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 July 1904 Entry
9 pgs
JULY 01 FRIDAY - Mercury 68. Warm and sultry but little sunshine. Showers in the PM and evening. George with Mr. Beeman took our Blue Flame Kerosene Oil stove in the buggy down to Taylor’s Tin Shop in the morning to have him stop the leak in the tank which he recently tried to do but failed. He succeeded better this time. Lottie Hirsch came up in the forenoon. After getting the oil stove home, I took the horse and with Lottie went again into the street and I went up to the corner of Main and North Streets and I collected from daughter the balance due from insurance on the house for Mrs. Anna Evans. After dinner Lottie went with me to D. Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and got Gip shod new all around, after which I carried Lottie down home. JULY 02 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Pleasant and cool. George helped me place a framework around my tomato plants this morning, after which I had Mr. Beeman go with me up to Orrin Knox’s to get his affidavit jointly with that of Edwin Rockwell as to the marriage of Leonard Dexter and his wife and that they lived together as man and wife until the death of Mr. Dexter. I made a deposit at the bank and drew brother George’s pay for him at the Eagle Hat Factory as to arrangement made yesterday, I having cashed his account prior to him going to New York yesterday. I called at the office of George Stevens’ and Son and got a check for a broker policy I wrote for them on John W. Green. I also received one by mail from J. M. Layton of Norwalk for the Walthousen policy. After dinner, I got Edwin Rockwell’s affidavit. I then went to the barber shop. JULY 03 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 60. A model day. No dust. Pleasant, cool and comfortable. After cleaning up, I went to the Post Office for my mail, and then went to Edwin Rockwell’s on Foster Street to get his age and also the age of Orrin Knox to insert in their affidavit given yesterday on behalf of Mrs. Dexter in the matter of her application for pension. I then took a car over to White Street to see John Bristol about his furniture insurance expiring today. We took dinner with Mrs. Hawley. A union patriotic service is to be held this evening at our church. Mary and Mrs. Hawley attended. I did not feel able to go myself. JULY 04 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. A delightful day; neither cold nor hot. After doing my morning work, care of the horse, etc. I ,at about 9 AM, got Mr. Beeman to ride with me over to the freight depot in response to a postal received yesterday from George S. Purdy in New York that he had shipped a package of crackers to me by freight. They proved to be a dozen bottles of Seely’s Ginger Ale. On arriving home, I gave Beeman one bottle. We then, Mary and I, got off by trolley as soon as possible to Bethel to George L. and the Becker’s for a clam bake and 4th of July dinner. We returned home about 7 PM and found Fannie and daughter Lottie at the house in the hammock waiting for us. There were present at the Becker’s besides the old Beckers and George and wife, George Becker, his wife and 4 children, Mr. John Rogers, wife and little girl from West Wooster Street, and Mr. Stevens, his wife and little girl, boarders of Mr. Becker. A photograph of the party was taken in two different groups. Fannie, after opening a bottle of Ginger Ale, goes home, leaving Lottie to stay the night with us. JULY 05 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Warmer today. I drove to see about renewal of Dexter, Lyon, Small and Sarah Austin. Lottie, who stayed over with us, rode around with me and I finished up by taking her home about 11 o’clock with some things she had for their dinner. Her father had just left the trolley car to get his dinner when we got there. Fannie gave me a half loaf of new bread to bring home. When I arrived, Joseph Kroha was at the office with George reporting a fire last evening about 6 o’clock in a clothes closet, Ladies’ clothing chiefly burned. Joseph Kroha estimated the loss at about $50. After dinner, I drove up to see it, after which I reported the same to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. The balance of the PM, I stayed home and attended to office work while Mary and Mrs. Hawley went into the street shopping. George came home from New York in the evening. JULY 06 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 65. A brief shower last night. After breakfast, I took the spindle buggy down to W. Hall’s Blacksmith Shop and carried a gallon of vinegar down to Fannie’s , then went down to Mr. Wixted’s to try and collect for insurance; he not being at home, I left word for him. In the PM, I collected from E. M. Buckley, treasurer for Sarah Taylor’s estate for the insurance on the old Sturdivant place at the White Street terminus of the trolley line. I called on J. Beal, but got nothing. I called at Steven’s insurance office to get forms for renewing Lee Hat Manufacturing Company on July 11. I consulted with the Stamp Clerk, A. H. Hawes about the rate for the Blacksmith Shop of Patrick Lynch at Beaverbrook. Before dinner, I called on Lynch in reference to insurance. I tried to collect from Arthur Grover, but could not, but got 2 dozen eggs and $2.00 from George Bradley. About 5 PM, I went to the blacksmith shop for my wagon. In the evening, Rebecca Dibble called to see about gasoline and kerosene oil stove permits on her insurance policies. Nellie Hamilton and her baby spent the PM and took tea with us. George came over in the evening. JULY 07 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 70. Light shower last night, which being cloudy gave us gentle showers in the forenoon. Clarence Morgan, about 10 AM, reported loss about one o’clock this morning in house at 4 Wildman Street, an accident with a lamp. I took the trolley and went over directly with him; the loss is about $350. I so reported to the Reliance Insurance Company which has the risk. We received short loss proof from the Connecticut Insurance Company this morning with instructions to adjust the same on Joseph Kroha on furniture policy No. 2003 located on 2nd Avenue. In the PM, I went there and adjusted the same