Horace Purdy Journal February 1867 Entry
11pgs
FEB 01 FRIDAY - It did not freeze any last night and today has been the first thawing time we have had this winter. Instead of the familiar squeaking of the snow, it is tonight soft and sloppy. Water is running in the streets. I went to work this morning feeling nearly sick with my cold and expected to be obliged to return home before night but stayed the day's work pretty well and stayed as usual as long as I could see. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to the Sewing Society. I sent by her to the Post Office a letter to George, acknowledging the receipt of his letter and the gold bracelet for Harriet. I still hold the bracelet and wait to hear from him and wait to hear from him as I wrote him that I thought that he should sell it and use what it would bring him to help him pay his debts. FEB 02 SATURDAY - A little colder this morning than yesterday. Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain, which it began doing about 11 A.M. It was trifling until along towards night when it increased and rained during the evening. We were limited in our work today and I got home from the shop a little earlier. On my way, I bought a pair of rubbers at Benedict's for myself. I saved 25 cents by buying large sized ladies' heeled instead of men's rubbers; they cost me only 10 cents each. Mr. Pond took his hams and mine over to Mr. Olmstead's today to be smoked. Gussie made her first bread today from the new barrel of flour Mr. Pond got for me of Eli Hoyt. We like it very much. After I came from work, I went over to Mr. Pond's and paid him $8.00, the balance of the $18.00 for flour which I owed him. Before retiring, I made out a written statement of Sunday School Centenary Funds forwarded and children's medals ordered. Brother George Starr sent me word to do this and give it to him tomorrow. FEB 03 SUNDAY - Cloudy, foggy and very bad walking. The large body of snow is melting fast. Gussie attended church in the morning and rode home at noon with Mr. and Mrs. Swift. I went to Sunday School at noon and to the prayer meeting in the P.M. There were four forward for prayers George S. Bailey and two other Sunday School boys, W. Ely for one. I carried an account of Sunday School Centenary Funds as forwarded by me to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, New York and gave to Brother Starr to send to William C. Hoyt, the secretary of the Centenary Commission as he had requested Brother Starr to do so. After School, I made out an account of the Children's medal received and sent to Brother Starr in the evening by Fanny also. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering another copy of both Sunday School Advocate and the Sunday School Journal and enclosed 65 cents for the same. Before tea, I went over to Mr. Blair's on Stevens Street to see if 'Bird' had been there since last Friday as he had been missing since then. They had not seen him. I had a severe headache in the evening and did not go out. There was lightning and some thunder last evening. FEB 04 MONDAY - It froze a very little last night. The snow has melted very fast again today. I have worked all day in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Carlton & Porter. The church pews were rented this P.M. at 2 o'clock. Gussie went and secured one for us. We gave up the one we have had for the past six years and took No. 33 directly across the aisle, the old one - No. 31 - having been raised to $20. We now pay the same as last year - $18. It clouded over just before night and in the evening began to rain. Bell was here this P. M. and stayed with Georgie while Gussie was at the church and stayed to tea and then went to meeting and then returned here to stay all night. Before retiring, I finished reading 'Six Months at the White House with Abraham Lincoln' by Carpenter. FEB 05 TUESDAY - It is still thawing - melting snow and mud, clouds and a snow squall just before night. I had work all day in the shop. A small girl going from school this P.M. fell from the timber that spans the stream by the factory as she was attempting to cross. Several of the men rushed to her assistance, but Walter Signor, being in the advance, helped her out of the water. After tea, I went into the street for some salt peter and took with me 200 pennies to exchange for currency. I disposed of 150 of them. While in Mr. Reed's Shoe Store, Arthur showed me where he had charges to me a pair of child's shoes - 75 cents. I disputed the account and after coming home, I referred to my expense book and found that I had paid for them. Before retiring, I poured off the old brine from my beef and made a new one, packed the beef over again and poured on the new. FEB 06 WEDNESDAY - It froze a little last night . The day has been pleasant and the snow has melted fast. I have had work again all day. As I was taking my leave this evening, the same fellow (a stranger to me, Charles Stevens by name) who brought me a letter from George, the bracelet, and a letter and paper for Lottie Keeler on January 29th came again and brought me another note from George in which he states that he has changed his boarding place from 346 Carlton Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, No. 115. I sat down and answered George's letter immediately and sent it to the Office by Gussie who was going to market. Before retiring, I sorted over my apples. Paid Mr. Cypher for spreading lime for Father Griswold. He owed me $1.00, so I let it balance Father Griswold's account and Father Griswold will pay me. FEB 07 THURSDAY - Another beautiful Spring day, although it is still winter. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I went into the street to see Charles Reed and explain to him the error of charging to me a pair of child's shoes on 6th of last July. I saw his son, Arthur and explained it to him. He made it all right by crossing it off from his book. I bought a pocket comb of O. H. Swift and then went over to the church where a protracted meeting is being held. George Carpenter was converted while at the altar. After meeting, I told Mrs. Bradley of the seat in the church Gussie selected for her and us last Monday - No. 32. She was feeling very badly over some words she had in the shop today with Mrs. Bigelow. FEB 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant this morning, but a little before night it commenced raining and continued through the evening. I have worked hard all day in the shop. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. I stopped at the news office and got a bundle of papers for the Sunday School. FEB 09 SATURDAY - Cloudy and foggy through the day. I t commenced raining about 7 P.M. and continued through the evening. I have worked all day in the shop thought I have scarcely felt able to do so on account of rheumatism. 'Bird' (Henry Blair's dog) made his appearance again this morning after an absence of 8 days. He looked as if he had hard treatment somewhere. We gave him some breakfast and then I chained him in his house. After tea, I took my lantern and went through the rain and mud to the Post Office. When I returned, I took for the brine a piece of beef for smoking. FEB 10 SUNDAY - I awoke this morning and found it had cleared off, the wind blowing strong and cold. The mud was scarcely frozen in the morning, but before night it was very hard. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I went down to Sunday School prayer meeting at noon and stayed to the communion service in the P.M. Several of the new converts were baptized and William Purdy and William A. Bouton, also Charles H. Stevens were given the right hand of fellowship in full connection with the church. After tea, I made a minute on the Sunday School records of the Festival held January 23rd. I went to church in the evening. Susan Brayman came over and went with me. Brother Peck preached after which there was a prayer meeting. Six or seven were forward for prayers. FEB 11 MONDAY - Pleasant but pretty cold. I worked all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone washed for us. We hired her to do it mostly because we wanted to assist her as she is very poor. Georgie is very sick today; he has a bad cough and a high fever. Gussie went to see the doctor for him this P.M. and got some medicine. Mrs. Stone stayed with us to tea. After tea, I went over to Mr. Olmstead's to see if Mr. Pond's and my hams were yet out of the smokehouse. They were not. From there, I went to the Post Office and O. H. Swift's and walked up with him and Moses Baxter. Before going downtown, I went over to Mr. Pond's and got 2 lbs. of butter. FEB 12 TUESDAY - Gussie sat up until 2 o'clock this morning to give medicine to Georgie. He has a high fever and symptoms of Whooping Cough. As I went to work this morning, I left an order on Dr. Bulkley's slate to come and see Georgie. I worked all day in the shop. Harriet Mills came to tea and spent a portion of the evening. She wants to borrow some money to pay board with. She has left hat trimming and works in the shirt factory. She gets along so slowly that she is discouraged. Georgie not being any better, I went to see the doctor this evening. and he changed the medicine. The Brass Band Festival is being held this evening at Concert Hall. FEB 13 WEDNESDAY - The ground was a little frozen this morning. As I went for milk this morning before breakfast I went over to Mr. Olmstead's to see if Mr. Pond's and my hams were smoked. I found that they were and that he had taken them out from the smoke house. I left them for Mr. Pond or myself to go for when it may be convenient. I worked all day in the shop. Bell was with us to tea; she went to meeting in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go into the street. Before returning, she went into the Brass Band Festival. She brought me a letter from George; he is now having steady work again and is feeling greatly encouraged. FEB 14 THURSDAY - Warm, foggy, and muddy. Rain in the P.M. and in the evening. I worked (as usual of late) until dark. After tea, I wrote to George in answer to one received yesterday and mailed it as I went to market this evening. I went to Dr. Bulkley's office and got some medicine for Georgie, did a little marketing and walked up West Street as I came home with John Stone. I brought a letter from the Office from Edwin to Father Griswold. I took it up to him when I came home and he paid me the dollar I paid for him to Mr. Cypher on Feb. 6th. I paid it by turning an account of that amount which he owed me for dooryard grass since last summer. Mrs. Stone came and ironed for Gussie this forenoon. FEBRUARY 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop and finished off the work I had out (there being none today) and then agreed to help Oscar Serine get out the material for two grape arbors. He bought the lumber and had it brought to Mr. Pond's barn and Oscar and me worked all the P. M. to get them made ready to put together. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie go to the Sewing Society in the afternoon. Gussie went to temperance Meeting and I to D. B. Booth's in the evening to see about bounty money for George. Booth had not yet heard from the application sent to Washington. He gave me blank documents to send to George requiring his signature which I mailed to him before coming home. John Bouton received his money of Booth while I was in the Office. I went to the Town Clerk, O. H. Swift, to get the register number of Blair's dog to put on his collar, he having lost the old collar. The number is 161. FEB 16 SATURDAY - It commenced raining about 7 o'clock this morning and froze as it came, making it very slippery. No work in the shop. I went down in the morning and the foreman (Victor W. Benedict) paid me my account and I came home (after waiting at O.H. Swift's store until the arrival of the mail) instead of waiting until noon for my pay. As I came out from the Post Office, I saw Fred Jennings. He spoke in a vexing manner about my failure to collect what he owed me by factorizing, but it did not vex me in the least. I cared nothing whatever about it. I replied that I failed in the attempt but that my intentions were good enough notwithstanding. I went up home about noon and got a music book, entitled 'Musical Leaves' to send to George by request from him. I brought home a basket which we let Bell take home some apples in the morning. She stayed with us last night. I took a nap in the P.M. We had dinner about 3 o'clock and then I went into the street and mailed the music book to George and carried the Sunday School Advocates over to the church to distribute tomorrow. I then went down to the shop and sharpened my scissors, carried the gold bracelet George sent home to S. G. Bailey's Jewelry Store and left it there for sale. I then went over to D. B. Booth's office and sat awhile, went to market and got home again about 6 ## o'clock. Louise came down and spent a part of the evening and then Gussie went up home with her. I commenced a letter to George in the P.M., wrote a little more before retiring, leaving it to complete tomorrow or some other time. FEB 17 SUNDAY - A lovely day overhead, though it has been muddy underfoot. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and to prayer meeting in the P.M. After tea, I took Georgie out of doors a short time to breathe the fresh air and feel the sunshine. Mother Griswold came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go to church together, which privilege we seldom have on account of the baby. As we went I mailed the letter I wrote yesterday to George and a Jeffersonian also. Brother Peck preached a powerful sermon from John 3: 14-15. After the sermon, there was a prayer meeting. The house was crowded, but no one came forward for prayers. FEB 18 MONDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed for Gussie a letter to Cousin Eliza in California. I worked all day in the shop. FEB 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop as long as I could see. Mr. Pond split out a piece of hickory from his woodpile this morning for me to make a ramrod for my gun. After tea, I killed a turkey for Mother Griswold. I then went into the street. I called At D. B. Booth's Office and he wrote a letter (and I signed it) to Washington for my discharge to be returned to me, William T. Barnum having forwarded it with an application for a pension for me. I called at O.H. Swift's store and walked up with him as far as Deer Hill Street. Bell came this way to church this evening. She came back here to stay all night. I weighed out a half lb. of tea for her to take home tomorrow. FEB 20 WEDNESDAY - I woke this morning and found it snowing. It continued all day and cleared off in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. When I came home from work I found that Mr. Pond had drawn the snow plow to West Street and up Father Griswold's path to the house and made good paths. After tea, I shoveled out my premises where the snow plow could not be drawn. I then went up to Raymond's and ordered a half bushel of turnips to be brought tomorrow. I went to the Post Office and to Swift's store. I gave him 6 apples from Gussie to his wife. We walked up together. The Brass Band are having another entertainment this evening ' concert and to close with a hop. FEB 21 THURSDAY - The clearing off last evening did not last long as it was storming again this morning. At first it was misty; then it began to snow again and continued all day. It seemed to increase and before night there was a large body of snow on the ground - 8 to 10 inches on a level, I should think. I went into the street in the evening to do an errand for Gussie. When I returned, the stars were shining, so Mr. Pond and I determined to draw the snowplow to West Street and clear the sidewalk. We got Mr. Fenning and son and George Davis out to help. After clearing the walk and making a path to Father Griswold's house, I took my snow shovel and dug out around my house where we could not use the snow plow. I worked as usual in the shop. FEB 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I shoveled snow this morning where we did not use the plow last night. Father Griswold made a birthday party for Fanny and Harriet today - George Starr and wife, William Scofield and wife, Mrs. Thomas Barnum and Brother Peck (our preacher). They had the turkey which I killed on Tuesday evening. I was too busy in the shop to be with them. Bell came down in the P.M. and took care of Josie and Georgie at our house so that Gussie could be with them. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. I stayed with Georgie. Louise came down and helped to take care of Georgie early in the evening to let Gussie go. Bell went to meeting in the evening and returned here to stay all night. FEB 23 SATURDAY - Bell stayed with us last night and until about 5 P.M. to take care of Georgie to let Gussie go to Mrs. Swift's and Anna Hinman's. I came home at noon with a headache. I marked off the Sunday School Journals and took them to the church in the P.M. and brought home one of the Librarian's Books and drew up the classes anew and brought it back again in the evening and went to the Post Office and received a letter from George with a copy of the original 'Sentence of Christ' (ed. note: possibly a print by William C. Robertson, published about 1861). When I went to the church with the papers and for the book, I went to the barber's and had my hair cut and shaved. I also called at William Barnum's office to see if he had heard anything from my soldier's discharge which I had told him to send for. Since telling him to do so, I have written myself for it (or rather D. B. Booth wrote and I signed it). I did not tell him this which I intended to do when I went in. The sun shone this forenoon, but it was cloudy in the P.M. with snow just at night. Mailed last week's Jeffersonian to George this evening. FEB 24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm in the forenoon. The snow has melted very fast. Cloudy towards night. Headache through the day, better this evening. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School at noon and prayer meeting in the P.M. Mr. Pond came into our Sunday School just before we closed. He came to look at the school. I went with him upstairs to see the Infant Class. Brother Bartram, in the prayer meeting this P.M., spoke of a remarkable experience as he thought last Friday evening at his home. He received a great blessing from God. With the blessing to himself, he felt a great desire for the salvation of souls. He felt so deeply this P.M. that he could scarcely speak. I commenced writing to George this morning and completed the letter after tea. Susan Brayman came in about dusk. I went to church in the evening. Brother Peck preached, after which there was a prayer meeting. As I went to church, I mailed my letter to George. FEB 25 MONDAY - Pleasant. It froze a little last night but thawed again today. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I have been troubled with rheumatism in my left ankle and wrist but have worked all day notwithstanding. After tea, I wrote to the Great American Tea Company for a price list and a blank form for making up a club. I also put up two cakes of iron grease for George and mailed it with the letter in the evening. I walked up from the street with Mr. Swift. FEB 26 TUESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop . As I went to work, I left a sample of our black tea Mr. Swift's Store for him to try. The authorities seized liquors this P.M. on the premises of Albert Anderson and reports this evening say that he has been arrested. I received my Soldier's Discharge from Washington today where it was sent by Mr. Barnum with an application for a pension. After tea, I went into the street to the Jeffersonian Office to see about printing the 'Sentence of Christ 'sent to me by George and to D.B. Booth's office to tell him that I had received my discharge. Louise had her birthday party this P.M. and evening. FEB 27 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual until dark in the shop. The homestead, furniture, etc. of Widow Polly Benedict, deceased, was sold this P. M. at auction. Gussie bought a lounge worth $25.00 for $16.50. Charles Benedict's wife bought the place for $2,575.00. Bell came in while we were at tea to borrow a nutmeg. I gave her a basket of rotten specked apples to carry home. I went into the street this evening on some errands. I talked with O. H. Swift about teas from the Great American Tea Company. Josephine Stevens, who was seduced by James Scantling and is now at his house is this P. M. being confined to child bed. FEB 28 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I had work only until noon in the shop. I came by way of William T. Barnum's to tell him that I had received my discharge from Washington. I had quite a lengthy talk with him about bounties and pensions. I finally concluded to write to Dr. Stearns in Hartford or rather write and see if he still resides there. If he can be found, I contemplate going to see him to see if he recollects enough of my case of hernia incurred in the army to give me a certificate that such is the case to enable me to procure a pension. When I came home, I wrote to him to see if he can be found. Received a blank for getting up a club, also a price list from the Great American Tea Company. I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and carried them to church, and at the same time, mailed the letter to Dr. Stearns and a Jeffersonian to George. Gussie went up home this P.M. She left Georgie with Mother Griswold while she was gone. After tea, Susan Brayman came in and Gussie went with her into the street. I stayed at home and oiled the black walnut woodwork to our new lounge.
