Horace Purdy Journal August 1904 Entry
8 pgs
AUGUST 01 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 72. A very humid atmosphere this morning. “Dog Days” seem to have commenced in earnest. George went up to Mrs. Cornelia Depew’s after his arrival from Bethel this morning and had her execute proofs for her lightning loss on July 28 – Agricultural Insurance Company Policy 1703 - We then paid John Bouton $15.00 for repairs and her $.35 for oil cloth for a total loss of $15.35. For the first time in about a week, I rode into the street for some errands and over to Cleveland Street and collected $28.00 from Sarah Austin for insurance on her store and dwelling building on 234 White Street. A heavy thundershower in the afternoon, after which Clara Watkins and I rode over to 26 Spring Street and by word from George Barnum called on Mrs. Charles McClintock to try and insure their furniture. They did not, but gave encouragement for 2 or 3 weeks hence. From there, we went over to the Peoples’ Market on White Street and bought a brisket of corned beef. Hattie Mills died this morning. Funeral at 2 PM at George Osbourne’s at Bethel. In the evening, I walked up to Dr. Sunderland’s with his accident policy for July. George S. Purdy came over in the evening with pieces of steel armor from the battleship “Connecticut”. AUGUST 02 TUESDAY - Warm and muggy with a gentle rain. George went down to Steven’s Insurance office in the forenoon to ascertain about the facts of cow of Mary Jackson killed by lightning at King Street. After dinner, I went by trolley to Bethel with Fannie to attend the funeral of Hattie Mills at the residence of George Osbourne on Greenwood Avenue at 2 PM. On my return, I paid William Barber for a new shaft he put in my spindle last Thursday. I then laid in wait for Herbert Wildman to collect the $100 premium for a policy we wrote for him on Rundle & White Hat Factory on May 26th. I finally caught him and had a good talk with him. He promised to have the money for me in 2 or 3 days. AUGUST 03 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66; at noon – 80. A beautiful morning. After breakfast, Hattie Watkins went with me to King Street to take the proof of loss for Mary Jackson for loss of cow killed by lightning about 11:30 PM on Thursday, July 28th under Connecticut Fire Insurance Company Policy #1974 brokered to George Stevens & Son, after which we returned home by way of Pandanarum Reservoir. When we arrived in town, I observed that a hind shoe was gone from the left hind foot of Gip. I left Hattie to walk home while I went to D. Gage’s shop and had another shoe put on before coming home myself. After dinner, George mailed the completed proofs, we retaining the duplicate receipt to attach to the policy which we did on the policy we brought home with us for that purpose. AUGUST 04 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Muggy and warm again today. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show came to Danbury. George and I drove up to Joseph Blissard’s on Park Avenue to deliver a Reliance policy on his furniture, etc., but did not find him at home. In the PM, I wrote and enclosed a Connecticut Fire Insurance to Jacob Backer at New Fairfield, same being on his furniture written June23rd. I walked into the street before dinner and came home tired out and stayed in the office in the PM. I received a check from Commercial Union for loss of Achille Canale in Niagara Insurance Company reinsurance. AUGUST 05 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Muggy again. Received transfer endorsement from National of Hartford, reinsurers of Lafayette for Taggart & Siemon for their new building on Ives Street. I also received a check from the Connecticut Insurance Company for $20 to pay Mrs. Mary Jackson their half of the loss of the cow by lightning. I drove up to King Street and paid her, taking Clara Watkins with me for a ride. I rested awhile after dinner, then went downtown for a few business calls, among them Mrs. Holton at the School of Education for collection of balance due and Saul Clark on Moss Avenue. Neither was at home. Fire Box #61 struck about 4 PM on the corner of White Street and Locust Avenue. I went over. It was a dwelling at 13 Wildman Street near the railroad crossing. It not being our case, I took the trolley and came home. On my arrival, I found Priscilla Benedict and daughter at the office to pay the balance of their insurance premium. In the evening, Achille Canale came in and signed draft and receipt for $2.50 loss which occurred July 13th by gasoline stove in dwelling No. 2. I paid him the cash and then wrote Commercial Union, endorsing the duplicate receipt, the loss being under reinsured by Niagara policy #6312 by Greenwich Insurance Company who in their closing up, reinsured in Commercial Union. After writing, I went over to the Montgomery Street Box and mailed the letter and called a few minutes on George whose wife returned last night from New York bringing Mrs. Kimball with her. I shot our old mother cat this morning. She was sick so I buried the kittens. AUGUST 06 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Pleasant. Clara Watkins rode with me in the morning to do some marketing over to Andrews’ store on West Wooster Street for meat and in the street for other things. I bought a new catheter at Kinner’s Drug Store. George, Sarah and Mrs. Kimball came over and spent the evening. AUGUST 07 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7AM – 66; at noon – 82. Picked fruit and ripe tomatoes, also our first mess of green corn for dinner. Mr. Rogers brought over an armful of corn stalks for the horse, the first mess for her this season. I went to the Post Office at noon and received a letter from Jacob Layton of South Norwalk containing a check for the Hoyt Walthausen policy. Just at night, I went trolley riding with Mary Dean and Hattie and Clara Watkins to Bethel and returned to North Street and home. George had the accounts made up for the Sun, Connecticut and Reliance. I put the finishing stroke on them and mailed them in the evening. We all went over to spend the evening with George, Sarah and Mrs. Kimball. AUGUST 08 MONDAY - Mercury about 60 in the morning. A short but hard thundershower about 5 this morning. We picked up all the crab apples under the tree this morning after breakfast, mowed the backyard and then threw the apples and grass on the manure heap. The day has been close, muggy and partly cloudy. I called at Rundle & White’s just before dinner and reported to Mr. Rundle that the worthless check that Herbert Wildman mentioned was not theirs, etc. After dinner, I rode up to Park Avenue and delivered a policy to Joseph Blissard. He not being home, I left it with his wife. I put up the horse and took the trolley to Bethel and arranged for additional insurance on the sheet iron dwelling of Laura Wildman, also for insurance on her new barn, horse wagon, etc., including hay and grain for her husband Andrew Wildman. I then called on O. B. Smith and F. M. Clarkson. George, Sarah and Louise Kimball came in and spent the evening. AUGUST 09 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 62. Cooler and pleasant. Very much like a fall day. Eli Smith came in this morning being very much vexed about his insurance on account a broken term occasioned by the cancellation of Niagara policy #6134 after it had run 2 years. We wrote $500 on the new brick steam laundry of Taggart & Siemon; also wrote in Reliance of Laura Wildman’s iron clad house and frame barn in Bethel in name also of her husband, Andrew Wildman. In the evening, I drove down to Daniel McNamara’s to arrange for the renewal of a policy on the 11th, but he was not at home. I then went up to Pandaranum to see the mortgagor, George Peck. He too was away at Fairfield Beach. I then rode up to Eli Smith’s to explain about his insurance, but he too was not at home. I left word for him to call on me when was downtown. I mailed a bill in the evening to Royal Tomlinson for insurance last April on the dwelling at 5 Ellsworth Avenue. AUGUST 10 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 56. It commenced raining about daylight returned by mail to Mrs. V. E. Patch of Brookfield the pension certificate and June voucher of Mrs. Edith Ball, her mother and the widow of George Ball, which was left with me to collect the accrued pension for the three months from March to the date of her death in May. On account of my health, I did not feel able to undertake the case for her. It continued raining most of the forenoon and lowery all day, except about 2 PM the sun broke through for a short time, but soon disappeared again. I went downtown in the PM and made a deposit in the bank. I went into Hamilton’s printing rooms and talked insurance with Harry Mead and another fellow printer. I talked with A. C. Ferry, the Hackman, about selling my 2-seat covered wagon. Hattie and Clara Watkins sent their trunk to the railroad station for the 11:37 AM train to Hartford, but it rained so hard that they deferred gong themselves until tomorrow. In the evening, I made and mailed our July account with a check for $131.38 for the April balance to the Agricultural Insurance Company. Before dinner, I went by trolley to see Daniel McNamara about renewing a policy, but he has not yet returned from North Salem. AUGUST 11 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 70. Pleasant. In the forenoon, I delivered a policy on dwelling and barn on 38 Coal Pit Hill to Daniel McNamara at his saloon. I also took Mary to the 11:37 train to see Hattie and Clara Watkins off to Hartford, returning home after a visit since July 15th. After the departure of the train, we drove downtown and as stated, delivered the McNamara policy. About 4PM, I harnessed and drove over to Beaverbrook and collected on account from Fuller and grocer who gave me sweet corn, squash and tomatoes to bring home. In the evening, I made a gasoline stove permit for Edmund Sauer. AUGUST 12 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 62. The day has been somewhat mixed as to sunshine and clouds. Before dinner, I drove over to deliver the gasoline stove permit to George Sauer and collected $2.00 due from Ira