Park House, Lake Kenosia, Danbury, Conn.
3 x 5", colorized postcard
Front view of the Park House with water tower in rear.
circa 1900
Hotel Kenmere on Lake Kenosia, Danbury CT
3.5 x 5.5" colorized postcard
c.1909
Boat Landing, Lake Kenosha, Danbury CT
Boat Landing, Lake Kenosia
3.5 x 5.5", b&w postcard
on back of postcard, "Compliments of The Union Pacific Tea Co., 253 Main St., Danbury CT.
1905
Views of Lake Kenosia, Danbury Conn.
3.5 x 5.5", colorized postcards
Horace Purdy Journal September 1869 Entry
10pgs
SEPTEMBER 01 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. More like November than September. Horace Cable and I went with his horse to Brewster Station to take from the Harlem Railroad depot at that location, 7 spring beds to put up in that place. As we went, we took from here two beds which we put up for William Fowler just beyond the state line and for E. C. Clark at Sodom. We got pay for 6 beds and 3 we did not collect, viz., George Hall, John Doty at the hotel, and William Orman. We took dinner at Doty's Hotel, called the Southeast House. On our way home, we stopped at William Storm's and brought into town a copper strip cutting machine. We came by the 8th Regiment encampment at Lake Kenosha at sundown just as they were on dress parade. It was about dark when we got home. SEPTEMBER 02 THURSDAY - Horace Cable came over in the morning for crab apples. He helped me pick what remained on the tree. When we had done picking, I filled his basket and then Charles Hayes and I rode over home with him. I then went down to the Danbury Bank with him and we had a draft made out for D. R. French for the balance of what we owe him - $154.54. I went over to Swift's and wrote a note to French and enclosed the draft and mailed it. In the P.M., I went over to Cable's and got some safety bars and the tools and came home and put one in our bedstead. After putting it in, I took Willie Griswold and threw him on the bed quite hard and broke a slat. I then had to go over to Mr. Cable's again for a slat and came home and put it in in place of the broken one. In the evening, I went to market and Gussie went to Professor John Logan's' lecture on Physiognomy. The day has been pleasant except an occasional cloud, which in passing over, would give us a little sprinkle. SEPTEMBER 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. In the morning, I went over to Horace Cable's and went down into Main Street with him at mail tine. We saw Governor Jewell and staff at the depot just arrived with horses and equipage for reviewing the 8th Regiment in the P.M. at Lake Kenosha. I received a letter from Sigler Brothers, 131-133 Mercer Street, New York, requesting me to send the amount of my indebtedness which I owed when I sold out in New York and cannot pay because Henry Day, who took my business, has not paid me. In the P.M., Gussie, Louise and I went onto the street designing to take one of the omnibuses and ride out to camp and see Gov. Jewell review the regiment, but all the conveyances were overloaded and we gave up the idea of going. I came home and pulled weeds in my garden. Gussie went to the phrenological lecture in the evening. I went to market and down to the Turner House to see Gov. Jewell who with his staff holds a reception. SEPTEMBER 04 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel by the morning train to collect from Thomas Wheeler $6.00 for a spring bed but did not get it. I took an order from Mr. Agnew for a spring bed. I came home by the A. M. train and saw Mr. Henry Day but could get no encouragement from him regarding the payment of his notes. The 8th Regiment marched in from the lake about 3 P.M. and broke up at the depot. They started for home on the 4:15 train. I received a letter from Mr. J. E. Chapman from New York concerning the Empire Spring Bed. Henry Cable wants Putnam County in which to sell them. I also received a note from Mr. French acknowledging receipt of $154.54 to balance Cable & Purdy's account. I did some marketing and then came home. SEPTEMBER 05 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I went with Georgie down to Sunday school at noon. We came home again after school. After dinner, which we had about 4 P.M., Gussie and I walked over to Ambrose Hill's, but Ambrose had started for New York before we got there. He went to Brookfield intending to take a train this evening from there to Bridgeport and then a night boat to New York so as to get to Brooklyn for breakfast tomorrow morning. Gussie went to church this evening. I stayed at home. SEPTEMBER 06 MONDAY - Hot. In the forenoon, I helped Robert Cocking clean out and repair his cistern. In the P.M., I went over to F. H. Austin's and took a measurement of his bedstead for a set of springs. From there, I went over to Sturdivant's factory. From there, I came to the lower end of town and then up home to see mother. I wrote three letters - one to J. E. Chapman, giving Twitchell's prices for spring beds, one to Twitchell about New London and Windham Counties, and one to D. R. French with a draft for $60.00 enclosed. Mrs. Sweetland and daughter came by the P.M. train from Hartford to see Edwin's wife at Mother Griswold's. Their baggage was left behind today, and I went to the depot this evening on the arrival of the train to get it for them, a black traveling bag. Late in the evening, I went over to Horace Cable's and gave him the tree and bed orders I had on my book from New York State. SEPTEMBER 07 TUESDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning, but before noon it came off pleasant. Just at night it clouded over again and rained in showers all evening. I have been to Bethel and stayed all day. I took tea with Mrs. Dare. I sold 7 beds. I took another tea after I came home and then went up to see Charles Bradley about a spring bed but did not find him at home. I then came down to John Bouton's for the measurement of his bed, but they having company in the bed, I did not measure the bedstead. From there, I went over to Horace Cable's to get some names for spring beds which he had got for me. I then came home feeling about used up. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up some of her cups of crab apple jelly. SEPTEMBER 08 WEDNESDAY - The day has been broken. A considerable rain has fallen and yet the sun has shone a little. I canvassed in the forenoon for my spring beds. After dinner, I went again and after 4 o'clock, I sold 4 beds, two to Mrs. William Bennett, one to Mrs. Charles Bradley, and one to John Bouton. I received by the morning mail a letter from D. R. French saying that I must hereafter deal with Mr. Twitchell as he has given up the General Agency. In the evening, I wrote an order for 14 spring beds, eight for Bethel and six for Danbury, the first lot for myself since giving up my partner, Cable. I also wrote to William Hayes for Stark's address that I might write and if possible, collect the $20.00 he owes me. I also wrote to George to have him collect the $7.50 owing me in Yonkers. Before retiring, I helped seal up and mark crab apple and blackberry jelly. SEPTEMBER 09 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. Our Sunday School and the Baptist School held a picnic at the junction of the New York Northern and Housatonic railroads near Brookfield. Anne, Edwin's wife, and her two children, Fanny and Willie started for Ohio. They took the 11A.M. train to Brookfield. AT 12 noon, Mr. & Mrs. Sweetland and daughter Martha started for home in Hartford. I went over to Crofut's Mill in the A. M. to try and sell Mr. Crofut a spring bed. I did not succeed but sold one to his miller, Jack Wolf. I came home by way of Horace Cable's and got a set of springs. From there and before dinner, I put them in one of the beds I yesterday measured for Mrs. William Bennett. In the P.M., I went up to Tweedy's Factory with my bed model. I sold three before I got home Turner Stevens, George F. Larkin, and George Swords. Gussie being detained at the picnic, Hattie Mills and I got our tea and ate it before she got home. In the evening, I went to market and then to the barber's to get my hair cut. SEPTEMBER 10 FRIDAY - Cold in the morning but a pleasant day and warm in the middle of the day. I went to the shop in the morning and stretched Georgie's straw hat and had one blocked (a fur one) preparatory to finishing it. Before dinner, I took an order from Joel Foster for a spring bed. Received by morning mail a letter from T. E. Twitchell that he had shipped yesterday 6 beds to me. After dinner, I hired Mr. Bouton's horse and went to the depot for my spring beds. I took Mr. Austin's over to him and put it in. I also put in one for John W. Bouton and one for Mrs. Charles Bradley. Horace Cable came over to see me about dark. After tea, I went to market. SEPTEMBER 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I spent a part of the afternoon in finishing a hat for Georgie. I carried Hattie Mill's dinner to her at noon at the Mallory Shop. I took a letter from the Office this forenoon for Horace Cable from J. E. Chapman & Co., New York (the Empire Spring Bed maker). In the evening, I went to market and took home from the Office a bill from Twitchell for 8 beds shipped today for Bethel. SEPTEMBER 12 SUNDAY - Pleasant. About meeting time this morning, Father came down to see me. I went down to Sunday School at noon and home again after the session. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. SEPTEMBER 13 MONDAY - Pleasant and warmer than for some days past. I have been to Bethel today. I went by train this morning and returned by same in the evening. I had 8 beds come by freight to Bethel where I met them and delivered and put them up which took me until dark. I took dinner with Aunt Harriet Mills. In the A.M., I put a safety bar in Mr. Dare's bed. Gussie met me this evening at the depot with the Sunday School books. I took them and attended the Teachers' Meeting without returning home. My resignation as secretary & treasurer was accepted and Thomas Bradley was elected. SEPTEMBER 14 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I spent a portion of the day selling my spring beds. Just at night, I went down to Dr. Benedict's and put in a set of springs for Anna Eastwood. While we were at tea, Hannah Gregory came in to countermand an order Mrs. Rowan gave me today for a spring bed. I went to market in the evening with Gussie. I mailed this P.M. a check to Mr. Twitchell for $54.72, amount due him for my first set of beds. In the evening, Mr. Pond came in to pay me $10.00 borrowed last Saturday. He drew his check on Pahquioque Bank for $50.00. I am to draw it for him tomorrow and from it take my $10.00. SEPTEMBER 15 WEDNESDAY - A little lowery in the morning but it came off pleasant and warm. I rode down to Grassy Hill in the morning on a load of hat cases with William Bouton. I canvassed there and at Oren Benedict's shop until the freight train came when I took it and came home to Danbury. After I arrived, I went to the Pahquoique Bank with Mr. Pond's check for 50.00. I got the money and, in the evening, returned $40.00 to Mr. Pond. In the P.M., I called at the parsonage and Mrs. Burch paid me $5.00 for a bed purchased in July. A bed order from W. H. Barnum. SEPTEMBER 16 THURSDAY - I canvassed a little at home for my spring beds. After dinner, I went on Highland Avenue to sell beds. After tea, I went into the street and arranged with Harry Buckley to go tomorrow morning with me to Newtown to take a bed spring to H. D. Warner in place of one broken which he has. Also, to collect from Henry Willis $6.00 for one I sold him in July. SEPTEMBER 17 FRIDAY - About 6:30 this morning, Harry Buckley drove around for me to go to Newtown per arrangement. I took over the springs for J. Warner and put them in and collected $6.00 from Henry Willis for a bed. I took another order of two from W. J. Dick (hotel), also an order for another from J. B. Wheeler. We came home by way of the Steam Excavator arriving about noon. A little fine rain on our way over in the morning. I had 6 more beds (also 2 slats and a frame for George Andrews) come on the freight train. I hired Mr. Judd's horse to deliver them. I put up Turner Stevens', Jacob Wolff's, George Larkin's, Mr. Pond’s, and George Sword's, leaving Joel Foster's and the slats for George Andrews until tomorrow. In the evening, I took an order for one from Fred Hull. Received by the evening mail two letters from T. E. Twitchell with bills of beds to Danbury and Bethel. SEPTEMBER 18 SATURDAY - Gussie's birthday. She is 33 years old. I started this morning to get a new lid made for the box containing my spring bed model. Before I could get back, it commenced raining. I went over to Joel Foster's about 8 A.M. and put in his spring bed. From there I went over to George Andrew's and made over his old one which he has used for 3 years or more. I added two new slats and a new frame making a 9 slatter instead of 7 slats. I went to Bethel by the 4 P.M. train and brought in a bed for C.H. Benedict. From there I went over to W.H. Barnum's to put in one for him, but his wife having company, I deferred it until next week. I then rode up home with B. F. Bailey. SEPTEMBER 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning to hear our old pastor, Brother William Hill, preach. We have no pastor now. He (Burch) is only a preacher. I stayed to Sunday School to see how Theo Bradley, the new secretary and treasurer, got along with his new duties. This is his first Sunday in the new position and the first since I was relieved. In the P.M., Gussie went to the Universalist to hear Mr. Haskell preach a memorial sermon for the late General John Rawlins, Secretary of War, who died in Washington, D. C. on September 6th. His wife, daughter of Stephen Hurlburt, is here at home with her father. SEPTEMBER 20 MONDAY - Hot, very hot. I went to Bethel by the train in the morning and put in a set of bed springs for S.H. Barnum. I spent my time in Bethel until the freight train came in and then came home. Mary Mills came on the same train. Four more beds came on the train, 2 for Dick's hotel, 1 for J.B. Wheeler, and 1 for myself. I did not take them from the depot as three of them I will take to Newtown tomorrow morning. Just at night, I made arrangements with Harry Buckley for his horse tomorrow to go to Newtown. After tea, I went over to Division Street and measured a bed for A. Kenner. I then went down to Blackman's to get a crystal put in my watch. I received by the evening mail a bill from T. E. Twitchell for the four beds shipped on Saturday and received today. I came home and filled out a check for the same - $32.68, to mail to him tomorrow morning. SEPTEMBER 21 TUESDAY - I have had Harry Buckley's horse to go to Newtown. I put in 2 spring beds for Dick's hotel and one more for J. B. Wheeler. I intended to canvass Newtown and perhaps stay overnight but the rain commencing about 1 o'clock, I started for home expecting a hard storm. But it stopped and rained no more during the P.M. I got home about 6 P.M. SEPTEMBER 22 WEDNESDAY - In the morning, I made 2 cross bars for a 51 inch bed to use with Turner Stevens bed for Fred Hull. At 10 o'clock, I went to the Danbury Bank and deposited $32.62 for a check sent to T.E. Twitchell for bed springs. From there, I went up to Turner Stevens and took out the springs I put in for him. I am going to put them in for Fred Hull. Cloudy. Rain about 2 P.M. About 4 o'clock, I got Luther Patton to drive over to Turner Stevens and bring away a bed for me and take to Fred Hull which I put up for him before night. In the evening, I went into the street. SEPTEMBER 23 THURSDAY - Lowery in the morning. I went down to Col. Chichester and to George Benedict and took an order from each for spring beds and returned home to dinner. Received by the morning mail a receipt from T. E. Twitchell for the last check I sent him - $32.68. It cleared off in the P.M. I canvassed in Maple Avenue until teatime and came home. In the evening, I mailed a check to T.E. Twitchell for $14.450 in full for beds to date. SEPTEMBER 24 FRIDAY - I hired Harry Buckley's team and went to canvassing towards Newtown for my bed springs. I sold three to Eugene Jennings, Jabez Peck and Reuben Blackman. The last one was on the hill overlooking Newtown. It then being night, I turned and drove home. SEPTEMBER 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant. In the morning, I went down to Foster Brothers Carpenter Shop to collect $7.25 for spring beds from Joel Foster. He paid me $5.00 of it. I then went up to Samuel Holby's shop to see George Sword. He could not pay me today. He has just buried his baby. At 10 o'clock, I went to the Danbury Bank and deposited $14.50 for a check I sent to T.E. Twitchell in New Haven. Reunion of the 23rd Regiment. Many of the veterans of the Bethel Military Company and the City Band from Bridgeport came on the 10:15 train. They formed and marched to Concert Hall where officers of the Regimental Association were elected for the coming year. After which the line again formed, and the grand parade commenced. The parade ended by marching into the Wooster House yard where an abundant dinner was served up free of charge. All appeared to enjoy it. D.R. French, one of the veterans of the 23rd was here also. I found him and we had a little visit together by ourselves. I went with him to try and find George Ambler, but we could not. SEPTEMBER 26 SUNDAY - Stormy. It has rained hard all day. None of us has been out to church. This is the first Sunday in a long time that I have remained indoors all day. Harry Buckley called about dusk. I brought some of my 'Louise Bond de Jersey' pears. He ate a number and