Horace Purdy Journal December 1865 Entry
7pgs
12/01 FRIDAY - Rain last night and this morning, thought the day has been pleasant. After tea, I went to market. David Bradley came in when I returned and we wrote up his Librarian's book. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. Staples. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let her go. Father Griswold had 77 lbs. of butter come from Ohio today. 12/02 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work I left a roll of salve at the News Office for Eugene Conkling and got my new sack coat at Mr. Harris' store and paid for it $20.00. Gussie went up to Joel Sanford's this morning and stayed all day to visit with Mary Mourre as it used to be but now Mrs. Murphy. After tea, I went into the street and got the ramrod to my gun repaired. Got my vest at Gillette's where I took it to have a pocket put in and bought two sets of underclothes for $16.00. After Singing School, George and Bell came this way to get a piece of meat which I gave our folks. He brought a sifter from Parmalee & Bradley's Store to have the handle tightened. We fixed it before he went home. 12/03 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm for the season. Gussie went to church as usual in the morning and I to Sunday School and the afternoon service. Mr. Hill preached to the children in the P.M. Cousin John Brayman, John Bouton and Hart Purdy called after supper. Before evening meeting time, I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering two more copies of Sunday School Advocates and one dozen lesson books. I mailed it with money enclosed as I went to evening meeting. Brother Hill preached. I was introduced to Mr. And Mrs. Murphy by J. D. Stevens after meeting. 12/04 Cloudy and foggy all day. We finished up what work there was to do at the shop today for the remainder of the week, as Mr. Crofut is to take an inventory and also thanksgiving days coming on Thursday. A Hatters' Meeting in the evening to elect delegates to a special session of the National Hat Finishers' Association to be held in New York On Wednesday. I attended the meeting. As I came home from work tonight, I made some arrangements with Ed Dunning to go hunting tomorrow, should the day be pleasant. Before I retired, I salted sown my beef. 12/05 TUESDAY - Pleasant but colder. Ed Dunning and myself went hunting; was gone all day; game scarce. He got one partridge only and I got nothing. We went to Middle, Thomas and Moses Mountains, to Sugar Hollow, Wolfe's Pond, Mill Plain Swamp and Pond, then across on this farm north of Terry's and home. George went to Newton with sifters. I went to market in the evening. I called at Judd's and got my money where I told George Benjamin (who drew it for me) to leave it. I paid Mr. Judd $9.92 for soap which I bought October 23rd. 12/06 WEDNESDAY - A lovely day. After breakfast I walked over to Mr. Lynes' place to see Mr. Cocking about going hinting on Friday. In the P.M. Mrs. Stevens and Murphy came and Jesse and Mr. Murphy came to tea. They all stayed in the evening. Fanny, Harriet and Mother Griswold came down in the evening to visit with us. George took in some walnuts for a sifter today and I shall buy some of them. I cracked a few of them in the evening, which with some apples served up very nicely. 12/07 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day proclaimed by both Governor Buckingham and President Johnson. Ad I woke it was snowing hard; it turned to a fine mist about 10 o'clock. There were about 3 or 4 inches of snow fall. I tried both barrels of my gun this morning with No.5 and 6 shot by shooting at a mark on Father Griswold's barn. I was much pleased with way it threw the shot. George came down and harnessed his horse and went into the street to do a little trading before meeting time. The sermon was preached by Brother Hill in the 1st church. I went to church while Gussie did some ironing. As I went I mailed a letter to Carlton & Porter with the balance of the bill enclosed for Lesson Books. I wrote the letter yesterday, but company prevented mailing it. Between 1 and 2 o'clock George came with the horse and carried us all up home to eat dinner. After dinner at about 4 o'clock, I rode over to Mr. Lyne's to see Robert Cocking about hunting tomorrow. We concluded that it would be too wet with so much snow on the ground and gave up going. I went down to Ed Sanford's and got Bell where she was by invitation from Minnie Sanford to eat dinner. She left me at home and drove up to her house alone. I prepared the feed for the horse and George drove down with Georgie and Gussie. It snowed hard again in the P.M.; it cleared off in the evening. There have been a number of sleighs out today, the first of the season. 12/08 FRIDAY - A beautiful day; the sun has shone warm and there has been no wind. The merry sleigh bells have been jingling quite lively today. Immediately after dinner George came down and he took Mother Griswold and Gussie with the baby over to spend the afternoon with Mrs. Cocking. I walked over and from there George and I went over to Mill Plain to get his boots which he ordered to be made a while ago at a Mr. _____, but he had not made them so we returned a and he bought a pair at Charles H. Reed's. As we went over I called at Charles Fowler's and paid him the small amount due him for my last summer's butter. After George prepared the feed for his horse, he went home and I drove over to Robert Cocking's from Mother Griswold and Gussie. I took my gun over and we tried his with mine at a mark, after which he shot a pigeon and told me to shoot another; he gave them to me. We stayed to tea and then came home. I stabled the horse and went to market in the evening. 12/09 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Mother came over after dinner and spent the P.M. over to John Brayman's and stayed to tea. Gussie being over there, John came over for me when tea was ready. After tea, Mother came home with Gussie intending to spend the evening with us, but it commenced snowing, so I harnessed old Jim and took her home. John came over and went to market with me. I sold him my heavy grained leather boots and bought a pair of rubber boots at O.M. Benedict's. In the P.M., I put a hook and staple on the stable door and repaired my inside cellar door to make it shut tight. 12/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant; the additional snow which fell last evening about all melted away today. Gussie went to church in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. and in the evening; sacrament in the P.M. After tea, John Brayman harnessed the horse and drove to the cemetery with his wife and Gussie. Before retiring I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering another copy of the Sunday School Advocate. 12/11 MONDAY - Pleasant. As I went to the shop in the morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Carlton & Porter with 30 cents enclosed for another copy of the Sunday School Advocate. George did Mother's washing today. He received by evening mail a letter from E.C. Andrews of New Haven about selling sifters in Fairfield County as he had a chance to sell some. He asked for directions about selling them if George would allow him to sell them at all. John Brayman came over and went downtown with me in the evening. 12/12 TUESDAY - Warm; cloudy in the morning; it began to rain in the P.M. I worked in the shop until I could see no longer. Fanny came in while we were at tea from a trip of collecting sinking fund money and as her folks were through tea, she too tea with us. It being stormy, I did not go into the street in the evening. 12/13 WEDNESDAY - There was scarcely any snow to be seen this morning the day has been pleasant. Warm in the morning but grew colder towards night. I left my rubbers at O.M. Benedict's Shoe Store to be mended as I went to work in the morning. I got them as I came home at night. Louise came down and took tea with us, Father Griswold's folks being all up at Bartram's to tea. 12/14 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. A special Hatters' Meeting this evening to hear the report of the delegates to the special session of the National Convention. I being very tired, besides having a lame knee (the rheumatism, I think), also having to scald my beef brine, I did not attend. I stayed at home and let Gussie go to market as she wanted to go to the dry goods store. 