day. It has snowed a part of the day thought not very hard. Charlie ate his supper in a hurry and went back to work this evening at the Sewing machine factory. Charlie was paid off today, it being their monthly pay, so he paid for his last four weeks' board to Gussie - $24.00. A special hatter's meeting at Benedict's new hall to consolidate with the independent and foul hatters, or as we call it, whitewashing them. After a lengthy discussion, the thing was voted down and we came home, I to visit up to Father Griswold's with Arthur Griswold. We came down home about 11 o'clock. MARCH 03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. The snow has wasted very fast. Another such day and the sleighing will be used up. I have worked in the shop. After tea, Edmund Allen called to borrow our breast pump. I went with him into the street to do some marketing. This P.M., I believe, the Velocipede Hall was opened at Benedict's new hall. This is the first of velocipedes in Danbury. MARCH 04 THURSDAY - It has snowed most of the time today, some of the time quite hard. I was last night taken with a severe pain in my head, more severe than the ordinary headaches I am subject to. It was I think, Neuralgia. It increased through the night, so that this morning, I was in such agony that I could hardly endure it. The pain struck to my stomach and caused severe turns of vomiting. A pain also in my back. This all continued until noon when Dr. Bulkely, who was sent for in the morning, came. His medicine produced a change. I improved during the afternoon and a little after 4 o'clock, got up and dressed myself. I ate a little and drank a cup of tea. I felt still better in the evening. This being an opening session of another velocipede school in Concert Hall, Charlie Hayes, our boarder, by invitation of his employer. Mr. Olmstead, went. Admission, 20 cents. Gussie also being in the street on some errands, I was left alone. Father Griswold came down and I had a talk with him about the propriety of selling my home for $3,000 and moving to New York to attend personally my business. We both came to the conclusion that if I could not sell my store in New York, I had better sell out here and go there. The snow storm today has amounted to but little by way of increasing the amount of snow on the ground, it being so warm that it wasted about as fast as it came. General U. S. Grant today takes his seat as President of the United States. MARCH 05 FRIDAY - A very cold morning. I did not get up until breakfast was ready. I felt more like myself, the pain in my back being the worst remains of yesterday. About 9 o'clock, I went into the street, took orders for gold frames of Swift, and had some conversation with him about selling my home or my store in New York in which he spoke of Henry Day who was in quest of a business. I then went to see John Cosier, real estate agent, and left with him my New York business to sell, and if not able to do this perhaps to sell my home so that I could move to the city and attend to business. From there, I called at the shirt factory and got $4.50 from Walker Bartram for a hat I sold him 2 weeks ago. I then went down to the shop and had my account made up and left it with Oscar Serine to draw for me tomorrow. I then came home, stopping at Crofut's for some cracked corn for chicken feed. I got home about 1 P.M. On my way into the street, I met Harriet Purdy coming up West Street. She arrived in town from New York last evening. After dinner, I called on Father Griswold and conversed with him about selling my house or business. We agreed about selling the store if possible instead of my house. Gussie went down to Mrs. Carpenter's and to do some shopping in the P.M. I stayed home with Georgie. In the P.M., I wrote to E. C. Allen in Augusta, Maine for particulars about something at which money could be made, I enclosed 10 cents for a sample. My head feeling bad this evening, I stayed at home and let Gussie go to market. MARCH 06 SATURDAY - Cold and snow until about the middle of the day when it stopped. From about 11 o'clock until 5, it was pleasant in New York. When the train coming home reached Norwalk, it was snowing again very hard. I stopped again on the platform at Winnipauk the same as last Saturday, expecting to see Mrs. Meade with a package of woolen pieces for carpet bags for Gussie and Mother Griswold, she having agreed to meet the train there and hand them to me a week ago. She was paid for them about 2 weeks ago while she was in Danbury. She was not at the depot so that we are as yet without the rags. Charles Hayes went to the city with me this morning. He goes to get a legacy due him at 21 years of age left to him by his father. It may be until the middle of next week before he completes his business to return here again. Charles Carpenter also went down with us on a visit to his brother John. I brought back a large carpet bag for him. His father met me at the depot and took it. I brought up John Bouton's wreath which I have been preserving. I also brought 2 testimonial frames for Egbert Gilbert and Ezekiel Eaton., a discharge too framed for Gilbert. Two Singing Pilgrims and 200 slate pencils for Mr. Pond. My store landlord, Mr. Terry, came to see me today. He wants to rent me only the store at $400.00. I am yet undecided about what I will do. I am about discouraged. I brought a letter and papers for Hiram Benjamin to his wife on Stevens Street, which I delivered before tea. Henry Hinman met me at the cars and helped me bring my bundles. A letter for Father by this evening's mail from Uncle Theodore in Sherman with news of his son Charles' death. MARCH 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. We