took several to his wife. SEPTEMBER 27 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. It rained hard during last night but came off clear this morning. I rode to Bethel this P.M. with Harry Buckley to try to collect $6.50 at Luby's shop from A. C. Williams but he was not there. When I returned, I called to see Mr. Ferrell about bedsprings but he concluded to defer the thing until next spring. In the evening, I ordered (and mailed the same) seven more beds from Twitchell. SEPTEMBER 28 TUESDAY - A heavy white frost this morning, the first of the season. In the forenoon, I prepared a place for 2 rows of 'Jacunda Strawberry' plants and got in 12 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar. I killed and we had for dinner one of the three chickens that has been living with us all summer. In the P.M., I had a sick headache, but I went over to Ambrose Hill's for the plants and set them out just at night. After putting out the plants, I was so sick that I could hardly hold up my head. I took but a mouthful for tea and retired early. SEPTEMBER 29 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold with another white frost. My head ached all night. I feel bad today. I cleaned up my pistol in the morning. I went into the street before dinner. On the arrival of the freight train, I went to the depot to see if 7 spring beds which I have ordered came, but they did not. I then got Harry Buckley to drive his horse with me and one spring bed down to George Benedict's. Mrs. Benedict not being home, I left it and returned home without putting it in. Wrote to George and mailed in the evening about not receiving money the 27th inst., also about being in New York next week to see him. I received a receipted bill by evening mail from T. E. Twitchell for $14.49, also notice that today he shipped me 7 beds. SEPTEMBER 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. After breakfast, I went down to the lower end of Main Street to George V. Benedict's and put in the spring bed I left down there yesterday P.M. I then came uptown and called on Mrs. Anna Eastwood to see about pay for spring beds I put in for her on the 14th. From there, I went to Randall & Bradley's Store and 'altered a cat' for them. I bought a mixed colored coat (of sack) of B. C. Sherwood, the pawnbroker, for $7.00. In the P.M., I hired Almon Judd's horse to get some bed springs from the depot. I put in one for Abram Chichester and two for Mrs. Alice Ford. I delivered one to Mrs. Keynes on Division Street, but they being away, I could not put it in. I have three more to put in tomorrow, one to Beaverbrook at Eugene Jennings', and two just this side of Newtown for John Peck and Reuben Blackman. I went up to Kenner's in the evening to put in his bed, but they still being away, I could not.
1869-09-01
Horace Purdy Journal August 1869 Entry
10pgs
AUGUST 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not very warm. I took Georgie down to church in time for Sunday School. After school, I came home with him. After dinner, I took him for a walk over into Division Street. We stopped to see Mary, the first time we have called on her since her marriage. From there, we went over to Horace Cable's in Spring Street. Horace gave me a letter which he got from the Office last evening from D. R. French in which he acknowledged the receipt of the draft for $100.00 from Hill & Purdy. He wants money as fast as we can remit to him to pay for a large lot of slats lately received from Vermont. AUGUST 02 MONDAY - Pleasant. In the forenoon, I collected a little on our spring beds from Albert Scott, R. W. Holmes, and George L. Smith. After dinner we went up to the bogs to see a man about spring beds, but he being away from home, we did not see him. It was about 6 P.M. when we returned. After tea, Horace Cable came over to see me. We went into the street together. We received by the evening mail a bill for Lot No. 4, our last one for springs from D. R. French. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station today to introduce our spring bed bottoms. We spent about a half day there showing it up and took 3 positive orders besides preparing the way for a goodly number of sales some other day. We started for home about sundown arriving here about 8:30. AUGUST 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I collected from Mr. Decklyn $18.50 for 3 spring bed bottoms. I turned it over to Horace Cable and he with other money got a draft for $100.00, which I this evening mailed to D. R. French with a duplicate of 6 beds ordered from Twitchell. I at the same time sent the order to Mr. Twitchell. In it were two for H. Fairchild which he is in a great hurry for to commence housekeeping. We expected a lot of beds on the freight train, but they did not come. AUGUST 05 THURSDAY - Showery with some indications of rain but only now and then a little sprinkle. It cleared off in the evening. Horace Cable and I with his horse rode over to Sturdivant's to canvass the factory for our spring bed bottoms. In the P.M., 10 beds came by the freight train. We put up a part of them, including 3 we took to Bethel for Farnum Greenwood and Thomas Wheeler. AUGUST 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool in the morning. We rode up to New Milford in the morning to put up spring beds at Lanesville and the Iron Works. But found the beds had not come as we expected. We fed ourselves and the horse at Nelson Knowles in Lanesville. We came home by way of the steam excavator. George Bradley paid me $6.75 for his spring bed. I also in New Milford collected $6.00 from Michael McNiff. In the evening, I went over to Horace's but not finding him home, I went to the Post Office where I found him. AUGUST 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still cool. I mowed my dooryard and raked it off this forenoon. After dinner I went to the depot where I met Horace Cable with his horse. We had 6 beds come on the freight train. We put up 2 for Hanford Fairchild, one for Philo Knapp and the two which came last week for William Bailey. An eclipse of the sun this P.M. from 5:15 until about sundown. In the evening, I went to market with Gussie. We bought a toy small gun for Georgie. Two letters - one from Twitchell and one from French. AUGUST 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer. We did not get up this morning until about 8 o'clock. Gussie went to the Baptist church this morning to hear their old minister, Mr. Stone. Father came in just before dinner to have me cut his hair. I did it and then took Georgie down to Sunday School. After school, I came home again. We had dinner about 3 o'clock, after which I took Georgie with me for a walk. We went into River Street where we stopped to see E. E. Wildman about sending me word from New Milford if my spring beds were at the depot there. He is going up there tomorrow. From there I walked around to Horace Cable's and their home, stopping at Ambrose Hill's a moment to see Philo Bennett. AUGUST 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. I hoed up a few weeds in my garden before breakfast. After breakfast, I went over to Horace Cable's and we with his horse took Henry Willis' and Mrs. Lewis Bennett's bed springs and went over to Sandy Hook and put them in. I went to look at J. H. Warner's springs that Ambrose Hill put in one of the slats of which is broken. I concluded to write to D. R. French and have him take back the bed and send another in its place which will be alright. We came home by way of Bethel where I collected for Hill & Purdy $6.50 from George Osborne for a spring bed. We arrived home about 2 P.M. I tried to collect a little in the P.M. In the evening, I attended teachers' meeting. I offered my resignation, but they refused to accept it, deferring action for one month. Before I retired, I wrote to D. R. French about exchanging J. H. Warner's bed (at Sandy Hook) for a good one, one slat being broken, and several others are defective. AUGUST 10 TUESDAY - Hot. Horace Cable and I went to New Milford for 6 bed springs and brought them to Lanesville. I put up 4 of the 5 at this place, the 5h being for Nelson Knowles. I did not go there on account of his son having the smallpox. Horace not feeling very well and fearing the smallpox, he took the train at Lanesville and started for home, leaving me to take care of the beds. After putting up John and James Knowles, Perry Chase's and Willis' and leaving Nelson Knowles' at his son's place, I then started for the Iron Works and put up one for Lewis Ives after which I drove home. Before doing so, I was obliged to go to the blacksmith's and got a new shoe put on the horse's foot. AUGUST 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and hot. We delivered and put up John Corning's springs in Mill Plain, Hiram Paddock's and Samuel Dank's at Little Sodom in New York State. We took dinner at Mr. Paddock's. We spent the remainder of the day canvassing towards home arriving about 7 o'clock. Received a bill today from Thomas Sproule for 5 tons of coal at $10.00 per ton. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant and hot. We went to Bethel this forenoon to canvass a little for our spring beds and measure Henry Tinmann's bed for a set of springs. After dinner, I prepared a set of crossbars for A. W. Bailey's bed to put into Miss L. Farnum's. Harmon Knapp, professing not to like the springs (this is the first out of a hundred where dissatisfaction has occurred), we took them out and took them in the wagon and with the one for Miss Farnum, we went down to Bethel about 6 P.M. and put it in for Tinmann. AUGUST 13 FRIDAY - before breakfast, I wrote to Henry Day, telling him that I must have some money on the notes that were due April 1st and May 1st last. I sent it to the Office for the morning mail by Charles Short. I canvassed in the forenoon for our spring beds. In the P.M., I went over to Horace Cable's and spent the greater part of the afternoon on the door sill of his barn talking over business, the bed and free trade, etc. I went to Tweedy's Wool Hat Shop and collected from Willis Gunn $6.75 for a set of box springs we put in for him last Tuesday up to Lanesville. From there, I called at Ely & Young's shop under the hill by Lacey & Davis' forming factory. I then went to Mallory's shop to see Ed Dunning. Before we left there, a shower came up and we walked to his house (Horace Cable's) in the rain. There was, however, but little rain fell. I played my first game of croquet this noon over to Mr. Pond's. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from William Hayes. AUGUST 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went over to Lake Kenosha with Horace Cable blackberrying. Elmer Cable, Charles Hill and Willis Graham were over there and rode home with us. We all filled our baskets and pails. I got over a peck myself. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then went into the street to see if I could see someone who owes Cable & Purdy for spring beds. I did not collect any. I went into the street again in the evening. Edwin's wife Anne is sick with dysentery. AUGUST 15 SUNDAY - Showery during the day. I went down to Sunday School at noon. On account of the frequent showers, the attendance was small. The time was spent in singing and the Superintendent spoke to the school. I came home in the P.M. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed at home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to William Hayes' letter received on Friday. It rained hard in the evening with thunder showers. AUGUST 16 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I mailed a letter to William Hayes. I went down to the Pahquioque Shop (where I still hold a position) just to see the men. From there, I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory to collect $6.50 from Col. James Ryder but did not get it. As I went to the Pahquioque, I took my clock to Fanton's where it was recently repaired to fix the hands so that they can be moved. They left it before so that I could not move them either forward or backwards. I called uptown to see Mrs. E. S. Davis about springs for her bed which she had engaged some time ago. She had found by examining her other springs that they could unexpectedly use them on her new bedstead and therefore did not need new ones. She would nevertheless have taken them, but I released her from the agreement, not wishing to oblige her to take them if she did not really want them. From there, I called to measure Edmund Dunning's bed but his baby being asleep, I would not disturb the child. I then called at Horace Cable's and came home to dinner. After dinner, I spaded over a place for a strawberry bed and went over to Cable's and got 50 Green Prolific Plants and laid them out, after which Horace and I went into the street to collect. I saw Mrs. Burch, but they would have no money for me until next month. Horace went to see Mrs. W. Bailey and I to see George Raymond. He got nothing but was promised tomorrow morning. I got my pay from Raymond. In the evening, I went up and measured Dunning's bedstead. While standing near the Post Office, Charles Griffing asked me for the balance of my account or a note for the amount. I went up to his office to look over the account but would not give a note. While there, I talked with John Rowan about spring beds. I think I will sell him one. AUGUST 17 TUESDAY - After breakfast, I went down to William Bailey's and collected from his wife $12.00 for two spring beds. I went over to Horace Cable's but on account of the rain, we did not go as we intended to Brewster Station to canvass for spring beds. We spent the forenoon in talking over and arranging our partnership in the tree agency. After dinner, I had a set of half circles sawed out by Daniel Starr with which to fit the springs to Edmund Dunning's bed. Horace Cable measured Charles Griffing's bed for a set of springs. I added it to an order I was about to send to New Haven and mailed it by the P.M. train. The order was for six beds. I went into the street in the evening and got our clock from Fanton's Store. AUGUST 18 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning, but before noon it cleared off. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station. We sold a spring bed to H. M. Senior at Mill Plain. We did a little at selling trees as well as spring beds. We stopped at the Brewster House. In the evening, I made arrangements for Mr. Doty, the new hotel keeper to try one of our beds with the view of putting in several of them if he is satisfied with it. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very hot. We canvassed at the Station today for both trees and beds. I came away this evening with 7 more names added to my list. On our way home just about dusk, we saw a woodchuck just this side of the New York state line. I took my pistol and had 5 shots at him but did not touch him. AUGUST 20 FRIDAY - Very hot. Lowery in the morning. Horace Cable and I went to Milltown by way of Joe Hill's. We came home by way of the bogs arriving about dark. Josie Wheeler took Georgie and Willie Griswold away in the broiling sun in the middle of the day up on Highland Avenue (or so he says). Josie is a bad boy learning Georgie and Willie all manner of obscene and wicked language and running away. John Brayman came home this evening. He had words with E. James who lives over him. James assaulted and knocked him down. AUGUST 21 SATURDAY - Hotter than yesterday. About 8 A.M., I went over to Cable's. From there I went to the Post Office. I saw H. B. Fairchild about what he owes me for 2 spring beds. He promised to send me a check next Monday from New York for the amount $13.50. I took a letter from the Office from T. Twitchell saying that he yesterday shipped Order No. 6 of spring beds, six in number. As I was going to Cable's to carry the letter, I overtook Sidney Thompson who was too drunk to walk straight. I took him to his home and left him flat on the floor. Ezra Malloy's house was struck by lightning. After dinner, it commenced a thunder shower. I went between showers to the depot on the arrival of the freight train and found that our 6 beds had arrived. I went up to Cable's where I was compelled to stay until nearly night on account of several hard thunder showers. On that account I did not want to get the beds from the depot. I went into the street in the evening and brought home a pair of pants to keep in they fit me. AUGUST 22 SUNDAY - Lowery but no rain. We rose rather late. I went down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, we came home again. Gussie stayed to prayer meeting. After dinner, I took Georgie for a walk over to Horace Cable’s. On our way near Lockwood Olmstead's on Stevens Street, I found an ivory billiard ball. We returned a little before dark. Hattie Mills and I stayed at home in the evening. Gussie went to prayer meeting. AUGUST 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mr. Cable and I went to the depot this morning and got 6 beds and delivered them. Charles Griffing, Saul Rundle, Alice B. Ford, and Edmund Dunning. The one for J. H. Warner at Newtown and one for William Fowler over the New York state line near Brewster Station, we put into Cable's barn until we go over that way with them. In the P.M., I took Ambrose Hill's fruit plate book and went down to the Pahquioque shop and commenced canvassing a little for trees. I took 4 small orders. After tea, I wrote to Henry Day, ordering 8 pictures frames, oval gold, 4 rose and ribbon 8x10, 2 scale and ribbon, 8x10 and 2 rose and ribbon 10x12, the last two with square rabbets. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I left home this morning for New York state to canvass for the fruit trees. We took H. M. Senior's bed springs over to him as we went over to Mill Plain and put them in, changing the slats first with Mrs. Corning's, she not thinking hers to be long enough. I ordered $3.00 of Senior's pay in sugar - 18 lbs. - and coffee. We took dinner with Mr. Havilland, just beyond Milltown. After dinner, we started along passing near Dikeman's Station on the Harlem Railroad. Also, near Doansburg, thence to Towner's Station and put up for the night just beyond about 2 miles at George Robinson's. AUGUST 25 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast with Mr. Robinson's folks, we tried to repair his son Peter's copper strip hay cutter. We then commenced canvassing; stopped at Samuel Terry's to dinner. After dinner, we drove on to David Kent's, the old millionaire and put new cylinders in his hay cutter. We then went on through Luddingtonville and put up for the night with Clark Lewis, another old friend of Mr. Cable's. AUGUST 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant again. Before breakfast, I shot my pistol at a woodcock and missed it. After breakfast I shot Mr. Lewis' rifle at one and missed him also. We then all shot at a mark with my pistol. We then soon left Mr. Lewis and started for Patterson. Before getting there, Mr. Cable was bit by Willis Read's dog. We took dinner at the American Hotel at Patterson Station. Here we took quarters for the night. Our canvassing for trees has not been very successful thus far. AUGUST 27 FRIDAY - After breakfast at the hotel at Patterson, Mr. Cable and I rode up to Willis Read's Mill to shoot the dog which bit him yesterday. He stated the case to Mr. Read, junior, who agreed with us that the dog ought to be killed. Mr. Cable shot one bullet into him when he his somewhere around the mill. We then left after Mr. Read promising that if the dog did not die, he would see that he was killed. It now being about noon, we started for Brewster Station to see if the beds we ordered for that place had come but found them not there. Before going to the station, we went to ____, where we took dinner on Tuesday to get a halter which we had then left there. We arrive home at 3:30 P.M. I went into the street in the evening. I received from Hanford B. Fairchild, $13.50 for two spring beds, put up for him on the 7th inst. by Cable & Purdy I received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French stating that he has given up the spring bed agency and desires a settlement with us as soon as we can do so. He sent a statement of Hill & Purdy, also of Cable & Purdy accounts which agrees with our accounts. George came home this evening by the cars (so I am told) to attend the reunion tomorrow. AUGUST 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant. A reunion of the 17th Regiment here today. In the morning, I went over to Mr. Cable's and changed the size of J. H. Warner's bed and used it for Mr. H. Griffing, after which I came home and dressed a little and went into the street to see the assembly of the 17th Regiment just as the procession was forming. I came home and did a little writing. Gussie came home also and dressed Georgie to take him to see the procession. We went into the street again and saw the procession and went to the dinner tent down to the Turner House where they had an excellent dinner for free. The procession consisted of our Military Company, the veterans of the old 17th Regiment, the Fire department, and the Brass Bands, our own and the Wheeler & Wilson's from Bridgeport. I made out a receipted bill of the two spring beds Hanford B. Fairchild paid me for last evening and gave it to him this P.M. AUGUST 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took Georgie down to Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with him. After the session, the teachers had an interview by request of the Superintendent and voted to have a picnic one week from next Wednesday (the 8th inst.) if the day is fine. It is to be in a grove at the junction of the White Plains and Housatonic railroad near Brookfield. A committee was appointed to make arrangements and procure transportation. After dinner, I took a walk over to Horace Cable's. George came home last Friday evening to attend the reunion of his old regiment which took place yesterday. I have not seen him today. AUGUST 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went into the street and over to the Sewing Machine factory and collected from James Ryder $6.50 for one spring bed from Hill & Purdy. I then waited for the arrival of the train at 10:15 to see the 8th Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. The regiment formed just above the bridge and with Wheeler & Wilson's band marched out to Lake Kenosha where they are to encamp for the week. I commenced picking my crab apples at noon. After dinner, I went into the street again and collected from D. Osborne $6.00 bed money from Hill & Purdy. Edmund Dunning paid me $6.00 for a bed this A. M. Before night, I went to Rundle & White's and collected from Mr. Rundle $6.75 for a spring bed. This was for Cable & Purdy. I went from there over to Horace Cable's. He came home with me and got some crab apples. Also, Charles Hill came for some. I wrote to D. R. French asking for the address of the New York Expansion Spring Bed Company so that I can write and secure for Mr. Cable or us both the County of Putnam in New York adjoining Fairfield in this state. I went into the street and mailed it. I bought some pistol balls - one pound. I bought ## dozen teacups for Harriet Mills for crab apple jelly. George returned to Brooklyn this morning. AUGUST 31 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went over to Horace Cable's in the morning to go to Brewster Station to put up spring beds, but his horse having a sore back, we concluded to wait over until tomorrow. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and arranged a little to work next week. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to hear a phrenological lecture in the evening. After they went Charles Hayes came by the evening train. Louise and I got him some tea. I then went down to market. I put in 10 bushels of charcoal today.
1869-08
Horace Purdy Journal June 1868 Entry
7pgs
JUNE 01 MONDAY - Another warm and pleasant day. I went to see Mr. Crofut in the morning about endorsing for me; he consented. I then went to the Danbury bank and drew $150.00 on the check of Mr. Fanton. He lends me the amount for a few days. I bought a pair of Pruell shoes at Daragan & Co. for $2.25. I came home and mowed my door yard and spaded the garden and planted a row of string beans. I got a half dozen tomato plants of Robert Cocking and set them out. This forenoon, I paid Fuller $10.00 I borrowed of him one day last week. JUNE 02 TUESDAY - Cloudy, but little sunshine and frequent showers during the day until about 6 P.M. when the sun came out. I have been to New York. I gave Mr. Williams, the Danbury and Norwalk railroad ticket agent, $20.00 this morning towards $38.00 for my six months' commutation. I called on H. D. Clark at 12 Courtland Street about my note due on the 6th inst.; also about an oil painting inventoried at $55.00 which I claim. On my way from the store to the depot, I called at 23rd Street to see William, his brother Charles, and Mr. Minnerly where they have been working all day putting up piers and cornices. Robert paid me my rent this evening. I paid him for 13 tomato plants at 6 cents. I talked with Father Griswold in the evening about my business selling out, borrowing money, etc. Took commutation on New York and New Haven Railroad. JUNE 03 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I expected to get Mr. Crofut's endorsement to a note today, but he went to New York. I then borrowed $300.00 of John Cosier until Saturday. I immediately paid H. B. Fanton $150.00 borrowed money. I came home and worked in my garden. George today completed 8 and a half days' work for Mr. Pond. George owes me and I owe Mr. Pond. Mr. Pond gave me credit for the work - $17.00, and I gave George credit for the same. I went to market in the evening. About 6 o'clock this morning, a slight shock of an earthquake was felt. JUNE 04 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I got Mr. Henry Crofut's name to my note of $350.00 this morning and got the money on it at the Pahquioque Bank. The morning paper gave an account of the Smith & Rand Powder Mill exploding yesterday morning at 6 o'clock. We all supposed it to be an earthquake. They were located at Newburgh, New York. I worked all the P.M. in my garden. In the evening, I went to market. After drawing my money at the bank this A. M., I paid John Cosier the $300.00 which I borrowed of him yesterday. JUNE 05 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. I have been to New York. We brought base tables to piers from Miss Haight's in 23rd Street to put an extension on the legs. I brought John Bouton's testimonial home to him framed. George had the young people meet at our house this evening to sing. JUNE 06 SATURDAY - It is just one year today since I went into business in New York. Cloudy this morning, but pleasant and hot during the day. I took up my last note to H. Clark today - $1,165, but making it $133.75. The note was in the hands of John Snooks at the Mercantile Bank, corner of Broadway and Day Street. JUNE 07 SUNDAY - Rain in the morning; cloudy during the day. I went to church in the morning. There was no session of Sunday School on account of repairs going on in the basement. After dinner, we all took a walk up home to see the new walk George made yesterday in the yard. It rained while we were returning home. Gussie went to church in the evening. I stayed home. JUNE 08 MONDAY - A pleasant and warm day. I have been to New York. I paid my store rent for June - $50.00. I brought a package of pass-partouts to Swift from J. Handlers'. George dug a part of Gussie's flower borders this A.M. J. D. Stevens returned this evening from Newark where he has been a delegate to the national Hat Finishers' Association. The silk hatters have seceded from the convention, leaving the fur hatters by themselves as masters of the situation. JUNE 09 TUESDAY - I have been to New York. Daniel Starr was on the train with me going to Newark. A heavy shower just as I arrived in the city. I took a letter to Hanford B. Fairchild for Mr. H. B. Fanton to the corner of Broadway and Spring Street. It rained very hard again just as I left the city at 4:30 o'clock P.M. Elias B. Stevens came on the train this evening from New Haven. . Harriet has been here with Josie for a week and over. JUNE 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have been to New York. I expected Daniel Starr to meet me at the store and go with me to Central Park, but he did not come. Mrs. Minnerly sent down to me at noon a cup of tea and a dish of custard. I was obliged to run from 6th Avenue to the depot to catch the train. I joined Mr. Starr at the depot and had his company home. I brought home three small pictures in rustic frames which Fanny gave me to frame. Gussie met me at the depot. I went to market and came home. JUNE 11 THURSDAY - Cold and stormy. It has rained hard all day. I have been to New York. I put strips on the back of Miss Haight's pier glasses and put them up today. Daniel and Charles Hayes helped me. William Scofield was on the train today from Ohio. JUNE 12 FRIDAY - I have been to New York. The day has been stormy until just at night when it partly cleared off. Before leaving the city, I went downtown and saw Gideon Powell, H. D. Clark and Henry Clark on Bank Row about a situation for William Hayes. I partly secured one for his brother Charles. JUNE 13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York, A genuine summer day. Mother and Mrs. Bradley were with us to tea. Mrs. Bradley, Gussie and George took a ramble on Town Mountain this P.M. I helped Mr. Pond pick out celery pants this evening by lamplight. JUNE 14 SUNDAY - Pleasant and hot. I attended church in the morning. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie. After school, he came home with me, leaving Gussie to attend church in the P.M. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Potter called after church to see about me doing an errand in New York for him tomorrow, but finally concluded not to send. JUNE 15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. I had a plain talk with William about his getting another situation to do better. I got Mrs. Haight's job (of 141 West 23rd Street) so near completed today that she paid her bill - $170.00. I framed for George a picture of the 'Heroic Dead Belonging to The Grand Army of the Republic' and brought home. After tea, George went with me up to Mr. Jackson's on Deer Hill and got his looking glass and brought it down to the house. I took the dimensions preparatory to making a Black Walnut Polished Arch Top Frame for it. The size is 28 x 55. E. Davis was today re-elected 'Warden'. JUNE 16 TUESDAY - Thunder shower in the morning and continued showery during the day. I did not go to New York today, but worked in the shop. Fanny being alone, she took breakfast with us. After tea, I trimmed the hedge between Mr. Pond and me. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. JUNE 17 WEDNESDAY - Very warm again today. I have worked in the shop. I bought a Round Crown Pearl Cassimere hat at the shop for William Warren and carried it to him at the railroad paint shop. I received a notice from Benedict & Nichols to pay my account. with them - $33.67. George cleaned out and made over my walk in front today. In the evening, I rolled a wheelbarrow (a new one) from Hull & Rogers for Mr. Pond. JUNE 18 THURSDAY - Hot again today. Cloudy about 4 P.M. after which it was cooler and quite comfortable. I have been to New York. I commenced to make a looking glass frame for F. J. Jackson, 28 x 44 round Arch Top. JUNE 19 FRIDAY - Cloudy and muggy in the morning but very warm when the sun came out. I have worked in the shop. Before breakfast, I set out the cabbage plants. I came home early from work and pulled weeds for my strawberry beds. I also picked about a dozen berries for the first time. In the evening, I paid my account with Benedict & Nichols - $33.67. JUNE 20 SATURDAY - The warmest day we have yet had. I have been to New York. I borrowed George's watch today and left mine at Fanton's to be repaired. George went this evening with Frank Keeler to Lake Kenosha fishing. Frank's sister, Mrs. Gray, not knowing where he had gone, came over to inquire about him. On Thursday, Robert Cocking bought the house on George Street between William and Deer Hill Streets of D. P. Nichols for $2,000. JUNE 21 SUNDAY - Rain last night and a great part of today. I attended church in the morning and in the P.M. We stayed at home in the evening on account of the rain. JUNE 22 MONDAY - Stormy most of the day. I worked in the shop until noon. There being no more work, I came home. I called at Edward Sanford's to look at a wreath and cross of flowers which were on Mrs. Sanford's coffin yesterday at the funeral. They wanted it preserved, but it would cost so much that they could not afford it. I mowed my door yard in the P.M. Mr. Pond soldered some tin ware for us. JUNE 23 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning, but before noon, it came off pleasant. I worked in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I raked off my door yard, dug up and put down again new the drain leading from the Sink waste pipe to the cesspool. I weeded strawberries and picked a small mess for tea. Gussie spent the P.M. and George nearly all day assisting for the Strawberry festival this evening. I stayed with Georgie and let them all go in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold and Louise came home this evening from New Haven. Father Griswold paid me this evening for the new hat I got for him - $3.00. He gave me 50 cents additional for my trouble. JUNE 24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but cooler. I have been to New York. I went to see Mr. Dunshee (sp) about a wreath I preserved for him, also George Talmadge about what he owes me for rent. I spoke with Daniel Northrup at the New York and New Haven Depot about taking a large looking glass frame on the train with me to bring home on Saturday. I wrote to William at the store before retiring. JUNE 26 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop today. Benjamin Rolfe's wife was buried this P.M. I did not go into the street in the evening but stayed at home and hoed my garden. JUNE 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. I framed and brought home two pictures in Walnut and Gilt, 2 inch flat 'New' pattern, a job George got for me last evening. JUNE 28 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. Our Sunday School met in the basement today for the first time since cleaning and painting. Gussie went to the cemetery after tea. I stayed with Georgie. JUNE 29 MONDAY - Another lovely day. I worked in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I went to the Savings bank and paid $48.00 interest on $1,200.00 for six months. I then went to M. H. Griffings' to see about repairing the frames I made for him last season. We had huge strawberry shortcake for tea. After tea, George and I went up to Father Griswold's and strung a cord to the flagstaff in readiness for the 'Fourth of July.' JUNE 30 TUESDAY - I had work in the shop until after dinner. As I came home, I ordered a half ton of coal of Charles Griffing. We picked 13 quarts of strawberries. I went to the market in the evening.