Post. I also ascertained from the town records that on Feb. 25, 1903, A. T. Bates, administrator for the estate of Taylor Bates, gave to Valentine Patch a quit claim deed on the property situated on the northwest corner of George and Orchard Street, known as 21 George Street, this ascertainment being necessary for us in renewing a policy on the same tomorrow. After dinner in looking over our books, I could find no entry of George Hill paying the premium as to an endorsed reduction of this policy dated April 4th on his insurance. I stared at 3:45 and drove up to his place on Huckleberry Hill to see him as to the payment and the date thereof, which I found to be the 2nd day of April, OK. In the evening, I wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. I find that I had not charged for the rebate on this reduction. AUGUST 13 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 60. After breakfast and picking up crabapples under the tree, I went over to Chester Brush at 21 Montgomery Street to see her about the rebate on her furniture policy on October 1st, which her son, F. C. Bush, DDS of New York, wrote me about. I found that she is gone and is now at her son’s in New York. This PM, I wrote him relating to the matter. I also went up to Mallory’s factory to see William Phillips. He promised to come about 5 PM to pay the balance of his insurance; he did not come. In the PM, Mrs. Hawley and me went downtown and did our Sunday marketing. Orrin Smith from Bethel came in the PM and paid his fire insurance. Also about 7 o’clock in the evening, came A. L. Booth and paid. George and Sarah and Mrs. Kimball came over in the evening. George Blissard came in the evening and paid $4.00 on account. I gave George a pail of vinegar to take home with him. AUGUST 14 SUNDAY - Mercury at 8AM – 65. A gentle rain during the night; lowery all morning. I went down to the Post Office at noon for the mail and the Sunday New York Press. A letter of the 10th to Royal Tomlinson with a bill for insurance on the dwelling at 5 Ellsworth Avenue was returned to me unable to be delivered, due to the fact that he has moved. I remailed it to his new and correct address, 10265 Lexington Avenue, New York. I also mailed a letter and bill for insurance to Valentine Patch at Brookfield. After dinner, I took a specimen of my water up to Dr. Sunderland’s; he found no fault with it, but gave me some tablets. AUGUST 15 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 65; at 2PM - 80. A beautiful day. After breakfast, I drove down to Fannie’s with a mess of green corn and cucumbers. From there I drove by way of Triangle Street to Clarence Morgan’s and arranged for the renewal of his Highland Avenue bakery. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came up in the afternoon; Lottie to attend the funeral of Winifred Barry, who was drowned at New Haven while bathing last Friday. Steven Pierans called in the PM and I gave him a check for $48.06, the amount of the July rent collections. About 4 PM, I drove down to Clark’s Box Shop and arranged for renewal of policies for Eugene Bouton for which he paid me. Mrs. Hawley’s boarder, James Busby, was taken in a fit about 8:30 in the evening and I went for a doctor and got Dr. English. AUGUST 16 TUESDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 60. Pleasant. I spent most of the forenoon shaking and picking up crab apples. Just before dinner, I drove up to 26 Lake Avenue to see Carwell Higby about the renewal of the property, formerly Marcellus Voorhies, as to writing one policy on the whole instead of two policies as formerly. After dinner, I went to the city bank and had J. Beal’s’ check for $13.75 cashed. I then went to Bethel to see Mr. Higby who works at Higson’s, then made a call at French’s Dry Goods Store. Then I called on Andrew Wildman and delivered a policy and returned home by trolley after calling on W. Booth at Short’s shop. Mary went over to Montgomery Street in the evening to carry crab apples to Brother George. AUGUST 17 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60; at 2 PM – 80. Pleasant. Before dinner, I went down to see the new location where Frank Wilcox keeps his horse, etc. on Crosby Street to arrange a transfer of insurance but did not see hm. I also called on Stevens Street to see John Stevens about a policy on furniture, horses, etc. written last April; also an accident policy of August 6th. Fannie Hirsch was with me and did some trading after which I drove home with her and brought Lottie home with me to stay a few days. When I arrived, I found E. J. Couch waiting to see me. We had an afternoon visit and referred to his taking my mortgage which he was not able to do now but might do so later. On his departure at about 5 Pm, I opened a bottle of ginger ale. Before going out this morning, we shook off and gathered crabapples. Mr. Beeman with his artificial leg climbed where I could not and shook the tree. In the evening, I wrote to F. Bouton and enclosed a bill for insurance for Mary Turner. AUGUST 18 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. A pleasant day with a north wind which when out in the sun felt like a September day. I adjusted the Taggart & Siemon policy on the new laundry to conform to the newly promulgated rates and they paid for it. After dinner, Lottie Hirsch went with me about town looking after renewals, etc. Nellie Hamilton called on Mary this PM. Before supper, I also rode up to Lake Avenue and delivered a policy and bill for one left at the Danbury Savings Bank for Carwell Higby at 26 Lake Avenue; we then drove to the Post Office and mailed an accident report for July to Loomis & Nettleton and then came home. I was very tired. Mary and Lottie went over to Brother George’s on Montgomery Street in the evening. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 46. Joel Bates came over after breakfast to borrow money. I was compelled to refuse. I called on George Boughton about renewing his policy on furniture, etc. He is leaning toward the Danbury Mutual. I am to see him again. In the PM, I found John Stevens and he promised to look up my receipt for payment of premium on his insurance for furniture, etc., which he claims he paid and which I have no account of his doing so. I also delivered the Sun policy to Charles Dickens’ at Connett’s factory and had him sign the endorsement receipt on same for loss paid him under same. George, his wife and sister Mrs. Kimball came over in the evening. AUGUST 20 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Awoke and found it raining hard. It continued until after dinner when it ceased but did not clear up. At 2 PM, Lottie Hirsch rode with me over to Andrew’s store where I bought a pot roast of beef for Sunday dinner. On the way, I delivered a $1,000 furniture policy to W. H. Booth at 7 Division Street and collected for it. The right forward wheel to the wagon showed signs of collapsing. We feared to ride further and came home. I then walked into the street and did other marketing – fish for breakfast, etc. – and returned home. After supper, I went down for my laundry and stopped on my return at Dr. Sunderland’s and collected $2.65 for 5 lbs. of coffee for George Purdy. In the forenoon, I called on George Boughton and discussed the difference between a stock and mutual fire insurance company. I then went to Frank Wilcox and he consented to pay the increased rate for transfer of his insurance on horses, etc. Clear and starlight at 9 PM. Elmer Keeler called this PM when I was out and paid $25 on account of his insurance. AUGUST 21 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 65; at noon – 70. Pleasant. Before breakfast, I went over to Mr. Rogers’ garden and cut two armfuls of corn stalks for my horse. At 11:30, I went down to the Post Office and to Culp’s News Store for the New York Press. After dinner, I wrote to John Davis at Bridgeport to send his Sun policy with a more definite description of 881 Stratford Avenue for us to make the transfer. I also wrote to M. Thomas to give me a description of the property. I then wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company for their views on the cancellation of policies after partial losses. About sundown, George S., his wife Sarah, and her sister, Louise Kimball came over for a short visit. I then paid George $2.65 for Dr. Sunderland for 5 lbs. of coffee recently ordered. In the evening, I went to the Sam Harris block to see James VanGordon, a brakeman on the Highland Division to Hartford to see if he will buy at Thompson’s store at Harford for me two bottles of cod liver oil, but they were not at home. From there, I went over to brother George’s and came home with Mary Dean who had gone there to spend the evening. AUGUST 22 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60; at noon – 78. Pleasant. As I went to the barn this morning, I found a large armful of cornstalks at the door for my horse brought over by Mr. Rogers before I was out. I took my spindle buggy down to W. Barber’s for repairs, after which I took Mrs. Louise Kimball to ride with me over to Beaverbrook for collections, etc. On our return, we came by way of the Allen house and through the cemetery arriving home just at noon. After dinner and a rest for myself in the office, I got Mr. Beeman to go with me. I collected premiums of Philo Bradley, took a trace to my harness to Blackman’s to be mended, went up to Mallory’s shop to see W. J. Phillips, returned for my harness and hitched behind my carriage the spindle buggy at barber’s Wagon Shop and brought it home. After supper, I took the trolley to Bethel to collect from Andrew Wildman, but I made a mistake. Next Saturday was the day he promised to pay. On my return, I stopped at James VanGordon’s and left $1.00 with his wife for him to buy two bottles of cod liver oil for me in Hartford. I was caught in a thundershower as I came home about 9 o’clock. I ran in the rain from West Street to the house and got quite wet. Mrs. Anna Merritt called in the PM and paid for her insurance to be written on the 24th. AUGUST 23 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Clear and cooler this morning after the thundershower last night. I went to Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and