12/13 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cold. I rose this morning with the headache which increased so that I was compelled to leave the shop and come home in the afternoon. I could eat no supper and retired about 7 o'clock leaving Louise Vintz to stay with Georgie while Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. Nickerson's. 12/16 SATURDAY - Very Cold this morning, the coldest thus far this winter. Not feeling very strong, I went late to the shop. George called at the shop to see me in the forenoon. He borrowed Mr. Judd's hay cutter and cut up a lot of hay for the horse. We were paid off in the P.M. Before leaving the factory, I bought a Black Brim Spring Hat for George -price $1.25. It was a $3.00 hat but was slightly damaged which I repaired making it almost perfect. I stayed with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie got to the store. There has been good skating and has been for several days on the pond. 12/17 SUNDAY - A little sunshine in the morning, but it soon became cloudy with the appearance of snow in the after part of the day and in the evening. I felt about sick during the day, a bad state of the stomach and head. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School and came home after the session feeling too sick to stay in the P.M. Both my assistants, Ed Barnum and James Parmalee were absent from Sunday School. I got George and William Warren to distribute books in their places. I could eat no supper. After tea, I went with Gussie and the baby over to John Brayman's for a few minutes. Mother Griswold stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I to go together to church. As we went I mailed a letter to Carlton & Porter ordering two copies more of the Sunday School Advocate and included 60 cents for them. Georgie walked alone for the first time today. 12/18 MONDAY - Cloudy all day and commenced snowing about 10 o'clock in the evening. Before breakfast I had John Brayman take the horse over to McDonald's to be shod. George not having shown himself or brought any feed for the horse today, I went into the street in the evening and bought enough for his supper and breakfast and ordered 100 lbs. to be brought tomorrow. I put some coal clinker and slate in the stable in the evening and then went into Mr. Pond's barn and mended my coal riddle. I retired at 11 12 o'clock. Gussie did her washing today for the first in a long time. 12/19 TUESDAY - Snow enough to whiten the ground this morning. Cloudy with more or less rain during the day. Before I went to work this morning the feed for the horse which I engaged last evening came. I worked as usual all day in the shop. I went into the street in the evening and bought a ring and staple to put on the horse's manger in which to fasten the halter. I also paid for rubber boots at O.M. Benedict's which I bought about a week ago. I put the ring on the manger before retiring. 12/20 WEDNESDAY - Clear sky in the morning but it soon clouded over and remained so all day. It commenced snowing about 8 o'clock. Gussie and George rode down to Bethel to see Mr. Davis' folks after dinner and stayed to tea. After I came home from the shop at night and while waiting for Gussie to get home, I mended the horse's manger. Mrs. Daniel Starr and little girl called in the evening. I went to market and brought home a new burner for my lantern. 12/21 THURSDAY - Snow and rain last night which made the snow wet and heavy. There as about 2 inches of snow fell last night. I t came off clear and pleasant about 7 o'clock this morning. The wind rose in a short time and blew furiously all day and grew cold. The snow was frozen hard before night. George called at the shop to see me for a few minutes in the forenoon. George came in after tea and before going to meeting, wrote at my secretary a letter to a merchant, Johnson by name, in Newtown about sifters; also to E.C. Andrews about the new pattern of sifters. I went to market and directly home again in the evening. 12/22 FRIDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a snow squall before dinner; very cold last night and today. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea Georgie burned his hand with a hot poker. Gussie went into the street in the evening and bought some Christmas toys for the baby lettered blocks and lamb of rubber and a bell. 12/23 SATURDAY - Very cold last night; pleasant today and warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I ordered 3 bushels of oats at Crofut's Feed Store. The men made a purse of $6.25 and gave to Elijah Foot as a Christmas present. He is an old man just able to get around with a basket on his arm and sells pie and cake at the shop. The old man in his gratitude shed tears and said 'God bless you all.' Willie Hurd being in Danbury on a visit called at the shop to see me this P.M. George went to Stapleburg's foul shop to work this morning learning to finish hats. He made a commencement yesterday afternoon. He went to Brewster's Station this evening to a party with Sarah Purdy. 12/24 SUNDAY - we rose about 7 o'clock and it was snowing; it continued until about 11 o'clock when it turned to rain and stormed hard all day. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and to meeting (which was a prayer meeting) in the P.M. Benedict Starr was there and spent some time in talking and singing with the School. He also took an active part in the prayer meeting in the P.M. we did not go out in the evening. The moon and stars shone before we retired. George got home from Brewster about 2 o'clock this morning. 12/25 MONDAY - Christmas - Rode over to Theo Lyon's and bought 6 sheaves of straw and paid him $11.25 for 15 bushels of potatoes he brought to me last fall. Shot Mother Griswold's cat; fired at target with Willie Hurd at Mr. Hurd's barn with pistols; paid Alden G. Crosby $24.50 balance of bill for coal. Mother, Gussie and I rode up to the cemetery to see new stone for John. David Mills called in the P.M. Gussie went over to John Brayman's in the evening. John came home with her. George lent his horse after dinner to Mr. Squire's to go to bethel; he returned prior to our going to the cemetery. 12/26 TUESDAY - Cloudy, foggy and misty with a little rain in the evening. Father Griswold's folks had their Christmas dinner today. We had an invitation. Gussie and the baby went. I stayed at work in the shop and took tea with them in the evening. Gussie bought two barrels of charcoal today. I went to market in the evening. While in the street, saw Mr. Witherspoon and paid him 5 months Hatters' dues up to January 10th, 1866. 12/27 WEDNESDAY - Stormy until just at night when it cleared off. Sunday School festival in the P.M. and sinking fund gathering in the evening. The Annual Sinking Fund Meeting. Gussie and I attended in the evening though I had a headache. Bell and Louise stayed with the baby. I gave the 25 cents each. Father Griswold sick. 12/28 THURSDAY - Stormy until in the evening when it broke. Gussie is sick with a cold and rheumatism. Father Griswold is also sick. I went for the doctor before breakfast for him. Gussie not feeling able to get breakfast, I ate up to Father Griswold's. I had the headache again this P.M but got over it after tea. I went to market and home early. I made two lure (?) covers before retiring. 12/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Father went to Newtown for George to fill an order for sifters. Read a letter from Edwin written on Christmas day. We had roasted oysters for supper. I went to market in the evening. 12/30 SATURDAY - Snow all day; cleared off in the evening. Went to market in the evening. Bought a record book for a journal. Swept paths before retiring. 12/31 SUNDAY - Pleasant; good sleighing. Baby sick. Went for the doctor after tea. Gussie did not attend church. I went in the A.M. and to Sunday School; came home in the P.M.; both home in the evening.
