Horace Purdy Journal August 1864 Entry
9pgs
8/1 MONDAY - Charlie Parsons woke me this morning a little after 5 o'clock by coming down and shaking my door I immediately rose and after lighting my fire, took a walk with him down to the Wooster House took get a little spirits, he not yet feeling well. After breakfast, John Sharp came with his coach to carry him to the depot. I rode down with him and saw Charlie on the train and then started for the factory. The train passed the shop just as I got there. He signaled to me as he passed. Sharp carried us on West Street around Rabbit Hill for another passenger before going to the depot. The day has been very warm. I finished my work at the shop about 1 o'clock and then came home to dinner. In the P.M., I mailed a Tribune and a Waverly to George. Carried picture of Phil Parsons to Couch's to copy some card pictures from for Charles Parsons. I went to the Savings Bank and had the $20.00 I paid for the watch for George transferred from his book to mine. Also deposited a dollar for Eddie with his old book in his name, though he is dead. After tea, Gussie went with me down to market. We went into Deklyn's and took some cream. 8/2 TUESDAY - Very warm. We have suffered more with the heat in the shop than any day before. We were limited in our work today, but it was all I wanted for so warm a day, it lasted me until 5 o'clock. John Bush has lost his last and only child with Cholera Infantius. He has had six children; this one was about 20 months old. Cloudy just at night and before I retired, it began to mist a little with good prospects of a storm. I was so tired that I did not go out in the evening. I put some water in a tub and just before I retired I washed me all over. Bought 2 quarts of blackberries of Zarr (sp) Hack who came along peddling them just before dark. 8/3 WEDNESDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. Between 9 and 11 o'clock, I went over to Mr. Lyne's and Robert and the boy Charles went over to Lake Kenosha fishing. I went with them. We fished until about nearly 7 P.M. Not very good luck. After tea, I went down to the Post Office and directly home again. John Brush's child was buried this P.M at 3 o'clock. 8/4 THURSDAY - Being very tired last night, I overslept this morning. I dressed my fish before breakfast. After breakfast, I pulled the weeds from my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed. National Fast Union Servicers in our church. Brother Hill preached the sermon from Zachariah 14:6-7. It was an excellent discourse for the occasion. The service commenced at 11 o'clock and closed about 1 0'clock. We had dinner about 3 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. Robert went with me and carried some very fine tomatoes to the editor of the Jeffersonian. Perfected and free tomatoes, the nicest I ever saw, I think. I have felt dull with no ambition all day. I think I caught some cold yesterday while fishing. 8/5 FRIDAY - Rain in the afternoon though in the forenoon it had the appearance of clearing off. Limited in our work at the shop. Some of the men finished at noon, I worked until nearly night. I came home by way of Couch's Picture Gallery and got the card pictures of Philemon Parsons which his brother Charles directed me to have copied from a picture fanny had. He being at Hartford and drilling militia officers and expecting to return this way and get them. I went to market and the Post Office in the evening. Martha Whealon came to our folks (Griswolds) by the evening train to make a visit. She is from Brooklyn. 8/6 SATURDAY - Clouds and sunshine, at times appearance of more rain. I finished my work in the shop at noon, we having but a small allowance now. I picked up a damaged hat yesterday and finished it for my head, had it trimmed today and brought it home. Received a letter from George at noon. Commenced an answer in the P.M. Hoed in my garden. Harriet and Louise Jones called before tea, but could not stay. Gussie went with me downtown to market in the evening. We somewhat expected Charles Parsons in the evening, but he did not come. While in the street, Mr. Barnum hailed me about my application for a pension. The officers at the pension office wanting more particulars regarding my case, such as who attended me and how much, also what hospital I was in and the name of our camp. The name of the camp I gave, it was Camp McDowell. As for the hospital, I never went into one, but lay in my tent. The name of the surgeons I gave, but they never treated me for hernia, as I did not tell them the difficulty after I discovered what it was, knowing that medicine would do me no good. There is but little possibility of me getting the pension. Another town meeting this P.M. about filling our quota in order to evade the coming draft. A vote was passed instructing the selectmen to fill the quota of the town as best they can regardless of expense, no particular sum of money being appropriated. 8/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie attended church with me in the morning. Brother Breckinridge, the Bethel preacher, preached for us all day. Text in the morning was Malachi 4:2, in the P.M., Proverbs 4:12. 2 dozen new singing books, Chain and Shower were brought into the school today. John Comes went up for Mother at noon and brought her down for the afternoon service. Theo Lyon carried her home after meeting. Bell came home with us to tea. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage after tea and carried Gussie and Bell up to the cemetery. I fund Edith Newman and Harriet Mills up there. After Gussie and Bell had rode around the cemetery, they got out at Eddie's grave and I took Edith and Hattie Mills in and drove around the grounds. I had to go up to Oil Mill Pond for the horse and back with him again after the ride. Before church this morning, I wrote to Charles Parsons in order to send the pictures to him of his brother Phil which I had copied for him while he was up to Hartford as he requested. But concluded to not mail it until tomorrow for fear that he may come here on his return from Hartford. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/8 MONDAY - Very smoky and warm. Half the men in the shop worked today and the other half works tomorrow. I worked today. The reason for this arrangement was that all the work was on one set of blocks, the 5 deeps. Not feeling very well, I was very tired when I finished my work. I came home by way of Dr. Rider's office and had him dig out an old root for me. I broke the tooth off even with the gum one day last week. He broke it, or rather crushed it in his instruments 3 different times. I finished my letter to George after tea and mailed it in the evening with one to Charles Parsons at West Point. I enclosed 2 card pictures of his brother Philemon which he wished me to have copied from one Fanny has. In fact, to send the pictures was the reason for me writing. I mailed also to George a Waverly. On my way home from the shop, I called at Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and balanced my account for coal by paying $10.00. 8/9 TUESDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop. I worked around home all day. Dug up my old strawberry.. (Ed. Note: breaks off here. Pages 78-79 are missing. Diary resumes at the end of 8/12) 8/12 FRIDAY - in the forenoon. The New York train ran off the track just this side of the city and consequently, it was 9 o'clock before we arrived in Danbury. I came home with the sick headache. 8/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We had 1 dozen each at the shop. After I finished mine, I took six from John W. Bussing at his request as he was to leave to go to Boston. I cut the vines from my strawberry plants leaving the new plants alone preparatory to transplanting. After tea, Robert helped me alter a cat for Mother Griswold. I took the two heaps of grass and piled it west of the woodhouse. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mrs. Stokes, sister to George Bevans died this morning. She gave birth to a pair of twins yesterday. One side of her has been for some time paralyzed. She was not expected to live through her confinement. 8/14 SUNDAY - A hard shower last night which has made the air more pure, though the day has been very warm. The sermon in the morning was to the Sabbath school children by our pastor, Brother Hill. Text was the middle clause of the third verse 15th chapter, 1st Corinthians 'Christ died for our sins.' Sunday school prayer meeting at noon at which Brother George Starr brought a fine picture of 'Christ Blessing the Little Children.' He exhibited and explained it to the schools. Sacrament in the P.M. I stayed, Gussie went home. The funeral of Mrs. Stokes was attended at 3 o'clock at the residence of Avery Raymond on Balmforth Avenue. After tea, Gussie and I walked up to the cemetery and put a bouquet on Eddie's grave. It was about dark when we returned. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. A vote is to be cast today to see if the people will allow the soldiers in the field to vote. I went to the depot with Mother Whealon this morning. I introduced her to Daniel Mauly who was going to Bridgeport and he promised to put her on board of the New Haven train for New York. Carried my shoes to Charles Reed's to be mended. I left George's watch at the jeweler's to be brightened up as I think of sending it to him tomorrow by mail with a hat I am going to send. After I returned from the depot, I trimmed the edges of my door yard walks. I then took extracts from George's letter for publication and carried it to Ashley, editor of the Jeffersonian. Went down and voted and got home at noon. I found Harriet there to take dinner with us. She says Father is pretty sick. Mrs. Stone washed for us. After dinner, I went up home to see Father. He is better. I stayed until nearly 4 o'clock and came home and set out a new bed of the Tromp De Gard strawberries. I went into the street and to the Post Office. The vote allowing soldiers to vote stands. I put up a letter to mail to 200 Mulberry Street, New York for (Father Griswold). 8/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. The letter I intended to mail to Father Griswold, I neglected and he came home on the morning train rather unexpectedly, so I gave him the letter h just as I had prepared it to mail. I spent nearly all the forenoon in mowing the grass and repairing the sidewalk I front of Father Griswold's and my premises. In the P.M., I put up a package for George containing a hat and his watch to send my mail. I also wrote him a letter and put up a Harper's Weekly to send. I went up home to see our folks. Father is improving, I think, but Mother is troubled again with her old difficulty in the region of the heart. I brought home some pears from Mrs. Peck's to stew. Bought 1 dozen eggs of Mother to assist them and bought a quart of molasses for them. Pulled up the weeds west of my woodhouse before tea, after which I went downtown to market and mailed the package to George along with a letter and a Harper's Weekly. I had the package registered, which cost me 20 cents. The postage was 45 cents, making full cost of sending 65 cents. 8/17 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy when I rose in the morning and began to rain about 8 o'clock. Previous to the rain, I dug what potatoes I had where I had set out cabbage and turnips, the chopped up some old pea brush in the wood house. I went to the Post Office when the mail came and rode back in the rain with Charles, the boy who lives with Mr. Lynes. After dinner, I cracked some walnuts and then went up to the Jeffersonian office to get the paper which Ashley sends to George and mail it myself to go by the afternoon mail in order to take the southern mail from New York tomorrow. If Ashley sent it with his other papers, he would not send it by this afternoon's mail, which was necessary to do or wait 8 days for another steamer. I sent with it a New York Daily Times. I went up home to see my folks who are sick and was caught in a shower coming home between 4 and 5 o'clock. I went to market and to class in the evening. There being but few there and Brother Hoyt being sick, Brother Hill led his class and we met with them. Widow White came to Father Griswold's in the evening from Newark, New Jersey. 8/18 THURSDAY - Clear and pleasant. I had 2 dozen hats to finish today. It lasted me until nearly night. After (tea?), Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's to make a call and I went downtown and mailed a letter to E. Wing at West Goshen with $3.30 enclosed for a clothes dryer, the balance of the $5.00 ($1.50), I gave to Father Griswold at his (Wing's) request which he made by letter received today by Father Griswold. I met Gussie at J. M. Ives' store where we selected 18 fruit jars (glass) and ordered them brought up tomorrow. On our way home, we bought a lampshade at Charles Hull's. We took from Father Griswold's box a letter for Mrs. Marie White who is visiting there and brought it home to her. Father Griswold gave me a few Russell Seedling strawberry plants. I set them out before going downtown. 8/19 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I got Alfred Gregory's team and went up home for a load of manure Father gave to me. I dug some of it in my new strawberry bed between the rows. After dinner, I pulled up my pea vines and carried away the brush and hoed my cabbages and turnips. Mr. Cocking brought me some Poorhouse Seedling strawberry plants. I put them out for the time being where I took away my pea vines. Gussie picked and stuffed her peppers. The glass fruit jars I engaged last night came this morning. I walked downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. Received a letter from George by the evening mail. Attended the (Union League?). 8/20 SATURDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. I had one half day's work in the shop. In the P.M., I got my Wilson's Prolific strawberry plants from Father Griswold's and set them out temporarily until I get my ground ready for them. In the evening, Gussie went down to market with me. Harriet was with us to tea. 8/21 SUNDAY - Cloudy all day. Love feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Brother Osborne, the presiding elder, was there. Gussie and I attended, but on account of me going to the shop for my umbrella which I left there yesterday, it was late when I got there. Brother Osborne preached in the morning form Exodus 20: last of 24th verse. Brother Lamon from the 27th Street Church, New York City, who is spending a few weeks up here and boarding with J. W. Nichols preached in the P.M. from Hebrew 4:15. Brother Lamon is a deaf man Brother Hill being sick, is not able to preach. It commenced raining a few minute after we returned from the afternoon services a little after 3 o'clock. After tea, Mr. Olmstead (who lives on Deer Hill where Mr. Huntington used to) came down to tell me that Mother was quite low that she had been sick all day. I went up immediately and found her better. From her telling, I think it was an attack of Cholera Morbus or Bilious Cholic. Father has not been so well today either. I stayed all the evening. I spent a little time up in Harriet's room with her and Miss Jones. Miss Jones was sitting in the room with Mother when I went up. She is a good girl. I returned home about 9 0'clock or a little later. 8/2 MONDAY - Cloudy and Sunshine and showers without thunder in the P.M. I had one half days' work in the shop. Burr Bradley came over after dinner and I gave him 100 Tromp De Gard strawberry plants. Harriet and Louise Jones came down in the forenoon and spent the day. We had water and citron melons for dessert at dinner. I picked my crabapples. Went into the street and engaged Parmelee and Bradley's horse and Brother Hill's carriage to carry Harriet, Louise and Gussie up to the cemetery after tea. We went and got in a shower while up there. Before taking the team home, I carried Harriet and Louise up home. Gussie rode up with them and called in a moment to see Mother. A hard shower again about 10 o'clock in the evening. 8/23 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop at noon. On my way home, I took a letter from the Post Office from George. When I got home, Bell was down to tell us that Aunt Ann was dead and would be buried tomorrow at 12 o'clock. And that Aunt Harriet Benjamin was sick with the same complaint, Dysentery. I tried to get McDonald's horse to attend the funeral, but could not. Jo. Kyle came for what strawberry plants I could spare. I helped him carry the up as far as the depot and then called at the Jeffersonian Office to give him some items from the 17th Regt. just received from George. I then called at the Post Office to get a Post Office way bill filled out which George had sent from the St. Augustine Post Office for that purpose. The last thing before coming home was to help Brother Hill wash his carriage which I used in the rain and mud last evening. After tea, I went up home to see if any of the family intended to go to Ridgefield to Aunt Ann's funeral tomorrow. Father and Mother are both too sick to go. I went to the store with Gussie in the evening to buy some cotton for a quilt. I looked around for a team with which to go to the funeral tomorrow. 8/24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I hired Mr. A. Judd's team and took Bell and went to Ridgefield to attend Aunt Ann's funeral at Uncle Joel's house. It was held at 12 o'clock. We brought Phebe Palmer home with us. Before taking the team home, I took Phebe and Bell up to the cemetery. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. Before starting for Ridgefield, which was about 9 o'clock, I exchanged Judd's carriage for George Hoyt's, the tin peddler who boards across the street to Mr. Smith, his being lighter and nicer. I paid 2 extra for the carriage. Paid Judd $2.25 for his horse and carriage. Mother gave me 60 cents to help pay it if I would take Bell with me. Aunt Joanna (for this was her real name though she would never own the Jo) was 61 years, 4 months and 18 days old. Died Monday night 12 o'clock after two weeks severe sickness with dysentery. Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister, conducted the services at the house. Captain Ben Keeler, an old man across the street from Uncle Joel's was buried also a 2 o'clock. We started for home about 2 o'clock, arriving a few minutes before 5 P.M. Before taking home the team, I went up to the cemetery with Phebe and Bell and then carried Bell up home, Phebe riding up with us but returned with me to stay all night. Hattie Mills, Edith Newman and her brother Saul came up in the evening. I had a hard headache all the evening for riding all day in the sun. On my way for the horse in the morning, I carried a gallon of vinegar to the Post Office for Jo. Kyle. 8/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work, I called at Crofut's Feed Store to do an errand for Father Griswold. Bought a card picture of Mother at Couch's Gallery for Phebe. We had more work than usual today. It lasted until 3 o'clock. Gussie and Phebe went up home to spend the afternoon and I went up to tea. Hattie Mills went up with them. Mrs. Orin Bronson and Frank Boughton came up a little while. We had a good time. We came home about 8 o'clock and went down to the saloon for some ice cream. 8/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Work in the shop lasted until about 2 o'clock. Phebe went up home in the forenoon to visit with our folks and returned with Bell about 4 o'clock. About 3 o'clock Robert came along with his horse and wagon to carry some tomatoes to the Wooster House and to get some lumber. I went down with him for the ride. Phebe stayed until after tea, when she went home with Bell to stay all night. I went up to Mr. Hurd's and got one Tromp De Gard strawberry plant to fill out my bed. Went to the store and to the Post Office in the evening. I went down and returned with Mr. Cocking. 8/27 SATURDAY - Rain between 5 and 6 in the morning. When I went for milk, I brought home Mr. McDonald's double barreled gun to take care of and keep in good order having the use of it for my trouble. I went down to the Jeffersonian Office after breakfast to help Ashley bind the historical sketches which he had been printing for George, but they not being pressed, I could not do it. I bought a coconut with the outer hard shell on just as they are picked from the tree. I bought for a curiosity as I had never before seen one like it. I spaded in some manure in between the rows of the upper part of my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed just before dinner. After dinner, I went into the street for some groceries and my paper, Harper's Weekly. I saw Uncle Edwin, who was to come for Phebe before he went home. She being up home on Deer Hill, I hastened back to tell her that Uncle Edwin would call for her at my house soon. She came down with me and found him waiting for her. After she had gone, I read my paper, took a nap and cracked some walnuts. The sun came out pleasant and warm after dinner. Harriet and Louise came and took tea with us after which we all went up to Mother Griswold's a few minutes. In the meantime, Hattie Mills called and after Harriet and Louise went home walked downtown with us as we went to market. The evening paper gives us news of another major battle on the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg, Va. General Hancock of our army was attacked by the rebels who tried to drive him for the railroad but was repulsed with great slaughter. 8/28 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning and in the P.M Brother Hill preached from John 3rd 27th verse. George Andrews' son-in-law, Mr. Hull, preached in the P.M. from John 15:25. Gussie did not attend during the day. Mother was at church all day. She walked part of the way in the morning and Brother Lyon took her in and carried her the remainder. She went to Smith Barnum's at noon and came home with me to tea. After tea, Gussie and I went with her up home. We spent the evening up there and sang with Miss Louise Jones. 8/29 MONDAY - Eddie's birthday, had he lived. He would have been three years old. Pleasant and more like fall. I had Mr. McDonald put a hoop on our large washtub before breakfast. I finished my work at the shop at noon. I ate my dinner and spent the P.M. at the Jeffersonian Office binding the historical sketches that I have been having printed for George at his request. They are sketches and incidents pertaining to the early settlement of St. Augustine, Fla. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr and I went into the street to the Post Office. 8/30 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but cool night and morning. I had work in the shop nearly all day. Bell came down for my carpet bag for Harriet who thinks of going to Stamford to make a visit. She stayed to tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening and while there, Mr. H. Griffing asked me about Father saying that he owed him about $10.00 for coal since the winter of 1860. I engaged John Sharp to come to Father Griswold's tomorrow morning for Fannie, Hattie and Mrs. Widow White who are going to Camp Meeting at Milford. Anna Purdy was married today to Henry Hinman. They went over to Sodom with her folks to Cousin Roxanna's where the marriage took place. They all returned home in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over there. 8/31 WEDNESDAY - I commenced mowing my dooryard last night and finished it this morning. My work lasted until about the middle of the P.M. I then came home and raked up my grass. By telegraph this afternoon and the evening paper, news of the nomination of George B. McClellan for president by the Democratic Convention at Chicago. I went to market and mailed 525 Pamphlets (?) and Harper's Weekly with a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over to Aunt Louisa's again. I went over to come home with her.
