Clio (magazine), Danbury's Unsung Historian
2 pgs
A short article about Bailey's History of Danbury and its authorship, specifically, the role of Susan Benedict Hill and A.B. Hull.
1985
rg81_clio_1985_winter
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
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 October 1864 Entry
9pgs
10/1 Saturday - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went home and helped Burr Bradley get a load out from his gun. In the afternoon, John Cosier and myself went hunting. We got 3 woodcock and 1 quail. I gave my share to him. Gussie and I went up to Nelson Nickerson's in the P.M. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. She came home leaving me to attend the caucus preparatory to the town meeting next Monday. I understand that the Copperheads' meeting last evening in Concert Hall was a small affair. The attendance was good. But the speaker (Bond) was a blackguard and produced no sound arguments to substantiate his doctrine. The speech was low slang and abuse of the administration. He uttered some of the foulest lies. For instance, saying in the face of Sherman's, Sheridan's and Grant's great victories that the army has never been successful and have not gained one single victory. 10/2 SUNDAY - Stormy. On account of the rain, I did not start for church until 11 o'clock. Brother Hill exchanged with the New Canaan minister a one armed man, Carroll by name, who preached for us. I stayed to Sunday School, which was slimly attended and then came home and wrote to George in the afternoon. I mailed it in the evening, also a Harper's Weekly. Gussie attended prayer meeting with me in the evening. 10/3 MONDAY - Town Election. No work in the shop. Mr. Cocking paid his rent (or rather his wife paid it for him) this morning. Cleaned my gun before breakfast or commenced and finished it after breakfast. I went to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see John Cosier. From there to the shop and then down to the courthouse and voted. Previous to going to the shop, I called at the car building shop at the Depot and got the ages of Manton Bailey and William Warren of their father. From the courthouse, I home by way of the Post Office and Swift's News Office. Father Griswold came home on the morning train and voted before going home. I took a nap after dinner and about 2 o'clock went to the shop for my pay. Walked down to the courthouse again with Burr Bradley and back up to John Cosier's office. From there home and picked some apples for Father Griswold. Just before going to the shop for my pay, Mr. Harris came with my barrel of cider and helped me in the cellar with it. I went in the evening to hear Major Haggerty speak at Concert Hall for Lincoln and Johnson and the Union. It was an excellent speech. He is young but decidedly smart. He was preceded by a _____ who accompanied him. Time after time, he brought down the house with great applause. A few Copperheads in the meeting and quite a number outside seemed disposed to make a disturbance but he was not one of that kind to be bluffed off and told them so. The result of our town election was a majority for us (Republican) of 184. James S. Taylor for First Selectman by majority. O. H. Swift for Town Clerk 178. 10/4 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it finally came off pleasant. There being no work in the shop, I finished weeding my strawberry bed. I went downtown before dinner. Called at Parmalee and Bradley's store and while there, agreed with Haviland to go hunting in the P.M. I ate dinner and went down to Dr. Lacy's and got his dog. Met my comrade at Benedict's factory in West Street and started. We went up by Oil Mill Pond, through Terry's Woods and over to a little swamp near Granville Ambler's entrance to his land. We ran 2 rabbits in a stone wall and got them. I shot a High Hole and a Blue Jay. He shot a chipmunk. I took home rabbit and gave him the remainder. Burr Bradley and wife came in to spend the evening. She stayed with Gussie while Burr and I went to Hatters' Meeting. Burr came back home with me and then went home with his wife. 10/5 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gave Lieutenant Governor Averill the list of men and their ages who have come of age since entering the army in the 17th Regiment, viz. George S. Purdy, 23 years, August 13th, 1864, Mr. H. Warren, 22 years old, March 2, 1864, James S. Bailey, 23 years old, September 25, 1864, William Otis, 22 years, September 7, 1864, Theodore Morris, 21 years, October 13, 1864. Averill is to write by the first mail to Colonel Noble and get furloughs for them in possible to come home, be made freemen and vote in the coming presidential election. I came home about 11 o' clock. Walked up with John Cozier. After dinner, I finished picking beans in the garden. Hattie Gregory, a niece of Walter F. Olmstead, living neighbor to us was married this P.M at 3 o'clock at the Baptist church. She married _____. Gussie went to see them married. After which, I met her near Benedict and Nichols' store and we tried to match some oil cloth which we have but could not. After getting my papers at the Jeffersonian Office, I found some horrid mistakes in George's letter published in it. I returned to the office before they finished striking off the papers and had the errors corrected and exchanged the copies I had for some more which had been corrected. I then came home and after tea put one for George and another for his friend in St. Augustine, Mr. Arnie Allers . I also wrote a letter to George, the writing of which made me too late for class meeting. I went down in the evening and mailed the papers and letter. Called at Jeffersonian Office and showed Ashley more mistakes and laughed at him about them. Milford Ruff (sp?), an apprentice at the Pahquioque Shop who enlisted in a New Jersey regiment for 100 days returned home on a train this evening, his term of service having expired. 