1867-02
Horace Purdy Journal October 1868 Entry
10pgs
OCTOBER 01 THURSDAY - Cloudy and rain threatened all day. I am nearly beside myself with trouble about my New York business. I must sell the store business to pay my debts and yet cannot find a customer. I have worked in the shop. Before tea, we moved our bed downstairs. Then I took my gun and went over to Terry's Woods to look for some pigeons but found none. I went over to Jacob Fry's and engaged 5 bushels of potatoes at 10 cents per bushel. After tea, I went to market. In the evening I got $700.00 of Father Griswold to take up notes which he is endorsing- $400 at Union Savings Bank and $350.00 at the Pahquioque Bank. OCTOBER 02 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop. I left work long enough about 11 o'clock to go to the Danbury Bank with the check Father Griswold gave me last evening and draw money enough to take up my note of $400.00 at the Union Savings bank and the one of $350 at the Pahquioque Bank. After attending to the notes, I returned to the shop and worked the balance of the day. On my way home, I got the lamp at Charles Hull's which I took there last evening for repairs. OCTOBER 03 SATURDAY - Rain in the morning. Cloudy all day until evening when it came off pleasant and cool. I have been to New York. On my way to the store, I stopped at John Sperry's and talked with him about my indebtedness to him of $21.00 and of my intentions to sell to the first customer I could find who wanted to buy my business, my reasons being that I am discouraged on account of the past dull season and in fact the unusual dull times ever since I have been in business one year ago last June 1st. Also the lack of Father Griswold's confidence in my ability to do business enough in that locality to pay my borrowed capital. He having supplied me the said money, I sell to satisfy him rather than for any other reason, though I feel very confident that with a little more money to invest another season, I can do well. Mr. Sperry advised me not to sell. He thinks business will now improve and there is a good chance for me just ahead. Clark Beers came down on the noon train from home arriving at my store at 3 o'clock. He took a look at the store and business with a view of buying. I brought from New York a bundle of clothing from John Carpenter to his brother George. His father met me at the depot this evening and took the bundle paying me 20 cents for my trouble; he offered me 30 cents but I gave him back 20 cents. I did not get out of bed until 6 o'clock this morning and was obliged to take a cold breakfast. I had the sick headache all day on that account. I bought a Lane Hymn Book for Mr. Layman. Also 'Upham's Interior Life' for Victor Benedict. I bought the 1st volume of 'Fuller's Works' also for him to look at as he in thinking of purchasing it also. Coming home from New York, I sat in the same seat as Mr. Merritt, a fine old gentleman who has bought the fine residence of the late A. C. Tweedy uptown and expects soon to move here and become a resident of Danbury. After I came home, Gussie went into the street and bought a pair of shoes of Daragan & Ryder. Robert Fry brought me 4 bushels of potatoes today instead of 5 bushels. OCTOBER 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Gussie attended church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I came home again after school. After tea, I took a walk on Highland Avenue. On my return coming over Gallows Hill, I saw Sidney Thompson. I had a talk with him. He declares that he will stop drinking, reform and join the Temperance Society. When I got home, Gussie went over to John Bouton's. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Latimer, who is visiting at Father Griswold's, preached a very good sermon. OCTOBER 05 MONDAY - Town election. Appearance of rain in the morning. The Democrats attempted this morning at the opening of the polls to do away with the register, also to close the polls at 12 o'clock instead of 4 o'clock as heretofore. They intended to get their vote in this forenoon and then cut us off in the P.M. by closing the polls, but the trick got out in time for us to rally in force at 9 o'clock and defeat their plans. Our party (Republican) came off victorious by a majority of 82. Last Spring's election, we had only 51. I worked in the shop nearly all day. This morning, I took the books to Victor Benedict which I bought for him Saturday in New York. Mother came down this P.M. and took tea with us. I went into the street this evening and got my pants which Saul Fleig cut over for me, they being a pair which Harriet gave me that someone at Townsend School left there and they gave to her. I worked a little on my walk in front this morning and again before tea this evening. I received a letter from Daniel at the store asking for $10.00 to be advanced to him. I wrote a reply before retiring refusing to let him have it. OCTOBER 06 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop. I did today what little we are to have tomorrow also as I intend to go to New York tomorrow. Before breakfast, I mailed the letter to Daniel at the store in New York that I wrote last evening. When I came from work, I finished my front walk and repaired the grate to my sitting room stove and brought it from Father Griswold's barn down to the house ready to set it up. In the evening I went to Hatters' Meeting at the hose house near Barn Place Bridge but found it not lighted nor anyone there. Then I came away. I saw the Wide-Awakes start for Brookfield by the Brookfield train. They are to have a torch light parade, speaking, etc. up there tonight. OCTOBER 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. Mr. Pond has been down also. We did business together this morning. He came to my store and we went downtown together o business. He left his coat at my store. I took it with