at $45 and sent in proof of loss by mailing the same in the evening. Brother George came over and took tea with us. On my return from 2nd Avenue, I found Henry Hawthorne, brother of Halsey Hawthorne, waiting for me to have me mark his June pension voucher. He is the noted fellow who in England many years ago, saved a wealthy woman from drowning and who in her will left him a large fortune. JULY 08 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6AM -62; at noon-78. I t rained moderately about all of last night. Warm and muggy this morning. Before dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to deliver policies to John Bristol, Alice Mortimer, George Denton and Della Lyon. I delivered a life insurance receipt to R. C. Reid at the Turner Machine Company shop. I mailed Greenwich policies to the Commercial Union to approve endorsements on John Greely policy 214988 and Center School District policy 2120828. I bought 21 pounds of granulated sugar for $1.00 at the tea store and came home. Prior to this drive, however, I took a diagram of3 park Avenue for John Greeley transfer and left word at Byron Dexter’s to have his mother call as early as possible to sign papers in her pension claim. After dinner, I took a nap in the office. At 3 PM, special agent Knox of the Reliance appeared in a carriage to adjust the Clarence Morgan loss on Wildman Street. We immediately went there, but found him away in the hay field at Beaverbrook. We sent for him; after his arrival, we adjusted the loss without an appraisal for $237. We then took a trolley ride over to the lake and returned at 6 o’clock, just in time for my tea which was waiting with brother George to dine with us. After tea, George and Mary went over to Mrs. Biddescombe’s on Stevens Street to see about making up a Larkin Soap order. JULY 09 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 58; at noon-77. Pleasant. After breakfast, I hoed out my garden. Then I called on Olive Lake to satisfy her that her policy contained permits on kerosene oil and gasoline stores. I then, with Mr. Beeman, rode up to 2nd Avenue and paid Kroha $45 for his fire loss on July 4th. I delivered various policies. I ordered 100 pounds of bran from Barnum. I made a deposit and found brother George on the street and carried him up to his shop to get his pay and then came home to dinner. Mrs. Dexter called about 11 o’clock in reference to word sent her by telephone yesterday to sign an affidavit as to her marriage; the same being required in her claim for pension. Mrs. Lucy Harris called in the PM regarding her insurance and promised to pay next week. Mrs. Hawley rode with me to do the Sunday marketing. We drove down to Fannie’s but he was not at home. Frank Moody called in the evening and paid his life premium. JULY 10 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 65. As frank Moody’s life insurance premium was due yesterday and paid last evening, I made check this morning dated yesterday to send in payment of the same. Lowery with more or less light rain in the forenoon. Brother George being alone (his wife being in New York) came over to breakfast. He took dinner with us also, as did Mr. and Mrs. Hawley, our neighbors. After dinner, I made a check and mailed to W. B. Schiffer, cashier of Equitable Life at New Haven to pay Frank Moody’s premium due and paid to me last evening. I also completed the reliance Insurance Company’s June account and mailed it. McArthur and Mrs. Hawley went to hear deacon talk about his time in the Holy Land – Palestine. JULY 11 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 68; at noon – 72. Lowery, warm and muggy. John Rogers of West Wooster Street left $.70 to pay for Becker and Purdy group pictures which were taken on the Becker lawn, being two distinct grouped positioned groups, one at the table and the other grouped on the lawn. After breakfast, I went down to Charles Dickens to see the damage he had about 8 o’clock last night by explosion of a lamp. After viewing it, I drove up to Bennet’s Shop to see him about the matter before reporting it to the company (Sun Insurance office). After making up report of the same, I took James Martin (who had called at the office) with me and mailed the report. I then called at Rundle & White’s to have him get after Herbert Wildman to pay me the premium he received from Rundle & White for the premium for the $5,000 Sun policy I wrote on their factory. On my arrival home, I found Richard Lee, Jr., assistant special agent of the Sun waiting for me to go out on an inspection trip. After dinner, we hitched up Gip and George started with him. Soon thereafter, James Beckett, school committee member, of Middle River called to have their schoolhouse policy made over to the town of Danbury as now all districts have been consolidated. George and Mr. Lee returned about 6 PM. JULY 12 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 68; at noon, 82. Pleasant and warm, but considerable air stirring. Special Agent Lee of the Sun started again with George this morning to finish up his inspection list. We went to Plum Trees and Gallows Hill, so-called near West Redding depot in the morning. George hired a livery team today by request of agent Lee. They returned about 3 PM, having completed their inspection tour with a pretty satisfactory idea of this agency’s work. No cancellations ordered, but 2 or 3 suggestions for improvement. I went over the work by reference to duplicate D. R. with special agent Lee which took the remainder of the afternoon. Mary received a letter from Clara Watkins that they (she and her mother) expected to start for Danbury next Thursday noon. I sent a postal for Clara to add to our order for 2 Scott’s Emulsion, making it three. About 7 PM, a heavy thunder shower threatened which largely passed around us but a moderate rain about 8 o’clock. JULY 13 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM, 68. It rained after the shower last evening most of the night. Lowery early this morning but came off pleasant about 9 o’clock. Received a check for $237 from the Reliance Insurance Company for the Clarence Morgan loss on last Thursday morning. Before noon, I reported the same to him and got his signature to receipt of same then left it at the Savings Bank of