had a long shoe tightened on a horse; the Mr. Beeman and I started for Westville to see James Stevens for money but did not find him at home. We found him at Vernon Young’s at Middle River. We came home by way of King Street and partly arranged matters with David Knapp about the insurance for the Silas Abbott place on Westville Avenue, it being now used in part for a grocery store. We brought home a good bushel of apples from Mr. Knapp’s. In the PM, I drove up to 33 North Street and delivered a policy to Mrs. Anna Merritt and to Tamarack Street with a policy for James Devine. Mary rode with me. Coming from King Street this forenoon, I stopped for a few minutes at Chester Wilson’s. He was not at home. AUGUST 24 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 48; at noon – 70. Quite cool this morning. Before dinner, I delivered a policy to Julius Stone on his store. I called at James in the Harris block for two bottles of cod liver oil which he bought for me in Harford. On opening the package at home, we found that he had by some mistake, got half sizes instead of full sized bottles and paid 69 cents for each, being the price for full-sized bottles. I returned them to Mrs. VanGordon to be exchanged by Mr. VanGordon tomorrow when waiting between trains. Fannie came up in the PM and rose with me to the Railroad Station to see VanGordon on his train going out at 2:57. I then went to the Turner Machine Company and exhibited to Mr. Wildman, the bookkeeper, the policy made over to him by Robert McClean on the former John Parker place which he has recently bought. I then delivered it to Mr. McClean at the store; he holds the mortgage on the place. I then carried Fannie around to do some marketing after which I drove down with her. She came up again in the evening, bringing Julia to stay all night. George, Sarah and her sister Louise came in for the evening. I received a letter from Mary Turner of Duchess County in New York, stating that she had decided not to renew the policy on her Brookfield place. I called at the Savings Bank who holds the mortgage to take up the policy, but they requested me to leave it until they write her and insist on the policy being continued. Fannie came up with Julia in the evening. Julia will stay with us over night and go to a children’s party tomorrow at Mr. Higgins on Brushy Hill road. AUGUST 25 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Pleasant. I mowed a part of the yard next to the grapevine before breakfast. After breakfast, Ira Renfield called and took his furniture policy and paid for it. I went to Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and had Gip shod with new behind and forward shoes. While this was being done, I had Blackman, the harness maker mend a trace to the harness and also called on Mr. Wildman, bookkeeper at the Turner Machine Factory and got a promise of insurance on his furniture when he takes possession of the John parker house which he has recently bought. I wrote to Fred Lawton of Duchess County New York relating the insurance on the Mary Turner place in Brookfield which she wants to discontinue but the bank wants to keep it on. About 4 O’clock, I went over to Clarence Morgan’s to arrange for the restoration of his Equitable policy which lapsed for nonpayment when due on June 29th. He sent his check dated July 29th which was returned to him until he would send a statement of his good health, all of which I obtained and with the check enclosed, I forwarded to W. B. Schaffer, clerk at New Haven. AUGUST 26 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. I picked up crab apples for Mrs. Schepparance (?) after breakfast and before which I went over to Mr. Rogers’ garden and picked up an armful of cornstalks for the horse. Later and before dinner, I went down to Mr. VanGordon’s for my two bottles of cod liver oil which he was to get in exchange for small ones sent by mistake, but he had not yet got it. I went up in the PM to see Elmer Clark about furniture insurance; from there to the railroad station at 3 o’clock to meet Mr. VanGordon, the brakeman, about my cod liver oil, but he was not on the train. I receive Post Office orders from Mary Turner to pay for insurance on the Brookfield place. Mary went in the evening to see Dr. Sunderland and took little Julia Hirsch with her after which they visited George on Montgomery Street. I at the same time went to Orchard Street to collect on insurance of Mrs. Jennie Townsend. AUGUST 27 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM -46. Cold but pleasant this morning. Julia Hirsch rode with me nearly all morning. I called on Mr. VanGordon for my cod liver oil. I delivered a policy to Mrs. Popke at 96 Garfield Avenue, then went over to Andrew’s store and bought a veal chop for dinner. In the PM, Lottie came up and the little store girl with her, she having various parcels to carry home. I hitched the horse and took them down home. On my return, I took Mary downtown for some marketing. In the evening, George, his wife Sarah and her sister came over for a visit. AUGUST 28 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 50; art noon – 80. Pleasant. We had clam fritters for breakfast, after which I carried a fresh picked mess of corn, cucumbers and tomatoes over to brother George. I received letter from Mrs. Josephine Stout stating that she had been sick with the grippe which was the reason she had not paid the $5.00 balance of borrowed money and promising to pay the same next Saturday. Also a letter from the Sun Insurance Company for further explanation, maps, location, etc. of the Union Trust Company transfer. About 3:30 PM Mary went with Mrs. Hawley to Doctor Oley to have glasses fitted for her eyes. Mrs. Hawley sent over a dish of succotash and brother George brought in an apple pies for dinner. We spent the evening with George and visiting with Mrs. Kimball who returns to New York City tomorrow. AUGUST 29 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 56. Pleasant. After breakfast, I drove up to Westville Avenue to see Louis Bristol and his son-in-law, Edgar Platt who occupy the old Silas Abbott place and who are keeping a small grocery in the place and pursuant to arrangement with Davis Knapp, executor of the Abbott estate. I made arrangements with them to pay the difference in rates of insurance for the grocery feature of the risk. This they agreed to do. I collected on my drive home $5.00 on account from Edward Headley; also called on Mrs. Richtmyer at 75 Franklin Street about renewal of the Echo Lodge No. 30 Daughters of Rebecca policy. I then called on Mrs. Nellie Schoonmaker at 28 Starr Avenue. She promised to pay the balance due on next Saturday. Received from John Watkins of Hartford a letter asking about accident insurance. I answered it by return mail to Hartford today. Mrs. Emma Anni(?) called in the PM to get her furniture renewed at 27 Main Street where she is to move tomorrow. Also Mr. James VanGordon called to explain about the cod liver oil he did not get in Hartford. In the PM, I called at the New Street School to confer with Edgar Platt, who is the janitor of the school, regarding the insurance raised on account of the grocery store in the house, etc. I called for a few minutes at the office of the Turner Machine Factory and left some life insurance papers with the bookkeeper, Mr. Wildman. I commenced to make up an affidavit as to property, etc. for Melissa Griffith. In the evening, I wrote to J. H. Soule in Washington regarding pension blanks. AUGUST 30 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. Got a bundle of cornstalks for the horse from Mr. Rogers’ garden before breakfast, after which I drove down to Andrew Wildman’s near Short’s Hat Factory in Bethel and collected $6.00 for a $1,000 policy in the Agricultural Insurance Company on the dwelling. I called in the factory and took Eli Ferry’s application for one of the state’s honorary medals for the three month volunteers in 1861 in the War of the Southern Rebellion, he being a member of Company C in the Third Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. From there, I drove to Beaverbrook and collected from George Bradley on account $2.00 and two dozen eggs. After dinner, I went to the bank with a deposit, then to W. L. Wall’s Blacksmith Shop to try and collect from Howard Hall for a policy on furniture written April 19, 1904, but did not succeed. From there, I called on Taggart & Siemon and suggested a partnership life policy. In the evening, a Mrs. Virginia McKnight called about an accident policy for her nephew Arthur Francis Dugan. She is to call again tomorrow evening. When at Beaverbrook, I called on Albert Edwards who is an invalid. AUGUST 31 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 54. Charles Bevins came in the morning and borrowed $2.00 of me until next Monday, pension day. In the morning, I drove down to 23-25 Main Street and arranged with Adolph Jelenyik for renewal of his furniture policy on September 2. I then went up to Osborne Street and delivered the Echo Lodge daughters of Rebecca policy to Mrs. Stubbs. After dinner, I drove down to Bethel to Short’s Hat Shop for my fountain pen which I left there yesterday while taking Eli Ferry’s application for one of the state medals for the three month volunteers of 1861. After tea, Mrs. John Allen’s daughter came over to say that she had received a voucher for $2.80 to be executed for accrued pension for John Allen from Dec. 4, 1903 to the 10th of December – 6 days, with instructions to enclose with the same his old certificate for surrender. I went over with the daughter, Mrs. Waite, and fixed out the papers. I mailed the same to A. J. Hyatt, the U. S. pension agent at Boston. I also wrote and mailed a letter to Louis & Nettleton about accident insurance for Mrs. James McKnight and her nephew, Alfred Dugan. In the evening, Fannie called with Sarah Hirsch from New York who with her brother is stopping with Herman for a visit. In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Turnerville called to see about insuring about 200 Belgian Homing Pigeons. I sent a check to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company for $71.00, the amount of the June balance.
