Horace Purdy Journal November 1904 Entry
9 pgs
NOVEMBER 01 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. Pleasant. I mailed before dinner a check to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company; left a policy on 12 Balmforth Avenue for Claude Henry at the Union Savings bank, also on that block with George Williams, administrator for the Averill Estate to whom the Daragan policy is payable for mortgage. After dinner, Charles Baldwin came in for a twenty payment life policy and paid an annual premium. I went with him to Dr. Clark’s office for examination. He was not at home, but at the City Hall where we found him and where we made the examination. Then I came home and wrote another letter to David Dignan urging him to send the policy or a lost policy receipt. I registered this letter also. About 5:30 PM, I called at Harry Gray’s about his insurance in the John L. Griffin store building, but did not find him at home. Leno Tosi brought the Chester Wilson policy to me when he came from work as Wilson promised me yesterday he would do. In the evening about 10 o’clock, Dr. Clark sent the Baldwin examination. Just prior, Mr. Baldwin came in with the records of his grandparents on his father’s side. I today called at F. Austin’s and paid a bill of $15.50 for carpeting bought last April. Joseph Barber of Hartford talked to the Republicans this evening at the Opera House. I, having too much office work, could not attend. George left his wife Sarah with us while he attended. NOVEMBER 02 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. After breakfast, I drove down to Charles Baldwin’s at the Elmwood district to get the current history of his grandparents. I did so and stopped at Dr. Clark’s office on my return and he made the corrections on the examination blanks. We mailed the papers after dinner to Manager VanFleet at New Haven. I wrote awhile after dinner and then helped Mary about some plants, the took up a root of White and Pink Peonas and carried them up to Mrs. Whaley’s on Division Street as I promised her. Then back to the office where I found Albert Arnold visiting to pay a premium on insurance for Wooster Hose Company No. 4. I received in the PM a return receipt card for registered letter of yesterday to Daniel Dignan. Mr. Barber came in about 5:30 with a bushel of turnips. MOVEMBER 03 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 45. A little cloudy in the morning with some indications of a coming storm, but it came off pleasant later in the day. We raked off the leaves from the dooryard in the AM. Before dinner, I drove up to David (?) in answer to a postal that he would not renew his insurance with me on the 9th instant. He had the cheaper Danbury Mutual in view. I persuaded him however to continue with us. In the PM, brother George came over to see about sending for more coffee and I then and George rode with me to Bethel where I collected a balance from Andrew J. and Laura Wildman. I called to explain to O. B. Smith about permits for housing automobiles and went to his barn and saw his new one, THE WINSTON, a spark machine that he has taken in exchange for former gasoline steam. It is beauty. We then went to Higson’s shop where Sidney True works to try to collect a balance from him but he had gone home. On our return, I collected a $1.00 balance due from Lottie Williams at Rocky Glenn. NOVEMBER 04 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 35. Pleasant. After breakfast, we built a skid for rolling barrels in and out of the cellar, then rolled out two barrels and filled them with water –one to exchange with David Wilkes when he brings a barrel of vinegar stock which I ordered and the other possibly for filling with new cider. Elsie Terwilliger came and had her pension voucher made which goes to New York. I received by the morning mail from A. J. Olmstead of Bridgeport that a fire damage has occurred at 12 Cleveland Street, the house of Sarah J. Olmstead about 12:30 noon on November 1st. After dinner, I drove down to John Bigham’s at 163 South Street to look at his new barn for insurance, after which I went to William Hall’s shop and had the tire set to one forward wheel on the spindle buggy. After supper, I went down to the corner of Grand and South Street and collected $3.00 from Annie O’Toole and from there I called at 163 South Street and took insurance on the barn and contents for John Bigham for one year which will expire about the time the insurance on his house expires on December 29, 1905, when he will give us the whole line now carried by Frank Benedict. Not being able to catch a car coming home, I walked both ways. George and Sarah spent the evening with Mary while I was away. NOVEMBER 05 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 42. No dew this morning. Cloudy with the appearance of rain. It continued so with neither rain nor sunshine all day. In the forenoon, I delivered John Bigham’s policy on his house and contents. I saw Mr. Gomell about noon about looking at and repairing damage to Mrs. Olmstead’s home on Orchard Street, there being smoke damage in the kitchen. After dinner, Mr. Beeman and myself took the office stove to pieces and put in the new fire pot which came today from the Danbury hardware store. We could not get the stove together again and adjourned until Monday when, with the help of George, we will try again. The about 4 o’clock, I harnessed and took Fannie, who was here, down home after doing my Sunday marketing. ON our way down, I stopped at John Bigham’s and collected $2.91 for insurance on his house. In the evening, Ernest Gomell called and after looking over the damage at Mrs. Sarah Olmstead’s home on Cleveland Street, he estimated $15.00 to paper, paint and varnish the kitchen and pantry. I told him to do the work. Fanny’s birthday. - 32years old. NOVEMBER 06 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 34. It began snowing about 6 o’clock this morning and continued for about two hours when it ceased leaving the ground white with quite a wintry appearance. I cleared away before noon, at which time the snow disappeared. About 11 AM, I went down for my mail and the Sunday paper, The Sunday Press, and took the trolley to tell George when he comes up tomorrow morning to bring some fire putty for filling joints when we put the office stove together. In the PM, I mailed to the Agricultural Insurance Company, a notice of a small loss under No. 7396 – Sarah Olmstead. Before church, Mary and I called at brother George’s. Dr. Wilson preached in the evening on Secret Orders. NOVEMBER 07 MONDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 34. Partly cloudy, cool and chilly and seemingly colder than indicated by the mercury. After George came from Bethel, we resumed the work that Mr. Beeman and I abandoned at dark Saturday evening of setting up the office stove, or rather, putting it together after taking it to pieces to put in the new fire pot. George and I finished the repairs which took until nearly noon, just before which, I walked over to River Street and collected the $3.50 balance from Mrs. Marion St. John. After dinner, I drove over to Cleveland Street to see the smoke damage to Mrs. Olmstead’s house. I called at C. L. Morgan’s about my order for coal; he will try to bring it tomorrow. Stephen Pierans called in the PM and I settled by check for October rents. He brought over Mrs. Elizabeth Parrish, who had been looking at rooms at 29 Williams Street; I rented them to her, she paying in advance for the November rent. George and Sarah came over in the evening and I filled his ink bottle and fountain pen. NOVEMBER 08 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. Presidential Election Day. I lighted the oil heater in my office before breakfast and after breakfast on going to there, I found that the stove had in some manner unaccountable turned to smoking instead of heating and while it was out and not heating, I could not see across the room. Smoke had condensed into a lampblack, settling over everything in the room. If the same is an omen of a black Republican victory in today’s election as large and complete as the office is black, it will be an overwhelming defeat for the Democratic Party. It took nearly all day to clean off, and then imperfectly. Lampblack smell over everything. NOVEMBER 09 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 34. A veritable landslide in the election; news come in this morning of an overwhelming victory for the Republican Party. Theodore Roosevelt is elected President of the United States by a large majority, having as now indicated 326 electoral votes out of a total of the electoral college of 476. The state has gone Republican by a large majority. Our city and town carried everything Republican except for Judge of Probate in the election of a Democrat in the person of Eugene Dempsey. After breakfast, we took the oil heater apart and gave it a thorough cleaning after the smoking it gave us yesterday. Before dinner, I drove up to David Morris and delivered his policy which was due today. I then called on Dr. Mead at his dental office and got the date of expiration of his mother’s place at 80 Elm Street for renewal on the twentieth of this month for one year for an amount of $2,500. I then called at Charles Rowan’s box shop to see Frank Moody about payment of life insurance premium due today under a 30 day extension. Mrs. Sophia Allen’s pension came to her today and this afternoon, I went over to her place and made the voucher fro amount due from the date of application, July 8, 1904 to September 4, 1904 at the rate of $8.00 per month for a total of $62.93. Charles Baldwin’s Equitable Life policy came today. NOVEMBER 10 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 32. Pleasant in the forenoon; cloudy and very chill in the PM. Before dinner, I took the office stove doors down to the New Machine Company shop and ground off the edge to make it shut closer. Just before night, I drove out to Great Plain (brother George rode with us ) to try to persuade Frank Moody to continue his life insurance in the Equitable, he having paid one year, he thinks he will give it up. I could not persuade him to go on with it. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening with us. NOVEMBER 11 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 34. My birthday – 69 years old. According to the calendar, I was born on a Wednesday. A light snow during last night, being the second snow of the season, but it melted fast and little was to be seen after daylight. In the morning, George blocked up the office stove and we built a coal fire in it. While he was working up the stove, I put up a flight of glass in the north basement window. After dinner, we went over to Cleveland Street and had the proof of loss made up in the amount of $15.00 for the Sarah Olmstead loss by her son Edward Olmstead whom she authorized to settle for her. From there, I drove over to River Street to see about buying one or possibly two barrels of new cider at the cider mill on the old John Bussing place. I then called at Pat McGrath’s store to see if he was ready to insure his grocery stock; he was not ready. Pleasant in the PM and evening. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening. A. H. Barnum brought me 10 bushels of oats for $.48 each. I mailed the October report to the Agricultural Insurance Company in which I enclosed the proof of loss of Sarah Olmstead. Fannie came up just at night with little Georgie and took tea with us. The spent the evening with Uncle George and Sarah who were also with us. NOVEMBER 12 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 30. Pleasant. The first morning with a good coal fire in the office stove overnight. George helped me level up the flagstone in front of the office after which I drove down to the Savings Bank and had the duplicate receipt for the $15.00 proof of loss attached to Sarah Olmstead’s policy reducing the same in said amount. I also made a deposit in the bank myself. Also before dinner, I called on Mrs. Emma Shepard and collected $3.00 for furniture insurance and on William Conklin; he will pay part of his insurance this evening. Just at noon, Aunt Mary Hoyt from South Salem called with a Mr. Horn who also brought her up to draw some money from the Savings Bank. She was too late, the bank closing on Saturday at noon. She will stay with us over Sunday and attend to her bank business on Monday. Sent policy transferred to East Norwalk of Louis Schoonmaker by mail. Mrs. Hawley rode with me in the PM to do some Sunday marketing. I bought a rib roast of beef over to L. W. Andrews on West Wooster Street early in the evening. I went over to the Peoples’ Market on White Street and collected $2.00 on account of William Conklin who works there Saturday evening. I then took a trolley car home on which I found Ernest Gomell coming up to settle for the paint and paperhanging he did for the Agricultural Insurance Company on Sarah Olmstead’s house on 12 Cleveland Street, the bill being for $15.00. Being short, I left $5.00 over to pay next week. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening with Aunt Mary Hoyt. NOVEMBER 13 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 40. It commenced raining about daylight. About noon it became mixed with snow and continued to increase showing about an inch notwithstanding that it wasted nearly as fast as it came. Aunt Mary Hoyt being with us, we had George and Sarah come over to have dinner with us. Mrs. Hawley baked a nice apple pie for us. I wrote a letter to Charles Baldwin at Lansing, Michigan notifying him that his life policy was received all right and that I would at an early date deliver it to his mother in Bethel. The storm was still on with an increasing wind when we retired at 9 PM. George and Sarah went home at about 6:30 PM. NOVEMBER 14 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 35. The first morning this season we were obliged to shovel snow form our walks, which was about an inch in quantity, soft and slushy. Blue patches of sky with clouds and very windy with indications of being colder. While at breakfast, Andrew Bradley called and reported a loss in their little store, known as the Dewey Inn, on the corner of Miry Brook Road and Sugar Hollow, caused by an accident with a kerosene stove. I mailed a Sun policy on a piano to James Shelley at New Milford. On my return from Miry Brook, I took Aunt Mary Hoyt down to the Danbury Savings bank to draw some money for which she came up last Saturday. I mailed the report of the Bradley loss with our October report after dinner. Mrs. Mary Waite, daughter of Sophia Allen came in also after dinner and gave me $15.00 for services in securing her mother’s pension which came last week. Mary C. Dean went down to Dr. Oley’s this PM for treatment on her eyes. I had a 48 gallon cask of cider from the River Street Cider Mill this afternoon. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening with Aunt Mary Hoyt. I wrote to J. C. Crabbe at Washington D. C., attorneys for Frances Dexter, and as requested by them enclosed a $3.00 check as fee for collecting accrued pension of Leonard Dexter. Also wrote a postal to Clara Watkins for Mary. NOVEMBER 15 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. Pleasant, clear and cold. After breakfast, about 9 AM, I drove down to Cousin Edwin Mills with Mary Hoyt who has been with us since last Saturday. On my return, I stopped at Andrew Bradley’s (Dewey Inn) and took the measure of the broken glass in the show case for which damage the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company is liable. After dinner, I sent a check to W. Schiffer, agent of the Equitable Life Insurance Company, for $16.47, the net premium of Charles Baldwin’s policy. Mrs. E. Griffith called with a blank from the Bureau of Pension for George Purdy to sign and a certificate for the clerk of the county court to attest the genuineness of the notary’ signature. About 3:30 I took Mr. Beeman and rode up town. I paid $3.00 for 48 gallons of cider at the River street Cider Mill. The I went up to Downs Street and got the address of Charles Halstead, it being 599 Whitney Avenue in New Haven to whom in the evening I wrote as to renewing his policy on barn and contents which expires tomorrow. I called at Harry Gray’s to get his policy to reduce the amount but his wife could not find it. I then drove up to Thomas Boyd’s on Franklin Street to arrange for renewal of his furniture policy. George and Sarah came over again on the evening. NOVEMBER 16 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 35. Pleasant. Requisition from the Pension Department for George to be a Notary Public to be certified by the clerk of the Superior Court was this morning attended to by Clerk Booth and mailed to the Pension Department this noon. Letter by the morning mail from the Sun Insurance Company office by order of Hartwell & Shackleford, agents at Saratoga Springs, NY to write $1,600 on each of Mrs. Balmforth’s two houses - 93 and 95 North Street, the same being already insured by us in the Agricultural Insurance Company. As we have no order from Mrs. Balmforth in this matter, we wrote her of the present fact of the policies. After dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to arrange for the renewal of Harry Biddescombe, John J. Bradshaw and William McGill. I also called at 55 Maple Avenue to see about transfer, etc. of Bert Hitchcock and found him sick in bed, then called at H. Biddescombe for 5 potato bags to be returned to S. W. Bradley. Fannie came up while we were away. Mary was also away at the dressmakers (Mrs. Connelly). George and Sarah again spent the evening with us. Fanny came up also and made known that she was ruptured and contemplated going to see a doctor. I gave her a pad from an old elastic truss of mine and showed her how to fix an appliance to help her. Herman requested some paper and envelopes which I sent by Fanny. I wrote to cashier Schiffer about the Frank Moody elapsed policy. Last evening, George presented to William Stoker a $5.00 gold watch chain in return for an office cabinet presented to us by him. NOVEMBER 17 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 25. A beautiful morning. After breakfast, I made up the October Reliance Insurance Company report, also the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company, sending a check to each. After dinner, Daniel Wilkes brought me a 47 gallon cask of old cider for vinegar making @ 10 cents for a total of $4.70. About 6 PM, while we were at tea, C. L. Morgan came with a half-ton of coal for furnace use. George and Sarah came and spent the evening with us. While not sick, I did not feel like going out for business today and continued at home. NOVEMBER 18 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 20. Pleasant but the coldest of the season, the worst being 22 on Friday the 28th of October. I received by morning mail, short proof papers from the Sun Insurance Company to adjust the Dewey Inn loss of Ida Bradley. After doing the morning barn work, George helped me put a barrel of new cider in the dark cellar, after which Mr. Beeman went out with me to Harry Gray’s for his policy to endorse a reduction of same. Then we went out to Miry Brook and adjusted the Sun loss of Mrs. Bradley, the so-called Dewey Inn. In the PM, I received letter from Charles Halstead of 515 George Street in New Haven replying to mine as to the renewal of his barn insurance. Before tea, I went over to call on Clark Hickok for a few minutes. He is a great sufferer with his afflicted leg. I wrote agent regarding my damage from office kerosene stove. Mr. and Mrs. Beeman spent the evening with us at brother George’s at 19 Montgomery Street. NOVEMBER 19 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 22. Pleasant and warmer. Before dinner, I delivered the reduced policy to Harry Gray. Also delivered and collected to Dr. Mead for his mother’s estate and to Thomas Boyd. After dinner, Dwight Camp from Brookfield called to have $200 business on tobacco which we arranged and paid at 1.8% bank premium - $3.60. After which, I drove up to 31 Patch Street and insured $400 on a fruit store for John Carbulon. I left $5.00 with Andrew Clark the printer to give to Ernest Gomell the balance due him on the Olmstead job on Cleveland Street. Mrs. Hawley drove around with me just at night to do our Sunday marketing. After tea, we found that what I supposed to be peanut brittle candy which I bought this PM at the ten-cent store was hard stale old style peanut candy and I returned it for exchange. They refused to exchange it and I refused to keep it and I told them I would make them a present of it which they also declined to accept but insisted on making me a present of the candy to my satisfaction and keep the old one which they would not take back. By this means, I was compelled to be the owner of both lots. In the evening, John Rowan came to have a Massachusetts Mutual policy assigned to Mrs. Hattie Brown - $500, 20 year endowment. NOVEMBER 20 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 40. Pleasant and warmer. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came in after Sunday School and took dinner with us returning home at 3:30 PM. After their departure, Mary went over to Will Dean’s and stayed until evening. On her return and before retiring, I wrote a postal card to Miles Thomas at Bridgeport stating that on account of her eyes, she could not write. NOVEMBER 21 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 48 Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, we raised the right side of the privy building about an inch so that the door will shut, it having settled which prevented it from doing so. Before dinner, I drove over to the Danbury Hat Company on Chestnut Street and got from John Bradshaw the amount of increase he wanted on the renewal of hi furniture policy tomorrow. Then I called on Mrs. Claude Harvey on Balmforth Avenue and she gave me $10.00 on account of insurance on Nov. 1st. Then to the Union Shop to see William Murphy on the transfer of hos policy on Golden Hill. After dinner, George Starr (Purdy) went with me to the Elmwood District in Bethel and I arranged with John McFarland for $1,070 additional insurance on personal to increase the present Connecticut Fire Insurance policy No. 2200 on a building for $650, making total insurance $720. From there, we went down nearly to Dodgington and delivered an Equitable policy on Charles Baldwin to his mother the beneficiary. Then we drove across to Plum Trees to W. S. Harris for $7.00 balance due but did not get it. We got a promise instead. Then we drove home, arriving about dark. We had plain mush and milk for supper. George and Sarah came over again and spent the evening. John Rowan with Mr. Brown came in the evening not being satisfied with the assignment of his policy made Saturday, rather desiring to make Hattie Brown beneficiary under same. I recommended that he give Mrs. Brown a note for the amount of the policy which would thus absorb the full policy in case of his death, being equal in effect to a change in beneficiary. I drew the note which he signed. NOVEMBER 22 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 28. This morning, I found my barrel of new cider in the cellar about to burst in want of a vent, which I proceeded to give it. We wrote the policies of Camp, Bradshaw and Carbulon in the morning and delivered and collected from Bradshaw. Received draft by morning mail from the Sun in payment of Ida Bradley’s loss on the Dewey Inn on Miry Brook. After dinner, I took Mrs. Beeman for a ride over there and Mrs. Bradley signed and endorsed the draft for $20.50 and I cashed it. On our return, I had the draft cashed at the bank. Also one from the National of Hartford, reinsurers of the Lafayette for $1.88 as a return of premium for the cancellation of policy 525194 on John Hine’s billiard parlor, they not wishing to continue on as transferred to a new location at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Railroad Place in Bethel. After going to the bank, I carried Mrs. Beeman up to Harley Beeman’s on Balmforth Avenue and called to Mrs. Raymond’s for an umbrella which Mary left there last Sunday. About 5 PM, Mrs. Hawley went with us to buy our Thanksgiving turkey, a 12 pounder at 30 cents a pound at Eccles’, the most I ever paid for a turkey in my life. I loaned $2.00 this PM to Mr. Beeman until his pension check comes next month. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening. Wrote to G. W. VanFleet replying to his urging for business. Wrote to John Davis of Stratford replying to his of this morning asking for transfer of policy from Bridgeport to Stratford and asking for a more definite description of the locality to which he has moved. NOVEMBER 23 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Another beautiful day. I sent dunning missives this AM to Herbert Wildman for $92.50 due on the Rundle & White Factory insurance and to Jacob Hartz for balance due on the Spiro property. I got my haircut and then called on Targett & Siemon in reference to the renewal of their laundry insurance on the 24th and to Joseph Brothers for theirs due on the7th. I received a PO order from John Sherman to pay his insurance and sent his policy by mail to him at Atlantic City, New Jersey. Arthur Durgie notified me this morning that about 5 PM yesterday, he accidently cut the end of his index finger off. As there is a possibility of loss under his accident policy, I this PM called at J. R. Flanders’ shop (he works there) further about it. He not being at work due to the hurt, I obtained from Mr. Fancher the facts of the matter. Just before tea, Edith Mills on her way from Waterbury home for Thanksgiving and her sister Ella Blake called with a peck of apples that her mother promised to send me. George and Sarah spent the evening with us again. Connecticut ordered cancelled Camp, Hines and Carbulon. Got my first bottle of Lipozine to try of James Duran on account of insurance to come. NOVEMBER 24 THURSDAY – Mercury at 6AM – 30. Thanksgiving Day. Pleasant. Mrs. Hawley, who with Mr. Hawley will dine with us, came over about 9 AM to help Mary in preparing the dinner. About the same time, a hand of celery was delivered from Herman who with Fanny and the children will take dinner with us. I wrote to Charles Watkins and mailed it before dinner. Then I went up to Patch Street with a policy for John Carbulon on his store. From there, I went down to Abbott Avenue with a policy on furniture for William Mc Gill on which he paid half of the premium - $3.00. After dinner, I mended my harness and wrote a letter to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company requesting that the policy which they wanted cancelled for Dwight or Camp be allowed to stand. After our Thanksgiving dinner just at dusk, I responded to a postal from Clarence Wilson of Miller Street to arrange to rewrite his furniture policy of $500 raising the same to $800 on account of a new piano. Herman, when off from trolley work at 6 PM came for his Thanksgiving dinner, leaving with Fanny and the children about 8:30. NOVEMBER 25 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – A fine rain about daylight with an appearance of a storm, but soon passed off with more or less sunshine. Fearing snow, we raked off the balance of leaves on the yard, after which I went down to Thomas Regan’s’ on Foster Street to see about life insurance as proposed by her on Sunday night. After dinner, I drove up to Charles Betts and arranged for the renewal of his insurance tomorrow for which he paid me. Our neighbor, Mrs. Alexander, age 79, died last night. She will be taken to Pennsylvania for burial. After supper, I mailed Wilson’s voucher for retirement of premium on cancelled life policy which I omitted to enclose with the policy previously mailed today. Then I called on Mrs. Jennie Townsend on Orchard Street and collected $2.00 on account of her insurance. Then I called on Ann Regan about life insurance. The day proved pleasant after a little threatening in the morning. Arthur Durgie, lost the end of his finger, accident insurance, called in the evening. NOVEMBER 26 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Pleasant and a little cooler. The remains of our old neighbor, Mrs. Alexander, was by her four daughters taken by an early train this morning to Hereford, Pennsylvania for burial. Mary had me write a postal for her to Minnie Dean that, if pleasant, she would be with them to dinner tomorrow. I sent it about 8 AM by the postman Owens. Before dinner, I delivered and collect for policies of F. Austin, left one at the Union Savings Bank for Charles Betts; deposited some $ in my bank; had my watch set and regulator adjusted at Bryant’s store. After dinner, I found that George had made a mistake in the rate of insurance on Barlow’s barn written this morning, so I immediately went down to the stamp clerk, A. H. Howe, and had DR corrected. Then I went to Targett & Siemon's laundry and made arrangements for a renewal nest Monday. Lottie and Julia came up this PM for the baby carriage left on Thanksgiving and carried two plant shelves for window which their mother wanted with them. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening. George went into the street and brought me a letter by evening mail from Clara and John Watkins from Hartford, giving us the price of Liprozine, it being 70 cents for what cost us a dollar. NOVEMBER 27 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – It began snowing about 5:30 and continued until about 8 AM when it ceased and the sun broke though giving the appearance of a fairly pleasant day. About 9:30, Mrs. Hawley came over with a chicken for me to kill, desiring it for her dinner. About noon, Mary went over to William’s to spend the day and took dinner. I went to the Post Office and walked with her as far as Gigliotti’s fruit store and bought a 12 box package of Blue Hen Tomatoes and then came home. I took dinner about 2 PM with Mr. and Mrs. Hawley. Mary returned home about 7:30 PM. NOVEMBER 28 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM -16. The coldest thus far of the season. I wrote up Targett & Siemon's insurance on laundry and fixtures. After dinner, I went over to Sarah Austin’s place at 234 White Street to see if she had, as reported, remove the store arrangement on the first floor and replaced it for dwelling purposes. I found that she had done so. I came home by trolley and did not go out again. George and Sarah spent the evening with us. I received 50 calendars today by express from the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. A. W. Rogers came in this evening for change in his insurance policy from Montgomery Street to 16 Division Street. NOVEMBER 29 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 22. Not so cold; cloudy in the morning with the appearance of snow. We put new springs in the shank of the spindle shafts this morning. George reported work last evening and this morning on Alexander Eastwood (known as "Pinky"), the trolley conductor, for a $2,000 life insurance policy. After dinner, I went up to the New Machine Company and got a small strip of maple about an inch square and 13 inches long to repair Mrs. Hawley’s washboard. From there, I went up to Willard’s shop to see Michael Regan about life insurance for his mother. He promises to consider it in about a week. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening. Early in the evening, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s to see how much coffee he wanted to order. I again referred to the additional life insurance he has been contemplating; he thinks he will do so soon. After George went home, I wrote up John Parker’s policy; also Lena Parker’s for cancellation as they refuse to give a description for the new location or pay the premium. Before closing the office at 10:30 PM, I mailed to the Agricultural Company for cancellation. NOVEMBER 30 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – A slight warm rain last evening. Neither pleasant nor stormy; clouds interspersed with sunshine. Mrs. Melissa Griffith came over this morning, having received her pension to have the voucher made on the accrued pension on Mr. Griffith’s old pension and the one for her new pension from the date of application to September 4. I mailed them to go to Boston by the noon mail. George and I tried to fix Mrs. Hawley’s washboard but broke it worse than before. We abandoned it for the present. After dinner, George S. Purdy went with me over to Mill Plain and thence to the New York state line to see Lucy Haines about writing a permanent policy on her house when the builder’s risk policy expires on Saturday. She will call on Friday or Saturday and arrange the matter. On our return, I stopped at the old Herman Knapp place for a call on Mrs. Dexter who has moved from Ridgefield to this place. On my return, I drove up to Harry Gray’s to see if he could pay on his policy. He promises to pay on Saturday. Brother George borrowed $10.00 from me until he gets his pension to pay his rent. After supper, I wrote to John Watkins replying to his asking where he shall pay his life insurance quarterly premium due on the 9th instant. George and Sarah came over again to spend the evening. Frank Hart came in the evening and wanted until December 10 to pay his November rent.