1864-08
Horace Purdy Journal January 1865 Entry
9pgs
01/01 SUNDAY - Cold but pleasant. Sleighing good. Brother Hill preached a sermon to the children in the morning from Ecclesiastes 12:1 The children sat in the square body of the church and did the singing in the place of the choir from the Golden Chair and Shower. When Sunday School was over, I came home to take care of the bay to let Gussie go to church in the P.M. After tea, Father Purdy and Mother Griswold came in to see us. I completed a letter to George before church time and with a Harper's Weekly, I mailed it on my way to prayer meeting. 01/02 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to Cousin Eliza Humphrey in California for Gussie. I went this early in order to have it taken in the morning mail. The day has been cold but pleasant. We had but little more than a half day's work in the shop. On my way home, I called at Charles Hull's Tin Shop and got my shot pouch in which John Cable has been putting a new spring. I took my gun and went down to Blackman's to see if I could get a silver islet put in it in which the pin which holds the barrels to the stock is inserted but could not. I then took it up to Mr. Wrights to have the new part of the stock stained and varnished. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. After supper I went down to the Post Office and carried my powder flask to have John Cable put a new snap spring on it. As I came home from work, I went before the Board of Relief, but having neglected to carry in my tax list they were prevented by law from doing anything for me. I have therefore to pay tax at $1,100.00 which a list would have avoided. 01/03 TUESDAY - A very cold morning; pleasant; the weather moderated so that it snowed in the evening. George Monroe was shopped at the Pahquioque Shop today. Hatters' Meeting in the evening over Benedict & Nichol's store. I got excused early, came out, and after the mail came, walked up West Street with John Cosier. I found Hattie Mills and Edith Newman spending the evening with Gussie. 01/04 WEDNESDAY - Another snow storm last night. It cleared off before noon. The flues in the shop wanting repairs, we adjourned in the P.M. to give them an opportunity to repair them. I went from the shop and took my gun from Mr. Wright's paint shop where it was to be varnished, and carried it over to Comstock's for repairs before having it varnished. While it was at the paint shop, one of the cocks got out of order. From there, I went to John Cosier's office and bought half cord of chestnut wood. It was sent right up and I rode on the load. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 for one month's rent. Mailed Jeffersonian to George. I went into the street in the evening for my Jeffersonian and saw Ezra Wildman. He insisted upon taking a sleigh ride. Captain E.E. Wildman went with us. He carried me around to my house and I gave them a drink of cider. Then we took a ride to the upper end of Main Street. The cars then came and I went to the Post Office and came home. Preaching at the church; Gussie attended. Copperhead lecture at Concert Hall this evening. Thomas H. Seymour the lecturer. 01/05 THURSDAY - I left the shop at noon and went up to Comstock's to see if my gun was repaired. It was not done. I arranged with him to leave it with John Cosier at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and went back to the shop to work. When I left the shop at night, I went up to the Coal Office and took the gun to pieces, leaving the barrels and locks there and took the stock over to William Wright's to get it stained and varnished. Cosier paid Comstock his bill and I paid him. It was $1.50. I went to Dr. Buckley's office in the evening and borrowed a syringe to use on the baby. I went to Charles Hull's shop and got my powder flask. John Cable has been putting on a new spring. Bell went up home this P.M. Received a letter from George. 01/06 FRIDAY - It commenced raining before noon. It rained at times during the day and set in to rain steady in the evening. Our foreman V. W. Benedict went home with a sick headache at noon. Edith Newman sent the bounty check to me by Hattie Mills at the shop at noon which George sent to me enclosed in his letter. He wants the money drawn and resent to him immediately. I borrowed $10.00 of John Cosier until I can get returns from the check and in the evening, I wrote to George and enclosed a $10.00 greenback to him. I also in the evening carried my 5 gallon kerosene oil can down to Billy Wright's and ordered it filled and sent up tomorrow. On my way to Wright's, I carried Burr Bradley's meat saw home. Sold half roll of salve to Mrs. Cyrus White. 01/07 SATURDAY - Rain this morning. It began to grow cold at noon; snow in the P.M. Very blustering towards night and in the evening; thought it was pleasant in the evening. William Wright delivered the 5 gallons on oil that I engaged yesterday. I worked as long as I could see in the shop and then came home by way of Cosier's office where (after I had been over to Wright's paint shop for the stock) I put my gun together and brought it home. John shut the office and walked up with me. After tea, I went to market for Mother Griswold. Received bill for the box sent from the Postmaster. Before I retired I mended my coal riddle (sp) with brass hoops from an old hoop skirt. 01/08 SUNDAY - A cold morning, but pleasant and grew more mild through the day. An agent from the Christian Commission from the army named Powers preached for us this morning. He gave us a somewhat detailed account of the workings of the Commission with several interesting incidents, some of them quite thrilling. He being an excellent speaker made it very interesting. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon at which some arrangements were made about the Sunday School Festival to come off on Wednesday. Tickets to admit the scholars were distributed. Communion service in the P.M. Gussie went with me in the morning at came home at noon to let Bell go in the P.M. as she was to be taken into full communion with the church. After supper, Father Purdy and Mother Griswold came in to see us. A Union meeting at the 1st Congregational Church for the Christian Commission in the evening at which Mr. Powers and another man who came in with him is to speak. Gussie and Bell attended it; I stayed home and took care of Baby. Christopher Coinum (sp), a German who was in the 3 months service with me died yesterday. He had but just returned home from the Insane Retreat at Harford. His insanity was caused from working in furs and his system being filled with the quicksilver used in carroting the furs. He was buried today by the Masonic Order. Elias Sanford died this afternoon about 5 o'clock. He died of a fit while sitting in his chair. He had attended church twice today and was intending to go again this evening. 01/09 MONDAY - We rose rather late this morning. The day has been pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I retired last night with the headache, rose with it this morning, and had it all day. I worked with it until nearly 3 o'clock when they paid off and I gave up and came home. My two weeks work was $31.00 dollars. I drew $21.00 leaving to my credit $10.00, which with the $25.00 left last pay day, reduces the $60.00 dollars borrowed from Mr. Crofut to $25.00. John Cosier left the bounty check (which George sent me and which he cashed for me) in the bank to day for collection. On my way home from the shop, I called at William Wright's and paid $5.00 for the 5 gallons of kerosene oil I bought on Saturday. We had soup and milk for supper, a real treat. Teachers' meeting in the evening, but on account of headache, I did not go. 01/10 Thursday - Stormy -rain. Elias Sanford was buried today. On my way home from work at night, I called and paid John Cosier $3.25 for a .5 cord of chestnut wood delivered on last Wednesday. George Loomis's father died very suddenly today. Father bought a pair of thick leather shoes for Bell and brought them to her on his way home from work. They were too small and I changed them in the evening. He bought them at Chapman's. I paid for my Post Office box No. 300 for 6 months ending July 1st, 1865. A tea meeting or church gathering at the church in the evening to establish a sinking fund to pay the debt of over $4,000 on the church. We had a pleasant time thought the weather was stormy and on account of that, the attendance was small. Mr. Levi W. Bartram went up for Mother and Mrs. White came for Mother Griswold and Gussie. I had Bartram's team take Mother, Gussie and Mother Griswold home. We came home about 11 o'clock. Mr. Loomis' given name is Austin. He died at Lyman Keeler's with heart disease. 01/11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. We were limited to one dozen hats today. I finished just after dinner. I came home and sawed wood in the woodhouse. Sunday School festival at the church in the evening. Burr Bradley and I were doorkeepers. We opened about 6 o'clock. Mary Purdy came over and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go. Bell went also. The festival broke up about 9 o'clock. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. The church caught fire around the stove pipe. A narrow escape. 01/12 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Harriet Wheeler sent by me in the evening for 6 Jeffersonians. They were sold out at the Office, but I found them at A. Smith's, the news dealer at the Post Office. I went rather late to prayer meeting. I walked up West Street with Chittendon and John Cosier. 01/13 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. The ice has softened and the ground has been muddy. As I came home after dinner, I borrowed Parmalee and Bradley's horse and sleigh and took Mother's sheet iron stove and pipe up home. I borrowed it to use during Gussie's sickness. When I returned to the store with the team, I altered a white cat for Fred Bradley. I then rode up home with his clerk to carry some meal to Mother to make yeast cakes of. As we returned, he drove around by my house and left me. Bell went over to Oil Mill Pond skating with Henry and Anna Heinman. Jessie Stevens' wife came over and spent the day with Gussie. She stayed to tea. Charles Hull got away with again (ed. note - by his horse; see 01/18 below) today in West Street near Dr. Ryder's. He hurt his head and shin badly, but not considered dangerous, I believe. Later - have been skating this evening and had a collision with a fellow (Ed Target) and cut a bad gash in my forehead. Henry Blair came home with me and Sarah Day bound up my head with two of her handkerchiefs as soon as I was hurt. We sent for Dr. Buckley; he came and dressed the wound about half past nine o'clock which was as soon as we could send and he come. Took two pieces of beef over to Olmstead's to be smoked in the evening. 01/14 SATURDAY - It commenced snowing between 7 and 8 o'clock this morning. My head is not so sore today as I expected it would be. It is still bandaged in the blood. Could not go to work. Cannot get a hat on my head. Bell went to the Post Office for me at noon. Gussie went into the street to do some trading and pay Jane Hoyt for making over her hat in the P.M. Mrs. Daniel Starr came home with her to see the baby. Martha Stokes and her friend Miss Dyer called here about 4 P.M. and then went up to Mother Griswold's. Bell went to the store and the Post Office in the evening. 01/15 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Father having heard of my injury came over to see me before breakfast. Bell went to church in the morning and sent brother Jennings up for Mother at noon, but she got a ride with Platt (sp) Brush and came down to my house before noon so that Brother Jennings after going up home for her came around this way and got her. Bell did not come home at noon and Gussie went in the P.M. Dr. Buckley came in the forenoon and dressed my wound. I cannot go out as I cannot get a hat on my head. In the P. M., I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Weekly for mailing to him. After tea, John Cosier came to see me. He stayed until meeting time. I sent the letter and paper to the Office by him. The Baptist preacher, Mr. Stone exchanged with Brother Hill in the P.M. , so say our folks. Clark Polley of the Kentucky Conference to preach, I believe. 01/16 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Harriet, who is now staying at Mr. Townsend's came down after dinner to see me, having heard of my injuries received while skating last Friday evening. She could only stay for a few moments, she said, and would not take off her things. But as usual, she stayed between 2 or 3 hours with her things on. Mother Griswold came in while she was there. In the meantime, Mrs. Stone finished her work. I paid her her charge - 60 cents - and she went home. Baby was poorly yesterday, last night and today. Not very sick, but worrisome. He has a cold and besides, his bowels are not regular. Mother Griswold sent us down some molasses sugar, she having quite a quantity of it from a molasses keg in their cellar. I am yet unable to wear a hat and in consequence am confined in the house with my sore head. Gussie and Bell both went into the street in the evening. Gussie bought material for a baby cloak. It cost $4.75. 01/17 TUESDAY - Stormy, snow. I got Father Griswold's brush hat, which I let him have and was too small and went to the shop about 10 A.M. and took out the trimmings preparatory to finishing it over and making it larger. I went to the Jeffersonian Office and gave Ashley the particulars of my accident while skating last Friday evening so that he could mention it in his paper. I went to the shop again in the afternoon, stayed a while, and came home. Did not work on account of my sore head. Before going to the shop in the P.M., I stopped to the Factory in West Street to see Edward Target, the fellow I ran against while skating. His forehead was bruised but slightly when compared with mine. I went to the Post Office in the evening. It cleared off before I went and was colder. It snowed hard in the afternoon. 01/18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cold. I went to work in the shop for the first time since I was hurt last Friday evening. James Sparks and Eugene Conkling came to work at the shop today. Both were shopped yesterday, I believe. The Baby has the scarlet rash. He has felt poorly for several days and today the rash has made its appearance. After tea, I went into the street and called at Dr. Buckley's office and got some medicine for the baby. The paper today gives an account of the capture of Fort Fisher at Wilmington, North Carolina The troops were under General Weitzel; the storming party under General Terry. What General Butler could not do, our ___(?) generals have accomplished. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Dwight Rogers was run away with today by Charles Hull's horse. He was not hurt, I believe. 01/19 Thursday - Pleasant in the forepart of the day, and thought by some to be the coldest morning we have had yet. Cloudy in the P. M.; the weather moderated and snowed in the evening. We gave the Baby medicine during last night and today and tonight he is better; in fact to all appearances is about as well as usual. Father Griswold came home from New York today and brought a hymn book for Bell (65 cents). Gussie went to the store in the evening and got some flannels at Gillette's in the place of what was stolen few days ago that she took there to be stamped. Bell went to prayer meeting and while both were gone I took care of the baby. 01/20 FRIDAY - It snowed considerably last night, though very quietly; it cleared off before morning and the day has been lovely though somewhat cool. I had father Griswold's old hat blocked over today and intend to finish it tomorrow and see if I can make it large enough this time. I worked as long as I could in the shop as usual. After tea, I went to the Post Office and around to Olmstead's to see if my two pieces of beef were smoked; they were not yet taken out to the smoke house. I ordered them taken out tomorrow morning. 