1865-12
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal July 1866 Entry
11pgs
JULY 01 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came down early this morning for the horse and took a horseback ride before breakfast. He came down before meeting time and we shaved each other. Edwin came in and shaved also with my razor. George and Gussie went to meeting together in the A.M. I went to Sunday School as usual at noon. George and Bell came home with us to tea after which I borrowed Saul Barnum’s wagon and George and I took Georgie and rode up to the cemetery, over to Sturdevant’s to see the new R.R. ,across from there to the lower end of Main street and home. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen lesson books for the Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Brother Webb preached for us. After meeting, we went up to visit with Edwin and stayed until after 10 o’clock. JULY 02 MONDAY - A lovely day. In the morning, I borrowed Charles Hull’s wagon and Edwin Griswold and Eddie, Jr., Josie Wheeler, Gussie and I took a ride. George went with us downtown where I stopped with him to buy a new set of clothes. He wants them by Thursday to take with him when he returns to Brooklyn. I paid Charles Hull $10.00 for the second hand hay cutter bought February 26th. I also paid my P.O. Box rent up to Jan. 1, 1867. After dinner George came down and hoed the garden for me while I painted my front fence. After tea, Gussie and Louise went with me over to Lake Kenosha to secure a boat for fishing tomorrow. JULY 03 TUESDAY - I took Charles Hull’s wagon home this morning and borrowed Mr. McDonald’s to go fishing. Father Griswold, Edwin and little Eddie, George and myself went over to Kenosha fishing. We stayed until nearly 4 o’clock. We took a bath and then came home. We had very good luck, though most of the items were small. After tea, I went up to James Fowler’s and borrowed Theo’s carriage which he offered for sale before he died. Plowed out Father Griswold’s corn and potatoes after tea. JULY 04 WEDNESDAY - I rose this morning by Edwin calling me and helped hoe corn and potatoes before breakfast for Father Griswold. I finished painting my front fence before dinner. After dinner, I practiced with my pistol at a target. Edwin tried, also Gussie. I sold my horse and harness to _______ this afternoon. Andrew James brought me the customer. I sold the old Theo Fowler carriage with him which I was using while my wagon was being repaired. I had the privilege of buying or selling the carriage for $25.00 for Mr. Fowler. I had a chance, so I sold the establishment - horse, harness and carriage for $90.00. The horse and harness stands me $65.00. After selling, I went up to the cemetery, our folks having gone up previously. From there, I went to Mr. Fowler’s to pay him for the carriage. I waited until it began to rain and then came home without seeing him. On my way home, I bought a pair of thin pants at Mr. Harris’ for $2.50. In the evening, we had a few pieces of fireworks to set off up at Father Griswold’s. It was done to please little Eddie Griswold. JULY 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went up to see Mr. James Fowler before breakfast and paid him $25.00 for his carriage which I sold with my horse yesterday. After breakfast, I went into the street again and settled my account with Benedict & Nichols by paying the balance $16.16. I felt about sick at noon, could eat no dinner, took a nap and felt better after. Caroline Mills was here to dinner. In the P.M., I painted the brickwork under my house in front and the piazza and steps. I used some old paint of Father Griswold’s by buying some oil to put with it. George got his new set of clothes and left for Brooklyn on the regular afternoon passenger train at 4 o’clock, 58 minutes. Mrs. Cocking made Georgie a present of a small cart. We took tea up to Father Griswold’s with Edwin. I wrote two letters in the P.M. for George on the sifter business to Everett C. Andrews, his manufacturer, ordering one dozen sent to D. H. Johnson at Newtown and one to Said (?) Johnson. George mailed them as he went to the depot. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, we went up to Father Griswold and sat until bedtime on his piazza. Did not go to the shop today, but worked around the house. JULY 06 FRIDAY - Very warm – over 90 in the shade. I took up and put down a new drain in the forenoon. In the P.M., I painted the lattice work under Father Griswold’s piazza. Edwin and little Edwin, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler, and Josie came down to tea. Edwin and Ed Jr. walked downtown with me in the evening as I went to the Office. JULY 07 SATURDAY - Very warm. My wagon being done at the blacksmith’s about 9 o’clock, I took it over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to be painted. I did not go to the shop, but worked around home, mowing my door yard and trimming my walks. I worked hard until 12 ½ o’clock in the hot sun. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and sleeked off a silk hat for Mr. McDonald. Fanny bought some ice cream in the evening. When I returned home from the market, I ate some with them. I had a headache in the P.M. and the evening. Mr. McDonald’s bill for iron work on my wagon was $14.30; he threw off the 30 cents and I paid him $14.00. JULY 08 SUNDAY - Very warm. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which I came home to keep cool rather than to stay to prayer meeting in the P.M. I took a chair in the yard under the trees and sat nearly all the afternoon. A shower came up about 5 ½ o’clock. It continued to rain at evening meeting time, so we stayed home. JULY 09 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day and colder. I went to the shop today- the first time. Edwin and little Eddie came to the shop to see me in the P.M. Gussie bought some handkerchiefs for him to take home with him as presents to the family. After tea and supper, I went to the church for a teachers’ meeting. JULY 10 TUESDAY - Cloudy with some appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off clear and pleasant in the middle of the day. We having trouble at the shop to get hot irons, we stopped work at noon to have a large flue put in the place of a small one we have been using. We contemplated going over to Daniel Manley’s to help him get hay in the P.M. we sent Joe Kyle over to see if he wanted us today, but the weather not looking favorable, he feared to get a large quantity of grass cut with bad weather to prevent getting it up so we stayed at home. I hoed cabbage, planted strawberry peas for seed next season, dug over the ground beside my hedge between Mr. Pond and myself, and after tea, went over near Oil Mill Pond with Ed Dunning to practice shooting at chimney birds. I hit two and he only one. Louise Vintz took tea with us. There being no one home at Father Griswold’s, Mother Griswold and Harriet having gone to Harford by the noon train with Edwin and son Eddie, who have been visiting with us since June 30th. I did not go the depot to see them off, having bid them goodbye in the morning. I saw Edwin on the train as it passed the factory. John Brayman paid me $2.00 on what he owes me today. I got the ramrod to my gun which has been to Stevens’ Machine Shop for a new head. Smith Pulling came with butter just at night. I paid him $1.49 which pays for all up to date. Georgie being badly broken out, Gussie went to the doctor with him. He pronounces it Scarlet rash and gave us medicine for it. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I took two letters from the Office this morning which came last night – one from George and one from Everett C. Andrews, saying that he has sold out his sifter manufacturing, but would try and fill the order of one dozen for George in a few days. I wrote a reply to Andrews and a note to D. H. Johnson in Newtown saying that his order could not be filled for several days. Cleaned gun before retiring. JULY 11 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. We were up considerable with Georgie last night. The flues at the shop which were repaired yesterday afternoon were so arranged as to make it dangerous to the wood work adjoining, and in consequence, we had to stop again this P.M. to change the flues. I came home to dinner, after which I went over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to direct about the wagon I am having painted there. From there, I went to Robinson’s and bought a record book for the Sunday School came home and copied the minutes of the last three meetings into it, which takes it back to the May meeting which was the first of the Sunday School year. Louise took care of Georgie while Gussie went up home to see Bell who is sick. She is having trouble again with her lungs caused without doubt from getting too tired and overdone while George was home to send the Fourth. After tea, I went again with Ed Dunning over to Oil Mill Pond to practice shooting at chimney birds. It was dark when we returned. JULY 12 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but the flues were not yet fixed and we could in consequence do no work, so I returned and went to work in my garden weeding out my strawberry bed and trimming the runners for new plants. I worked with bare arms and blistered them in the sun. After tea, I went to work again and worked until dark. Gussie put Georgie to bed and then went to market herself. She called to see the doctor about Georgie; he thinks that he has the “chicken pox” with the Scarlet Rash”. Later – not the chicken pox – July 16th. JULY 13 FRIDAY - Very warm. Gussie, having no bread baked neither pie; I bought my dinner at the baker’s as I went to the shop in the morning and carried it to the shop with me. Gussie had Mrs. Stone to wash for her today. I mailed in the evening a necktie and a collar with a note to George. JULY 14 SATURDAY - Very warm. Mr. Sifer mowed the remnant of my grass on Father Griswold’s dooryard today, not quite either- a little corner of it he left. It was so hot in the shop that I quit work at noon, waited for my pay and came home. I borrowed Charles Stevens’ horse and got my wagon home from Olmstead’s Shop where it had been to be painted. The whole amount of repairs on it is as follows: $14.00 to McDonald for setting up springs and one new leaf in the hind one and two new tires and $14.70 to Olmstead for new rims ($3.00) and six new spokes ( $1.00), washers ($.70), painting, striping and varnishing ($10.00) – total $28.70. I went to market in the evening and saw Harris Crofut about my feed cutter; he thinks he will buy it. When I returned from market, Gussie went down to pay Mr. Adams the balance due for Georgie’s’ straw hat. I sent by her for a pint of ale which Robert and I drank before retiring. She bought a pair of slippers for herself also. JULY 15 SUNDAY - Very warm; I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School after which I returned home. After tea, Gussie and I drew Georgie up home to see Bell who is not very well. Gussie went to church in the evening to the Baptists to hear their new organ. She went in company with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I stayed with Georgie. Ed Dunning sat in the yard with me all the evening. We talked on religion. I found him to be a fine young man, steady in all his habits with serious religious impressions. I trust the evening has not been spent unprofitably to either of us. I wrote a short letter to George and enclosed a letter received here for him directed to Willie Franklin. Gussie mailed it as she went to church in the evening. JULY 16 MONDAY - Hot; the thermometer 96 in the shop, the hottest day thus far this summer. I worked until about 5 P.M. and then gave up nearly exhausted. Gussie went to market in the evening. Harriet and Josie returned form Bloomfield on the evening train, she not feeling well. The difficulty with her side being so much worse, she feared to stay from home any longer. Alva Stevens was found dead this noon in his room in Hull block over Dr. Baldwin’s Drug Store. He has been missed since last Saturday morning. His body was in a very corrupt state. JULY 17 TUESDAY - Another very warm day. About 5 P.M., showers passed by us in the north giving us only a few drops. The lightning was sharp and the thunder heavy. It struck Stevens’ Carpenter Shop near Barn Plain Bridge. The fire was out before the hose got there. I worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening. When we retired, it looked as if we would have a settled rain. I made some lemonade in the evening; Robert drank some with us. JULY 18 WEDNESDAY - Warm again today but the sun was hid from sight several times which made it less oppressing out of doors. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. A shower came up about 5 o’clock which gave us a little rain. Robert Dunning came over and picked some currants after tea. I went to market in the evening. JULY 19 THURSDAY - It rained some last night; it has been cool today. I worked as usual in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left an advertisement at the Jeffersonian Office for my wagon. After tea, I went into the street with Ed Dunning. I called at the Jeffersonian Office and changed the wording of the advertisement I left there this morning. When we returned, we sat on my front steps for a while and partly made arrangements for going hunting a sort time early tomorrow morning. JULY 20 FRIDAY - I rose about 3 o’clock this morning and went over to Robert Dunning’s to wake his son Ed who agreed to get up and come over to wake me. I got the start of him. We started about 4 o’clock and got to the hunting ground down between Town and Middle Mountain by the time we could see to shoot. We found three woodcock and shot two of them; each of us got one. It was about 6 ½ o’clock when we returned. I went to the shop, but was obliged to come home about noon, having a hard headache. Getting up so early and taking so much of a tramp was rather too much for me, not being used to it. Bell came here after meeting last night and stayed all night with us. She took Georgie up home with her in the forenoon to spend the day. I went to market in the evening and came home about 8 o’clock when it commenced raining. JULY 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy with occasional fine rain and mist. I went to the shop and worked as usual. After tea, I trimmed an Elm tree standing in front of the house. Robert Dunning came along as I was doing it and helped me drag off the limbs I cut off, after which I walked downtown with him and did some marketing and returned home. JULY 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the time during the day. Mother walked down about 9 o’clock and went from here to church about meeting time. John Brayman came over and picked a mess of peas from our vines before we rose this morning. Gussie told him last night to come and get them. Gussie went to church this morning. I went down to Sunday School and returned when it was over, not staying to the prayer meeting in the P.M. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen new catechisms and one copy of the Sunday School Advocates for the three remaining months of the Advocate year. I enclosed $.56 for the both of them, that being the amount of the bill. After tea, I took Georgie to walk over to Mr. McDonald’s. When I returned with him, we took him in his carriage and went over to Daniel Starr’s and made a short call before evening meeting. I went to church in the evening; Mr. Webb preached. After meeting, I walked up home with Bell, she being alone. JULY 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and not so extremely warm as last week. I brought water from Father Griswold’s cistern before breakfast for Gussie to wash with; this is the first time we have been obliged to do so this summer. John Meaker made his finishing shop foul today. Mallory discharged all his finishers Saturday and it is expected that his shop will be made foul also. After tea, I hoed my cabbages and went to market. I called at David Osborne’s store to tell him of my wagon for sale, I having heard that he wanted to buy one. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up her currant jelly in cups. JULY 24 TUESDAY - A beautiful summer day, not extremely hot. Mrs. Coles came over this morning and picked a mess of peas which we gave her if she would pick them. Mrs. Pulling came about 7 o’clock as we were eating breakfast this morning with our butter – 2 lbs. I paid her for it - $.70. David Osborne came to look at my wagon. He thought the springs were not quite heavy enough to suit him. I went to market in the evening. JULY 25 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful morning. I worked as usual in the shop. We had a heavy shower about 1 o’clock P.M. As it passed over, the sun shone a short time, but another soon followed which was far heavier than the first. It continued until nearly 8 o’clock in the evening. I went into the street in the evening to take a lamp for repairs and to go to the Post Office. I bought a small kit of Mackerel No. 1 at Randell & Bradley’s to be sent up tomorrow morning. I paid $3.12 for them. I walked up with Joseph W. Allen from the street He came home with me to get a bottle of cider at father Griswold’s for his wife, it being ordered by the doctor. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. I made some lemonade which we drank before retiring. JULY 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I had the headache in the afternoon. As I came from work, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s; also one dozen No. 1 catechisms which I ordered last Sunday. After tea, I went over to Robert Dunning’s for a few moments to see him shoot at a mark with his rifle. I stayed at home in the evening with Georgie and let Gussie go into the street. JULY 27 FRIDAY - Warm, muggy, clouds, sunshine and a little rain. I worked as usual in the shop and stayed until about 7 o’clock. Gussie is calculating to go to Norwalk with an excursion tomorrow in company with and at the invitation of Mr. Cole’s folks. She accordingly went up for Bell to come and stay all night and take Georgie home with her tomorrow morning after she leaves for Norwalk. JULY 28 SATURDAY - An excursion to Norwalk and Roton Point. Gussie went in the company of Mr. Coles’ folks. Warm and muggy in the morning. Showers in the middle of the day; a severe one between 4 and 5 o’clock P.M. Walter Fayerweather’s house on Highland Avenue was struck by lightning. Bell stayed with us last night and did the work after breakfast to let Gussie go on the picnic and then took Georgie home with her. On account of the shower, she did not come home with him at night. The excursionist arrived here at 11 o’clock. I met Gussie and Susan Brayman at the depot. JULY 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. On account of retiring so late last night, we did not get up this morning until after 8 o’clock. Gussie is nearly used up from her excursion yesterday. She did not go to church as usual this morning, so I went instead. We expected Mr. Lockwood to tea with us, but he, not feeling well, concluded not to come. Father came down with Georgie this morning about 8 o’clock. After tea, I took a walk into West Street and up to Seth Downs’ and return. I then wrote to George to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and to the Bible House on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets to enquire the price of cheap bibles per dozen. Gussie walked up to the cemetery about 6 P.M. with Harriet and Mr.Stokes and others of their family, I believe. I stayed with Georgie. She returned too late to get to evening meeting, so she went over to Mrs. Green’s to see how their little boy, Sammy was. He is dangerously sick. I made some lemonade before retiring. JULY 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I gave Gussie $2.25 to pay Mrs. Baxter for dress making. I bought $.25 worth of sugar to make lemonade at the shop. Received a letter from George with $10.00 enclosed to pay Mr. Harris towards his suit of clothes which he bought when he was home over the 4th of July. Reverend L. Webb delivered a lecture in the evening at our church on the massacre by the Sioux Indians of the white settlers in Minnesota in August, 1862. As we went (Gussie and I), I called at Mr. Harris’ store and paid him the $10.00 George sent to him towards his clothes. Brother Webb was in Minnesota at the time doing military duty against the Indians. He was Adj. General to General Sibley at the time. The papers today state that the Atlantic cable has been successfully laid, it being the third attempt. Messages have been sent back and forth already. JULY 31 TUESDAY - I wrote a letter to George before breakfast in answer to one received yesterday but did not mail it until this evening. A number of men have been shopped today to go into the new shop (formerly used for foul men) as Mr. Crofut has more work than can be done in his main shop. Ed Harris, James Hagen, Daniel Manly, John Knowles and others were shopped. I worked until 7 o’clock at the shop. Received a letter from Carlton & Porter in reference to the bibles for Sunday School use. I went to market in the evening – bought clams, eggs and lemons. An account in the papers today of a riot in New Orleans, or rather a mob. Loyal men assembled in a convention were attacked by rebels who had formerly fought in the Rebel Army. The affair took place on the 30th of July.
1866-07
Horace Purdy Journal October 1866 Entry
12pgs
OCT 01 MONDAY - Gussie went to Norwalk this morning with Susan Brayman to visit with her for a few days. When I went to work, I left Georgie up to Father Griswold’s until noon when Bell came down and took him up home with her to stay until Gussie returns. It being Town election, I left my work at 9 A.M. and went down and voted. I came home and got my supper which consisted of bread milk and pie, after which I helped Louise catch some chickens on an apple tree and put them in the stable. I then went up into Father Griswold’s study to pay him my interest money, but not being able to know the price of gold today, we deferred out business until tomorrow evening. I went into the street in the evening to market and to the Post Office. OCT 02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I cooked my breakfast this morning alone, put up my dinner, locked the house and went to work. As I came from work this evening, I took a letter from the Office from George soliciting a dollar to pay a washing bill. After supper, I wrote a reply and enclosed the dollar. As I was writing, Louise came in with her collecting paper for the Centenary Fund and to have me put down my name. She was going to meeting and I to market, so I walked down with her. While in the street, I saw Hanford Fairchild and he gave me the $200 he was to lend me for three months. I paid the interest in advance - $4.50 and gave my note for the $200. This transaction is on behalf of George, who will some time I hope pay it back again. When I returned from the street, I went up and paid my interest to Father Griswold. I pay him the interest he would have received on the 5/20 bonds which he sold to get the money for me. The price of gold at the present makes my interest for the past 6 month $47.85, but he would take only $44.00. OCT 03 WEDNESDAY - I took breakfast up to Father Griswold’s. I worked in the shop until nearly noon when I quit and went to the Danbury Bank and took up my note of $260. I then came home and took dinner again with the Griswold’s. I picked apples in the P.M. for Father Griswold from the tops of the trees where he could not reach. I had half for picking them. I got about two bbls. for myself for my afternoon’s work. I went up home to tea and to see Georgie. He has been there since Monday and is happy as can be. I went to market in the evening and brought home from the tinner’s the pail I left there this morning to have some inside fixtures put in for a dinner pail. OCT 04 THURSDAY - A heavy frost this morning. I got my own breakfast and went to the shop. When I got there, I caught the boys playing a trick on me by picking the lock to my drawer and drawing part way out and loading it with old iron and other rubbish, the weight of this broke down the drawer. This made me provoked since it took me and hour or more to repair the damages. I worked until after 2 