1868-06
Horace Purdy Journal July 1866 Entry
11pgs
JULY 01 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came down early this morning for the horse and took a horseback ride before breakfast. He came down before meeting time and we shaved each other. Edwin came in and shaved also with my razor. George and Gussie went to meeting together in the A.M. I went to Sunday School as usual at noon. George and Bell came home with us to tea after which I borrowed Saul Barnum’s wagon and George and I took Georgie and rode up to the cemetery, over to Sturdevant’s to see the new R.R. ,across from there to the lower end of Main street and home. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen lesson books for the Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Brother Webb preached for us. After meeting, we went up to visit with Edwin and stayed until after 10 o’clock. JULY 02 MONDAY - A lovely day. In the morning, I borrowed Charles Hull’s wagon and Edwin Griswold and Eddie, Jr., Josie Wheeler, Gussie and I took a ride. George went with us downtown where I stopped with him to buy a new set of clothes. He wants them by Thursday to take with him when he returns to Brooklyn. I paid Charles Hull $10.00 for the second hand hay cutter bought February 26th. I also paid my P.O. Box rent up to Jan. 1, 1867. After dinner George came down and hoed the garden for me while I painted my front fence. After tea, Gussie and Louise went with me over to Lake Kenosha to secure a boat for fishing tomorrow. JULY 03 TUESDAY - I took Charles Hull’s wagon home this morning and borrowed Mr. McDonald’s to go fishing. Father Griswold, Edwin and little Eddie, George and myself went over to Kenosha fishing. We stayed until nearly 4 o’clock. We took a bath and then came home. We had very good luck, though most of the items were small. After tea, I went up to James Fowler’s and borrowed Theo’s carriage which he offered for sale before he died. Plowed out Father Griswold’s corn and potatoes after tea. JULY 04 WEDNESDAY - I rose this morning by Edwin calling me and helped hoe corn and potatoes before breakfast for Father Griswold. I finished painting my front fence before dinner. After dinner, I practiced with my pistol at a target. Edwin tried, also Gussie. I sold my horse and harness to _______ this afternoon. Andrew James brought me the customer. I sold the old Theo Fowler carriage with him which I was using while my wagon was being repaired. I had the privilege of buying or selling the carriage for $25.00 for Mr. Fowler. I had a chance, so I sold the establishment - horse, harness and carriage for $90.00. The horse and harness stands me $65.00. After selling, I went up to the cemetery, our folks having gone up previously. From there, I went to Mr. Fowler’s to pay him for the carriage. I waited until it began to rain and then came home without seeing him. On my way home, I bought a pair of thin pants at Mr. Harris’ for $2.50. In the evening, we had a few pieces of fireworks to set off up at Father Griswold’s. It was done to please little Eddie Griswold. JULY 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went up to see Mr. James Fowler before breakfast and paid him $25.00 for his carriage which I sold with my horse yesterday. After breakfast, I went into the street again and settled my account with Benedict & Nichols by paying the balance $16.16. I felt about sick at noon, could eat no dinner, took a nap and felt better after. Caroline Mills was here to dinner. In the P.M., I painted the brickwork under my house in front and the piazza and steps. I used some old paint of Father Griswold’s by buying some oil to put with it. George got his new set of clothes and left for Brooklyn on the regular afternoon passenger train at 4 o’clock, 58 minutes. Mrs. Cocking made Georgie a present of a small cart. We took tea up to Father Griswold’s with Edwin. I wrote two letters in the P.M. for George on the sifter business to Everett C. Andrews, his manufacturer, ordering one dozen sent to D. H. Johnson at Newtown and one to Said (?) Johnson. George mailed them as he went to the depot. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, we went up to Father Griswold and sat until bedtime on his piazza. Did not go to the shop today, but worked around the house. JULY 06 FRIDAY - Very warm – over 90 in the shade. I took up and put down a new drain in the forenoon. In the P.M., I painted the lattice work under Father Griswold’s piazza. Edwin and little Edwin, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler, and Josie came down to tea. Edwin and Ed Jr. walked downtown with me in the evening as I went to the Office. JULY 07 SATURDAY - Very warm. My wagon being done at the blacksmith’s about 9 o’clock, I took it over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to be painted. I did not go to the shop, but worked around home, mowing my door yard and trimming my walks. I worked hard until 12 ½ o’clock in the hot sun. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and sleeked off a silk hat for Mr. McDonald. Fanny bought some ice cream in the evening. When I returned home from the market, I ate some with them. I had a headache in the P.M. and the evening. Mr. McDonald’s bill for iron work on my wagon was $14.30; he threw off the 30 cents and I paid him $14.00. JULY 08 SUNDAY - Very warm. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which I came home to keep cool rather than to stay to prayer meeting in the P.M. I took a chair in the yard under the trees and sat nearly all the afternoon. A shower came up about 5 ½ o’clock. It continued to rain at evening meeting time, so we stayed home. JULY 09 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day and colder. I went to the shop today- the first time. Edwin and little Eddie came to the shop to see me in the P.M. Gussie bought some handkerchiefs for him to take home with him as presents to the family. After tea and supper, I went to the church for a teachers’ meeting. JULY 10 TUESDAY - Cloudy with some appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off clear and pleasant in the middle of the day. We having trouble at the shop to get hot irons, we stopped work at noon to have a large flue put in the place of a small one we have been using. We contemplated going over to Daniel Manley’s to help him get hay in the P.M. we sent Joe Kyle over to see if he wanted us today, but the weather not looking favorable, he feared to get a large quantity of grass cut with bad weather to prevent getting it up so we stayed at home. I hoed cabbage, planted strawberry peas for seed next season, dug over the ground beside my hedge between Mr. Pond and myself, and after tea, went over near Oil Mill Pond with Ed Dunning to practice shooting at chimney birds. I hit two and he only one. Louise Vintz took tea with us. There being no one home at Father Griswold’s, Mother Griswold and Harriet having gone to Harford by the noon train with Edwin and son Eddie, who have been visiting with us since June 30th. I did not go the depot to see them off, having bid them goodbye in the morning. I saw Edwin on the train as it passed the factory. John Brayman paid me $2.00 on what he owes me today. I got the ramrod to my gun which has been to Stevens’ Machine Shop for a new head. Smith Pulling came with butter just at night. I paid him $1.49 which pays for all up to date. Georgie being badly broken out, Gussie went to the doctor with him. He pronounces it Scarlet rash and gave us medicine for it. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I took two letters from the Office this morning which came last night – one from George and one from Everett C. Andrews, saying that he has sold out his sifter manufacturing, but would try and fill the order of one dozen for George in a few days. I wrote a reply to Andrews and a note to D. H. Johnson in Newtown saying that his order could not be filled for several days. Cleaned gun before retiring. JULY 11 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. We were up considerable with Georgie last night. The flues at the shop which were repaired yesterday afternoon were so arranged as to make it dangerous to the wood work adjoining, and in consequence, we had to stop again this P.M. to change the flues. I came home to dinner, after which I went over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to direct about the wagon I am having painted there. From there, I went to Robinson’s and bought a record book for the Sunday School came home and copied the minutes of the last three meetings into it, which takes it back to the May meeting which was the first of the Sunday School year. Louise took care of Georgie while Gussie went up home to see Bell who is sick. She is having trouble again with her lungs caused without doubt from getting too tired and overdone while George was home to send the Fourth. After tea, I went again with Ed Dunning over to Oil Mill Pond to practice shooting at chimney birds. It was dark when we returned. JULY 12 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but the flues were not yet fixed and we could in consequence do no work, so I returned and went to work in my garden weeding out my strawberry bed and trimming the runners for new plants. I worked with bare arms and blistered them in the sun. After tea, I went to work again and worked until dark. Gussie put Georgie to bed and then went to market herself. She called to see the doctor about Georgie; he thinks that he has the “chicken pox” with the Scarlet Rash”. Later – not the chicken pox – July 16th. JULY 13 FRIDAY - Very warm. Gussie, having no bread baked neither pie; I bought my dinner at the baker’s as I went to the shop in the morning and carried it to the shop with me. Gussie had Mrs. Stone to wash for her today. I mailed in the evening a necktie and a collar with a note to George. JULY 14 SATURDAY - Very warm. Mr. Sifer mowed the remnant of my grass on Father Griswold’s dooryard today, not quite either- a little corner of it he left. It was so hot in the shop that I quit work at noon, waited for my pay and came home. I borrowed Charles Stevens’ horse and got my wagon home from Olmstead’s Shop where it had been to be painted. The whole amount of repairs on it is as follows: $14.00 to McDonald for setting up springs and one new leaf in the hind one and two new tires and $14.70 to Olmstead for new rims ($3.00) and six new spokes ( $1.00), washers ($.70), painting, striping and varnishing ($10.00) – total $28.70. I went to market in the evening and saw Harris Crofut about my feed cutter; he thinks he will buy it. When I returned from market, Gussie went down to pay Mr. Adams the balance due for Georgie’s’ straw hat. I sent by her for a pint of ale which Robert and I drank before retiring. She bought a pair of slippers for herself also. JULY 15 SUNDAY - Very warm; I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School after which I returned home. After tea, Gussie and I drew Georgie up home to see Bell who is not very well. Gussie went to church in the evening to the Baptists to hear their new organ. She went in company with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I stayed with Georgie. Ed Dunning sat in the yard with me all the evening. We talked on religion. I found him to be a fine young man, steady in all his habits with serious religious impressions. I trust the evening has not been spent unprofitably to either of us. I wrote a short letter to George and enclosed a letter received here for him directed to Willie Franklin. Gussie mailed it as she went to church in the evening. JULY 16 MONDAY - Hot; the thermometer 96 in the shop, the hottest day thus far this summer. I worked until about 5 P.M. and then gave up nearly exhausted. Gussie went to market in the evening. Harriet and Josie returned form Bloomfield on the evening train, she not feeling well. The difficulty with her side being so much worse, she feared to stay from home any longer. Alva Stevens was found dead this noon in his room in Hull block over Dr. Baldwin’s Drug Store. He has been missed since last Saturday morning. His body was in a very corrupt state. JULY 17 TUESDAY - Another very warm day. About 5 P.M., showers passed by us in the north giving us only a few drops. The lightning was sharp and the thunder heavy. It struck Stevens’ Carpenter Shop near Barn Plain Bridge. The fire was out before the hose got there. I worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening. When we retired, it looked as if we would have a settled rain. I made some lemonade in the evening; Robert drank some with us. JULY 18 WEDNESDAY - Warm again today but the sun was hid from sight several times which made it less oppressing out of doors. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. A shower came up about 5 o’clock which gave us a little rain. Robert Dunning came over and picked some currants after tea. I went to market in the evening. JULY 19 THURSDAY - It rained some last night; it has been cool today. I worked as usual in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left an advertisement at the Jeffersonian Office for my wagon. After tea, I went into the street with Ed Dunning. I called at the Jeffersonian Office and changed the wording of the advertisement I left there this morning. When we returned, we sat on my front steps for a while and partly made arrangements for going hunting a sort time early tomorrow morning. JULY 20 FRIDAY - I rose about 3 o’clock this morning and went over to Robert Dunning’s to wake his son Ed who agreed to get up and come over to wake me. I got the start of him. We started about 4 o’clock and got to the hunting ground down between Town and Middle Mountain by the time we could see to shoot. We found three woodcock and shot two of them; each of us got one. It was about 6 ½ o’clock when we returned. I went to the shop, but was obliged to come home about noon, having a hard headache. Getting up so early and taking so much of a tramp was rather too much for me, not being used to it. Bell came here after meeting last night and stayed all night with us. She took Georgie up home with her in the forenoon to spend the day. I went to market in the evening and came home about 8 o’clock when it commenced raining. JULY 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy with occasional fine rain and mist. I went to the shop and worked as usual. After tea, I trimmed an Elm tree standing in front of the house. Robert Dunning came along as I was doing it and helped me drag off the limbs I cut off, after which I walked downtown with him and did some marketing and returned home. JULY 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the time during the day. Mother walked down about 9 o’clock and went from here to church about meeting time. John Brayman came over and picked a mess of peas from our vines before we rose this morning. Gussie told him last night to come and get them. Gussie went to church this morning. I went down to Sunday School and returned when it was over, not staying to the prayer meeting in the P.M. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen new catechisms and one copy of the Sunday School Advocates for the three remaining months of the Advocate year. I enclosed $.56 for the both of them, that being the amount of the bill. After tea, I took Georgie to walk over to Mr. McDonald’s. When I returned with him, we took him in his carriage and went over to Daniel Starr’s and made a short call before evening meeting. I went to church in the evening; Mr. Webb preached. After meeting, I walked up home with Bell, she being alone. JULY 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and not so extremely warm as last week. I brought water from Father Griswold’s cistern before breakfast for Gussie to wash with; this is the first time we have been obliged to do so this summer. John Meaker made his finishing shop foul today. Mallory discharged all his finishers Saturday and it is expected that his shop will be made foul also. After tea, I hoed my cabbages and went to market. I called at David Osborne’s store to tell him of my wagon for sale, I having heard that he wanted to buy one. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up her currant jelly in cups. JULY 24 TUESDAY - A beautiful summer day, not extremely hot. Mrs. Coles came over this morning and picked a mess of peas which we gave her if she would pick them. Mrs. Pulling came about 7 o’clock as we were eating breakfast this morning with our butter – 2 lbs. I paid her for it - $.70. David Osborne came to look at my wagon. He thought the springs were not quite heavy enough to suit him. I went to market in the evening. JULY 25 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful morning. I worked as usual in the shop. We had a heavy shower about 1 o’clock P.M. As it passed over, the sun shone a short time, but another soon followed which was far heavier than the first. It continued until nearly 8 o’clock in the evening. I went into the street in the evening to take a lamp for repairs and to go to the Post Office. I bought a small kit of Mackerel No. 1 at Randell & Bradley’s to be sent up tomorrow morning. I paid $3.12 for them. I walked up with Joseph W. Allen from the street He came home with me to get a bottle of cider at father Griswold’s for his wife, it being ordered by the doctor. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. I made some lemonade which we drank before retiring. JULY 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I had the headache in the afternoon. As I came from work, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s; also one dozen No. 1 catechisms which I ordered last Sunday. After tea, I went over to Robert Dunning’s for a few moments to see him shoot at a mark with his rifle. I stayed at home in the evening with Georgie and let Gussie go into the street. JULY 27 FRIDAY - Warm, muggy, clouds, sunshine and a little rain. I worked as usual in the shop and stayed until about 7 o’clock. Gussie is calculating to go to Norwalk with an excursion tomorrow in company with and at the invitation of Mr. Cole’s folks. She accordingly went up for Bell to come and stay all night and take Georgie home with her tomorrow morning after she leaves for Norwalk. JULY 28 SATURDAY - An excursion to Norwalk and Roton Point. Gussie went in the company of Mr. Coles’ folks. Warm and muggy in the morning. Showers in the middle of the day; a severe one between 4 and 5 o’clock P.M. Walter Fayerweather’s house on Highland Avenue was struck by lightning. Bell stayed with us last night and did the work after breakfast to let Gussie go on the picnic and then took Georgie home with her. On account of the shower, she did not come home with him at night. The excursionist arrived here at 11 o’clock. I met Gussie and Susan Brayman at the depot. JULY 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. On account of retiring so late last night, we did not get up this morning until after 8 o’clock. Gussie is nearly used up from her excursion yesterday. She did not go to church as usual this morning, so I went instead. We expected Mr. Lockwood to tea with us, but he, not feeling well, concluded not to come. Father came down with Georgie this morning about 8 o’clock. After tea, I took a walk into West Street and up to Seth Downs’ and return. I then wrote to George to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and to the Bible House on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets to enquire the price of cheap bibles per dozen. Gussie walked up to the cemetery about 6 P.M. with Harriet and Mr.Stokes and others of their family, I believe. I stayed with Georgie. She returned too late to get to evening meeting, so she went over to Mrs. Green’s to see how their little boy, Sammy was. He is dangerously sick. I made some lemonade before retiring. JULY 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I gave Gussie $2.25 to pay Mrs. Baxter for dress making. I bought $.25 worth of sugar to make lemonade at the shop. Received a letter from George with $10.00 enclosed to pay Mr. Harris towards his suit of clothes which he bought when he was home over the 4th of July. Reverend L. Webb delivered a lecture in the evening at our church on the massacre by the Sioux Indians of the white settlers in Minnesota in August, 1862. As we went (Gussie and I), I called at Mr. Harris’ store and paid him the $10.00 George sent to him towards his clothes. Brother Webb was in Minnesota at the time doing military duty against the Indians. He was Adj. General to General Sibley at the time. The papers today state that the Atlantic cable has been successfully laid, it being the third attempt. Messages have been sent back and forth already. JULY 31 TUESDAY - I wrote a letter to George before breakfast in answer to one received yesterday but did not mail it until this evening. A number of men have been shopped today to go into the new shop (formerly used for foul men) as Mr. Crofut has more work than can be done in his main shop. Ed Harris, James Hagen, Daniel Manly, John Knowles and others were shopped. I worked until 7 o’clock at the shop. Received a letter from Carlton & Porter in reference to the bibles for Sunday School use. I went to market in the evening – bought clams, eggs and lemons. An account in the papers today of a riot in New Orleans, or rather a mob. Loyal men assembled in a convention were attacked by rebels who had formerly fought in the Rebel Army. The affair took place on the 30th of July.
1866-07
Horace Purdy Journal May 1866 Entry
15pgs
MAY 01 TUESDAY - I had work until noon at the shop. I came home and went with William Carlson down in the mountains for beanpoles and pea mush. It began to rain hard just as we got loaded and we got pretty wet before we got home again. I received a letter from George by the evening mail in which he acknowledges the receipt of the $4.00 I sent him. MAY 02 WEDNESDAY - When I woke, it was storming very hard. Large snowflakes came with the rain a part of the time. It cleared off, however, about the middle of the forenoon. I finished repairing my front fence, filed my saws, etc. I finished also boarding up the ends of the new steps I put too the piazza. I went down tow before tea, called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, rode up on Rabbit Hill to Stephens Holmes with Ira Beers for ice, and then came home. Mr. Baxter threatens to complain of me for filling the ditch in front and thereby causing the water from this last rain to stand in front of Mr. Pond’s premises. Mr. Pond has not as yet found any fault, but as usual, he is minding other people’s business and tried to make difficulty between Mr. Pond and myself today by complaining to Mr. Pond about the ditch. He has not breathed a word about it to me. Mr. Pond told me about it. I went into the street this evening to the Post Office and to buy a loaf of bread. MAY 03 THURSDAY - There being no shop work, I have worked around home. I fixed up my asparagus bed, spread up the borders (a part of them), and cut away a part of the banking on the North side of the house to make it compare with the alterations made in front. I also arranged another old mackerel tub in the yard as a mate to the one remaining over from last year. One of them fell in pieces the other day as I was preparing it for the myrtle and I rigged up another today in its place. Both are filled with myrtle. In the evening, I went down to the Post Office and to Mr. Judd’s to get pay for the horse which I hired to him the other day. I got $1.75 as he did not use my wagon. The day has been very cold for “May” weather. Uncomfortable to be out without extra clothing unless one is at work. MAY 04 FRIDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, expecting work, but there was none. I came home, harnessed the horse, and drove out to Mill Plain to see Frank Blissard about buying my horse, but he had just bought one. While there, I bought a shad of a man who was peddling them at 13 cents per pound. I also engaged 3 bushels of potatoes of a man “Bloomer” by name. I went out and carried them in the P.M. Previous to going, however, I let Mother Griswold take the team to go up to look at flour at Ira Whalen. John Brayman came over after tea and helped me dig out Thatch grass. MAY 05 SATURDAY - Yesterday’s writing looks as if I was nearly asleep when I wrote it and the looks do not deceive , for I was so very weary when I wrote it that my eyes drew together while my pen went as it would. I have worked in the shop today. It being pay day, I drew $11.00 for three days work. Bell came down this morning and wanted the horse. Harriet Wheeler also wanted him, but as I had promised him to Seth Downs to go to Ridgefield, I refused them. Seth took him this P.M.; he intends to stay until tomorrow. After tea, I worked until dark making flower borders. Bell came in as we were drinking tea. Gussie sent half of a shad by her up home to our folks. Louise came down in the evening and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went into the street to do some errands. Gussie went to the milliners and got her new spring hat. I bought some early Kent peas for seed to try them. MAY 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning and returning at noon to let me go to Sunday School. In the afternoon, in place of the usual prayer meeting, Dr. Jacob spoke to the Sunday Schools. They were seated in the two square bodies. The house was well filled with older people also. His theme was temperance. He is a very eccentric and interesting speaker. After tea, I took a nap in the rocking chair, while Gussie, with Georgie in his carriage, took a walk. After my nap, I did my usual writing for the Sunday School and wrote to Carlton & Porter to know the dozen class books I ordered a week ago were not sent. I also commenced a letter to George. Gussie, in her walk, went over to John Bouton’s. He came home with her. Seth Downs came home with the horse about 6 ½ o’clock. He paid me a dollar for him. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to hear Dr. Jewett at the 1st Congregational Church where there was a Union gathering to hear him on temperance. Widow Bradley gave me $2.00 to help me pay our seat rent, as it is now due for the first quarter. She rents half of the seat with me. Her amount is $2.25; she had but $2.00 to give me today. I intend to pay $4.50 for the first quartet tomorrow. MAY 07 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop this morning, but there was no work. Sold a bushel of potatoes to George Benjamin. I rode to King Street and Pembroke to see Ira Lindley and Harry Jennings. I saw Lindley, but could not sell my horse to him as he had concluded not to buy. I did not see Harry Jennings, but heard that he had bought a horse. I went to Holly’s shop to see Walter Chase and ____. We did not bargain but I expect to hear from them again. In the P.M., I saw Hanford Fairchild about getting $250 of him with which to take up a note at the Pahquique Bank on the 13th of this month. I think that I can get it. Received a letter from George with $5.00 enclosed to pay George Crofut & Son on a feed bill of $11.35, which I accordingly did. I called in the P.M. at Sheather & Lacy’s and paid Mr. Witherspoon $1.65 dues and funeral tax to Hat Finishers’ Association. I worked until dark at making borders in the garden. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. She mailed a letter for me to George. Enclosed, I sent his bill for feed at George Crofut & Son. MAY 08 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but the atmosphere and clouds denote a storm soon, I think. I went to the shop this morning, expecting but little work, but we had a large day’s work finally. I took my syringe to Daniel Benedict’s Shoe Store this morning to have Henry Earl mend it but, he being absent, I could not get it today. Bell came down this afternoon and got Father Griswold to harness the horse for her and she and Mother went down to Starr’s Plain to Uncle Edwin’s. She returned with the horse about 6 ½ o’clock. I was too late home from work to get to class in the evening, so I went down to market and returned without attending class. Before coming home, I called at Scofield’s and paid Charles Crosby my Borough Tax - $3.93. I received a note by the evening mail from Carlton & Porter stating that the reason for their not sending my order for one dozen Sunday School Class Books was that they were out of them and as soon as they could get more, they would send them. MAY 09 WEDNESDAY - Rain this morning about 6 o’clock. It soon cleared off, however, and we had a fine day. We had about 2 hours’ work in the morning at the shop. As I came home, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Called at Charles Steven’s store and paid him $4.50 for the first quarter seat rent at the church, $2.25 of it being for the Widow Burr Bradley who hires half of the seat with us. She gave me $2.00 on Sunday evening to pay for her. I engaged Pat Quinn to dig garden for me in the afternoon, but he, being unexpectedly called another way, he sent me a good man in his stead. I planted parsnips, beets, Tom Thumb peas, and some string beans which I got off Mr. Pond, also some “Champion of England” peas. I traded one dozen salves with Daniel Benedict for a pair of shoes. I got our syringe mended. Thomas Smith came along just before night and wanted to hire my horse to put with his to haul manure and plow. He wanted to pay only 50 cents per day and I would not let him go. MAY 10 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Patrick Quinn spaded garden for me this forenoon. I laid out the walks, planted, etc. I planted potatoes, pole beans, corn, squash and radishes. Harriet and Mother Griswold took the horse and went out to Charles Fowler’s this forenoon to carry a small butter pot. Before they went, I greased the wagon and cut out and put some washers on the axles to make the wheels run better. In the P.M., Fanny, Harriet and Josie, and Gussie and Georgie all went to Bethel on a ride. It made a pretty good load for the old horse. They called at Mr. Dare’s and at Peter Starr’s. They learned while at Mr. Dare’s that Ellen was married on the 26th of April to Joseph Dunning. In the P.M., I went downtown to see Hanford Fairchild about the $250. He is to let me have on the 13th instant. In the evening, I went to market and at the same time took a letter from the Post Office from George; included was one for Harriet. He wanted $1.00 with which to help pay for board until next pay day. Before retiring, I answered the letter and included $2.00 as a gift from my benevolent fund. I went to the office and mailed it before retiring. I also enclosed several sheets of paper and three stamps. MAY 11 FRIDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work this morning, I called at Gillette & Hawley’s to see if Hanford Fairchild could let me have the $250 tomorrow as well as on Monday. He informed me that he could. I had work all day in the shop. I came home at night very tired. I attended a school meeting in the evening at Military Hall in company with Mr. Pond. Marion Bouton and wife are in town. MAY 12 SATURDAY - Very warm. A shower in the P.M. I went to the shop in the morning and finished off some work I had out. While there, I bought a scissor sharpener of a peddler for 50 cents. When I completed my work at the shop, I went to Gillette & Hawley’s Store and got $250 of Hanford Fairchild and gave my note for $260. The interest is $10 and is included in the Note due October 1st. I took the $250 and took up Henry Crofut’s note (which I have used) at the Pahquioque Bank. After dinner, I harnessed and drove to Redding to try to sell my horse to Mr. Tarkington. As I went, I called at Mr. Dare’s to get directed to the place (as Mrs. Dare is daughter to Mr. Tarkington). I did not sell the horse as it did not suit him. After tea, I went to market and then went over to Mr. Lynes’ to fish on the pond with Robert and their boy, Charlie. We had no luck, but Robert gave me three pigeons to bring home. We went from the pond to the house where Robert drew some cider. After drinking a glass, I came home, it being about 11 o’clock. MAY 13 SUNDAY - Very warm, but considerable breeze stirring in the morning. Bell came down about 10 o’clock for the horse and wagon to carry Mother to church. She took Georgie in and carried him up home for a ride. As she came back with Mother, she came this way and left Georgie. She returned with the horse after taking Mother to church. Gussie went as usual in the forenoon. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. Sacrament Service in the P.M. Brother Crawford preached. I did not stay on account of wanting the horse harnessed to take Mother home when church was out. I had the horse ready and Bell carried Mother home and kept the horse until after tea, when she and Hattie McKenney went to the cemetery. She returned the horse about 6 o’clock as a heavy thundershower was about upon us. I had just tine to take care of the horse before it rained. The shower commenced with hail; it rained hard for a short time. In the evening, I made out my annual Sunday School report preparatory to the Annual Business Meeting at which officers of the School are elected. I wrote to Carlton & porter ordering another copy of the Sunday School Advocate for 6 months ending October 1st. I enclosed 15 cents for the same. MAY 14 MONDAY - Pleasant, though a little cooler since the shower last evening. As I went to the shop in the morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to Carlton & Porter. I had work nearly all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I also ordered 50 lbs. of feed and paid for it at George Crofut & Son’s. John Brayman took the horse in the P.M.to get beanpoles. When he returned, I drove over to Granville Ambler’s and also to Robert Redfield’s to see them about buying the horse, but did not see either of them. I took Marvin Bouton (who is here on a visit with wife and youngest) and John Bouton in and carried them down to church to hear Dr. Jewett lecture on temperance. Marvin talks of buying the horse. I did not attend the lecture; Gussie did. Bell came down and stayed with the baby in the evening and stayed all night. I received by the evening mail a letter from George acknowledging the receipt of $2.00 in a letter which I sent him, stamps and letter paper also. Before I retired, I wrote an answer. Bought a syringe in the evening at Dr. Baldwin’s for $2.00. I have a severe cold on my lungs. I feel most sick. Engaged butter for the season of Smith Pulling. MAY 15 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but cold; a heavy frost this morning. No work in the shop. I took some pie plant to market this morning for Mother Griswold. I let Elisha Serine take the horse to go over near Deacon Beard’s where he has bought a building lot. I went over to Horace Cable’s about noon to get the key to George’s trunk which he sent home by Elmer who works in the same shop with him. I went up home and unlocked his trunk to get his duster, Concordance Dictionary and Bible. I brought them home with me preparatory to making a bundle to send to him when Elmer cable returns. In the P.M., I went up to A. Knox’ and bought 25 lbs. of white lead and three quarts of oil with which to paint my front fence. I went up to Father Griswold’s to tea by invitation, Marion Bouton and wife and Aunt Louisa and Frank Bouton were there. Gussie went into the street and I stayed home with the baby in the evening. I finished my letter to George and she carried it to the office. MAY 16 WEDNESDAY - Warmer than yesterday. Before going to the shop this morning, I helped take up carpet and clear the bedroom for cleaning as Mrs. Stone has been cleaning for us today. About 9 o’clock this morning, a Baptist minister named James (?) called at the shop to see me about buying my horse, harness and wagon, he having first been to the barn and looked at him. As he was obliged to leave on the Brookfield stage in a few moments, he could not complete a bargain then but wanted the refusal of him until Friday. I gave it and he left. We had ½ day’s work in the shop after which I carried a corrected report of our Sunday School to George Starr and then came and shook carpets, put them down and helped in a general way to get things back in their places again. At the same time, I let John Sharp take the horse to carry a barrel of ashes up to the cemetery. Just before tea, I commenced painting my front fence. I went to market in the evening. Just as I returned about 9 o’clock, it commenced raining. MAY 17 THURSDAY - There being no work in the shop, we did not rise very early this morning. It rained a little in the morning, but none of any account during the day, though it was cloudy and an east wind. After breakfast, I carried 9 ½ lbs. of pie plant to Noah Hoyt’s store for Mother Griswold. I got 4 cents per pound for it. I arranged a scraper at the back door and set out some lettuce plants in the forenoon. After dinner, I borrowed Seth Downs’ saddle and rode up to Middle River to see Smith Pulling about butter for the summer. He having rode up to the bogs to his brother Hiram’s, I rode up there and found him. I came home by way of Smith’s on Mill and Main Street and stopped at the assessor’s office and handed in my income for 1865 for taxation. My income was as follows: $1,064.13 - shop work, $36.00 for rent of upper rooms, total - $1,100.13. I had deducted from that as follows: Insurance - $2.10, Interest - $66.00, Repairs - $38.36, Taxes - $20.59, leaving $973.08, from which take $600.00 exempt, it leaves subject to 5 percent tax $373.08, making my income tax about $18.75. While I was away, Robert Cocking bought me 10 tomato plants and set them out. In the evening, I took care of Georgie to let Gussie go over to John Bouton’s on an errand. John Brayman called with Father Griswold’s and my mail matter as he came from the street in the evening. MAY 18 FRIDAY - Cloudy, east wind and looked like rain all day but not a drop. As I went to work in the morning, I carried 6 ¼ lbs. of pie plant to Benedict & Nichols for Mr. Pond. I called at Dr. Bulkley’s office, wrote a note on his slate to go to John Brayman’s (by request of John himself) and then went to the shop. We had a ½ day’s work. As I came home, I called at A. Knox’s paint shop for a paint brush. He went down to Stebbin’s and bought one for me for $1.30. I then came home and unexpectedly found Mrs. Stone there cleaning. I took a hold and finished tearing off the old wallpaper. I then harnessed and drove up to Andrew Knox’ to try to get him to paper our parlor for us but could not. I then drove up home to get Bell to come home and stay in in the evening to let Gussie go into the street. We went up to Billy Wright’s and brought home samples of wallpaper. MAY 19 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off pleasant and proved a lovely day. Mr. Pond helped me paper the parlor for which I had to exchange ____. ”Oh Horrid! Horrid! Horrid! What work! So tired and sleepy last night that my eyes closed and my pen tried to write without my assistance. It is now Sunday Morning. For Mr. Pond’s assistance yesterday, I agreed to spade his garden for him in return of I expect to do so on the morrow if nothing happens to prevent. Gussie and I rode down to Mr. Wright’s in the morning to select the paper. I t was about 10 o’clock before Mr. Pond and I got to work putting on the paper. It was after 5 P.M. when we finished. We the got the carpet put down and the furniture put back in the room and left the curtains over until Monday. We had considerable marketing to do in the evening (feed for the horse to get, etc.), so I harnessed Old Jim and Gussie and I rode into the street, leaving Georgie with Louise. He was up on Deer Hill with Bell all day. I left my checks with Joe Treadwell in the morning. He drew my pay at the shop and left it at Mr. Judd’s store where I got it in the evening - $10.00. MAY 20 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. Bell came down in the morning and got the horse and wagon and carried Mother and Mother Griswold to church. She returned with the horse and took care of Georgie for me while I marked off the Sunday School Advocates to be distributed at noon. Gussie came home after the morning sermon and Bell and I took the horse and rode down to church. I went to Sunday School as usual and to prayer meeting in the P.M. After the noon class, Bell carried Mother up home and Father unharnessed the horse and let him run in the dooryard until after tea when Bell drove him down home. Father being down here at the time, we took a ride up to the cemetery. After putting the horse in the stable and feeding him, I went to meeting, mailing as I went a letter to George and one to Carlton & Porter ordering 20 Longking’s Questions, 2nd volume and one copy more of Sunday School Advocates for 6 months ending October 1st. The meeting in the evening did me no good. I was too sleepy to get any good from the sermon Brother Hill preached. MAY 21 MONDAY - A little cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off pleasant. There being no shop work, I spaded garden a part of the day for Mr. Pond in exchange for helping me paper my parlor last Saturday. Just at night, a hard shower came up but passed north of us. After it had passed just around us, we got just a sprinkling. After tea, I cut a little turf and built the lower edge of the mound in front of the house a little higher. Annual Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting in the evening at which I was selected for Secretary-Treasurer and Librarian. All the old officers were reelected. I planted some evergreen corn this P.M. I sat up until nearly 1 o’clock copying minutes of the Sunday School Meeting and doing some other writing. MAY 22 TUESDAY - Cool. I went to the shop in the morning, expecting work, but had none. I went from the shop over to George Starr’s and returned to him his written Annual Sunday School Report which I had to copy on the records. From there, I went to the Jeffersonian Office to pay $5.00 which George owed for advertising Flour Sifters. Swertfager the editor not being in, I did not pay it as the account could not be found. I then went over to Crofut’s and paid what George owed for feed. I then came home and helped about cleaning house, Mrs. Stone being here to help. I painted a little on my front fence, also puttied over some leaks and painted them on the wing roof. Bell brought down a letter this morning for me from George. She took it from the office yesterday. There was $11.35 in it with which I paid his bill for feed at Crofut’s . The remainder was to may Ashley for advertising his sifters. Marion Boughton who had the horse yesterday returned with it about dusk. MAY 23 WEDNESDAY - Very cold for the season. I have worked all day in the shop. I took a letter from the Office for Willie Franklin and in the evening mailed it to George as I went to market. I saw John Morris in the street with his kicking horse and rose after him from Concert Hall to the Park and returned. I walked up home with Seth Downs. I got the Question Books from Swift’s – Longking’s Vol. 2, also the Sunday School Advocates. MAY 24 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer today though last night was cold and a very heavy frost this morning. Some of my beans were badly cut, while other portions of the garden escaped apparently untouched. I rose early, but after starting the fire, harnessed Old Jim and rode up home to get Bell to dome down for Georgie and take up home for the day away from the house cleaning as Mrs. Stone has been finishing up the cleaning for us today. After that I rode over to George Ryder’s to try and get pasture for the horse but could not. From there, I rode over to Granville Ambler’s and there succeeded in obtaining pasture for him. While going, I was stopped by Robert Fry and questioned about John Brayman. Robert had sold him ½ cord of wood and John had not paid him according to the agreement. I returned home at 8 o’clock and gave the horse the last hay I had for breakfast and then ate mine and went to the shop. I had work all day in the shop. I had the “Blues” this morning badly over my hard fortune. Hundreds of dollars liability on other peoples’ accounts and all for trying to assist them. They have been unfortunate and no present prospect of getting back my money or extricating myself from the liabilities taken upon myself on their behalf. $460 with George - $200 I let him have in cash and $260 I have taken the responsibility of myself in raising for him at 12 percent payable October 1st and $38.25 to John Brayman and there but little work in the shop. $25 also to be paid to George Starr July 1st borrowed money. After tea, I rode Jim over to pasture and turned him out for the first time. The lot is on the crossroad between the Mill Plain and Miry brook roads. Crossing by the old Elbert Segar place, when I came home, I found Bell had come home with Georgie. I gave her a pound of coffee to take home with her. John Brayman’s wife came over and she with Gussie went into the street while I stayed with Georgie. MAY 25 FRIDAY - Pleasant, I had work in the shop. As I came home from work, I called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and paid George’s bill for advertising his sifters last fall. George and myself both supposed it to be $5.00, but found it only $4.00. I paid it and took a receipt for the same in George’s name. I came home and straightened some pickets on my front fence preparatory to painting. Took tea, then dressed and walked down to Military Hall to an adjourned school meeting. As I went, I called at George Crofut & Son’s and requested a peck of corn which Father ordered to be sent to his house. I also selected a shad at Avery Raymond’s, ordered it dressed, and called for it as I returned from meeting. Joe Richard’s wife, formerly Mary McNeil, died this morning. MAY 26 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, I marked off the Sunday School papers and with 20 Longking’s Questions, I carried to the church and then called at Brother Hill’s and got a certificate for George as he designs joining the Hanson Place Church. After dinner, I painted on my front fence until about 5 o’clock when I went over to the pasture for the horse and brought him home to let Mother ride to church tomorrow. After tea, I rode over to Horace Cable’s with a small bundle for his son Elmer to carry to George on Monday. He works in the same shop as him at Prentiss in Brooklyn. I gave my order to Alden G. Crosby today for 5 tons of coal at $12.00 per ton. In the evening I went to market and spoke for a barrel of flour – 2nd quality for $15.00 of Charles Crofut. MAY 27 SUNDAY - I woke and found it storming this morning. I t continued until noon and most of the time it rained in torrents. It remained cloudy during the afternoon. The sun several times attempted to shine but could not get entirely out from the clouds. I did not go to church in the morning. I went down at noon but there was no Sunday School, neither service in the P.M., so I walked up home to see our folks and how the horse was doing in the dooryard on grass. I found him in the stable, Father having put him there to get him out of the storm this morning. I came home in time for super and finished a letter to George which I began before going to church. Gussie started for church in the evening, supposing there would be a meeting as it did not rain, but there was not. She mailed my letter to George and then with Mrs. Stone (our wash woman) called at Widow Eli Rockwell’s to see the corpse of Jo Richard’s wife, formerly Mary Mc Neil, a daughter of Mrs. Rockwell by her first husband. Mrs. Stone came home with Gussie about 9 o’clock. She stayed about an hour and started for home just as a thunder shower was coming up. There was considerable thunder and lightning, but little rain here. 10 minutes later – the shower has reached us now at 10 ¼ o’clock and it rains in torrents. MAY 28 MONDAY - Warm and cloudy in the morning. The sun finally came out in the afternoon. It grew colder and blustering. No work in the shop. I borrowed a map of the borough of Danbury of George Starr to aid Jo Allen, William White and myself, a committee appointed last Monday evening at the Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting to divide the borough into districts convenient for canvassing by