Horace Purdy Journal May 1904 Entry
8 pgs
SATURDAY APRIL 02 - It cleared off in the night and before morning the moon shone beautifully, but today the sun shone at intervals. This morning, I delivered to George Williams at the Danbury National Bank a policy of $2,500 in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company on the Dragan block, same payable in case of loss to the estate of Roger Averill. I then called on Thaddeus Hollister and daughter, Mrs. Tumerelle, about renewing their furniture policy. I received the death proof blanks from the Equitable for use in the Edwin Griffith case. I had Mrs. Griffith make up and sign her statement before dinner. Mrs. Lucy A. Haines called at noon to see about insuring her barn after the settlement of the loss of her house and furniture. After dinner, I got the undertaker, Mr. W. F. Tomlinson, and the friend Azerial Fuller to make up their statement and make oath to same. In the evening, I got the attending physician, Dr. Sunderland, to make and swear his statement. After tea I went over to Mrs. Clara Selleck and delivered to her the Catherine Connor policy and then called on Elijah Morris about payment of Mrs. Mayhew’s policy on her Boughton Street house. From there, I took a trolley car to North Street and delivered a furniture policy to Anne Whittlesey. I then called at Eugene Boughton to deliver a policy but the house was shut. I found him waiting at my office on my return. He took the policy and paid for it. While at North Street, I called to notify Mrs. Hattie Beardsley that an adjuster will be here next week to settle for smoke damage to her Summit Street tenant house. Frank Stone’s younger brother called in the evening and paid for a 3 year policy for furniture to be renewed on April 10. APRIL 03 SUNDAY - Mercury 32 above. Cool and windy but not cold. I mailed this morning the death proof in the Edwin Griffith case to manager, G. W. VanFleet at New haven. We attended church in the morning to hear Dr. Wilson’s Easter sermon. Jackie Erwin made an appeal to the congregation after the sermon for $980 to make up the deficiency in current expenses which has been accumulating during the last three years. Mr. & Mrs. Hawley took dinner with us. Julia and Lottie came from Sunday School and ate dinner with us. After dinner I walked over to 23 Griffing Avenue to see George Hawley and got his estimate for painting and papering one room at No. 19 Summit Street owned by Hattie Beardsley. In the evening, we attended the Sunday School Easter entertainment. APRIL 04 SUNDAY - Mercury 26 above. A beautiful day. I went to the Danbury Savings bank in the morning and attached an endorsement for reduction in amount on George Hill’s policy in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. Also an endorsed reduction in rate on W. A. White’s policy. I called at Hoyt’s shop and complimented Henry Hoyt for so successful an entertainment last evening at the church. I then went to Mallory’s Shop to see William Mallory about my measure, also Mr. Underhill about furniture insurance. I then went to Terrace Place for Thaddeus Hollister and Mrs. Tumerelle to get their decision as to one or two years to write their furniture policy. After dinner, Mrs. Bliven rode about town with me and over to Beaverbrook. APRIL 05 TUESDAY - Mercury 40 above. Pleasant. I deposited just before dinner. Expecting Mr. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union to adjust the Hattie Beardsley smoke damage at 19 Summit Street, we stayed at the office. He did not come however. I waited until 3:30 P.M. and the drove up to Westville to see about renewing the Abbott policies. I am not inclined to do so. I had a talk with T. C. Benedict near there about insuring his property. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening with us. APRIL 06 WEDNESDAY - Mercury 30 above. George and Mr. Beeman went to Hawleyville this forenoon to see Thomas Power about insurance. After dinner, I went over to Dr. Sunderland’s to get an application from his man, William Sedor about accident insurance. I got it subject to approval of the debt. I raked off my south front yard in the P.M. Mr. W. