Horace Purdy Journal April 1868 Entry
9pgs
APRIL 01 WEDNESDAY - A lovely warm Spring day. I have been to New York and for the first time without an overcoat. Fanny went down with me to attend Conference in Brooklyn. She went to the store with me, her first visit at the place. I bought a few more card photos at Meeker's, 106 Nassau Street to sell in the shop. Also, a few of Longfellow at Anthony's, 501 Broadway. I had a lady put in my charge at 27th Street to go to Mr. Fanton's Shirt Factory. When we arrived, I showed her into his office. He then paid me $5.50 for pictures bought at the Oyster Supper of the Sunday School. I stopped at J. W. Ives and paid it over towards what we owe him for furnishing the Library Room. APRIL 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but showery in the P.M. The first thunder shower of the season. I have worked in the shop. I was very tired and stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop. I expect to go to New York tomorrow and William Carlton cashed my account today and will draw it tomorrow. As I came from work, I called on Swertfager, editor of the Jeffersonian, to see about my indebtedness to him and the letter I wrote to him with $3.00 enclosed for the first quarter of advertisement. Ex-Vice President Hannibal Hamlin spoke this evening for the Republicans at Concert Hall on the issues of the day. I went in for a few minutes to look at the man and then came home. APRIL 04 SATURDAY - A little cool this morning. Pleasant during the day. I have been to New York. Difficulty with the gas pipes at the store so that they could not light up last evening. I had plumbers work at it today who made things all right again. Father Griswold, who has been this week at Conference in Brooklyn, started with me from New York this P.M. to come home to vote on Monday and by leaving the train a few minutes at Norwalk got left. I took charge of his satchel and umbrella and brought them home. I brought a picture I framed for George Fenner, also my discharge papers in a frame and some picture cards for George. I stopped at Kern's Clothing Store and brought home a coat which if I like by daylight, I shall keep. It commenced snowing a little in the evening. I brought a letter for Mother Griswold from Fanny given me on the train by George Starr. APRIL 05 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Though last night it snowed so that this morning it was 3 inches on a level. Gussie attended church this morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which George came home with me to tea and went with me to meeting with me in the evening. He returned with me and found Bell waiting who had come from the Baptist church. I persuaded him to take three pictures belonging to him which he sent home from war and which I framed and have hung in our sitting room. I want the room for others. Brother Burch in his sermon this evening made an appeal to the people upon the use of the ballot tomorrow at our state election. He advocated no party but exhorted us to vote as our consciences dictated, to act as Christians for right and justice and not for party ends merely or for any selfish motive. APRIL 06 MONDAY - State election. Pleasant but cold in the morning. I voted in the morning and then worked the remainder of the day. While at the courthouse today, I paid my taxes to Charles H. Crosby - $4.00. Later in the evening - the votes are counted and the Republican majority is one more than last year, it being then 50; this year it stands 51. Last year, we elected but one representative; this year we have both. The news from the surrounding towns is not very encouraging, our majorities being less than last year. Letter from William in the evening. APRIL 07 TUESDAY - The ground is white with snow this morning. It snowed in the morning but soon turned to rain and continued all day until evening when it cleared away. I went to Hatters' Meeting in the evening and called at the Wooster House to see Smith Ferrell about the style of frame for his wreath and cross I am preparing. Another letter this evening from William. He wants me to assist him to borrow $200.00 on mortgage valued at $200.00. After returning from the street, I went over to John Bouton's for Gussie who went over to John's tin wedding. On account of the stormy weather, the party was postponed until tomorrow evening. APRIL 08 WEDNESDAY - Cold this morning with some snow on the ground. I have been to New York. I brought home a picture frame and two looking glasses for Mr. Samuel Dare in Bethel. John Bouton had his tin wedding this evening. We stayed until after midnight and the came home. APRIL 09 THURSDAY - Anniversary of the surrender of General Lee to General Grant. I have worked hard today in the shop. I took the P.M. train to Bethel and carried 2 looking glasses and one picture frame to Mr. Dare and took an order for small looking glasses to the amount of $6.00. I took tea with them and returned on the evening train. APRIL 10 FRIDAY - Fast day. Snow this morning. I went to New York. Mrs. Carlson was in my charge to New York on her way to New Jersey. The storm turned to rain in the middle of the day and continued all day. Father Griswold and Fanny came home from conference on the evening train. At Norwalk Bridge, one of the axles to the locomotive broke, and in consequence, we were until after 10 o'clock getting to Danbury. APRIL 11 SATURDAY - The snow is sufficient for sleighs to run this morning. The day has been pleasant and the snow has disappeared very fast. I have worked in the shop. Gussie took the looking glass over to John Bouton's (which I brought from New York) this evening. I saw John in the street and he paid me for it, 85 cents. Paid Father Griswold $10.00 towards interest I owe him. APRIL 12 SUNDAY - The day has been blustering. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and returned when it was over. After tea, we went up home on Deer Hill and left Georgie to stay overnight. APRIL 13 MONDAY - Cold as winter; I have worked in the shop. Oscar Serine gave me a picture to take to New York next time I go and frame for him. The widow Caleb Benedict (Mother to Harriet Phillips) was buried this P.M. I attended Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening at the church. I received a letter from William H. Hayes this evening, stating that the money he was expecting from his intended wife had failed to come. I wrote a reply and mailed it. APRIL 14 THURSDAY - I have worked in the shop. A beautiful morning; in fact, pleasant until towards night when it commenced raining about 5:30 o'clock. I brought from the shop a cup of shellac for Father Griswold to cover where he sawed limbs from his trees. I went to market in the evening and got at Barnum's Saloon, opposite the Danbury Bank, my Testimonial awarded by the legislature of 1867 to soldiers who served during the War to Suppress Rebellion and Traitors and Maintain Constitutional Liberty. APRIL 15 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York today; exchanged tea for the second time at the Great American Tea Company and got a better quality this time. I tried to borrow for William Hayes of Gideon Powell $250.00, but could not. William delivered two wreaths today and got for them over $50.00. William is near crazy over his disappointment in not getting the money he expected to get married with. It rained last night but none today, though it has been cloudy until late in the P.M. Cloudy and windy again this evening. I framed a picture today for Oscar Serine and delivered it this evening. Rev. Mr. Powers is to be installed pastor this evening of the West Street Congregational Church. APRIL 16 THURSDAY - A thunder shower this morning between 6 and 7 o'clock. Showery all day. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to Father Griswold's and paid him the balance of the interest which was due April 1st. I paid $10 on the 11th inst. and $30.00 this evening. The amount was $45.00, but he gave off $5.00. After making the payment, I went down to the Post Office. APRIL 17 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop. Tomorrow being payday, and as I shall be in New York, William Carlson cashed my account - $11.00. I took our wash boiler to Charles Hull's in the evening to be mended. . While in the street, I paid O. H. Swift $4.50 for expressage for one year on Sunday School papers, etc., the year ending April 1st, 1868. Mr. Pond being afflicted with a boil and wanting the plans of the new school house, I went for them for him over to John Stevens on Stevens Street. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Russell Wildman's. APRIL 18 SATURDAY - Pleasant though cool in the P.M. and this evening. I have been to New York. I escorted Isaac Smith's wife to the city this morning. Father Griswold started this morning on his first trip to his new district on Long Island. I brought home my Soldiers' Testimonial in a frame which I have made this P.M. APRIL 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant until just at night when it clouded over and now has the appearance of storm. The presiding elder, Mead, has been here today. There was a love feast at 9 o'clock which Gussie attended. She returned to let me attend preaching at 10:30 o'clock. Brother Mead preached. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to attend Sunday School. I came home with him after leaving her at the prayer meeting in the P.M. Having the headache, I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to church. Just seven years ago today, I left home for the war with my old company, the Wooster Light Guards. We went to New Haven. We were the first company on the ground, being the first to respond to Governor Buckingham's call for troops in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers for three months. APRIL 20 MONDAY - Rain all day. I have worked in the shop. Have scarcely felt able to work from headache. George R. Tremaine, lecturer and exhibitor of paintings of the Holy Land, came to see me at the shop about an exhibition which he designs giving under the auspices of our Sunday School next week. After work, I helped Mother Griswold put up a bedstead in her garret. We then stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. APRIL 21 TUESDAY - It gave promise of a fine day in the morning, but it finally clouded over again and continued so during the day. I have worked in the shop. Bell was with us to tea and to stay overnight. I got another $1.10 worth of sugar (7 lbs.) of Mr. Pond again this evening. After tea, I went to market and to the Wooster House to see Smith Ferrell about a card picture of his mother to put in the center of the wreath I am preparing for him. Gussie also went down to Mrs. Bradley's. and Mrs. B's sister, Mrs. Williams, came home with her. APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. Josephine Dare came with me from New York to Bethel. Fuller came to the store this P.M. and we walked up 6th Avenue to 23rd Street and then to the 5th Avenue Hotel and across Madison Square to the depot where I met Josephine Dare. I brought 8 small looking glasses for Mr. Dare. Josephine and a friend took them at Bethel to take to Mr. Dare. When I arrived home, I met Gussie and we went to the market where I bought my first shad of the season. APRIL 23 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower of wind and rain about 4 o'clock, P.M. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I grafted some apple trees for Father Griswold. I went to the grocery in the evening and called at the Wooster House for a picture of Mrs. Ferrell to set in the center of a wreath (which was on her coffin) that I am preserving, but I did not get it. From there, I went to prayer meeting at church. APRIL 24 FRIDAY - Cold. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work early and went down to Bethel to see Mr. Dare about looking glasses. He paid me $2.40 for what I sent him on Wednesday. I took the freight train from Bethel to Georgetown and met the passenger train and came home. Gussie went to the Sewing Society up to Thomas Fanton's. Father came down in the evening and borrowed our syringe, Bell being sick and requiring its use. Bought a cake of Lewis' Tar Soap. APRIL 25 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. The day has been stormy. It commenced snowing about 5 o'clock this morning and continued more or less all day. The ground is well covered here in Danbury, although none is to be seen in New York. I was I company with a lady to New York who has been staying at Mr. Dare's in Bethel. George was at the store this morning before I arrived, but left before I came. I joined him at Norwalk on my way home this evening. He came home with me to tea. I framed my soldier picture in a carved rustic to match my discharge. APRIL 26 SUNDAY - The ground was covered with snow this morning, but the day being pleasant. It soon disappeared. Gussie attended church in the morning. She returned at noon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went down to see Widow Bradley, leaving Georgie and myself at home. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. I arranged with George after meeting to help me pay my seat rent by assuming half of it. I had thought about giving up the seat on account of the hard times, but shall now keep it. I arranged with Benjamin Bailey this noon to take my place in giving the Sunday School Children's tickets to dispose of for the entertainment to come off on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings ' 28th and 29th. The same being scenes and views of the Holy Land as shown at the Heliographorama. One half of the proceeds to be for the benefit of our Sunday School. APRIL 27 MONDAY - Cool in the morning so that I wore an overcoat to New York, but the day has been warm. I got for our Sunday School Infant Class, the Apostles' Creed from the Episcopal Book Room at the Bible House. I also brought a small package for Mr. Dare and left at the Bethel Depot this evening. I bought one dozen 'Laughing Cats' at Meeker & Pickford's in Nassau Street and let Joe Kyle have a half dozen of them at the depot this evening. Mrs. Bradley called this evening while I was taking my tea. My chief man at the store, William Hayes, is to be married this evening at his new residence, No. 16 Bedford Street. APRIL 28 TUESDAY - I slept but little last night on account of my business affairs weighing so heavily on my mind. It looked like storm early this morning, but the day finally proved beautiful and warm. I have worked in the shop. I bought a 3 and a half pound shad of a peddler at the shop and came home to dinner expressly to bring it home. I was doorkeeper this evening at the church for a heliographic exhibition of scenes and pictures of the Holy Land, one half the profits of which go to our Sunday School. Lucy Purdy took care of Georgie in the evening to let Gussie attend. When we returned, I gave Lucy three tickets so that she and others of her family who feel too poor to buy them can go tomorrow evening. I sent a note this P.M. to Mr. Dare in Bethel stating that last evening, I left a package for him at the depot. APRIL 29 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and in the evening, rain. I have worked in the shop. Had my boots mended at M. Daragan's. Sewed up for nothing where previous mending had ripped. I attended the exhibition again this evening of the heliographic views, a very good house for a rainy night. The Sunday School realized $31.00 from the affair, the proprietor giving us half after paying expenses. APRIL 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. George has helped Gussie clean the pantry today. He stayed to tea, after which he helped me graft for Father Griswold. We then went to market. I called at the Wooster House and got Mrs. Ferrell's card picture to set in a wreath for them. After returning home, I wrote to William and enclosed the picture and then went to the Post Office with it. Went to the barber's for a haircut and then returned home again.
1868-04
Horace Purdy Journal February 1868 Entry
6pgs
FEBRUARY 01 SATURDAY - Very cold last night and this morning. Pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. Cold again tonight. I have been to New York today. I paid N. Tibbels & Company $158.68 for library books I bought January 15th. Bought 10 more of The Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves Combined to sell in the Sunday School. Went to Book Room for No. 3 Judd's Lessons. Called to see Brother Duprey at the same place to get job of framing photographs of preachers. I framed 12 pictures of the church and parsonage to bring home. William was to meet me with them at the 27th Street Depot but did not, so I came without them. Martin Clark was on the train tonight. I partly got a job of framing from him. Gussie received a letter this evening from Lydia in Canton telling of Lauren and Eliza's journey to California. FEBRUARY 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant; before breakfast, I went over to Rabbit Hill to see Mrs. Holmes, our Sunday School Female Supt. about the time to be specified (in the notice to be given to the preacher) for bringing to the church donations of cake, etc. for the Oyster supper to come off on Wednesday. I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School. We had a fire in the Librarian's Room in the new stove for the first time. After supper, I went over to Harriet Phillips with a Methodist Almanac I got for her in New York. From there, I went up home to see father where I stayed until nearly meeting time when I came home and stayed in the evening to let Gussie go to church. FEBRUARY 03 MONDAY - Very cold. I worked in the shop. Had a new mainspring put in my watch - $1.25. The seats in the church were re-rented this P.M. at 1 ## o'clock. Gussie attended and took our old seat again at an advance of $4.00, making it now $24.00. FEBRUARY 04 TUESDAY - Very cold this morning. The mercury stood at 10 below zero in some localities. I have been to New York. I brought home for sale tomorrow evening at the Sunday School Oyster Supper, One dozen pictures of the church and parsonage in 8x10 ## frames square. Also 4 8x10 rose and gilt and gold for Brother Burch's photographs to be sold also I put in screw eyes and cords to all of them before retiring. FEBRUARY 05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but before night it commenced snowing and continued during the evening. Our Oyster Supper, conducted by the Sunday School Teachers, came off this evening, notwithstanding the snow and considering the inclemency of the weather, was a success. I have worked in the shop. Clarissa Smith came in and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie and I attend the Oyster Supper. FEBRUARY 06 THURSDAY - It snowed the forepart of the day. It has thawed all day. I worked in the shop. It cleared off before night. Kellen Brockett was buried this P.M. FEBRUARY 07 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have worked in the shop. Gussie went to Sewing Society at Mrs. Bartram's this evening. Borrowed 40 dollars of Augustus Hoyt. FEBRUARY 08 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have been to New York today. Went to C.C. Goss about making his frames. Josephine Dare at the store. Paid my rent to Young. FEBRUARY 09 SUNDAY - Stormy. It snowed in the morning. It turned to rain before noon and continued all day. Gussie rode to church in the morning with Robert. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the Communion Service in the P.M. After tea, Father came down and called on us. On account of the storm, we stayed at home in the evening and Gussie wrote to Eliza in California. FEBRUARY 10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked in the shop until noon and came home, there being no more work to do for the day in the shop. On my way home, I stopped at the church to see Knox' man grain the Librarian's Room I finally went home (after taking out two bricks from the outside of the church at the base of the chimney to make it draw) with the sick headache. We took tea with Father Griswold's folks. I retired early with the headache. FEBRUARY 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant . I have been to New York. Business is improving at the store. George came home with me on the train this evening. He took tea with me and is to stay all night. FEBRUARY 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. George stayed with us last night. I have worked in the shop today. I