1904-11
Horace Purdy Journal October 1904 Entry
8 pgs
OCTOBER 01 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 50. Picked the last of the tomatoes and mowed the front yard. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Betts called in the AM and arranged to rent Mr. Pierans’ corner house, first floor. I drove over to Rose Street to get the key from Mrs. O’Conner, the former tenant. Soon after we engaged the house to Mr. Betts, a Mr. E. G. Horton wanted it and offered to pay the rent in advance. In the PM, Mrs. Hawley and I rode downtown and did our marketing for Sunday. Mr. Betts commenced moving in in the afternoon. George Walter came in accordance with a promise in the evening and paid $10.00 on account of his life insurance. As requested by Frederick W. Seymour, I called at his house at 17 Elm Street to receive money on account of his furniture insurance which he promised for tonight, but he had gone out. George and Sarah called in the evening. OCTOBER 02 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 52. Cloudy and cool, but no rain. Lottie came after Sunday School and took dinner with us returning home on her father’s trolley car at 4:40 PM. I mailed Agent Policy #7272, Elizabeth Burnett to Bristol for her to execute the assignment blank making the property over to Theodore Scofield to whom she sold. I also wrote to John Parker about his new location at Torrington as to the transfer of his insurance. In the evening, we went over to brother George’s and from there to church. OCTOBER 03 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 38. Pleasant. Mowed upper half of front yard after breakfast. S. W. Bradley brought potatoes this morning for Beeman, Biddescombe and me. George went to Stevens Street with Biddescombe potatoes with Bradley. The Larkin Soap with oil heater and costumer I got today, but the heater was not the one we ordered; they sent another kind. We borrowed one of Serena Lyon until we can get an exchange with the Larkin Soap Company. Herman sent a man in the evening to borrow the pistol which he found and left with me. In the evening I went up to the Ferdinand Brush Place to the Schoonmaker’s to acknowledge some deals, but they deferred it to another day. OCTOBER 04 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 32. A light frost this morning. A magnificent day for the commencement of the Fair. George and I finished mowing the dooryard this morning. Also put the new number – 35- on the front of the house. We received from the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company this morning, two pocket books as a present to each of us. After dinner, I made up and mailed the September account to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. Then I took Mary to deliver soap orders to Glover, Biddescombe and George S. Purdy, also to make some business calls on Theodore Scofield, Harry Gray, Frank Power and Anna Hinman. I also called at Henry Gray’s over John Griffith’s store to get his policy to transfer and rewriting at the new location under annual premiums. I bought a loaf of homemade bread of Mrs. Gray. OCTOBER 05 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 42. Another pleasant day for the Fair. After getting up some office work in the morning, Mr. Beeman rode with me to see Theodore Scofield and read to him a letter to Mrs. Elizabeth Burnett regarding payment to her of the cash value of insurance for expiration of the policy on the property sold by her to Scofield. He wished me to also show the letter to Dwight Rogers, the agent who negotiated the sale. Not being in his office, but expecting to be employed at the fair, we drove over there, but did not succeed in finding him. I got the consent of Mrs. John Gallagher to write the renewal of her furniture policy in the name of her sister, Fannie O’Toole and did so, the mailed the policy to her. By this morning’s mail, I received a new pension certificate for David Hoyt, being an increase on account of age from $6.00 to $8.00 a month. The Union Savings Bank paid the premium for insurance for Valentine Patch on the dwelling at 81 George Street. About 4 PM, I delivered the policy to Harry Gray over John Griffith’s store. On may return, I found William Mead waiting to pay his life insurance premium due on the 10th instant, after which I carried him home to 17 Town Hill Avenue. George and Sarah came over in the evening. After they went home I went over to Louis Tosi’s to deliver a soap order. While we were there, we also called on Mrs. Clark upstairs. OCTOBER 06 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 51. A small splatter of rain during last night. Cloudy and windy and doubtful during the AM. The sun came out bright at noon and continued pleasant during the balance of the day. I walked downtown in the forenoon. I met Maud Luck, who was more than sociable and would like to live in a house as nice as when she lived with us seven years ago. I called on Sam Newman for the balance due us. He gave a promise for next Monday. Also for next Monday, Jacob Hartz for the premium on the Spiro Brothers policy. After dinner, I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s with a specimen of urine for Mary; he pronounced it OK. He gave me some tablets for my own use and paid 35 cents for soap in a Larkin order and also ordered 10 lbs. of coffee for George to send for. Later in the PM, I harnessed and Mary went with me to arrange renewals for James Fitzsimmons, Kate Lynch and Emma Shepard. Then we went down to Fannie’s and she made arrangements for Lottie, Georgie to come and stay with us tomorrow that she may attend the Fair. George and Sarah came over to spend the evening. OCTOBER 07 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. This is Danbury Day for the Danbury Fair. Factories and businesses are suspended to enable all to attend the great carnival. After breakfast, I drove over to Clarence Morgan to see where the fire was last evening. It was a small scare in one of the hat factories near Austin Street. I bought two porterhouse steaks of Morgan, the drove over to Rose Street to see Mrs. Bridget O’Conner about the rent for September at her Pierans house where she moved from. She refused to pay anything at all on account of him warning her out. Fannie took little Julia with her to the Fair and had Lottie with baby Georgie stay with us. Just before dinner, I went up to 5 Deer Hill avenue to consult Mrs. Mary Stevens regarding the sale of 11 Pearl Street to Theodore Scofield, as to any return premium to W. Burnett or his wife, Elizabeth Burnett, on the policy made over. On my return, the fire engine, etc. was called under alarm box 31 on West Wooster and Division Streets. Some burning leaves near Mr. Treadwell’s barn was the cause. No damage done. W. Burnett’s letter this morning calling my letter an insult to him and his wife for stating the plain fact regarding the insurance, etc. and the return premium demanded by him. I made a check for John Pieran’s for September rent collections; also made a check and mailed to the Agricultural Insurance Company for the July balance. George M. Bradley brought ¼ cord of wood sawed short on account of insurance. OCTOBER 08 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. The last day of the Danbury Fair. The day has been cold and cloudy but no rain. I am still alone since Wednesday; George is attending the Fair. I gave Stephen Pierans a check for $40.92 for the September rents. Charles Hawley from New Milford called for his furniture policy and paid it. Mary and Mrs. Hawley went shopping this afternoon. Mrs. Lena Knapp of Bridgeport called about 5:30 PM to see about the mortgage. George and Sarah came over in the evening. OCTOBER 09 SUNDAY - Mercury at 67 AM- 54. Lowery, but no rain. After breakfast, I cleaned my furnace preparatory to making fires. Went to the Post Office at noon and for the Sunday Press. Lottie Hirsch came from Sunday School and took dinner with us. In the PM, I mailed our September account to the Sun Insurance Company and enclosed the check for the July balance. I also wrote the Larkin Soap Company exonerating Mary for the funny wording of my letters of the 3rd and 5th instant regarding the oil heart. We attended church in the evening. Mrs. Hawley went with us. OCTOBER 10 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. George reported this morning for duty, having been absent since last Wednesday attending the Fair. A reply by this morning’s mail from the Larkin Soap Company to Mary in the matter of the oil heater. The explanation is satisfactory and George this morning set it up and filled it ready for use. I bought a bottle of ink of Harry Bristol. David Hoyt came at noon and made a voucher for the difference in old certificate of $6.00 per month and the new one of $8.00 up to September 4, the new one being issued for an increase for 65 years of age. George Walsh, an old soldier and inmate at the Soldiers’ Home in Noroton called in the afternoon to make an application for an increase for disability. I not having the proper blanks referred him to Captain Quien. Our coffee with that of Dr. Sunderland’s came today. George came in the evening for my check to send to Mrs. Kimball for coffee. I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s and collected for his 10 lbs. before making the check for George. Mr. W. S. Lane today requested to have his life policy made semi-annual instead of annual. I spoke to George Rickerts to keep his chickens home as they annoy me by leveling my manure heap and covering horse bedding spread out to dry. OCTOBER 11 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Warm with sprinkling showers in the morning and during last night. After breakfast, I made up the September balance of the Agricultural Insurance Company and mailed it with a check for the July balance. The express man brought a package of supplies, chiefly policies from the Reliance. Before dinner, I went downtown and collected $10.00 of Jacob Hartz on the Spiro brothers’ policy, also $2.00 of Saul Newman. Going into the Post Office, I saw H. A. Wildman talking with a party. After attending to my mail matter, I looked for him but he had disappeared. I talked with Dwight Rogers about the insurance being turned over from William Burnett to Theodore Scofield on the Pearl Street house. He understood that the same was to be turned as part of the deal. After dinner, Mr. Leonard Carney from Patterson called to see about the property of Frances Perry at Beaverbrook being reoccupied, etc. as he has a mortgage on the same. John Case came in the PM and ordered a policy of $1,000 on his house and furniture in the Connecticut Insurance Company. He leaves the Danbury Mutual Company. I drove up home with him to take a diagram. He paid the premium of $10.00. On my return, I drove up to Anna Tinman and delivered her policy, then up to James Fitzsimmons on Deer Hill with his policy. OCTOBER 12 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 42. A cold rain which has continued all day. We wrote and delivered to W. W. Sunderland, builder, a two month’s $1,000 additional builder’s risk policy on the Lucy Haines’s house. I mailed an order for supplies to The Connecticut Fire Insurance Company at Harford. In the PM, Mrs. Kate Lynch called and paid a premium for insurance on her Deer Hill Avenue house. I left the policy at the Union Savings Bank a little later in the afternoon. I then called on Orlando Williams at Hadley’s Hat Shop to see if he had decided to accept the policy I wrote for him He has not yet decided. His son, Wallace M. Williams gave me an order for $500 insurance on his furniture before I left the shop. From there, I called on Marion St. John and arranged for the renewal of her Grandview Avenue double house. The on Franklin Street, I also arranged to renew for Widow Iola B. Richardson. I called a few minutes on Benjamin Bailey at the Rose Street city weigher’s office and then came home. In the evening, I made up the Standard Accident September account to Loomis & Nettleton. Mrs. Sarah Whalley came in the morning to have her furniture policy transferred to her house on 16 Division Street. OCTOBER 13 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 40. Cloudy, cold and damp in the morning. I received from Boston U. S. Pension Agent a check for the $2.00 fee for the D. B. Hoyt pension increase for age 65. About 9:30 AM, I went to the courthouse and called on Judge Ralph Wheeler for his certificate showing me to be of good moral character, etc. for me to act as pension attorney for the Pension Bureau in Washington. He left it with me to have Clerk Frank Booth prepare the certificate for his signature tomorrow morning. In the PM, I drove down to Dr. Oley’s with Mary to consult about her eyes, after which we drove up to Padanarum and delivered a policy to John Cove. I then called on Mrs. Annie McDonough’s at Grandview Avenue to collect but got nothing, then called at the Scofield’s shop on River Street to see if my furnace pipe was repaired which I left there this morning as I went to Marion St. John’s to deliver her policy. From there, I went to the Post Office and village store and home. While we were riding, the clouds disappeared and we have a clear sky and cooler. George and Sarah were over in the evening. In the evening, I answered letters of Davis Knapp as to his share of the premium due on the insurance of estate of Silas Abbott. A. H. Barnum delivered a ½ ton of baled hay this AM. OCTOBER 14 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 36. This morning before breakfast, I mailed the Estate of Silas Abbott policy to Davis Knapp, executor. The same should have been enclosed last evening with the letter. Theodore Scofield this morning handed in the W. Burnett policy (i.e., Elizabeth Burnett, his wife) duly assigned to him after refusing to sign and deliver to me. About 9:30 AM, after having D. Wilson typewrite my application for pension attorney to the Pension Department at Washington with the accompanying certificate of Judge Ralph Wheeler, I called on the judge at the courthouse for his signature which he kindly gave to me. I left it with Clark Booth to affix the seal of the Superior Court which I obtained in the PM. Sam Hoyt and Mrs. Clark of Ridgefield called at noon and had dinner with us. In the afternoon, I called at Clark Booth’s for the certificate of Judge Wheeler’s, then walked up to D. Lowe’s shop to see Mrs. Dittus about renewal of her insurance. I found that she had left and was now working for Jake Irving in his silk mill. From there, I called on Majik Garlick on Henry Street to collect for his insurance. They had broken up housekeeping. I am to call tomorrow and if possible take up the policy. I then called on Edward Hendley and came home and returned the oil heater to Serena Lyons by driving up there and to Scofield’s Tin shop on River Street and got my furnace pipe which he has been repairing. In the evening, I wrote and mailed to Edward Dawson, Chief Clerk of the Department of the Interior, my certificate from Ralph Wheeler, Judge of the Superior Court, as to my good moral character, etc. OCTOBER 15 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 38. Clear and Cool. Before breakfast, I attempted to adjust the pipe on the furnace and found that it required further repairs before I could do so. After taking it to the shop again, I drove up to Henry Street to see if Majik Garlick had found his policy which he wants to surrender. He signed a lost policy receipt in the event he could not find it. I had the horse shod at D. Gages’ before dinner. After dinner, I adjusted the furnace pipe to be ready to be heated up. The later in the PM, Mrs. Hawley went with me to do some marketing and I delivered the Burnett-Scofield policy to the mortgagee, Mrs. Mary Stevens. George and Sarah came over in the evening. OCTOBER 16 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 31. A magnificent day. Mary attended church in the morning to hear the presiding elder preach. Lottie came from Sunday School and took dinner with us. We went over to brother George’s about 6 PM and attended church in the evening before which we called at Dr. Oley’s that Mary might consult him about her eyes and make arrangements for going to the hospital in New York, and possibly Dr. Oley to go with her. OCTOBER 17 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Another beautiful day. After breakfast, Mr. Beeman rode with me up to Henry Street to get and cancel the policy of Majik Garlick. After dinner, we drove over to Beaverbrook and by a half dozen eggs and cash, I cleared for six months ended October 1st. up the balance of George Bradley’s premium. Mr. Pierans was over today and we made some arrangements about renting the house visited today by Mr. Scheppaccasse (?). I made a check today for $7.00 for rent of church seat, $117. In the evening, I went up to 2nd Avenue and arranged for the renewal of John Murphy’s insurance. Mrs. Payne called in the evening and paid for insurance to be renewed on their Mill Plain house. George and Sarah came over in the evening. Mary arranged this afternoon for Dr. Oley to go with her to New York at the hospital for treatment of her eyes. I, with Mr. Beeman, also in the PM, drove up to Franklin Street on returning from Beaverbrook to deliver a policy to Mrs. Richardson, but found that George had omitted to attach a permit for a kerosene stove; on that account, I did not leave it. After supper, I took the trolley up to 2nd Avenue and arranged the renewal of the furniture policy of John Murphy. OCTOBER 18 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM- 36. Another pleasant day. Mary, in company