rose late. I went down to Sunday School and Gussie up home with Father's letter of the death of Uncle Theodore's son Charles. She got to Sunday School before it was out. At its close, I came home and brought Georgie down from Mother Griswold's where Gussie left him to go up home. After supper, I went over to John Bouton's to tell him his wreath was done. On my return, I called at Egbert Gilbert's. When I returned, I went over to Alex Pine's to get Mrs. Pine to wash for us tomorrow. Her daughter being sick, she could not. I then went to the next house ' Mrs. Redmen's (Irish) and engaged her. I called to see Charles Purdy on my return. Gussie being nearly sick with a cold, we both stayed home in the evening. MARCH 08 MONDAY - Pleasant. Gussie is about sick with a heavy cold today. I have worked in the shop. I attended a Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening at which we voted $10.00 to Elizabeth Bartram for services t the piano at our festival last Christmas. I being the treasurer of the school paid the amount out to her at the close of the meeting. When I returned home, I found a telegraphic dispatch for me from William at the store. I immediately went down to Swift's Store to see him about Day buying me out in New York. We finally thought that he was now in New York looking at the store and that accounted for the dispatch requiring my presence there tomorrow. When I returned home again, I copied the minutes of the Teacher's meeting before retiring. MARCH 09 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. The dispatch last night was because my landlord, Mr. Terry, put on the door, 'To Rent'. I tried twice to see him today by going to his office at 716 Broadway, but both times he was away. I called on H. D. Clark in Courtland Street in the P.M. I came from the city on the 3:45 train and stopped in Norwalk to see a store. Charles Hayes having completed his business in New York, came on the 4:25 train and joined me at Norwalk and came home with me. I am about discouraged in business. After tea, I went up and had a talk with Father Griswold about business. Before retiring, I wrote to William about the lease of the store. MARCH 10 WEDNESDAY - Stormy, rain. I have worked in the shop. My lungs are sore from a severe cough. Charles Griffin came to the shop and dunned me about money for a coal bill, but I could do nothing for him. As I went to work this morning, I left our jug at D. Nichols for a gallon of molasses which I paid for $1.10. It being muddy, rainy and windy in the evening, I stayed home. MARCH 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant today. Yesterday's rain has taken nearly all the snow off. I have worked hard in the shop. I came home about sick. Received a letter from William stating that Mr. Terry had rented my store to other partners. Gussie today bought a piece of unbleached muslin, 43 and a half yards at 16 and a half cents - $7.21; also a linen tablecloth for $1.81. I went to bed sick after which John Bouton came for his wreath. MARCH 12 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I was sick last night and today. My severe cold is I think passing off by way of my bowels as I was up several times last night. I feel very weak today and have not attempted to work though after dinner I went down to the shop to arrange with someone to draw my pay tomorrow. Joe Kyle advanced it to me and he will draw it tomorrow - $18.00. John Gray gave me Ezekiel Eaton's Soldier's Testimonial to frame. I brought it home and put it in a frame which I had ready for it at the house. MARCH 13 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been New York. On my way to the store, I called on Phillip's at 37 Broadway at Union Square for two Singing Pilgrims. Henry Day called at the store to see about buying me out. I had a long talk with him. I made him an offer of $600.00. He will see me again next week and decide. I went to the depot to come home by way of Tibbels' 27 Park Row for No. 1 Catechisms. I partly secured a situation there for William as bookkeeper. I brought home 16 oranges for 25 cents. Griffin stopped meat his coal office as I came home from the depot and wanted me to settle my coal bill. He made some threats if I did not do it before April 1st and I got mad and told him to work at it as soon as he pleased. At the same time, I told him I was doing as fast as I could and would not put him off 20 minutes if I could help it. I arrive home sick, could not eat any supper and retired. MARCH 14 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I went down to Sunday School at noon and returned again after the session with Georgie. I have not felt very well and have kept pretty quiet. About noon, the last missing child of the Kohanza flood was found in the rear of William White's. Its name was Nettie Bothwell. There now remains missing only the wife of Mr. Clark. After supper, John Bouton called to see me. We all stayed at home in the evening and retired early. MARCH 15 MONDAY - Snow and hail with wind and some rain until just at night when it cleared off. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went to market after writing to William. Charles wrote a line and enclosed with me. Another bill for balance of account I owe to D. P. Nichols. MARCH 16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I took from the Office a letter from Mr. Day in Newark stating that he could not raise the money I want for my store until the middle of April or May 1st, but he would give me good security and take possession now if I am willing. I showed or rather read the letter to Father Griswold. He advised me to go down and see about it tomorrow. I went to market in the evening. MARCH 17 WEDNESDAY - St. Patrick's Day in the morning. A beautiful day. I have been to New York to see Mr. Day about buying my store. He agrees to meet me there next Monday and close the bargain by giving notes well secured. One of $300.00 payable April 8th and another of $300.00 payable May 1st. He gives over to me his life insurance policy of $1,000 paid up to next February as security and perhaps his brother as endorser. The notes are given by his wife who is worth money. He is giving his own jointly with her or a separate note as additional security. Called again at Tibbel's about a situation for William as bookkeeper; it looks favorable for him. I brought home 15 nice oranges for 25 cents. Gussie having gone over to Cyrus White's china wedding, she left Louise to wait on me for tea. After tea I wrote a line to William stating what progress with Tibbels', and enclosed a French Looking Glass Plate list which I had home. As soon as written, I went down and mailed it. MARCH 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. Work is getting dull. We had but 1 dozen today. After work I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory to see Charlie and to get $5.00 from George Brockett which he borrowed of me in New York, but I did not see him. After I came home I carried a testimonial and a discharge which I have been framing over to Egbert Gilbert's. In the evening, we all went to the Sinking Fund Social at the church. Belle was with us to tea and stayed until she got Georgie in bed and asleep when she locked up and went home while we were at the Social. I attended the church tea party for organizing the Sinking Fund Social. I went more to go with Charlie Hayes than anything else for I was tired. So far as numbers and enjoyment the affair was a success. MARCH 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but towards night it threatened storm. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory to collect $5.00 borrowed money of Charles Brockett; he did not have the money but gave me an order on Mr. Rider, the paymaster. On my way home, I took a letter from the Office from William at the store expressing gratitude, etc. for assistance in getting him a situation which I have so nearly accomplished at Tibbel's Book Store , 37 Park Row. Gussie being down to the church, helping clean up after last night's affair, I took dinner with Father Griswold. I helped him trim apple trees and trimmed some for myself also. In the evening, I went to market. E. O. Perrin speaks this evening for the Democracy Against Negro Suffrage. It commenced snowing before bedtime. MARCH 20 SATURDAY - About 2 inches of snow on the ground this morning and still snowing hard. It stopped however before noon and in the P.M. It cleared off fine taking all the snow off before night. I have been home today and worked in the shop. I went to market in the evening and took a letter from the Office for Harriet and carried it to her at Dr. Lacy's. I went to the Express Office and found the bundles of carpet rags there sent from Winnipauk to Mother Griswold. I saw J. C. Beers at Parmalee's store. He gave me an order for framing and looking glasses. I am to get the glasses at 107 Rodney Street, Williamsburg and bring them to Danbury when done. MARCH 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cold. I went down as usual to Sunday School and returned afterword, Gussie staying to the afternoon prayer meeting. After tea, Charles and I took a walk over to Clark Beers'. From there, we walked up Deer Hill as far as Keeler's Orchard and then returned home. Charles and I attended preaching in the evening. Brother Burch preached, the subject, 'The Night of Horror. ' MARCH 22 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold in the morning. I have been to New York. I took down a frame to put together and put a looking glass in for Mrs. E. Gilbert, also an order for framing two looking glasses for Clark Beers. I have to send to Rodney Street in Williamsburg for the glass. I today took Henry Day's wife's notes (two at $300.00 each) for my store and his life insurance policy as collateral security ($1,000.00). The first note payable in17 days, due April 8th, the second in forty days May 1st. He took possession today. I put up a half dozen gold frames for Swift. Before retiring, I wrote to George telling him of my sale and asking him for what money he can spare before April 1st. MARCH 23 TUESDAY - The ground covered with snow this morning and raining. I had work in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory and presented George Brockett's order for $5.00 to the paymaster which he gave me last week for that amount which he borrowed of me last fall in New York. Mr. Rider, the bookkeeper, not having money on hand, he gave me credit for it and charged the same to Brockett. I will get the money April 1st, their next payday. I then went to the shirt Factory to get a pattern cut for my shirts, but the cutter being away, I could not. In the evening, I went to market and bought one gallon of vinegar of Avery Raymond. Father Griswold came home on the freight train this P.M. In the evening, I called on him and told him of my selling my store. Showed him the notes given and the insurance policy as collateral security. Gussie went over to John Bouton's in the evening. MARCH 24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but muddy. I have worked in the shop. The work being limited, I finished mine before night. On my way home, I stopped at the business office of Jones & Hoyt to see about the legal transfer of Henry Day's life insurance policy making it payable to me. I hold the policy, but as of yet, no written transfer has been made to go