gave a picture of our church and parsonage framed to Fanny. FEBRUARY 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop. Went to market in the evening. Bought two sets of underclothes - $2.50. I went into Prayer meeting just before its close. FEBRUARY 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. George came down after tea and we went into the street together. FEBRUARY 15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold got left by the cars this morning and took the stage to Brookfield and by cars from there to New Haven via Bridgeport. I have been to New York today. I brought home a steel plate engraving of 'Christ Walking On The Sea' and hung in our Sunday School's Librarian's room at the church. Gussie and George met me at the Depot. David Cosier went this morning with Paul McKay (who is crazy) to the lunatic asylum in Hartford. FEBRUARY 16 SUNDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, George and I went down to church with the Sunday School papers and drove two more picture nails in the Library Room and for the present hung on them pictures of the church and parsonage. Gussie being too sick to attend in the morning, George and I went to church. After Sunday School, Mrs. Holmes gave over to me $57.59, the balance of receipts for the Oyster Supper, after she having paid for the oysters, help, sugar and dishes and whitewashing which amounted to $31.08. Father came down to see us after tea. George and Gussie went to church in the evening, while I stayed at home. FEBRUARY 17 MONDAY - Pleasant in the morning. It commenced snowing before noon and continued hard during the remainder of the day and evening. I worked in the shop. On my way home from work, I paid the editor of the Times for printing notice of our Sunday School Oyster Supper - $2.00. I also paid Crofut & Benedict for carpenter work in the Librarian's Room - $8.58. I am suffering this evening with rheumatism. Gussie went into the street and bought 20 yards of muslin at 15 cents - $3.00. FEBRUARY 18 FRIDAY - Considerable snow fell last night. It was windy in the morning and blowed in heaps. The day has been pleasant. I was forced to leave my work at the shop before night on account of the rheumatism. I stopped at Dr. Bulkely's and got some medicine for it. I was about done over when I got home. I stayed in and let Gussie go to market in the evening. FEBRUARY 19 WEDNESDAY - Have been to New York. It snowed hard until I got nearly to the city when it cleared off and the day has been warm and pleasant. I called to see Brother Woodruff in Seventh Street, but he was not in. I called on their sexton about preserving funeral wreaths. I had a severe headache tin the P.M. and came home with it. The New York & New Haven Railroad Company gave us a through car to Danbury this evening which was heated with steam. This was the first of the kind that has ever been through to Danbury. FEBRUARY 20 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm today. I have worked in the shop. I feel better today: no headache and no rheumatism. Gussie went up home on Deer Hill this P.M. George and Bell came down with her after tea and went from there to meeting. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter to William Hayes at the store in New York. I then went up to J. W. Ives and got 4 clothes hooks and went down to the church and put them up in the Library Room to hang hats, coats, etc. upon. FEBRUARY 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm until just at night when the wind changed for South to North and it grew colder I have worked in the shop. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie attend the Sewing Society at John Earles'. FEBRUARY 22 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but very cold. I have been to New York. Brought home from Benjamin Rider's, one dozen Wheeler & Wilson's Sewing Machine Casters for George to try and sell. FEBRUARY 23 SUNDAY - Pleasant but very cold. George stayed with us again last night. He and Gussie went to church together in the morning. I took little Georgie up to Mother Griswold's just before noon and then went down to Sunday School. It was so cold that we all stayed home in the evening and kept comfortable. February 24 MONDAY - Very cold this morning, but it moderated before night and began to snow. Saturday's paper brought us the news of President Johnson's removal of the Secretary of War Stanton and appointed General Lorenzo Thomas in his place. The evening papers say that a bill of impeaching the President has been brought before Congress and that Thomas has been arrested. Today has been full of excitement over the matter. I have worked in the shop today. In the evening, I went down to the Post Office and called a few minutes in the Club Room. Gussie wrote this evening to her sister Harriet in New Haven. I wrote a line to Augustus Hoyt wishing to see him between now and Thursday evening. I want to borrow some money of him. FEBRUARY 25 TUESDAY - Not so cold. A little snow at times during the day. I have worked in the shop. As I went to work this morning, I mailed Gussie's letter to her sister Harriet and a drop letter to Augustus Hoyt to have him call and see me. I wanted to borrow $300 of him. He came to the shop in the P.M. He could not spare the money. I worked late in the shop. I came home tired and low-spirited in view of my liabilities. After tea, I went into the street. FEBRUARY 26 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. I brought home one dozen No. 2 Judd's Lessons for the school, also 100 of Phillip Phillip's Musical Gems. Cloudy all day, but not stormy. FEBRUARY 27 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. More or less snow during the day; it snowed very hard just at night. I have worked in the shop. On my way home from work, I left at the Union Savings Bank, an application to renew my note of $400 on the 7th of March. Adrian Baker died at the Pahquioque Hotel about noon today. FEBRUARY 28 - Cloudy again today. A little clear sky just at night. I have worked in the shop. I have finished my work early in the P.M. I brought home from Swift's store the Sunday School Advocates and marked them off before tea. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at William Scofield's in the evening and after Georgie fell asleep, I went to market and to Singing School a few minutes. I gave the leaflets of Phillips' new music which I bought for the school to the Chorister, Benjamin Lockwood, and heard them practice the same. FEBRUARY 29 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I brought home 3 lbs. of coffee for Father Griswold and two lbs. for myself, 'French Breakfast and Dinner' from the great American Tea Company. I went to the City Hall to see about a permit to have a sign project 12 inches or more from my building. Gussie met me at the Depot this evening.