Danbury to whom policy is made payable for mortgage. I also delivered a policy to Sarah Austin. Fannie called in the PM and after my dinner nap, I drove with her up to the cemetery. I then took up from the registered letter department of the Post Office the letter I wrote Herbert Wildman on June 21st, which he refused to receive after two notices to call for same. I then drove down home with Fannie leaving on my way at A. S. Arnold’s a policy for the Wooster Hose Company No. 5. Achille Canale reported small damage by gasoline stove this morning under Niagara policy 6312, re-issued in Norwich and re-re-issued in Commercial Union. I reported the same this evening to Commercial Union by way of Greenwich Insurance Company. JULY 14 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. Cool, but pleasant. The first snap shot pictures of our Bethel Becker 4th of July clambake, George brought up this morning and took them over to John Rogers on West Wooster Street. Before breakfast, I cleaned out the grass in the cracks of my boardwalks. I made out June accounts to Agricultural and Sun. I received from the Commercial Union the policies of John Greely and Locust Avenue School in Greenwich with the endorsement approved. I delivered the same to Charles Mason, then went over to Beaverbrook and directed Mrs. Fuller about the stove in the old shed attached to her dwelling occupied by a tenant. I requested her to tell her husband Mr. Fuller to pay the balance due on his mother‘s (Harriet Fuller) place. I collected $2.00 and one dozen eggs of George Bradley on account. I went over to the depot to meet Clara and Hattie Watkins coming from Hartford, but they did not come. They will probably come on the evening train. Mrs. Brownlow came on the train, however, so I brought her home. I went again to meet the 7:25 train only to be disappointed again. JULY 15 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM-60. After George arrived from Bethel this morning, I drove to Brookfield to look after Robert and Effie Jones’ insurance which expires on the 23rd instant. I also arranged for the renewal of Anna and Harriet Bronson which also expired on the same day. When I arrived home at noon, I found Hattie Watkins and daughter Clara who we expected yesterday from Hartford. They arrived this morning on the 9:15 train. They brought us as requested wicks for the Blue Flame kerosene stove, a bottle of Scott’s Emulsion Cod Liver Oil and a 10 cent package of Barber’s green Ink Powder. After dinner, I wrote to E. Crouch at Ridgefield, the mortgagee on the Jones place at Brookfield to send me by mail the New London County Mutual policy expiring the same date , July 23rd, that I may copy amount, etc. from it in making up the Jones policy. I stayed in the office in the PM and rested from my morning drive. I wrote and sent a bill in the evening to Herbert Wildman for the Rundle & White policy which he brokered for us. Herman came up and brought Georgie with him, for an evening call. JULY 16 SATURDAY - Mercury 65 at 6 AM; at noon -82. George brought up the Bethel Becker clambake 4th of July pictures (2 groups) this morning. Two thunder showers last night; the first about 11 o’clock, the second about 3 o’clock this morning. Clara Watkins rode with me this morning to do the Sunday marketing. I made a deposit before noon and had a word with T. C. Millard, the bank president about life insurance, i.e., the Equitable 5% Gold Bond, after which I drove up to Hoyt Wolthausen‘s factory to see if they had a gas machine with their plant; they had not. After dinner, Mrs. Michael Freeman called and applied and paid for a $500 insurance policy on furniture for 3 months in the Reliance Insurance Company. Charles Brush also ordered a policy for $150 on hay for one year in the John Brush barn. Later in the PM, I drove over for a diagram of the brush barn. Mrs. Hawley went with me. Also over to Durant Street for the freeman diagram, after which we both did some marketing for Sunday. In the evening, George Hawley with his mother came over for me to go security for his household goods bought on the installment plan and part paid for which they will not allow him to move to Norwalk without one to go security for them. I of course refused. JULY 17 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 70; at noon – 84. Pleasant. After doing the morning work and taking my morning bath, I went to the Post Office and received a short proof of loss from Arthur Hatch to make up for loss of Charles Dickens’ under policy in the Sun which occurred last Sunday evening. On my way, I remailed to the stamp Clerk, Howes, the 4 months new company permit for Sterling Fanton which was returned to be amended, making same standard by being null and void if not in charge of a competent person. Brother George was with us with our visitors Hattie and Clara Watkins. Walter Tomlinson called while I was at the Post Office to see if I could go with him at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning to appraise the L. Hartwell property. Mary, with Clara and Hattie attended church in the evening to hear Deacon Mc Arthur tell of his trip to the Holy Land. JULY 18 MONDAY - Mercury 6 AM – 65; at noon-85. Rain during last night accompanied by a thunder shower. Cloudy this morning with doubtful appearance of it being a pleasant day. In the middle of the forenoon, it came off pleasant and W. Tomlinson and I went up to George Hartwell’s and appraised his property and returned before dinner. I arrange for Charles Dickens to come this evening to our office to adjust his loss which occurred a week ago yesterday. After dinner, I delivered a policy to Michael Freeman on Durant Street. I compared notes as to the insurance of automobile with stamp clerk A. H. Hawes and then took the trolley to Bethel and arranged for the renewal of O. B. Smith’s insurance tomorrow, after which I called on Mrs. Street to see why she did not last week come and pay $5.00 on her note as she promised. She now promises to come next Saturday. In the evening, Charles Dickens came to the office and I adjusted his fire loss of a week ago last Sunday for $30 in the same insurance office and before retiring, I mailed two proofs to Arthur Hatch, special agent at Boston. JULY 19 