with Dr. Oley took the 10:09 AM to New York to go to the 23rd Street Homeopathic Eye Hospital for treatment of her eyes. I carried her to the train and brought home the second Larkin container from the freight yard. The freight on same was 44 cents. George and I got our dinner of baloney sausage sandwiches and coffee. Mary returned by the 5:08 PM train with Dr. Oley from New York. In the evening, I wrote to the Larkin Soap Company enclosing freight bills that they might send a rebate on same as requested by themselves. As I went to the station to meet Mary, I carried nearly a bushel of our potatoes over to George Starr Purdy. OCTOBER 19 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 40. After George arrived from Bethel, Mr. Beeman and I rode to the Danbury Hat Company where I gave to Mr. F. Wilson, the financial secretary of the M. E. Church, a check for $7.00, the seat rent to October 1. I then went to 12 Cook Street to see Mr. Dignan about insuring his furniture. He is to see me again, probably next Saturday. Another delightful day. I delivered a policy on tools to Charles Fowler at the New Machine Company. I wrote another letter in lieu of one written last night, and not sent to the Larkin Soap Company; also to W. B. Schiffer in the matter of the extension of Frank Moody’s life insurance. In the PM, Mary went down to Dt. Oley’s for eye treatment in connection with their visit yesterday to the hospital in New York. George and Sarah came over in the evening. I went up to Dr. Sunderland’s while they were Mary and had a specimen of my water examined which was all right. I delivered his October 18 quarterly policy and returned home. George took the Larkin container home which came to Mary and she sold to them. OCTOBER 20 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 54. Foggy. After breakfast, I wrote for Mary to Clara Watkins. When George arrived from Bethel, we fixed up the lattice work under the front porch of our office. Then we went over to Mrs. Hawley’s and castrated a cat. Before dinner, I walked downtown and called at the Turner Machine Company and arranged for the renewal of machine tools of William Reed. He wanted figures for accident and sickness insurance. On my return, I found F. F. McFarland talking with George about insuring some property on the Elmswood District in Bethel. We made arrangements to do so. After dinner, I drove down through Putnam Park to Redding Ridge to fix up the David Dignan insurance matter. He was not at home, therefore, I did not succeed. I came home by way of Daniel Woods and collected from him $46.55 for insurance on his homestead place written August 27. From there, I came home by way of the Elmswood District to see the place Mr. McFarland spoke of. It is the former Jerome Bates place. I stopped to see George as I came by Mr. Becker. Republican speakers tonight on the issues of the day. OCTOBER 21 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Warm and showers during the night. It commenced raining hard and steady at daylight and continued with high winds until noon when it cleared away and began to grow colder in the PM. After breakfast, I repaired the lining to my cook stove with fire cement. I wrote to Daniel Dignan enclosing a cancellation notice and a lost policy receipt for him to sign if he cannot find the policy. I registered the letter, In the PM, I called at Hadley’s Shop to see Orlando Williams. He has concluded not to insure for one year. I will therefore cancel the policy written. I then called at Mallory’s shop and had a chat with old. Theodore Power about his insurance at Noroton. Called on several others in the factory and came home by way of Main Street. I got a check from Henry Bristol for his store insurance and came home. George and Sarah came over again this evening. OCTOBER 22 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 38. In the morning, I drove over to Mill Plain to arrange for the renewal of Reuben Rockwell’s insurance. He not being at home, his wife promised to call tomorrow and let us know. I made a deposit in the bank before dinner. After dinner, Mrs. James Sullivan called to see about renting one of Mr. Pierans’ houses at 29 William Street. Later in the PM, I informed her that she could have the house. Later in the PM, Mrs. Hawley sent me to do the Sunday marketing. Brother George went on the one dollar excursion to Pittsfield and returned. I borrowed Mr. Beemans’s Accident and Health Insurance policy in the General Accident Insurance Company of Philadelphia and studied same. He called in the evening, when I returned it. George Walter called in the evening to get returned to him the $10.00 which he paid in advance on his life insurance. The Equitable told me that his application has been rejected on account of his family history. I returned his money. OCTOBER 23 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 38. Pleasant in the morning. Lowery in the PM with the appearance of rain in the evening. Received by mail today a returned receipt for registered letter to Daniel Dignan of Redding. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley took dinner with us today. I mailed as not taken to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company the Orlando Williams policy on his furniture. See letter dated October 22. Mrs. Hawley went with us to church on the evening. We called for a few minutes as we went on Brother George. OCTOBER 24 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 30. Pleasant. After breakfast, I rode over to Mill Plain to see Reuben Rockwell about the renewal of his insurance, but found no one at home. This PM, I received a letter from his wife that in view of some contemplated change, possibly to sell his property, he would for the present defer his insurance. By the noon delivery of mail, I received Mr. Dexter’s pension, that is, the certificate and voucher to be presented. We telephoned to her at Ridgefield and in the PM, she rode up and we made up the voucher at her daughter’s home at 10 Pleasant Street. Before going out to Mill Plain this morning, I went down to Plant’s block and told James Sullivan that the house on 29 Williams Street that I told him he could rent was by Mr. Pierans rented to another party who had previously applied. In answer to telephone, Mrs. Dexter came from Ridgefield and I made up her voucher at her daughter’s home at 10 Pleasant Street and mailed it in the evening to Boston. I also returned to W. B. Schiffer the W. D. Lane permit for quarterly premiums to be made semi-annual. George and Sarah came over in the evening and wrote a post for Mary to Clara Watkins to buy two hymn holders. OCTOBER 25 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 35. A beautiful day. George helped me patch the roof of the barn and office. It took us nearly all day. At about 4:30 PM, I drove with Mary up to Padanarum to arrange with Mrs. Heady to clean the sitting rooms tomorrow. George and Sarah came over again in the evening and spent the evening. OCTOBER 26 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 42. Cloudy most of the day with but little sunshine. After breakfast, Mr. Beeman rode up with me to Mrs. Brown’s on Franklin Street and arranged to renew her policy. From there we went down to Murphy’s Hat Shop to see Willis Hodge, mortgager on Rueben Rockwell’s on Mill Plain. We found that while they wrote me that they would drop the insurance, they lied to me in not doing so and gave it to Louis Reed. I also had a chat with Chester Wilson working in the same shop about his insurance which he and George got mixed on. After dinner, I went over to the Turner Machine Shop for the renewal of W. Conklin, the engineer. Before returning, I called on Pat McGrath and arranged to measure his store next week. George and Sarah came over again in the evening. Mrs. P. Jeffrey called in the evening and paid $37.00 for Elizabeth McDonald life insurance due on the 30th. Mrs. Heady helped Mary clean the house today. Charles Baldwin of Bethel called in the evening to talk life insurance. He is contemplating it as security for a loan to go through college in taking an agricultural course. I carried in my tax list today. OCTOBER 27 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 44. Pleasant. We cemented around the kitchen chimney this morning. Before dinner, I went over to the Turner Machine Company to ascertain whether W. Conklin now used the oil burner which the permit required. He does not. I delivered the policy. After dinner, I called at Mrs. Raymond’s to see Bill Harvey about insurance on the family dwelling on November 1st. I came home by way of Sunderland’s to make an inquiry regarding the Lucy Haines new house, etc. Mary went down to Dr. Oley’s in the PM for treatment. Before dinner, the Postman brought the pension checks for Mrs. Dexter’s $31.00 accrued pension on Mr. Dexter at the time of his death, less $10.00 fee due to J. B. Crabbe, being net to Mrs. Dexter, $31.00 for a total of $72.00. In the same mail was the bill of Mr. Crabbe for $3.00, his fee for the accrued pension. William Booth this PM, left with Mary, in my absence, the $77.00 annual premium due the 30th for his $2,000 life insurance in the Equitable. After supper, I walked up there and gave him my personal receipt for same until I can get returns with the Company’s official receipt. George and Sarah were over in the evening. OCTOBER 28 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 22. Pleasant. The coldest morning we have had thus far for the fall. I started the furnace fire for the first time this morning. In the forenoon, Mr. Beeman rode with me over to great Plain to inform Frank Moody that I had secured an extension for him on his life insurance premium. He was not at home but works at Charles Roman’s box shop where I saw him. After driving to Bethel to see and collect from Andrew and Laura Wildman. They were not at home. On our way home, we stopped and collected a dollar from Lottie Williams at Rocky Glenn. After dinner I made a $100 deposit in the bank and collected $3.00 on account from Frank Wilcox for the Union Trust Company. I received a letter from Charles Baldwin that he could not meet me tomorrow for examination for life insurance but will later inform me. I gathered my beets and carrots from the garden. George and Sarah called again in the evening. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came up this PM to stay overnight. Mandeville the peddler, took dinner with us and gave us a chicken. OCTOBER 29 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 26. Pleasant and cool. We put up the office stove this morning. I delivered Ida Richman’s policy and collected of James Fitzsimmons and driving to Fitzsimmons, took Lottie and Julia Hirsch with me for a ride. After dinner, I took Lottie and Julia over to Cleveland Street to see George Bouton about renewing his vegetable building, but he was not at home. I then left the children at the corner of Wildman and Chestnut Streets to go from there home. About 6 PM, Nellie Johnson called for the pension checks to take home to her mother, Mrs. Dexter, to sign and return next week for me to cash or get at the bank. John Murphy called in the PM and paid for his fire insurance policy on furniture and talked about life insurance. George Nelson also called and left his furniture policy to be transferred to Padanarum Avenue. Estelle White also called to have a piano insured for James Shelby at New Milford. George and Sarah spent the evening with us. George Nelson left his policy to be transferred to 27 Padanarum Avenue. C. L. Morgan brought 1 1/2 tons of coal just at dusk. OCTOBER 30 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 38. Pleasant. I received a life insurance receipt by mail from the Equitable for Elizabeth Donald. I mailed same to her in care of P. F. Jeffrey at 16 Town Hill Avenue. After dinner, I called to see John Bouton who is able to go out but not able to do any work. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley were with us to chicken pot pie dinner. Early in the evening, Mary and I went over to George’s and went from there to church at 7:30. OCTOBER 31 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 24. After George came from Bethel this morning, I drove over to Wildman Street and called at J. Murphy’s shop and settled the Chester Williams case of a furniture policy which George wrote for him when he moved from Bethel to King Street. There being a misunderstanding between them, he is to surrender the policy after paying a pro rata for the time it has been in force. From there, I went to 56 Maple Avenue to see Bart Hitchcock who is about to move there from Ball’s Pond which will require a transfer of his policy. After dinner, I went to get the two pension checks of Mrs. Dexter cashed at the bank. Nellie Johnson, her daughter, took them home with her Saturday night for her endorsement returning the same this morning. I gave Mrs. Johnson the money to take home with her, being a net of $49.00 after paying her attorney Mr. Crabbe and for my services. I made various business calls besides Dr. Meade about insuring his brother’s place at 80 Elm Street. George and Sarah spent the evening
1904-10
Horace Purdy Journal August 1904 Entry
8 pgs
AUGUST 01 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 72. A very humid atmosphere this morning. “Dog Days” seem to have commenced in earnest. George went up to Mrs. Cornelia Depew’s after his arrival from Bethel this morning and had her execute proofs for her lightning loss on July 28 – Agricultural Insurance Company Policy 1703 - We then paid John Bouton $15.00 for repairs and her $.35 for oil cloth for a total loss of $15.35. For the first time in about a week, I rode into the street for some errands and over to Cleveland Street and collected $28.00 from Sarah Austin for insurance on her store and dwelling building on 234 White Street. A heavy thundershower in the afternoon, after which Clara Watkins and I rode over to 26 Spring Street and by word from George Barnum called on Mrs. Charles McClintock to try and insure their furniture. They did not, but gave encouragement for 2 or 3 weeks hence. From there, we went over to the Peoples’ Market on White Street and bought a brisket of corned beef. Hattie Mills died this morning. Funeral at 2 PM at George Osbourne’s at Bethel. In the evening, I walked up to Dr. Sunderland’s with his accident policy for July. George S. Purdy came over in the evening with pieces of steel armor from the battleship “Connecticut”. AUGUST 02 TUESDAY - Warm and muggy with a gentle rain. George went down to Steven’s Insurance office in the forenoon to ascertain about the facts of cow of Mary Jackson killed by lightning at King Street. After dinner, I went by trolley to Bethel with Fannie to attend the funeral of Hattie Mills at the residence of George Osbourne on Greenwood Avenue at 2 PM. On my return, I paid William Barber for a new shaft he put in my spindle last Thursday. I then laid in wait for Herbert Wildman to collect the $100 premium for a policy we wrote for him on Rundle & White Hat Factory on May 26th. I finally caught him and had a good talk with him. He promised to have the money for me in 2 or 3 days. AUGUST 03 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66; at noon – 80. A beautiful morning. After breakfast, Hattie Watkins went with me to King Street to take the proof of loss for Mary Jackson for loss of cow killed by lightning about 11:30 PM on Thursday, July 28th under Connecticut Fire Insurance Company Policy #1974 brokered to George Stevens & Son, after which we returned home by way of Pandanarum Reservoir. When we arrived in town, I observed that a hind shoe was gone from the left hind foot of Gip. I left Hattie to walk home while I went to D. Gage’s shop and had another shoe put on before coming home myself. After dinner, George mailed the completed proofs, we retaining the duplicate receipt to attach to the policy which we did on the policy we brought home with us for that purpose. AUGUST 04 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Muggy and warm again today. Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show came to Danbury. George and I drove up to Joseph Blissard’s on Park Avenue to deliver a Reliance policy on his furniture, etc., but did not find him at home. In the PM, I wrote and enclosed a Connecticut Fire Insurance to Jacob Backer at New Fairfield, same being on his furniture written June23rd. I walked into the street before dinner and came home tired out and stayed in the office in the PM. I received a check from Commercial Union for loss of Achille Canale in Niagara Insurance Company reinsurance. AUGUST 05 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Muggy again. Received transfer endorsement from National of Hartford, reinsurers of Lafayette for Taggart & Siemon for their new building on Ives Street. I also received a check from the Connecticut Insurance Company for $20 to pay Mrs. Mary Jackson their half of the loss of the cow by lightning. I drove up to King Street and paid her, taking Clara Watkins with me for a ride. I rested awhile after dinner, then went downtown for a few business calls, among them Mrs. Holton at the School of Education for collection of balance due and Saul Clark on Moss Avenue. Neither was at home. Fire Box #61 struck about 4 PM on the corner of White Street and Locust Avenue. I went over. It was a dwelling at 13 Wildman Street near the railroad crossing. It not being our case, I took the trolley and came home. On my arrival, I found Priscilla Benedict and daughter at the office to pay the balance of their insurance premium. In the evening, Achille Canale came in and signed draft and receipt for $2.50 loss which occurred July 13th by gasoline stove in dwelling No. 2. I paid him the cash and then wrote Commercial Union, endorsing the duplicate receipt, the loss being under reinsured by Niagara policy #6312 by Greenwich Insurance Company who in their closing up, reinsured in Commercial Union. After writing, I went over to the Montgomery Street Box and mailed the letter and called a few minutes on George whose wife returned last night from New York bringing Mrs. Kimball with her. I shot our old mother cat this morning. She was sick so I buried the kittens. AUGUST 06 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Pleasant. Clara Watkins rode with me in the morning to do some marketing over to Andrews’ store on West Wooster Street for meat and in the street for other things. I bought a new catheter at Kinner’s Drug Store. George, Sarah and Mrs. Kimball came over and spent the evening. AUGUST 07 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7AM – 66; at noon – 82. Picked fruit and ripe tomatoes, also our first mess of green corn for dinner. Mr. Rogers brought over an armful of corn stalks for the horse, the first mess for her this season. I went to the Post Office at noon and received a letter from Jacob Layton of South Norwalk containing a check for the Hoyt Walthausen policy. Just at night, I went trolley riding with Mary Dean and Hattie and Clara Watkins to Bethel and returned to North Street and home. George had the accounts made up for the Sun, Connecticut and Reliance. I put the finishing stroke on them and mailed them in the evening. We all went over to spend the evening with George, Sarah and Mrs. Kimball. AUGUST 08 MONDAY - Mercury about 60 in the morning. A short but hard thundershower about 5 this morning. We picked up all the crab apples under the tree this morning after breakfast, mowed the backyard and then threw the apples and grass on the manure heap. The day has been close, muggy and partly cloudy. I called at Rundle & White’s just before dinner and reported to Mr. Rundle that the worthless check that Herbert Wildman mentioned was not theirs, etc. After dinner, I rode up to Park Avenue and delivered a policy to Joseph Blissard. He not being home, I left it with his wife. I put up the horse and took the trolley to Bethel and arranged for additional insurance on the sheet iron dwelling of Laura Wildman, also for insurance on her new barn, horse wagon, etc., including hay and grain for her husband Andrew Wildman. I then called on O. B. Smith and F. M. Clarkson. George, Sarah and Louise Kimball came in and spent the evening. AUGUST 09 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 62. Cooler and pleasant. Very much like a fall day. Eli Smith came in this morning being very much vexed about his insurance on account a broken term occasioned by the cancellation of Niagara policy #6134 after it had run 2 years. We wrote $500 on the new brick steam laundry of Taggart & Siemon; also wrote in Reliance of Laura Wildman’s iron clad house and frame barn in Bethel in name also of her husband, Andrew Wildman. In the evening, I drove down to Daniel McNamara’s to arrange for the renewal of a policy on the 11th, but he was not at home. I then went up to Pandaranum to see the mortgagor, George Peck. He too was away at Fairfield Beach. I then rode up to Eli Smith’s to explain about his insurance, but he too was not at home. I left word for him to call on me when was downtown. I mailed a bill in the evening to Royal Tomlinson for insurance last April on the dwelling at 5 Ellsworth Avenue. AUGUST 10 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 56. It commenced raining about daylight returned by mail to Mrs. V. E. Patch of Brookfield the pension certificate and June voucher of Mrs. Edith Ball, her mother and the widow of George Ball, which was left with me to collect the accrued pension for the three months from March to the date of her death in May. On account of my health, I did not feel able to undertake the case for her. It continued raining most of the forenoon and lowery all day, except about 2 PM the sun broke through for a short time, but soon disappeared again. I went downtown in the PM and made a deposit in the bank. I went into Hamilton’s printing rooms and talked insurance with Harry Mead and another fellow printer. I talked with A. C. Ferry, the Hackman, about selling my 2-seat covered wagon. Hattie and Clara Watkins sent their trunk to the railroad station for the 11:37 AM train to Hartford, but it rained so hard that they deferred gong themselves until tomorrow. In the evening, I made and mailed our July account with a check for $131.38 for the April balance to the Agricultural Insurance Company. Before dinner, I went by trolley to see Daniel McNamara about renewing a policy, but he has not yet returned from North Salem. AUGUST 11 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 70. Pleasant. In the forenoon, I delivered a policy on dwelling and barn on 38 Coal Pit Hill to Daniel McNamara at his saloon. I also took Mary to the 11:37 train to see Hattie and Clara Watkins off to Hartford, returning home after a visit since July 15th. After the departure of the train, we drove downtown and as stated, delivered the McNamara policy. About 4PM, I harnessed and drove over to Beaverbrook and collected on account from Fuller and grocer who gave me sweet corn, squash and tomatoes to bring home. In the evening, I made a gasoline stove permit for Edmund Sauer. AUGUST 12 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 62. The day has been somewhat mixed as to sunshine and clouds. Before dinner, I drove over to deliver the gasoline stove permit to George Sauer and collected $2.00 due from Ira Post. I also ascertained from the town records that on Feb. 25, 1903, A. T. Bates, administrator for the estate of Taylor Bates, gave to Valentine Patch a quit claim deed on the property situated on the northwest corner of George and Orchard Street, known as 21 George Street, this ascertainment being necessary for us in renewing a policy on the same tomorrow. After dinner in looking over our books, I could find no entry of George Hill paying the premium as to an endorsed reduction of this policy dated April 4th on his insurance. I stared at 3:45 and drove up to his place on Huckleberry Hill to see him as to the payment and the date thereof, which I found to be the 2nd day of April, OK. In the evening, I wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. I find that I had not charged for the rebate on this reduction. AUGUST 13 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 60. After breakfast and picking up crabapples under the tree, I went over to Chester Brush at 21 Montgomery Street to see her about the rebate on her furniture policy on October 1st, which her son, F. C. Bush, DDS of New York, wrote me about. I found that she is gone and is now at her son’s in New York. This PM, I wrote him relating to the matter. I also went up to Mallory’s factory to see William Phillips. He promised to come about 5 PM to pay the balance of his insurance; he did not come. In the PM, Mrs. Hawley and me went downtown and did our Sunday marketing. Orrin Smith from Bethel came in the PM and paid his fire insurance. Also about 7 o’clock in the evening, came A. L. Booth and paid. George and Sarah and Mrs. Kimball came over in the evening. George Blissard came in the evening and paid $4.00 on account. I gave George a pail of vinegar to take home with him. AUGUST 14 SUNDAY - Mercury at 8AM – 65. A gentle rain during the night; lowery all morning. I went down to the Post Office at noon for the mail and the Sunday New York Press. A letter of the 10th to Royal Tomlinson with a bill for insurance on the dwelling at 5 Ellsworth Avenue was returned to me unable to be delivered, due to the fact that he has moved. I remailed it to his new and correct address, 10265 Lexington Avenue, New York. I also mailed a letter and bill for insurance to Valentine Patch at Brookfield. After dinner, I took a specimen of my water up to Dr. Sunderland’s; he found no fault with it, but gave me some tablets. AUGUST 15 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 65; at 2PM - 80. A beautiful day. After breakfast, I drove down to Fannie’s with a mess of green corn and cucumbers. From there I drove by way of Triangle Street to Clarence Morgan’s and arranged for the renewal of his Highland Avenue bakery. Lottie and Julia Hirsch came up in the afternoon; Lottie to attend the funeral of Winifred Barry, who was drowned at New Haven while bathing last Friday. Steven Pierans called in the PM and I gave him a check for $48.06, the amount of the July rent collections. About 4 PM, I drove down to Clark’s Box Shop and arranged for renewal of policies for Eugene Bouton for which he paid me. Mrs. Hawley’s boarder, James Busby, was taken in a fit about 8:30 in the evening and I went for a doctor and got Dr. English. AUGUST 16 TUESDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 60. Pleasant. I spent most of the forenoon shaking and picking up crab apples. Just before dinner, I drove up to 26 Lake Avenue to see Carwell Higby about the renewal of the property, formerly Marcellus Voorhies, as to writing one policy on the whole instead of two policies as formerly. After dinner, I went to the city bank and had J. Beal’s’ check for $13.75 cashed. I then went to Bethel to see Mr. Higby who works at Higson’s, then made a call at French’s Dry Goods Store. Then I called on Andrew Wildman and delivered a policy and returned home by trolley after calling on W. Booth at Short’s shop. Mary went over to Montgomery Street in the evening to carry crab apples to Brother George. AUGUST 17 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60; at 2 PM – 80. Pleasant. Before dinner, I went down to see the new location where Frank Wilcox keeps his horse, etc. on Crosby Street to arrange a transfer of insurance but did not see hm. I also called on Stevens Street to see John Stevens about a policy on furniture, horses, etc. written last April; also an accident policy of August 6th. Fannie Hirsch was with me and did some trading after which I drove home with her and brought Lottie home with me to stay a few days. When I arrived, I found E. J. Couch waiting to see me. We had an afternoon visit and referred to his taking my mortgage which he was not able to do now but might do so later. On his departure at about 5 Pm, I opened a bottle of ginger ale. Before going out this morning, we shook off and gathered crabapples. Mr. Beeman with his artificial leg climbed where I could not and shook the tree. In the evening, I wrote to F. Bouton and enclosed a bill for insurance for Mary Turner. AUGUST 18 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. A pleasant day with a north wind which when out in the sun felt like a September day. I adjusted the Taggart & Siemon policy on the new laundry to conform to the newly promulgated rates and they paid for it. After dinner, Lottie Hirsch went with me about town looking after renewals, etc. Nellie Hamilton called on Mary this PM. Before supper, I also rode up to Lake Avenue and delivered a policy and bill for one left at the Danbury Savings Bank for Carwell Higby at 26 Lake Avenue; we then drove to the Post Office and mailed an accident report for July to Loomis & Nettleton and then came home. I was very tired. Mary and Lottie went over to Brother George’s on Montgomery Street in the evening. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 46. Joel Bates came over after breakfast to borrow money. I was compelled to refuse. I called on George Boughton about renewing his policy on furniture, etc. He is leaning toward the Danbury Mutual. I am to see him again. In the PM, I found John Stevens and he promised to look up my receipt for payment of premium on his insurance for furniture, etc., which he claims he paid and which I have no account of his doing so. I also delivered the Sun policy to Charles Dickens’ at Connett’s factory and had him sign the endorsement receipt on same for loss paid him under same. George, his wife and sister Mrs. Kimball came over in the evening. AUGUST 20 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Awoke and found it raining hard. It continued until after dinner when it ceased but did not clear up. At 2 PM, Lottie Hirsch rode with me over to Andrew’s store where I bought a pot roast of beef for Sunday dinner. On the way, I delivered a $1,000 furniture policy to W. H. Booth at 7 Division Street and collected for it. The right forward wheel to the wagon showed signs of collapsing. We feared to ride further and came home. I then walked into the street and did other marketing – fish for breakfast, etc. – and returned home. After supper, I went down for my laundry and stopped on my return at Dr. Sunderland’s and collected $2.65 for 5 lbs. of coffee for George Purdy. In the forenoon, I called on George Boughton and discussed the difference between a stock and mutual fire insurance company. I then went to Frank Wilcox and he consented to pay the increased rate for transfer of his insurance on horses, etc. Clear and starlight at 9 PM. Elmer Keeler called this PM when I was out and paid $25 on account of his insurance. AUGUST 21 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 65; at noon – 70. Pleasant. Before breakfast, I went over to Mr. Rogers’ garden and cut two armfuls of corn stalks for my horse. At 11:30, I went down to the Post Office and to Culp’s News Store for the New York Press. After dinner, I wrote to John Davis at Bridgeport to send his Sun policy with a more definite description of 881 Stratford Avenue for us to make the transfer. I also wrote to M. Thomas to give me a description of the property. I then wrote to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company for their views on the cancellation of policies after partial losses. About sundown, George S., his wife Sarah, and her sister, Louise Kimball came over for a short visit. I then paid George $2.65 for Dr. Sunderland for 5 lbs. of coffee recently ordered. In the evening, I went to the Sam Harris block to see James VanGordon, a brakeman on the Highland Division to Hartford to see if he will buy at Thompson’s store at Harford for me two bottles of cod liver oil, but they were not at home. From there, I went over to brother George’s and came home with Mary Dean who had gone there to spend the evening. AUGUST 22 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60; at noon – 78. Pleasant. As I went to the barn this morning, I found a large armful of cornstalks at the door for my horse brought over by Mr. Rogers before I was out. I took my spindle buggy down to W. Barber’s for repairs, after which I took Mrs. Louise Kimball to ride with me over to Beaverbrook for collections, etc. On our return, we came by way of the Allen house and through the cemetery arriving home just at noon. After dinner and a rest for myself in the office, I got Mr. Beeman to go with me. I collected premiums of Philo Bradley, took a trace to my harness to Blackman’s to be mended, went up to Mallory’s shop to see W. J. Phillips, returned for my harness and hitched behind my carriage the spindle buggy at barber’s Wagon Shop and brought it home. After supper, I took the trolley to Bethel to collect from Andrew Wildman, but I made a mistake. Next Saturday was the day he promised to pay. On my return, I stopped at James VanGordon’s and left $1.00 with his wife for him to buy two bottles of cod liver oil for me in Hartford. I was caught in a thundershower as I came home about 9 o’clock. I ran in the rain from West Street to the house and got quite wet. Mrs. Anna Merritt called in the PM and paid for her insurance to be written on the 24th. AUGUST 23 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Clear and cooler this morning after the thundershower last night. I went to Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and had a long shoe tightened on a horse; the Mr. Beeman and I started for Westville to see James Stevens for money but did not find him at home. We found him at Vernon Young’s at Middle River. We came home by way of King Street and partly arranged matters with David Knapp about the insurance for the Silas Abbott place on Westville Avenue, it being now used in part for a grocery store. We brought home a good bushel of apples from Mr. Knapp’s. In the PM, I drove up to 33 North Street and delivered a policy to Mrs. Anna Merritt and to Tamarack Street with a policy for James Devine. Mary rode with me. Coming from King Street this forenoon, I stopped for a few minutes at Chester Wilson’s. He was not at home. AUGUST 24 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 48; at noon – 70. Quite cool this morning. Before dinner, I delivered a policy to Julius Stone on his store. I called at James in the Harris block for two bottles of cod liver oil which he bought for me in Harford. On opening the package at home, we found that he had by some mistake, got half sizes instead of full sized bottles and paid 69 cents for each, being the price for full-sized bottles. I returned them to Mrs. VanGordon to be exchanged by Mr. VanGordon tomorrow when waiting between trains. Fannie came up in the PM and rose with me to the Railroad Station to see VanGordon on his train going out at 2:57. I then went to the Turner Machine Company and exhibited to Mr. Wildman, the bookkeeper, the policy made over to him by Robert McClean on the former John Parker place which he has recently bought. I then delivered it to Mr. McClean at the store; he holds the mortgage on the place. I then carried Fannie around to do some marketing