1904-08
Horace Purdy Journal August 1869 Entry
10pgs
AUGUST 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not very warm. I took Georgie down to church in time for Sunday School. After school, I came home with him. After dinner, I took him for a walk over into Division Street. We stopped to see Mary, the first time we have called on her since her marriage. From there, we went over to Horace Cable's in Spring Street. Horace gave me a letter which he got from the Office last evening from D. R. French in which he acknowledged the receipt of the draft for $100.00 from Hill & Purdy. He wants money as fast as we can remit to him to pay for a large lot of slats lately received from Vermont. AUGUST 02 MONDAY - Pleasant. In the forenoon, I collected a little on our spring beds from Albert Scott, R. W. Holmes, and George L. Smith. After dinner we went up to the bogs to see a man about spring beds, but he being away from home, we did not see him. It was about 6 P.M. when we returned. After tea, Horace Cable came over to see me. We went into the street together. We received by the evening mail a bill for Lot No. 4, our last one for springs from D. R. French. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station today to introduce our spring bed bottoms. We spent about a half day there showing it up and took 3 positive orders besides preparing the way for a goodly number of sales some other day. We started for home about sundown arriving here about 8:30. AUGUST 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I collected from Mr. Decklyn $18.50 for 3 spring bed bottoms. I turned it over to Horace Cable and he with other money got a draft for $100.00, which I this evening mailed to D. R. French with a duplicate of 6 beds ordered from Twitchell. I at the same time sent the order to Mr. Twitchell. In it were two for H. Fairchild which he is in a great hurry for to commence housekeeping. We expected a lot of beds on the freight train, but they did not come. AUGUST 05 THURSDAY - Showery with some indications of rain but only now and then a little sprinkle. It cleared off in the evening. Horace Cable and I with his horse rode over to Sturdivant's to canvass the factory for our spring bed bottoms. In the P.M., 10 beds came by the freight train. We put up a part of them, including 3 we took to Bethel for Farnum Greenwood and Thomas Wheeler. AUGUST 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool in the morning. We rode up to New Milford in the morning to put up spring beds at Lanesville and the Iron Works. But found the beds had not come as we expected. We fed ourselves and the horse at Nelson Knowles in Lanesville. We came home by way of the steam excavator. George Bradley paid me $6.75 for his spring bed. I also in New Milford collected $6.00 from Michael McNiff. In the evening, I went over to Horace's but not finding him home, I went to the Post Office where I found him. AUGUST 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still cool. I mowed my dooryard and raked it off this forenoon. After dinner I went to the depot where I met Horace Cable with his horse. We had 6 beds come on the freight train. We put up 2 for Hanford Fairchild, one for Philo Knapp and the two which came last week for William Bailey. An eclipse of the sun this P.M. from 5:15 until about sundown. In the evening, I went to market with Gussie. We bought a toy small gun for Georgie. Two letters - one from Twitchell and one from French. AUGUST 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer. We did not get up this morning until about 8 o'clock. Gussie went to the Baptist church this morning to hear their old minister, Mr. Stone. Father came in just before dinner to have me cut his hair. I did it and then took Georgie down to Sunday School. After school, I came home again. We had dinner about 3 o'clock, after which I took Georgie with me for a walk. We went into River Street where we stopped to see E. E. Wildman about sending me word from New Milford if my spring beds were at the depot there. He is going up there tomorrow. From there I walked around to Horace Cable's and their home, stopping at Ambrose Hill's a moment to see Philo Bennett. AUGUST 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. I hoed up a few weeds in my garden before breakfast. After breakfast, I went over to Horace Cable's and we with his horse took Henry Willis' and Mrs. Lewis Bennett's bed springs and went over to Sandy Hook and put them in. I went to look at J. H. Warner's springs that Ambrose Hill put in one of the slats of which is broken. I concluded to write to D. R. French and have him take back the bed and send another in its place which will be alright. We came home by way of Bethel where I collected for Hill & Purdy $6.50 from George Osborne for a spring bed. We arrived home about 2 P.M. I tried to collect a little in the P.M. In the evening, I attended teachers' meeting. I offered my resignation, but they refused to accept it, deferring action for one month. Before I retired, I wrote to D. R. French about exchanging J. H. Warner's bed (at Sandy Hook) for a good one, one slat being broken, and several others are defective. AUGUST 10 TUESDAY - Hot. Horace Cable and I went to New Milford for 6 bed springs and brought them to Lanesville. I put up 4 of the 5 at this place, the 5h being for Nelson Knowles. I did not go there on account of his son having the smallpox. Horace not feeling very well and fearing the smallpox, he took the train at Lanesville and started for home, leaving me to take care of the beds. After putting up John and James Knowles, Perry Chase's and Willis' and leaving Nelson Knowles' at his son's place, I then started for the Iron Works and put up one for Lewis Ives after which I drove home. Before doing so, I was obliged to go to the blacksmith's and got a new shoe put on the horse's foot. AUGUST 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and hot. We delivered and put up John Corning's springs in Mill Plain, Hiram Paddock's and Samuel Dank's at Little Sodom in New York State. We took dinner at Mr. Paddock's. We spent the remainder of the day canvassing towards home arriving about 7 o'clock. Received a bill today from Thomas Sproule for 5 tons of coal at $10.00 per ton. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant and hot. We went to Bethel this forenoon to canvass a little for our spring beds and measure Henry Tinmann's bed for a set of springs. After dinner, I prepared a set of crossbars for A. W. Bailey's bed to put into Miss L. Farnum's. Harmon Knapp, professing not to like the springs (this is the first out of a hundred where dissatisfaction has occurred), we took them out and took them in the wagon and with the one for Miss Farnum, we went down to Bethel about 6 P.M. and put it in for Tinmann. AUGUST 13 FRIDAY - before breakfast, I wrote to Henry Day, telling him that I must have some money on the notes that were due April 1st and May 1st last. I sent it to the Office for the morning mail by Charles Short. I canvassed in the forenoon for our spring beds. In the P.M., I went over to Horace Cable's and spent the greater part of the afternoon on the door sill of his barn talking over business, the bed and free trade, etc. I went to Tweedy's Wool Hat Shop and collected from Willis Gunn $6.75 for a set of box springs we put in for him last Tuesday up to Lanesville. From there, I called at Ely & Young's shop under the hill by Lacey & Davis' forming factory. I then went to Mallory's shop to see Ed Dunning. Before we left there, a shower came up and we walked to his house (Horace Cable's) in the rain. There was, however, but little rain fell. I played my first game of croquet this noon over to Mr. Pond's. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from William Hayes. AUGUST 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went over to Lake Kenosha with Horace Cable blackberrying. Elmer Cable, Charles Hill and Willis Graham were over there and rode home with us. We all filled our baskets and pails. I got over a peck myself. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then went into the street to see if I could see someone who owes Cable & Purdy for spring beds. I did not collect any. I went into the street again in the evening. Edwin's wife Anne is sick with dysentery. AUGUST 15 SUNDAY - Showery during the day. I went down to Sunday School at noon. On account of the frequent showers, the attendance was small. The time was spent in singing and the Superintendent spoke to the school. I came home in the P.M. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed at home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to William Hayes' letter received on Friday. It rained hard in the evening with thunder showers. AUGUST 16 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I mailed a letter to William Hayes. I went down to the Pahquioque Shop (where I still hold a position) just to see the men. From there, I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory to collect $6.50 from Col. James Ryder but did not get it. As I went to the Pahquioque, I took my clock to Fanton's where it was recently repaired to fix the hands so that they can be moved. They left it before so that I could not move them either forward or backwards. I called uptown to see Mrs. E. S. Davis about springs for her bed which she had engaged some time ago. She had found by examining her other springs that they could unexpectedly use them on her new bedstead and therefore did not need new ones. She would nevertheless have taken them, but I released her from the agreement, not wishing to oblige her to take them if she did not really want them. From there, I called to measure Edmund Dunning's bed but his baby being asleep, I would not disturb the child. I then called at Horace Cable's and came home to dinner. After dinner, I spaded over a place for a strawberry bed and went over to Cable's and got 50 Green Prolific Plants and laid them out, after which Horace and I went into the street to collect. I saw Mrs. Burch, but they would have no money for me until next month. Horace went to see Mrs. W. Bailey and I to see George Raymond. He got nothing but was promised tomorrow morning. I got my pay from Raymond. In the evening, I went up and measured Dunning's bedstead. While standing near the Post Office, Charles Griffing asked me for the balance of my account or a note for the amount. I went up to his office to look over the account but would not give a note. While there, I talked with John Rowan about spring beds. I think I will sell him one. AUGUST 17 TUESDAY - After breakfast, I went down to William Bailey's and collected from his wife $12.00 for two spring beds. I went over to Horace Cable's but on account of the rain, we did not go as we intended to Brewster Station to canvass for spring beds. We spent the forenoon in talking over and arranging our partnership in the tree agency. After dinner, I had a set of half circles sawed out by Daniel Starr with which to fit the springs to Edmund Dunning's bed. Horace Cable measured Charles Griffing's bed for a set of springs. I added it to an order I was about to send to New Haven and mailed it by the P.M. train. The order was for six beds. I went into the street in the evening and got our clock from Fanton's Store. AUGUST 18 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning, but before noon it cleared off. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station. We sold a spring bed to H. M. Senior at Mill Plain. We did a little at selling trees as well as spring beds. We stopped at the Brewster House. In the evening, I made arrangements for Mr. Doty, the new hotel keeper to try one of our beds with the view of putting in several of them if he is satisfied with it. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very hot. We canvassed at the Station today for both trees and beds. I came away this evening with 7 more names added to my list. On our way home just about dusk, we saw a woodchuck just this side of the New York state line. I took my pistol and had 5 shots at him but did not touch him. AUGUST 20 FRIDAY - Very hot. Lowery in the morning. Horace Cable and I went to Milltown by way of Joe Hill's. We came home by way of the bogs arriving about dark. Josie Wheeler took Georgie and Willie Griswold away in the broiling sun in the middle of the day up on Highland Avenue (or so he says). Josie is a bad boy learning Georgie and Willie all manner of obscene and wicked language and running away. John Brayman came home this evening. He had words with E. James who lives over him. James assaulted and knocked him down. AUGUST 21 SATURDAY - Hotter than yesterday. About 8 A.M., I went over to Cable's. From there I went to the Post Office. I saw H. B. Fairchild about what he owes me for 2 spring beds. He promised to send me a check next Monday from New York for the amount $13.50. I took a letter from the Office from T. Twitchell saying that he yesterday shipped Order No. 6 of spring beds, six in number. As I was going to Cable's to carry the letter, I overtook Sidney Thompson who was too drunk to walk straight. I took him to his home and left him flat on the floor. Ezra Malloy's house was struck by lightning. After dinner, it commenced a thunder shower. I went between showers to the depot on the arrival of the freight train and found that our 6 beds had arrived. I went up to Cable's where I was compelled to stay until nearly night on account of several hard thunder showers. On that account I did not want to get the beds from the depot. I went into the street in the evening and brought home a pair of pants to keep in they fit me. AUGUST 22 SUNDAY - Lowery but no rain. We rose rather late. I went down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, we came home again. Gussie stayed to prayer meeting. After dinner, I took Georgie for a walk over to Horace Cable’s. On our way near Lockwood Olmstead's on Stevens Street, I found an ivory billiard ball. We returned a little before dark. Hattie Mills and I stayed at home in the evening. Gussie went to prayer meeting. AUGUST 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mr. Cable and I went to the depot this morning and got 6 beds and delivered them. Charles Griffing, Saul Rundle, Alice B. Ford, and Edmund Dunning. The one for J. H. Warner at Newtown and one for William Fowler over the New York state line near Brewster Station, we put into Cable's barn until we go over that way with them. In the P.M., I took Ambrose Hill's fruit plate book and went down to the Pahquioque shop and commenced canvassing a little for trees. I took 4 small orders. After tea, I wrote to Henry Day, ordering 8 pictures frames, oval gold, 4 rose and ribbon 8x10, 2 scale and ribbon, 8x10 and 2 rose and ribbon 10x12, the last two with square rabbets. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I left home this morning for New York state to canvass for the fruit trees. We took H. M. Senior's bed springs over to him as we went over to Mill Plain and put them in, changing the slats first with Mrs. Corning's, she not thinking hers to be long enough. I ordered $3.00 of Senior's pay in sugar - 18 lbs. - and coffee. We took dinner with Mr. Havilland, just beyond Milltown. After dinner, we started along passing near Dikeman's Station on the Harlem Railroad. Also, near Doansburg, thence to Towner's Station and put up for the night just beyond about 2 miles at George Robinson's. AUGUST 25 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast with Mr. Robinson's folks, we tried to repair his son Peter's copper strip hay cutter. We then commenced canvassing; stopped at Samuel Terry's to dinner. After dinner, we drove on to David Kent's, the old millionaire and put new cylinders in his hay cutter. We then went on through Luddingtonville and put up for the night with Clark Lewis, another old friend of Mr. Cable's. AUGUST 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant again. Before breakfast, I shot my pistol at a woodcock and missed it. After breakfast I shot Mr. Lewis' rifle at one and missed him also. We then all shot at a mark with my pistol. We then soon left Mr. Lewis and started for Patterson. Before getting there, Mr. Cable was bit by Willis Read's dog. We took dinner at the American Hotel at Patterson Station. Here we took quarters for the night. Our canvassing for trees has not been very successful thus far. AUGUST 27 FRIDAY - After breakfast at the hotel at Patterson, Mr. Cable and I rode up to Willis Read's Mill to shoot the dog which bit him yesterday. He stated the case to Mr. Read, junior, who agreed with us that the dog ought to be killed. Mr. Cable shot one bullet into him when he his somewhere around the mill. We then left after Mr. Read promising that if the dog did not die, he would see that he was killed. It now being about noon, we started for Brewster Station to see if the beds we ordered for that place had come but found them not there. Before going to the station, we went to ____, where we took dinner on Tuesday to get a halter which we had then left there. We arrive home at 3:30 P.M. I went into the street in the evening. I received from Hanford B. Fairchild, $13.50 for two spring beds, put up for him on the 7th inst. by Cable & Purdy I received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French stating that he has given up the spring bed agency and desires a settlement with us as soon as we can do so. He sent a statement of Hill & Purdy, also of Cable & Purdy accounts which agrees with our accounts. George came home this evening by the cars (so I am told) to attend the reunion tomorrow. AUGUST 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant. A reunion of the 17th Regiment here today. In the morning, I went over to Mr. Cable's and changed the size of J. H. Warner's bed and used it for Mr. H. Griffing, after which I came home and dressed a little and went into the street to see the assembly of the 17th Regiment just as the procession was forming. I came home and did a little writing. Gussie came home also and dressed Georgie to take him to see the procession. We went into the street again and saw the procession and went to the dinner tent down to the Turner House where they had an excellent dinner for free. The procession consisted of our Military Company, the veterans of the old 17th Regiment, the Fire department, and the Brass Bands, our own and the Wheeler & Wilson's from Bridgeport. I made out a receipted bill of the two spring beds Hanford B. Fairchild paid me for last evening and gave it to him this P.M. AUGUST 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took Georgie down to Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with him. After the session, the teachers had an interview by request of the Superintendent and voted to have a picnic one week from next Wednesday (the 8th inst.) if the day is fine. It is to be in a grove at the junction of the White Plains and Housatonic railroad near Brookfield. A committee was appointed to make arrangements and procure transportation. After dinner, I took a walk over to Horace Cable's. George came home last Friday evening to attend the reunion of his old regiment which took place yesterday. I have not seen him today. AUGUST 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went into the street and over to the Sewing Machine factory and collected from James Ryder $6.50 for one spring bed from Hill & Purdy. I then waited for the arrival of the train at 10:15 to see the 8th Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. The regiment formed just above the bridge and with Wheeler & Wilson's band marched out to Lake Kenosha where they are to encamp for the week. I commenced picking my crab apples at noon. After dinner, I went into the street again and collected from D. Osborne $6.00 bed money from Hill & Purdy. Edmund Dunning paid me $6.00 for a bed this A. M. Before night, I went to Rundle & White's and collected from Mr. Rundle $6.75 for a spring bed. This was for Cable & Purdy. I went from there over to Horace Cable's. He came home with me and got some crab apples. Also, Charles Hill came for some. I wrote to D. R. French asking for the address of the New York Expansion Spring Bed Company so that I can write and secure for Mr. Cable or us both the County of Putnam in New York adjoining Fairfield in this state. I went into the street and mailed it. I bought some pistol balls - one pound. I bought ## dozen teacups for Harriet Mills for crab apple jelly. George returned to Brooklyn this morning. AUGUST 31 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went over to Horace Cable's in the morning to go to Brewster Station to put up spring beds, but his horse having a sore back, we concluded to wait over until tomorrow. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and arranged a little to work next week. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to hear a phrenological lecture in the evening. After they went Charles Hayes came by the evening train. Louise and I got him some tea. I then went down to market. I put in 10 bushels of charcoal today.
1869-08
Horace Purdy Journal July 1869 Entry
10pgs
JULY 01 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have helped Ambrose Hill hoe out his potatoes today. I took dinner with him. I mailed an order this morning to T. E. Twitchell for 6 more beds. I also mailed to D. R. French a duplicate of the order. I went into the street in the evening. I ordered another half bushel of the garnet potatoes and paid for both, bringing the mail for Mr. Pond and Father Griswold. JULY 02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but still cool. I hoed in my garden before breakfast. After breakfast, Ambrose Hill came over and helped me build a framework to keep my tomatoes off the ground. Before dinner, I commenced putting some soil thinly spread over my sidewalk to help pack the sand which I a short time ago put on the walk. In the P.M., Ambrose and I completed repairing our sidewalk. After dinner we went up to Samuel Holby's to take the extra springs out from his beds. We finally concluded to leave it until tomorrow and then put 3 more springs in Father Griswold's bed. JULY 03 SATURDAY - Showery in the morning; also in the P.M. The sun has shone about half the time. I sawed and split up some old boards, brush and broken bean poles which lay near the woodhouse. I then went into the street to try to collect for some beds we have been putting up, but I could not get a cent. In the P.M., we expected 12 sets of bed springs but they did not come. About 4 P.M., I put a new string on the flagpole at Father Griswold's house and ran up his Stars and Stripes. I lowered it again about dusk. I went into the street in the evening. Gussie also went to market. We saw John Brayman who had just come in on the train from Walpole, Mass. to stay over Sunday with his family. In the Jeffersonian printed yesterday, Frank Page advertised John Brayman's name as having bought a bag of flour last February 15, promising to pay in one week and not having done so to the present time. Charles Hayes, our boarder, gave Georgie two packs of torpedoes. The boys are shooting crackers today about the same I suppose as they will next Monday. The day has been since noon extremely warm. JULY 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. After breakfast Charles Hayes and I went over to Oil Mill Pond for a wash. I went down to Sunday School at noon. I gathered from the teachers their quarterly statements of pennies contributed by their classes. I am to arrange them in the form of a report to be read at school next Sunday. I opened and emptied the Infant Class box from which I took $3.74 as their collections for the last three months. I came home with Georgie after school. We had our first mess of peas from the garden for dinner today. After dinner, I took a nap and then took a walk until about 7:30 . On my walk, I stopped a few minutes at Daniel Manly's , also at Ambrose Hill's gate, talked a few minutes with his wife and then met Ambrose before I got out of Stevens Street. When I got home, I found John Brayman