P.M. and then came home to finish picking apples on shares for Father Griswold. Before tea, I went down to Charles Hull’s for a new length of pipe for the cook stove. I took tea with Father Griswold’s folks. Brought our washing home from Mrs. Dunning’s in the evening. Received a letter by evening mail from Edwin saying that he had engaged 100 lbs. of butter for me as I requested. I went to the depot in the evening thinking perhaps that Gussie might come, but she did not. While waiting for the train in Bailey’s Jewelry Store, I paid W. Worthington dues to Hatters Association from April 10 to Oct 10. Clock from Bailey’s. It runs really well now. OCT 05 FRIDAY - A heavy frost this morning. The ground was frozen quite hard and ice on a pail of water out of doors was frozen ¼ inch thick. I got my breakfast alone. As I was ready to eat it, Louise came down with some griddle cakes smoking hot which relished nicely. Gussie came home from her visit to Norwalk with Susan Brayman on this morning’s train. She has been gone since Monday. Sarah Coles went with them; they had a good time, they say. Andrew Hull came for my stove this afternoon and repaired it with new bricks and pipe and blacked it. He came back with it about 5 ½ o’clock P.M. and set it up for us. I made a fire in it when I came home which felt good. Bell came home with Georgie just at night. He has been up there since Monday. I carried the carpet bag home to Mrs. Bradley which Gussie borrowed to take with her. I went to market and to George Hull & Sons to settle for repairs on the stove, but the bill not being made out, I deferred settlement until some other time. OCTOBER 06 SATURDAY - A heavy frost again this morning, about the same as yesterday. The day has been pleasant, though cool. We were limited in our work today in the shop for the first in a long time. We had only one dozen which was less than half a day’s work. After we were paid off, which was about 2 1/2 o’clock, I went up and paid George Hull off for repairing my stove - $10.00. I bought of Charles Hull a yard square of zinc for the sitting room stove. I called on Brother Hill and paid him $2.75 for the Christian Advocate for George. I then came home and picked what few winter apples I had on my trees. Gussie went up home to my folks with Georgie and spent the P.M. She stayed until dark which made a late tea for me. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and came home after the session. After tea, we took Georgie and walked over to John Earl’s where I left a collector’s card for John Earl to collect for the Sunday School centenary Fund. I also left one at Henry Ely’s for Willie. When we returned, Gussie went over to John Brayman’s and I to Robert Dunning’s to see in his wife could do our washing tomorrow. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to church in the evening. When I returned from Dunning’s he walked over with me and stayed until evening meeting time. Before retiring, I wrote to Carleton & Porter ordering Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals for another year, also one dozen no. 2 catechisms. I intend tomorrow to get a check at the bank for the amount of money I want to forward to C&P. I shall retain the letter until then and enclose the check. Brother Hill did not preach but talked from the pulpit this morning. The little Irishman who preached last Sunday preached in the P.M. Isaac Sanford preached in the evening. OCTOBER 08 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I carried our washing over to Mrs. Dunning before breakfast. At noon, rather than leave my work, I sent by the foreman, Victor Benedict, to the Pahquioque Bank $29.10 for a check to Carlton & Porter for Sunday School papers and a dozen No. 2 catechisms for the school. We were limited in our work at the shop again today. I finished mine about 3 ½ o’clock and came home and cut some gun wads from hat roundings. Sunday School Teachers’ business meeting in the evening. As I went I mailed my order to Carlton & Porter for Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals, also for a dozen No. 2 catechisms. I enclosed a check for $29.10, the amount of the bill. Before retiring, I copied the minutes of the Teachers’ meeting, also wrote to Edwin in reply to his letter received on the 4th, and wrote again ordering Scripture tickets for the Infant Class from Carlton & Porter and went immediately down and mailed them. OCTOBER 09 TUESDAY - I worked in the shop until a little after 2 o’clock to get up my stint of 2 dozen came home by way of W. E. Wright’s and had his boy drive home with me and get my kerosene oil can to fill. He took it away and returned with it after a little time with 5 gallons. I worked at chopping up some old pea brush until tea time. Charles Crofut, having sold the sifters I left there, I carried three more down in the evening as I went. I attended class in the evening. I accepted $2.60 for the sifters he had sold. OCTOBER 10 WEDNESDAY - Still cloudy and a little cooler but no rain. We had but 2 dozen hats to finish today which lasted me until nearly 4 o’clock. When I came home, I found Mrs. Cocking upstairs, she having come to her rooms to get something to take up to Mr. Lynes’ I walked out the with her to see Robert about potatoes. He thought it doubtful if they had any to spare. Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr’s to call in the P.M. When I returned from Mr. Lynes’ she had returned again. I went to market in the evening, also to Mrs. Blair’s to get Henry’s address to write about his dog. I wrote and mailed it before I retired. I tried to enter into an engagement with him to take the dog and care for him this fall for the use of him. Before tea, I went over to Mrs. Dunning’s for our washing. I paid her $1.00 for it. OCTOBER 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work this morning, I went to Raymond’s market and ordered a peck of quinces for Mother Griswold and a peck for myself and paid for both of them. I finished a hat for Mr. Pond just before I quit work; it was too late to get it trimmed today. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie go into the street with me. She went to Mrs. Grey to get a pattern for a baby’s cloak cut. By the evening mail, I received a note from E. C. Andrews acknowledging the receipt of money for the cost of sifters George purchased. OCTOBER 12 FRIDAY - Stormy. As I went to work this morning, I called at Joseph Ives to say that we would take the oil cloth which my wife and I looked at last evening. The hat I finished yesterday for Mr. Pond, I got trimmed today and brought home. After tea, I took it over to him and he paid me $3.50, just what it had cost me aside from my work. Before I came home, he took me to his house to show me the new furnace he has down cellar and the register from it in the rooms above. I received a letter from Henry Blair in New York saying that I am welcome to use his dog whenever I want him but he prefers having him at his home rather than let me keep him on account of his sister who is very fond of the dog. I went to market in the evening. I talked with Joseph Ives about John Brayman who owes him for goods bought about a year ago and promise to pay but does not. Ives spoke first of the matter; I said as little as I could against John, but could not deny the facts. The first Sunday School papers on the new year’s subscription came today. I answered Henry Blair’s letter in the evening and mailed it as I went to market. OCTOBER 13 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Bailey’s Circus and Menagerie showed here this afternoon and evening. I worked until 4 o’clock to get up my stint. As I came from work, I took from the Office a letter from Henry Blair saying that I could take his dog, “Bird”, and keep him this fall if I would be responsible for him. I also received a letter from Edwin in which was his bill for butter -105 lbs. at $.33. I went over to Mr. Pond’s after tea and showed him the bill of the butter. I then went into the street to market and called at Brother Hill’s to talk about Bell leaving our church to join the Baptists. I carried a few pears to Brother Hill. Before retiring, I