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union called to settle the small smoke damage to the house at 19 Summit Street. I harnessed and drove up there with him to Mrs. Hattie Beardsley, the owner living on North Street. We settled for $6.00. Mr. Furness gave a sight draft and I cashed it for Mrs. Beardsley. Mr. Furness thinks favorably of giving us the appointment of agent. He will talk with the company and let us know later. After supper I went over to Mr. Underhill’s on Orchard Street to try and insure his furniture. He being out for the evening, I failed to connect. I went upstairs and made a short call on Mrs. Townsend whom I also insure. APRIL 07 THURSDAY - Mercury 45 above. Lowery in the morning and very spring like. An extremely heavy dew or light shower last night, just enough to lay the dust. Check from Equitable received this morning for $1,182.93 in payment of the death claim of Edwin Griffith, for which Mrs. Griffith signed receipt of same and policy forwarded to W. B. Schiffer, cashier at New Haven. I called over to Clarence Morgan’s store before dinner. Frank Moody paid his premium on life insurance due April 9. Frank Wilcox, the Carman, introduced me to Mrs. Lottie Stock for furniture. He also has just moved in to 91 White Street. From there, I called on young Mead, the painter, at Hamilton’s, then on Fred Kirkley, and Phil Sunderland and at Henry Biddiscombe. I then went home, harnessed the horse and drove up to Oak Street and arranged for renewal for Mrs. Mary Betts. In the evening, I called on Mr. Sands Underhill at 22 Orchard Street for insurance on furniture. APRIL 08 FRIDAY - Mercury 38 above. A pleasant spring day. After dinner, I went over to an auction on the Granville Ambler place, thinking to buy a carpet for the office. I did not do so. I wrote a policy in the Sun Insurance Company for Anson Eggleston for $300 of cased tobacco in John Vail’s barn in Stony Hill. I called at 91 White Street to give the rate on insurance for furniture to Lottie Stock. Just at night before tea, I left the equitable check for $1,182.67 life insurance with Mrs. E. Griffith. It came yesterday. I borrowed it to show a few friends. W. Mead came in before tea and paid his ½ annual life insurance premium and before retiring, I mailed the check to W. B. Schiffer and to Frank Moody also. In the evening, Charles Perkins called to have his furniture policy transformed, he having moved. John Pierson was her today from North Salem. APRIL 09 SATURDAY - Mercury 45 above. In the morning, I drove over to Clarence Morgan’s and delivered the Equitable renewal receipt to Frank Moody, took a diagram for transfer of Charles Perkins from Locust Avenue to Cole Street, then drove down to Fannie’s to see Mrs. John Stone who lives on the same house to see about furniture insurance. I called also and got William Mead’s policy for transfer. I got a pair of heel plates put on my shoes at Mr. Daragan’s, then came home and made up a deposit for the bank. John Morris got out 2 loads of manure this forenoon and paid $2.00 for it. I received an accident policy from the Standard Insurance Company for William Sedor, who cares for horses and drives for Dr. Paul Sunderland. In the P.M., I drove with Mrs. Hawley to do our Sunday marketing. In the evening, Harrison Waterman’s son came in and paid $21.00 on account for fire insurance. APRIL 10 SUNDAY - Mercury 46 above. I felt badly this morning and took a specimen of urine to Dr. Sunderland’s to be examined. He found a little trouble indicated with the kidneys. My head felt badly also. I renewed some headache tablets he previously gave me and felt better in the P.M. After dinner, at which Julia Hirsch was with us, I hitched up Gypsy and we drove up to Panadarum and engaged Mrs. Hadley to come and help at housecleaning on next Wednesday. From there, we drove down to Fannie’s for a short call. I delivered Mrs. Stone’s furniture policy at the same time. After our return home, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with Mary and he prescribed for both of us and sent some medicine also to Mrs. Hawley. APRIL 11 MONDAY - Mercury 44 above. A light sprinkle of rain in the morning which was soon over. George helped me dig a hole at a low place near the crabapple tree at the back door to fill with surplus ashes from the driveway and thus raise a low spot in the yard which we top dressed with material we dug from the hole. This took us until noon. After dinner, I drove up to the Sprague place on Ellsworth Avenue to see if Henry Selleck was using the building in the rear of dwelling for carpenter work. If so, it would affect the insurance for William Weed, our customer living there. I then called on Lottie Stock at 91 White Street to arrange for her insurance on furniture. Lottie Hirsch came up about 4 P.M. and I took her with me down to Rocky Glen to arrange the insurance on her furniture – Mrs. Lottie Williams. On my way down, E. B. Harris stopped me and paid the $15.00 balance on his insurance. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening. APRIL 12 TUESDAY - Mercury 40 above. The weather was a little doubtful in the morning. It however cleared up in the middle of the day. In the morning, I drove down to 172 South Street to arrange for the renewal of William Deakin’s furniture insurance policy. About noon, Charles Abbott came to notify us that his house burned down last night. This was brokered by us by Frank Benedict in the Pacific (Insurance Company). After dinner, I went over to John Stevens’ to take up his claim to the Standard Accident Insurance Company. From there, I attended the insurance board meeting at Olmstead & Crowe’s office but few were present. They adjourned for one week. After which, I went to Dr. Lemmer’s office to obtain his statement as attending physician to John Stevens. APRIL 13 WEDNESDAY - Mercury 35 above. Cooler and pleasant. In the morning, I drove down to William Deakin’s for the amount he wishes is furniture policy to be written for, the drove up to North Street and collected from Mary Monroe. In the P.M., I called on Miss Manthey (at Julia Stone’s) daughter of Anton Manthey in reference to their furniture insurance. I delivered a policy to Lottie Stock at 91 White Street; also called on Mrs. Klopp on Maple Avenue for the amount of additional premium for transfer to Liberty Street. Carried a chair to Holly Green’s shop for Mrs. Hattie Hawley to use at work. We took up and cleaned the parlor carpet and emptied the room preparatory to papering and painting. George and Sarah came over in the evening. APRIL 14 THURSDAY - Mercury 33 above. Cool; it commenced snowing about 7 o’clock this morning and continued about an hour. It all disappeared however before the day was over. I did some walking about town. Called to see if Mrs. Frank Klopp could pay balance due on insurance for furniture transferred to Liberty Street, but did not succeed. I also called at one of the old Tweedy factories to see Rufus Rice, Jr. as to paying his balance. He promised to bring in his policy this evening for cancellation but did not. I finished up making John Stevens’ claim for accidental injuries received on March 4 from falling down cellar. I completed making up his own statement, also his wife, Ida Stevens as eye witness and mailed them before closing my office about 9 P.M. George Hawley was here this forenoon painting the parlor prior to papering the same. APRIL 15 FRIDAY - In the forenoon, I drove to Lake Avenue and arranged for the renewal of Andrew Bell’s horse and barn. Also George Barker on house and furniture. I then drove up to Frank Post’s and found no one at home. From there, I drove over to lee’s hat factory where I found him. After dinner, about 1 P.M., he called at the office and paid for the insurance to be renewed tomorrow. George Hawley came in the P.M. and papered the parlor I gave William Stillman $2.00 towards defraying running expenses of the church on which it was in arrears. I also went to F. Austin’s and paid $3.75 for a commode which Mary recently bought. George Hawley came in the afternoon and papered the parlor. APRIL 16 SATURDAY - Mercury 38 above. Cloudy, wind squalls and sunshine. Mrs. Hawley rode with me in the forenoon about town delivering policies, etc. And then we did our marketing for Sunday. George Hawley came in the morning and put up the picture molding in the parlor which was left undone last night. In the afternoon, Charles Hopkins came for me to go and take the signature as notary public of Fred Decklyn as surety for his sample case of jewelry as traveling agent for a jewelry firm. Michael Hewitt who ____________ APRIL 21 THURSDAY - Mercury 38 above. Pleasant all day. I received by the morning mail blank from Equitable Life, death proof for Leroy Smith which I have handed over to his son-in-law, T. C. Millard to be made up. In the P.M., we received a check from the Standard Accident for John Stevens for 6 weeks total disability of $150.00, deducting for the