10/6 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, expecting work, but there being none, I went up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat a while with John Cosier. We finally concluded to go hunting. We got ready to go just before dinner, but on account of the appearance of rain, we waited until after dinner. In the meantime, we bought a wad cutter and cut a lot of wads. It continued so lowery with some fine rain that we gave up going. I left my gun at his house rather than bring it home in the rain. I came home and got 12 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into mine. Gussie went up to Mrs. Sanford's and to the cemetery in the forenoon. I went up for her just at night and stayed to tea. I came home with her as far as the Union Club rooms and stopped there until the cars came that I might get the news and the mail should there be any for us. The papers say that General Grant's advanced position near Richmond is strengthened. Gold went up about 3 per cent today. Smith Pulling brought me a pot of butter - 30 lbs. I not being home could not pay him. 10/7 FRIDAY - Clear and pleasant today. Had work all day in the shop. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary Purdy came in. I went to the Union League in the evening. Walked home with David Bradley. Paid Smith Pulling $3.00 towards my butter bill of $15.00. 10/8 SATURDAY - Pleasant and grew cold all day. Cold as winter in the evening. Worked hard all day in the shop. The Copperheads hoisted a McClellan banner about 6 o'clock this evening. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. The evening post gives us good news of the army of the James. Butler has been attacked by the rebels but has repulsed them splendidly and drove them within their inner line of entrenchments. 10/9 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M and evening and cold as winter. I have shook with cold all day except when close to the stove. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 4:4. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, at which Brother J. W. Nichols read to the school a letter he received from George. Sacrament in the P.M. at which Brother Crawford assisted. Martha Stevens, or rather Martha Downs, as it is now, is home on a visit with her baby and a colored servant. She was at church this morning. Mr. Cocking shot a pigeon hawk while over to Mr. Lynes' doing the chores this evening. We moved our houseplants from the piazza into the parlor just at dusk. We feared to leave them out another night on account of the cold. Mrs. Judson, Harriet Ely's mother, died. 10/10 MONDAY - Cold last night. A severe frost this morning. We finished up our work in the shop today. I got mine done at noon. There is no time set when we will have more to do. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned our bedroom upstairs for us today. Mr. Cocking moved over to Mr. Lynes' this morning. They are to do as they did last year, hold my rooms to store their goods and live over there this winter during the absence of Mr. Lynes and family. While we were drinking tea, Harriet came in. I walked downtown with her. Called with her at Dr. Buckley's office to get some medicine. She went to Dr. Lacy's where she is now staying and I went to Societies Meeting at the church. The following trustees were elected for another year: George Starr, George Hull, E. S. Davis, Mr. S. White, Henry G. Fanton. A. N. Gilbert spoke for the union at Concert Hall. After leaving the church, I spoke with John Cosier for a few minutes at the hall. The house was filled to overflowing. We the saw Fred Jackson about going hunting tomorrow. 10/11 TUESDAY - I mailed a Harper's Weekly with two republican campaign documents to George this morning before breakfast. I went hunting with John Cosier, Fred Jackson and dog. We were gone all day. We got separated about sundown and did not get together until we met at John Cosier's. I got there first. I brought home some everlasting for Gussie to make a wreath for me. I went downtown in the evening. I came home as soon as the mail came. 10/12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy after dinner and commenced raining about 4 P.M. and was raining hard when we retired. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house. We cleaned the pantry and bedrooms. I helped them all day, not leaving home until evening, when I went down to get the Jeffersonian, to market, to the Post Office and to hear Ethan Allen of New York speak for the Union in Concert Hall. I stayed but a short time, the house being too damp and cold for me not having an overcoat. I went from the Hall up to see how John Cosier stood the hunting excursion yesterday. I found him feeling first rate. Previous to going to the Hall in the evening, I called a t Dr. Lacy's to see Harriet about getting some wood for her, etc. She gave me $8.00 to get a cord of wood for her. 10/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but windy and cool. Before breakfast, I went to the Post Office and mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called at Dr. Lacey's to get his bird dog to go hunting. The doctor having come