Horace Purdy Journal December 1904 Entry
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DECEMBER 01 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. Pleasant. Before dinner, I signed an endorsement for a Reliance policy on E. A. Mallory & Sons for George C. Stevens & Sons written by them when they represented the Reliance, changing same to firm name of E. A. Mallory & Sons, Inc. I delivered same. I called at the bank about my note of $100 due today. I paid it. Then, Mr. Beeman being with me, we drove up to Mr. Corbulon’s fruit store on Patch Street and delivered his policy and collected, then delivered a furniture policy to Clarence Nelson, bookkeeper at Roger’s Silverplate Shop. From there, we drove over to Sarah Austin’s store and dwelling on White Street to see if the store had been removed that a reduced insurance rate may be given it. After dinner, I walked downtown and gave the bank a check to pay the note and went to Meeker’s Hat Shop to find Bert Hitchcock. Not finding him, I went to his home on Maple Avenue, and his mother gave me his policy for transfer or cancellation. Then I called at the silver plate shop for Nelson’s policy, then came home about 4 PM. George and Sarah were with again in the evening. Mrs. Virginia McKnight called this evening to say that Arthur Durgie had resumed work, being disabled for one week only. DECEMBER 02 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Hazy with the appearance of snow but neither storm nor sunshine. I was kept busy all the forenoon doing insurance correspondence with the Connecticut Insurance Company regarding the Targett & Siemon new laundry risk, making Agricultural report and notifying Standard Accident of Arthur Durgie’s one week disability claim. After dinner, George Olmstead called to arrange for unoccupancy for two or three months which he expects to be away from home. About 4 PM, I went downtown and got Davis Knapp’s PO order for $5.40 cashed and arranged with E. Pancirole for renewal of the Italian Co-operative Grocery Provision Company. George and Sarah came over again in the evening. DECEMBER 03 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 20. Colder. Sent by early morning mail a dunning letter for $10.00 to the estate of John Wixtead. The day being cloudy, chilly and cold with an indication of snow, I stayed in the office all day except about 4 PM when I went hastily downtown for Sunday marketing. Just before going, Mrs. Lucy Haines called as she promised and said that she had decided to let Mr. Budd do her insurance at Brewster. I therefore at once cancelled her insurance in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company covering her barn, etc. In the PM, I burned rubbish in my yard. Discussion with George as to the Sun liability with Rundle & White on Wildman’s broker policy with us when Wildman neglect to pay. 2 ½ pounds of coffee and ½ pounds of tea came today which brother George ordered from New York. 15 pounds came in the same shipment from Dr. Sunderland which George delivered, but the doctor not being in, he did not collect. He with Sarah spent the evening with us again. When they went home, I wrote a letter to A. J. Hoyt, US pension agent at Boston making inquiry as to whether a pension voucher issued on Sunday would be legal. DECEMBER 04 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 24. Hazy, cloudy, cold and unpleasant. Not a moment’s sunshine or not a drop of rain or a flake of snow. A beautiful red in the west at sunset thought the sun never shone. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came after Sunday School and stayed in the PM. I received by mail a voucher to sign for new life insurance renewals which I signed and also mailed with it to Schiffer, agent at New Haven; also my new fire insurance account to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company in Hartford. Mary dictated a letter which I wrote for her to Clara Watkins at Hartford requesting her to come and make us a two or three week visit over the holidays. We called on brother George in the evening. On the way, we called on Dr. Sunderland. He gave a check for George to pay for his 15 pounds of coffee which came yesterday. Notwithstanding clouds and threatening of storm, it became clear about sundown and a beautiful starlit evening. DECEMBER 05 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14. Clear until after daylight when it became cloudy and about 2:30PM, it began snowing and continued through the day. It being Pension day, we were very busy. After dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to make vouchers for the cripples, lame and lazy and old widows. We were caught in a snowstorm before our return. Rachel Dickenson, a widow of the Revolutionary War, lies at the point of death. I took her signature by X mark at her bedside. She will probably never sign another voucher. J. L. Day came early in the evening and made his voucher. He will make an application for an increase under the old age order, he being 65 years old, which will give him now $8.00 instead of $6.00. It ceased snowing at bedtime, about 9 o’clock. DECEMBER 06 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14. A beautiful sunshine morning. The cleaning of the paths was the first thing on order this morning. George finished them when he came from Bethel. James Martin called about 9 AM, of course to borrow something on the strength of his pension to come in a few days. I allowed him a small amount. I delivered to E. Pancirole on the Italian Co-operative Grocery and Provision Company for which he paid me. In the PM, George drove Gip to the blacksmith shop and left her there to be shod while I went down to Dr. Clark’s for his statement as to the treatment of Arthur Durgie’s finger which was hurt and for which he makes a claim for one week’s disability to the Standard Accident Insurance Company of Detroit, after which I went to Gage’s shop for Gip. She having been shod, I drove home. After which, I went up to Fancher’s shop and had Durgie sign and execute his proof of claim to the accident insurance company. George and Sarah came over for the evening. He got shopped and went to Mallory’s shop for the first time in about a week. W. H. Merritt came in the PM and made his pension papers; Elias Osborne came this evening. DECEMBER 07 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – Sunshine at intervals during the day. Most of the time however, squally looking clouds prevailed. Between 8 and 9 AM, I went up to Fancher’s shop and got his eyewitness statement as to the hurt Arthur Durgie received for which he is making a claim. I mailed the proof of said claim today to Loomis & Nettleton, agents to the accident insurance company. James Martin came in the morning to borrow on his pension check which will come in a few days. After dinner, I drove over to Beaverbrook to see about furniture insurance of Eliza Hoddinott which she has moved from John Street in the city to her son John Hoddinott’s at Beaverbrook and stored them in an outbuilding. I cancelled the policy. After I returned, I delivered a policy to Joseph Pond on White Street and collected the premium of $30.48. Peter Hardwick called in the evening and made his pension voucher which I completed and mailed. I received a check from cashier Schiffer for my commissions on the second quarter of John Watkins life insurance which he mailed to New Haven. DECEMBER 08 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. Fire alarm 32 struck last night about 10 o’clock for a fire in the 5 & 10 cent store which is pretty well burned out. A little before daylight this morning, it began snowing moderately. Before dinner, I went up to the Union Shop and arranged for a renewal of sand paper stock for Charles Croft and before I left I took an order for a $500 furniture policy for Joseph Gauche at 72 Elm Street. S. W. Bradley brought the two bushels of potatoes to George Purdy which I had engaged of him. In the evening, William Bedient came in with two other members of the painters union to make an oath in a funeral benefit claim in the loss of life of the wife of one of the parties. About 8: 30 in the evening, after executing papers for Bedient and others, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with the duplicate of his life insurance examination by Dr. Clark on December 29, 1898 for his record as to a family record, etc. in contemplation for an application for new insurance. DECEMBER 09 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 