1868-02
Horace Purdy Journal December 1866 Entry
12pgs
DEC 01 SATURDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler. I worked around home today, sorted my apples in Father Griswold’s barn and brought them down into my cellar. Weeded out my strawberry beds and spread manure over them. I took down Mother Griswold’s kitchen stove pipe and cleaned it for her. Went up home and got a ½ bushel of French turnips of Father Griswold and brought them home just before tea. He was sick yesterday, but is better today. Georgie has been up home since Thanksgiving and just after dinner today, Bell came home with him. I carried Henry Blair’s gun home in the evening and made new arrangements to keep Bird, his dog. I went to market in the evening and bought a dog chain I borrowed of Charles Hull. DEC 02 SUNDAY - A cold morning though pleasant. It thawed some in the sun in the middle of the day. Before breakfast, I went up home and carried a little tea and coffee to see Mother who was sick last night. She was no better, getting but little rest last night. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning and I to Sunday School at noon and to prayer meeting in the P.M. After tea, I took a walk over to see Robert Cocking and then called at Harriet Phillips and got $1.50 for a book she wants me to send to New York for – “Women of Methodism” by Abel Stevens, LLD. Also $25 to get a Centennial Illustrated paper for her. She at the same time paid me for the Sunday School Advocate and the Sunday School Journal. Before evening meeting, I wrote to N. Tibbel for the book and paper. Also a short letter to George telling him of the bundle of good things and the letter and bounty papers sent to him yesterday by Sherman Smith. Also telling him that Bell is to be baptized this evening at the Baptist Church. Gussie is nearly sick with a head cold. DEC 03 MONDAY - Pleasant . Before breakfast, I went over to Mr. Bell’s to engage him to come and work a day for Father Griswold. No work in the shop. I went hunting and got two quails. When I got home, I had a hard headache. Before tea, I went over to Mrs. Blair’s and got a 3 quart pail full of leavings and scrapings for Bird. I gave then to him for his supper. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go to the milliner’s with the baby’s hat and to go to market. Bell was baptized last evening in the Baptist Church. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 rent money this morning when I stopped at his place as I went hunting, the four months past having been paid with a ton of coal which I took from him. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George; Gussie brought it. DEC 04 TUESDAY - No work in the shop. It commenced raining about 10 A.M. I commenced to cover my strawberry plants before the rain and got quite wet before I finished it. I copied the constitution and by-laws of the M. E. Sunday School from an old record book into a new one. I went to the Post Office in the evening, but before going, Robert Dunning called to enquire about the place where Epephas Widman lives. He supposed that Father Griswold owned it. He is contemplating buying it. DEC 05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and remarkably warm for December. I made a box for a mortar bend then made some mortar and painted around my back chimney and the inside cellar door; it took me all day. Before tea, I went to market and bought a beaver pluck for the dog. I also went over to Mrs. Blair’s and got some leavings for him. I received the book and Centennial paper by mail for Harriet Phillips and carried them over as I went to Mrs. Blair’s for the remnants she had saved for Bird. Mrs. Pond called on Gussie this P.M. DEC 06 THURSDAY - Pleasant until just at night when it threatened rain, which it commenced to do in the evening. I went hunting and returned before 3 and 4 o’clock. I went to Terry’s Woods and Mill Plain Swamp; followed the Miry Brook Swamp across Wallingford Road down to Wolf Pond and returned. I got only two quails. I went to market in the evening for Mother Griswold and received a letter from George inquiring whether he could get trusted here for a pair of boots. I called at Charles Reed’s before I came home to see about it. He does not like to trust these times but says he will accommodate George. Gussie went to the milliner’s this P.M. for a new hat for Georgie which is made of an old silk hat cover. Before retiring, I commenced a reply to George’s letter. DEC 07 FRIDAY - I was surprised this morning to find it pleasant. It has been a beautiful warm day. Sidney Grannis and I went on the top of Mt. Thomas. I took a hatchet and cut 8 poles for Mr. Pond and myself. I took my gun but found no game. I bought a pair of boots on credit for George at D. & M. Benedict’s. I did them up with 2 pairs of socks and took them over to Mr. Fanton’s. He will take them to New York tomorrow. I went into the street this evening and did some marketing, waited for the mail and then came home. Letter to George by the P.M. mail about sending the boots. DEC 08 SATURDAY - I rose at 5 o’clock and went with Mr. Pond down to Mt. Tom and got the 8 poles I cut yesterday with Sidney Grannis. We returned about 7 o’clock and found breakfast waiting for us with we ate with relish after our morning jaunt. I emptied and cleaned my pork barrel in the forenoon. In the P.M., I took my gun locks apart and repaired and cleaned them. In the evening, I held lamp for Mr. Pond to make a box in which to keep the Sunday School class books at his church. I assisted him until 11 o’clock with the exception of a short time, when the train came and I went to the depot to meet Fanny who has been away about 7 weeks on a visit to New York, Brooklyn, Newark, Middletown, Hartford, Bloomfield and Canton. It commenced raining in the forenoon and continued until about 8 o’clock in the evening when it cleared up and was pleasant. Widow Benedict died this morning about 8 o’clock. DEC 09 SUNDAY - Pleasant again this morning. After breakfast, I went up home to carry a letter to Harriet from George which came in a letter I received several days ago. She has been sick for several days with an inflammation on the lungs. I unchained Bird and let him go up with me for a run. Gussie attended church in the morning; I went down to Sunday School which was prayer meeting. Sacrament in the P.M., which I attended. When I came home