the teachers to get children into Sunday School. After dinner, I went up home and got the horse and borrowed Alfred Gregory’s lumber box wagon about 5 o’clock with which to go with Father for some bean poles. We went down to what they call the “Jams” on Seely Harris’ land. I went with him though I had the rheumatism and a severe headache. MAY 29 TUESDAY - The sun shone warm about 9 o’clock but in about a half hour it began to rain and continued more or less during the day. No work in the shop. I commenced painting the fence in the morning, but the rain drove me off. I tried to stop a leakage in the main roof of my house by using ne shingles under where I thought it had leaked. I worked a while in the woodhouse sawing and piling wood. I went into the street in the P.M. to get a coffee pot mended and took a letter from the office from George. I answered and mailed it before coming home. I wrote in the Post Office and enclosed the dollar left form the amount he sent home to pay Crofut for feed and Ashley for advertising his sifters. I went up to Joseph Ives before coming home and bought a crib for George to sleep in. It was delivered before night and in the evening, I went down to pay for it - $4.50. There was a large party going to Bethel this evening to serenade Orris Ferry, Senator-elect from this state to Congress in the place of Foster now acting as Vice President, Andrew Johnson being promoted to President on account of the death of our late lamented President Abraham Lincoln. On account of the storm I think the affair will be a failure. There was a splendid rainbow at sundown, yet it continued to rain in the evening. Before tea, I went up home on Deer Hill and got the horse thinking that Mr. Starr might object to having him in the yard, for he has been feeding there in Father’s dooryard for three days. It being too stormy to turn him out in the field, I put him in the stable and cut some grass in my dooryard and gave it to him. I borrowed a sheaf of straw of Mr. McDonald until I can get some from Theo Lyons. Bought a barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. MAY 30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work in the shop today. After work and before tea, I harnessed Old Jim and went over to Theo Lyons' for some straw. I got 6 sheaves of oat and 4 of rye. I paid only $.50 for it. Father Griswold offered me the grass form his dooryard for the season for $3.00. I told him I would take it. Welles Webster and daughter form Plainville came to Father Griswold’s today. Gussie took Georgie up home on Deer Hill and left him while she went into the street to trade, etc. When she came home with him at night she brought me a letter from George which was enclosed with one for her. MAY 31 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. I worked very hard and at night was very tired. Welles Webster and daughter, Helen, with Father Griswold, Harriet, Josie and the dog all came to see me at the shop this forenoon. In the P.M. they took Old Jim and went over to Lake Kenosha fishing. After tea, I finished mowing the portion of my dooryard lying south of the house. I raked it off and carried it to the barn in baskets to feed to the horse. I worked as long as I could see after which I took the clock (which this morning refused to run) down to S. G. Bailey’s to be cleaned.
1866-05
Horace Purdy Journal April 1866 Entry
16pgs
APRIL 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Love Feast at 9 A.M. Gussie went and stayed to preaching in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. It being the last Sunday previous to Conference and thee being about a dozen to be baptized and also that there would be no preacher here next Sabbath, the Commission Service was held in the P.M. Brother Hill called me into the altar to hold the Baptismal Bowl for him while he administered the sacrament. At noon, I gave Charles Stevens, Jr. 50 cents towards a purse of $100 to be made up and given to Brother Hill before going to Conference. Preaching in the evening, it being Easter Sunday, the sermon was on the resurrection of Christ. At the close of the sermon the choir sang “Old Easter Anthem”. After meeting, George went to Bethel with Mr. Lockwood. He harnessed the horse before meeting and drove down to the Church. I rode down with him. He sat in the seat with me instead of with the choir. I gave Brother Hill and Annual Sunday School report this morning to take to Conference this week. APRIL 02 MONDAY - Election Day. Pleasant Upon the arrival of the train at 10 ½ o’clock, I met Aaron Mallett and Father Griswold at Roger Averill’s office and I there took up the Bond and Mortgage held by Mallett by paying him the $1,100 due him. He gave me a quit claim deed on the same. Father Griswold let me have the money on Bond and Mortgage. He also holds the Insurance Policy as additional security. We finished up our business before dinner. I also paid my taxes - $8.06 – 2 % deducted by paying today made it $7.90. George moved one of his shop mates down town this morning and then came back and moved John Brayman. This afternoon, I spent down at the polls driving for voters. The Copperheads had a majority of 10 for English. They elected one representative – Joseph Taylor – and us one – Saul Mallory. We elected all the Justices of the Peace. Judging from our own town, things looked dark and many of us feared that we had lost the state, but in the evening returns came in more favorable and we had reason to be jubilant, the prospects being very favorable. I stayed with a large crowd at D. B. Booth’s office until about 10 1.2 o’clock to get the returns from other parts of the state. A good joke on myself going for Henry Bevans to vote. I supposed he voted the Republican Ticket, but he said he should vote Democratic, so I left him at home and would not take him. APRIL 03 TUESDAY - A lovely spring day. No work in the shop yet. I let Seth Downs take the horse and wagon to go for his family down to Plum Trees. A 100 gun (salute) were fired today to commemorate the fall of Richmond one year ago today. Fifty of them were fired in the P.M. and fifty of them in the evening. I helped work the gun in the afternoon. A glorification was held in Concert Hall in the evening. Gussie and I went. Bell came down and stayed with the baby I ran up the flag on Father Griswold’s house today. APRIL 04 WEDNESDAY - A little muggy in the morning with some appearance of rain, but it came off pleasant and we have had another beautiful spring day. I had work all day in the shop. I have a cold settled in my lungs which ache and make me feel miserable. Gussie received her anatomical plates from Mr. Dr. Rawlins. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Bell came down about 6 o’clock in the evening to have me cut her hair, but I could not, as I did not have a pair of shears suitable. APRIL 05 THURSDAY - Another beautiful day, mild and warm. I had work in the shop. When I came home from work, I raked the covering off my strawberry bed. George dug post holes for Walter Sparks this morning. Mother and Bell took the horse this P.M. and rode to Bethel to see Mr. Squires and Aunt Harriet Mills. When they returned, they went up to the cemetery. I am badly affected with the rheumatism again today. I can scarcely get my hand to my head. I heard the frogs peep this evening for the first time this spring. APRIL 06 FRIDAY - Warm and showery. Cut Bell’s hair in the morning. Mr. Cocking paid me his rent. I took the $200 Harriet Wheeler gave me last evening and took up a note of that amount in the Danbury Bank for Father Griswold as the money was left by Father Griswold for that purpose. I then went down to the shop and got some gum shellac to spread over cuts on trees made by trimming them. I got it for Mr. Pond and myself. After dinner, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode up home. From there, I went over to Mr. Lynes’ to see Mr. Cocking. I saw Granville Ambler over there. I tried to sell him (Ambler) my horse, but could not. Mrs. Cocking sent Gussie a small ball of butter and a ½ dozen of eggs. It continued showery all day. I did not go out in the evening. I received a letter today from little George Humphrey of Canton. I wrote an answer before retiring. APRIL 07 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained quite steady in the P.M. I rode downtown in the forenoon with Mr. Cocking. He gave me two heads of lettuce, my first this season, and about the first in market with Robert. Received a letter from Ambrose Hill saying that George could have work where he is at Prentiss in Brooklyn. Lorenzo B. Sage has charge of the department where George is going. I rode the horse downtown to show to George Wood after dinner. If he sells his horse, I shall try to sell mine to him. When I returned, George took him and rode up home. He stayed with us to dinner. I went to the shop about 2 ½ o’clock and got my pay - $7.96 for two days’ work. I bought some smelt and came home. George came down after tea and we went into the street together in the evening. He called at the Post Office and got $4.00 left there for him by David Bradley which George lent to him last winter. He also got part pay for a sifter from Morgan Chittenden who he saw at the Post Office. He is making arrangements to go to Brooklyn next week. The letter I wrote last evening to George Humphrey, I mailed today. APRIL 08 SUNDAY - I woke and found the ground covered with snow and still snowing. It continued snowing all day more or less, but accumulated very slowly on account of melting so fast. About 5 P.M., it broke away in the west. This, I believe, is the 17th snow of any account this winter. We have had a number of squalls and little flutters of which I have made no accounts. Perhaps if all of them were counted, they would number 25 more or less. George came down this morning about his usual time for going to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood (the chorister), but on account of the storm did not go. He stayed until meeting time and then walked down to church with Gussie. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. George came home with me to tea, after which he went to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood intending to be at the church with him at 5 o’clock for a rehearsal before evening meeting. He borrowed Mr. McDonald’s carriage to go with, he not wanting to go in an open wagon for at the time he started, it was snowing. It being Conference Sunday, A Mr. Wardell, a young minister, was sent from Conference to preach for us today. I attended preaching in the evening. Rev. Wardell preached an excellent sermon from “The Thief’s Prayer on the Cross”. John Main and Saul Main and wife (formerly Edith Newman) have been here in town today. They attended church and sang in the choir. Mr. Lockwood was here in the evening and led the choir. George returned with him to Bethel after the evening meeting. APRIL 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. Yesterday’s snow has disappeared except a little in shaded localities. After breakfast, I got Seth Down’s saddle and rode down to Bethel to see if Lockwood (our chorister) would buy my horse. He would not give a definite answer today. When I returned, I rode up to the machine shop to see Russell Smith about the money he owes me but found that he had left there and would not work there any more for the present. George came in about noon and helped me mend the harness and stayed to dinner. He then borrowed my carpet bag and rode the horse up home to prepare to go to Brooklyn in the morning. While he was gone, George Wood and son came to look at the horse with a view to buying. He agreed to give me $50.00 provided he would work before a cart at drawing dirt. He took him to try, but before he got to the place of dirt with the cart, he got so beastly drunk that he could do nothing at all. I took the horse and cart from him and returned the cart and came home with the horse resolved to wait until he was sober before I transacted any business with him. Before I got home, however, I saw his son who told me he would come and get the horse tomorrow morning. Theo. Fowler died at 1 ½ o’clock this P.M. I went down town in the evening. APRIL 10 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I went down to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I rode to Bethel to see if Ben Lockwood wanted my horse. I returned about 10 o’clock and harnessed and carried Mother Griswold, Fanny, and Josie Wheeler over to Charles Fowler’s to engage butter for the summer. I kept on by Lake Kenosha and home by way of Miry Brook. After dinner, we rode up to the cemetery, the same party except that Gussie went in place of Josie Wheeler. I expected George Wood to come for the horse this evening, but he did not. I made a fire in the garden to burn the rubbish just before tea. John Brayman came over and walked down into the street with me in the evening. I intended to go to Class Meeting, but was too late after doing my marketing. Commenced to wean baby. April 11 Wednesday - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work but met some of the men just this side who said there would be none until tomorrow. I came home just before noon and harnessed the horse and carried two bushels of potatoes downtown to an Irishman who works for A. Hickok, shoemaker. I got 9 cents per bushel; he paid for one bushel and I am to get paid for the other on Saturday if not before. I rode over to Mr. Lynes’ to borrow a whip of Robert Cocking. I drove up to Daniel’s Nursery to look at Arbor vitae for a hedge. I engaged 66 or more if I need them for 9 cents each. Hattie Mills called between 4 and 5 o’clock. Gussie and baby being up home to my father’s, I took Hattie in and rode up there and brought Gussie home. Bell walked down and drew baby in his carriage and stayed to tea with Hattie Mills. I went into the street in the evening. An umbrella mender came along this P.M. and I had 2 umbrellas repaired for 60 cents. APRIL 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I had a little more than a ½ day's work in the shop, the first since a week ago today. Theo. Fowler was buried at 1 P.M. I received a letter from George, giving me the number of his boarding place. It is at 64 Prince Street Brooklyn, New York. I answered it and enclosed letters for him received here from South Norwalk, Ridgefield and St. Augustine. After writing to George in the P.M., I marked off the Sunday School papers: Sunday School Advocates – 78, Sunday School Journals – 46. Gussie, Mother, Bell and Hattie Mills took the horse after dinner and went to Bethel and spent the afternoon at Aunt Harriet’s. Gussie and Bell went to Mr. Dare’s store to sell tatting. Mr. Dare paid Gussie $2.00 for a dozen salves I left there on the 24th of March. Mr. Pond called in the evening to see Father Griswold about a school meeting to be held tomorrow evening. I walked downtown with Mr. Pond and mailed my letter to George with 3 letters enclosed which came here since he went away. Susan Brayman came over in the evening to borrow flat irons of Gussie. ARIL 13 FRIDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. It did rain a little about 8 o’clock, but it finally came off warm and pleasant. I had a full day’s work in the shop. Bell came to the shop to borrow a dollar of me with which to go to Stamford next Monday. Before tea, I rode up home and tried to persuade her not to go, believing that in their destitute circumstances, it was not advisable for our folks to encourage her in the matter, as she would need all she could earn before the summer is over for her clothing. She and Mother both felt so badly for her to have to give up the contemplated visit that I finally gave her the dollar with which what she had would make out enough though I still could not approve of her going. In the evening, I attended a School meeting at Military Hall at which there was appointed a committee to examine and find out what would probably be the expense of rebuilding or refitting buildings acquired for the primary departments of our present and more perfected plans of a graded school as is now contemplated. A paper by mail today for George which I remailed to him at 64 Prince Street, Brooklyn, New York. APRIL 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant until nearly at night when it clouded over and in the evening, it began to mist. No work in the shop. In the morning, I drove over to Philander Betts’ to try and sell my horse to him, but I did not see him. Bought 50 lbs. of corn and oats ground together for horse feed. Bought our first shad at 22 cents per pound. I rode up home just before tea and got a pair of pants which Father has been coloring for George. Before retiring, I made a bundle of them and directed it to send by express. I got my pair for a bushel of potatoes sold to an Irishman working for A. Hickok. Victor Benedict (our foreman) drew my money for me today and left it at Judd’s Store for me. APRIL 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel this morning to get Lockwood (our chorister) in George’s place as he was obligated to go today, it being the last time. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School and the afternoon service. Brother Hill preached in the morning. A Mr. Birch from New Haven preached in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George. Also ordered by letter of Carlton & Porter 6 more copies of Sunday School Advocates for 6 months from April 1st and 1 ½ dozen lessons for every Sunday in the year, 2nd Series, for the Sunday School; enclosed $3.06 - $2.16 for Lessons, 90 cents for Sunday School Advocates. Father Griswold preached in the evening. I harnessed the horse and drove down to the church. After meeting, I drove to Bethel with Mr. Lockwood. I returned home at about 10 o’clock. APRIL 16 MONDAY - Stormy. I had work nearly all day in the shop. In the evening I exchanged the castor I bought at auction March 29th for another which was more perfect. The one I returned was scratched. He is still here under Concert hall selling at auction every evening. Louise came down in the evening and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go over to Mrs. George Davis and make a shell frame. Mrs. Davis is showing her. The shells are from what George sent from the south while he was in the army in South Carolina and Florida. APRIL 17 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cooler. No work in the shop. I got out a part of my coal ashes and spread on apportion of my door yard and dug round some of my fruit trees. In the P.M., John Brayman worked for me at grading my front door yard and turfing the same. We took off the turf, carried away the soil, and then after grading, replaced the turf. We only about half finished the job, leaving the remainder for tomorrow or some other day. John stayed with us to tea. I let Mr. A. Judd take the horse to Bethel. He was gone until nearly night. I had a severe headache in the P.M. and in the evening. I worked, however with John, but in the evening, did not feel able to go into the street. So I sent to market by John, who was going down. Bell started for Stamford this morning. She took a bundle containing pants and a few other small things to express to George in Brooklyn from Stamford. APRIL 18 WEDNESDAY - It had some appearance of storm this morning and again in the evening, though I believe the sun shone a little in the middle of the day. I borrowed Alfred Gregory’s lumber wagon this morning and drew with Old Jim some muck from Father Griswold’s lot and manure from the barn. Just before noon, I went up to Daniel’s Nursery and got 70 Arbor vitae plants at 9 cents and Mr. Pond and myself set out a hedge between our yards. Sidney Miller came about noon to look at my horse, but did not buy. In the P.M., I went downtown and got $1.00 for the use of my horse yesterday. I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Mother came down and spent the afternoon and stayed to tea. I harnessed the horse and John Brayman drove up home with her. When he came back, we both drove over to Dr. Bulkeley’s to see if he wanted him to work for him tomorrow, but he was not home. John and myself went down to market together in the evening. I lent him a dollar. I called at Dr. Bulkeley’s office to consult about Gussie’s breasts which are very sore. She fears a “broken breast”. APRIL 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very warm for April. I worked around home at my strawberry bed until nearly noon when I harnessed and rode out to Mill Plain to try and sell the horse, wagon and harness to Frank Blissard who lives in the old Brown house just up the hill back of Birchard’s old place. I did not find him at home, but met him coming home as I returned. I returned home with him in order to let him see how Old Jim traveled. He was highly pleased with him and if he concludes to buy at all, he thinks he will take him. He is to let me know in a few days. As I returned home, I came by way of Dr. Bulkeley’s, where John Brayman was at work making a garden and brought him home. This was about 4 o’clock, he having made an additional hour and a half in the morning and at noon. After tea, I set out some new and removed some old rose bushes, shrubs, etc. for Gussie. We let Georgie run around the yard in the meantime, much to his amusement, it being the first time we have given him the chance to run loose out of doors. I, being tired and nearly exhausted, I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie got to market. APRIL 20 FRIDAY - Very warm again today. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work, but there was none. I came home and harnessed the horse and took Georgie and John Sharp (who is sick but able to be out a little) to ride by going up home to get a pair of George’s old army shoes to work in the garden with. I then drove down to the Post Office and the news Office for my paper, Harpers Weekly. Miss English, who is nursing Mrs. Swift, saw me and wanted me to bring Georgie up and let them see him. I did so and left him there while I went over to Crofut’s Feed Store to get some fed for the horse. It being very warm in the middle of the day, I stayed in a while and read my paper. I went out about 3 P.M. and took off a high place from my sidewalk to make it level for my fence, which I expect to set down lower tomorrow as I grade my yard down to the level of the walk. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode to market and to the Post Office. I got a letter for Gussie from Libbie Mead. APRIL 21 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm again. John Brayman and Patrick Quinn worked for me all day at taking up and putting down again my front fence and grading the yard. A thunder shower for the first time this spring about 5 P.M. John took dinner with us and stayed to tea, after which, I cut John’s hair for him. He helped me take care of the horse before he went home. Before going to market, I took a good bath down to my hips which made me feel like a new creature. John came along just before 8 o’clock and we went into the street together. As I went, I carried 18 Lesson Books down to the Sunday School Library for the use of the school which I ordered last Sunday and came yesterday. Also 6 Sunday School Advocates for new subscribers for the remaining half year. As I was too busy to go to the shop for my pay today, I gave my checks (only $3.00) to Ezra Abbott, whom I saw on the street this evening to have him draw it for me on Monday. While I was in the street, I called at Joseph Ives’ store and made arrangements with Edmund Allen to go to Bethel in the morning for our chorister, Ben Lockwood. APRIL 22 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood this morning. Brother Hill being sick, a Mr. Trumble, an agent for the Sunday School State Convention, I believe, preached for him. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School. The Union Sunday School Concert was held in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church. I went into, but being obliged to stand, I soon got tired and came home. After tea, I wrote to George in Brooklyn, enclosing 50 cents from Morgan Chittenden on a flour sifter. I also wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering 2 Sunday School Advocates and I Sunday School Journal for new subscribers from April to October. I included the money for them. I harnessed the horse before evening meeting time and drove down to the church and waited for Mr. Lockwood. He finally came with Edmund Allen and wife where he had been to tea. I started with him for Bethel immediately without going to the evening services. APRIL 23 MONDAY - Stormy. John and Patrick came in the morning to finish my job of grading and turfing, but the storm drove them off about 9 o’clock. I harnessed and went to Mr. Crofut’s for the steps I bought of him for my piazza. After dinner, Gussie went downtown to the dyers and at the same time ordered 5o lbs. of lead for me, corn and oats for the horse. When she returned, I went to the shop and got $3.00 which I should have drawn on Saturday when they paid off. From there, I went to the car shop at the depot and arranged to borrow a jack screw tomorrow with which to raise my piazza to repair the underpinning. I then went to the barber’s and got my hair cut;, called at Crofut’s Feed Store and paid for the horse feed which Gussie ordered and came home and washed my wagon. While Gussie was away this P.M., John came in and I paid him for Patrick’s day’s work on Saturday - $2.00. He let his day go on the Book Account which I have against him. He is about sick himself, so he stayed in this evening and let his wife, in company with mine, go to market. Gussie brought me a letter from George when she returned. He is doing very well in Brooklyn for a commencement, but he has been about sick during the past week with a severe cold. He has changed his boarding place form 64 Prince Street to 269 Gold Street with ____. It has rained all day with but very little intermission and in the evening, a hard thunder shower while Gussie and Susan were in the street. The wind changed just at night and about dusk, the moon shone brightly; also again after the shower about 10 o’clock. Before retiring, I commenced an answer to George’s letter. APRIL 24 TUESDAY - Neither pleasant nor stormy – wind, sunshine and showers. I fitted the steps I bought of Mr. Crofut in their place in the forenoon. At the same time, I raised the corner of the piazza and blocked it up. I did it with a jack screw borrowed of Mr. Bedient at the railroad car shop at the depot. In the P.M., I put in 18 apple grafts for Father Griswold and dug away the old walk in my yard, taking it down in the same places about a foot, the new grade and steps making it necessary. I quit this work early and harnessed the horse and took the jack screw home. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode down to see Victor Benedict (our foreman) to see if there would be work tomorrow. I was too late, he having gone uptown before I got there. So I rode back home and added to the letter I wrote to George last evening and enclosed a letter from C. + E. K. Lockwood from Norwalk with $2.00 enclosed for sifters George had sold him. I mailed the letter with the $2.00 and 50 cents from Morgan Chittenden enclosed – total, $2.50. I attended class in the evening, the first time since I was assigned to Charles Stevens’ class. Before I retired, I wrote a receipt to C + E.K. Lockwood for the $2.00 received today. APRIL 25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool. I had work in the shop today which lasted until after 6 o’clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. I being very tired, stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market in company with John’s wife. I made her fill the lamps while Susan was waiting for her. I would give her no money until she did. After she returned, John came over and got instructions about working for me tomorrow. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed a receipt for George to C. + E. K. Lockwood in Norwalk for $2.00 received in full for flour sifters. APRIL 26 - THURSDAY - Cold and raw with several little snow squalls during the day and but little sunshine. John Brayman and Patrick Quinn worked for me again today. I made arrangements with the foreman at the shop (V. W. Benedict) to give me my work tomorrow and let me play today, or rather, stay at home and work with my hired help, there being but one day’s work in the shop for today and tomorrow. We complete the job of grading, turning, filling ditch in front, making a mound, and setting up piazza steps, also grading and trimming sidewalk in front. I paid Pat $2.00 when we finished for his day’s work and gave John credit on an old Book Account for his day. Horace Cable wants to buy a horse and came this A. M. to look at mine. It did not suit him. It was not heavy enough for him. I, being very tired at night, I stayed home and let Gussie go to market. Ellen Dare married today to Joe Dunning. APRIL 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool, though a little warmer than yesterday. I worked in the shop today. After work and before tea, I rode over to Mill Plain to see Frank Blissard about buying my horse. He has not fully decided yet to buy, but I think he will and that I can sell to him. Received a letter from George and wrote an answer and enclosed $1.00 from Ed Allen, the balance of amount due George for bringing Ben Lockwood from Bethel all winter to sing for us on Sunday. As I went to market in the evening, I mailed the letter. The Bethel Military Company marched up from bethel about noon today. They took dinner at Beers’ Restaurant, paraded in the street, and about 5 o’clock, marched again for Bethel. APRIL 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I had work in the shop until just after dinner. As I came home, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s. I cleaned pout the privy and mixed muck with it before I got my supper. Gussie has spent the afternoon up home on Deer Hill. Bell came down and stayed with the baby in the evening while Gussie and I went into the street. I got a letter from George by the evening mail. APRIL 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went down to Sunday School Meeting (which was a prayer meeting) having commenced some time before I finished my work at the library, I did not go in but came home. After tea, I took the horse from the stable to the brook to drink and then tied him down in my yard to eat the fresh grass for a short time. I wrote a letter to George after tea, also to Carlton & Porter ordering class books for the Sunday School. As I went to church in the evening, I mailed the two letters I wrote. Joseph B. Wakely was in church and Brother Hill left the desk and went to him and finally persuaded him to preach for him. He preached an excellent sermon from the parable or narrative of the rich man in hell and the poor man in Abraham’s bosom. It was a thrilling and elegant discourse. I walked up from church with Robert Lee. Bell came in just at church time this evening. I walked down with her. APRIL 30 MONDAY - Pleasant, but still rather cool. I had work all day in the shop. While we were eating breakfast, Mr. Judd’s son came and wanted the horse for the day. I left my breakfast and harnessed for him. As I came from work this P.M., I called at the Express Office to ascertain what it would cost for George to express a carpet bag home with his clothes to be washed instead of $1.25 as he was told in Brooklyn. It will cost only 75 cents. I wrote him about it and enclosed a letter to him taken from the office for Willie Franklin (the name is one assumed by him in correspondence with a lady from West Chazy who wrote to him in the army in answer to an advertisement for a correspondent in the Waverly Magazine). Mr. Judd returned the horse a little before dark, when I took him and drove down to Crofut’s Feed Store for some ground corn and oats for the horse. I returned the bag and mailed the letter to George in the evening. Gussie went into the street in the evening to exchange a new hat she bought on Saturday evening and is not pleased with. Louise Vintz came in and stayed with Georgie while we both away.
1866-04