home last night, the boy would not let him go without first seeing the doctor. And he not yet being up and I being in a hurry, did not wait. After breakfast, I took my gun and started without a dog. I went to Fish Ware, Fox Pond Hollow, Mount Tour, Long Ridge Town Mountain and home, making it about 5 o'clock when I came in. My game was 2 red squirrels, a Shide Poke, and chipmunk, the chipmunk I did not bring home. The squirrel, I gave to Mother, as I came home that way. 10/14 FRIDAY - Cooler than yesterday. I went in the forenoon to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see if he had any hickory wood (I wanted some for Harriet). From there, I went to the shop to see what was doing and found that they had sent a boy for me to finish a dozen brush hats. I got there ahead of the boy. The hats were not quite ready, so I went again about 3 P.M. and squared them up (they being full stiff) and cut out a dozen tips for them, ready to finish them tomorrow. Before dinner, however, I went up on Clapboard Ridge to Mr. Elwell's (sp) with Mr. Jacob Fry for a calf which he had bought. While there, I bought a bbl. Of Roxbury Russet apples for $2.25 of a man from Stony Hill, Weed by name. He had bought the apples of an orchard of Russell Hoyt I think and was gathering them. I had the pipe fitted to a stove and put it up for Harriet up home. My apples came about 5 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street, waited until the mail came and came home. 10/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have had a dozen black brush hats to finish today. Mrs. Charles Brokerton called just last night to see if we had heard from the boys in the 17th Regiment. Before tea, I filled the low places between my Trope de Grand strawberries with earth. I went to market in the evening. Called a few minutes at the Republican Club Room, took a letter from the post office for Harriet and walked home with my neighbor John Green. While in the street, Henry Ely spoke of hedging their cemetery lot joining mine to give us a chance to do mine at the same time. They want to hedge theirs next week. Wallace Pine lost his child about 6 o'clock this evening. They went down to Starr's Plain to old Captain Pine's. A dog came toward the horse barking and frightened him, throwing them all out. The child struck his head upon a stone and killed him instantly. Wallace Pine is a colored man living near us. 10/16 SUNDAY - I went up home before going to church this morning to carry a letter to Harriet which I took from the post office last night and to get my lead pencil which I left there on Friday when I put up Harriet's stove. Brother Hill preached from Genesis 19:15-20. Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church in the P.M. A Mr. Pardee of New York was there. It looked so much like rain at noon that I came home and did not attend the Sunday School concert. Gussie took care of Josie in the afternoon to let Harriet go. Commenced a letter to George. After tea, went over to Bro. McDonald's to get his horse to take Gussie to the cemetery. Could not get it. He was going to use it. So I walked up alone. I found Henry Ely up there. We talked a little about hedging our lots which join. I mailed Harper's Weekly with some Republican campaign documents enclosed to George. Mr. Pardee delivered an address to their congregation in our church in the evening on Sabbath Schools. Gussie and I attended about 3 P.M. The sun came out pleasant. The evening was clear and delightful although pretty cold. I wore an overcoat in the evening for the first time this season. 10/17 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went up to the cemetery and dug a trench in which to set a hedge around our lot. Went up to Mr. Down's nursery with Henry and Abijah Ely to look at the evergreens for the hedge. After dinner, I went to the shop. Squared up a dozen drab brush hats for tomorrow. Got my pay and came home. I then got my stove down from Father Griswold's barn and commenced blacking it before tea. After tea, Gussie and I went downtown and bought 2 yards of oil cloth 2 yards wide for $2.25 per yard. We then came home and before retiring I finished blacking the sitting room stove and drew the tacks from the sitting room carpet preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. Father and Harriet both received letters from George today, but none for me. 10/18 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. I had the 1 one half dozen brush hats to finish today, $3.00 per dozen. I burned one which cost me. Mrs. Stone cleaned house for us today, the sitting room and the sink room. I helped her shake carpet at noon. When I came home from work about 6 o'clock, the whole neighborhood was out looking for Josie Wheeler who was lost. I immediately went searching myself. A general alarm was given by ringing the bells. He was finally found at the lower end of Main Street. Butler G. Noble, ex-governor of Wisconsin spoke for the Union at Concert Hall this evening. I went in to the street and into the Hall for a few minutes but could not stay of account of nailing down carpet and putting up a stove which I have just completed at 10 one half o'clock. Before retiring, I finished a letter to George. 