answered Mr. Blair’s letter stating to him to what extent I would be responsible for his dog. OCTOBER 14 SUNDAY - I slept but little last night on account of being up with Gussie who was very sick with bilious colic and has been during today. I went for the doctor about 5 o’clock this morning, first calling Fanny to stay with her while I was gone. She has been very sick today; a high fever in the forenoon. The fever gave way in the P.M. and she had less pain across her. Her symptoms are decidedly better this evening. Just before evening meeting time, Emily Anderson and Mrs. Stone, also Susan Brayman and Mrs. Cole came to call on Gussie. After tea, I wrote to George with a letter I wrote last evening to Henry Blair I sent to the Office by Fanny as she went to meeting this evening. Emily brought me money for the Sunday School Advocates from two of her scholars – Eva Grannis and Mary Parsons. OCTOBER 15 MONDAY - Pleasant; a lovely day. Gussie not being able to get breakfast this morning, I ate mine up to Mother Griswold’s. After breakfast, they brought some delicate food down for Gussie. She finally got up and had her clothes on for the remainder of the day. I came home to dinner to look after Gussie a little. Mrs. Pond, Mrs. Davis, and Susan Brayman called during the day to see Gussie. Georgie was up to Mother Griswold’s most of the time. As I came home from work at night, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and got some old damaged envelopes for nothing. I got them (a part at least) to give to Fanny to use in the Sunday School infant class for them to enclose their centenary money to hand to the Treasury next Sunday morning. I came by the way of Mrs. Blair’s in Stevens Street to get henry’s dog, but he was not at home. Fanny came down and helped me a little about getting tea. I went to Dr. Bulkley’s in the evening to get more medicine and to settle with him for his visit on Sunday morning, which I did. I got a letter from George stating that he is about sick with a heavy cold and hard work. Enclosed was $5.00 towards what he owes me. Before coming home, I went to Blair’s again, but “Bird” was not at home. The 1st Congregational Church is being painted. A man has been at work today at the top of the spire just under the vane. I took our washing over to Mrs. Dunning’s before breakfast this morning. Answered George’s letter before retiring. OCTOBER 16 TUESDAY - Pleasant. We had but one dozen hats to finish today which I did before dinner. In the P.M., I went to the depot on the arrival of the freight train and found that the keg of butter - 105 lbs. - which I ordered for Mr. Pond and myself had come. I borrowed Joseph Ives’ horse and brought it home to Mr. Pond’s cellar. A. W. Parmalee came for two flour sifters which I let him have. Smith Pulling also came at night for one which I sold for $.80, it being damaged. I mailed a Post Office money order this evening to Edwin for the butter - $36.15. After tea, we opened it and found it to be excellent. Moses Baxter began to move out of his father’s house this evening. The old man is so ugly that they are unable to live with him; his wife has also left him. OCTOBER 17 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work at the shop a little after 2 o’clock. I came home by way of Widow Blair’s on Stevens Street and got Henry’s bird dog and took him home with me according to promise yesterday. I took the dog and gun and went over to Robert Cocking’s to go hunting with him, but he not being home, I went a little while alone. I shot one quail. Hanford Fairchild was married this morning at our church to Emma Fanton. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 18 - THURSDAY - A lovely day. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home and after dinner started to hunt a little. I found a Mr. Hill (a lame man with a club foot) before I had gone far who joined me. We found but very few birds. I got one quail; he got nothing. On our way home, I stopped up home to see Mother who has been sick for several days. After tea, I wrote a note to Fred Benedict saying that he need not bring the ½ bushel of potatoes that I spoke of on trial as I had since bought a supply. I went into the street in the evening and mailed it and got a letter from George saying that he was still feeling unwell with pains in his side. When I returned from the street, I carried the quail I shot up to Mother Griswold’s and took a dish over to Mr. Pond’s for a pound of butter, the first we have got from the new butter from Ohio. Before retiring, I wrote to Edwin telling him how well we liked the butter he sent to us, and that two days ago I mailed him a Post Office money order for the amount of the bill - $36.10 – 105 lbs. @ $.33 – Keg - $1.50. OCTOBER 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Gussie was called up at 12 o’clock last night to go up to Henry Hinman’s, Anna being confined in child bed. She had not returned in the morning, so I got my breakfast, took Georgie up to Mother Griswold’s and went to the shop. She came home in the forenoon, but was sent for again before I came from work which was about 3 P.M. I got my own tea again. I made out a statistical report of the Sunday School for Brother Hill and carried it to him when I went to market in the evening. I wrote to Edwin ordering butter for Oscar Serine, also to George in reply to one yesterday and requested him to come home for a week or two until he feels better. He is scarcely able to work, having a continual pain in his side. Before coming home from the street, I went up to Henry Hinman's to get Gussie to come home, but she would not. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening. Lewis Bartram brought me the bushel of potatoes today. I paid him for the - $9.00. Gussie returned from Henry Hinman’s a little after 9 o’clock. The child, which was a daughter – 8 lbs., was born a little after 7 o’clock. Susan Wildman took arsenic this morning – “for fun” she said, and this evening there is fear that she will die. OCTOBER 20 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until noon. In the P.M., I went hunting down between Middle and Thomas Mountains. I shot one woodcock. Gussie went up to see Anna Hinman this afternoon. I went to market in the evening. Before retiring, I took the bird I shot up to Mother Griswold’s. OCTOBER 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant, so warm that it seems more like summer than fall. Our Sunday School Centenary meeting was held this forenoon in the audience room of the church. The usual forenoon service being omitted in order to give the time and room to the Sunday School. The money collected by the scholars was brought in which amounted to $360.02. I, being treasurer, was obliged to bring it home and count it, also give every scholar credit for the amount collected. Edward Barnum came over in the afternoon and assisted me. Asa Hill from Norwalk delivered the address to the school on the morning. He also preached in the evening. Gussie attended; I stayed home with Georgie. OCTOBER 22 MONDAY - Lowery. A little rain at times during the day, though the sun shone a little at times. The moon shone still more this evening. I took over $90.00 in currency with me as I went to the shop and disposed of it before I returned at night. I exchanged it for bills. It was the Sunday School Centenary money taken up yesterday. I had more work in the shop than I expected. I took no dinner, But John McNamara, a shopmate, brought some to me when he returned from dinner. “Bird’, the dog I am keeping for Henry Blair ran home this evening when I unchained him. I went over for him before bedtime and brought him back. The 1st Congregational Church people have been getting a new organ and this evening a free concert was given. I went in a short time and then came home. A dollar and a half counterfeit currency from the centenary currency I sold this evening to Albert Anderson, Jr. for $1.00. As Jacob Fry was coming from work this P.M., I sold him my old horse blanket, halter, curry comb and brush for $1.00. I gave George credit for the amount in the book. Wrote a letter to John Stephenson, Treasurer of