me to the depot at 4 o'clock where I met him and we sat together coming home. I paid Carlton & Manahan $25.50 for 30 Sunday School Journals and 50 Sunday School Advocates for the new subscription year commencing now. I also bought down at Tibbels' a new Lane Hymn Book for Peter Starr, a half dozen new Longking Questions and three No. 1 Judd's Lessons for the Sunday School. Also, I got for V. Benedict another volume of Fuller's Works. I called on John Sperry and made some arrangements with him to sell my store for me. Harriet Mills spent the evening with us. I carried up to Father Griswold's the notes I took up last Friday. He wants to put some writing on them for me to sign: an acknowledgement from me that he took up the notes. It being late, he did not attend to it this evening. OCTOBER 08 THURSDAY - Shower this morning; another this P.M. Sunshine between the two. I worked in the shop until 3 P.M. Before tea, I went down to the church and hung up three mottos on banners as follows: 'Pray Without Ceasing', 'Stand Up For Jesus', and 'God Bless Our School'. I brought these from New York on trial to return them if the school did not accept them. Received a letter from William advising me to take some measures with Daniel about the paintings he traded off for clothing. I wrote a reply and mailed it this evening. I carried the Lane Hymn Books to Peter Starr this evening which I bought for him in the city. The Grant and Colfax Legions with torches went to Bethel this evening. O. S. Ferry is to speak there. OCTOBER 09 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool; a heavy frost this morning. I put up our sitting room stove this morning. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to Mr. Francis' to get some pictures, certificates, commissions, etc. to frame for Lucius Hoyt. I then went into the street to the Post Office to Fanton's for Gussie's breast pin which he has been mending. I bought a box of 'Coster's Rat Exterminator' and came home. OCTOBER 10 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning; I have been to New York. Gussie went with me as far as Norwalk. From there, she had the company of Mr. Amesbury. She has gone to New Haven for about two weeks to visit at Harriet's. She intends also going to Essex before returning. I had a talk with Ferguson, the frame manufacturer, corner of Broadway and Spring Street. He promises to let me have on credit all I want until I sell out. I arranged for the same with Crow & Powell for glass at 378 Canal Street. I took with me for Swift a small package for his daughter at 109 East 27th Street. Also $2.00 for R. Cowan and left at William Byfield's. I bought a large passe-partout for Swift from Mr. J. Handler. Also 5 small pictures for Benjamin Rolfe. I took down a picture I framed for Mrs. Mc Donald, also 4 more for Lucius Hoyt. I went up to Mother Griswold's to tea, there being no one to get mine for me, Gussie being gone. Georgie is staying up there with Fanny. I put on underclothes this morning. OCTOBER 11 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took breakfast with Mother Griswold. The first Sunday School papers on the new subscription year, I gave out to day. I was kept home nearly all the forenoon making out a new list and marking them off. The large illuminated mottos which I put up in the Sunday School gave good satisfaction to all. They will keep them I am directed to pay for them from the Treasury. I came home after Sunday School and did the usual writing of the session and then went up home to Deer Hill to tea. I took George's clothes up to be washed which came from Yonkers. He sends home his washing in order to retain his residence until after the election. After tea, I went over to John Bouton's for a walk. I attended church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. A blind colored brother made a few remarks at the close of the sermon eliciting money to support colored schools in the South. OCTOBER 12 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop but there was no work. I came home and with Mr. Pond's carriage drew Georgie downtown to see the European Circus and Menagerie enter town. The Band Chorist was drawn by 8 camels. A living lion was on top of a large triumphal car open to the sight of all. In the afternoon, I picked apples for Father Griswold. I went into the street in the evening. I waited for the mail and then came home. I found out when it was too late that there was a Teacher's' Meeting. I did not know that it was given out in Sunday School and consequently was not there. Before retiring, I wrote to George W. Brockett (at the Adams House in Providence, Rhode Island) for the $5.00 I lent him one Saturday at my store in New York a month or more ago. A young man named Stevens working for John Cosier wants to rent my upper rooms. OCTOBER 13 TUESDAY - Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana elections came off today. The returns will be looked at with intense interest. The day has been pleasant. I worked in the shop until nearly 3 o'clock and then came home. There will be no more work until Friday. I commenced mowing my dooryard before tea. I went into the street in the evening, waited for the mail and returned home. OCTOBER 14 WEDNESDAY - Lowery with a little rain. I have been to New York. The news of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, also Nebraska is good. All have gone by large majorities Republican. The republicans are joyous while Democrats have a solemn and doleful look. I brought home 4 framed pictures for Lucius H. Hoyt and one for Mrs. McDonald. I took tea up to Mother Griswold's The Grant and Colfax Club with a Club from Bethel turned out with torches this evening. A salute was fired this P.M. I am told the Republicans are jubilant over the elections. OCTOBER 15 THURSDAY - To New York again today. Appearance of rain in the