with the document. In the evening, I went into the street and called at Jones & Hoyt and had Jones make out a form for transferring the policy. Mother Griswold spent the evening with us. The store and dwelling on the corner of Main and North Streets uptown was burned this morning. The building was owned by Mason Thorp and occupied by a Mr. Spencer as a grog shop. MARCH 25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. Alexander Pine's oldest daughter, aged 11 years was buried this P.M. George Davis' wife was with Gussie to dinner. I went to market in the evening. Brother Burch, our preacher, sent a blank to me by Fanny to fill out for Conference with Sunday School statistics. I looked them up and filled out the document before retiring. MARCH 26 FRIDAY - Fast Day. Rainy. I have been to New York. I expected to see Henry Day, but he was not there, he having left there last night for Danbury, so says William. I took dinner with William. I came to the depot about an hour ahead of time, left my satchel and went over to 111 West 30th Street to see Mrs. Fields about her pictures to be framed at the shop. I sat with Ezra Abbott in the car from New York to Danbury. I brought the 8x10 oval scale and ribbon frame home to Swift which I took down this morning to repair the gilt. MARCH 27 SATURDAY - The storm cleared away this morning and we have had a fine day. I have worked in the shop. I went to market in the evening. I called a Griffing Coal Office and promised to pay what I owe him on the 10th of April. After coming from market, I went up to Mother Griswold's and got two pounds of butter. It is worth 60 cents per pound but she only charged me 40 cents. MARCH 28 SUNDAY - A splendid day. I this morning saw for the first time blackbirds and robins. I went down as usual at noon to Sunday School after which I came home with Georgie. After tea, Gussie went over to Mrs. Bradley's and they together went up to the cemetery. Charles Purdy took a walk with Charles Hayes and I took Georgie to walk up in West Street. A meeting in the evening at the First Congregational Church (union meeting) for the benefit of the Female Guardian Society. I stayed at home with Georgie to let Gussie attend. MARCH 29 MONDAY - It commenced raining about 7 o'clock this morning and continued all day, raining very hard a portion of the time. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I bought a loaf of aerated bread. Charles was late to tea, so we ate before he came. In the evening, Anna Hinman and Mary Gray, her sister, who is visiting with her came downstairs and spent the evening with us. MARCH 30 TUESDAY - It is still stormy. I have worked in the shop. Prices on Velvet Hats, No. 5 and finer, knocked down from $3.50 to $3.00. No. 7 (which we have not yet had any of) or all coarser than No. 5 to be $2.50. Fred Jennings has been trying to rent rooms of O. H. Swift. Swift called at the shop today to enquire of me concerning him. I, of course, answered plainly. Jennings afterwards, when Swift refused him the rooms, swore and raved fearfully. He threatens to have my heart's blood, etc. This evening, I bought one 8x10 polished oval walnut frame of O. H. Swift for Miss Camp. It was a $2.00 frame; I got it for $1.50. Horace Greeley speaks on the issues of the day this evening at Concert Hall. I had so many bundles bring from market that I came home without stopping to hear him. MARCH 31 WEDNESDAY - A little rain during the day. It cleared off just before night. I have worked in the shop. Henry Hinman moved out form our upper rooms today. He has gone over in the upper part of William Trumbull's home. I stayed home in the evening except for a short time spent with Father Griswold arranging for the payment of our joint note at the Danbury Savings Bank.
1869-03
Horace Purdy Journal April 1869 Entry
11pgs
APRIL 01 THURSDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop. I mailed for Gussie a letter to her sister Harriet in New Haven. I received a letter from George. He has left Yonkers on account of Mr. Waring changing from fur to wool hatting. He is now boarding at 74 Claremont Avenue in Brooklyn and working for Prentice. He asks if his name is alright on the list here so he can vote. I wrote a reply and mailed it saying that he is alright and we want him here if possible. I also dropped a line to Henry Day (who bought my store in New York) and enclosed an application to the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford to make his life insurance policy payable to me in case of his death, the policy for which I hold as security for his notes given in payment for my store. I sent it for he and his wife to sign jointly as the policy is in favor of his wife. I bought a shad at 20 cents per pound for the first time this season. It was a North Carolina shad. While in the street, Dr. Brown told me that $5.00 would be given to George if he would come home to vote. I came home and wrote another letter to him stating the fact. Charles Hayes, our boarder, gave Gussie $13.00 towards his last month's board. APRIL 02 FRIDAY - I have worked as usual in the shop. It commenced raining about 6 o'clock this evening. Joseph R. Hawley spoke this evening for the Republicans at Concert hall. Victor Benedict was at the meeting and after Hawley stood up and made an open declaration of Republican principles, denouncing the sham democracy of the present day and stating that if his life was spared until next Monday, he should vote for impartial or Negro suffrage. The meeting closed at 10 o'clock when I walked up West Street with Marshall West. Edmund Allen offers me $3,000 for my place. APRIL 03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. Rheumatism is troubling