18. Pleasant; received my pension check this morning. Mr. Beeman received his last night. He came in and paid me the $2.00 he borrowed of me. A postal by mail this morning, from Col. Saul Gregory to come up to his place and make out his pension voucher for him, he being unable to come down. George and Mr. Beeman drove up there and attended to it. A fire last night about 10 o’clock destroyed a house owned by John Walsh on the west end of Highland Avenue. Another call for the firemen about 9 o’clock this morning on Cherry Street. A chimney fire in a house occupied by James Newton insured by us in the Greenwich Insurance Company on furniture. A small damage will come to us from it. I immediately notified the Commercial Union, the reinsurers of the Greenwich Insurance Company. After dinner, I mailed up and mailed the Sun account for November, enclosing the cancelled Bert Hitchcock policy. I called at the Turner Machine Shop with the tools policy for Henry Biddescombe. I called on William Lyon at the Renfield Wholesale Store on Rose Street to try and write him up for life insurance but could not. On returning, called on Mr. Daragan to insure more on his stock if possible; he will wait for an inventory to ascertain the amount wanted. At 5:20 PM, the postman brought pension checks for Fred Bevans, Charles Bevans, Joel Bates and John Cree. During the evening. Fred Bevans called and I cashed his check. George and Sarah were over in the evening. Fannie also called. DECEMBER 10 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14. Cloudy with indications of snow in the morning. About 3 PM, it commenced snowing gently and continued through the day and evening. I went downtown in the forenoon ad made a deposit in the bank. I saw Herbert Wildman and got another good promise for the $100 he owes me on the Rundle & White insurance. I saw Mortimer Rundle in the bank regarding it; he was surprised that Wildman had not paid me. Joel Bates called in the morning and I cashed his pension check for him. In the PM, I got a check for $57.00 of Jake Hartz on account. George Nelson called about 5:20 PM to see about $1.50 due him for transfer to a lower rated location. Clarence Wilson called in the PM and paid $3.00 on account of furniture insurance. DECEMBER 11 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 5; at noon – 24. Pleasant and very cold; the coldest we have had yet this winter. The water pipe to our sink froze for the first time but it was easily started however with a little warm water. About 10 AM, Frank Hart called and for his wife, Celia Hart paid $3.00 on house rent which he promised to pay yesterday, there being now $1.00 balance due. Grandchildren Lottie and Julia Hirsch came from Sunday School and were with us to dinner. In the PM, I mailed our November account to the Reliance Insurance Company and enclosed a check for the August balance. In the evening, we went over to George Purdy’s, prior to which I called at Charles Sherwood’s to see how old Mrs. Dickenson was, as she is not expected to live day to day as she is 93 years old. While at George’s, I cashed his pension check for $18.00, deducting the $10.00 he owes me for money borrowed to pay his rent on December 1. MONDAY DECEMBER 12 - Mercury at 6 AM – 10. Not entirely clear yet not stormy in the morning. Later, there began to be flurries of snow which continued more or less all day without more than 2 inches of snow. Mrs. Hawley borrowed 50 cents of me this morning. George and I drove over to Mrs. McDermott’s on West Wooster Street and arranged for the renewal of her little store building, then to Lake Avenue and renewed W. H. Jones and Mrs. Catherine Ryan. I then left George at the office and drove over to 11 James Street and renewed Mrs. Susanna Taylor. After dinner, I rested in the office until 3 o’clock and then went over to White Street and renewed William Charles and brother; then took a car at West Wooster Street to renew for Frank Andrews. James Martin called this morning for his pension check, but it had not yet arrived. It snowed steady all evening. DECEMBER 13 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. It snowed all last night and still at it at 10 AM with 20 inches of snow. As yet no wind accompanying the storm and the snow lies pretty and level. Before dinner, I put on my hip boots and went downtown and left Mrs. Emma Taylor’s policy at the Union Savings bank; also one on the pipe organ at the 1st Congregational Church with Mr. Rundle and received his order for payment on Rev. Reynolds, the church treasurer. James Martin called in the forenoon for his pension check, but it had not come. About 3:30 PM, I went into the street and got G. Rundle’s order on Perry Reynolds, the treasurer of the 1st Eccliastical Society for the premium on the church organ insurance cashed. I then called on William Conklin, engineer at the Turner Machine Shop and got $2.00 on account of his insurance. DECEMBER 14 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 6 above. Another very cold morning. When George arrived at 8:30, we finished digging out snow and got the sleigh out from upstairs in the barn. James Martin called again to get his pension check, but was disappointed as it had not arrived. I let him have another dollar on same, making it $4.00 advanced on same. Before dinner, I went downtown and called on Wagner Brothers, clothiers on White Street for $1,000 insurance by word of J. Hartz. They did not deal today, but promised to consider it. I received by morning mail forms from Lewis Reed wishing us to write $750 on the shop of P. Young & Sons. I wrote back on the forms “Please Excuse Us.” Ruth Waterman called after dinner with her voucher returned for correction; George omitted the date on the first. I supplied the want and remailed the voucher. About 4 PM, I delivered the Shaffer Brothers policy and collected same. Also $5.00 on account of Fred Seymour. About 5 PM, the postman delivered the pension check for James Martin. DECEMBER 15 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 4 below. The coldest morning yet this winter. James Martin called for his pension check. I cashed it for him. I delivered Frank Andrew’s policy to Mrs. E. Mallory, mortgagor. I got another bottle of Liprozine on account of insurance of James Doran. I called again to see Charles Watts about renewing policy on his barn. Not being able to see him, we wrote the policy and sent it to him by mail. After dinner, Mr. Beeman went with me (our first sleigh ride) and I collected from Mrs. Emma Taylor the $7.00 balance of her account. I called at William Charles Brothers, the corner of White Street and Ives Street to deliver a policy. He being undecided about accepting it, I promised to hold it open for his acceptance until next Monday. From there, we drove to Bell’s Lane off River Street to see a Mr. Repoli for furniture insurance; we did not find him at home. We went later and found him. I secured a policy of $500 on furniture for a 5 year term. I also delivered a policy to William Jarvis on his store. I found him sick; his son promised to send a check tomorrow. After tea, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s to see how he is. Yesterday he was sick n bed. He is better, having been out attending to his patients today. He wants 5 lbs. more coffee. From there I went over to brother George’s on Montgomery Street and gave the order. Charles Betts called in the evening and paid $4.50 the first half of the rent. DECEMBER 16 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 25. A $5.00 check from Standard Accident Insurance Company for one week of disability for Arthur Durgie was received this morning from Loomis & Nettleton, state agents at New Haven. I delivered the same before dinner and cashed it for Mr. Durgie. I also received notice from the Pension Bureau that an old age pension had been granted to Andrew Bell; I drove up there and told him, after which and before noon, I drove over to Clarence Morgan’s with Mr. Beeman for him to pay for a tone of coal and for myself to tell Clarence to finish putting in my coal. After dinner, Charles Watts called to say that he had received his policy on his barn and will in a few days’ pay on the same. Charles Bevans called while I was out for his pension check; George delivered it to him. After dinner, Robert Chambers called and endorsed a blank note for me to use in the bank for such amount as I may need for discount about January 1st. I gave him calendars for the New Year -1905. While doing my barn work about 5 PM, George Brush called for two Agricultural calendars. Following that, Mrs. David Hoyt called and paid me a $2.00 fee for the age increase of David’s pension. About 3 PM, I carried Mary down to Dr. Oley’s for eye treatment. While away, Nellie Johnson left a note on my desk to call tomorrow at her place of business at 209 Main Street. Mrs. James Newton called just before tea to see if I had heard from the insurance company about her damage. Fannie Hirsch and Sonya Lyon called about 8:45 in the evening. DECEMBER 17 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM- 2. Letter this morning from W. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union Company, re-insurers of Greenwich Insurance Company, asking for more particular description of the James Newton damage. I went over there and looked up the matter and then wrote Special Agent Furness and recommended a half damage on the value of the carpet - $6.00 and the value of a child’s dress - $1.00. See letter of this date. I then went down and made a deposit in the bank. I called on Nellie Johnson as requested yesterday by a note left on my desk. She wanted to know about her pension voucher received with her last check. Arthur Barnum delivered before dinner 10 bushels of oats I ordered yesterday. In the evening, Charles Watts called and paid me the insurance on his barn. Also Clarence Wilson called and paid me the balance due on his furniture insurance. Mary is having another attack of her liver problem which nearly prostrated her. Minnie Wilberg’s rent is overlooked; she supposed it had been paid. DECEMBER 18 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 25. The day has been pleasant though about 4 inches of snow fell during the night. Mary is still feeling badly though around and still doing her work. Mrs. Hawley came over and helped her make a chicken pot pie for dinner. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came from Sunday School and took dinner with us returning home about 4:30 PM. I mailed a check for the August balance to the Agricultural Insurance Company. I shoveled all the paths this forenoon and went to the post office at noon. I felt pretty tired the remainder of the day. George and Sarah spent the evening with us. I wrote the Watkins family for Mary and George mailed it as they returned home. A beautiful moonlit night. DECEMBER 19 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 10. A hazy frosty morning without sunshine. Received by mail from W. Furness, Special Agent of the Commercial Union, and a short proof of loss of James Newton loss under Greenwich policy No. 2668093 reinsured for us to make up and refer to him. Before dinner, I drove over to 14 James Street and delivered a policy transferred thereto for Charles Small and gave to his wife, $1.42 returned premium for lesser rate in this location. From there I drove up to Lake Avenue to see if Andrew Bell had received pension papers from Boston in the matter of age increase allowed him. He has not yet received them. Mary received a letter from M. Delos Thomas from Bridgeport. In the PM, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s for a bottle of lame back medicine for Mrs. Hawley. From there, I went to the Foster Brothers’ shop and delivered a furniture policy to William Elwell. From there to William Charles & Brothers’ Fruit Store on White Street to deliver a policy. They put me off until next Monday the 26th. Received a check from Charles Hallstead for $2.00 for his barn. Mrs. Ella Smith sent her husband Arthur Smith and her policy for endorsed permit for other insurance. Nathan Hoy called for a large agent’s calendar. DECEMBER 20 TUESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 22. A beautiful morning. About 9 AM, I called on James Newton at Cherry Street to see why he did not call last night and sign proof papers for his loss. I arranged to see him tonight. I then with Mr. Beeman (taking Mary over to Sarah’s as we went), went to Frank Verra’s at 169 Main Street to deliver a furniture policy. I received a letter from the Sun Insurance Company asking for the September balance, which I mailed to them by check in the PM. I then called at the Foster Brothers’’ shop and received a check for $5.00 from Wilbur Elwell in payment for furniture insurance. Then over to Clark’s Box Shop with an agent’s calendar for John Coyne. I stopped at Hugh Allen’s store and met Mary and Sarah there. Jake Hartz stopped me near Spiro’s clothing store and took me to task for George dunning them for a broker policy on his account. I pacified him and he promised to pay before January 1st. About 4 PM, I wrote a letter for Mary to Clara Watkins in which she enclosed a dollar for a Christmas present. About 8 o’clock in the evening, I went over to Cherry Street thinking to get James Newton’s signature on loss proof. I did not succeed as he had not yet arrived home. DECEMBER 21 WEDNESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – I arose at 5 AM thinking to catch Mr. Newton as he took the freight train to Norwalk (of which he is conductor) to sign the proof of loss, but he did not stop. George and Lill made me a Christmas present of two night shirts. I slept in one of them last night for the first time. They are very nice and comfortable. About 10 AM, I with Mr. Beeman drove down to Frank Verra’s and received from Ms. Verra an order for renewal of their furniture insurance policy. I then delivered one to William Repoli at the barber shop on White Street. I also went to the Union Shop to see Joseph Gancher as to his policy already written. We then came home and I let Beeman take the horse and give his wife a sleigh ride out to Fry’s corner for an errand and then to go to the Dewey Inn for me to see the brick chimney Mr. Bradley, the owner said he had built at our request. He found it all right. I wrote a dunning letter to Arthur Dibble at Bethel and also mailed a calendar to him. In the PM, I took Mary up to Mrs. Raymond’s. I then delivered a policy to Mrs. Frank Verra on furniture and she paid me $2.00 on account. We also drove out to Clarence Morgan’s to have him bring me some furnace coal if possible tomorrow morning. Fannie called just at night and took tea with us. George and Sarah came in the evening and brought 2 ½ pounds of coffee from New York. Also five pounds for Dr. Sunderland which I sent up and delivered and collected for same. I gave George a check to send to Mrs. Kimball to pay a bill to her for coffee, etc. About 8:30 in the evening, on his way home from his train, Mr. Frank Newton called and signed a proof of loss under the Greenwich Insurance Company, reinsured in the Commercial Union. I mailed the proof before retiring. Charles Dean called in the evening to notify me that Frank Oeztel had sold his grocery to his wife Adelia Dean and to change the policy. DECEMBER 22 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 4 below. Mr. Beeman rode with me to arrange the Oetzel policy, then we got an express box for Beeman at the Express Office. I called on Sunderland’s shop with agent calendars. We then called on Byron Dexter’s house on Pleasant Street about a renewal on his house but, he being sick, I did not see him. Clarence Morgan brought me 1 ½ tons of furnace call this morning. After dinner, a son of Henry Supple called to have us insure a house near Lime Kiln above the Iron Works at Brookfield. About 4 PM, I harnessed and drove over to Frank Oetzel’s to arrange assignment of the store policy to Adelia Dean. He not being home, I took Mrs. Robert Haskins and daughter home on Hoyt Street, giving them their first sleigh ride. In the evening, I went over to Orchard Street to collect the balance from Mrs. Jennie Townsend, but could not as she was not at home. Mrs. Hawley presented me with a pair of home knit mittens. DECEMBER 23 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 35. The snow has melted fast today. In the morning, I drove over to Frank Oetzel’s store on Liberty Street and made over his store policy to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Adelia Dean. I then drove to Brookfield and made up a policy to Henry Supple’ farm just at Lime Kiln just above the Iron Works in the amount of $1,000. On my return, I stopped at Robert Jones, hoping to collect. He was not at home but is expected to return tomorrow and will see me next week. I arrive home a little before 1 PM. After dinner, I made up the daily report and George took it for mailing. Stephen Pierans called about 2 PM and I settled with him for the November rents. At 4:30 PM, after doing my barn work, I went into the street trying to collect. I did not succeed but got a promise from Mr. Daragan for January 2nd. On my way home in front of Warner’s store, I found a pair of spectacles minus the glass. A postal this evening from Andrew Bell that the papers from his pension increase had come. DECEMBER 24 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 40. Soft and the snow is getting away fast. Without a cold change we will lose our sleighing. After George arrived from Bethel, we rode up to Andrew Bell’s on Lake Avenue to care for his pension increase recently allowed - $10.00 – for age 68. A new certificate was sent and the old one ordered returned with the voucher. I mailed the old papers to Boston. I wrote Henry Supple at Brookfield to see if I left my fountain pen there yesterday. I also made an application at the bank for a loan about January 1st. It has grown cold since morning and the thaw has turned to freezing. After dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to do a little shopping for Sunday and Christmas. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening with us. We gave them a large lamp and I received an umbrella. This PM, Mrs. Stuart from Bethel came to borrow money to buy a watch for a Christmas present for her daughter. Not being financially fixed to do so, I declined. DECEMBER 25 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 15. Christmas Day. Cloudy all day with the appearance and feel of snow. We rose about 7:30 AM. Mary attended church in the morning. I went to the Post Office and to get the paper at noon. After dinner, I bound by entry in the Register a policy in agency for Byron Dexter on 40 Pleasant Street occupied by himself and one for Charles Cary on furniture in Dr.Oley’s house at 135 Main Street. I found my fountain pen today in my room which I thought I left at Henry Supple’s in Brookfield on Friday and wrote to them to save it for me. I wrote to them again to say that I had found it. It commenced snowing at 4 PM and was still at it when we retired at 9 PM. After doing my barn work today, I called on Mr. Hickok who has taken to his bed and will probably never be any better. DECEMBER 26 MONDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 20.It snowed moderately during last night giving us a topping of snow. I made paths to the barn, privy, office and to the driveway. George arrived from Bethel around 8:30 AM. I sent him up to Carol Rider’s to ascertain if Byron Dexter’s policy which expired yesterday was still payable to the Union Savings Bank. Rider was not at home. Later, I saw L. L. Hubbell, the teller. He said the policy should be made payable to the bank. I had a controversy with William Charles & Brothers, corner of Ives and White Street about taking the policy I wrote for them. I left them without settling the matter. We were notified this morning of a small loss of George Bard of 48 ½ Balmforth Avenue under Sun policy No. 678530 originating from the kerosene lamp and Christmas decorations last night about 7:30. We notified the Company that the damage would not exceed $25. We took Christmas dinner with brother George on Montgomery Street. After dinner, I called on Frank Seymour and collected a $5.43 balance on a policy expiring today at 19 Elm Street in Perry’s block. I arranged for the renewal of the same. I then went home to do the barn work, fed Gip, and then returned to George’s to spend the evening. DECEMBER 27 TUESDAY- Mercury at 6 AM – 34. I commenced raining before morning with signs of losing our snow and consequently our sleighing. I delivered and collected premium of William Charles & Brothers by changing the date of the policy from December 14 to December 24. We renewed on the 14th without orders and they declined taking it on account of the high rate of premium. I today however persuaded them to be insured on condition that the policy be dated as of today. I then made a deposit on the bank and left the policy of Byron Dexter at the bank as mortgagor. In the PM, I sent a check for $23.72 to the Equitable Company for George and myself due on the 29th. Lottie Hirsch came up and spent the afternoon with us. I wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company to change the date of the Charles Brothers’ policy, explaining the matter. About 6 PM, Mrs. Hickok called to me across the street to assist her to get old Mr. Hickok back in bed. Being out of his head, he imagined he was obliged to move and attempted to get up and dress himself. The bandages on his sore leg were partly torn off and he was bleeding profusely. I sat by him until they could send for his son, William. DECEMBER 28 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 48. Warm and foggy this morning. About 9 o’clock it cleared up with the wind northwesterly and growing colder. After breakfast, I cut a new tin bottom and with the help of George, we riveted it to the bottom of the ash pan. About 10 o’clock, George went with me in the sleigh and arranged fort the renewal of Morelock & Husk Machine Works and 19 Summit Street for Peter Beradi. By the morning mail, I received a letter form Estelle White in reference to James Shelby’s insurance on piano at New Milford.; also a draft for the James Newton loss in the amount of $7.00 from W. Furness, special agent of the Union, reinsurers of the Greenwich. Rufus Rice, the soldier and pensioner, died about 7:30 this morning died this morning of apoplexy at Byron Dexter’s where he was caring for Mr. Dexter as a nurse. In the PM, I sleigh rode Mary don to Dr. Oley’s office for her to consult him about her eyes. Then I dove up to Mallory’s shop and delivered to Clifford Sturgis the Edwin Whaley policy now owned by Mr. Sturgis and his wife, the daughter of Mr. Whaley, now deceased. From there, we drove to Rufus Rice’s to ascertain about his death. As we started from there, the bits to Gypsy’s bridle broke in her mouth and very fortunate it was that they did not break while driving fast or downhill. I used the hitch strap put around her neck, then passing same around her nose, I led her home with Mary riding alone. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Newton’s on Cherry Street to have him receipt for the draft of $7.00 from the Commercial Union, but he was not yet at home. DECEMBER 29 – THURSDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 20. Pleasant. Slept well last night and did not rise until 6:30. William Phillips, an old fire insurance customer called for a calendar. I started to go downtown and met Davis Monroe coming to pay his insurance. I returned with him. As he departed, he, by mistake, took my mittens, but a little later, returned them. I then started again for the street and arranged with K. Come for renewal of his furniture insurance policy on January 1st. I saw John Vail’s grandson and he drove up home with me for calendars. Lewis Orton called after dinner for a calendar. I then went up to Willard’s shop and arranged with Mr. Regan for a policy on the life of his mother. I went to their home on Foster Street and took their application. From there, I went down to Dr. Clark’s to arrange for the examination, but did not find him. In the evening, I wrote and sent a check for the September balance to the Reliance Insurance Company, and for the first time in my life sent a check without money in the bank to cover it to the Agricultural Insurance Company and other balances, but I have arranged for money to be there by the time the checks are returned on next Tuesday, January 3rd. DECEMBER 30 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 25. Cloudy with the appearance of snow early this morning. It soon, however, came off clear and pleasant. I got up at 5 AM and opened and lighted my office, thinking that possibly James Newton, who goes by about 5:30 to take his freight train as conductor would see that I was open and would call and sign the receipt for a draft to pay his loss; he did not, however, call. After breakfast at about 8:30 I went down to 5 Foster Street and got a specimen of Ann Regan’s urine and took down to Dr. Clark and arranged for her further examination to be made at noon, while I was there. We drove up to Millard’s Hat Factory just before noon and got the particulars of Michael Regan as to being the beneficiary of his mother Ann Regan. One hind foot was off Gip’s foot this morning and while I was attending