morning. William was away over to Brooklyn. His (7th Regiment) Drum Corp played for a parade over there. . In the P.M., I went down to Southmayd's, my agent to sell my store. ; also called on James Ward and then went to Goodenough's in Nassau Street for Mrs. McDonald's spectacles which she left there last week. I called on E. H. Sperry in 6th Avenue to try and sell my store to him. Just as the up train was coming into Norwalk Bridge this evening, it ran over a two horse team, the wagons loaded with barrels of tar. One horse was killed. Coming from the depot, I took a letter from the Office from Gussie in New Haven. OCTOBER 16 FRIDAY - A beautiful day. I am still sleeping in my bed at home and taking my meals at Father Griswold's I have worked in the shop today. Before breakfast, I went for milk and took Mrs. McDonald's spectacles to her which she left in New York at Goodenough's in Nassau Street and I got for her. Also the picture I framed for her. She paid for it - $1.50, also 22 cents for car rides, etc. to get her spectacles. Received a letter from George in Yonkers containing accounts of banner raisings, conversions to Republicans, assaults on boys in blue, threats of the Ku Klux Klan, etc. I delivered after tea, 4 pictures to Lucius H. Hoyt which I framed for him and got my pay $4.00. I went to the club room and received George's letter to a small company related to politics, Ku Klux Klan in Yonkers. Went to the Post Office and came home. I answered Gussie's letter before retiring. OCTOBER 17 SATURDAY - Rain this morning with a little snow. I have been to New York. I saw E. M. Sperry about buying my store. In the P.M., I went down to Tibbel's and paid him for the three mottos I put in the Sunday School room. Called at Nunnebacher's about some molding I ordered but I have not yet been sent. . Called also at John Sperry's about some polished walnut ovals returned to the store. Paid balance of Maguire & Booth's bill. Commenced taking inventory of stock, fixtures, tools, etc. Called at Dempsey & Dowding's under Amity House for my satchel which he has been blacking over for me. Walked up 6th Avenue with William (he going to 24th Street to look at a house) as far as 23rd Street, then went to the depot via 5th Avenue Hotel on Madison Square. Came off on the train forgetting my umbrella in the package office (where I left It his morning) Conductor Street put his young daughter in my charge from New York to Norwalk. I had Edmund Allen's company from Norwalk to Danbury. Mr. Pond's wife, children, and Miss Camp were on the train also, they having been on East for a visit. OCTOBER 18 SUNDAY - Cold last night. The ground was frozen hard this morning. I stayed at home with Georgie in the forenoon. Louise came home at noon to let me go down to Sunday School, but there was none on account of there being no coal to warm the church. I stayed awhile in the basement and then came home. I went up home to tea. I did not attend church in the evening. Having some cold, I concluded not to risk taking more by sitting in a cold church. OCTOBER 19 MONDAY - Warmer; cloudy with a little fine rain in the A. M. I have worked in the shop. I have a severe headache from a cold taken last Saturday riding from New York with no fire in the cars. As I came from work, I went to John Cosier's shop in White Street to see about the young man wanting my upper rooms. His name is Stevens from New Fairfield. He is to be married tomorrow to Hiram Pulling's daughter. He has secured rent in new Street. I received a letter from Gussie in New Haven. OCTOBER 20 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I mowed a little in my dooryard before breakfast. I have worked in the shop. I opened, after tea, a barrel of sweet potatoes for Mother Griswold. I am getting all my meals now with Father Griswold now in Gussie's absence. I went into the street in the evening. I brought home some putty and before retiring stopped a leakage in the sink. OCTOBER 21 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. It commenced raining there between 10 and 11 o'clock and continued all day. Marshall West (Mr. Pond's nephew) went to the city for Mr. Gillette on business. I had his company down and back. I brought up 1 dozen 9x10 Rustics for William Bedient, the photographer. His rooms being closed, I left them with Mr. West at Gillette's store. The Grant & Colfax Club was out with torches as I came from the depot. They were on their way (headed by the brass band) to the Turner House to escort a Mr. Stevens (from Massachusetts) to Concert Hall to speak for the Republicans on the political issues of the day. OCTOBER 22 THURSDAY - Cloudy again all day with some fine rain. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I wrote to Gussie in New Haven. While writing, Mr. Cocking came in to see me in my loneliness. We walked into the street together. I got my watch again from Fanton's, which S. G. Bailey has been fixing for me. I mailed my letter to Gussie and came home. OCTOBER 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop. I came home and left my watch hanging there and was obliged to return for it. I called on William A. Bedient for my pay for a dozen 8x10 Rustic frames but sis not get it. . Got a small oil can mended for Mother Griswold. After tea, I went into the street and bought a new chimney for our large kerosene lamp. I got two testimonials to frame from George Quien, his own and Brother Kearney's. OCTOBER 24 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have been to New York. Called to see E. M. Sperry about buying my business; he has concluded not to take it. I then went to see Thomas Elliot, real estate agent, 137 Bleeker Street, corner of Laurens Street. I left it in his hands to be sold. I took a letter from here to Mr. Graham to Charles Whiting in Water Street. I did not have time to take it down myself, but left it