01/21 SATURDAY - Cold this morning, but the weather moderated during the day, so that now there is a prospect of snow before morning. I finished over Father Griswold's hat today to make it larger. I got it trimmed and Daniel Manley curled it for me and I brought it home with me, feeling confident that it will fit his head and give satisfaction this time. After tea, I went over to Lockwood Olmstead's for my pieces of beef which have been there to be smoked, but they were not yet out of the smokehouse. I went from there to Burr Bradley's and left the Sunday School library key as I shall not be there myself tomorrow on account of my sore head. I then went to market and waited for the train in order to get the mail if there was any for us. I walked up with Mr. Reynolds (the one-armed soldier). 01/22 SUNDAY - Pleasant; it has thawed considerable today. I have not been at church on account of having to wear a large plaster over my eye still. Bell went all day and Gussie in the P.M. I took care of Baby. After tea, I wrote to George. Before I finished, Father came in and, as usual since the birth of the baby, stayed awhile. This time he stayed until nearly meeting time. Gussie and Bell both went to meeting in the evening. I sent a letter and a Harper's Weekly by them to the Post Office to mail to George. 01/23 MONDAY - Rain all day. I worked as usual in the shop. Pay day - I had $21.00 coming. I left five to my credit towards the $60.00 borrowed of Mr. Crofut, leaving now $20.00 his due. Being tired and the weather stormy, I did not go out in the evening. The snow has wasted fast today. 01/24 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual until dark in the shop. Father Griswold came home on the morning train from one of his P. Elder's appointments and in the evening, I carried his hat up to him. It was a little too large this time, but I soon remedied that by putting some paper under the leather. I went to the Post Office and to Gillette & Baird's for Gussie. Paid Bell $1.20 for two week's help. 01/25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. On my way to work this morning, I called at Gillette & Baird's for a bunch of embroidery braid which I left there last evening by mistake. I worked as long as I could see at night in the shop. Came home by way of Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I mailed one to George in the evening; sent it to the Office by Gussie who went into the street. Bell went to Singing School at the Baptist Church, so I stayed home with Baby. George Bailey's oldest daughter was married this P.M. to a Mr. George H. Hoyt, a son of the Supt. of the NY & NH Railroad at Stamford. A splendid car from that road was sent up to convey the wedding party to Stamford. It was attached to the regular afternoon passenger train from here at 4 o'clock and 20 minutes. 01/26 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but still very cold. Harriet and Louise Jones called to see Gussie this forenoon, but I being at the shop did not see Miss Jones thought I would like to have done so very much. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lockwood Olmstead's for my two pieces of beef he had been smoking for me. I brought them home and then went to market to Dr. Buckley's for some tincture of Belladonna and Aconite and to consult him about the baby for sickness to the stomach. I waited for the mail walking up with Jonathan Reynolds. I took 8 yards of tatting (spa) to Gilbert and Baird's Store for Bell and got the pay - $1.48; Gussie went over to Frank Boughton's in the evening to carry a baby cloak home. 01/27 FRIDAY - Pleasant but still very cold. D. L. Chichester was shopped today at our (the Pahquioque) shop and Jesse D. Stevens was off on account of the sore mouth which always trouble him at the shop. It is what is called 'The Hatter's Sore Mouth'. After supper, I took my hams and shoulders over to Lockwood Olmstead's to be smoked. I put it in the corn basket and pushed it on the sled. I received by the evening mail two letters and an Old diary for preservation from George. There was a letter also for Mother and one for Harriet. 01/28 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still very cold. As I came home from the shop at night, I came by way of Mr. Hanford's Boot and Shoe and Grocery Store on White Street and bought some coffee. When I got home, I found Mother there; she had spent the day. After supper, I got Mr. McDonald's horse and sleigh and carried her home. I got some milk for her at Mr. McDonald's and gave her one of the cheeks of my hog. Bell rode up home with us and back home with me. I gave Mr. McDonald 10 cents to help me harness. I then went to market for Sunday. Bell got two more letters for me today from George. 01/29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cold, but warmer in the evening. Bell and I went to church in the morning; Gussie stayed with the baby. After Sunday school, I came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. to Sunday School Concert at the North Church. I went to church today for the first time since I got hurt while skating which was two weeks ago last Friday evening. I wrote to George in the P.M. and as I went to church in the evening mailed with the letter a Harper's and a copy of the Jeffersonian of January 1864 in which was printed a letter from him in which was a statement about Lieutenant Fred Betts ordering the body of a drowned colored marine to be rolled off the beach into the sea while the 17th Regiment was on Folly Island, South Carolina. He wanted this paper sent to him for evidence in the matter I suppose, though he says there is no difficulty about it. I also mailed an Advocate and Journal for Gussie to Cousin Eliza Humphrey in California in which was printed the death of her Father. Brother Hill preached in the evening, after which there was a short prayer meeting. Bell stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie and I go. Father came down to see us as usual after tea. 01/30 MONDAY - Pleasant and warmer; it thawed considerably in the middle of the day. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Bell went to the Sewing Society in the evening in the company of Louise Vintz up to Brother Bartram's. David Bradley called in the evening to get a carpenter's tool called a plough that was Abel's. Harriet being away, I went up to Father Griswold's barn and got it for him. While he was here, he helped me fix the lock to my front door. He brought home Harriet's glue pot which he borrowed when he repaired my gun. Took extracts from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I did this just before retiring. The seats in the church were rented this P.M. at 1 o'clock. Mrs. Bradley and Gussie went and the same seats for Burr and me for another year. The price has been advanced $2.00 making it now $8.00. 01/31 TUESDAY - Still warmer today. Cloudy at times during the day and evening. The bursting of the Kohanza water pipe near Concert Hall completely flooded Main Street near the Wooster House this morning. In consequence, the water was shut off from that section and many of the factories that depend on the water for steam purposes had to shut up. The boiler at the Pahquioque could not be supplied with water and consequently no steam could be had to warm the trimming room and the trimmers came up into the finishing room with us and worked around the two long tables there. Just at night, however, they got the old force pump at work which draws water from the brook and will be independent of Kohanza tomorrow if it affords us no water. On my way to work this morning, I left a letter at the Jeffersonian Office for Publication from Cosmopolite (George). I went late to prayer meeting in the evening and talked with Brother Hill after meeting about gathering some new Sunday school library books.
1865-01
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal June 1864 Entry
8pgs
6/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Warm until about 4 P.M. when a hard thundershower came up. John Bussing was married this morning at 6 o'clock and took the train. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut and we carried our dinner (Harriet and I). On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Come's Marble Works and engaged a stone for Eddie. I went to market and to class in the evening. Our pay was put off on account of taking an inventory until today. But did not get pay for what work we did today. Gussie received a letter from an old Essex friend Kate Bailey, formerly Kate Doane. 6/2 THURSDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy this morning. Cleared off at noon. Before tea, I set a post for Clothes line. After tea, I helped Father Griswold move their refrigerator from barn to cellar. Went downtown by way of Bund's[?] garden with Mr. Cocking who went that way to carry some eggplants to Mr. House [?] in the evening. While downtown, I consulted carpenters and tinners about roofing my center. Received 3 letters from George. There was one for Mother, Harriet and Anne Purdy also in the Office from him. The letters gave the intelligence of the Capture of Companies B, H and K. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening up to Father Griswold's. Brother Hill called there after meeting. Before retiring, I looked over the letters from George and made out one for the Jeffersonian. 6/3 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. After breakfast, I commenced taking extracts from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. After the mail came in, I went up home to see Mother's letter from George. It was written later than mine and contradicted what he wrote to me about Companies H and K being captured. They are alright, but Company B had been taken sure. I bought the one half dozen pocket almanacs that George had ordered of R. C. Cowen and mailed them in the evening. I wrote a short letter also and mailed at the same time. I gave up the idea for the present of putting a tin roof on my wing and bought a few shingles to patch it for the present. While we were drinking tea, Burr Bradley, his wife and youngest child called on us. 6/4 SATURDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop today. I hoed in my garden. Went up to Chas. Chase's about mail time with Robert for a ride. I patched up my wing roof just at night. Gussie went to the cemetery in the evening. 6/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some rain. We were rather late this morning. I attended church during the day. Burr Bradley being absent, I took the collections for him. Gussie did not attend on account of the weather and not feeling well. Wrote to George after tea and mailed it with a Waverly in the evening. I copied from his last letter an account of the capture of Company B of his regt. At Welaka, Fla. for publication in the Jeffersonian. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. It was the Monthly Missionary Concert. On account of the weather, it was in the basement. After the meeting, I called at Mr. Ashley's residence and handed him the Cosmopolite's correspondence for the Jeffersonian. Gussie wrote to Kate Bailey, Essex, Conn. in the evening. 6/6 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Cleared off about noon. I worked until about 7 o'clock to wait to wait for the shower to be over. When I came home to tea, I found Mary and Carrie Mills. The came up to go to the N!66er Show. Carrie to stay all night with Emma Wildman and Mary to stay with us. I went to market in the evening for myself and Mother Griswold. 6/7 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. Mary Mills stayed all night with Hattie. She took the cars for Bethel after breakfast. Uncle Edwin bought me two dozen beanpoles this forenoon for 50 cents. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the cellar for us. On my way home from the shop, I conditionally bought or paid difference between and old watch and a new Hunter's Case Detached Lever for George. If the price is agreeable to George, I shall keep it, if not I am to return it get my money. I bought it at Robinson's. I set my bean poles and bushed my string peas when I came home. I set out some purple cabbage for Father Griswold just before dark. I went down intending to attend the Gen. Class meeting. I was late and besides before going in Dr. Ryder stopped me and wanted Mr. Hill to marry a couple. I went in the church and frightened the people terribly by calling out Bro. Hill. Bought a shower and chain for Bell at Swift's with George's money as he directed. 6/8 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cool for the season of the year. Cloudy with appearance of rain in the evening. I wrote to George in the morning before breakfast about the watch I have been getting for him. I sent the letter to the Office in time for the morning mail. I have worked on black hats today for the first time in a long while. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to inform him (Mr. Ashley) of the wedding last evening at Deacon John Fry's, the parties Bro. Hill was called from Gen. Meeting last night to marry. Oscar Serrine called on his way home from the shop and I gave him some pea brush. I planted over some pole and bush beans that did not come up good. We all went up to hear our presiding Elder, Bro. Pillsbury preach in the evening. After meeting, I went to market for my breakfast and to Mr. Swift's News Office and I bought 6 quires of note paper and two packs of envelopes. The Jeffersonian today, has a letter from George (Cosmopolite) in it from the 17th Regt, Connecticut Volunteers in St. Augustine, Florida. Before retiring, I strung and hung up dome ornamental shelves for Mrs. Cocking, my tenant upstairs. It rained a little as meeting was out and hard before retiring between 10 and 11 o'clock. 6/9 THURSDAY - Pleasant through the day. A shower just at night about 6 o'clock. I cut my finger with a jack plane while making a shelf for Mrs. Cocking's new set of hanging shelves. I am not able to work with it, it is so bad. I called at the shop this morning. Received two letters from George, they being designed for publication in the Jeffersonian. I bought a quarter bbl. No. 2 mackerel at Parmelee and Bradley's for $3.50. I took a nap after dinner. Harriet came down and spent the P.M and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I got some mortar and went up home and plastered up some mouse holes in Harriet's room. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 6/10 FRIDAY - pleasant but cold. Sore finger still. Can't finish hats with it yet. Mowed the grass in front of Father Griswold's and my own premises and trimmed the walk, finishing it up in good shape. After dinner, Gussie went up home and Harriet Mills went up there from the shop to tea. I went up to Mother Griswold's in their absence to tea. While there, I dressed my finger for the first time since I cut it. I then did it up in the blood and kept it wet with Witch Hazel Extract. Today, I changed it and put a plaster of Uncle Chauncey's Salve. Mother Griswold had a few strawberries for tea for the first time. After tea, I hoed out my garden with a rake. In the evening, I carried a pail down to the store for Mother Griswold to get molasses with. Bought some beefsteak for breakfast and came home. 6/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. Frost last night in some places. Very heavy in Brookfield, I learn. I see no effects of it on my premises. I prepared from George's last two letters from the Jeffersonian. I went to the Post Office before dinner. Called at the shop and to the Fish Market and brought home a lobster. Harriet was with us to dinner. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and to Mr. Swift's in the P.M., while I made some slats to put over the windows to fasten curtains and make them hang over the green shades. I then went to the Jeffersonian's Office with a letter from George for publication. Found Gussie in the street and then went to Raymond's and bought a peck of peas and some radishes. I came home and painted Dalia' sticks. Had our first mess of strawberries from our own bed. Hattie Mills went to Mrs. Ryan Whites' to tea. She came home in time to eat a few strawberries with us. I went to the Post Office and to Singing School in the evening. 6/12 SUNDAY - Cool, chilly. I attended church in the morning. Bro. Hill preached. A shower of rain, but no thunder, I believe, just before morning sermon closed. Sunday school prayer meeting at noon. There being no distribution of books, I spent nearly all the session in the churchyard talking with Bro. Chittenden. In the meantime, we walked over to Dr. Bulkley's office as I wanted to consult him about a cold I have on my lung. The office was closed. Bro. Hill went to Bethel to preach in the P.M. Bro. Crawford administered the Sacrament. Rebecca Mills was baptized and received into full connection. Gussie had the toothache and went out early in the service. After meeting, I wrote a letter to George with directions in R(h)yme to match the one he sent me. I mailed a Waverly to him also with the letter. After tea, Hattie Mills, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We stayed rather late and did not go to meeting in the evening as there was none at our church. A union service at the 1st Congregation Church. Sermon by Mr. Robertson to the Young Men's Christian Association. When we came home, we went upstairs to call on Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I drew a pitcher of ale and carried up. She gave some Madden Porter's Syrup for my cough. 6/13 MONDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I have a hard cold on my lungs. Intended to work I today, but after going down to the shop, I felt so poorly that I concluded not to. I engaged another stone in place of the one I ordered some time ago for Eddie's grave. Mr. Swift brought one half dozen verbenas from Norwalk for Fanny this morning. I brought them home from the Post Office. Mrs. Stone washed for us this morning. I went to bed after dinner. Got up about 4 o'clock and drew up my Librarian's Book anew for the Sunday School. Father called on his way home from work and left $5.00 towards our cemetery lot. Mr. Cocking and myself went downtown in the evening to Robinson's to compare George's new watch with his regulator. To the Post Office where I lost sight of him. I went into the War Meeting in the basement of Concert Hall for a few moments. The meeting was to take measures against the coming draft to fill quotas of volunteers or substitutes. I left soon. Did not stay to see what was done. Gussie and Hattie Mills went shopping too. 6/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant, warmer. Went to pay for cemetery before going to the shop in the morning, but did not see Mr. Tweedy. Called at Cowe's Marble Works to direct about inscription on Eddie's stone. There being several garnishes to spend at the shop, it was sent out for a keg of lager beer, crackers and cheese. Henry Ledger got drunk. A Mr. Kidder and Mother came home with Father Griswold today. Kidder stayed all night. I talked with Father Griswold about a chaplain for the 17th Regt. He thinks he knows a man. I went to market in the evening. Bought some liver for breakfast and 15 one half lbs. Ham 22 cents to be brought up tomorrow. I came home and drank some ale with Robert Cocking. 6/15 WEDNESDAY - I coughed about 2 hours last night, from 12 one half to 2 one half o'clock; felt poorly in the morning. Mrs. McNeil came down to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed with us to dinner. Harriet was with us also. After tea, I went down to see Dr. Bulkely. He gave me medicine to take and ordered a cold water bandage around my waist when I go to bed. I saw Mr. Tweedy, the cemetery man and paid him $15.00 for our lot, $5.00 from Father, $5.00 from George, and $5.00 myself. I did not attend class but came home to doctor myself and go to bed. The Evening Post says that Grant has changed his base from the White House on the York River to Charles City on the James River. 6/16 THURSDAY - My cough is a little better this morning. I think that the medicine that the doctor gave me did me good. It has been very warm. I sowed some French turnip seed after I came home from the shop. I went downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. When I returned, I drew some beer and we drank together. I received through the Post Office from E.S. Tweedy, the Secretary of the Cemetery Association my certificate of purchase and ownership of a lot in the cemetery. 6/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm again. Worked hard, was very tired at night. On my way home at night, I came by the way of Come's Marble Works to look at Eddie's stone. After tea, I went to market and waited until after 9 o'clock for the cars to come with mail and news and then go tired and came home. 6/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I worked hard until 4 o'clock and then went up to the cemetery to see about setting Eddie's grave stone. Mr. Comes and Northrop did it. I found Gussie and Fanny up there waiting. On our way home, we met Harriet Wheeler on her way up there at the corner of West and Main Streets. When we got home, it was about 7 o'clock. Hattie Mills had the tea table all set for us. After tea, went to the Post Office and received a letter from George, then went to Singing School. Our preacher, Mr. Hill came in and gave me Fannie's parasol to bring home and stayed and sang with us. It was just one year ago today that George was home and we had our picnic on Thomas Mountain. Before retiring for the night, I copied some extracts from George's letter for the Jeffersonian. 6/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church all day. Gussie went in the P.M. Our afternoon service commences now at 2 o'clock in order to give more time for Sunday School. I sat in the choir all day. Aunt Anne, Susan and Addie Benjamin came up to our folks this morning. We went up to see them after tea, but it was too late. They had gone home. I wrote to George and mailed it as we came from up home. I then called on Lieut. Governor Averill, to inform him that we had a man in view for Chaplain in the 17th Regt. I did not go to prayer meeting, but came home and drew a little ale. Robert and wife came down and he drank with me. When they went up, I wrote in journal and retire a little after 10 o'clock. 6/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. It was nearly 7 o'clock when we rose this morning. A shop call just before noon for an advance on our prices. A committee to draw up a new bill. They reported, the Report was accepted and we voted to stand by the bill. Mr. Crofut refused to give what we demanded. We finished off the work we had taken out and stopped. I came home by the way of the Jeffersonian Office and left a letter from George for publication. I then went over to George Hull's garden to see his Poor House Seedling Strawberries. Andrew gave me 4 samples to bring home. Before tea, I went up home and fixed curtain fixtures for Fanny, as they did not work good. After tea, Mr. Cocking and I cleaned out the cistern. I went downtown in the evening with Gussie. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. 6/21 TUESDAY - Cooler with prospect of a storm. I commenced hoeing in my garden after breakfast, as I was not going to work (the men being still on a turnout for prices). But soon Edward Smith, one of the apprentices, came after me to go to the shop, the men being there to allow Edward Stevens to iron off hats which were to go off on the train this P.M. He was allowed to do so. Then men then assembled at Barnum's Hotel to compare bills of other shops. A committee being sent down to Orin Benedict's shop for his bill. While there, one of the apprentices came in saying that Mr. Crofut had a proposition to offer. We went to the shop and he offered one half of what we demanded. We refused it. He then offered still more, but not what we asked for. We instructed the Foreman, (Victor W. Benedict) to say to him that we wanted what we asked for and nothing less. He did so, and Mr. Crofut wanted time to think about it. We then adjourned. I came home to dinner after which I hoed out my garden, finishing it about 3 o'clock. Then I took a walk up through Mr. Hurd's garden to look at his strawberries. From there, I went over to Burr Bradley's. He had just finished hoeing his garden. We went into the house and had some of his wine. After which, we went up to the cemetery for a walk. We had our third mess of strawberries for tea. After tea, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Before retiring, Fanny came down with a little dog left at their house by the Ice peddler. She wanted to shut him my woodhouse, so that Mother could not hear him cry in the night. Our folks had a letter from Edwin today. He has been drafted in Ohio. He paid $300.00 and got clear. 6/22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and very warm. No prospect of a storm. The dog Fanny shut in my woodhouse last night cried continually during the night, keeping us all awake and I doubt not at all, the neighbors until a little before 3 o'clock this morning when I became vexed with his whining and got up, dressed, and let him out, at the same time giving him a kick. He took the path toward Father Griswold's house. That is the last seen or heard of him. I hope he is dead. If he don't die of a sore throat, diphtheria, or a lung disease, I shall wonder for he cried himself hoarse before I let him out of the woodhouse. I mowed my door yard this forenoon and carried the grass home to the compost heap. Father Griswold came home on this morning's train. I put on my thin pants before dinner for the first time this summer. We had chicken pot pie for dinner. Went downtown after dinner. Had another keg of No.2 Mackerel brought up from Parmelee and Bradley's in exchange for the other one which proved not good. Mr. Fowler brought up 2 lbs. of butter just at night. I attended class meeting in the evening. There was a good attendance and the meeting was good. 6/23 THURSDAY - The warmest day of the season. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the morning. After which, I went down for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold, she being suddenly taken with a sore throat and fearing the diphtheria. I found several of my shop mates in the street. Mr. Crofut sent for us to come to the shop. We went down and he talked with us about prices. From present appearances, he did not see as how he could pay the full advance we asked as the market was full of goods and the demand small. He offered the same as on Tuesday, it being but a little less than our demands. He talked very candid and fair saying that we should really have all we asked as it cost as much to him. But he still could not from present appearances manufacture if he paid what we asked for his work. I borrowed his horse and went up for Joseph Kyle and Edward Harris. Harris was getting in hay and could not come. After I returned the men came together and voted to accept for the present Mr. Crofut's offer until he could get up what hats he had in the works which he thought would take about 2 weeks. After which, we would be governed by circumstances. We adjourned to go to work tomorrow morning, it then being noon. After dinner, I took a nap. Slept until almost 4 o'clock. After tea, I spent a little time around the yard. Went down town for the mail and the news. There was no mail, neither news. 6/24 FRIDAY - Very warm, but not quite so much so as yesterday. We went to work in the shop in the morning. In the evening, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Went to Raymond's and ordered lobsters for Mother Griswold and myself. Bought a linen coat and thin pants of Charles Stevens. 6/25 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood at 90 in the shade. Have been to work on black hats for the first time in a long time. Mr. Wing came to the shop today with Patent Clothes Dryer. I pretty much concluded to have one put up in my yard. After tea, I went over to David Bradley's to go to the Pond to bathe. But we concluded to wait until tomorrow morning. I then went downtown and found Gussie who went down alone as I intended to go to the Pond. We had some ice cream and came home. Harriet Mills has a bad cold and Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkley about it, but he was not in his office. Henry Starr and a son of Mr. Wing's came with the clothes dryer just before tea. I helped dig a hole to set the post. 6/26 SUNDAY - Made a fire. Went for milk and the went with Mr. Cocking as far as Oil Mill Pond where I went into the water and washed after which I went over to Mr. Lyons and waited for him to finish his chairs and then we came home together. He gave me a large head of lettuce when we got home. Gussie had finished breakfast and the table was waiting for me. The mercury has stood at 98 in the shade. After tea, I wrote to George and put up a Waverly for him to mail at the same time. About six o'clock, Gussie, Hattie Mills and myself went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. On our return, I mailed the letter and paper to George. We did not go to meeting, but returned home. I drew some beer and Mr. and Mrs. Cocking sat out on the grass plot in the yard and drank beer with us until 10 o'clock. There was a shower passed over a short time before we went to the cemetery. We got only a few drops of it. In an hour's time the dust flew as badly as ever. Mr. Hill preached in the morning from Proverbs 28:27. After Sunday School, I came home and did not go out in the P.M. While we were up on the cemetery, Bell made her appearance to visit Eddie's grave also. I have been giving Hattie Mills homeopathy medicine for a cold all day. 6/27 MONDAY - Smoky, so that the sun shone but dimly in the morning with the prospect of another warm day. But the wind finally went into the North and blew furiously and cool so that thin clothes felt almost uncomfortable. I worked hard all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone worked for us and used the new clothes dryer. Gussie does not like it very much on account of it taking the clothes too long to dry. Harriet was down to dinner. After tea, Robert and I went down to market. When we returned, I drew some beer, and Robert and I drank together. I then wrote this journal, fixed my fire for morning and retired. 6/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cool again today. I have worked hard and late in the shop. On my way to the shop this morning, I saw John Cosier and paid him $5.00 toward church seat rent - No.31. After tea, Robert and I went downtown to market and to Post Office. Robert traded his watch for a Hunter's case at Robinson's. 6/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool, though warmer than yesterday. The wind went around from North to Southeast. I felt very much like work and have improved it. Harriet Purdy was with us to tea. Father Griswold came home from New York on the evening train. The minister he previously spoke about wanting a position as chaplain has gone to South Carolina for the Christian Commission. I went to class in the evening. There were few present, but a good meeting. I took a letter from the Office for father Griswold from Uncle Chauncey. 6/30 THURSDAY - The sun shone in the morning, but it began to thicken over with clouds until nearly night, when it began to rain. Mr. Wing came to see Gussie and her folks about the clothes dryer in the forenoon. He sold the one he left for us to Father Griswold and brought a smaller size to us in the P.M. After tea, I got some cabbage plants of Father Griswold and transplanted them. I then went downtown with Mr. Cocking to get the mail. Before retiring, I drew off a gallon of vinegar and filled up the keg with old cider.