last ¼’s premium due August 06 of $7.50 leaving $142.50. APRIL 22 FRIDAY - Mercury 30 above. A beautiful day. I drove in the forenoon about town arranging some five insurance renewals. O. E. Cook, insurance agent from Bridgeport, came by direction of George Shaw to adjust loss of Dennis Cunningham of Grassy Plain, he arriving about 11 AM and George went with him. In the PM, I went with John Stevens to the bank to get a draft of $142.50 cashed, same being for the Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company of Detroit Michigan. Also while in the street, Mr. T. C. Willard, president of Danbury National Bank, called me to fill in the agent’s blank in proof of the death loss of Leroy Smith of $600.00., paid up in Equitable. I did so and later went to County Clerk Booth’s office for his certificate of Jabez Amesbury as notary in the case. After which I mailed the proofs to George VanFleet at New Haven. In the evening, I went up to Ira Ames as notary and took the acknowledgement of his and wife’s signature in assignment of the Travelers Insurance Company policy to the said company for a loan to them of $75.00. Fanny came up in the evening, bringing Lottie and the baby Georgie. George and Sarah were also over and spent the evening. APRIL 23 SATURDAY - Mercury 35 above. Pleasant. We washed both wagons this morning. Frank Bennett called about 11 o’clock and arranged and paid for insurance on their place at 10 Pleasant Street. J. Wesley Wells called while I was in the street before dinner and promised to pay on his insurance next Saturday. After dinner, Mrs. Hawley rode with me on a few business calls and we both did some marketing for Sunday. Among them, I drove over to Beaverbrook and got Arthur Grove’s policy to make same payable to Howard Hoyt. APRIL 24 SUNDAY - Mercury 52 above. Pleasant and getting to be very dry. After dinner, Mary and I drove up to Mrs. Healy’s at Pandaranum to engage her for next Thursday to help at housecleaning. From there, we went down to Fannie’s and carried a bundle from Aunt Sarah to her. In the evening, we went to Dir. Sunderland’s for Mary to consult him. APRIL 25 MONDAY - Mercury 60 above. Pleasant and warmer. A slight shower last night. Mist enough to lay the dust. George and I mended the boardwalk near the privy after breakfast. Lillian, his wife, came up and after the morning work was done, she and George took the carriage and started for an outing down to Redding and that locality looking after collections. Etc. I helped Mary empty her room and whipped the carpet, after which and before dinner, I went into the street and ordered 1/2 ton of coal at John McCarthy’s for Mrs. Hattie Hawley. After dinner, John Bouton came in and had papers executed in application for an increase in pension. I then went to W. H. Cable’s office and let his boy type write an affidavit for Patrick Cunningham and Henry Taylor, city assessors, to execute as to the assessed value of her real estate in the matter of increased pension for her. I then went up to Mallory’s Hat Factory and Charles Taylor put a new band on my summer hat and also flanged it for me. In the evening, I called at his house at Stevens Street and we talked over the matter of getting his policy in the Equitable changed from his wife as beneficiary who is insane to his daughter or his legal representative. APRIL 26 TUESDAY - Mercury 48 above. A slight shower last night and cooler. The greater part of the day, however, has been pleasant. George put down the carpet in the small bedroom this morning, after which, I drove up to Bolton’s shop to get Henry Taylor, one of the city assessors, to make a joint affidavit with the other assessor, Patrick Cunningham, as to the assessed value of Sophia Allen’s property in the matter of her application for a widow’s pension. He assented, but I afterword ascertained that Mr. Cunningham was out of town and the matter is deferred. Mrs. Hawley helped Mary this afternoon in housecleaning work and she took dinner with us. We this forenoon received a draft of $275.00 from George Shaw, special agent for the Agricultural Insurance Company in payment of the Dennis Cunningham loss on furniture. After dinner, George went down and delivered the same to him in settlement. Cunningham came directly up town to get it cashed, but before he could do so, Mr. Williams the cashier at the Danbury National Bank wanted my