to the examination of Ann Regan, George went to Gages shop and had it put back and also had the other hind one reset. About 5 PM, Rufus Reed came in and paid the quarterly premium du today in the Equitable. I immediately made the check and mailed it to W. Schiffer the agent at New Haven. Rufus Rice was buried this PM at 2 o’clock. George mailed Ann Regan’s application after dinner to G. W. VanFleet, manager at New Haven. Received this morning from the Sun, a short form proof of loss for the case of George Bard. DECEMBER 31 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Pleasant. I made up the Connecticut December account and enclosed check for the October balance and, being too late for the mail at the Post Office, I went to the railroad station and gave it to the mailman for the train. I received this morning another short form proof of loss for the Bard loss from Arthur Hatch, special agent, with orders to adjust. Mr. Wixtead called in the PM and settled for his insurance. I delivered a policy to K. L. Comes. Jennie Bratton send word in the evening that they had moved to 29 Stevens Street. Harry Gray also called and settled his insurance. James Newton also called about 9 o’clock on his way home from his belated freight train and signed his receipt for payment of loss in amount of $7.00 and endorsed the draft and I cashed it for him. George and Sarah spent the evening with us.
1904-12
Horace Purdy Journal January 1905 Entry
8 pgs
JANUARY 01 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 36. A beautiful morning. Mary attended church this morning. I wrote a postal to Clara Watkins for her, wishing her to answer one sent recently to her. Just before doing my barn chores, I called across the street to see how old Mr. Hickok is doing. He is gradually growing weaker; he can’t last long. He is liable to drop away at any time. JANUARY 02 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 26. Last night was a beautiful starlit one and the sun rose with a beautiful red, but it soon began to cloud over and about 11 o’clock, it began to rain. News by morning papers of the surrender of Port Arthur. After George arrived this morning from Bethel we changed from sleigh to wagon and I drove downtown and mailed a policy and calendar to Henry Supple at Brookfield. Then I delivered a policy and collected from Henry Beradi; also delivered a policy to Morelock & Husk and then returned new pension certificates and vouchers for next month’s payment to Andrew Bell on Lake Avenue. Alexander Lee called in the PM for a calendar. Catherine Ryan came in also in the PM and paid for her furniture insurance. In the evening, I made up the accounts for the Sun and Reliance and sent a check in each and mailed them before I closed the office at 9 PM. JANUARY 03 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 35. Rainy. In the forenoon, I went over to Meadow Street and arranged for the renewal of Booth Radcliff, Howard Bradley and O. B. Sanford. I made a new case of insuring Joseph Knowlton’s market. In the PM, the widow of Rufus Rice called and started papers in application for a pension and about dusk called again to say that her son, unbeknownst to her commences proceeding for the same with Captain Quien. In the PM, I went up to Balmforth and had George Bard make up his proof of loss for the fire on Christmas Day. I wrote to J. H. Searle ordering pension supplies and enclosing a postal order for $1.15 in payment of same. M. Daragan gave me a check for $20.50 for insurance on his block. I made a deposit and added to same a $300 note which was discounted for three months. I received from the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company cash of $.89 in a letter as being the amount overpaid of the October balance. JANUARY 04 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 10. A regular blizzard. Snow and wind. I dug out to the office and bar before George came from Bethel which was about 9:30 AM, when he brought ½ dozen tire bolts and we used one of them to repair the spindle buggy, after which we finished shoveling the snow paths. At noon time, Eugene Hyatt came in and had his pension voucher executed and sent to Charles Orr, US pension agent at Buffalo, NY where he draws his pension. After dinner, while digging a path from curb to street (task of about 5 minutes), Fred Bevans came along and insisted against my wishes to help me shovel. I said now and he said yes. When done, he wanted to borrow $.25 cents, just as I expected; he did not get it. I went up to O. B. Sanford’s to deliver a furniture policy but as no one was home, did not succeed. I then called at George Bard’s for my fountain pen which I left there yesterday while making up his proof of loss. On my return, I stopped at Bryant’s and had him touch the regulator and set my watch. Mrs. Selleck stopped about 5 PM for their 1905 calendar. JANUARY 05 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – zero. Pleasant and cold. A letter from the Equitable declining the application of Anne Regan. Letter also from W. Furness wanting more particulars about the small loss of John Greeley under the Greenwich policy reinsured by his company, the Commercial Union. Before dinner, George went with me to deliver O. Sanford’s policy and arrange for renewal of Mrs. Spencer, Lottie Cowl and Howard Bradley. After dinner, I wrote for Mrs. Hawley a letter to the teacher s pupils of room 14 of the New Street School, acknowledging the receipt of a Christmas box from them. After doing my barn work, just about dusk, I went downtown, mailed a reply to W. Furness, went over to the Bates place and arranged with Mrs. Spencer for renewal of her furniture policy, then went over to Sarah Austin about change of store to dwelling and a reduced rate therefore. Fannie Hirsch called this evening. JANUARY 06 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM 10. About 2 inches of snow during last night and it has continued moderately during the day. Mr. Beeman rode with me about an hour before dinner to collect from O. B. Sanford and a balance from William Conklin. I delivered a store policy to Joseph Knowlton at 56 White Street and got another bottle of liprozene at Doran’s, after which Mr. Beeman looked at some weather strips for his doors and then we came home. In the afternoon, I walked up to Dr. Sunderland’s to show him a stone from my bladder dragged out with a catheter while drawing my water. From there, I went over to Rundle & White’s to talk about the Sun policy I wrote for them for which they paid by way of Herbert Wildman from whom I am unable to collect, but they were not at the factory. I then called on Fred Seymour and collected $5.00 on his insurance, then went over to the Bates place and got Mrs. Spencer’s name. It is Mary Catherine Spencer. I then called at the village store and got a pound of butter and arranged with Doran for 6 more bottles of liprizene for $5.50. I called on Frank Ives but collected nothing. I arranged with insurance inspector Howe to make minimum rates on Sarah Austin’s building at 234 White Street. George Harvey called this AM and arranged for the renewal of his Steven Street property and paid the premium. After supper, I went over to George Purdy’s to give him Dr. Sunderland’s and my order for coffee for which George will send the order to Mrs. Kimball. From there, I went over to Orchard Street and left a big figured calendar for Mrs. Jennie Townsend. JANUARY 07 SATURDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 45. The storm turned to rain last night and continued all night with which the melted snow has given us quite an addition to the city water supply. It cleared away giving us bright sunshine before dinner, the clouded over again about 2 PM. In the forenoon, I delivered two polices - Agricultural and Sun - to Flint & Smith on the Danbury News Plant. I collected of Joseph Knowlton on insurance for his store. After dinner, John Greeley came in and signed the proof of loss which occurred December 26 for the amount of $5.00 which I mailed to special agent W. Furness at Boston. George this forenoon helped Mr. Beeman put weather strips on his door. John Loricko called this PM for a calendar for himself and Mrs. Mary C. Spencer. William Hickok arranged and paid for furniture insurance this PM. I stayed in the office all the PM until 4 o’clock when I went to market for oysters for our Sunday breakfast. JANUARY 08 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 25. Clear and colder. The