me considerably, but so far I have kept at work. In the evening, I attended the Republican Caucus at Concert Hall. We nominated for representatives, Walter Bartram and John Tweedy. Henry Fanton, the grocer, ran for a time ahead of all the others. Perry, E. S. Davis, L. Brewster, and several others had a respectable number of votes for a time. After the caucus, a large number went up to L. J. Jackson's to present him with a picture of the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln in the presence of his cabinet ' size 25x40 in walnut and gilt with cross bands and ornamental corners. It is a fine thing; price, $65.00. I did not go up but saw the picture at Swift's earlier in the evening. I bought a dozen oranges of S. Holmes, corner of Main and Liberty Streets and came home. APRIL 04 SUNDAY - Cool. At noon and a portion of the P.M., we had snow squalls. Aside from this, the sun shone brightly. Father Griswold preached this forenoon. Gussie went to hear him and I stayed homer with Georgie. She came home in time to let me go to Sunday School. After school, I came home. I feel miserable with rheumatism. About 6 o'clock P.M., Susan Brayman called to see Gussie. Later in the evening, Henry Hinman came in to give Gussie Mrs. Stone's address. She then wrote to her to see if she would come to help clean house. She wrote to Southbury where we last knew her to be. APRIL 05 MONDAY - Pleasant. Election Day. George came home by the morning train from Brooklyn. I met him at the train. I borrowed John Tweedy's horse and took him with his traveling bag up home. From there, I took him to the Court House where we both voted. We then went up to the Post Office and then we came home to dinner. At the Court House, I bought 10 Colorado pens for 25 cents. I gave George 5 of them. Just before dinner, I had a talk with Father Griswold about selling my home. He advises me to do so if Edmund Allen will take it at $3,000. If so, he promises to build me another place which will cost $2,000. I went down to the polls again in the P.M. Later in the P.M., I met George uptown. I gave him the $5.00 promised to defray expenses coming home to vote and will get it again from John Tweedy or Dr. Brown. I saw Henry Day who also came home to vote. I went to Norwalk with George and Day to talk with them and returned again on the evening train. I let George take my N.Y. & N. H. railroad commutation ticket at Norwalk to see if he could use it and thereby save $1.30. When I came home, I was in a bad condition from the rheumatism. When I got home, I found John Bouton at the house waiting to see me to make out an estimate of a house as I am thinking of building if I sell my house. When he left and I tried to eat a little, I retired, feeling about used up. APRIL 06 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I got up feeling miserable. On my way to the shop, I called at the Post Office and Dr. Brown gave me the $5.00 I advanced yesterday to George. I tried to work at the shop but could not and had to give up and come home. On my way home, I stopped to see Edmund Allen. He is still in earnest about buying my house, though I have not yet set the price. I bought ## dozen lemons and when I got home, I made some hot lemonade for my cold. In the P.M., I drew up a plan for the house Father Griswold contemplates building for me if I sell the one I am now living in. The result of the election yesterday was the election Walter Bartram as our representative. John tweedy our other one, was defeated by only two votes, which gave it to Dr. James Baldwin, the Democratic nominee. Our majority (republican) can only be figured at. We elected our Governor Marshall Jewell and have a majority in both branches of the legislature. Bill for back dues for the Hatters' Association sent me by the Secretary, Edward Coday - $2.00. I did not pay it. APRIL 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm with the exception of 2 or 3 showers which were short thought it rained quite hard. I am feeling better and have worked all day in the shop. John McNamee called the shop this P.M. to raise the price of finishing velvet hats. We voted to raise them 50 cents per dozen where they were not pounced before coming to us. Mr. Crofut declared that he could not give it and sell the hats in the same market as the Jersey manufacturers and said that if we insisted on having the advance, we could get up what we had out and then stop. This effected a reconsideration of the vote which resulted in going to work at our old prices, viz, $2.50 for all coarser than No. 5 and $3.00 for No. 5 and all finer. While we were at tea about 7 o'clock, Henry Hinman came in and sat with us until I went into the street. While in the street, I saw John Bouton while in Swift's store. I gave him the plan of the house I drew yesterday to estimate the cost of building. The body of Mrs. Clark, the last of those destroyed in the Kohanza disaster was found yesterday about midway between the lower railroad bridge and the factory pond below. After coming from the street, I went over to see Robert Cocking about the pieces of glass he wants to buy at my old store in New York now occupied by Henry Day. While over there, Mrs. Cocking poured a glass of wine for Robert and me. Before retiring, I wrote a dunning letter to George Quien for the $2.25 he owes me for framing a testimonial. APRIL 08 THURSDAY - Pleasant excepting a shower in the P.M. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George Quien. I have had work all day in the shop. Gussie has been down to Susan Brayman's to have her help her make some shirts for me. Susan came home with about 5 ## o'clock and stayed to tea. She found Mother up to Mother Griswold's visiting. She came down to make us a visit, but Gussie being gone, she went up there. After tea, Gussie went up home with Mother and got George's clean clothes for me to take to the city tomorrow. While she was after them, John Bouton came in to give me an estimate on building a house which father Griswold thinks of building for me. I went downtown with John. Before returning, I called on Ed Allen and offered my place for $3,000 with the privilege of staying until next spring before giving possession. He is to think of it and let me know. APRIL 09 FRIDAY - I have been to New York. I expected to have some money from Henry Day on the note due yesterday but the person from whom he expected the money is dangerously ill and he could not under the circumstances get it. I collected from Benjamin Ryder, $1.35 for a sample frame I made for him. I called on Tibbels about the bookkeeper's situation for William Hayes. It looks doubtful about his securing it. I also called at Gilbert Bennett's in Pearl Street near Fulton to collect $.92 balance due for framing a picture of his factory at Georgetown, but he not being in I did not get it. I brought home Egbert Gilbert's looking glass and delivered after tea. I got the money, $3.25, which Day told me to put in my pocket towards what he owes me. I brought home two bananas. I bought for the Sunday School 9 Judd's Lessons for every Sunday in the year. APRIL 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until about 4 P.M., then came by way of Griffing's Coal Office and paid him an old coal bill which has been standing since October 1867. The amount with interest was $43.60 which I paid to balance the account. I also gave his son, Charlie, $20.00 on account. I then went down to the Pawn Brokers and bought a quart of oysters. From there I went down to Albert Sherwood (who keeps the jail) to see if he could cash an order for me, the amount being $17.00. He could not do it. I went to market in the evening. APRIL 11 SUNDAY - The day has been pleasant thought this evening there is an appearance of a storm. I went down to Sunday School at noon, returning with Georgie after the session. Gussie stayed to communion in the P.M. After tea, we went up near father Griswold's barn to look at the ground where he thinks of building a house for me if I should sell mine. Gussie then went over to Robert Cocking's to see his wife who is sick. We both stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 12 MONDAY - I worked in the shop until about 4 P.M., then having done all I could get, I came home, stopping on the way at Jones & Hoyt to see about sending Henry Day's life policy to Hartford to have it made payable to me in case of his death. Mr. Jones not being in, I concluded to defer it until he gets home. He is expected this evening. Before tea, I did a little towards cleaning out my cellar. I attended teachers' Meeting in the evening. After the meeting, I did some marketing and came home. APRIL 13 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until a little after dinner when I finished and came home. On my way home, I left henry Day's life insurance policy at Jones' office to have it sent to Hartford to have it made payable to me in case of his death. When I came home, I changed a part of my clothing and took a walk back into the street and up Balmforth Avenue to see Widow Leach's hose which has been offered for sale at $3,700. I came home to tea about 6 o'clock. Sister Harriet Purdy called about 6 o'clock and stayed to tea. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's for a small bottle of ink which he gave to me. Louise also took teas with us, Mother Griswold's folks being away. Gussie and Louise went in the evening to a temperance lecture in our church. It is a jubilee with the temperance organizations here. After the lecture, I believe that they are to have a festival at their hall over benedict & Nichols' store. I locked the house and went down to the Post Office, called at Swift's store for a few minutes and came home, walking up West Street with Luther Potter. APRIL 14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. After tea, John Bouton and wife called, he to see Father Griswold about building a wood house. Frank stayed with Gussie while John and I went into the street to do a little marketing. APRIL 15 THURSDAY - Pleasant, though it froze some last night. I have worked all day in the shop. Came home with the headache. Mother Griswold having company to help her quilt, Gussie was there to tea. So Charlie Hayes and I went up to tea also. I not fully able to go into the street, Gussie did all the marketing. I lent Charles Hayes $2.00 until next Tuesday. The 'Aurora Borealis' was very luminous this evening, covering the whole heavens. There seemed to be a center directly over my head from which it radiated in flashing streaks. There was a similar wonder before the War of 1861 to 1865. Whether this is an omen of another dire calamity or not, I cannot say, but it is truly wonderful. John Bouton and his carpenters today commenced building Father Griswold's woodhouse. APRIL 16 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I had work in the shop until a little after noon when I came home, stopping on the way to get Henry Day's life insurance policy which Jones sent to Hartford to be made payable to me in case of Day's death. This I hold as security for the $600.00 which he owes me for my store which I sold him in New York. I cut the edges of my door yard walks and raked them off this P.M. After tea, George Fenner called and I went with him to see Mr. Pond about his boy (Fenner) entering school next term. Mr. Pond was not at home so I went with George to Borough Hall on White Street to see him. When I returned from the street, I found John Brayman at the house for a call. Before retiring, I went up and showed Henry Day's life insurance policy (which I have been having made over to me) to Father Griswold. APRIL 17 SATURDAY - No work the shop. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to Henry Day 68 Carmine Street, New York. Before coming home, I bought a hoop for Georgie for 15 cents. After breakfast, I went down to the shop. Cyrus White cashed my account so that I could come home and wait until be paid home. I spent the forenoon in trimming my apple trees. I took the noon train and went to Georgetown to get 82 cents from Edwin gilbert, the balance due me for framing the photo of his factory. He showed me around his factories where I saw for the first time, I saw wire pulling, misc. cloth weaving, hair curling and glue making. I took the next up train arriving in Danbury again at 4 o'clock. Harriet Purdy was on the train going down on her way to New York. She left one of her bundles with me to bring down with me the next time I go to the city. I finished trimming my trees before night. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to the market. I rained before dinner and until about 1 o'clock. It was a refreshing shower without thunder. Pleasant again in the P.M. and in the evening. APRIL 18 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm, the finest day we have yet had. I went down to Sunday School and returned after the session with Georgie. Harriet Mills came home with Gussie to tea. While we were at tea, Father came in for a visit. After tea, Georgie and I took a walk, stopping a few moments sat Clark Beers on Montgomery Street, thence through Stevens Street, stopping at Mr. Francis' new house and going through it with Mr. Francis. The on our way home in West Street, I stopped at Mr. Swift's gate and talked with him a short time. Our old preacher, Mr. William Hill, preached this morning and evening. I did not hear him, not being on time this morning and Gussie went this evening. I stayed home with Georgie. APRIL 19 MONDAY - Before breakfast I wrote and mailed a letter to Henry Day about a small looking glass in an oak frame for Clark Beers, also a gilt oval with an eagle top center ornament for Mr. Swift. Went to the shop, but there being no work, I came home and spent the day by commencing gardening. I planted peas, two rows of potatoes and two rows of onions. I forked over my asparagus bed and uncovered strawberry plants. Also cleaned out our rain water hogshead. In the evening, I returned for Father Griswold a pair of hedge shears and went to market. I brought for Father Griswold from the Jeffersonian Office a lot of printed circulars for distribution to his preachers on the south Long Island district, giving his appointments for 3 months to come. It has been very much like summer today, a little muggy in the morning but hot through the day. I bought ingredients for grafting wax. APRIL 20 TUESDAY - No shop work. Gussie and I cleaned the front chamber. I made grafting wax, and bought a small tub for whitewash for Mr. Pond and myself. I spaded garden enough to plant my 'Champion of England' peas. Towards night, it showed signs of rain. About 5 ## o'clock, it commenced to rain a little. It acted more like April showers than a settled rain. Gussie, Louise and Susan Brayman went in the evening to the downtown school exhibition at Concert Hall. I stayed at home with Georgie. APRIL 21 WEDNESDAY - It rained hard last night. Sunshine and showers this forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I had work in the shop until after 3 P.M. I came home by way of the jail to see the keeper, Mr. Sherwood, about $17.00 he owes Henry Day which Day turned out to me. Sherwood has not yet received his pay from the County. When he does, he will pay me. Before tea, I set out in place of where our old ones died some strawberry plants. I went to market in the evening. Gussie went to Sewing Society at Saul Bailey's. Louise stayed with Georgie while I was in the street. I got my hair cut before coming home. Harry Ledger's remains were today brought from Norwalk and buried. APRIL 22 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, came home, stopping at the Post Office and talked for some time with Dr. Brown, the Postmaster, about the prospect of his being reappointed as Postmaster. After dinner, I started to see Henry Hurd about the order about I have from Henry Day to collect $6.72 from him but did not find him at the shop. I then went to the Bartram & Fanton Sewing Machine Factory to see if they could pay me the $5.00 from George Brockett, but they could not pay off yet, and therefore, I could get no money there. From there, I went to the shop and made arrangements for Ed Hunniston to draw my money on Saturday if I am not there. I then went up home to see Father who is about sick and gave him the ## pound of tobacco that Harriet left with me for him. I got around home about 6 o'clock. In the evening, I went to market. Before coming home, I saw Henry Hurd and collected $6.72 which I put in my pocket as he desired and endorsed the same on his note of $300.00 which was due on the 8th inst. I stopped a few moments in Concert Hall to see the velocipede riders. APRIL 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I saw the Olympic Theater on fire. It was so extinguished that no outward signs of a fire were left visible. I brought home a looking glass in an oak frame for Clark Beers and delivered it before coming home to my tea. I also brought the 8x10 gold oval (national design) for Swift which he ordered some time ago ' price to the trade, $2.50. The