from church and before tea, I went for Dr. Bulkley for Mother Griswold. I let Bird go with me. I stopped at his home to have him eat the scraps Mrs. Blair had saved for him. I attended church in the evening. Brother Peck preached an excellent sermon. DEC 10 MONDAY - Cold this morning. The ground considerably frozen. After breakfast, I went over to Mrs. Blair’s for some stale victuals and leavings for Bird. I repaired his kennel. Took George’s little Georgie’s, Gussie’s and my bank books to the savings bank and had interest added to cash. When I returned, it was about dinner time. Mrs. Stone and Susan Brayman were to dinner with her two youngest children. Mrs. Stone was washing and Susan visiting. In the P.M., I spoke with Fred Starr about beef and pork. In the evening, I attended Sunday School teachers’ meeting and put on record medals received and amounts collected by the children for the Centenary Offering. This was a long task and accounts for returning so late. Bell came home after meeting to stay all night. DEC 11 TUESDAY - Very cold last night; water was frozen in our sink room this morning. Pleasant but cold all day. I went down to the shop this morning to see if there was any prospect of work very soon. We may have a little the last of this week. About 11 o’clock, I took Bird and my gun and went over to Mr. Lynes’ and called on Robert Cocking and wife. They were dressing poultry to send to Mr. Lynes in New York. I drank a glass of cider with Robert and then went a little farther to look for game, but did not get any. It being pretty cold, I came home and took a nap as I was feeling sleepy from being up so late last night. Fannie went with Gussie this A.M. about 11 o’clock to get a picture of Georgie. They are to be photographic card pictures. I called in the evening and got a proof of his whole figure and a vignette and brought home to let the women decide which they will have. I also went to Fred Starr’s and selected a hog - 275 pounds - to be delivered tomorrow. From there I went to Concert Hall to the Temperance meeting. Peter Holmes was called on the platform and in the course of his remarks, gave Rev. Mr. Powers of the 2nd Congregational Church a shaking up for advocating billiard playing by church members. He handled Powers without gloves and served him right. Powers may be honest, but I think he will never accomplish what he designs; namely to take such games out of the hands of the devil. Instead of getting such games out of the devil’s hands, I more fear the devil will get him if he attempts the thing. DEC 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cold, though I think a little warmer through the day than yesterday. No work in the shop. I went to the savings bank in the forenoon and drew $20 and paid Fred Starr towards my pork, which I expect will be delivered this P.M. It is a hog weighing 275 pounds at $.10, $28.87 being the whole bill. From the market, I went over to Halley’s Wool hat factory to see Father. He wants ½ pound of my bulk tea which I will let him have, it being better and costs less than he can procure here. I then went down to Foster Brother’s Carpenter Shop and ground my drawing knife preparatory to doing some coopering tonight. I also paid Charles Stevens $9.00, the balance due towards church pew rent. After dinner, I put Father Griswold’s hand cider mill in his wheelbarrow and took it to the express Office for him. He is sending it off for repairs to Peekskill. Mr. Webb, the young preacher was married this P.M. at the church. While the ceremony was being performed I was in the basement repairing partitions in the Sunday School library and did not witness it, not caring to. After they were married (he married Fannie Holmes), I went with Gussie over to Charles Hull’s and bought a round bottomed donut kettle for her. My pork came in the afternoon. Bell came in the P.M. and took Georgie home with her to stay over until tomorrow while she is tying up her lard. In the evening, Gussie went with Susan Brayman up to Mrs. Cole’s and I worked with Mr. Pond in his cellar hooping my pork barrel. It was about 11 o’clock when we stopped work. DEC 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cold; It has thawed none anywhere today. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went with Edward Cody over to Oil Mill Pond to skate for the first of the season. The afternoon, I spent helping Gussie tying up her lard. I also salted down my pork. After tea, I took the sausage meat down to Benedict & Nichols and ground it. Also left word for Dr. Bulkley to come tomorrow morning to see Mother Griswold. I waited for the mail and got a letter from George acknowledging receipt of the boots I sent him. DEC 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but still colder. I had work in the shop; the first work in the shop in 16 days. Gussie went up to Father Purdy’s to see Georgie who has been up there for two days out of the way of our work with pork. She carried to them as a present a piece of hogshead and a nice piece of spare rib. Bird came home this morning about 9 A.M., he having been gone since last evening when I let him go for a run. In the evening, Gussie and I went to market together. I did some errands for Mother Griswold. I took a letter from the Post Office for Willie Franklin. DEC 15 SATURDAY - Very cold again this Morning. Mr. Pond is very sick this morning. He is threatened with fever. He wished to take a sweat with Aconite, so I prepared some for him. I was obliged to get some more medicine from the doctor so I called the doctor to supply me and sent him to see Mr. Pond and prescribe for him. The time I spent looking for the doctor and cutting some wood for Mother Griswold made me late to the shop this morning. I called at Couch’s and got the 4 Cartes de Visite and one vignette of Georgie which he promised yesterday. He gave me a large photograph of Father Griswold to take to them as a present. Mr. Pond borrowed a spare rib of me weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces to be returned when his pork comes. Bell came home with Georgie this P.M. He has a severe cough. We fear Whooping Cough. After tea, I washed and scrubbed an old half of a lard barrel preparatory to putting my hams in brine. I made brine in the evening and before retiring, I put my hams and shoulders into it. DEC 16 SUNDAY - Cloudy and cold this morning. The air grew