1864-06
Horace Purdy Journal June 1865 Entry
11pgs
06/01 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very warm. National Fast appointed by President Johnson to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer. The factory has been closed on that account. The first thing I did this morning was to mow the grass in front of the house in the street. After breakfast I went down to Stebbins's Lumberyard and bought a piece of studding for Father Griswold 16 feet long to make a flag staff on his house, the old one being too short. I spiced on the new piece after which the flag was run up at half-mast in observance of the national fast. Just before dinner Mr. Cocking came home and helped me clean up the front walk and straighten the edges after which we both took a walk up to James Scaitlin's to look at his strawberry beds. I called to for our folks at the same time. They were cleaning house. I brought home the scythe which I lent him last night. The religious services were held in our church at 11 o'clock. Sermon by Mr. Dunham a Congregational preacher. I did not attend. We sent for Dr. Bulkeley about noon and he came to see Georgie. He had a swelling near the left ear which we feel some concern about. Wrote to Carleton & Porter requesting the S.S. Advocates be sent in one package instead of two. Gussie and Sarah Purdy went up to the cemetery and did not return until about 9 o'clock. 06/02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but not quite so warm as yesterday. On my way to the shop in the morning ordered 6 lbs. of Potash to be sent up to Mother Griswold's. She is going to make soft soap. I found Potash and she the grease and I am to have a share in the soap. I worked until 7 o'clock before stopping at night. 06/03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I hoed out my Trompe de Gard strawberry bed. I spent a part of the forenoon in finishing over my old Nutria hat making it into a Spring Brim, the latest style. I should have finished over Father Griswold's old block soft hat which I have in the shop to make over into the same style if the new block which has been ordered had come but it did not. It is to be on the 5 deep 7 size. Gussie bought a new dress and shoes this P.M. After tea, I worked in my garden spading between rows of potatoes until 8 o'clock and then went to the Post Office and market. While I was at work in the garden Cousin Mary Purdy and David Bradley's wife called to see Gussie. Before retiring, I drew some beer and Mr. Cocking and I drank some together. 06/04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. Mary Purdy came and stayed with baby and let us both go in the P.M. The first Sunday of David Bradley acting as Assistant Librarian, James Parmalee not being there. I was obliged to help distribute Library books in addition to performing the Secretary and Treasurer duties. After supper, we went up home and drew Georgie. Mr. Charles Starr was up there and sat in the yard with us and talked. Mr. Squires and wife were there also. I went to Baptist Prayer meeting in the evening with Mr. Cocking. Gussie stayed at home with Georgie. When we returned we drank a glass of ale together. The wife of Truman Trowbridge died at 8 o'clock on Saturday (last) evening. The bell tolled this noon. A heavy shower passed around us by the North at about 10 o'clock, but we got no rain from it. 06/05 MONDAY - Sunshine in the morning and very warm, but the wind passed around into the east and soon clouded over so that before noon there was a great change in the atmosphere. I finished over Father Griswold's old high crown black soft hat on a 6 deep Spring Brim style. I felt nearly sick in the A.M. and came home to dinner thinking I would not return to the factory but after dinner I felt so very much better that I went back and worked until night. When I came home and after tea, I helped William Carlson clean out his rain water hogshead and then he helped me clean out mine as both of them were nearly dry and there being a prospect of rain. Mr. ____, Father Griswold's German neighbor joining on the west, mowed his yard today and Father Griswold gave me a little of the grass to put around my strawberry hills which I did just before dark. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and brought her little girl with her. Mrs. McDonald and Elisha Serrine's wife called in the P.M. and in the evening Mr. Swift's wife and mother called. It rained a little this P.M. Truman Trowbridge's wife was buried this P.M. Captain Morris Krasynski of Co. A, 11th Regiment, C.V. arrives home this evening by train having left the service. He declares that he ready to continue in the army when they want him. 06/06 TUESDAY - There have been indications of a storm all day though the sun shone some in the PM. David Scribner's wife who is crazy came into the shop at noon and said she was going to have a donation party this evening down at the County House after which there would be a dance. She went on with her crazy slang until our Foreman V. W. Benedict ordered out at the same time hurrying her by putting his hand on her shoulder and pushing her. After tea, I forked over the ground between my potatoes in the garden and then went to market. There is a meeting this evening at Concert Hall to make some arrangements for a 4th of July celebration. As I came home, the Brass Band was playing on the steps of the hall to draw the people together. Cousin Frank Bouton received a letter today from John mailed at Jacksonville, Florida stating that the regiment was on the way to Tallahassee to do garrison duty. Mother is not so well today. Bell came down this evening with a bottle to get some ale for her. I being away to market, Gussie could not draw it so she returned home and left the bottle. Before retiring, I put some insoles in my new patent leather boots. 06/07 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy but no rain. Edward P. Stevens, an old shop mate had a watch stolen from his home just before noon. I bought home Father Griswold's hat which I have been finishing off for him. I have intended to go to class this evening, but I am very tired so I stayed with the baby to let Gussie go to the milliner's to get a cap trimmed for Georgie. The thief who stole Edward Stevens' watch was caught by Charles Crosby over to Stony Hill. He denied having stolen the watch but upon being taken to the jail confessed it and told where he would find it. Abel Wheeler's father from New Fairfield is at Father Griswold's on a visit and is staying all night. A new railing in the Post Office to prevent crowding. 06/08 THURSDAY - pleasant and very warm. Have not felt very well today. The watch that was stolen from Edward P. Stevens yesterday was found by Charles H. Crosby where the thief told him it was under a stone near where he arrested him. After tea, I went up on the top of Father Griswold's house and with a pole placed the halyards on the pulley of the flagstaff which was off when the staff was erected. I also spliced the halyards to make them reach the window of the observatory. I stayed with the bay in the evening to let Gussie go to the milliner's for Georgie's cap. In the meantime Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank called. 06/09 FRIDAY - Very warm. I was changed from Drab Hats to Black just before dinner. It was so very warm after dinner that I stopped work between 3 and 4 o'clock and came home. A hard shower came up just as I left the shop and I got wet before I reached home. I went to market in the evening and brought home a blue fish and fixtures for a lamp. It is what is termed the 'Tom Thumb' arrangement. While fixing the flagstaff on Father Griswold's house last night, I left my pocketknife on top of the cupola. I went up for it tonight. We had a fine mess of strawberries for tea tonight. Mary Cable brought the baby's cap up which Gussie went for last night and found it not trimmed. 66 S.S. Advocates came today. 06/10 SATURDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and worked about 2 hours and I then quit as I did not feel able to work. I have a cold and have worked very hard for about a month which I suppose is the reason for my indisposition. After dinner I lay down and slept for about 2 hours and then I went downtown with Gussie. I bought a Weekly Tribune for Mrs. Hancock to send to her husband in the army, and then went with Gussie to Benedict's Shoe Store to exchange a pair of baby shoes for one size larger. I then went to the Danbury Bank and found it closed. I intended to take a hundred dollar U.S. 7 # 30 Loan but was too late as banking hours were past. I intended to take money from the Savings Bank to invest in the U.S. Loan as named. I then went to Joseph Ives and talked with Edmund Allen about a new tin roof on the wing of my house. I came home and worked off the S.S. Advocates and carried them down to the church before tea. A heavy thunder shower came up just after dinner and it was showery the remainder of the P.M. and evening. Mr. Cocking came with team to meet Mrs. Lynes at the depot. I rode down with him. Mrs. Cocking bought some beer in the evening for Robert and he brought down a glass for me before we retired. Mrs. Hancock was taken unexpectedly sick yesterday and today she has had the Doctor and is not able to sit up. She is a new wife and we suspect she has a miscarriage. Thomas Sproul brought another 1/4 ton of coal today for $2.75. I mean to pay him next Monday. Before retiring, I wrote again to Carlton & Porter about the S.S. Advocates to send them in one package. 06/11 SUNDAY - A little cooler after the rain but pleasant. Gussie went to church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. I went to Sunday School and in the P.M., Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon at which a collection for the Lincoln Monument was taken - $10.62. Sacrament in the P.M. We had lobster for supper after which we drew the baby and went up home to see Mother. John Cosier called to see her while we were there. We sang and he prayed before we left. He walked down with us when we came home. I went to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street in the evening to hear Brother Hill preach his sermon on Methodism. Wrote to Carlton & Porter to send our S.S. Advocates in one package. This is the second time I have written about it. 06/12 MONDAY - I worked in the forenoon and finished off a dozen hats I had out. I went back to the shop after dinner but did not work. I stayed until they paid off and then went up to Joseph Ives to see about a getting a tin roof for the wing of my house. I came home by way of E. Whaley to see his strawberries and to see him about sending S. Barnum to New York for fire crackers for the 4th of July. They will cost us more than we expected and I am in favor of not sending. I went over to David Bradley's to see about his doing the carpentry work to my roof. He was not home so I left word to have him call and see after which he did. He will not be able to do the work before Friday. While he was here Ed Whaley came along and I drew some ale for them. I went to teacher's Meeting in the evening and was made Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School. I had a severe headache in the evening and I retired as soon as I came from the Teacher's meeting. It is now Tuesday morning that I am writing this. I was not able to do it last night. 06/13 TUESDAY - Not feeling very well, I rose late. After breakfast I cut a little grass in my yard and put around my strawberry plants to keep the berries clean. Went down to the Post Office and to the Savings Bank to draw out $100 with which to take a $100 7-30 U.S. Loan but concluded not to do so as I would thereby lose the interest in the Savings bank from April until the present time and besides the Savings bank pays 6 % instead of 5% as I supposed and furthermore I shall probably pay the $100 on my place next April and unless Mr. Mallett was willing to take the 7-30 Loan, I would be obliged to sell it before I could pay him. So I came home without making the changes. After dinner I took a nap on the bed with Georgie and slept until nearly 3 o'clock. I then picked what strawberries there were ripe and rode downtown with Mr. Cocking and bought a gallon of molasses and 1 # lbs. of sugar at B&N and sent it up home. I then went over to the church and looked over the Sunday School classes on the Librarian's books and arranged them on the Secretary's book which I now have the charge of. David Lanigan was married at the Baptist Church in the P.M just before the cars went out and took the train for a wedding tour. He married Miss ___ Comstock from the Boggs District. While downtown this morning, I saw Charles Fowler and paid him $1.75 due him up to date for butter. After tea, I went over to Seth Downs and Dr. Bulkeley to see their strawberries. I came home by way of the Post Office and got a letter from George written at St. Augustine, Florida June 3rd and Jacksonville June 7th. They were waiting transportation to come home. 06/14 Wednesday - Pleasant but a little cooler. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get some dressmaking done and I carried my dinner at the shop. I worked all day though I have not been in a condition to do so. I feel nearly sick with my cold and also I have a sore mouth. On my way home from work, I overtook Father and he came around home to get a glass of beer. It has been reported today that David Mansfield has been found dead in a lumberyard in Norwalk. I went to market in the evening but was too tire to stay down to class. The 2nd Congregational Church is holding a strawberry festival this evening in Concert Hall. 06/15 THURSDAY - Cloudy and cool but no rain. The body of David Mansfield came last evening on the train. I have felt better today than for many days past. I worked all day in the shop. I went in the evening to Joseph Ives to see about having my tin roof put on tomorrow. They are to put it on if the day is pleasant. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. She went home after doing some shopping and I waited for the mail. I received a letter from Carleton Porter explaining about the extra packages of the S.S. Advocates sent to us. I answered it in Parmalee & Bradley's store and mailed it ordering 8 extra copies before I went home. 06/16 FRIDAY - Some appearance of rain in the morning, but at times during the day, the sun shone. I stayed home and with David Bradley ripped off the old shingle roof on the wing and put on new roof boards for a tin roof. After dinner, Mr. James Turner and Mr. William Allen came with the Irishman Mike and succeeded in putting on the tin roof by working until 7 o'clock. David came over after tea and helped me put on the strips of siding which we took off that the Turner's might work. We then went downtown together. I reported to Joseph Ives about the new roof, but they were just closing the store and desired me to call at some other time. I got a $10 bill changed to pat David what I owed him. 06/17 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I went to the shop in the morning, but feeling rather sore and stiff from yesterday's work, I concluded not to work. I went up to Joseph Ives' store and paid $20 on the bill of ___ for my tin roof. I took a nap after dinner and the Gussie and I took the baby up to the cemetery. While coming home in the morning, I met Louise Jones; she had just been to the house to see Gussie. In the evening, I went downtown and bought a thin vest and coat. Went to the barber's and got my hair cut and then came home. 06/18 SUNDAY - Very warm in the forenoon. A shower came up about noon and rained a little cooling the air very much. The sun was hid from view nearly all the remainder of the day. I stayed with Gussie in the forenoon to let Gussie go to church. She came home after the morning sermon to let me go to Sunday School and in the P.M. Dr. Holdrich preached in the A.M. He is Secretary of the Bible Society. F. W. Jackson preached in the P.M. from the last clause of the tenth verse of the 12th chapter of 2nd Corinthians. We continued the subscriptions in Sunday School for the Lincoln Monument Fund. After tea, I did my writing for the Sunday School and then we put Georgie in his carriage and went over to Aunt Louisa's. I also carried David Bradley's pipe to him which he left here last Friday while at work. I went to hear Dr. Holdrich on the Bible Cause at our church. Rev. Mr. Shepard preached at the West Street 2nd Congregational Church in the evening on Universalism. I walked from the church in the evening with Widow William Bradley as far as the corner of New Street. John Cosier's class met at 5 o'clock up home with Mother. 06/19 MONDAY - Cloudy all day; misty at times but no rain. I worked all day in the shop. When I came to dinner, I ran up Father Griswold's flag as I promised him I would as he wanted to make a little sport with Aunt Ruth and Anna Eliza when he should come with them on the freight train. They came with him as expected. When I came home, I found the flag caught on the point of the lightning rod. I went to the top of the house as soon as I could and took it down. While doing so, Anna Eliza came up to see me. She had changed so much that I should not have known her if I had seen her anywhere else. When I came down, I went into the sitting room where they had just finished tea to see Aunt Ruth. I stayed there to tea. Anna came down with Gussie and stayed while I went to market. While down to the Post Office, I saw Henry Hoyt who is to be gatekeeper at the Fair tomorrow and the next day and he wanted some of our Sunday School Festival tickets for the Committee at the Fair to use while running out and in. We went over to the church together and I went to the Library and got them for him; he took 35 of them. I took from the Post Office some King of Swedes Turnip Seed sent by Congressman J. H. Hubbard or at least the envelope had his frank upon it. 06/20 TUESDAY - Cloudy but no rain. The wind went around from East to Southwest and our threatened storm will I think prove a dry one. Before breakfast I stuck down some of the vining plants to my Russell Strawberries. I am trying to force a few plants to put out early. The Ladies' Sewing Society Fair of our church commenced today in Concert Hall. Bell came down in the P.M. to take care of Georgie so that Gussie could attend the Fair with Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza Mills. I worked hard all day and until after 6 o'clock at night. In the evening, Gussie went to the Fair again with Anna and Eliza Vintz. I walked down with them; as they went into the Hall, I went to the Post Office and to market. I then came home without going into the Hall. When I came home, I took care of Georgie and let Bell go home. There was a Hatters' Meeting which I did not attend to take into consideration an invitation from the Town Committee to participate in a body by joining the procession on the 4th of July. I was notified before leaving the street that I was Chairman of an Auditing Committee, consisting of C. H. Hoyt, Nathaniel Cable and myself to audit the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer of the Association. 06/21 WEDNESDAY - Foggy, misty and some rain in the morning, but before noon the sun came out warm and pleasant. I was very tired when I stopped work. Gussie and Anna Mills went to the Fair again in the evening. I went to the Post Office and found a letter from the Post Office in Washington, D.C. It was one that Gussie wrote to Emmaline Francis in Leavenworth, Kansas and it never reached its destination and it came back to her by way of Washington. I went into the Fair to carry the letter to her and while there, I bought three dishes of ice cream for Gussie, her cousin Anna and myself. I then came home to relieve Cousin Mary Purdy who was taking care of baby for us. I gave her 25 cents and sent her to the Fair. 06/22 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Being tired out from hard work, I stayed out of the shop. I called at Sheather & Lacy's shop and went from there down to where I work at the Pahquioque Shop, It being then about noon, I walked up with Edwin Whaley. After dinner I took a nap and woke up and found a hard shower coming up. The thunder was heavy, also considerable wind. It rained hard and cleared off between 5 and 6 o'clock. Aunt Ruth, Cousin Anna Eliza, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler spent the afternoon with us. Father Griswold came down and took tea with us while Harriet went home with Josie. After tea, we all took a walk around the corner by Mr. Pond's place and upon the lime rocks. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. While down there I found that there was a meeting of the Union League called to vote the use of the cannon to the citizens' celebration on the coming 4th of July. I attended before going home. 06/23 FRIDAY - The day has been pleasant. Last night's shower having cooled the air so that it has been a comfortable day to work. I carried my dinner today in order that Gussie might have more time to visit with her Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza. Father Griswold got Beatty's double team and took his company out to ride this evening. When I came home to tea, I found a letter from George which Gussie had taken from the Office. He sent his last bounty check and over $6 in Confederate money for preservation as a relic. After tea, I worked until about dark starting the new plants in my Russell Strawberry bed. Gussie and Anna Eliza went downtown in the evening, while I stayed with Georgie. 06/24 SATURDAY - A beautiful day. I came home to dinner after which I went with Gussie and Cousin Anna Eliza to Mr. Crofut's Forming Shop in West Street and then down where I work at the Pahquioque Shop to show them the way hats are manufactured. From there we went up into Main Street and found Fanny, Harriet and Aunt Ruth. Aunt Ruth went to Dr. Ryder's and had a tooth extracted and then they did some shopping. In the meantime I talked with O. H. Swift about the paper business for George when he should arrive home. After tea (Bell came in and stayed to tea), we all went downtown to show Eliza where General Wooster died. We went by the way of Deer Hill and I called at Father's a few minutes. The Sunday School Advocates came today and before tea I marked them off and carried them downtown with us and came up Main Street when we came home and left them at the church. Mr. Cocking came down stairs and drank a glass of beer with me in the evening. 06/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning; I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon. I went down to Sunday School and to preaching in the P.M. Asa Hill preached for us today. I had the headache in the afternoon. We had our first mess of peas for supper, from our dwarf vines. Mr. Mackey, a son-in-law of Joseph Foot, the hatter formerly of this town, who has been lately converted was in our Sunday School and made the opening prayer. He also made some remarks to the school before it closed. I felt so poorly after tea that I lay down until nearly evening meeting time. I did not go to prayer meeting; neither did Gussie, but we spent a part of the evening up home with Aunt Ruth. I felt better before retiring. 06/26 MONDAY - It rained in showers all day and very hard in the afternoon. I carried my dinner to the shop. We were paid off in the P.M. On my way home from work at night I took from the Office a letter from Cyrus Benjamin, giving the intelligence of the death of his youngest brother Joel. He died of consumption. The letter was written yesterday. The funeral will be attended tomorrow. The letter was written to Father, but I opened it to see who was dead. After tea, I went up home and carried the letter. I gave Father $1.00 with which to attend the funeral as I could not go myself. From there I went into the street to pay the balance of my bill for tin roof to Joseph W. Ives for $8.41. I then went to the depot to see Mr. Beatty about coming for Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza as they want to start for Canton tomorrow morning. I did some marketing and then came home while it was raining in torrents. Before we retired, it was starlight. While in the street, I called on O. H. Swift to see if he had done anything more about the newspaper business from George. He told me that he had about settled the matter and thought he would be able to let George have the business when he came home. Fred Brinker's wife was buried this morning. 06/27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool after the rain. Father took the train for Ridgefield this morning to attend Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral and Aunt Ruth Griswold and Anna Eliza Mills took the train also for Canton. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe and sickle. I ground our scythe also. I went to the Post Office in the evening but got nothing. Father returned from Ridgefield by the evening train. 06/28 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool for June. I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle, Ed Whaley and William Norman were off from the shop this morning. After tea, I hoed some corn in the garden and propped up tomato vines. I then went down to the Post Office and to see Dr. Bulkeley about Georgie who is sick from continued constipation. He was not at his office, so I walked around to his residence in Spring Street. He prescribed for him. I came by way of Oscar Serrine's to borrow his syringe, but it was broken so I went to Dr. Baldwin's Drug Store and bought one of Loewe's pattern for $1.50. I came home and gave the baby an injection and the medicine Dr. Bulkeley prescribed. 06/29 THURSDAY - Prospects of a storm in the morning and did rain a little about 6 o'clock, but it finally came off pleasant and warmer than yesterday. There has been considerable wind; otherwise it would have been very warm. The baby is better today. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Joseph W. Ives to see about the gutter in my new tin roof. He (Mr. Allen) promised to call in a day or two and look at it. Mr. Cocking brought me some cabbage and cauliflower plants this morning; I set the out after supper. I gave what cauliflower plants I had left to Mr. Pond. I set out some cabbage for Father Griswold. Gussie went to the market in the evening while I worked in the garden. 06/30 FRIDAY - Very warm; I worked as usual in the shop. Uncle Joe Rotier, who lives just below Father's at the lower end of Deer Hill Avenue fell dead I Ed Tweedy's shop while drinking some ice water. It is supposed that he was overheated and the ice water caused his death. There is quite a stir in the community about the affair of Orange Beebe and John Rowan's widow. It seems that On Monday evening, June 19th, Beebe committed or attempted to commit a rape upon her. They were riding together. She resisted ad in consequence received such personal injuries that it is feared she will not recover. Beebe is under ____ bonds. When I came from work, I found Georgie sick. After tea, I went to see Dr. Bulkely and he pronounced it mumps and prescribed accordingly. I went to Raymond's and ordered a lobster for Mother Griswold and peck of clams for myself tomorrow. A thunder shower came up in the evening about 9 o'clock
1865-06
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal May 1865 Entry
10pgs
05/01 MONDAY - The insurance runs out today and as I went to work this morning, I took the policy to get it renewed. I called at L. C. Hoyt's office and found that he died this morning at five minutes past 4 o'clock. Some say that it was the spotted fever that killed him and others that it was erysipelas, and some say that it was the plague that is prevailing in Russia, and one account is that Dr. Bennett gave him powerful medicines and poisoned him. He was well a week ago. The insurance on my house and furniture which I wished to renew was in the Aetna Company. I concluded to defer the matter until he was buried and someone began to conduct the insurance business in his stead. Burr Bradley is very sick. He has indications of a fever. After tea tonight, I went over to see him and took a pail at his house and got some ice as I went into the street. 05/02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I pulled some weeds from my strawberry bed until dark and then went over to see Burr Bradley. He is pretty sick, no better than yesterday and last night. He wished me to order through Peter Starr one dozen lesson books, 1st Series. I went to the paper office and did so. When I came home, I walked up West Street with Nathaniel Cable. L. C. Hoyt was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. The services were in our church. I did not go, but Gussie did by going up and getting Bell to take care of Georgie. I took the baby carriage over to McDonald's as I went for milk this noon and had it mended. 05/03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but rather cool. Gussie got up with a severe headache, tried to get breakfast but could not, so I cooked it myself. I ate, cleared off the table and went to the shop. I found Gussie very much better when I came home from work. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him better. From there, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought my first mess of porgies at Raymond's three large ones for 13 cents. From there, I went down to Billy Kyle's in the Pahquioque Block and bought a large shad for Father Griswold for 18 cents a lb. 05/04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday, though there was a white frost this morning. Just as I was starting for the shop, Mr. Stevens, the gardener, came to spade my garden for me. As the manure was not yet on the garden, I stayed to get it out. It was coal ashes, door yard grass and other vegetable matter. The best part of the forenoon being used in getting out the ash heap, I then concluded to spend the day in planting. Accordingly, I went into the street for some garden seeds, June potatoes, etc. I spent the P.M. in planting lima beans, potatoes, sweet corn, string peas, beets and parsnips. Miss English and her friend Miss Brown called in the P.M.; also Bell Purdy. In the evening, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called to see Mr. B. Bradley. He is worse than he was yesterday. 05/05 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I planted more potatoes in my garden before going to the shop this morning. On my way, I carried to Parmalee & Bradley's 5 lbs., 10 oz. of pieplant for Mother Griswold. Gussie drew Georgie up home on Deer Hill this A.M and spent the day. When I came home from work, I found the house locked. I got my supper ready to eat just as she came in accompanied by Bell. After supper, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him more comfortable than he was last night, though I suppose he is really but little if any better. I then went to the Post Office and home. 05/06 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained gently all day until just at night and in the evening when it rained very hard in showers. There was some lightning with it but no thunder. On my way to work in the morning, I carried my boots to Reed's Shoe Store to have some pegs drove in the soles to stop them squeaking. I came home to my dinner for the first time since last fall. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley. I engaged to go and watch with him tonight. Mr. Pond got some trompe De Gard Strawberry plants of Father Griswold this morning and set them out. I planted a few more potatoes in the garden this morning, also some squash. I took 6 lbs. of pieplant for Mother Griswold this morning and started for Parmalee & Bradley's store with it but sold it to Hoyt Dibble, engineer at Mr. Crofut's Forming Factory in West Street. 05/07 SUNDAY - I watched with Burr Bradley last night. I came home about half past four this morning and went to bed. I slept until 8 o'clock. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home as soon as church was out and I went down to Sunday School and attended preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached upon the providences of God in our own congregation during the past week, viz. the death of L. C. Hoyt, the severe sickness of Burr Bradley, etc. His text was ____. A dispatch was received today that Sally Ames (Sally Keeler it used to be) was dead. She being pregnant miscarried, at the same time had the small pox. She died at 10 o'clock this morning. After tea, Fanny came down to take care of Georgie to let Gussie and I go to call at Burr Bradley's that I might leave the Sunday School collection - 65 cents with him as he is the treasurer. His wife took the money and brought the book so that I could put down the amount taken. I did not see him as he is too feeble to see anyone. From there we called on Mrs. Stone (our wash woman) and at Daniel Starr's. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening while I stayed with Georgie. As she went she mailed a Harper's Weekly to George for me. 05/08 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the bedroom tearing off the paper preparatory to putting on the new. She made out nearly a day's work. I paid her a dollar. I helped her shake carpets at noon after dinner. In the evening, Louisa took care of Georgie and Gussie went with me and bought some paper for the bedroom. Dr. Bennett and son and Dr. Lacey held a consultation this morning and decided that his disease was erysipelas and that there was no hope in his case. I called a little after 6 o'clock as I came home from work and found him dying. After buying paper in the evening, Gussie and I came that way home. Gussie went home soon after seeing him and I stayed a while and fanned him. I left him fading fast and got home at 10 o'clock. While in the street I left my watch with Captain S. G. Bailey for repairs. Received this noon through the Post Office a blank to be filled out with my income the past year. It was from C.H Sanford, Asst. Assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue. Showery just at night and in the evening. 05/09 TUESDAY - Stormy all day. I started for the shop and went by way of Burr Bradley's to see what time he died and when he was to be buried as I supposed that he was certainly dead as none expected last night that he would live until morning. But to my surprise, he was still alive. There being no man present except his own family friends, I pulled off my boots and stood over him until he died which was a quarter to 12 o'clock. I gave him his last nourishment and wet his lips the last time. Soon after he was done breathing, I put his false upper teeth in his mouth, closed his eyes and mouth and helped tie a handkerchief under his chin to keep his jaw in place. I took two pennies (large ones) from my pocket and placed them on his eyelids after they were wrapped in paper to prevent them from coloring the lids. I came home to dinner and returned again soon after to assist if necessary in laying him out, but the undertaker, Mr. Holy (?) and Amos Stone had already begun the job and needed no more help. So I then took the blank sent to Burr by the Assistant assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue and carried it to the Assessor (C. H. Sanford) to see what could be done in regard to it. He was not sure that it could be collected (the tax). I left the blank with him and he is to see if the payment of the tax by the widow can be avoided. I handed in my own receipts for 1864, which were as follows: wages for the year, $773.62, rent upstairs rooms, $36.00making the total receipt $809.62. The deducting from the sum total $66.00 interest money and insurance $4.20 and taxes $3.80, it leaves $735.62. The deducting $600.00 not liable to taxation. It leaves subject to tax $135.62 which at 3 percent tax will make it $6.78 as my taxes under the Internal Revenue law. I went to the shop about 3 o'clock and finished off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then quit. I came home by way of Burr's to see about watchers. I took it upon myself to procure two for the night which I did in the Street in the evening by getting George Hamilton and Captain E.E. Wildman. Gussie went over to see the corpse in the evening and I came home that way to come home with her and to tell them that watchers were engaged. 05/10 MONDAY - pleasant but a little cool. I took 12 lbs. of pieplant to Parmalee & Bradley's Store for Father Griswold as I went to the shop. We notified Mr.Crofut this forenoon that if he wished to keep his men he must advance $2 per dozen on his whole bill. He agreed to give it. We worked until noon and then all hands attended Burr Bradley's funeral, which was at 2 o'clock at the house. From there we repaired to the church where Brother Hill preached a sermon. I, in company with several other hat finishers walked up to the cemetery and witnessed the burying. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lynes' and got some lettuce plants which Robert Cocking, his gardener who lives with me promised to give me. I gave David Bradley a few of them on my way home. It took me until quite dark to set them all out. David and Hart then came along and I went with them downtown. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. In it was the death of Burr Bradley and Uncle Stephen. While in the street, I saw Andrew Knox about papering our bedroom. It is doubtful about his being able to do it this week. I fear we will be obliged to engage someone else as the room is all ready for the paper. I bought some halibut and went with David Bradley around to call on Mrs. Bradley to see how she was bearing the loss of her husband and to get the dress that Gussie had borrowed for her of Mrs. Barnum. 05/11 THURSDAY - Rain last night and this forenoon. It partly cleared away in the P.M. and the sun shone a little. A little splatter of rain about 6 o'clock and a very hard shower with thunder and lightning and a tremendous wind about 7 o'clock. I heard in the evening that it blew over the spire of the Presbyterian Church in Bethel and unroofed one house. Andrew Knox papered our bedroom in the P.M. He finished before I returned from work and lest his l=pocket knife. He consequently went home without his pay. Mrs. Cocking came down and stayed with Gussie in the evening while I went to get my Aetna insurance policy renewed by the General Traveling Agent who is now here to adjust the business that was left by the death of L.C. Hoyt. I then went over to Widow Burr Bradley's to get the list of S.S. Advocate Subscribers to mark off the papers for distribution on Sunday. She not only gave me the list of names but gave all the books pertaining to the Secretary and Treasurer of the School which I took until the School appoints someone in Brother Bradley's place. My insurance policy I put up in an envelope to send to Aaron Mallett at West Redding, but on account of the lateness of the hour I did not mail it. 05/12 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and this morning, but it cleared off about noon, pleasant but a little cool. On my way to work this morning, I mailed my insurance policy to Aaron Mallet, West Redding. Not feeling well, I came home before night. On my way home, I engaged ton of coal of Tom Sproul which came between 5 and 6 o'clock. I also took one dozen lesson books from Starr & Hopkins (through whom we got them from New York) and carried them over to the church. Before tea, I helped Gussie put down the bedroom carpet. Brought our last ham down from Father Griswold's barn after tea and cut a slice for our breakfast tomorrow morning and cut off a piece which we feared was fly blown to boil for dinner tomorrow. I wrote to Aaron Mallett, West Redding notifying him that I had sent him my insurance policy and telling him why I delayed so long before sending it which was that the agent L. C. Hoyt was dead. I sent the letter to the office in the evening by Gussie as she went to the milliner's and to Sewing Society. I spent a part of the evening in looking over the Sunday School secretary and treasurer's books which have been temporarily been given into my hands since the death of W. B. Bradley, out old Secretary and treasurer. The Sunday School Advocates have come and I tried to find among the books and papers the list of subscribers in order that I might mark off the papers ready to distribute on Sunday but I could not make the list which I found agree in numbers with the number of papers received from New York. 05/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. We moved the bed back again into the bedroom from the parlor where we put it in order to clean and paper the bedroom. I helped move the bureau and such things as required my help and then went to the shop. On my way home to dinner, I took three letters out of the Post Office from George. There were two more there, one for Mother and one for Harriet. The two last are written April 21 and 24 and speak of the surrender of General Lee and army to General Grant and the assassination of Lincoln. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock in the evening to finish up the work I had out. Gussie made calls at Mrs. Daniel Starr's and Widow Burr Bradley this P.M. and went up to the cemetery. I met Andrew Knox and paid him $1.40 for papering our bedroom last Thursday. Gussie went to the milliner's in the evening while I went to market and around to Widow Burr Bradley's to see about the list of subscribers for the Sunday School Advocates. 05/14 SUNDAY - A lovely day but it clouded over again in the evening threatening a storm. I stayed with Georgie in the forenoon to let Gussie attend church. Brother Hill having a boil on his foot sat down and preached. Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon. I commenced taking names for the Sunday School Advocate at noon. Brother Bradley began it before he was taken sick but did not complete it before he died. I have taken charge of the books until another Secretary and Treasurer can be elected. On account of Brother Hill's sore foot the sacrament was not administered in the P.M., but Mr. Van Meter who is here with 11 girls and 1 boy from the Howard Mission preached or talked to the church and his girls sang some sweet music. They were arranged inside the altar. Mr. Van Meter talked and his children sang at the Baptist Church this forenoon. Mother came home to our house to tea. At 4 o'clock the three Sunday Schools, 1st and 2nd Congregational and Baptist, assembled at our church to hear Mr. Van Meter and his girls. I went to hear them again. When it was over I got George Cosier to take Mother home from my house. Bell came home from the 4 o'clock meeting and stayed until evening meeting time and went to hear them again at the 1st church with Gussie. I sent a letter and Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Gussie as she went and mailed them to George at St. Augustine, Florida. As I was coming from the regular afternoon service this P.M. and got just at the head of our street in West Street, I saw Curtis Hoyt get run away with. He had his Grandfather Hoyt's double team and was coming for Mary Richards to take her up to Pembroke where she teaches school. There was a little girl in with him, his cousin a daughter of Frank Hoyt's. They were thrown out and the wagon turned bottom upwards and dragged as far as the corner of George Street by Mr. Pond's where the horses were stopped; neither of them were badly hurt. Rumors that Jeff Davis and cabinet are captured. 05/15 MONDAY - It has been a beautiful day, though early this morning, I feared a storm. I drew $2.50 for Burr Bradley and $.67 in checks making $3.17 his due at the shop. As I came home from work, I carried it to his widow. The papers today officially confirm the capture of Jeff Davis. The first dozen wire brim hats were weighted out today. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian office to see about the publishing of George's last letter. From there, I went to market and to the Post Office and came home. Mr. Basset's wife died very suddenly today. Dr. Bennett says it was similar to what Clark Hoyt and Burr Bradley died with. I sat up until 12 o'clock preparing a letter for publication in the Jeffersonian for George. 05/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson were shopped after dinner. I sent at noon by Joseph Kyle to have Nathan Farrell send me a # barrel of ale beer which he did in the P.M. I gave Mr. Cocking a glass in the evening and then rode down to market with him. Sarah Purdy called just as I went downtown with Robert. Before retiring, I worked awhile at Cosmopolite's letter for publication. 05/17 WEDNESDAY - Very warm, the warmest of the season. It has been almost intolerable in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson worked for the first time in the shop today; the first since they were shopped which was yesterday. William Patch was buried this P.M. After tea, I went into the street and got my Jeffersonian and mailed one to George. I returned immediately for fear of being caught in a shower which threatened. As I came home, I overtook Miss English who was coming to call on us and walked home with her. She talked awhile and played with Georgie and then returned to Dr. Ryder's where she is stopping. I did not go to class on account of the threatening shower. Before retiring, I completed arranging George's letter to the Jeffersonian for publication. After tea and before going downtown, I planted some cucumbers. 05/18 THURSDAY - Cloudy with a cool East wind during the day. It began to rain a little in the evening. On my way to work this morning, I left George's letter at the Jeffersonian for publication. I also dropped a line in the Post Office to Andrew Knox for Mother Griswold this morning. 05/19 FRIDAY - Still cloudy; no hard rain but misty. I planted some evergreen corn in the garden before breakfast. After dinner the shop was called and a vote passed that we Have $2.50 extra for a scoped faced block finished on a scope band. Mr. Crofut was sent for to talk up the matter. He finally agreed to give the $2.50 extra for a scope faced block which was designed to cover the Spring Brim. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock. Received a letter this noon from Aaron Mallett acknowledging the receipt of the insurance policy. 05/20 SATURDAY - I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed before breakfast until the rain drove me off. It rained very hard for a time in the morning. I worked as usual in the shop. This is the third day I have been on the Spring Brim hats. We have just announced that style of a hat. There is a prospect of a large run on them. I came home for dinner and found Mrs. Stone cleaning house for Gussie. The bedroom upstairs and the bedroom has been her work for today. Mother Griswold was with us to dinner. I helped Mrs. Stone shake carpet before returning to work. I worked until 6 o'clock to finish off a dozen. I went to market in the evening. I waited for the mail before coming home and received a letter from George. Miss English came for some pepper plants which Robert left for her. Mr. Cocking lost his pocketbook today with about $8.00 and some papers of more or less value. He purchased an article at George Hurd & Sons and that is the last he remembers of the pocketbook. 05/21 SUNDAY - South wind and warm. A little rain in the morning. Flying clouds so that we had but little sunshine. I stayed home in the forenoon and let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. I wrote to George; sent a Harper's Weekly to him also. Wrote a note to the editor of the Connecticut War record in New Haven and enclosed a copy of George's letter in the Jeffersonian for publication in the War record. It is to be printed in the Jeffersonian this week. _____ from the Five Points Mission reached for us this morning and took a collection for the mission. A collection was also taken for the Lincoln Monument. After tea, Father called to see us. I gave him a glass of ale. From here he went over to Aunt Louisa's. I stayed with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go to Prayer Meeting. As she went, she mailed my letters and papers. Mr. T. Scofield's adopted child Charlie died this P.M. at 5 o'clock. 05/22 MONDAY - Lowery all day. A very little rain in the P.M. I worked hard until 7 o'clock in the evening and earned the largest wages ever in my life - $7.00. Dwight Rogers became father to a little daughter this forenoon. Our old nurse Miss English is nursing Mrs. Rogers. I went to market in the evening and down to Mr. Thompson's to get my truss repaired, cleaned, covered and a new pad. He charged me $2.00. Charlie Scofield was buried this P.M. at 3 o'clock. Gussie went to the funeral. While I was down to Mr. Thompson's in the evening, Sarah Purdy called. 05/23 TUESDAY - Lowery in the morning. The Masonic Order of this town went to Norwalk this morning by a special train to attend a celebration. It cleared off about noon; a little cooler. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the parlor today. After dinner and before returning to the shop, I helped her shake the carpet. After tea, I nailed down the carpet and Gussie put the room in order. Mr. Cocking came to bring his wife home from Mr. Lynes' and I rode downtown and back again with him. By evening mail I received a note from John W. Norris, editor of the War record acknowledging the receipt of George's letter for publication. Bell came down about 4 P.M. in a great fright about Mother who had a poor turn. After I returned from market about 49 o'clock, I went up home to see her and found her rather poorly but to all appearances at least not more so than she has been for some considerable time past. I feel rather old today on account of working hard yesterday and setting up until midnight to repair my truss. 05/24 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. Mrs. Stone cleaned the sitting room and sink room today. I have felt nearly sick today from a hard cold. I worked all day nevertheless. After tea, I helped Mrs. Stone put down the sitting room carpet. I went down to the Post Office and to the news Office for the Sunday School Advocate. I being very tired retired early. Father Griswold up to Mother today. He thinks her to be in a worse situation than ever before. 05/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked until 7 o'clock in the evening to finish off a dozen hats. After tea, I sharpened some Pea Bush. I broke the crystal to my watch last night while putting down the sitting room carpet and carried it in my hand as I went to the shop this morning until I got to Robinson's store where I got it repaired. Susan Hancock came on the evening train to make a visit to Father Griswold. Report from Miss Barber had a letter from ___ of the 7th regiment that they were soon coming home. 05/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop but came home earlier than usual to bush my peas. After doing it, I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed until nearly dark and then, to let Gussie go to the Sewing Society at Dr. Brown's, I came in to take care of the baby. Louisa came in however, and sat by him to let me go see if Mr. Barnum on the corner wanted by yard grass for the mowing. I did not see him but while returning, met Nathaniel Gable and he came in with me to have me refer to my journal and see when it was that George Davis enlisted. We found it was about September 1st, 1864. Gussie drew Georgie up home this P.M. to see Mother. She found her quite cheerful though poorly. 05/27 SATURDAY - Cloudy during the day; rain just at night. I left the shop about 4 o'clock and came home and borrowed Mr. Pond's scythe and mowed my dooryard. Jacob Fry (one of my shop mates) came and raked it up, I having promised it to him for raking up. After tea, I went downtown and brought home a pair of patent leather boots to try them tomorrow if I concluded to keep them. A fellow from New York State named Nichols was run away with this evening in Delay Street this evening. Upon turning the corner at Liberty St., the wagon struck a tree at which time the horse broke one hid leg. The last seen of him, a fellow was leading him up West Street and was reported that he was going toward the Bogg's to kill him. The leg was so badly broken that it dangled about and he was obliged to go on three legs. 05/28 SUNDAY - Rain last night, lowery all day and some fine rain. Gussie went to church in the morning and I to Sunday School in the P.M. I acted as Secretary and Treasurer of the School and arranged with David Bradley to take my place at the library. The Superintendent (George Starr) wishes me to take Brother W. B. Bradley's place as Secretary-Treasurer. I am acting in that capacity though no appointment has yet been made since Brother Bradley's death by the Board of Officers and Teachers. I distributed the Sunday School Advocates for the first time since Brother Bradley's death. After tea, Father came down and brought a bottle to get some ale for Mother. I went up home with him to see Mother. I found Mr. and Mrs. Squires there. I went into the parlor and sang with Bell a little while she played and came home again about 7 o'clock. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I sent it to the Post Office by Fanny as I did not go to meeting. I took care of baby and let Gussie go to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street to hear Dr. Hanley deliver a discourse on the Protestant Episcopal Church. 05/30 MONDAY - Rainy this morning. The wind got around into the west after dinner and the sun shone for a while, but just at night and in the evening it was cloudy again. I drew for my last two weeks work $62.00, the largest wages I ever earned before. I worked until 7 o'clock before coming home to tea. After tea, I returned the grindstone up to Father Griswold's barn for Mr. Carlson to grind our scythes that he might mow his door yard. While we were grinding, David Bradley was putting casters on Mother Griswold's kitchen table legs. We were until dark grinding the scythes and sickles. I then went to market, at the same time taking my new patent leather boots Mr. Benedict's (where I bought them) and paid for them $6.50 and left them to have some steel nails put into the heels on the outer edges. Mr. Cocking brought me some pepper plants this morning and I set them out at noon. He brought some for Father Griswold at the same time with some eggplants. I got another package of Sunday School Advocates for Sunday School. 05/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock in the evening. When I came home to tea, I found Miss English, our old nurse, talking with wife and baby. She just called for a few minutes; she is now nursing Dwight Roger's wife. Mr. Pond has been trimming up his sidewalk today. I went to market in the evening and walked up the street with John Cosier. 05/31 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. On my way to work in the morning I left my 5 gallon can at B&N's for 5 gallons of oil. I paid him for it and he sent it up before noon. From there I went up to S.G. Bailey's Jewelry Store to get a hand on my watch which got off last night. He put it on and charged me nothing. Mr. Fowler sent up 3 lbs. of butter today. While we were drinking tea, Father came down with a bittersweet vine for Mother Griswold and wanted to borrow Father Griswold's scythe. I helped him grind it. Also Mr. Pond's which I intend to use tomorrow. I drew some ale and Father and I took a glass. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I drew some more ale for Mr. Cocking.
1865-05
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal November 1864 Entry
10 pgs
11/01 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool. I have had work in the shop all day again. The horse trainer gave another exhibition in the street this afternoon and got what names he could to learn the art at $8.00 apiece. I did not witness it either yesterday or today preferring not to leave my work. I attended a Hatters' Special Meeting in the evening over Benedict Nichol's store to take into consideration the cases of J. M. Roff and ___ Foote who are apprentices out of a shop and want the trade to allow them to finish their time in this association contrary to our rules as there are already the specified number in each shop. The case of young Roff was referred to the National Executive Court and Foote, not being under the jurisdiction of this society, we could not do anything for him. I received a letter by the evening mail from George containing $15.00 11/02 WEDNESDAY - It froze quite hard last night. The day has been pleasant. I had 1 dozen hats to finish today. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and paid $7.00 for George from the money received by letter last evening for 500 pamphlets printed on the 29th of August. I engaged 10 lbs. of butter of Smith Pulling for Mother Griswold. I put up the bedstead in the parlor before tea. I went to class in the evening. Mailed a Jeffersonian and a New York Daily Times to George in the evening. We commenced marking our clothing with indelible ink before retiring and marked off a large quantity. 11/03 THURSDAY - It froze quite hard again last night but has been very pleasant and warm today. I had work enough to last me until about 2 o'clock in the shop. On the way home, I paid a bill at Swift's for George - $5.00 for one half dozen pocket Army and Navy Dictionaries and $1.10 for Jeffersonians taken by our folks. I borrowed Jo. Ives team and came up home for a stove and pipe to put up in the parlor preparatory to sickness of Gussie expected soon. I bought a new piece of pipe to lengthen out the old for my room as the ceilings are higher. Harriet left a letter here which she had received from George that I might take extracts from it for publication in the Jeffersonian. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 for one month's rent from October 1st to November 1st. I went to market in the evening, waited for the mail and came home. Commenced a letter to George before retiring. 11/04 FRIDAY - It rained very hard towards morning and until noon when it cleared off fine. I had work until about 2 o'clock in the shop. I finished writing a letter to George after tea and enclosed some samples of material to make shirts for him, but before mailing it, I bought 2 ready made for him and mailed them to him. I withdrew or rather did not mail the letter but wrote another in its place and mailed it. The postage on the shirts was 2 cents an ounce Weight 17 ounces - 34 cents. I did some marketing and went to Concert Hall to hear General O. S. Derry talk on the issues of the day, but could not get far enough into the Hall to get a sight of him, so I came home. Smith Pulling came to Father Griswold's for their small butter pot to put down 10 lbs. of butter for them. 11/05 SATURDAY - Cool but pleasant in the forenoon. Windy with a little snow squall in the P.M., just enough to say snow, only a few flakes. I had my next Monday's work with my allowance today in order not to work on Monday that I could go to Ridgefield to the Republican Mass Meeting, if I felt so disposed. It kept me hard a t work all day. On my way home, I saw John Cosier and partially agreed to go hunting with him next Monday. In the evening, I went to the Clubroom and to the league to make arrangements for going to the mass meeting and for the election next Tuesday. It was nearly midnight when we broke up and I came home. Frank Butters' father died this afternoon with consumption. 