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 68; at noon – 90. After breakfast, I took the trolley to Bethel to get the decision of G. B. Smith as to the annual automobile permit or one with contemporaneous for 5 years the term of the policy. They decided the annual. George mowed the lawn. Hattie and Clara Watkins bought a lawn swing at the village store. Being pretty tired, I took a nap after dinner. Fannie called in the afternoon. Sent check for the May balance to the Sun. Called at Stamp Clerk Howe’s office and compared the April automobile permit with the standard permit. A slight change only was required to make it the G. B. Smith. George had omitted to write the $300 on the barn in the form thought he had included it in the totals. Fire alarm box No. 26 on North Street and Balmforth Avenue struck at 8:30 in the evening. JULY 20 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 70; at noon - 82. George took Clara Watkins up with him to Westville to try and collect from James Stevens and also to leave a policy with Chester Wilson at King Street. The wind changed into the north this morning which has given a little setback to the extreme heat. In the forenoon, I went into the street and left Etta Mason’s policy at the Union Savings Bank after exhibiting it to her husband Charles Mason, the register letter clerk at the Post Office. I also had David Hoyt sign an application for increase in pension at the railroad depot with George Chase and A. H. Reinhart as witnesses. In the PM, I ordered two bales of hay of C. W. Keeler, had a short talk with Arthur Cable on life insurance. Eugene Hyatt came in the Mind insured his furniture for $500 for 5 years at 36 Division Street. In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hawley came over and made 2 quarts of ice cream for us, which we finished to the last spoonful with help of Brother George who came over. JULY 21 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. The 43rd anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Mr. Jackson sent by us for Dr. McDonald to come and see Ida Jackson who is sick. George went with me up to see Barbara Moser at 7 Prince Street regarding renewal of her furniture policy which she let lapse. George as notary had David Hoyt and his witnesses acknowledge their signatures to his application for increase in pension. Having taken cold, I am feeling about sick today. After dinner, George rode up to Prince Street with me and delivered and collected on a policy for Barbara Moser; also called on Mr. Hyatt who recently bought out the grocery of S. W. Lathrop and solicited the insurance on their stock. Mary, with her sister Hattie and daughter Clara Watkins spent the afternoon over at the lake. I wrote again to the Commercial Union about the gasoline stove damage of Achille Canale. I sent to the Commissioner of Pensions the application of David Hoyt for increase from $6 to $8 under the old age ruling, he being over 65 years old. JULY 22 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Lowery in the morning. When George arrived from Bethel, we mended the spindle shaft which Gip broke at the hitch post in front of the office yesterday, after which I drove to Brookfield and delivered a policy to Harriet Bowman and arranged for renewing a policy for Robert Jones. On my return home at noon, I stopped and got another dozen eggs of George Bradley on account of his insurance. After dinner, we wrote the Jones policy. I then went down to A. T. Bates office to see about title to a policy in the Union Savings Bank being made to Valentine Patch, it being the place formerly owned by Sidney Morris on the corner of George and Orchard Streets. On my return from Brookfield as I was watering my horse at Wooster Square, I saw for the first time in several weeks Herbert Wildman at a short distance. Before I could get at him for the $100 he owes me, he ducked into the stairway leading to A. T. Bates office in Starr’s block. It continued lowery all day with period of light rain in the PM. JULY 23 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Lowery and cool. After breakfast, I took Mrs. Griffith’s affidavit as to no prior marriage to that of Edwin Griffith; also went over to Beaverbrook for Ezra Wildman’s affidavit to same and to Mill Plain to Clarissa Grey’s making a joint affidavit with E. G. Wildman. I mailed the documents in the PM to the Commissioner of Pension. George came over in the PM. JULY 24 SUNDAY - Mercury at 8 AM – 62. Still cloudy until 11 AM when it began to rain and continued moderately during the day. I went to the Post Office at noon. George Starr Purdy was with us to dinner, after which I wrote to Manager G. W. VanFleet of the Equitable giving reason (on account of ill health) why I have done no business with them this summer. Mary, with Hattie and Clara Watkins, attended church this morning. JULY 25 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Lowery all day but with no rain worth mentioning. I received a letter from Herbert Wildman about the $100 premium for the Rundle & White premium for the $5,000 Sun policy. He claimed to have received a check which was not good which was the reason why he had not paid me. He did not say it was the Rundle & White check; neither did he say it was not. He said it however in connection with the Rundle & White matter intending probably for me to think it without specifically saying it was their check. I showed it to Mr. Rundle and he read it in the same light that we did. The language was very adroit yet did not directly say that it was Rundle & White’s check. I hoped to see Wildman personally today but was not able to do so. I received from J. B. Cralle, Mrs. Dexter’s attorney in Washington, blanks for two affidavits from personal acquaintances stating that she has not remarried; also wanting the town clerk’s certificate of the record of Leonard Dexter’s death. This I secured this PM. Mary, Hattie and Clara Watkins spent this evening at Mr. Beeman’s. JULY 26 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 65; at noon – 78. Sunshine and shadow intermingled; warm and sultry. Received by morning mail a short proof of loss from W. J. Furness, special agent of the Connecticut Union for use on the small damage on the Achille Canale house which