after which I drove down with her. She came up again in the evening, bringing Julia to stay all night. George, Sarah and her sister Louise came in for the evening. I received a letter from Mary Turner of Duchess County in New York, stating that she had decided not to renew the policy on her Brookfield place. I called at the Savings Bank who holds the mortgage to take up the policy, but they requested me to leave it until they write her and insist on the policy being continued. Fannie came up with Julia in the evening. Julia will stay with us over night and go to a children’s party tomorrow at Mr. Higgins on Brushy Hill road. AUGUST 25 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Pleasant. I mowed a part of the yard next to the grapevine before breakfast. After breakfast, Ira Renfield called and took his furniture policy and paid for it. I went to Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and had Gip shod with new behind and forward shoes. While this was being done, I had Blackman, the harness maker mend a trace to the harness and also called on Mr. Wildman, bookkeeper at the Turner Machine Factory and got a promise of insurance on his furniture when he takes possession of the John parker house which he has recently bought. I wrote to Fred Lawton of Duchess County New York relating the insurance on the Mary Turner place in Brookfield which she wants to discontinue but the bank wants to keep it on. About 4 O’clock, I went over to Clarence Morgan’s to arrange for the restoration of his Equitable policy which lapsed for nonpayment when due on June 29th. He sent his check dated July 29th which was returned to him until he would send a statement of his good health, all of which I obtained and with the check enclosed, I forwarded to W. B. Schaffer, clerk at New Haven. AUGUST 26 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. I picked up crab apples for Mrs. Schepparance (?) after breakfast and before which I went over to Mr. Rogers’ garden and picked up an armful of cornstalks for the horse. Later and before dinner, I went down to Mr. VanGordon’s for my two bottles of cod liver oil which he was to get in exchange for small ones sent by mistake, but he had not yet got it. I went up in the PM to see Elmer Clark about furniture insurance; from there to the railroad station at 3 o’clock to meet Mr. VanGordon, the brakeman, about my cod liver oil, but he was not on the train. I receive Post Office orders from Mary Turner to pay for insurance on the Brookfield place. Mary went in the evening to see Dr. Sunderland and took little Julia Hirsch with her after which they visited George on Montgomery Street. I at the same time went to Orchard Street to collect on insurance of Mrs. Jennie Townsend. AUGUST 27 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM -46. Cold but pleasant this morning. Julia Hirsch rode with me nearly all morning. I called on Mr. VanGordon for my cod liver oil. I delivered a policy to Mrs. Popke at 96 Garfield Avenue, then went over to Andrew’s store and bought a veal chop for dinner. In the PM, Lottie came up and the little store girl with her, she having various parcels to carry home. I hitched the horse and took them down home. On my return, I took Mary downtown for some marketing. In the evening, George, his wife Sarah and her sister came over for a visit. AUGUST 28 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 50; art noon – 80. Pleasant. We had clam fritters for breakfast, after which I carried a fresh picked mess of corn, cucumbers and tomatoes over to brother George. I received letter from Mrs. Josephine Stout stating that she had been sick with the grippe which was the reason she had not paid the $5.00 balance of borrowed money and promising to pay the same next Saturday. Also a letter from the Sun Insurance Company for further explanation, maps, location, etc. of the Union Trust Company transfer. About 3:30 PM Mary went with Mrs. Hawley to Doctor Oley to have glasses fitted for her eyes. Mrs. Hawley sent over a dish of succotash and brother George brought in an apple pies for dinner. We spent the evening with George and visiting with Mrs. Kimball who returns to New York City tomorrow. AUGUST 29 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 56. Pleasant. After breakfast, I drove up to Westville Avenue to see Louis Bristol and his son-in-law, Edgar Platt who occupy the old Silas Abbott place and who are keeping a small grocery in the place and pursuant to arrangement with Davis Knapp, executor of the Abbott estate. I made arrangements with them to pay the difference in rates of insurance for the grocery feature of the risk. This they agreed to do. I collected on my drive home $5.00 on account from Edward Headley; also called on Mrs. Richtmyer at 75 Franklin Street about renewal of the Echo Lodge No. 30 Daughters of Rebecca policy. I then called on Mrs. Nellie Schoonmaker at 28 Starr Avenue. She promised to pay the balance due on next Saturday. Received from John Watkins of Hartford a letter asking about accident insurance. I answered it by return mail to Hartford today. Mrs. Emma Anni(?) called in the PM to get her furniture renewed at 27 Main Street where she is to move tomorrow. Also Mr. James VanGordon called to explain about the cod liver oil he did not get in Hartford. In the PM, I called at the New Street School to confer with Edgar Platt, who is the janitor of the school, regarding the insurance raised on account of the grocery store in the house, etc. I called for a few minutes at the office of the Turner Machine Factory and left some life insurance papers with the bookkeeper, Mr. Wildman. I commenced to make up an affidavit as to property, etc. for Melissa Griffith. In the evening, I wrote to J. H. Soule in Washington regarding pension blanks. AUGUST 30 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. Got a bundle of cornstalks for the horse from Mr. Rogers’ garden before breakfast, after which I drove down to Andrew Wildman’s near Short’s Hat Factory in Bethel and collected $6.00 for a $1,000 policy in the Agricultural Insurance Company on the dwelling. I called in the factory and took Eli Ferry’s application for one of the state’s honorary medals for the three month volunteers in 1861 in the War of the Southern Rebellion, he being a member of Company C in the Third Regiment Connecticut Volunteers. From there, I drove to Beaverbrook and collected from George Bradley on account $2.00 and two dozen eggs. After dinner, I went to the bank with a deposit, then to W. L. Wall’s Blacksmith Shop to try and collect from Howard Hall for a policy on furniture written April 19, 1904, but did not succeed. From there, I called on Taggart & Siemon and suggested a partnership life policy. In the evening, a Mrs. Virginia McKnight called about an accident policy for her nephew Arthur Francis Dugan. She is to call again tomorrow evening. When at Beaverbrook, I called on Albert Edwards who is an invalid. AUGUST 31 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 54. Charles Bevins came in the morning and borrowed $2.00 of me until next Monday, pension day. In the morning, I drove down to 23-25 Main Street and arranged with Adolph Jelenyik for renewal of his furniture policy on September 2. I then went up to Osborne Street and delivered the Echo Lodge daughters of Rebecca policy to Mrs. Stubbs. After dinner, I drove down to Bethel to Short’s Hat Shop for my fountain pen which I left there yesterday while taking Eli Ferry’s application for one of the state medals for the three month volunteers of 1861. After tea, Mrs. John Allen’s daughter came over to say that she had received a voucher for $2.80 to be executed for accrued pension for John Allen from Dec. 4, 1903 to the 10th of December – 6 days, with instructions to enclose with the same his old certificate for surrender. I went over with the daughter, Mrs. Waite, and fixed out the papers. I mailed the same to A. J. Hyatt, the U. S. pension agent at Boston. I also wrote and mailed a letter to Louis & Nettleton about accident insurance for Mrs. James McKnight and her nephew, Alfred Dugan. In the evening, Fannie called with Sarah Hirsch from New York who with her brother is stopping with Herman for a visit. In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Turnerville called to see about insuring about 200 Belgian Homing Pigeons. I sent a check to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company for $71.00, the amount of the June balance.
1904-08
Horace Purdy Journal April 1904 Entry
7 pgs
APRIL 01 FRIDAY- No entry
SATURDAY APRIL 02- It cleared off in the night and before morning the moon shone beautifully, but today the sun shone at intervals. This morning, I delivered to George Williams at the Danbury National Bank a policy of $2,500 in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company on the Dragan block, same payable in case of loss to the estate of Roger Averill. I then called on Thaddeus Hollister and daughter, Mrs. Tumerelle, about renewing their furniture policy. I received the death proof blanks from the Equitable for use in the Edwin Griffith case. I had Mrs. Griffith make up and sign her statement before dinner. Mrs. Lucy A. Haines called at noon to see about insuring her barn after the settlement of the loss of her house and furniture. After dinner, I got the undertaker, Mr. W. F. Tomlinson, and the friend Azerial Fuller to make up their statement and make oath to same. In the evening, I got the attending physician, Dr. Sunderland, to make and swear his statement. After tea I went over to Mrs. Clara Selleck and delivered to her the Catherine Connor policy and then called on Elijah Morris about payment of Mrs. Mayhew's policy on her Boughton Street house. From there, I took a trolley car to North Street and delivered a furniture policy to Anne Whittlesey. I then called at Eugene Boughton to deliver a policy but the house was shut. I found him waiting at my office on my return. He took the policy and paid for it. While at North Street, I called to notify Mrs. Hattie Beardsley that an adjuster will be here next week to settle for smoke damage to her Summit Street tenant house. Frank Stone's younger brother called in the evening and paid for a 3 year policy for furniture to be renewed on April 10.
APRIL 03 SUNDAY- Mercury 32 above. Cool and windy but not cold. I mailed this morning the death proof in the Edwin Griffith case to manager, G. W. VanFleet at New haven. We attended church in the morning to hear Dr. Wilson's Easter sermon. Jackie Erwin made an appeal to the congregation after the sermon for $980 to make up the deficiency in current expenses which has been accumulating during the last three years. Mr. & Mrs. Hawley took dinner with us. Julia and Lottie came from Sunday School and ate dinner with us. After dinner I walked over to 23 Griffing Avenue to see George Hawley and got his estimate for painting and papering one room at No. 19 Summit Street owned by Hattie Beardsley. In the evening, we attended the Sunday School Easter entertainment.
APRIL 04 SUNDAY- Mercury 26 above. A beautiful day. I went to the Danbury Savings bank in the morning and attached an endorsement for reduction in amount on George Hill's policy in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. Also an endorsed reduction in rate on W. A. White's policy. I called at Hoyt's shop and complimented Henry Hoyt for so successful an entertainment last evening at the church. I then went to Mallory's Shop to see William Mallory about my measure, also Mr. Underhill about furniture insurance. I then went to Terrace Place for Thaddeus Hollister and Mrs. Tumerelle to get their decision as to one or two years to write their furniture policy. After dinner, Mrs. Bliven rode about town with me and over to Beaverbrook.
APRIL 05 TUESDAY- Mercury 40 above. Pleasant. I deposited just before dinner. Expecting Mr. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union to adjust the Hattie Beardsley smoke damage at 19 Summit Street, we stayed at the office. He did not come however. I waited until 3:30P.M. and the drove up to Westville to see about renewing the Abbott policies. I am not inclined to do so. I had a talk with T. C. Benedict near there about insuring his property. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening with us.
APRIL 06 WEDNESDAY- Mercury 30 above. George and Mr. Beeman went to Hawleyville this forenoon to see Thomas Power about insurance. After dinner, I went over to Dr. Sunderland's to get an application from his man, William Sedor about accident insurance. I got it subject to approval of the debt. I raked off my south front yard in the P.M. Mr. W. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union called to settle the small smoke damage to the house at 19 Summit Street. I harnessed and drove up there with him to Mrs. Hattie Beardsley, the owner living on North Street. We settled for $6.00. Mr. Furness gave a sight draft and I cashed it for Mrs. Beardsley. Mr. Furness thinks favorably of giving us the appointment of agent. He will talk with the company and let us know later. After supper I went over to Mr. Underhill's on Orchard Street to try and insure his furniture. He being out for the evening, I failed to connect. I went upstairs and made a short call on Mrs. Townsend whom I also insure.
APRIL 07 THURSDAY - Mercury 45 above. Lowery in the morning and very spring like. An extremely heavy dew or light shower last night, just enough to lay the dust. Check from Equitable received this morning for $1,182.93 in payment of the death claim of Edwin Griffith, for which Mrs. Griffith signed receipt of same and policy forwarded toW. B. Schiffer, cashier at New Haven. I called over to Clarence Morgan's store before dinner. Frank Moody paid his premium on life insurance due APRIL 9. Frank Wilcox, the Carman, introduced me to Mrs. Lottie Stock for furniture. He also has just moved in to 91 White Street. From there, I called on young Mead, the painter, at Hamilton's, then on Fred Kirkley, and Phil Sunderland and at Henry Biddiscombe. I then went home, harnessed the horse and drove up to Oak Street and arranged for renewal for Mrs. Mary Betts. In the evening, I called on Mr. Sands Underhill at 22 Orchard Street for insurance on furniture.
APRIL 08 FRIDAY- Mercury 38 above. A pleasant spring day. After dinner, I went over to an auction on the Granville Ambler place, thinking to buy a carpet for the office. I did not do so. I wrote a policy in the Sun Insurance Company for Anson Eggleston for $300 of cased tobacco in John Vail's barn in Stony Hill. I called at 91 White Street to give the rate on insurance for furniture to Lottie Stock. Just at night before tea, I left the equitable check for $1,182.67 life insurance with Mrs. E. Griffith. It came yesterday. I borrowed it to show a few friends. W. Mead came in before tea and paid his Yz annual life insurance premium and before retiring, I mailed the check toW. B. Schiffer and to Frank Moody also. In the evening, Charles Perkins called to have his furniture policy transformed, he having moved. John Pierson was her today from North Salem.
APRIL 09 SATURDAY- Mercury 45 above. In the morning, I drove over to Clarence Morgan's and delivered the Equitable renewal receipt to Frank Moody, took a diagram for transfer of Charles Perkins from Locust Avenue to Cole Street, then drove down to Fannie's to see Mrs. John Stone
who lives on the same house to see about furniture insurance. I called also and got William Mead's policy for transfer. I got a pair of heel plates put on my shoes at Mr. Daragan's, then came home and made up a deposit for the bank. John Morris got out 2 loads of manure this forenoon and paid $2.00 for it. I received an accident policy from the Standard Insurance Company for William Sedor, who cares for horses and drives for Dr. Paul Sunderland. In the P.M., I drove with Mrs. Hawley to do our Sunday marketing. In the evening, Harrison Waterman's son came in and paid $21.00 on account for fire insurance.
APRIL 10 SUNDAY Mercury 46 above. I felt badly this morning and took a specimen of urine to Dr. Sunderland's to be examined. He found a little trouble indicated with the kidneys . My head felt badly also. I renewed some headache tablets he previously gave me and felt better in the P.M. After dinner, at which Julia Hirsch was with us, I hitched up Gypsy and we drove up to Panadarum and engaged Mrs. Hadley to come and help at housecleaning on next Wednesday. From there, we drove down to Fannie's for a short call. I delivered Mrs. Stone's furniture policy at the same time. After our return home, I went up to Dr. Sunderland's with Mary and he prescribed for both of us and sent some medicine also to Mrs. Hawley.
APRIL 11 MONDAY- Mercury 44 above. A light sprinkle of rain in the morning which was soon over. George helped me dig a hole at a low place near the crabapple tree at the back door to fill with surplus ashes from the driveway and thus raise a low spot in the yard which we top dressed with material we dug from the hole. This took us until noon. After dinner, I drove up to the Sprague place on Ellsworth Avenue to see if Henry Selleck was using the building in the rear of dwelling for carpenter work. If so, it would affect the insurance for William Weed, our customer living there. I then called on Lottie Stock at 91 White Street to arrange for her insurance on furniture. Lottie Hirsch came up about 4 P.M. and I took her with me down to Rocky Glen to arrange the insurance on her furniture- Mrs. Lottie Williams. On my way down, E. B. Harris stopped me and paid the $15.00 balance on his insurance. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening.