at the house. I talked awhile with him and then went up to take down the flag at Father Griswold which I ran up this morning and has been flying all day. JULY 05 MONDAY - Pleasant and not extremely warm. The Fourth has been observed today. I have sold 6 beds today one to George Starr, Walter Fayerweather, Charles Stevens, Henry Booth, Fanny Griswold and a small one for Father's lounge. While canvassing for my springs in the P.M., I called up home and took Father's order. On my way home, I called at Robert Cocking's. His wife treated me in Robert's stead to a bottle of ale. In the evening, I went down to the park to see the fireworks. From there, I went over to Ambrose's to see about going to Bethel tomorrow. We have concluded to go. Charles Hayes went to New York today on the "Nelly White" - an excursion. JULY 06 TUESDAY - I wrote last evening to George, offering him work canvassing for our bed springs provided he was doing scarcely enough in Brooklyn to pay his board. I mailed the letter this morning. The day has been pleasant. Ambrose Hill and I went to Bethel this morning on the train to canvass for the spring beds. We stayed all day and came home on the evening train. We sold 7 beds. JULY 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. In the morning, I split some wood in the wood house. I commenced cropping the ends of my tomato vines. Ambrose and I went in the forenoon to the box shop of E. Davis for two boxes for our models. We called at E. S. Davis to get the measure of his bedstead preparatory to ordering his bedspring. She concluded to wait until she got a new bedroom set before giving us an order for bedsprings. In the P.M., Ambrose and I took a walk up to Elwell Fink's farm to measure a bedspring for them. After tea, he came over and we went to Henry Booth's to see about putting springs in his bedstead. We arranged for it and came home and ordered 15 more beds. As Ambrose went home he took the order to the office; also a duplicate of the same to the general agent, D. R. French. JULY 08 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Ambrose came over after breakfast and we went over to Isaac Jennings and took out his middle row of springs in the bed we sold him and adjusted the others properly, the third row being too much for people no heavier than he and his wife. From there, we went over to Henry Booth's and planed some extra fixtures in order to put a set of springs in and old round barrel cord bedstead. After dinner, I waited for Ambrose to come over and go with me to sell the beds. I waited until after 2 P.M. and then started alone. I sold one to E. Thompson, the truss maker; also one to Harry Hornblower. After tea, I went over to see Ambrose and found that he had gone away by the Brookfield cars to Bridgeport, Stratford, etc. trying to collect some money due him for trees. JULY 09 FRIDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain in the morning. After breakfast, I plucked the runners from my strawberry plants. I then took a walk over Town Hill with my model, taking measures as I went of Mr. Collins' bedstead. I visited Sharp's store, Ira Morse, Col. Chichester's house. Both want spring beds but did not order this morning. After dinner, I started for the depot, but was caught in a thunder shower before I got there. So I stopped at Isaac Jennings's Agricultural Warehouse in West Street near Main. After the shower, I proceeded to the freight depot to see if our spring beds came, but they did not. Davis Hoyt sent me up to his house to measure a bedstead for a set of springs, but his wife objected to getting them when I went there so I went away without measuring the bed. JULY 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I spent most of the forenoon in preparing fixtures for Henry Booth's bed and making an arrangement for carrying tools, bits, etc. for putting in spring beds. I went to the depot on arrival of the freight train at 1 3/4o'clock, expecting a lot of spring beds, but they did not come. I spent a part of the P.M. in canvassing for our beds. I went between 4 and 5 o'clock over to Ambrose's and found that he had returned on the 3 1/4 train. I went to market with Gussie in the evening. JULY 11 SUNDAY - A considerable air stirring, but very warm. By far the warmest day we have had yet, I think. Bell came down at meeting time with Georgie who went up home with her yesterday and stayed last night. I went down in time for Sunday School and took Georgie with me. After school I came home with him. I read to the school the first quarterly report of their collections by classes. Only 14 out of 30 teachers reported to me so that my report was meager. The teachers did not all understand the new order of things. We had our first lobster of the season for dinner. We had a thunderstorm between 5 and 6 P.M. which cooled the air and made the evening pleasant. JULY 12 MONDAY - A beautiful morning. Before breakfast, I wrote and mailed an order for 4 spring beds to T. E. Twitchell and a duplicate of the same to D. R. French. After breakfast, I wrote to Carlton & Lanahan for a June, 1868 number of The Ladies' Repository for Jemima Marsh. I took an order in the P.M. from Lyman Keeler and George Rundle for a spring bed. Ambrose Hill and I took the 6:30 train on the New York Northern & Housatonic railroad for the Brookfield junction, thence to New Milford to canvass for two days to canvas for our spring beds. We put up at the New England House. We saw E. Wildman in the evening who is there working with Jarvis Polley building a tobacco warehouse near the depot. JULY 13 TUESDAY - We rose this morning and took breakfast at 6 o'clock. I must say that the landlord needs some of our spring beds, for the one I slept on last night squeaked enough to alarm all in the house. We canvassed all day and advertised the beds as best as we could. We sold 7 before night, which was for the first time, we think, good. Mist and fine rain during the evening. JULY 14 WEDNESDAY - Showery with mist and fine rain all morning; cloudy all day. We sold enough to make 9 before noon. We mailed an order to Twitchell before taking the noon train for home. We ordered the 9 sent to New Milford as soon as possible. We arrived home just in time to meet the freight train on which we expected beds from New Haven but they did not come. I came home, took dinner, did some writing and then went over to Ambrose Hill's. JULY 15 THURSDAY - Fine rain and mist in the forenoon. Having a hard headache, I felt but little like canvassing, so I wrote on mucilage paper the figure $6.75 to put over the $6.50 on our advertising posters. I went down to the shop for a little while in the forenoon. After dinner, I went to the depot to see if our spring beds had come. They did not come, so I went from there down to the Pahquioque Factory again and had a wide black band put on my round crown pearl cass. hat. After tea, we had a hard thunder shower. After the shower, I went over to Ambrose Hill's to look over our company books together. When I came home, I brought the advertising posters home with me. I received from Carlton & Lanahan a bill of Ladies' Repository for Jemima Marsh. Before I retired, I enclosed the amount for mailing to them in the morning. JULY 16 FRIDAY - I sent to the Post Office early by Fred Lewis the note with pay enclosed to Carlton & Lanahan for The Ladies' Repository. I canvassed a little in the A.M. with going around and changing the error in print of the posters - $6.50 for an 8-slat bed ought to be $6.75. Twenty of our beds came by freight train. Noah Hoyt delivered our beds for us. I worked until after 10o'clock last night putting up beds. I went up and put in Father's lounge springs, the last thing. I found them in bed. They both got up and helped me. The day has been extremely warm. JULY 17 SATURDAY - Pleasant but not so extremely warm as yesterday. We have spent about all day putting up the balance of our twenty spring beds. We finished up by taking Horace Cable's horse and going up to put up Lewis Elwell's bed. In the evening, Gussie and I went to market, after which I went over to Ambrose Hill's for a short time before retiring. JULY 18 SUNDAY - It has been a little cooler today; not so much sunshine. I picked peas and dug potatoes for dinner and then went down to Sunday School I came home again after school. After dinner, which was about 4 o'clock, Gussie and I walked over to Ambrose Hill's where we stopped a few minutes and then went up to the cemetery. On our way home, we stopped a few minutes at Andrew Williams. I there helped Andrew's sister lift her father out from his bed and set him in a chair, Andrew himself being away. Old Mr. Williams is a cripple and needs help in and out of his bed. In the evening, I helped Mother Griswold shift some bedding and then I made up her bed as I thought it was best for the springs under it. After this, Charles Hayes and I took a walk up on Deer Hill to Father's. JULY 19 MONDAY - A little rain in the morning. I wrote and mailed a letter to Mr. Twitchell about spring beds before breakfast. Mr. D. R. French, the general agent of the state, came on the train from Derby. He came to see Ambrose as he is going to leave the business; also to see George Ambler about taking Hartford County. I received from Carlton & Lanahan my bill receipted for The Ladies' Repository which I sent for Jemima Marsh. JULY 20 TUESDAY - Before breakfast, I wrote to William Hayes at 415 Hudson Street, New York, to see if he could collect from Joseph Wheeler $8.00 for me. Also to see if he had heard from Tobias Stork regarding the $20.00 he owes me for looking glasses. After breakfast, I measured Albert Scott's bed for a set of springs, and then took my satchel of tools and went over to Horace Cable's. We put a spring bed in the wagon for John Wheeler in Newtown, and with Mr. French, the general agent, we started for Newtown to put up the bed and take a slat to J. H. Warner in Sandy Hook where one was lacking when Hill put up his bed. The bed being 3 rows of springs it did not work well so we took out the middle cross bar and shifted the head and foot springs, making it a regular 2 row bed which now gives satisfaction. We sold 7 beds, two on our way over this morning to Benedict and Osborne and 5 in Newtown and Sandy Hook. We arrived home about 6:30 o'clock this evening. In the evening, I went up to see how Father Griswold likes his 3 row bed; he likes it very much. JULY 21 WEDNESDAY - Rain early this morning. It finally came off pleasant. After breakfast, I went over to Ambrose Hill's and we looked over our company account to see how the business stood before he left for Brooklyn. He left on the noon train. Horace Cable and I started about 11 o'clock with his horse and carriage over into Miry Brook where we canvassed a little for our spring bed. We returned about 2 P.M. without selling any. We both canvassed a little about town in the P.M. In the evening, we went up to George Scott's and secured an order from him and Widow Fanton. Measurements to be taken on Saturday. Elias Stevens, Harriet and Josie came by the train this evening from New Haven. JULY 22 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable harnessed his horse in the morning and we rode up to Pandanarum to canvass for our spring beds. We rode downtown to George Raymond's and William E. Bailey's for orders. Before coming to dinner, I stopped at Charles Reed's and sold two. We sold 7 today besides spending all the P.M. putting up a lot of 8 which came on the freight train. We put up 8 of them leaving E. Thomson's until tomorrow morning, they not being at home this P.M. JULY 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Horace Cable and I went to Bethel today with his horse to put up spring bed bottoms. As we went, we stopped at E. Thompson's and put up his which was left over from yesterday's batch of 8. It took us until noon to finish putting up the lot down there. We finished up the P.M. canvassing there and on our way home. I received by the evening mail a letter from Mr. Twitchell that he today shipped for us 11 beds. I