occurred on the 13th of July by accident with a gasoline stove. Picked our first cucumbers this morning. I called at Herbert Wildman’s house to see about the Rundle & White $100 premium, but did not find him there or at his office. Also before dinner, I called on Target & Siemon about the new insurance on their laundry. After dinner, I drove up to Joseph Blissard’s on Park Avenue and took alien of $1,000 on his furniture and personal property in the barn. Mr. Beeman was with me and we drove to Morris Street to see Steven Stuckey about collection of premium; also to Starr Avenue to see Mrs. Schoonmaker. Chester C. Bush of 21 Montgomery Street died about 3 PM. Hattie and Clara Watkins went down with Mary to Fannie’s to spend the evening. George came over in the evening and took a derby hat that Herman gave me to change the curl. Mrs. Leonard Dexter called about 5 PM to inquire about her pension claim and gave me a dollar for two certificates (50 cents each) as to assessor’s statement of no property record of Leonard or Frances Dexter and town clerk as to the death of Leonard Dexter. JULY 27 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 65; at noon – 80. Pleasant. We pulled our first mess of beets this morning for our dinner. Mrs. Hawley called on her way to the shop and signed an affidavit as to her personal acquaintance with Mrs. Frances Dexter and her own knowledge as to her not being remarried, the same being in the matter of her application for a widow’s pension. We took the spindle buggy down to Mr. Barber’s in the morning for a new shaft, one being broken, after which Hattie Watkins rode up with me to Mr. Robert Jones to Brookfield to deliver a policy written in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. On our return I stopped to see Daniel Joyce to see if he would take the mortgage on our place. He was not at home. I left word with Mrs. Joyce. I stopped at Mr. Fuller’s on my return to try to collect balance due; he was not at home. I also stopped at the establishment of Patrick McManus to inspect the stove pipe in the woodhouse. I then called at George Bradley’s and got a dozen eggs on his account. We arrive home in time for dinner. I completed some papers in Mrs. Dexter’s pension case and mailed in the PM to J. B. Crabbe, her attorney in Washington. In the evening, I called over to Mrs. Jennie Townsend to collect on her insurance but could not. JULY 28 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. Lowery and foggy in the morning. Received by morning mail a draft from the Sun for $30 in payment of the C. H. Dickens loss which we immediately delivered to him at Connett’s Hat Factory. After taking his receipt and endorsement of the draft, I cashed it for him and deposited the same in the bank. I called at his home and as directed if no one was home, I took his policy from the writing desk in the dining room and brought home to endorse on it the amount of the loss. We then went to W. Barber’s wagon shop on Railroad Avenue and brought home the spindle which he repaired with a new shaft. I am again attacked with swollen and painful testicles as a result of mucus matter in the urethra from catarrh of the bladder. I commenced treatment again with an application of anti-phlogistine and after dinner, I sent George up to Dr. Sunderland’s for medicine. I remained quiet, lying down for the rest of the day. While on the lounge in the office about 3 PM, Joe Thomas called to try and make arrangements with me to get house rent Joel Bates owes him from his pension next September. I of course could do nothing about it, a soldier’s pension being a sacred matter with the U. S. and exempt from attachment or garnishing. JULY 29 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. A hard thundershower about midnight last night. Lightning struck Daniel Depew’s house, tore off part of the roof and knocked off a portion of the chimney and some other slight damage in the house. Myself being unable to look after it after Mr. Depew reported it, I had George and John W. Bouton go up and appraise the damage. I reported to the Agricultural Insurance Company and special agent George Shaw the amount of $20 as being the damage and for fear of another shower might strike and do more damage by water before the roof was repaired, I took the responsibility and told John Bouton to repair it today if possible. I am still at home with my bladder and testicle problem. Sam Hoyt and a Mrs. Grace Clark, his neighbor, were with us to dinner, they having come from Ridgefield to buy groceries, etc. JULY 30 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Pleasant. George looked up the loss reported by George Stevens & Son of car owned by Mary Jackson (struck by lightning) insured by policy No. 1974 Connecticut Insurance Company for Stevens by Treadwell. We reported the same at once. I received by freight one dozen ginger ales from New York which George ordered for us. After dinner, young Achille Canale came in and I adjusted the loss by gasoline stove in their house No. 2 for $2.50 and sent the same forward to W. T. Furness, special agent of the Connecticut Union, who has the risk by reinsurance of Greenwich Insurance Company. JULY 31 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 74; at noon – 80. Muggy and warm. I had daughter Fannie take my key and go to the Post Office for my mail and the Sunday Press about 11 AM, and the proof of loss blank for adjustment of lightning damage under policy 7013 for Cornelia Depew with instructions to adjust and pay. While there has been considerable air stirring during the day, the humidity of the air has been about unbearable. After dinner about 4 o’clock, Mary and sister Hattie and daughter Clara went over to William Dean’s and stayed during the evening. They returned about 10 PM. George S. returned on the 8 PM train from New York City, having been down there with his wife at her sister’s (Louise)since last Wednesday, he not having any work last week at the shop. In the PM, I got Jesse Rogers to go over to John Bouton’s and have him come down and see me regarding the work he did in repairing the lightning damage to Cornelia Depew’s house for the Agricultural Insurance Company to aid me in making up the proof of loss blank which came by mail today.