11/06 SUNDAY - It froze hard last night. The evening train last night did not get in until 1 0'clock this morning. It was detained in New York on account of soldiers coming home to vote who were given the preference to the regular trains. They finally arrived at Norwalk at midnight and the D and N train was there detained 2 hours waiting for the dawn freight train which was waiting for it. Each was waiting for the other, not daring to run, supposing the other claimed the right of the road. Harriet Wheeler came on the train from a visit to New York and Brooklyn. The widow Thomas Sherman lost her little boy this forenoon with Diphtheria having croupy affection with it. I did not go to church this forenoon. I attended Sunday School and the afternoon meeting. Brother Hill preached from 1st Timothy 1:16. After tea, I went to Dr. Buckley's for some medicine for Gussie's sore throat. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I went to hear Brother Hill at the first church on the evening. He preached a sermon on the crisis before us and the duty of Christians to their country at this time. After I returned from church and before retiring, I completed copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. 11/07 MONDAY - Stormy. On that account John Cosier and I did not go hunting as we intended. The delegation from here that intended to go to the Mass Meeting in Ridgefield (Republican) was also disappointed and did not go. I did my work for today on Saturday in order that I could go hunting today and in consequence of it, I have no shop work today. I went up to John Cosier's at noon and borrowed his bottle of Persian Cement and mended my rubber boots in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and to Concert Hall to hear George W. Woodruff speak for Lincoln and Johnson until half past eight when I went to the Post Office and home. It stopped raining in the evening and the moon shone dimly through the clouds. 11/08 TUESDAY - Presidential Election - lowery and foggy all day with some rain. Levi W. Bertram came a little before 11 0'clock to borrow my revolver as he had been appointed a special police to guard the pools against assault should one be made as had been threatened. I went down and voted about 10 o'clock. Before I left the Courthouse the soldiers' votes were presented and deposited. This was the most interesting feature of the election, that our brave soldiers who are fighting in the field for the country could be allowed to have a voice as to who should administer the government for 4 years to come for which they have left the comforts of home to fight for and even die if necessary. I took a nap in the P.M. after which I went to market and got something for my breakfast tomorrow and returned home a little after 4 o'clock. The day has been given up to the election. The shop has been closed. In the evening, carried additional for Cosmopolites letter to the Jeffersonian Office. 11/09 WEDNESDAY - 7 o'clock A.M. Still stormy. I stayed downtown last night until after 1 o'clock to get the election returns. A large and enthusiastic audience assembled at Concert Hall about 8 o'clock. We bought the use of the wires and had runners to bring dispatches to the Hall. We had speakers at the Hall while we were waiting for the dispatches from the following persons in order as named - Reverend Mr. Jackson, Stowe and Griswold, Peter Holmes, D. B. Boothe, Alva Pearce of New Fairfield, Reverend Mr. Shepard and Robertson. About 11 o'clock, we adjourned from the Hall to the Clubrooms. About midnight the wires refused to work. They were soon in working order again and the news began to come. Judging in the earlier part of the evening from the towns close around us, we feared for the State. But later, we had news from the eastern part of the State that Lincoln had carried that portion by increased majorities. The best of news from Mass., New York, Penn., Maryland, Delaware, and Indiana. The crowd hurrahed and sang Rally Round the Flag, Boys with the wildest enthusiasm. James Harvey rolled in to clubroom 5 gallons of cider which was emptied before we left. Our onion plant commenced blossoming today. Harriet came down in the rain this P.M. and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I went to market for her and myself. After tea, I went up home with her and carried her things. One of the locks to her bureau broke and I took it home with me to mend. I went to the Union Clubroom in the evening and stayed until the mail came. 11/10 THURSDAY - Very stormy until noon when it cleared off and before night it was very pleasant and fair. Full work at the shop. Mrs. Stowe worked and cleaned for us today. Received a letter from George. I answered it after tea. Mailed it in the evening, also a Jeffersonian and Jeffersonian extra printed last Saturday. I went to market in the evening and got 25 cents from Russel Hoyt for a roll of Griswold's Salve he bought of us a few days ago. I went to the Republican Clubroom where they were making arrangements for an illumination and gathering at Concert Hall and perhaps a parade with music in honor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln for President of the U.S. I came home before they finished the business. I agreed last evening to get Mother a pint of milk every other day at Mr. McDonald's for two weeks to come and got the first this morning. Bell came down and got it at our house. Election returns are coming in finely. We carry the state of New York for Lincoln and defeat Seymour for Governor. 11/11 FRIDAY - I am 30 years old today. It has been pleasant. Worked all day in the shop. At 6 o'clock in the evening, 100 guns were fired and Concert Hall was illuminated. A large procession was formed headed by the Drum Corps and marched up Main Street as far as Copperthwaight's and back down as far as Jackson's School and up to Concert Hall. We cheered all prominent places that were illuminated such as Lieutenant Governor Averill's, E.S and E. A. Tweedy, also Mr. H. Tweedy, Copperthwaight, Mr. R. White, Eli Hoyt, the Jeffersonian Office, J. W. Bacon, Union League room, Lymon Keeler, Smith Barnum's, Jackson's, D. P. Nichol, Charles Andrews, and Ashley and F. S. Wildman. The Hall was thronged to its utmost. Speeches were made by Reverend Mr. Jackson, Crawford, Buckley, Stowe and Robertson. Also Governor Averill. At this juncture, I left and came home. Patriotic songs were sung by the Glee Club. It was a grand time, a real glorification over the election of Lincoln and Johnson. While the meeting was going on, a cry of fire was raised out of doors. We thought it was a plan to break up the meeting by the Copperheads. But the meeting went on with but very little disturbance. It finally proved to be a reality. It was Benedict Stone's Hat Shop at the upper end of Main Street. 11/12 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. with a little rain in the evening. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I went to market. I brought home two pair of pants to see by daylight how I like them. I got them at Harris'; am to return one pair of theirs. 11/13 SUNDAY - Cold and squalls of snow during the day. I melted as fast as it fell; none remaining to be seen. I attended church. Brother Hill preached in the morning. Sacrament in the afternoon. It being Sunday School meeting at noon and no books to give out, I came home to dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking called a few minutes on their way home from church. Harriet Purdy also to leave a letter and a Jeffersonian for me to mail to New York. I gave her the Jeffersonian. She wanted to send it to Mr. Boyle; it having one of George's letter in it. She would not stay to tea. After tea, I took two wreath sand a bouquet (all made of ground pine and life everlasting) up to Eddie's grave. The large wreath encircled the name and verse on the stone and the small one was placed on the grave with the bouquet in the center. I did not go to church in the evening, but copied a few items from George's last letter for the Jeffersonian. 11/14 MONDAY - Pleasant and cool. I got my cabbages in the cellar before breakfast this morning. On my way to the shop this morning I returned the pants which I concluded not to take to Mr. Harris' clothing store. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. After tea, I got my large winter turnips into the cellar by moonlight. I then went downtown. I carried to the Jeffersonian Office some extracts from George's last letter for publication. Called at Mr. Harris' and paid $8.00 for my pants. Took a letter from the office for Father Griswold and walked up West Street with David Bradley. Mrs. Stone and her little girl Jane called to see Gussie early in the evening. The Lincoln and Johnson banner was taken down today. 11/15 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but very cold. The ground froze very ha last night. The weather began to moderate and to be cloudy so that by 10 o'clock it was all over cloudy and soon began to snow. It continued snowing all day and at night the snow lay from 2 to 3 inches deep. It cleared off early in the evening. I went to market and to Dr. Buckley's office to warn him of a job expected soon, perhaps before morning. I went into C.H. Reed's for my shoes that had been mended and two strips of leather to line the inside the bottom of my pants which I had worn off. I came home and Gussie did it before she retired. I nailed down some pieces of oil cloths over more places in the sink room. This is the third snow we have had but the first of any consequence. 11/16 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I was up a part of last night with Gussie. She got breakfast and did her work. Dr. Buckley came between 7 and 8 o' clock. The child was born at 1 /12 o'clock -a fine boy weighing 9 lbs., 1 ounce. Mother Griswold and Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Cyrus White were with her. Fanny came down and got dinner. In the afternoon, I went over to Mill Plain to Curtis Bennett's for our nurse Miss English. I had Mr. Austin's team to go after her. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George. 11/17 THURSDAY - Gussie as well as could be expected. I went to the shop but had only what was left over from Tuesday to do, there being no work given out today. It began to rain after dinner and continued to rain more or less during the P.M. Stormed quite hard in the evening. Harriet was with us to dinner. I got Joseph Ives' horse and Alden G. Crosby's buggy and went over to Miry Brook at Benjamin Norris' to see about a cord of wood for Harriet which I had previously engaged for her. After tea, I went up home to tell Harriet about the wood. From there, I went down to Mrs. Stowe's to have her come tomorrow and do some washing for us. 11/18 FRIDAY - Cloudy; a little broken in the morning and again in the evening and a very little rain in the middle of the day. I took up Fennel roots and Dahlias in the morning. Made a fire up in Father Griswold's cellar for Mrs. Stowe to wash by. The doctor came before I went to the shop, which was nearly 11 o' clock. I took Miss English's watch with me to get a key for her. I worked as long as I could see at the shop. After tea, I wrote to George, informing him of the birth of our baby. Also to cousins Samson and Eliza Humphrey in California. As I went down to mail them, I carried two chickens to Harry Stone's store for Mother Griswold to send to the soldiers for a Thanksgiving dinner. 11/19 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning; cleared off in the P.M. I finished a hat I am designing for Dr. Buckley the last thing before leaving work. The bell tolled this morning for Elias Stevens' wife. Bell got Alfred Gregory's team and brought Mother down to see our baby this afternoon. I went to market in the evening and home as soon as the cars came. 11/20 SUNDAY - It froze hard last night; a heavy white frost this morning. Cloudy all day; it commenced raining just at night. I attended church during the day but not in the evening. Brother Hill preached in the morning and Brother Henry Monroe from Kentucky in the P.M. Father came down for milk and to see the baby this afternoon. After supper, our nurse Miss English went out to make a call to Hoyt Dibbles. Mrs. Cosier and Wildman called to see Gussie and the baby early in the evening. 11/21 MONDAY - Stormy all day. I have had the headache but continued my work until night. On my way home from work, I called at Harry Stone's grocery store for the two chickens I carried there last Friday evening for Mother Griswold to send to the soldiers but was too late to get them in the box as they went out that afternoon. I left them to see if more things came to make out another box, but there was not enough come for another and accordingly, I went for them tonight. I mailed a Harpers' Weekly to George today. Elias Stevens' wife was buried today at Mill Plain. Harriet came down today in a terrible fidget about her wood that I engaged for her of Benjamin Norris; it had not come yet and she wanted it very much. She brought a letter down to me to read from George to Mother. 11/22 TUESDAY - It cleared off pleasant in the morning. I got a good early start this morning. I prepared the fire all ready to light up in Father Griswold's cellar for Mrs. Stowe to wash but she did not come; she washed for Mother. There was no work at the shop for me this P.M. on account of there being no blocks to finish the hats on which I had out. At noon, just before noon, I sent out 30 cents to buy cider with to treat my shop mates on the birth of my boy. Daniel Manly curled a hat for me which I had been getting up from a knock down which I had. I tried to sell it to Dr. Buckley but could not. I went down for Jackson's dog Milo and went over to Mill Plain Swamp hunting in the P.M. I had no success. Brother Henry Monroe called to see Gussie, was there when I came home from hunting. After tea, I went to market and home with the dog. 11/23 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I worked all day in the shop. Mrs. Stowe washed for us. I attended class in the evening. While there, Mrs. Daniel Starr, Edith Newman, and Hattie Mills called to see Gussie. From class, I went home with John Cosier to borrow his shot pouch to go hunting tomorrow. I borrowed Fred Jackson's dog and brought home with me for the night in readiness for tomorrow. 11/24 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. After breakfast, I started for a hunting trip. I found game but did not shoot any. I returned a little after 3 o'clock. Supper was ready as soon thereafter as it could be cooked. Father came down with a tart pie while we were eating, a present from Mother. After supper, I carried John Cosier's shot pouch home and went home with 'Milo' the dog to Mr. Jackson's. I broke my gun. 11/25 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning but clear and pleasant in the middle and after part of the day. Bought 1/2 barrel of flour of George Crofut and Son; am to pay for it on Monday. Mailed the Jeffersonian to George. Went hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier and Fred Jackson up to Tamarack. We got but one quail. John shot that and gave it to me for Gussie. Ellen Dare came from Bethel to see Gussie in the P.M. She stayed to tea and is going to stay all night. Miss English went out to call at Dr. Ryder's in the evening and I went up home to borrow a piece of beef of Father. Mr. McDonald's gun being broken from yesterday's trip, I borrowed Alva Parmalee's. 11/26 SATURDAY - I slept upstairs last night on the floor. Pleasant today. The boys were skating on George Starr's pond this morning. After breakfast, I cleaned Parmalee's gun, also my own (McDonald's). Carried Mr. Parmalee's home and mine up to Comstock's to see about getting it fixed. Read a letter from George Cole from St. Augustine, Florida with $6.00 enclosed for a hat I sent him costing $5.78. Also, two letters from George, one written from Jacksonville and the last from St. Augustine, the band being now station there for instruction. This letter was directed to me and headed to Mother, it being designed for both. There was enclosed one of Edith's letters for me to preserve. Ellen Dare went away about 10 A.M. The morning papers give an account of an attempt to burn New York City by firing several hotels at the same time last night. After dinner, I covered my strawberry bed with door yard grass mowed and put away in the summer for that purpose. Before tea, I took up Mother Griswold's clothes dryer post and set it again on the opposite side of the house. After tea, and just before going into the street, I wrote a reply to George Cole at St. Augustine, Florida, acknowledging the receipt of his note with the money enclosed. I went to market in the evening, mailed Mr. Cole's letter and came home. Eliza and Minnie Vents called early in the evening. Ellen Dare and Harriet Wheeler came in on their way to the Old Folk's concert. When I returned from market, Mrs. Cyrus White, Miss Pepper and Fanny came in to see the baby. After prayers and all but me had retired, I copied extracts from George's letter received today for publication in the Jeffersonian next week. I did not retire until nearly 12 o'clock. The Old Folk's Concert in the evening was at Concert Hall. 11/27 SUNDAY - Pleasant; we rose rather late. Ellen Dare stayed up to Father Griswold's last night. She came in to see Gussie before going to church at noon. Mr. Breckinridge of Bethel preached for us all day. He probably exchanged with Brother Hill as he was not home. Text in the morning -Revelation 3:20; in the P.M., Romans 10. They were both excellent sermons and did me great good. After Sunday School, I got Theodore Lyon's team and brought Mother down to church. She came home with me to tea. Harriet called while we were eating. She would not take tea with us. She finally took a cup of tea with her things on and left. After supper was out of the way, Miss English went out to make a call. I wrote to George and mailed also a Harper's Weekly on my way to prayer meeting in the evening. The Old Folk's Concert gave a sacred music exhibition at Concert Hall -admission 15 cents. 11/28 MONDAY - The stars shone brightly before daylight, but as the sun rose, it was cloudy and during the day it appeared as if it might rain at any moment. I mailed a letter and bought one dozen postage stamps for our nurse Miss English as I went to the shop in the morning. I worked all day in the shop. I came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and borrowed John Cosier's gun wad cutter for Mr. Parmalee who wanted to cut wads for his gun as John's cutter was a fit for his gun. Miss English washed a little today. When I came home, I found Gussie up and dressed. She came to the tea table with us. After tea, I went to market and to the Jeffersonian office with a letter from George for publication. I bought a coconut with the shuck on for Miss English to keep as a curiosity, went to the Post Office and came home. It is still cloudy and warm. The notorious scapegrace of Bethel, Aunt Gill Smith was found dead on or near the railroad this morning with a bottle of whiskey by her side. She was brought up to the courthouse where an inquest was held over her body. So I hear. 11/29 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, although most of the time a blue sky could be seen. It came off pleasant in the P.M. It has been very warm, real Indian Summer. Gussie had a great many calls this afternoon to see her and baby. Mrs., Barnum, Curtis, Hill, Sivine, Baxters, Mary Purdy and Bell, besides Mother Griswold's folks. After tea, I went to market for Mother Griswold and myself. I expected a quarter of beef today from Granville Ambler but for some reason or other it did not come. 11/30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm as summer. I worked as long as daylight would let me in the shop. We received our pay today. It was deferred in order to pay off up to the 1st of December and then take the semi-annual inventory. John Brush drunk around the shop nearly all day. On my way home from work at night I called and paid Charles Crofut for a one half barrel of flour - $7.50. I paid Miss English $8.00 for two weeks nursing. I went to class in the evening. Brother Peter Starr being absent, John Cosier led the class.
1864-11