went round to Horace's and showed him the letter before coming home. JULY 24 SATURDAY - Before breakfast, I wrote and mailed a letter to Charles Peck, harness maker in New Milford concerning spring beds sold to him and others requesting him not to disturb them at the depot as we would be there the first of next week and put them up. We canvassed for beds in the forenoon and sold 5 before dinner, 3 of them to Charles Decklyn's family. I had Daniel Starr saw our 4 half circles for me to attach to William Leach's round rail bedstead in putting in his spring bed bottom which we did in the P.M. Eleven beds came on the freight train. We put in7 in the P.M., viz, J. F. Burgen, H. B. Fanton, Albert Scott, T. R. Hoyt, William Leach, George L. Smith and Edgar L. Benedict, leaving Lockwood Olmstead's on account of it being a cord bedstead and Twitchell not sending the right castings. Also Burton Osborne's to Stony Hill and Henry Willis of Newtown. In the evening, we went uptown to George Scott's and measured a bedstead for springs, after which I saw Walter Fairweather at Peck & Wildman's store. He acknowledged the superiority of the bed and pronounced himself highly pleased with it and paid me for it $6.00. Before retiring, I tried to write up my books but was so tired that I gave it up and went to bed. JULY 25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie got Georgie ready for church and let him go in the morning with Josie Wheeler to hear Brother Burch's sermon to the children. I went down and heard the last end of the sermon and stayed to Sunday School after which I came home with Georgie. After dinner which was about 4 P.M., Gussie went to the Band of Hope and Georgie went with me for a walk over to Horace Cable's. Gussie, after the Band of Hope, went to Mrs. Bradley's and stayed until evening meeting time. I stayed at home in the evening. I wore my white linen pants to church today for the first time of the season. JULY 26 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I wrote and mailed to T. Twitchell an order for Lot No. 3 ' 13 beds, also a duplicate to Mr. French, including Lot No. 2 to Newtown and Danbury ' 10 beds. Total Lot No. 2 and 3 ' 23 beds to French. After breakfast, Horace Cable came over and we went to Henry Booth's and put in a safety bar under the springs we put in his bedstead. They not being at home, we got in the window, did the job, and came out the same way. We then went over to Lockwood Olmstead's and put his springs into a cord bedstead. This took us until noon. It was showery in the A.M. After dinner, it rained for a time very hard. After the rain, Horace and I went down to Ezra Stone's (over Avery Raymond's market) and put in 2 new slats in place of 2 which were split from careless handling between New Haven and here. From there we went over to Ambrose Hill's and fitted to and put up the springs (3 rows which we took from T. R. Hoyt) in his bed after changing them from 3 to 2 rows. After tea, I went over to Henry Booth's and got paid $6.00 for his bed. I then went into the street and mailed a letter Mrs. Hill found in the street. I took one from the Office for Bell from George. JULY 27 TUESDAY - Horace Cable and I drove to New Milford this forenoon. We arrived there about 1 o'clock. There were 2 or 3 hard showers during the P.M. which interfered somewhat with our work putting up beds. We put up the nine and got the pay for all except one to Michael Mc Niff. We drove back as far as Lanesville where we put up for the night with Nelson Knowles. JULY 28 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast at Mr. Knowles' this morning, we commenced to canvass in Lanesville a little. We took orders for 4 beds, one for Mr. Knowles, one each for his two sons, James and John, also one for Henry Chase. After dinner, we drove down to the Iron Works, canvassing as we went, but sold not a bed until we got there where we took an order from Lewis Ives for one. We left the Iron Works after 6 o'clock, arriving home about 8 in the evening. I found 2 letters waiting for me, one from William Hayes in reply to one requesting him to collect for me if possible $8.00 from Joe Wheeler and $20.00 from Tobias Stork. The other letter was from D. R. French with a bill for beds for Lots 1, 2 and 3 amounting to $115.25. George Ambler called in the evening to see me about Hartford County. He and Booth are going. JULY 29 THURSDAY - Before and after breakfast, I wrote up Cable & Purdy's books, copying orders in the order book, etc., also wrote to French acknowledging receipt of first bill to Cable & Purdy for beds comprising Lots 1, 2, and 3 amounting to $115.25. I went to the Danbury Bank at 10 o'clock and got a draft for $100.00 and mailed it in the P.M. mail to D. R. French. Showers early in the morning, but pleasant the remainder of the day. Horace Cable helped me canvass before dinner and in the P.M. We expected 13 bedsprings this P.M. by the freight train, but were disappointed, so we canvassed for more orders. JULY 30 FRIDAY - Pleasant and not very warm. Horace Cable and I went to Bethel this morning to collect pay from Beers Blackman and George Osborne. Blackman paid me but Osborne deferred it until next week. We took three orders, Farnum, Greenwood and Tom Wheeler. We expected our beds by freight but were again disappointed, so in the P.M., Horace went out to Mill Plain to collect money for fees. I went with him to canvass for our beds. We took an order from John Corning for one. Georgie went to Bethel with us this morning. I broke another crystal to my watch this P.M. JULY 31 SATURDAY - Horace Cable and I went over to Newtown to put up spring beds. We put up 4 and brought home the fifth one which was made the wrong size. We arrive home again about 1 o'clock. We fed the horse. I ate dinner with Horace after which we took the horse and went to the depot for 13 beds which came on the freight train. We delivered them and put up all but three. We worked until about 8 o'clock in the evening putting up three for Charles Decklyn. We received a letter from T. E. Twitchell stating that he had sent us the 13 beds. He wants us to send him money as fast as we can.
1869-07
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1870 Entry
9pgs
3/1 I spent the forenoon in the street working insurance. In the morning I received a letter from my Ins. Co. saying I might forward the application for Mrs. Disbrow but would not make it payable to her husband unless he insured also. I answered by the PM mail saying that he now had $2,000 on his life. I urged the company to issue the policy as this was the only condition on which he will take the policy. Just at night I took John H. White to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. Filled out the certificate there and in the evening mailed it to the company. In the street this evening I saw Peter Robinson and took him into Dr. Bulkely's to be examined, leaving the other part of the application to be filled out tomorrow. 3/2 I delivered Charles H. Wilcox's policy for $500 and received the premium of $9.73. In the forenoon went down to the sewing machine factory and talked life insurance with Col. James Ryder explaining the plan and the strong points and advantages of the company. I gained his favor and acknowledgement that it was a superior company. I then called at the Pahquioque shop for a few minutes and from there to the post office and received the 3 policies, and also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with bill enclosed for 5 spring beds, my first lot sold since coming from New London last Christmas. In the PM I got Charlie Disbrow to deliver my spring beds which came by freight, to Hawley, May, Ryder, Beers and Griswold. During the afternoon and evening I put them all in. It was about 9 o'clock in the evening when I put the last one in for Henry Ryder on Montgomery St. in Granville Hoyt's house. About 5 this evening Dr. Bulkely examined George Bell's wife for a joint policy with her husband. Gussie went this evening to a surprise party at H. E. Comes on Rabbit Hill. 3/3 In the forenoon I went up to Peter Robinson's on Balmforth Ave. and took Mrs. Robinson's application for a joint life ins. policy with her husband. I received by the morning mail the policy for John H. White and a letter from D. R. French, General Agent, with enclosed permit for the State Insurance Commissioner for me to act as agent for the Homeopathic Mutual Life Ins. Company of NY. After dinner I went up to Gould S. Disbrow and took Mrs. Disbrow's application for a policy payable to her husband. I called at Mrs. E. M. Jones and got her signature to the friends certificate on Mrs. Robinson's application. Having felt sick with a headache all day and after dinner feeling worse, I kept quiet the remainder of the PM. After tea I felt better and went into the street to see George Bell about being examined tomorrow. Gussie went this evening to the auction sale of Fanton's fire damaged shirts and bought me 6 shirts nearly perfect for $3.50. 3/4 It tried to snow in the forenoon but was too cold. It moderated in the PM so that it snowed a little. Henry M. Day came in town this forenoon. I saw and had a talk with him about the money he owes me but could not get anything definite from him. In the PM I went up to Young and Ely's shop, to Mallory's . After tea I went into the street expecting to have George Bell examined but I could not find him. I deposited $18.60 in Danbury Bank for a check I sent by this PM mail to L. E. Twitchell. 3/5 I talked life insurance in Charles Chapman's shoe store in the forenoon. Young Dr. William Bulkely went up and examined Mrs. Disbrow this morning but omitted to have her sign the document so I went up before going to dinner and had her sign it. In the PM old Dr. Bulkely went up and examined Peter Robinson's wife. I mailed the joint applications by the afternoon mail. I put in a door spring for William Bedient Jr. , the artist. I did it to test it beside another kind he was using. In the evening I went in the street and did some marketing with Gussie and came home. Joseph Bates paid me today $6.84, he balance of his first quarterly payment on his 15 yr. endowment policy. 3/6 Gussie and Hattie Mills attended church while Georgie and I stayed home. After tea Georgie and I took a walk around the square to West St. by way of George and Orchard Streets. I wrote to George concerning his voting here this spring and also offered him New London and Wyndham counties for the sale of the Connecticut Spring Bed. 3/7 It has snowed all day. I received from the Homeo. Ins. Co. an extra from the Insurance Times, a statement of business of all companies doing business in NY for the year ending December 31, 1869. In the PM I mailed a letter to D.R. French at Seymour CT. I went to Concert Hall in the evening to hear Dr. Pond lecture on Temperance. It was acknowledged by those present to be the best lecture yet delivered and the audience voted unanimously to invite him to repeat it at some future time. 3/8 Sleighs tried to run but made sorry work of it. In the forenoon I went to the Sewing Machine factory to see James Olmstead to get the $27.00 left by Charles Hayes for me to draw. I got $20.00 and then came home, stopping as I got to the post office and got Mrs. Disbrow's policy from the Ins. Co. Received also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with receipted bill enclosed for the last lot of spring beds. After dinner I wrote to Mr. Twitchell and also to Starr & Farnham printers, cor. State and Main Streets, New London for the bed cut I had them use in printing my circulars. I want them to send it to Mr. Twitchell at New Haven. I also wrote to A. Stanley Smith. I then went into the street and mailed the letters I wrote and took Mr. Disbrow and his son Charlie's policy to them. Later in the PM I saw John White and gave his to him. They all paid me but Gould Disbrow who wants me to wait a day or two. Dr. Bulkely received a letter from the Ins. Office in NY to see Peter Robinson again about his pulse. So in the evening I went with him to the Doctor's office, and his pulse instead of being over 80 was 72, and expansion of chest instead of being 37' to 38' was 35' to 37'. 