with William to deliver on Monday morning. I brought a frame up for Swift, 8x10 gold seal, also a large passe-partout from Handlers'. The Grant and Colfax club were out this evening with their torches and music. I being very tired and sleepy, retired early. OCTOBER 25 SUNDAY - Warmer but cloudy and in the evening rain. I rose late and did not attend church in the A.M. but stayed with Georgie to let Mother Griswold's folks all go. Louise came home at noon to let me go down to Sunday School. Theodore Bradley acted today as assistant librarian for the first time. William H. Taylor expectedly returned to town and was to Sunday School. He being the old librarian, I offered him the place again, but new hands having been put in his place, he consented to let them remain. I returned home after school. My truss having broken at church, I mended it and then did my Sunday School writing, after which I went up to my father's on Deer Hill to tea. I returned before dark, spent a little time up to Mother Griswold's with Georgie and his Sunday School book, and then came down home for the evening. I did not go out on account of the rain. During the evening, I copied for Mother Griswold the genealogy of the Webster family back seven generations, her children being the seventh. While writing, Miss Camp came over from Mr. Pond's to borrow some mustard for a plaster for Mr. Pond's nephew, Marshall West, who is sick. We having none, I borrowed for them of Mother Griswold I went over a few minutes to see him. OCTOBER 26 MONDAY - Clouds and sunshine during the day. I have worked in the shop. I wore the boots Harriet gave me from one of Mr. Townsend's teachers to the shop and sold them to the office boy, Edmund Dickens, for $3.00. I took from the Post Office a small package left there by previous arrangement by Eliza J. Hill for me to deliver to 74 Carmine Street next time I go to the city. After tea, I went for milk for Louise. The I went into the street and exchanged a coal shuttle for Fanny, bought 25 cents worth of buckwheat flour for Mother Griswold, got $1.25 from Swift for an 8x10 gold frame, peale and ribbon pattern which I brought up for him on Saturday. When I returned from the street, I went over to Mr. Pond's to see Marshall West who has been sick and yet is unable to go out. I took over my bath of card pictures and gave Mr. Pond's folks about a half dozen. It is a splendid moonlit evening. OCTOBER 27 TUESDAY - Sunshine and clouds at times during the day. Before breakfast, I had Mr. Pond fill Father Griswold's 5 gallon kerosene oil can and I carried it up to them. I finished my work in the shop at noon. In the P.M., I canvassed a little for 'Outline of the U. S. Government.' I secured 5 names for it. I took tea up to Father Griswold's as I have done since Gussie has been away. After tea, I went for milk for Louise. I then went into the street to the Post Office where I got a letter from Gussie stating that she would be home tomorrow evening and wished me to meet her in Norwalk. After returning from the street, I called over to Mr. Pond's a short time. He had just returned from a meeting of the warden and burgesses, where he, Father Griswold and others have been to remonstrate against the assessments made upon them for laying tile to drain the flat west of Father Griswold's by way of George Street to the brook. OCTOBER 28 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning. One clap of thunder about 4 o'clock this morning. A little rain from about 9 to 10 A.M. A lovely day the remainder in New York where I have been, though it has been showery here at home. I called on E. M. Sperry's gilder about buying me out. I also called on one of my agents for selling my store ' Mr. Elliot of Bleeker Street, corner of Laurens. On my way home, I met Gussie at Norwalk coming from New Haven from a visit to her sister Harriet. A grand torch light procession this evening here. 'Boys in Blue' from Norwalk, Bethel and Ridgefield were present. Also a cavalcade made up of our citizens. After the procession, a coalition was given by the citizens on Concert Hall. OCTOBER 29 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I had work until noon in the shop. I spent a part of the P.M. in canvassing for 'Outline of U. S. Gov.' I got only one name. I pulled my beets and put them in the cellar. I went to the Post Office in the evening. The Grant and Colfax Club with torches went by a special train at 6 P.M. to Norwalk where the 'Boys in Blue' are to have a torch light procession. A large time is expected. OCTOBER 30 FRIDAY - A cold frosty morning but a beautiful day. No work in the shop. I spent a part of the day in canvassing for the 'Outlines'. I carried in my tax list to William S. Peck at the Selectmen's Room. Hattie Mills came over this P.M. and stayed to tea in the evening. Governor Buckingham speaks at Concert hall for the Republicans this evening. Mrs. Bradley called this evening. I treated Hattie Mills to 2 yards of picture cord and one picture nail, total 22 cents. OCTOBER 31 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I took a clean shirt down for George. He came down to the store from Yonkers for it and brought his dirty clothes for me to bring home to be washed. I took down an order from Swift for ## dozen 8x10 gold ovals, seal and ribbon pattern. I got 10 books of Tibbels 'Outline of the U. S. Gov.' to fill orders I have taken. I bought home two testimonials I have framed for George and Henry Qien. Also, two small ones 4 x 6 gilt picture of John Summerfield for Fanny. Louise met me at the cars. The Democrats had a mass meeting here today. George English and others spoke. They had a procession during the day and another of Chinese lanterns in the evening. It has been cloudy during the day but no rain. After supper, Gussie and I called at Mr. Pond's. I took over the 'Outlines' to Marshall West.
1868-10