the Centenary Committee, preparatory to enclosing a draft for the amount of money collected by our Sunday School which I intend to send tomorrow. OCTOBER 23 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler than last week. As I went to work in the morning, I went by way of George Starr’s and left with him $360 to take to the bank and get a draft to send to John Stephenson, Treasurer of the Conference Centenary Committee. As I came from work, I called on Mr. Starr and got the draft and mailed it with an order written last evening for Children’s Medals – 55 of the five dollar ones and 70 of the one dollar ones. At the same time, I mailed an order to N. Tibbles for 4 Children’s Centenary Anniversary books at $.60 and 6 of his Illustrated Centenary papers at $.25 each. In the evening I mailed an order for another paper for Seeley Harris. I received a letter from George today sent by Mr. Jabine with $20 enclosed. I answered it this evening. Fanny goes to Brooklyn tomorrow and I shall send some iron grease to George by her. He asked for it in his letter. I went to market in the evening and engaged Beatty to come for Fanny in the morning. Mr. Curtis, my neighbor, came home with me to get my gun to clean for me. He wants to use it a little tomorrow. I paid Alden G. Crosby this evening in Avery Raymond’s for my coal - $48.00. OCTOBER 24 WEDNESDAY - Colder today. Fanny started for Brooklyn this morning. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone has been helping Gussie clean the pantry and bedroom today. Just before tea, Mr. Curtis brought my gun home which he has been using today. He cleaned and oiled it nicely before bringing it home. He gave me a small vial of woodchuck oil to use in cleaning it. I went to market in the evening and by the evening mail received a letter from George asking my advice about attending Mr. Warrens wedding. He enclosed a note to Mr. Warren accepting his invitation to stand up with him with Lottie Keeler The letter was for me to hand him providing I thought it best for George to come. I thought so and immediately wrote a reply accordingly and mailed it before retiring. I spoke about the news business here to see what he thought about it. OCTOBER 25 THURSDAY - Pleasant but colder than yesterday. My work lasted until noon in the shop. I came home and about 2 o’clock with my dog and gun went out hunting. I went down between Thomas and Middle Mountains. I shot 2 woodcock, a partridge, and a meadowlark. I came home by way of Deer Hill and stopped to see Mother. After tea, I wrote to George. I took it into the street to mail but forgot a letter I took from the office this morning for him which I intended to enclose, so I brought it home again. The centenary Pictorial papers came by the morning mail and the books came this evening. I got the Sunday School papers also this evening from the news Office. O.H. Swift’s wife and mother called this evening. OCTOBER 26 FRIDAY - Last night was the coldest we have yet had. It had somewhat the appearance of snow this morning. We were stinted again at the shop but the stint was all that I could do. . The birds I shot yesterday we had for dinner and supper today. Father Griswold had a letter from Edwin today in which he sent word to me that he thought he could provide the butter I wrote about for Oscar Serine. I received a letter from John Stephenson in which was a receipt from Carlton & Porter for the $361 Centenary money which I forwarded to him not knowing that it should be forwarded to Carlton & Porter. Enclosed also was a bill of the medals from Carlton & Porter. After tea, I went into the street and talked with Quartius Chichester about buying out the news business. The letter I wrote last evening to George, I did not mail until this evening. OCTOBER 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant. My work at the shop lasted until noon. I paid John Swertfager (editor of the Jeffersonian) for one year, ending with No. 339. I carried in my list to the assessors, W. S. Peck and E. S. Davis; talked with Swift about the news business; called at Brother Hill’s about the Centenary books from N. Tibbels. I marked off the Sunday School Journals and Advocates and carried them to the church before tea. I went to market in the evening. Gussie at the same time went over to Mrs. Stone to see about helping her clean house on Monday. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie while we were gone. When Gussie returned, George came with her. He came from Brooklyn this morning. He will stay for a week in hopes that by that time, he will feel better. He is troubled by a pain in his side and has been for some time past. Robert Fry borrowed my feed cutter this evening. He takes it for a week until he can buy one of them and in the meantime, he is to sell it for me if he has an opportunity. OCTOBER 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cool. I took Georgie up to his Grandma Purdy’s in the forenoon in order that we could both be at Sunday School as the Centenary medals were to be given to the children for their collections to that fund. After supper, we both went up to see Georgie and to visit with big George. As we are to clean house tomorrow, we left him up there to stay all night. George came down with us and went to church in the evening. Mr. Cummings preached for us. Susan Brayman went with us to church also. “Bird” broke chain this evening and went home. OCTOBER 29 MONDAY - I lent my gun this morning to Mr. Curtis. Mrs. Stone cleaned house for us today. I had no work in the shop and helped about the house and built a house in the woodhouse for Henry Blair’s dog “Bird” that I am keeping for him now during the hunting season. . In the P.M., George came down with me to Mr. Harris’ to get an overcoat. He found one which he thought would suit him and took it home. He is to pay for it in installments after he returns to his business in Brooklyn. He came home with me to tea and stayed in the evening. I went to market in the evening. As I went, I accompanied Mrs. Stone a part of her way home and she stepped into a hole in Montgomery Street and spilled a part of the whitewash which I gave her to carry home. Georgie is still away up to Grandma’s on Deer Hill. OCTOBER 30 TUESDAY - A terrible rainstorm last night and this forenoon. The rain came through our roof, the wall and into the sitting room badly. The streams rose the highest that they have been in 10 years. I had work all day in the shop and notwithstanding a severe headache, I worked until night. As I went to work this morning, I mailed a letter to N. Tibbels, 140 Nassau Street, New York for Brother Hill. He gave it to me last night to enclose with an order for books myself. But not being yet ready to send my order, I mailed his order. I gave $.50 today on a paper for George Sears’ who is very low with the consumption. Gussie went up home this P.M. to see Georgie. As he was doing well and seem contented, she concluded to leave him over tomorrow, it being washing day. George came down home with her a little after dark. Mrs. Stone called early in the evening and she and Gussie went uptown to see Anne Hinman. While she was gone, I went over to Mrs. Blair’s to see if “Bird” had got home but he had not. OCTOBER 31 WEDNESDAY - Cool and pleasant. No work in the shop. I took Henry Blair’s gun this morning and tried it for Charles Gilbert who thinks of buying it. In cleaning my gun, I lost the wormer from the rod in one barrel and had to take it up to the machinist to get it out. I went with George to see the Excelsior and New Milford ball clubs play a matched game on the grounds of the Excelsior’s. We went up home for supper to eat apple dumplings with George. I went with George to borrow a frock coat of Harris to stand up in with Mr. Warren tomorrow. George and Bell went to meeting in the evening and came this way to go home. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Louise spent the evening with us. Before retiring, I wrote to N. Tibbels ordering two children’s centenary books, also 4 illustrated centennial papers for members of the Sunday School.
1866-10
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