APRIL 12 TUESDAY- Mercury 40 above. The weather was a little doubtful in the morning. It however cleared up in the middle of the day. In the morning, I drove down to 172 South Street to arrange for the renewal of William Deakin's furniture insurance policy. About noon, Charles Abbott came to notify us that his house burned down last night. This was brokered by us by Frank Benedict in the Pacific (Insurance Company). After dinner, I went over to John Stevens' to take up his claim to the Standard Accident Insurance Company. From there, I attended the insurance board meeting at Olmstead & Crowe's office but few were present. They adjourned for one week. After which, I went to Dr. Lemmer's office to obtain his statement as attending physician to John Stevens.
APRIL 13 WEDNESDAY- Mercury 35 above. Cooler and pleasant. In the morning, I drove down to William Deakin's for the amount he wishes is furniture policy to be written for, the drove up to North Street and collected from Mary Monroe. In the P.M., I called on Miss Manthey (at Julia Stone's) daughter of Anton Manthey in reference to their furniture insurance. I delivered a policy to Lottie Stock at 91 White Street; also called on Mrs. Klopp on Maple Avenue for the amount of additional premium for transfer to Liberty Street. Carried a chair to Holly Green's shop for Mrs. Hattie Hawley to use at work. We took up and cleaned the parlor carpet and emptied the room preparatory to papering and painting. George and Sarah came over in the evening.
APRIL 14 THURSDAY- Mercury 33 above. Cool; it commenced snowing about 7 o'clock this morning and continued about an hour. It all disappeared however before the day was over. I did some walking about town. Called to see if Mrs. Frank Klopp could pay balance due on insurance for furniture transferred to Liberty Street, but did not succeed. I also called at one of the old Tweedy factories to see Rufus Rice, Jr. as to paying his balance. He promised to bring in his policy this evening for cancellation but did not. I finished up making John Stevens' claim for accidental injuries received on March 4 from falling down cellar. I completed making up his own statement, also his wife, Ida Stevens as eye witness and mailed them before closing my office about 9 P.M. George Hawley was here this forenoon painting the parlor prior to papering the same.
APRIL 15 FRIDAY- In the forenoon, I drove to lake Avenue and arranged for the renewal of Andrew Bell's horse and barn. Also George Barker on house and furniture. I then drove up to Frank Post's and found no one at home. From there, I drove over to lee's hat factory where I found him. After dinner, about 1 P.M., he called at the office and paid for the insurance to be renewed tomorrow. George Hawley came in the P.M. and papered the parlor I gave William Stillman $2.00 towards defraying running expenses of the church on which it was in arrears. I also went to F. Austin's and paid $3.75 for a commode which Mary recently bought. George Hawley came in the afternoon and papered the parlor.
APRIL16 SATURDAY- Mercury 38 above. Cloudy, wind squalls and sunshine. Mrs. Hawley rode with me in the forenoon about town delivering policies, etc. And then we did our marketing for Sunday. George Hawley came in the morning and put up the picture molding in the parlor which was left undone last night. In the afternoon, Charles Hopkins came for me to go and take the signature as notary public of Fred Decklyn as surety for his sample case of jewelry as traveling agent for a jewelry firm. Michael Hewitt who
APRIL 21 THURSDAY Mercury 38 above. Pleasant all day. I received by the morning mail blank from Equitable Life, death proof for leroy Smith which I have handed over to his son-inlaw, T. C. Millard to be made up. In the P.M., we received a check from the Standard Accident for John Stevens for 6 weeks total disability of $150.00, deducting for the last X's premium due August 06 of $7.50 leaving $142.50.
APRIL 22 FRIDAY- Mercury 30 above. A beautiful day. I drove in the forenoon about town arranging some five insurance renewals. 0. E. Cook, insurance agent from Bridgeport, came by direction of George Shaw to adjust loss of Dennis Cunningham of Grassy Plain, he arriving about 11 AM and George went with him. In the PM, I went with John Stevens to the bank to get a draft of $142.50 cashed, same being for the Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company of Detroit Michigan. Also while in the street, Mr. T. C. Willard, president of Danbury National Bank, called me to fill in the agent's blank in proof of the death loss of leroy Smith of $600.00., paid up in Equitable. I did so and later went to County Clerk Booth's office for his certificate of Jabez Amesbury as notary in the case. After which I mailed the proofs to George VanFleet at New Haven. In the evening, I went up to Ira Ames as notary and took the acknowledgement of his and wife's signature in assignment of the Travelers Insurance Company policy to the said company for a loan to them of $75.00. Fanny came up in the evening, bringing lottie and the baby Georgie. George and Sarah were also over and spent the evening.
APRIL 23 SATURDAY- Mercury 35 above. Pleasant. We washed both wagons this morning. Frank Bennett called about 11 o'clock and arranged and paid for insurance on their place at 10 Pleasant Street. J. Wesley Wells called while I was in the street before dinner and promised to pay on his insurance next Saturday. After dinner, Mrs. Hawley rode with me on a few business calls and we both did some marketing for Sunday. Among them, I drove over to Beaverbrook and got Arthur Grove's policy to make same payable to Howard Hoyt.
APRIL 24 SUNDAY Mercury 52 above. Pleasant and getting to be very dry. After dinner, Mary and I drove up to Mrs. Healy's at Pandaranum to engage her for next Thursday to help at housecleaning. From there, we went down to Fannie's and carried a bundle from Aunt Sarah to her. In the evening, we went to Dir. Sunderland's for Mary to consult him.
APRIL 25 MONDAY- Mercury 60 above. Pleasant and warmer. A slight shower last night. Mist enough to lay the dust. George and I mended the boardwalk near the privy after breakfast. Lillian, his wife, came up and after the morning work was done, she and George took the carriage and started for an outing down to Redding and that locality looking after collections. Etc. I helped Mary empty her room and whipped the carpet, after which and before dinner, I went into the street and ordered 1/2 ton of coal at John McCarthy's for Mrs. Hattie Hawley. After dinner, John Bouton came in and had papers executed in application for an increase in pension. I then went toW. H. Cable's office and let his boy type write an affidavit for Patrick Cunningham and Henry Taylor, city assessors, to execute as to the assessed value of her real estate in the matter of increased pension for her. I then went up to Mallory's Hat Factory and Charles Taylor put a new band on my summer hat and also flanged it for me. In the evening, I called at his house at Stevens Street and we talked over the matter of getting his policy in the Equitable changed from his wife as beneficiary who is insane to his daughter or his legal representative.
APRIL 26 TUESDAY- Mercury 48 above. A slight shower last night and cooler. The greater part of the day, however, has been pleasant. George put down the carpet in the small bedroom this morning, after which, I drove up to Bolton's shop to get Henry Taylor, one of the city assessors, to make a joint affidavit with the other assessor, Patrick Cunningham, as to the assessed value of Sophia Allen's property in the matter of her application for a widow's pension. He assented, but I afterword ascertained that Mr. Cunningham was out of town and the matter is deferred. Mrs. Hawley helped Mary this afternoon in housecleaning work and she took dinner with us. We this forenoon received a draft of $275.00 from George Shaw, special agent for the Agricultural Insurance Company in payment of the Dennis Cunningham loss on furniture. After dinner, George went down and delivered the same to him in settlement. Cunningham came directly up town to get it cashed, but before he could do so, Mr. Williams the cashier at the Danbury National Bank wanted my endorsement on the same which I did and he returned to the bank to get his money.
APRIL 27 WEDNESDAY- Mercury 45 above. It rained a little towards morning. About 8 AM, it settled in and continued rainy all day. Received Equitable check for $600.00 toT. C. Millard for death claim on the life of Leroy Smith. Before dinner, I delivered the same to Mr. Millard, taking up his policy and the receipt for same, and in the PM, mailed the same toW. Schaffer, the cashier, at New Haven. Of the several policies on the life of Mr. Smith, Ours is the first to the front for payment. In the forenoon, I called on Lottie Stock, regarding her insurance covering her piano, also in the interest of the dealer, Joseph Wright. Before coming to dinner I also called on Sophia Allen and gave instructions about getting from the rector of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church in Yonkers, an affidavit under oath as to the record of her marriage. After dinner, I took a nap and at 3:30, I attended the funeral of the wife of Mr. Frank Hull on Cherry Street. In the evening, Mrs. Allen's daughter called to see if I would go to Yonkers to get an affidavit from the Rector of St. Johns Protestant Episcopal Church as to record in the church books as to the marriage of John Allen and Sophia Bell. After her departure, I wrote to the rector as to his willingness to look up the matter and write an affidavit.
APRIL 28 THURSDAY- Mercury 42 above. Stormy all day. In the morning, I wrote to VanFleet, the Equitable manager in New Haven regarding Charles Taylor's changing beneficiary from his wife to his daughter or to his legal representative or assigns on account of his wife being mentally deranged. I also called to see Frank Wilcox about the piano insurance for Lottie Stock. After dinner, I went to see Manny Forbush to see about insurance on his house and barn at Germantown; also Robert Haskins about his renewal. At 5 PM, Mrs. Mary Couch and daughter Hattie Hollister cane to make an affidavit as to their bill to the estate of Mrs. Arthur Reed. After tea, I called a moment on Mrs. E. Griffith to get information necessary in her application for a pension; after which Mary and I called on Laverne and Hattie Rogers on the corner of George and Orchard Street.
APRIL 29 FRIDAY- Mercury 50 above. Lowery in the morning but no rain. It cleared away in the afternoon and grew warmer. Before dinner, I went up to Robert Haskins to see further about his insurance. After dinner, I drove over to C. L. Morgan's to get the price I am to credit him for the last ton of coal he bought me. I then came home and took Mr. John Peivans and went to City Hall with him and paid his town taxes and also my own. We then returned to my office and I settled with him for March rents collected. I then went to City Hall to search the records of the marriage of Edwin Griffin to Melissa Segar, but it was not to be found. By some oversight, it was doubtless never recorded. I then called on Dr. W. Wilson of theM. E. Church and he agreed to look up the church records for it. The fact and record of it is necessary to aid her in obtaining a widow's pension. I left the matter with Dr. Wilson to look up tomorrow. George Hoddinott came in the evening with George Purdy to our office to make up some papers. Before tea, I called on Mrs. Griffith to look over some family papers for the facts of her marriage.
APRIL 30 SATURDAY- Mercury 52 above. After breakfast, I took the trolley to Bethel to see the building near Short's Hat Factory which Mrs. Laura Wildman recently bought and is repairing for dwelling purposes. They not being there, I returned home. I then with Mr. Beeman drove over to No.5 Moss Avenue (the old lves greenhouse property) and arranged for the transfer of Saul Clark's policy by cancelling same and re-writing. After dinner, Fred Kirby called to get his policy on his market cancelled as he has gone out of business. Then Mrs. Hawley went with me to Bethel again where I met Mr. and Mrs. Wildman at the house I called to see in the morning. While out, a thunder shower came up and we hastened home to escape getting wet. However, it rained but little here. We did our Sunday marketing when we returned. I bought our first quart of strawberries for the season for 15 cents which we had for tea. George and Sarah came over in the eveningn.