melting snow of yesterday had now turned to ice with sufficient to hold the sleighing if renewed in a few days by a couple of inches of new snow. We had stewed oysters for breakfast. Silvio Cresci sent his boy over this morning to pay his January rent. I mailed a calendar to W. S. White at Great Plain. I also mailed Rufus Rice’s pension certificate to his son Harry for use with Captain Quien who is getting a widow’s pension for his mother. Before doing by barn work about 5 PM, I went over to see how Clark Hickok is doing. He had an uncomfortable night last night and a more comfortable day today by sleeping most of the time. His life apparently is fast ebbing away. In the evening, we attended the Baptist church to hear the evangelist F. Shepardson; we liked him. JANUARY 09 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 18. A pleasant morning. Received by the morning mail a package of pension blanks from J. H. Soule, publishers of same as per order of January 3. Mr. Beeker made us a call in the PM. I drove up to Millard’s shop to notify Mike Regan that his mother was rejected for insurance by the Equitable Life Insurance Company on account of family history. I delivered a policy to Lottie Carol and collected $2.00 of Frank Verra. I then looked at a storage building on the McArdle place 51-53 Main Street in reference to anticipated storage of furniture for Arthur Stowe. In the PM, I delivered and collected a policy to Mrs. Mary Spencer and started to drive to Stony Hill to arrange for the renewal of Mr. Vail, but finding so much bare ground in making Beaverbrook, that I found it not advisable to attempt going in a sleigh and returned. JANUARY 10 TUESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 28. About a half inch of snow fell last night. Received by the morning mail a draft for $15.00 from the Sun to pay the loss of George Bard. I drove over to John Vail’s in the AM to arrange for the renewal of his insurance on the 13th instant and returned at noon. On my way over, I gave S. W. Bradley the bags he brought potatoes in to Harry Biddescombe. On my way home, I saw Mortimer Rundle on Elm Street and told him that I had got through fooling with Herbert Wildman about the $100 premium on their policy and should make somebody trouble. After dinner, I mailed a legal 5-days’ notice to Rundle & White and registered the letter. Before going to Stony Hill this morning, Arthur Stowe came in and signed a return premium receipt for cancellation of Reliance policy No. 129762 that we may rewrite a policy covering his furniture store in another location. About 4 PM, I called on Mrs. Regan on Foster Street to see if she could give me more information on her parents, the lack of which rejects her for insurance in the Equitable. Not being at home, I made the trip for nothing. Old Mr. William Lyon died today in Orchard Street at his daughter’s. JANUARY 11 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 20. A mixed and partially cloudy day but no storm. I went up to Mallory’s shop in the morning and arranged for the renewal of Charles Pierce’s furniture policy. After dinner, I mailed a letter to the Sun regarding the cancellation of the Rundle & White policy on account of non –payment of premium to me by Herbert Wildman. I bought meat at Joe Knowlton’s and sent it home .I took the receipt from the postal card from Rundle & White’s cancellation of Herbert Wildman’s broker policy. I called at Daragan’s shoe store for shoes for Mrs. Dean. I then called on Ann Regan at 5 Foster Street to find out if I could more about her family history, ages of her father and mother at death, etc. in the matter of life insurance. I sent a pension certificate by young Mrs. Griffith to Melissa Griffith. While we were at supper, Fred Vail called and arranged for the renewal of their policy in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company on the 13th instant. After supper, I went over to brother George’s and carried a calendar for him to give to L. Robinson, a shop mate of his and a customer of ours. I brought home a pincushion Sarah has been making for me. On my return, I found the house locked, Mary and Mrs. Hawley having gone to the Baptist church to hear “The Rocking Chair Evangelist.” I called for a short time on our neighbor, Mr. Rogers. JANUARY 12 THURSDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 32. Rain. I spent the forenoon in the office. I looked up the State Mutual Life Insurance of Mass. to make comparisons with the Equitable for use with George in George Bedient’s case who is contemplating life insurance and is considering the State Mutual with Hodge. William Harris from Miry Brook called about 3 PM for me to go out there tomorrow morning and insure his property, formerly the George Allen place. About 4 PM, I went downtown and came home by way of Stevens Street and delivered a policy to Jennie Bratton, endorsed transfer and then delivered the policy to Thomas Ferry on Cherry Street and returned to James Newton his policy with loss endorsed therein. I then called on V. V. Morrell who is sick with La Grippe. After supper, I took a car over to Sarah Austin’s on White Street to get her policy for cancellation and rewriting at minimum rates. On my return, I went over to brother George’s for coffee which arrived from New York on Friday. Old Mr. William Lyon’s funeral was attended this evening at his daughter’s on Orchard Street. His remains will be taken to Southport tomorrow for burial. JANUARY 13 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. Pleasant and growing colder. Received by the morning mail a check for $5.58 from the Commercial Union for payment to John Greeley for loss under his Greenwich policy which occurred on December 26. Also a letter from the Sun Insurance office justifying our action in the Rundle & White cancellation matter vs. Herbert Wildman and referring the matter to Special Agent Hatch to instruct in the matter. About 10 AM, Mr. Beeman went with me over to Miry Brook to take insurance from Mr. Harris on his property. From there, we came home by way of Dewey’s Inn and returned to Mrs. Ada Bradley her policy with endorsement of loss on same. After dinner, I went over to Sarah Austin’s at 234 White Street to get her release of old policy prior to writing a new one on the same property but did not find her at home. On my return, I called at the Express Office for the Pig Model for brother George which came to him with no card explain who it was from or what it was for, on which account, thinking mistake had been made he returned it, but since receiving a letter explaining and as designating him as being the proper recipient. On my way downtown, I met Emil Popke and took an order for $1,000 furniture insurance at 55 Jefferson Avenue. The stamp clerk returned the D. R. of John Vail for correction on the rate for tobacco. I think we is wrong and we are correct in this matter. I tried this PM to see him and adjust it but could not find him. In the evening, I went over to White Street again to have Sarah Austin sign a return rate premium for cancellation of insurance, which she did and before retiring, I mailed it to the company. John Greeley came in the evening and signed a receipt for a draft for $5.50 for a loss at Christmas time. He did so and I cashed the draft. I retired at 10:30. JANUARY 14 SATURDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 16. Pleasant. A break in the water main in the street near my driveway which they commenced to repair this morning and shut the water off in consequence. An overlooked October accident account with Loomis & Nettleton, I made out this morning and enclosed a check. I made a bank deposit. Mrs. Mary Osterhaut called just at dinner time and paid for furniture insurance. Charles Bevans called in the PM and wanted to borrow $2.00; I did not lend. Mrs. Hawley rode with me downtown about 4 PM to do our Sunday marketing. Mrs. Jennie Townsend called in the evening and paid her insurance. George and Sarah came over in the evening and George and I called on Mrs. Gross to have her read the German instructions on how to make a hedgehog from a clay pig sent to him from New York. I called to see Mr. Hickok in the evening. He is dying; every hour may be his last. Mina Dean called in the evening. A. H. Hawes called in the PM and we settled about the rate on the tobacco in John Vail’s dwelling, wood house and wagon house. I endorsed the loss on the Greely policy. JANUARY 15 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 