oak frame for Beers was $2.00. I am to bring him an arch top gold looking glass next week when I think he will pay for both. I came to Norwalk on the 3: 45 train which gave me about an hour at Norwalk. I wanted to see Charles Purdy who works at the lock factory, but the factory was closed when I got there. APRIL 24 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. No work in the shop. In the forenoon, I dug up two dwarf pear trees which were dead in my yard and tore out the sink upstairs and plastered up the hole through which the waste pipe ran. After dinner, I went down to the shop, but Ed Hunniston, who I had requested to draw my pay for me had gone. So I came home and spent the remainder of the day in whitewashing upstairs. In the evening, I went to market and brought home a 3 lb. shad. O. H. Swift paid me for frames I made for him; the balance due me was $8.53. I received a note from Sigler Brothers, 131 and 133 Mercer Street, New York requesting me to pay a bill which was enclosed ' amount $10.15. My account says only $7.16. I tried to buy a key to match the one belonging to the outside door at the foot of the stairs, but could not get one. Gussie went to the milliners for her hat, but it did not suit her, so she went over to Mrs. Bradley's and they together trimmed it over again. While she was over there about 10 o'clock, we had a thunder shower. APRIL 25 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy and cooler than yesterday. I went to church in the morning. The presiding elder, Brother Osborne, preached. After Sunday School, I came home. After tea, Gussie went to the funeral of Widow Minor, who was before marriage, Eliza White. Father came down this P.M. with a letter for me to take to New York next time I go to Harriet with $2.00 enclosed. I am to leave it at Mr. Bogle's store, 83 Barclay Street. Just before evening meeting, I took a walk over to John Bouton's. I returned in time to attend church. Brother Crawford preached. APRIL 26 MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I took a ride part way to Brookfield with Luther Potter to get a melodeon. The day has been pleasant and warm and I enjoyed it much. I took a letter from the office for Charles Hayes from Charles Purdy from South Norwalk. I then came home and spent the remainder of the day working in my garden. I planted beets and vegetable oyster. I also set out two rows of strawberry plants and dug a part of the flower borders. While we were at tea, Mrs. Bradley came in. Gussie gave her some flower plants. I helped her carry them home and then went to market. I took a letter from the office from Fanny from New haven where she has gone to help Harriet move into her new house. APRIL 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked all day in the shop. Before tea, I dug over and raked the flower mound in front of the house. As soon as this was done, John Gray came for some strawberry plants. I helped him dig them before taking my tea. Gussie cleaned the room which our tenants used for a kitchen upstairs. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I sent the letter by her to mail which Father brought down Sunday afternoon for me to take to Mr. Bogle's store in New York next time I go to the city. The letter is for Harriet and he enclosed $2.00. It being uncertain about when I should go, I sent it by mail. I also sent by her a root of horse radish to be left at Mr. Holmes' store for Widow Fred Starr. I promised it to her last evening. Thunder and lightning during the evening, and at 10 o'clock as we were retiring, it commenced raining. APRIL 28 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. The rain last night was light. I went to the shop this morning, and finished off the remainder of a dozen hats. There being no more to do, I came home, stopping on the way for some sugar and a small piece of lime to finish whitewashing what was our tenant's kitchen upstairs. Before dinner, I went over to Mrs. Maddon's to do some grafting for her. She for the last two years has been wanting me to do it. I grafted three trees for her, putting in 38 scions in 18 stocks. I finished for her about 3 P.M. I then did my whitewashing upstairs, after which, I spaded up a piece of my garden for a bed in which I put parsnips, carrots and a few radishes. It was about dark when I finished. Charles Purdy came up from Norwalk today and called for Charles Hayes while he was at tea. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. APRIL 29 THURSDAY - Stormy. It rained hard most of the day until about 4 P.M. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I came as far as the Post Office where I sat and talked with Dr. Brown until the mail came and then I came home. I finished grafting for Mrs. Maddon in the P.M. She paid me $1.20 for what I did. After this, I put up frame work for my grape vines. I set out some cabbage stumps. In the evening, I went to market. APRIL 30 FRIDAY - A heavy frost this morning. Mr. Pond and myself have been to New York today. I went for the gold looking glass frame for Clark Beers, but it was not done. I went with Mr. Pond to A. T. Stewart's and other places for a carpet. He finally bought of Stewart. He bought 50 singing books, 'Love Garden' of Mason, wallpaper of Ruckle & Trainque, 83 Sixth Avenue; also 60 feet of gilt molding, one inch wide for ceilings in place of bordering for wall paper, this I bought of Grayson in elm Street, near Browne. We took dinner at eh St. Charles Hotel. Brother George Starr was on the train coming from the National Sunday School Convention at Newark, New Jersey. Fanny was also in the train from Norwalk, coming from New Haven where she has been helping Harriet to move.
1869-04