10/19 WEDNESDAY - Before breakfast I went down and mailed my letter to George. After breakfast, I helped Gussie move her plants from the parlor to the sitting room. Before we finished doing it, Harriet Mills called to see us. I then called at the shop, but there being nothing to do, I went down to see if Fred Jackson would go hunting with me. He could not go, but lent me his dog. I went over to Mill Plain Swamp, to Miry Brook and to Benjamin Norris' and engaged a cord of hardwood for Harriet. I came home by way of Mill Plain and Edward Hull's to see if I could buy some apples, but could not. Bell came down while we were drinking tea to have me to go up and fix Harriet's curtains. I went down to Jackson's to take Milo home and then went up. It took me until nearly 10 o'clock to put them up. James Birdsell, being intoxicated, tried to drive his horse and wagon across the railroad bridge just below the old crib (sp) shop and was run over by the freight train going down this evening. His horse was knocked down between the ties and suspended to the timbers by portion of the harness, but was finally extricated without serious injury. I believe the man had his leg badly mangled and was otherwise injured. Dr. Bennett amputated his leg. 10/20 THURSDAY - Worked all day in the shop on 1 one half dozen drab brush hats. About 5 P.M., the bells began to ring. We at the shop supposed it to be a fire, but soon learned that it was for another victory by Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. We captured 43 guns, one major-general and several thousand prisoners. We had one general killed, three others wounded. The 'Evening Post' gave the particulars. The cannon was fired about 9 o'clock in the evening in honor of the victory. I mailed the Jeffersonian and New York Daily Tribune to George. I tried to get a Post, but could not. At the Republican Clubroom, I saw Henry Ely and paid him $2.00 for Arbor Vitae trees for hedging around my cemetery lot which joins his. A load of soil was also included in the $2.00. The man who had a leg amputated last night it is thought cannot live. 10/21 FRIDAY - James Birdsell died last night or this morning from the effects of the amputation of his leg and other injuries received at the time of the accident. I went to the shop this morning, but there being no work, I went hunting. I went down to get Fred Jackson to go with me but he had just gone in company with a schoolmate. I got Dr. Lacey's old dog, Major, and hurried on to find Fred but did not. I was gone all day and got 2 quail and a robin. I went to the depot in the evening and met Mother Griswold. She has been up in Hartford County on a visit. John Cosier, who has been away for a week came home on the train this evening also. Later - John Cosier came home from his visit on the freight train Wednesday P.M. instead of this evening. 10/22 SATURDAY - No work in the shop. In the forenoon, I borrowed Mr. Lyne's horse which Robert Cocking drove into town and rode up to the cemetery to see the new hedge around our lot. After dinner, I walked up, borrowed a wheelbarrow and shovel of Mr. Day and took the dirt off our lot which was left there after setting our hedge. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and in the meantime and about the time I came home, Harriet Purdy came down and wanted more Belladonna and Aconite medicine. I was alarmed when she said that Mother had taken all that she took from us the other day as it was the liquid medicine from which we put only 4 or 5 drops into a half tumbler of water. I suppose there was about 30 drops of it which she put in a half glass of water. There was about the same of each Aconite and Belladonna. But instead of hurting Mother, it did her good as she is much better than usual today. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We made a fire in our sitting room stove for the first time this evening. 10/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, cloudy in the P.M. Brother Hill being sick, I understood that Mr. Robertson, Pastor of the 2nd Congregational Church, would preach for us in the morning, so accordingly, I went for the first tome and heard Brother Hawley at the Episcopal Church. I went to our Sunday School as usual, and there learned that Chaplain Ambler preached for us instead of Robertson. Robertson preached for us in the P.M. and I went to the Baptist church and heard Mr. Stone. George Bell and bride were there. Bell came to our house to tea. She went with us to prayer meeting in the evening and went home in company with Mr. Squire's folks. As I went to prayer meeting, I mailed a copy of Harper's Weekly to George. It had very much the appearance of rain when we retired. 10/24 MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went up to A.G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat awhile with him and John Cosier. John and I arranged to go hunting in the P.M. I went down to Mr. Jackson's to get his dog, but Fred had just gone hunting himself. I arranged to have the dog whenever I want him if they are not using him. He wishes me to use him as often as I can in order to train the dog. On my way home at noon to prepare to go hunting, I found Dr. Lacey's dog (Major). He followed me and I was glad to have him do so. We went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp. We came across Henry Rider with his gun. We all three hunted together. Rider got 2 woodcocks. Cosier got 2 woodcocks and I, one woodcock and a quail. Rider wanted the quail for his wife who is sick, so I exchanged with him my quail for a woodcock. Cosier gave me his two and I gave Mother Purdy 2 and Mother Griswold 2. It rained a little before we got in. After tea, I went home and carried two woodcock for Mother, while Gussie gave the other two to her mother. 