3/9 I went to Bethel on the noon train to talk life insurance and returned by the evening train. Received a letter in the evening mail from George answering mine about voting here in the spring, also telling me he was now at work at Straw Hat Curling. 3/10 I received a joint policy for George B. Bell and wife. I took the noon train for Bethel. Sidney Smith came up with me on the evening train. He came home with me and talked about taking the New London and Wyndham counties to sell the Connecticut Spring Bed. He left about 10 o'clock to walk back to Bethel. I bought of George Osborne in Bethel a smoked beef tongue. 3/11 I went up to the boot and shoe factory and to the Chase Carriage factory in the forenoon and talked life insurance. Rec'd by the morning mail a joint policy for Peter Robinson and wife. In the PM I delivered it and got a check for the amount of the premium, $109.40. Gould S. Disbrow also paid me the premium for his, $31.60 less $3.13 for a 1/22 [Bbl] flour. I talked life insurance with H. E Comes and Robert Sayers. George Dickens wife died this morning about 5 o'clock. 3/12 In the forenoon I rode with Peter Robinson over to Sturdevant's to talk life insurance a little with the shop hands. I rode back about noon with William A. Bouton who drives George Starrs' team. Before going to dinner I took Peter Robinson's check to the Danbury Bank. I made out my report to D.R. French and went again to the bank and got a draft for $135.88, which with my commission, examinations, balanced accounts for all premiums collected up to date. I mailed the report and draft by the PM mail. I brought home a cat just at night from Gould S. Disbrow's feed store. 3/13 Cold, blustery and snowy all day. The funeral of George Dickens' wife was to be attended this PM immediately after sacrament service at the church. But on account of the severe weather it was postponed until tomorrow. Gussie went over to Mr. Dickens in the forenoon to help arrange flowers for the funeral but returned about noon because it was postponed. I stayed at home all day and took medicine, feeling about sick myself. First appearance of whooping cough with Georgie. 3/14 There has been some sleighing today. George Dickens buried his wife from the church this PM. After the funeral I went up to Charles Chase Carriage Shop to talk life insurance. From there I stopped at the Union Hat Shop and talked with Cyrus Raymond and think I shall finally insure him. In the evening I went to market and then over to John Bouton's and made a call. 3/15 I went over to Mr. Richards in the morning and had him cut from an old pair of slipper uppers a pair of small ones for Georgie. I then brought them home for Gussie to sew together and bind. I then went down to the Pahquioque Shop and called for a few minutes also at the Railroad Repair shop and then at William A. Bedient's picture gallery. I lent Bedient $25.00. He returned it to me again this evening. After dinner I commenced paining my home again. I finished the north side and commenced on the West end. In the evening I went to the post office and received a letter from D. R. French acknowledging the receipt of my report and the draft for $135.88 which I sent on Saturday. 3/16 I started snowing very had this morning, then turned to rain. I received by the morning mail a letter from Starr & Farnham saying that they had sent by express to Mr. Twitchell in New Haven the bed cut they used in printing my circulars last fall, also giving me Mr. Crockers name and address who keeps the Pequot House in New London. I wrote to Mr. H. S. Crocker about spring beds for the hotel. I also wrote to Mr. Twitchell that if he wrote to him concerning them, to refer him to me. I then wrote another letter to George in Brooklyn. After dinner it cleared and was warm, but splashy ' the snow being soft and full of water. Before night the wind got into the north and it grew cold. Mr. Richards had one of Georgie's slippers done but it being too large he had to rip it again and make it over smaller. Mr. Pond came in about 9 o'clock in the evening to get me to go over to Mr. Warner's on West St. and sit with Marshall West who is sick until a young man named Trowbridge should come about 11 o'clock to watch with him for the night. I did so and returned about 11'. 3/17 Henry Ryder paid me $7.20 for a spring bed. I called at the County House to see Albert Sherwood on life insurance but he was not at home. Mr. Richards finished Georgie's slippers today. I brought them home before tea. After tea I gave Georgie an injection to move his bowels, they have not moved for 3 or 4 days. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. 3/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon where we had a good deal of talk about the school and its principal, Mr. Pond. In the PM I went up to the Mallory Shop and talked life insurance a little. In the evening I went to the school meeting in Borough Hall, but the hall not being big enough the meeting was adjourned until next Monday at Concert Hall. Consulted Dr. Bulkely about whooping cough with Georgie. 3/19 Was around town talking life insurance. In the evening was at Randall & Bradley's and talked with 2 or 3 on life insurance. 3/20 Sunday. I stayed t home. After tea Father called with a letter written by Bell to George and wished me to mail it for her. Bell is very much worse and father feels too poor to pay for a doctor. So I went for young Dr. Bulkely and sent him up there at my expense. I went up home and was there when he called. He ordered with other things Sherry wine sweetened with loaf sugar. I went to the druggist and bought a little for 23 cents. She being much reduced and debilitated requires this as a mild stimulus and tonic. 3/21 I watched with Bell last night and came home to bed at 5 o'clock. I rose about 8 o'clock and took breakfast. I then went up to Tweedy's factory and talked life insurance. After dinner, wrote to the home office of the Homeo. Ins. Co. ordering more rate books. In the evening the adjourned school meeting met at Concert Hall. James S. Taylor and his crew who has tried to make a disturbance and break up the school was totally defeated and Mr. Pond (the principle) was completely vindicated and sustained. 3/22 In the forenoon I went up town to Tweedy's factory to see some parties about life insurance. Received by morning mail a letter from George F. Howard with George W. [Kris] at Norwich stating that there is some dissatisfaction with the spring bed I sold there last fall and on that account did not wish to engage in the business. Also a letter from William H. Hayes inquiring about business for Charlie, if work had commenced. Consulted Andrew Knox about a sign for my contemplated insurance office. Called over at the sewing machine factory to ascertain about work for Charlie Hayes. In the evening I went into the street to the post office and to see what I could strike in the way of life insurance as usual. 3/23 After breakfast I went up home to see Bell. In some respects she was better, in others she was worse. From there I went down to the County House and talked with Albert Sherwood about insuring his life. He concluded to do so the first week in April if money he is expecting from the State comes. From there I went to Dr. Bulkely's office and consulted him about Bell. I got some more medicine which with his visit on Sunday I paid him $1.25. After dinner I went up home with the medicine and gave instructions about it. In the PM I called to see John Starr about a writing desk for my office. In the evening I received a letter from Mr. Twitchell about spring beds. 3/24 After breakfast I went up into the street to send Dr. Bulkely up to see Mother Griswold. I then went up home to see how Bell was. I think she is slowly gaining. I went before dinner over to the sewing machine factory to arrange with James Olmstead about sending for Charlie Hayes to be made a freeman and vote. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes to send Charlie up after arranging with D. P. Nichols to pay his fare up and return. Before night I moved the desk I bought of John Starr from Scofield's old store in Pahquioque block to Bedient's Photographic Gallery where I have established my office for life insurance. I came home and took a bundle of life insurance documents to the office and arranged them in my desk. I went into the street in the evening. After taking the desk I paid John Starr $8.00 for it. 3/25 Friday. Bought both red and black ink for my office. In the PM I visited Rundle & White's, also [Samuel] Holley' s wool had factory to talk life insurance. Charlie Hayes returned from New York by the evening train. A sociable at the church in the evening. The Sunday School children met and had their gathering in the PM. 3/26 In the morning I went with Charlie Hayes to the Court House to be made a freeman. In the PM I went up home to see Bell. She is getting better. I received by the morning mail two copies of agreement between D. R. French and myself. I signed them both and returned one to him. 3/27 Commenced snowing about 9 AM but soon turned to rain. Gussie had the neuralgia last night and this morning. After supper I went up home to see Bell. When I returned I went up to see Mother Griswold who is very feeble, and there is a prospect of her never being any better. 3/28 I went down to my office in the forenoon and did some writing. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes about an agency for new patent oil cloth. I mailed at the same time in the afternoon mail a letter to George which I wrote yesterday. After I went down to the Pahquioque shop. Business is very dull there again. I brought from the office my large bottle of ink to fill my small ink stand at home. I went to market in the evening. 3/29 I was up to Rundle & White's and Mallory hat shops in the forenoon talking life insurance a little. In the PM helped William Bedient paint his Photograph rooms where I have my office. I was at the office in the evening. 3/30 I got a pint of French brandy at Wooster House of Smith Turrell to give to Mother Griswold. Dr. Bulkely recommended us to go there in order to get a good article. It cost 81 cents. I went to Bethel on the noon train to see Sidney Smith about going to New London to sell spring beds. I did not see him as he was away from home. I came up on the 3 PM train. Father Griswold was on the same train. Dr. Bulkely came to see Mother Griswold again about 5 PM and says she may not live longer than tomorrow. Father Griswold immediately telegraphed for Edwin and for Harriet. After tea I went to the Depot to meet Harriet from New Haven, but she did not come. Received a letter in the evening from George about the spring bed business in New London and Windham Counties. Work is getting dull and he thinks he may be glad of it soon. I went to my office and wrote a reply before coming home. I also got one from William H. Hayes at Heath and Smith, 44 Murray St., New York regarding a new patent oil cloth which I requested an agency for if it could be obtained. 3/31 We were up all of last night expecting every hour that Mother Griswold would die. She had a sinking turn at 2 o'clock but she rallied and is still living now at 4 PM. Father Griswold sent me this morning to the telegraph office with a dispatch for Uncle Lorenzo Burr at Bloomfield saying that she was only just alive. Harriet Stevens came by the morning train from New Haven. I met her at the Depot. After breakfast, I went up home to see Bell. I found her sitting up and doing well. She has discontinued the medicine almost entirely, not now needing it. William A. Bedient took my picture this morning for his own use. A telegram this PM from Edwin at Erie PA. He is on his way home and will be home tomorrow afternoon. Sidney Smith from Bethel called at my office to see me about selling beds in New London County. On account of giving up the territory to George as I contemplate, I refused to send Mr. Smith.
1870-03