a little warmer, I think, and about 11 A.M., it commenced snowing. Gussie did not attend church as usual this morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon. Meeting commenced in the P.M. before I finished my work at the library, so when I did finish, I came home. Mr. Pond is better this morning. After tea, I wrote to George and enclosed a letter for Willie Franklin. I also wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering for the school a dozen class books. I enclosed the money for them - $.45. It stormed so hard in the evening that there was no meeting or at least when I went down about 8 o’clock to mail my letters there were no lights in any of the churches. It was snowing hard when we retired. DEC 17 MONDAY - Stormy about half the day, Snow. It cleared off just before night. I shoveled paths this morning for Mother Griswold, Mr. Pond (who has been sick) and myself. It was snowing at the time. I was in consequence late at the shop. I had work all day. This is the second snow and the first sleighing. After tea, I helped Gussie press her headcheese and then went to the Post Office. I returned a letter to the Office for Harriet Purdy which I took out Saturday evening, expecting to get it to her before this time but I did not do so. I walked up with Ed Dunning who was coming in from a hunt. He had a bagful of birds having shot 30 quail and several rabbits. Before retiring, I called to see Mr. Pond. He is better and hopes to get to his school tomorrow. DEC 18 TUESDAY - Cloudy and not very cold considering that there is a body of snow on the ground. I worked all day in the shop. I went to class in the evening; Brother Peck led. As I went, I took a letter to Phebe Palmer in San Francisco, California for Gussie. Mrs. Stone called while we were at tea. She was on her way to call at Mr. McKnabb (on Deer Hill near our folks) who was last Friday badly stabbed at White’s factory. The 2nd Congregational Church has a fair and festival at Concert hall this evening. DEC 19 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I went and finished off a few hats I had left over from yesterday and came home. In the P.M., I went over to see George Starr about money. I want to borrow $200 on January 3rd with which to take up a note with Hanford Fairchild. Mr. Starr could not promise me the money and yet would not positively refuse saying that if I did not get it elsewhere to see him again. Cloudy with appearance of snow this morning but it grew warmer towards night and appeared more like rain. Gussie washed this forenoon and had a severe headache in the P.M. At teatime, she drank a cup of tea and felt better. Her folks gave her a complimentary ticket to the 2nd Congregational Church Fair and Festival and she went. After tea, I rubbed my fresh meat (Spare Ribs) with salt and pepper to keep them. I carried a nice piece over to Mrs. Curtis as a present. It snowed at the time. DEC 20 THURSDAY - Very cold but clear. We had to wait for work this morning in the shop until 10 o’clock. There being but one dozen, I finished about 3 P.M. It was not very cold early this morning, but it grew cold during the day. I went in to see Mr. Pond a few minutes in the evening. Bell came here after evening prayer meeting to stay all night. DEC 21 FRIDAY - A severe cold morning. Some of Gussie’s plants in the parlor were frozen. I went to the shop but had to wait until about 11 o’clock for work. The weather moderated somewhat during the day. I came home from work with a headache. I cut a little wood for Mother Griswold before tea. I wanted to attend the temperance meeting this evening, but did not feel able to do so. I stayed at home with Georgie and let Gussie go. After she had gone, Mrs. Stone and daughter Matilda called to see her to get instructions about knitting a worsted hood. Soon after she left, George came in, he having just arrived on the train from Brooklyn. Prentiss having stopped work until after New Year’s, George came home to spend the holidays. When Gussie came from the temperance meeting, he hid in the parlor and surprised her greatly when he revealed himself. He is to stay with us tonight. DEC 22 SATURDAY - Not so cold today; appearance of rain in the morning. The sun shone in the middle of the day, but it soon clouded over again. George cut a little wood for Mother Griswold for me after I went to the shop this morning. He stayed down until the train arrived at 10 ½ o’clock and then went up home. I had but one dozen hats today and had to wait so much for blocks that I had to leave over 4 hats, not being able to get a block. I drew $14.00 for my week’s work. As I came home, I went to Fred Starr’s and paid him $8.88, the balance of my bill of $28.88 for my pork. I then called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and at D. B. Booth’s to see about George’s bounty papers. I went to the Post Office for Harper’s Weekly and got the Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals and then came home. I found Mrs. Stone and Mrs. Daniel Starr there. Before tea, I went down to see if benedict & Nichols had beef pluck for my dog Bird, but they had none. I then called at Charles Hull’s tin shop and got the nozzle to my shot pouch in which John Cable has been putting a new spring. I felt nearly sick this evening, the effects of a cold. It commenced raining in the evening and froze as it came. Before retiring, I marked of the Sunday School Advocates and Journals. DEC 23 SUNDAY - Stormy. A warm fine rain and mist, making the walking on account of the melting snow very bad. George came this way to church in company with Bell. Gussie went with them. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday school. I stayed to the Prayer meeting in the P.M. George came home with me to supper, after which he helped me look over the Librarian’s Books and compare my list of the school with them. While we were doing this, John Brayman came in. I did not go to church in the evening on account of the rain and bad walking but called at Mr. Ponds a little while. George went to church and came home afterwards to stay all night. Before retiring, I made out a statistical report of the Sunday School, to be given to Brother Peck this week for the Quarterly Conference. DEC 24 MONDAY - Misty and more or less rain during the day. As I went to the shop this morning, I stopped at Harry Stone’s and ordered coarse salt and saltpeter for Mr. Pond. I left George at the house when I went to work. I finished a hat for Louise today and brought it home at night. I did not feel very well so I stayed home this evening. Louise came down and stayed while Gussie went into the street and made some Christmas purchases. Mrs. Stone called in the evening. Later – 8 ¼ o’clock P.M. – George has just come in and wants me to walk downtown with him. Still later. I went with George. When we returned I found Gussie and Fanny at the house with toys for Georgie. After Fanny went home George and Gussie went over to John Brayman’s a few minutes. When they returned we ate apples and roasted oysters and the Gussie and George took a large pumpkin and three beets and went over to John Bouton’s and fastened them to the doorknob, the pumpkin labeled merry Christmas to Mrs. Purdy (for Aunt Louise) and to the beets were attached a label inscribed as follows; “ Mr. Bough Town BEETS DED! DED! DED!!! DED! Mary Krismas." It was 12 o’clock when they (pages 284 and 285 missing)… salt to be sent up as I came from the shop, I stopped at J. M. Ives to see if I could borrow $200 of him. He was not in but his chief salesman, Edward Allen thought it was doubtful about me getting the money as Mr. Ives was rather straightened at the moment in money matters. I called also at Charles Hull’s store to see if John cable had mended my shot pouch. Also at D. M. Benedict’s and paid him the $5.00 I owed for George’s boots. About noon, Enos Kelly, the man I bought 10 bushels of charcoal a while ago came along. I gave him his dinner and then went down to Charles Reed’s Show Store to Ed Knapp who held the due bill to Kelly and paid him the $1.80 and took the said bill. Before night, Kelly called there as I directed and got the money. The snow continued during the day and the wind and cold increased so that at bedtime it blew tremendously. Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House in Congress gave a lecture this evening, Subject, “His travels Across the Continent”. I stayed at home and retired early. I felt poorly all day and retired nearly sick. My kidneys and liver are affected, I think. DEC 28 FRIDAY - A very high wind last night and today. The frame for a new house nearly opposite Abel Wheeler’s old place just raised by Ephraim Gregory was found this morning leveled to the ground by the wind. There was no work in the shop today but three or four of us who left our yesterday’s work over until today had that to finish off. Mr. Crofut yesterday requested the men to meet this morning as he wished to make some propositions to them. The men accordingly assembled and his business was to reduce our wages as he could not make hats at the present prices he was paying and sell them in the market. As the question seemed to be work for less or do nothing, we concluded to make a reduction. He would listen to nothing less than $.50 off on each dozen and we finally with no hard words or feelings between employer and employees accepted his terms. The day has been blustering and severe for those obliged to be out, though I think not so exceedingly cold as some days we have previously had. DEC 29 SATURDAY - George stayed with us last night. Not feeling very well myself this morning, George sifted my ashes for me and Mr. Pond got my milk as he went for his own. . I went to see George Starr about 10 o’clock to see about letting me have $200. He could not let me have it. From there, I went to the shop and got my pay. While there, Eliaken Widman paid me $1.25 for a sifter he bought about a year ago of George. I took the money and gave George credit for it. We had corn and beans for dinner of which I ate hearty and after dinner I was taken very sick in consequence. After vomiting and throwing off from my stomach all I ate for dinner, I felt better and then went over to Mr. Pond’s to see if he could lend me $200. He kindly consented to do so. While I was over to Mr. Pond’s, Dr. Bulkley came to see me. Gussie having gone into the street at the time I was most sick called the doctor about it. But when he came I did not need him as I was feeling better. I however paid him $.50 for his trouble which was only half hi price for attendance. In the evening, I went to market for a beef’s pluck for the dog, to Charles Hull’s to get a lamp repaired, and to the church where quarterly conference was in session to hand some Sunday School statistics to the preacher, Mr. Peck. Mrs. Stone and daughter Matilda called in the evening to have Gussie show them about knitting a ladies’ hood. DEC 30 SUNDAY - Pleasant. A very destructive fire occurred this morning about 3 or 4 o’clock in Selleck’s old wooden block opposite the savings bank. It burned 4 stores, viz., Decklyn’s Bakery and Store, O. H. Swift’s Yankee Notions and picture Store, Colgan’s small Clothing Store and Mrs. Ely’s Millinery rooms upstairs. Swift was also burned out of his residence over his store, as was Mr. Decklyn over his. I heard nothing of it until Mr. Pond told me of it when I went for milk. Mr. Pond and myself walked down to see the ruins before we ate breakfast. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went to Sunday School at noon and stayed to the funeral of old Mrs. Coles. As the funeral was held in the P.M. at the church. I do not feel well yet; am just able to be around. A union meeting was held this evening in the 1st Congregational Church at which contributions were made in behalf of the Freedmen. A discourse was delivered by ____, the state agent. DEC 31 MONDAY - I do not feel well yet. Cold and raw this morning No work in the shop. Mr. Pond helped me build a shelf for lamps in our sink room this forenoon. George came in just at dinner time and dined with us, after which I helped him make some blocks upon which to fasten curtain fixtures in his room in Brooklyn. I then went to the Danbury Bank to ascertain when my note of $200 to Hanford Fairchild (which he had discounted) would mature. I then called to see Dr. Bulkley about myself and bought of O.H. Swift a diary which was saved from the fire yesterday morning. He spoke of using Robert Cocking’s rooms upstairs until April 1st. It began to snow about the middle of the forenoon and continued all day. George called in the evening as he went into the street and carried Father Griswold’s clock to Fanton's for repairs.
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