1904-07
Horace Purdy Journal February 1904 Entry
5 pgs
FEBRARY 01 MONDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 24. Foggy, but after dinner it cleared away and the air became cooler. We made up an order and forwarded it to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company by the noon mail. The new notary public commissions came for both George and myself this morning. After dinner, I went to Mallory’s factory and arranged for the renewal of John Fuchs’s insurance tomorrow. I served notice to vacate no. 5 William Street on Antonio _____. I called twice today on Wallace White about a rebate premium due him for a reduced rate on his house but did not find him at home. I delivered a new Equitable life policy to William Lane; premiums to be paid from the cash value of an old policy surrendered under an option. I worked late in the office, retiring about 12:30. FEBRUARY 02 TUESDAY – Mercury at AM – zero. A beautiful winter morning. About 10:30, I drove over to Stony Hill and arranged for the renewal of Saul Sherman’s policy. In the PM, I went over to Great Plain and also arranged for the renewal of Harrison Waterman. John Fuchs called in the evening and took and paid for his policy. FEBRUARY 03 WEDNESDAY – Mercury at 6 AM – 24. Pleasant. After dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me for a sleigh ride up to Pembroke to arrange for the renewal of Hiram Stevens. He was away from home, but his wife knew nothing against renewing same which we will do unless we hear to the contrary by tomorrow noon. On our way home, we met Fred Knapp and arranged for his with D. G. Ward’s renewal on February 9th. In the evening, Rufus Rice called and promised $1.00 on what he owes net Saturday and $1.00 per week thereafter until paid. He has broken all his previous promises and I have little confidence in him. George Purdy and his wife came over in the evening and I made check for him for the Larkin Soap Company. FEBRARY 04 THURSDAY- Mercury 10 above. Pleasant. Mrs. Elsie Terwilliger called this morning and had her pension voucher made. I went to Stony Hill to arrange for renewals for Eggleston, Bradley, Barrett, Starr, and McKay. I had my first fall on the ice this evening when returning home from the mail box about 10:30; no serious hurt, however. FEBRUARY 05 FRIDAY – Mercury at 16. Mailed policy to William Sutterlee at Ball’s Pond; also to Egbert Brill at Brookfield. Mr. Beeman went with me in the forenoon up Westville Avenue and to Mill Plain where I renewed insurance for Emma Terry and Sarah Benedict. In the PM, I arranged for Richtmyer, Post and Bush. Called on Sam Newman, but could collect nothing. FEBRUARY 06 SATURDAY – Mercury at 30. A little rain last night which froze which made everything outdoors so icy that it became dangerous to venture out. After breakfast, I drove down to Coal Pit Hill and delivered a bill for insurance for the estate of John Wixsted. The policy this day left at the Danbury Savings Bank. After dinner, Mrs. Hawley and I rode into the street and did some marketing for Sunday. After tea, I took the trolley up to North Street and delivered a policy to Sarah Bouton. FEBRUARY 07 SUNDAY – Mercury 35 above. Warm last night and today. The sun is wasting. Light rain last night and this forenoon. A thundershower this morning at 11:45. Considerable thunder with but little rain. I went to the Post Office at noon to carry and get my mail. In the PM, I mailed several policies to customers and received a check from the Penfield Company for insurance. I called on my way home from the Post Office in the early evening at George S. for about an hour. Then I went over to Mrs. Hawley’s where Mary had gone and we spent the rest of the evening there. FEBRARY 08 MONDAY – Mercury at 22 above. Cooler today but pleasant. Mabel Rogers took a sleigh ride with me in the forenoon up to Brookfield to renew the policy of Sarah J. Solomon. I also on the way. Arranged for the renewal of the estate of Patrick McManus. In the PM, I made forms for H. A. Wildman to renew again insurance of Henry Stevens in the L.L.G. In the evening, I wrote to Special Agent Shaw of the Agricultural Insurance Company, Henry Turner of the Greenwich, Arthur Hatch of the Sun, and to Lafayette remonstrating against us old agents paying $100 to our local board as an initiation when we are already members. FEBRARY 09 TUESDAY – Mercury at 6 above. Pleasant but cold. H. Wildman came in the morning and brought me Henry Stevens’ in the L.L.G.C. written for me. Special Agent of the Reliance, Clarence Burkhart came in and spent a part of the forenoon with us. Mrs. Scheppeassi called and refused to pay the January rent until we thawed out the frozen water pipes, the frozen condition of which we had no knowledge. After dinner, I drove up to Mrs. Sophia Farrell’s near Ball’s Pond and renewed her insurance with some needed changes. Mrs. John Allen and her daughter called while I was away this PM. FEBRUARY 10 WEDNESDAY – Mercury at 2 above. Clear and severely cold. The Sun Insurance supplies came this morning. We immediately wrote the delayed policy of Mrs. D. Bradley for the Union Savings Bank and arranged with Michael Fanning about the writing of his policy also for the Union Savings Bank. When at the bank providing for the same, Carroll Rider, not knowing that we had provided for it, wrote a policy himself securing the Bank. FEBRARY 11 THURSDAY – Mercury at 10 above. Another pleasant day. I left the Michael Fanning policy at the Union Savings bank this morning, leaving the bank and Fanning to settle the matter of which policy should stay. I arranged with Frank Brown to renew his policy in the Middle River District. After dinner, Mrs. Bevans went with me for a sleigh ride to Middle River to survey the Frank Brown risk. Later in the PM, I arranged with D. W. Cable for renewal on barn, etc. Also with Mrs. Lillian Pritchard for her renewal. The plumbers, Scofield and Dibble, did not come this morning as they promised to thaw out and repair water pipes for Mrs. Scheppeassi at No. 11 William Street. We received a letter this morning from Mrs. Clara Watkins at Hartford that her father and mother contemplated coming tomorrow for a visit and stay over Sunday. We wrote them