8. Pleasant and cold. Mr. Hickok died this morning at 7:20. Mary attended church this morning. Lottie and Julia Hirsh came from Sunday School and took dinner with us. After dinner, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s and he examined the pocket, i.e., the opening which never fully closed in my scrotum where he made an operation about two years ago. There being nothing serious about it and no trouble, not even any inconvenience, he says to leave it alone; it will do no harm. The children returned home by trolley at 4:30 PM. While at Dr. Sunderland’s he paid me $4.20 for coffee which George Purdy ordered for him for New York. We called a few minutes over to Mr. Hickok’s about 4 PM, his father now a corpse in the house. I then went down to Dr. Clark’s and left Ann Regan’s application with the doctor’s examination (a copy) for him to go over again and write to the Equitable life Insurance Company, explaining further in the case. As it stands now, it is not satisfactory to the Company. In the evening, we went over to brother George’s and spent the evening and gave him the $4.20 from Dr. Sunderland for coffee. JANUARY 16 MONDAY – Mercury at 6 AM - 18. Pleasant. We wrote up Rebecca Warner; also one for George Stevens & Son on John Green and delivered both; also one to James Doran. After dinner, I went downtown and had my hair cut by Silvsestri and called on Fred Seymour to collect on account of his furniture policy but did not succeed; collected $2.00 from Frank Verra. Mary went out this PM for a call on Aunt Sarah Boughton. The 5 days legal notice of the cancellation of the Rundle & White policy expires today of which we have heard nothing. George Purdy came over with his clay pig to exhibit it to Mrs. Gross who last Saturday evening translated the German instruction on how to make a hedgehog of it. He also brought me a check for $16.00 to the Larkin Soap Company for Emmaline Glaus’ soap order. I today got the last three bottles of liprizene to make a half dozen for $5.00 of James Doran on account of his store insurance on furniture and fixtures. JANUARY 17 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 22. Pleasant. After George arrived from Bethel, I drove down to Dr. Clark’s to see about a letter he was to write to the Equitable in the Ann Regan case, but found that he was away from home. I then drove up to Hoyt Street and delivered a policy to Charles Pierce and collected the premium. I also delivered one to Flint & Smith and left Adelia Dean’s policy at the Union Savings Bank. I got a calendar of E. E. Hamilton for Mrs. Hawley. I came home, put up the horse and then went downtown to do some marketing. After dinner, I went over and reviewed the insurance of Clark Hickok. His funeral was attended at 2: 30 PM at which I was a pall bearer. After supper, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with a calendar and delivered his quarterly renewal for standard accident policy for $5,000 due tomorrow, after which I took the trolley over to Samuel Hayes on Meadow Street and arranged renewal of his house insurance and arranged for an increase from $1,800 to $2,500 on same and gave him a calendar. I met J. Holton on the car. He has given up his hat store in Bridgeport and returned to Danbury and is working at hatting again, now at Mallory’s. On the way over to Mr. Hagen’s I met Herman with Lottie and Georgie. I gave an old pension certificate of Sarah Cromwell to William Knowlton. JANUARY 18 WEDNESDAY – Mercury at 6AM – 20. Pleasant. In the forenoon, I delivered policies and arranged some renewals. After dinner, Fannie called and she rode with me up to Millard’s store to see Mike Regan. She then took a car to do some trading. I gave Mrs. Hawley a pitcher of cider for mince pies. I wrote to George VanFleet at New Haven for some medical examination blanks for the Equitable and mailed it in the evening. I then went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with Mary, but he was not at home, being out for the evening if not for the night attending the doctor’s banquet at the Turner House. JANUARY 19 THURSDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 32.Pleasant in the morning, but some indications of a coming storm. George brought in the Sarah Austin Connecticut policy cancelled and rewrote on the 13th instant at minimum rates for 3years which policy we today mailed to her. In the PM, I received (after mailing the policy to Mrs. Austin) a note from her to write the same for one year only. Before dinner, I rode over to E. S. Fairchild’s to ascertain about the mortgagee in the Hambridge policy. After dinner, Josiah Day called to make an application for an increase in pension under the old age order. I wrote to Special Agent Hatch of the Sun for further instructions in the Wildman and Rundle & White matter. Just before supper, I went up to Mrs. Mary Maybie’s to deliver a $2,500 policy in the Agricultural Insurance Company. James Patilla called in the evening to have his furniture policy transferred from the Bates place to his own dwelling on 246 White Street. Mary this evening attended our special revival services at the church. Office work prevented me from attending. JANUARY 20 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 34. Pleasant. I rose early and met Josiah Day at the Post office about 9 AM for his signature on an application for an increase in pension on account of old age erroneously signed last evening. He did so in the presence of George as notary. I called on Stamp Clerk Hawes regarding furniture insurance for Mrs. Turner at Plum Trees in a frame dwelling. I then rode up to Morelock & Rusk and got a check. On my return, I stopped at Rundle & White’s to talk over the Herbert Wildman insurance matter. Not being in their office, I met George Rundle as I was going away and had a talk with him. In the PM, I delivered a policy to George Andrews on his store and he paid one dollar on account. Just before supper, I delivered a policy to Francis Benedict and collected the premium. I mailed the application of Josiah Day for an increase in pension on account of old age to the commissioner of pensions. The son of Fred Vail called this evening for their fire insurance policy in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. JANUARY 21 SATURDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 2. Fairly pleasant in the morning. It gradually became cloudy and after dinner, began to snow. As soon as George came from Bethel, I drove over to Mrs. Sarah Austin’s on White Street, but had to go to the Danbury Hat Factory to see her about changing her policy recently written for three years to a one year policy. From there, I came home by way of Liberty Street and collected premium from Adelia Dean for store and dwelling insurance policy, then did some marketing and came home. I found the son of L. Foster Lyon at the office talking life insurance with George. I made up a deposit and went to the bank with it before dinner. Mrs. Dwight Camp called with Mr. Camp’s tobacco policy for cancellation, he having sold the tobacco. About tea time, Arthur Booth called for his furniture policy and paid for same. Saul Hager called and paid for his policy which we left at the Danbury Savings Bank today. Also Augusta Popke sent a $3.00 balance on her policy due on her insurance since last September. Old Mrs. Depew, mother- in-law of Hart Purdy, died this morning. JANUARY 22 SUNDAY – Mercury at 7 AM – 30. It snowed moderately during last night and continued gently until noon. The sun came out in the afternoon. I went to the Post Office at noon, got the Sunday Press and then called on cousin Hart Purdy, where the remains of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jane Depew lie. On my way home, I met Carroll Rider. He has a similar case with Frank Benedict as I have with Herbert Wildman on a broker policy with Rundle & White. We, of course, could confer and sympathize. The weather is mild and if it continues with sunshine tomorrow, the 4 inches of snow we have will disappear. In the evening, I wrote a letter for Mary to Clara Watkins. JANUARY 23 MONDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 7. Clear and cold with a prospect of a few day’s sleighing from the 4 inches of snow and the cold to hold it. I hitched the sleigh and drove to Dr. Clark’s about 9 AM to get his letter to Dr. Curtis (head medical man of the Equitable) regarding the Ann Regan rejected case. He promised to write it for me today. I the collected $5.00 