endorsement on the same which I did and he returned to the bank to get his money. APRIL 27 WEDNESDAY - Mercury 45 above. It rained a little towards morning. About 8 AM, it settled in and continued rainy all day. Received Equitable check for $600.00 to T. C. Millard for death claim on the life of Leroy Smith. Before dinner, I delivered the same to Mr. Millard, taking up his policy and the receipt for same , and in the PM, mailed the same to W. Schaffer, the cashier, at New Haven. Of the several policies on the life of Mr. Smith, Ours is the first to the front for payment. In the forenoon, I called on Lottie Stock, regarding her insurance covering her piano, also in the interest of the dealer, Joseph Wright. Before coming to dinner I also called on Sophia Allen and gave instructions about getting from the rector of St. John’s Protestant Episcopal Church in Yonkers, an affidavit under oath as to the record of her marriage. After dinner, I took a nap and at 3:30, I attended the funeral of the wife of Mr. Frank Hull on Cherry Street. In the evening, Mrs. Allen’s daughter called to see if I would go to Yonkers to get an affidavit from the Rector of St. Johns Protestant Episcopal Church as to record in the church books as to the marriage of John Allen and Sophia Bell. After her departure, I wrote to the rector as to his willingness to look up the matter and write an affidavit. APRIL 28 THURSDAY - Mercury 42 above. Stormy all day. In the morning, I wrote to VanFleet, the Equitable manager in New Haven regarding Charles Taylor’s changing beneficiary from his wife to his daughter or to his legal representative or assigns on account of his wife being mentally deranged. I also called to see Frank Wilcox about the piano insurance for Lottie Stock. After dinner, I went to see Manny Forbush to see about insurance on his house and barn at Germantown; also Robert Haskins about his renewal. At 5 PM, Mrs. Mary Couch and daughter Hattie Hollister cane to make an affidavit as to their bill to the estate of Mrs. Arthur Reed. After tea, I called a moment on Mrs. E. Griffith to get information necessary in her application for a pension; after which Mary and I called on Laverne and Hattie Rogers on the corner of George and Orchard Street. APRIL 29 FRIDAY - Mercury 50 above. Lowery in the morning but no rain. It cleared away in the afternoon and grew warmer. Before dinner, I went up to Robert Haskins to see further about his insurance. After dinner, I drove over to C. L. Morgan’s to get the price I am to credit him for the last ton of coal he bought me. I then came home and took Mr. John Peivans and went to City Hall with him and paid his town taxes and also my own. We then returned to my office and I settled with him for March rents collected. I then went to City Hall to search the records of the marriage of Edwin Griffin to Melissa Segar, but it was not to be found. By some oversight, it was doubtless never recorded. I then called on Dr. W. Wilson of the M. E. Church and he agreed to look up the church records for it. The fact and record of it is necessary to aid her in obtaining a widow’s pension. I left the matter with Dr. Wilson to look up tomorrow. George Hoddinott came in the evening with George Purdy to our office to make up some papers. Before tea, I called on Mrs. Griffith to look over some family papers for the facts of her marriage. APRIL 30 SATURDAY - Mercury 52 above. After breakfast, I took the trolley to Bethel to see the building near Short’s Hat Factory which Mrs. Laura Wildman recently bought and is repairing for dwelling purposes. They not being there, I returned home. I then with Mr. Beeman drove over to No. 5 Moss Avenue (the old Ives greenhouse property) and arranged for the transfer of Saul Clark’s policy by cancelling same and re-writing. After dinner, Fred Kirby called to get his policy on his market cancelled as he has gone out of business. Then Mrs. Hawley went with me to Bethel again where I met Mr. and Mrs. Wildman at the house I called to see in the morning. While out, a thunder shower came up and we hastened home to escape getting wet. However, it rained but little here. We did our Sunday marketing when we returned. I bought our first quart of strawberries for the season for 15 cents which we had for tea. George and Sarah came over in the evening.
1904-05
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