this PM to come. FEBRUARY 12 FRIDAY – Mercury at 6 above. I omitted to open the faucet last night when I shut off the water. It thereby caused a little trouble this morning to get the water started. Theodore Scofield sent Mr. Dibble, his partner, to thaw out and start the water for Mrs. Scheppeassi at No. 11 William Street. He succeeded in clearing the pipes clear through the cellar to the sink and put in a new faucet which was needed but could not get the water from the main in the street to the cellar. It being in the same way plugged and stopped, to dig it out with 4 feet of frost is too expensive. I wait to hear from Mr. Pierans. In the PM, I went down to the old Beckerle Soft Shop to see about Richard Kranz’ renewal at Great Plain, after which I took Mary to the depot to meet Charles and Hattie Watkins from Hartford. I brought Mary and Hattie in the sleigh and Charlie walked up. FEBRUARY 13 SATURDAY – Mercury at 12 above. Pleasant and not quite so cold. I gave A. H. Hawes, our stamp clerk a sharp lecture for twice returning the Daily Report on the Court House policy for an imaginary error that did not exist. I had a talk with T. C. Williams about making a provision in case of my death to have George succeed me in the bank account without unnecessary expense. He suggested a power of attorney on file with the bank. George and Sarah Purdy came over and spent the evening with Charlie and Clara Watkins and stayed until about 10 o’clock. FEBRUARY 14 SUNDAY – Mercury at 20 above. Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of snow. About noon, it began to snow gently and continued during the day. Mary attended church in the morning with Clara and Charlie Watkins. We stayed in during the evening. FEBRUARY 15 MONDAY – Mercury 23 above. Cloudy and light snow during last night, showing 3 inches of new snow this morning which patches up the sleighing nicely. The sun came out bright about 8 AM, giving the promise of a fair day. I shoveled out all the patio before breakfast. Received by the morning mail from the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company a draft on them for the Mary Scribner loss under their policy, NO. 2062 which occurred October 23, 1903 in amount (a compromise settlement) of $387.50. We wrote the company acknowledging the receipt of same and also to Mrs. Scribner to call for it and bring her policy. In the PM, I took Hattie Watkins sleigh-riding with me up to Hayestown, Great Plain, and Germantown and finished up by ordering more coal of Clarence Morgan. Mrs. Mary Waite, daughter of John Allen, called in the evening about her mother’s application for pension. In the evening, I made up our January account and mailed it to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. FEBRUARY 16 TUESDAY – Mercury at 2 below. Very cold again. In the forenoon, I left a policy for George Morgan at the Danbury Savings Bank, delivered and collected premiums due on policies of Richard Kranz and Arthur Wilcox. John Allen’s deferred payment pension check came this morning, making the same payable to his widow Sophia Allen. I called before dinner to have her endorse the same when I cashed it for $36.00. After dinner, I rode over to the Dewey Inn and Andrew Bradley’s and arranged for the renewal of their policies. Later in the PM, Redburn Johnson called while I was downtown and paid for their policies on their father’s place at Bennett’s Farm district at Ridgefield. About 5:50, J. Frank Morgan called and left $20.00 on account for Mrs. Sophie Terrell. About 9 PM, fire alarm box No. 36 struck for a fire on Marcus Avenue in the long house, the Italian section. It was soon extinguished with little damage. FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 17 – Mercury at 2 above. In the forenoon, we worked in the office with other work. We finished up the Andrew Bradley policies for himself and his wife. In the PM, deposited in the bank, went over to Clarence Morgan’s to see about his bringing me more coal. I called on Marcioch’s new market in the Nichols’ block near the Main Street Bridge and partially arranged for insurance on the same. I notified George Stevens and son of a draft waiting for Mary Scribner for payment of her loss at Redding, also to cancel policy No. 2066 on the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company also for her on another place. Mary and Hattie Watkins went up to consult Dr. Sunderland this PM. In the evening, they went over to Brother George’s to spend the evening. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came up and finding them gone, they also went over to brother George’s’. About 4 PM, fire alarm box No. 37 on the corner of George and Orchard Street called the firemen to opposite Mrs. Cocking’s greenhouse for a chimney fire. Slight damage only. FEBRUARY 18 THURSDAY – Mercury at 8 above. Pleasant and still cold. Before dinner, Charles Watkins took a sleigh ride with me over to Miry Brook to deliver two policies to Andrew and Adelia Bradley, his wife. We returned just in time for dinner. After dinner, I went up to Wildman’s Lane and got Sarah Bush’s receipt as mortgagor on a draft to Mary Scribner from the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company in settlement of her fire loss at Redding and left the same at her lawyer, A. T. Bates and took up the policy. Then Mr. Beeman and myself drove up to Brookfield and arranged with D. D. Joyce for the renewal of his policy. FEBRUARY 19 FRIDAY – Mercury at 20 above. A little flurry of snow last night and this morning which increased gradually during the forenoon and continued during the day. I drove to the depot for the 11:37 train with Charley and Hattie Watkins, who after a week’s visit return to their home in Hartford. David Davids came in about 10 AM to see about the renewal of a policy on the former H. B. Hodge place in the Plum Trees District, Bethel, he representing his wife, the executrix of the estate of David Selleck. Pension check of John Allen payable to his wife returned to me by the savings bank to be endorsed as being the widow of John Allen. I called on her this PM and had her endorse it. It cleared away and was starlight in the evening. Fannie and Lottie came up in the evening. I made up