on account from Fred Seymour; also $4.50 from William Repola as per agreement. I drove up to 15 Summit Street to see about the renewal of W. Warden, but found that he had gone up to Great Plain. On my return, I took in Mr. J. S. McCullum’s daughter, Edith and gave her a sleigh ride to her dinner on 21 Pleasant Street. I attended the funeral of Mrs. Jane Depew at cousin Hart Purdy’s. Frank Loper called in the PM to see what it would cost to insure household furniture. He wanted a calendar, but we had none left. JANUARY 24 TUESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 9. Pleasant but cool. George brought from Bethel this morning a case to write for Louise Turner, grass widow (Ed. Note – A woman who is divorced or separated from her husband or an abandoned mistress) of Irving Turner, $500 on her furniture in the house of George Lawlor in the Plum Trees district. Received from the Commercial Union Greenwich policy, the Pitella endorsed policy. Great excitement and many lives lost shot down by soldiers at St. Petersburg, riots and great bloodshed and promises to be the commencement of a Russian Revolution. In the morning, I went over to Rundle & White’s factory and talked over the insurance policy of $5,000 I wrote on the 26th of last May for Herbert Wildman. I made a compromise proposition to them and am to see them tomorrow morning for their reply. Just before dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me, first to Clarence Morgan’s for him to order some coal, and the with me to Great Plain to see Mr. William Warden about renewing his furniture policy. He has no occasion as he has broken up housekeeping. As I went, I saw George Morgan about the renewal of his policy. After dinner, I went over to John Parslow’s and collected $16.80 for insurance on two dwellings, no. 5 and 7 Williams Street. It has snowed moderately and in a squally way since the middle of the forenoon. I remained in the office for the remainder of the day. JANUARY 25 WEDNESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 14. Snow and wind last night, giving us a blizzard this morning. George arrived from Bethel about 8:30. I went over to Rundle & White’s about 10 o’clock and arranged the Herbert Wildman insurance matter by cancelling the present policy at 8 months and rewriting the $5,000 direct from Rundle & White. A continuing blizzard all day with about 18 inches of snow up to 5 PM. I stayed in the office in the PM. I substituted cut paper No. 34 in the office door until a painter can put them in properly. I also busied myself changing No. 18 to No. 34 on envelopes. JANUARY 26 THURSDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – zero. Clear and very cold. Everything buried in snow. The drifts are waist deep in some places. It is difficult to find an even place to measure as to depth, but there must be about 1 ½ feet of snow on a level. I shoved the snow path except for the front walk which George completed when he arrived about 10 o’clock from Bethel. Just before dinner, I went over to the Rundle & White factory and delivered the $5,000 policy as per agreement and took up and cancelled the one which had been in force for 8 months. The same being in adjusting the Herbert Wildman broker policy which he appropriated the premium of $100 much to the discomfort of Rundle & White and myself. The James Shelby piano policy came to me this PM to increase the same from $250 to $325 which I did as requested and mailed the policy with a bill to Mr. Shelby at New Milford. I gave the same to Postman Phil Owen to be mailed about 4 PM. About 5 PM, I took a trolley car to go over to 234 White Street to see Mrs. Sarah Austin about making the policy written on the 13th instant a one year or longer term. She decided to have it for one year. I took it away with me to make it as directed. I returned home about 6:30. On my way, I met Howard Betts and arranged for the renewal of his policy tomorrow. JANUARY 27 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 8. We finished the snow shoveling were unable to do yesterday. I wrote to Judge William Conley, attorney for Mrs. Austin, also for Alice Jennings, mortgagor for Mrs. Austin for her signature with that of Mrs. Austin in release of the cancelled policy. I also wrote the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company explaining and endorsing the cancelled policy and with the same sent a check for $66.00 for the November balance. After dinner, I went over to Mrs. Eugene Selleck’s to ascertain if possible about Rollo Goodell as to his whereabouts, the situation of his farm property which he has apparently abandoned, etc. Mary went over to brother George in the PM. Fanny and little Julia called for a few minutes early in the evening, after which about 7 PM, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with Mary. On the way, I mailed a letter to the Flint Building Company of Providence, R. I. about the Rollo Goodell mortgage. On her way home from work tonight, Mrs. Virginia McKnight called for two Metropolitan Life Insurance Company calendars which I promised her. JANUARY 28 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. Just a little flurry of snow last night but the moon shone bright early this morning. I wrote Herbert Wildman this morning notifying him that we had cancelled the Rundle & White policy in self-defense, them and us assuming the loss until at such time he returns the $100 premium to them. About 10:30, I went over to the D. G. Renfield Company and delivered policy of $3,000. On the way, I stopped at Rundle & White’s and told them that I had notified Herbert Wildman that their policy had been cancelled and that the return of the $100 premium to Rundle & White was in order. I got the New York Press, made some purchases at the Village Store, ordered oats and bran of C. W. Keeler and came home. George brought us a chicken from Mrs. Becker at $.18/lb. The oats and bran order came in in part about 5 PM – 100 lbs. Of bran but only one bag of the four ordered of oats. JANUARY 29 SUNDAY A clear cold morning; mercury at noon about 24. I went to the Post Office and for my paper at noon. After dinner, I went down to Dr. Clark’s for the explanatory letter to Dt. Curtis at the Equitable office concerning the Ann Regan life insurance application. I caught him and obtained the letter. After which, I mailed the endorsement of transfer of Jane Depew’s transfer of policy to the Agricultural Insurance Company. I attended church in the evening with Mary to hear the revivalist Henry Delany. JANUARY 30 MONDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 14. Hazy in the morning with the appearance of snow. Before Dinner, George went with me driving for the collection, etc. of Lottie Cowl, Frank Verra and Wallace Williams. We also drove up to Elroy E. Boudry’s at 40 Westville Avenue to see about the renewal of furniture insurance in the Danbury Mutual Company; we find that it expires on February 20. Sarah Keeler called at noon and I paid six months’ interest from last May to November 1904 on my $100 note ($2.50). I this morning mailed Dr. Clark’s letter (in the Ann Regan case) to George VanFleet to forward to Dr. Curtis to whom it is addressed. Just at night, I went over to Mrs. Keeler’s on 39 Stevens Street and endorsed the interest paid to November 1904 and came home by way of Main Street. The afternoon has been pleasant. Mrs. Tosi came in about 76 PM and paid their February rent. JANUARY 31 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 14 below. The coldest morning thus far this winter. Wrote a policy this morning for N. T. Buckley on the C. H. Merritt shop in the name of North American Hat Company in the amount of $5,000 in the Sun. Also on the estate of Margaret Sprague on a barn on the Agricultural Insurance Company and left the same at the Danbury Savings Bank, both being for February 1st. We also ordered supplies of the Reliance. Mrs. Branch came in after dinner and paid the rent. About 3 PM, I went downtown for some errands and got a rate on Stevens’ market, 1.7% to insure Michael Darak who keeps meat in ½ of the store. I bought a piece of pork for George S. at the Village Store and left it at his house on my way home. I also engaged ½ ton of hay at A. H. Barnum’s to be bought tomorrow. At his place, I telephoned to C. L. Morgan to bring me furnace coal tomorrow. Mrs. Hawley called a few minutes in the evening. Also Mr. J. Herbert Holton called for one of our agent calendars, but I had not one left.
1905-01