1904-04
Horace Purdy Journal November 1866 Entry
15pgs
NOV 01 THURSDAY - Cool and pleasant. Wrote to Carlton & Porter before breakfast ordering 5 one dollar medals. As I went to work, I mailed it with one to Tibbel’s for Centenary books and papers. I had work all day in the shop. Mr. Warren was married this P.M. at 4 o’clock and took the train for Newark, New Jersey. George stood up with him with Charlotte, his wife’s sister. They accompanied them as far as Norwalk and returned on the evening train. I consulted D. B. Booth in the evening about the time of a bank account being outlawed, having in view factorizing Fred Jennings. After the wedding, Gussie went up on Deer Hill for Georgie where he has been since Sunday. Before retiring, I wrote to Edwin to have him send Serine’s butter direct to me. Mrs. Stone was in a while in the evening. As she went home, I sent the letter to the Office by her. The “Columbian” baseball Club of this town went to New Milford today to play a match game with “Weannitaug” of that town. The game stood Weannitaug 14, Columbians, 60. NOV 02 FRIDAY - Beautiful day. I went to the shop early and finished off my work and went to Mrs. Blair’s for the dog that had just come home from George Beebe’s who stole him last Tuesday. I came home and George with me started on a hunting excursion. I borrowed McDonald’s gun for George. We started out between Town and Middle Mountain, across Middle and up the valley between Middle and Thomas. We got 3 woodcock, 3 quails and a lark. George went home and changed his clothing and came down and took tea with us. I came home with a severe headache but felt better after tea. George and Gussie went up in the evening to see Henry Hinman and wife and Harriet at Mr. Jabine’s. NOV 03 SATURDAY - George came this way this morning as he went to the depot to start for Brooklyn. I gave him some apples to take to Louise Jones and went with him to the depot. I went to the shop, but there was no work. I came home and cleaned Mr. McDonald’s gun that George used yesterday and took it home. I then went to the shop and got my pay and came home to dinner, Stopping at the Post Office on the way and got the Centenary papers and books which I ordered a few days ago. After dinner, I pulled my beets and parsnips and put them in sand in the cellar. I also sorted my apples in Father Griswold’s barn. I went to market in the evening, gave my account with Fred Jennings for rent in 1859 to Constable Crosby for prosecution. Bought a pair of rubber boots of C. H. Reed and brought them home –price $5.00. I got them on credit. Received by mail the five medals I ordered on Thursday at the Book Room. I got a receipted bill today of A. G. Crosby for my winter’s coal. NOV 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the forenoon, but cloudy and cool in the P.M. While we were eating breakfast, Mr. Curtis came over with some bones, bits of meat, etc. from the market for the dog. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. Our new preacher, Brother Peck preached for us for the first time today. I wrote to the “Book Room” ordering more Sunday School Advocates. Also lessons for every Sunday in the year and a few easy lessons. I attended church in the evening and mailed it as I went. NOV 05 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. It froze all day in the shade. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Mr. Curtis took Blair’s gun on trial to hunt with today. I let him take “Bird” also. A letter from George with $10 enclosed to pay borrowed money when Mr. Warren was married. Paid for rubber boots and bought a pair of leather gloves of Benedict & Nichols for $.90. I answered George’s letter and mailed it in the evening. I gathered the remaining few sweet apples by the south door. NOV 06 TUESDAY - Cold last night but a little warmer today. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I picked a little sweet corn which was left I the garden and then pulled up the stalks. I went to market in the evening and called on Charles Crosby to see if he collected for me the $10.00 of Fred Jennings who is working at Rundle & Whites. He could not get it as there was nothing coming to him on the books. I also inquired of D. B Booth about the time allowed soldiers to send in their claims to government for bounties on behalf of George. I came home early to let Gussie go down and see about a new hat. Election in New York and a number of other states today. NOV 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work nearly all day in the shop. I received lesson books, easy lessons, and Sunday School Advocates for the Sunday School. After shop work, I put the rest of my cabbages in the cellar. Gussie went to the milliner’s in the evening while I stayed with Georgie and marked off the Sunday School Advocates. William H. Hanford was buried yesterday in Norwalk. He died in New York City. NOV 08 THURSDAY - A warm pleasant day. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I took Bird, the dog, over home to see his mistress and to get some remnants they had saved for him. I made some arrangements with Mr. Curtis to go hunting tomorrow (there being no more work this week for me). I went to market in the evening and received a letter from George by the evening mail concerning soldiers’ bounty, etc. Before retiring, I wrote a reply. Gussie took Georgie up home in order to be able to attend Rev. Mr. Stone’s child’s funeral this P.M. Bell came home with him in the evening and broke the handle to the carriage. NOV 09 FRIDAY - A warm, pleasant day. Mr. Curtis and I went out hunting. George Sears died this morning. I received a letter this evening from Henry Blair saying that he had made arrangements with George Beebe of Brookfield of Brookfield to take Bird for the winter and asked me to give him up when Beebe calls for him. I was surprised and disappointed but penned a reply that I would cheerfully give him up though I regretted to lose him. I went to the office before retiring. Susan Brayman and Sarah Coles called early in the evening and Gussie went with them up to see Anna Hinman. NOV 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. I went hunting with Mr. Curtis. We returned about 5 P.M. After tea, I went into the street to do some errands and returned early to let Gussie go to the milliner’s. NOV 11 SUNDAY - I am 31 years old today, if I was born in 1835. If in 1834 (as there is some doubt in my mind about it owing to a mistake in our family records), I am 32 years old. I felt rather old this morning, the result of the last two days’ hunting trips. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School after which I came home without staying to the Communion Service I the P.M. Cloudy all day and about 9 ½ o’clock in the evening, it commenced raining. After tea, I copied a list of subscribers to the Sunday School Centenary Fund to send to New York for publication. Gussie completed a letter this evening to Cousin Eliza in California. NOV 13 MONDAY - But little rain this morning. Cloudy this morning. It came off pleasant in the P.M. and grew colder. I went to the shop expecting work, but there was none. George Beebe came and took “Bird” (Blair’s dog) this morning. I went over to Mr. McDonald’s before dinner and got the handle to the baby carriage which he has been mending for me. I also fastened the wormer on the ram rod to my gun, which came off the other day. In the P.M., I repaired my inside cellar door and shoveled over a pile of muck and manure and wheeled it onto the north side of my garden, which job lasted me until dark. I gave on subscription $.50 to the widow of George Sears. A meteoric shower looked for tomorrow bout 3 o’clock, it being an event occurring about once in 33 years. NOV 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant. The meteoric shower expected this morning did not appear. It will confidently be looked for tomorrow morning. I had work all day in the shop. Father Griswold came home today from Hartford and brought the remains of infant daughter, who died at the age of ___years ___ ago. As I came home from work, I took a letter from the office from Edwin saying that he could not furnish Oscar Serine the butter he wanted. Gussie went to the milliner’s in the evening. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie while I went over to Mr. Pond’s and held lamp for him to finish off a partition in his cellar. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Edwin’s letter. NOV 14 WEDNESDAY - The meteoric shower did not appear this morning as expected. I went to the shop and finished off2 hats left over from yesterday; there being no more to do, I came home. I went to the church and opened the Infant Class Collection Box and took from it $1.55 and added to their amount of Centenary money. I then got from the Danbury Bank, a draft of $31.07 and mailed to Carlton & Porter, the same being the balance of the Centenary Fund on hand, making total sent $392.37. I also wrote to Henry Blair about his unfair treatment to me in taking away his dog. As I went to the shop in the morning, I mailed to Edwin a reply to his stating that he could not supply Oscar Serine the butter he wanted. Gussie dyed yellow for carpet bags this forenoon. I worked around home in the P.M. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond’s and held lamp for him to work in his cellar until about 8 o’clock when I went to market. NOV 15 THURSDAY - I sat up a portion of last night to watch for the metric (meteor) shower but the latter part of the night was too cloudy to see if it had appeared. It either came in the daytime or the clouds prevented us from viewing it in the night. It has been stormy today. I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I have been sick this P.M. with a headache caused doubtless from sitting up last night. After tea, I felt better and went to market. It rained steady in the evening. NOV 16 FRIDAY - A hard rainstorm last night which drove into the house through the roof in a shocking manner. I went to the shop this morning, expecting work, but the few hats which they intended to have finished did not give satisfaction and they were left. I went from there down to the courthouse expecting to hear an argument between the councils on the Great Adams Express Robbery case. But the principal counsel on the part of the prisoners, Judge Stewart of New York being absent, the judge threw it out of court and now it remains only to sentence the prisoners, they having been convicted. When the verdict before the prisoners was brought in, their counsel (Stewart) asked for an arrest of judgment claiming that one of the jury had previously expressed an opinion in the case thereby making the verdict illegal. Sentence was therefore postponed in order that there might be a hearing regarding the juryman in question and this morning was set apart for that purpose. Father Griswold gave me a wheelbarrow load of Hubbard Squash. I went into the street early to order blue ink, made at the druggist, one pint for dying purposes. I came home to let Gussie go to Mrs. Keeler’s to get a dress plaited. Louise came down and took care of Georgie in the evening. Georgie is two years old today. NOV 17 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop this morning expecting work, but there was none. It being payday, I got my account cashed by John Greene - $14.00. I came home about 11 o’clock and found Gussie gone again with the baby. I made a new slide of a draft in Father’s stove. I got a piece of tinder to repair my gate. I nailed down the siding on the south side of my house on the upper story. It had warped and sprung up so that the rain drove under and came into the house. Gussie returned about 6 o’clock with Bell, having left Georgie up home to stay all night. Bell took the stove draft I made for Father and Georgie’s night clothes and went home while Gussie and I went to market. We bought a pint of blue ink at the druggist for dying purposes. NOV 18 SUNDAY - Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I stayed home to wait for Georgie to come home from Deer Hill. Soon after Gussie went to church, Father came with him. He is not very well. We think he is troubled with worms. I went to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. Mother was to church in the afternoon and came home with me to tea. After tea, I went up home and got some fig paste of Mother to give Georgie. John Brayman was up there and walked down with me as I returned. I brought Father’s parlor stove’s door home with me to fit in the draft I made for him yesterday. I shall try and do it sometime this week. I wrote to Carlton & Porte ordering one dozen No. 1 catechisms for the Sunday School. Bell and Mrs. Stone called just before evening meeting time. I went to church in the evening. Brother Peck preached from the 4th verse of 23rd Psalm, a good sermon. NOV 19 MONDAY - Cloudy a great part of the day but no rain and warm for November. I had work all day in the shop. I went to market for Mother Griswold in the evening and called on Dr. Bulkley who is quite poorly having symptoms of worms. I received by mail three copies of “The Great American Tea Company Advocate”. NOV 20 TUESDAY - A little rain last night; also a little this morning. Cloudy during the day but the moon shone in the evening. It has been quite warm for the season. I fitted the new damper in Father’s parlor stove this forenoon. We took dinner at Mother Griswold’s. In the P.M., I went into the street and bought some putty and spent the last part of the P. M. stopping with putty the cracks and crevasses in the siding of my house where I think it leaks – upper story, south side, over the wing roof. I begin to think the trouble with Georgie is constipation as we gave him an injection to move his bowels this morning and he has appeared like a different child since. The trustees of the church had a meeting last evening at which they decided to move off the old parsonage building and build a new one. Bell called a short time this P.M. Charles Crosby told me today that he had served the writ on Fred Jennings last Saturday factorizing Rundle & White, his employers, the $10.00 he owes me and that he, Jennings refuses to pay it saying that he does not owe me. The bill will come, so Crosby tells me on the ___. Gussie having to go out to the street this evening to do some shopping, I stayed at home with Georgie to let her go. NOV 21 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I went in the morning to see D. B. Booth about the writ served to collect from Fred Jennings what he owes me and found that Booth had made a mistake in the date of the papers. He dated it Nov. 31 for the trial, which killed the document and the proceedings therefore are a failure. I got some thick paint of A. Knox to put in the shrunken places of the siding of my house and used a part of it. Night coming on prevented me from completing the job. I had a severe headache when I stopped work. I did not feel able to go out in the evening. Gussie went up home on Deer Hill for some washing fluid and carried Father’s stove door which I have been putting on a new damper. NOV 22 THURSDAY - First snow storm. It commenced about 9 A.M. and continued more or less during the day, but melted about as fast as it came down. I went to the shop and finished seven hats and then came home before dinner sick. Climbing around on the roof yesterday and a cold taken at the same time is the cause of it. Received Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School journals with a dozen No. 1 catechisms from New York, also a receipt for $31.37 for Sunday School Centenary money previously sent. I felt better after tea. Louise came down in the evening with a pair of socks from Mother Griswold which was Father Griswold’s and too small for him. I can wear them and she gave them to me. NOV 23 FRIDAY - It has been cooler today. It has snowed a little at times through the day. I feel miserable today, though better than yesterday. I worked in the ship until the middle of the P.M. I took a letter from the Office this morning which came from George last night. Another again from him by the morning mail. He has been sick most of the time since he returned to Brooklyn. He has but little work to do and little pay for doing it. I wrote a hasty letter to him by the afternoon mail and another more at length this evening advising him to come home if he could not earn his board. The bell tolled this morning for Wilie Crosby, son of Judah Crosby of Mill Plain. I wrote this evening also to the publishers of the Methodist inquiring about new subscribers in getting up a club. Gussie sold a roll of salve this morning to Amos Purdy. NOV 24 SATURDAY - Cold; but little bright sunshine during the day. I had work all day in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left the Sunday School papers and some catechisms at church. John McNamee bought my feed cutter of me today. I am to wait awhile for the pay - $9.00. I went to market in the evening and to the depot to see if George would come as I somewhat expected him. NOV 25 SUNDAY - Squalls of snow in the morning. Just before breakfast, “Bird” H. Blair’s dog (which I had kept for him about a month in Oct and Nov. and has been since with George Beebe on Stony Hill) came into the yard very unexpectedly. He came in and we gave him his breakfast after which I took him over to Mrs. Blair’s knowing that I had no right to keep him, but she wished me to take him home with me and secure him so that Beebe should not get him again until Henry comes home on Thanksgiving. I did as she requested. Gussie attended church this morning. I went down to Sunday School. I worked at renumbering some of the library books so long after school that I did not get to the afternoon meeting. I received for the Sunday School Centenary Fund another dollar from Theo Lyon’s class I mailed it to William Hoyt 200 Mulberry Street New York, The general Secretary of the Centenary Society. Gussie went with Louise at 5 o’clock to the Band of Hope. In the meantime, Mrs. Stone and Susan Brayman called and stayed until church time. I attended church in the evening. Brother Peck preached an excellent sermon from St. John, 10:28. NOV 26 MONDAY - Pleasant and I think a little warmer though pretty cool today. It remained hard frozen in the shade all day. I went to the shop and finished of some hats left over from Saturday and then came home with the sick headache, leaving what little work there was to be done today over until tomorrow. I felt better just at night and went to market and bought a bear’s pluck for “Bird” and then went up home to see Mother about writing for Aunt Abby and Eddie Palmer to come and spend Thanksgiving with us. I found that she had written for them last Saturday. I then came home to tea. In the evening, I went into the street and got pay of George Crofut & Son for two of the three sifters left there which had been sold. - $1.60 – there being still one left there not sold. I then went to the depot somewhat expecting George, but he did not come. Borrowed chain at Charles Hull’s for dog. NOV 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I had work until noon in the shop. In the P.M., I repaired my front gate. Before tea, I went over home with Bird to let him have a run to stretch his legs after being chained all day. Mrs. Blair gave me a small pail of scrapings to bring home and feed him. I went to market in the evening and got a small bottle of ale for Georgie to see if it will do him good. I called at Miss Adams and got Gussie’s straw jockey which she has been pressing over into a gladiator for her. George Tracy was married this P.M. at 3 o’clock to Laura Wildman. NOV 28 WEDNESDAY - Warm, but little sunshine. Showers of rain during the P.M. I went to the shop this forenoon to get my pay (which was postponed until today on account of Thanksgiving). I took my chisels down and ground them while waiting for my pay. When I returned, I oiled all of my tools. After dinner, I raked off a part of my dooryard and then went as far as Mount Thomas with my gun and dog. I went more to give Bird a little run than anything else. I got no game. In the evening, I went to the depot to meet George and Aunt Abby and Eddie Palmer if they should come. I saw Sherman Smith who came in from Brooklyn yesterday. He says George is not coming home. The train was an hour and 40 minutes behind time. It did not arrive until 20 minutes before 10 o’clock. A rainbow in the east just before sundown. NOV 29 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Henry Blair came today over for his dog. I went to the depot this morning at 10 O’clock to meet Aunt Abby and Eddie Palmer, but they did not come. So we went up home to help our folks eat their turkey. I went down to Bunker’s (?) and got 3 quarts of ____ for dinner. We left Georgie up there to stay all night and came home ourselves just after dark. Gussie went over to John Bouton’s in the evening; I retired before she returned. NOV 30 FRIDAY - The same kind of weather as yesterday and the day before. A little sunshine, cloudy and occasional showers of rain. Just before night the wind blew up colder and gave signs of coming off clear and cold, but did not do so before retiring. I went to D.B. Booth’s office at 9 A.M. and got papers applying for additional bounty for George made out ready for his signature and witnesses and am to send to him by Sherman Smith tomorrow who works with him in Brooklyn. George is to see them properly signed and remail them to D. B. Booth. In the P. M., I got some mortar of Lyman Richards and added a little lime to it (which it needed) and went on to my house and painted my chimney. The mortar between the bricks being nearly all washed out and I feared it would be tumbling down some windy day. I too up fennel roots in the P.M. Mother sent down a baked chicken, a mince pie, a turkey leg and a half loaf of cake to send to George. I put them up carefully in a bundle and then wrote a letter to George. About 8 o’clock and while Gussie was downtown, Sherman Smith and his lady Miss Bennett called for the bundles and letter to George which I gave them. Another rainbow in the north this time just before sundown.
1866-11