our January account for the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company and mailed it in the evening. FEBRUARY 20 SATURDAY – Mercury 20 above. A bright beautiful morning. We wrote up policies in the forenoon for David D. Joyce of Brookfield. I returned the pension check of John Allen to the bank, signed by his widow as requested. In the PM, I delivered a policy to Robert McClean on a house previously owned by John Parker Sistuk on Whitlock Street. Mrs. Waite, daughter of John Allen called in the evening for papers naming requirements of Mrs. Allen, the widow in her application for widow’s pension. She wants to read them over when she will return them. FEBRUARY 21 SUNDAY – Mercury at & AM, zero; at noon, 42 above. The snow is melting fast. It became lowery in the afternoon and misty in the evening with the appearance of rain. We went over to brother Georges’ in the evening. Julia and Lottie Hirsch came over after Sunday School and took dinner with us. Frank Klopp’s wife called in the evening and left a policy to be transferred. FEBRUARY 22 MONDAY – Mercury at 42. It rained gently during the night and this morning until noon. After dinner, it cleared away and began to grow colder. The snow melted rapidly and the sleighing is spoiled in town. I looked up the transfer of 39 Liberty Street to Frank Klopp. I stayed in the office and rested in the PM. I made up our January account for the Reliance Insurance Company and mailed it in the evening. FEBRUARY 23 TUESDAY – 25 above. It was frozen this morning, but a south wind soon broke up the ice so that the sleighing in the PM was poor outside and none at all in town. A little after 9 AM, Mabel Rogers took a sleigh ride with me to Brookfield. On our way. I stopped at Henry Stevens and collected $55.02, Albert McKay’s for $34.50, Mr. Fuller, $5.50, David D. Joyce, $92.50, and on my return, $2.00 of George Bradley. After dinner, I went to the bank and deposited $378.95, then went down to Van Gall’s shop and delivered a policy to Ira Post. After supper, I took a trolley up town and arranged for the renewal of James Whittlesley’s furniture policy and called on John Handley and got a promise of $4.00 balance next Saturday. FEBRUARY 24 WEDNESDAY - 40 above. The snow is going fast. Light rain during the night and about 6:30, it began to snow and continued nearly all the forenoon. Leonard Dexter was buried today. Harrison Waterman’s wife is now a widow. Mr. Waterman was buried yesterday. Called in the PM to see about accrued pension for him; also about making an application for a widow’s pension. I have stayed in the office today, not feeling well enough to go out, having an attack of La Grippe. Daniel Wilkes called this forenoon to renew his insurance, thus saving me a drive up there. He paid his premium and we mailed him the policy in the PM. FEBRUARY 25 THURSDAY – Mercury 12 above at 7 AM. It grew cold rapidly after last midnight. My office fire went out on me last evening. I let it go and rekindled it this morning. High winds continued all day which made it a severe day. I am feeling somewhat better today but have remained in the office. A. H. Hawes, stamp clerk, brought in a few new rate cards and left a copy of our new insurance board by-laws. In the PM, W. Sutterlee & Son called and paid their premium for insurance. George took the bank book and made a deposit; he will return the book tomorrow. Mr. H. Johnson, son-in-law of Leonard Dexter called in the PM to have me take up the matter of the accrued pension up to the date of Mr. Dexter’s death, February 21 to make an application for a widow’s pension for Mrs. Dexter. John Stevens called in the evening and paid his accident insurance. In the evening, I prepared two affidavits for Sophia Allen widow of John Allen, in her claim for widow’s pension, one for herself and one for two acquaintances. FEBRUARY 26 FRIDAY – Mercury 8 above. No wind this morning, but clear and cold. Mrs. Sophia Allen and her brother Alfred Bell called this afternoon to help make up testimony in her application for pension. George took Mr. Beeman and drove down to Plum Trees to deliver a policy to Sarah and Arthur Dibble returning about 12:15. FEBRUARY 27 SATURDAY - Mercury 18 above. Pleasant. George drove up to Westville to see and arrange the renewal of James Stevens. He was not at home. We wrote the policy, however, as George Peck, the mortgagor expected they would. In the PM, Mr. Peck called for the policy on his Beckett Street place and also approved the wring of the Stevens policy. Charles Peck called and paid the balance due on his policy. Ira Post called and paid $7.00, one-half of his premium. About 4 PM, I went down to mail the daily reports and made a call at Olmstead’s office. I met Jake Hartz there. We had quite a pleasant talk over our recent by-laws, etc. In the evening, George and Sarah came over and spent the evening. He got a $4.00 check from me to send to Louise Kimball for coffee which recently came for Dr. Sunderland. FEBRUARY 28 SUNDAY – Mercury 18 above. Lowery all day. After dinner I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with a specimen of my water for examination, fearing kidney trouble with a severe cold and La Grippe affliction. He however found no indication of kidney trouble. He gave me La Grippe tablets and also gave me $4.15 to pay for 15 lbs. of coffee including $.40 expressage which I at once carried over to George Purdy who filled the order and paid for it. In the evening, we went over to Mrs. Hawley’s. On our return, it was clear and star-lit. Capt. E. E. Wildman died this morning with paralysis. FEBRUARY 29 MONDAY - Mercury at 36 above. Cloudy, sour and unpleasant today. Ira Beers came in the forenoon to have some notices made to warn out a tenant. I made up all the affidavits and evidence in the Sophia Allen application for widow’s pension matter. I wrote a letter to the Commissioner of Pension about the same and after dinner, mailed them to Washington. Mrs. George Hartwell called in the PM in relation to the insurance on their mill and two dwellings, asking us to carry them for payment until April 1st. I made up a corrected report of the January business for the Reliance Insurance Company in the evening.
1904-02