10/25 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning with every appearance of a storm. But after dinner, it came off beautiful. I went to the shop in the morning, expecting work but had none. I came up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and finally arranged to go hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier. Crosby found me ammunition if I would give him what birds I shot. Before going, however, I arranged with Mr. McDonald and Crawford for a horse and saddle to ride in the procession tomorrow at the mass meeting. I had Old Major, Dr. Lacey's dog. I shot a quail and a woodcock and gave them to Mr. Crosby in the evening. I received 4 letters from George by the morning mail. He has been detailed from his company for a musician in a Regimental Brass Band. In the evening, I went to the Union Club Room, and to an extra session of the Union League. Before retiring, I wrote a hasty letter to George. 10/26 WEDNESDAY - A great Union Mass Meeting. The day has been beautiful. I rode Mr. McDonald's horse in the cavalcade. The speaker's stand was built on the old Fairgrounds near the cemetery. The speakers were Col. M. Depew, General Gault of Arkansas and Colonel Noble of the 11th Regiment. The procession was about two miles long. After the speaking was over I assisted to load chairs and settees and take down the arch over the entrance to the Fairgrounds. I was in consequence late home to my tea. Father came down in the evening and brought us a chicken and then went to hear the speaking at Concert Hall. I went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and returned and spent the evening at home. I mailed a letter to George early this morning, also one for Gussie to Bloomfield. The procession was as follows: in the cavalcade of horsemen 250, of which 26 were ladies wagons, 305, whole number of horses, 633. 10/27 THURSDAY - Copperhead mass meeting. The speakers were ______________________. Their cavalcade numbered 66 of which 10 were ladies. Whole number of wagons 238. The day has been cloudy and a little cool. Avery Raymond brought me a barrel of apples, greenings priced at $2.25. At the same time, he took Father Griswold's cider barrel to fill for him. Fred Dunning wanted me to hunting with him, so about 2 o'clock we started. We saw but little game and shot none but the dog pointed on one quail and caught it in the grass before in could fly up. It was dark when we got home. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a Jeffersonian with some campaign documents enclosed to George. I called at the Club Room and at Swift's News Office to wait for the train which was quite late. There has been a Republican Mass Meeting today at Bridgeport, and I learned this evening since the arrival of the train that it was a success and a grand affair. The Copperheads are holding forth this evening at Concert Hall and are applauding with great earnestness expressions like the following. This is a wicked, unholy and infamous war and never should have existed. 10/28 FRIDAY - Stormy, no work in the shop. Bought a hat for George's friend, the postmaster at St. Augustine, Mr. George Cole, price, $5.00. I sent it by mail; the postage was 78 cents, weighing 13 ounces at 6 cents per ounce. I put it in a band box. I wrote a letter in the evening to Mr. Cole about the hat and enclosed the bill - $5.78. I wrote to George also, stating that I had mailed the hat to Mr. Cole. Fanny came home on the freight train this evening from Hartford County. She brought me 2 dozen of Griswold's Salve. 10/29 SATURDAY - No work on the shop. I went hunting in the afternoon with John Cosier. We went up by Philo Wildman's and nearly to Neversink Pond. We came home down through Tamarack Woods and by the cemetery. I got 4 quail, John got nothing. I gave the birds to Alden Crosby for the powder and shot he bought for me for that purpose. I had Mr. F. G. Jackson's dog, 'Milo'. Gussie went with me to market and to take Milo home in the evening. While we were hunting, it rained for a while and we got pretty wet. 10/30 SUNDAY - Brother Hill preached in the morning. Harriet attended Methodist meeting in the forenoon to tell me to get a team if I could and come for Mother at noon and take her to church. I got Thomas Lyon's horse and did so. A Mr. Buckley, who has been preaching at the 1st Church preached for us in the P.M. Lt. Colonel Moegling of the 11th Connecticut Volunteers was buried from the 1st Congregational at 2 P.M. I did not go out in the evening, retired early. We have had sunshine and clouds during the day, but no rain. A special train from Norwalk bringing Norwalk Military Company and Masons to Mr. Moegling's funeral. 10/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. I worked as long as I could see and longer too to finish off my dozen and get out of the way of the other men as these are to be numbers for the blocks tomorrow. Mrs. Stone did three weeks' washing for us today, she not being able to come last week as usual on account of her being sick. They have been making Freemen at the Courthouse today. I brought home an old paper box from the shop and cut into gun wads after tea. I went to market for Mother Griswold in the evening and called at the clubroom to hear the evening news. The news is that the official news of the Pennsylvania soldiers' vote is 12,000 for the Republicans. The horse trainer has been here today. He gave a public exhibition in the street.
1864-10
Souvenir of Danbury, Conn.
12 pgs, 4 x 5"
Consists of 12 illustrated leaves folded in a single folio
1890s
Wooster House and Paquioque Hotel from Bailey's History of Danbury
1 pg
Inset with Lyman Keeler
1893