Horace Purdy Journal, March 1863 Entry
5pgs
3/1 Sunday - Stormy. Snow and rain. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and in the P.M. I wrote to George and to Cousin David Mills. Mother came down just before evening meeting and brought a letter which she had written to George to be enclosed in mine. I went to meeting in the evening. It was a prayer meeting in the basement. An unusual interest was manifest for the country both in prayer and exhortation. It cleared off in the evening with a high wind and growing cold fast. 3/2 Monday - Pleasant. I worked as long as I could in the shop. After tea I mailed a Tribune to George and a letter to Louise Wright for Gussie. 3/3 Tuesday - Stormy in the forenoon; snow. It cleared off after dinner. I have worked very hard and am very tired. I went to the market in the evening. Gussie received a letter from Anne (Edwin's wife) by the morning mail with a Carte de Visite of herself and baby for Gussie. 3/4 Wednesday - Pleasant . When I came home from work at night I found that Mrs. Powell and Mead had come from Brooklyn. They were up home, and I went up there to tea. I went to the market in the evening but it was so late before I went on account of company that I did not get to class meeting. I mailed a Semi Weekly Tribune to George. 3/5 Thursday - A pretty cold night last. Mrs. Mead stayed with us last night while her sister m Mrs. Powel stayed with Harriet. Having a severe headache, I left my work and came home after dinner. Mrs. Powel, Mrs. Mead and Harriet took teat with us. I stayed at home in the evening to lest Gussie go with her company into the street shopping and to meeting. I mailed to George the Danbury Times and a Semi Weekly Tribune, both in one wrapper. 3/6 Friday - A snow squall in the morning. It lasted for an hour or two and then ceased. It remained cloudy during the day. The moon and stars shone in the evening. I received a letter from George in the morning mail. He is flat on his back with a fever. I wrote to him in the evening. Mr. Mallet from Redding called to see me this noon about letting me have some money $1,100.00 with which to take up two notes and mortgages on my place and have any indebtedness on my house in one amount in one place, but to be paid annually at the expiration of each year instead of semi-annually and in advance as I have done on $700.00 heretofore at the Savings Bank. I gladly accepted the offer. Eddie is in a singular manner deprived almost entirely the use of his legs in walking today. We feel some concern about him. 3/7 Saturday - It began to snow before noon and continued all day and in the evening. Mr. Mansfield was buried today. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter for Gussie from Harriet. 3/8 Sunday - It snowed until about noon. I shoveled paths around home and up to Father Griswold's in the morning. I went down to the church in time for Sunday School. Communion in the P.M. I wrote to George after tea. Louise came down and stayed with Eddie and let Gussie and I go to hear Mr. Coe preach his sermon on patriotism at our church. He preached the same sermon on Washington's Birthday two weeks ago in his own church. Text. Deut 34:7-8. 3/9 Monday - About 4 or 5 inches of snow fell last night. I spent considerable time this morning in sweeping paths for Harriet, Father Griswold and myself. A little boy of Mr. Allen's (our first neighbor north) accidently had his foot nearly cut off by Violette Pine (a little colored girl across the way) while cutting wood together. Dr. William C. Bennett who came home today from the army on furlough dressed the wound. I went to Teachers' Meeting in the evening. After I came home, I copied the minutes before retiring. I took a letter from the Office for Gussie from Marianne Underhill, one of her old schoolmates at Armenia Seminary (Ed. Note ' town of Amenia in Duchess County , NY) 3/10 Tuesday - I have worked as usual in the shop. Did not get paid off yesterday on account of Mr. Crofut being in New York, but was paid today $28.00. Josiah Day discharged from the 17th Reg't. Called on me at the shop and handed me a package of George's received letters which he sent home by him. He said that George was some better when he left the Reg't last Thursday. I wrote a letter to George after tea and went down and mailed it. 3/11 Wednesday - More snow last night. It cleared off in the middle of the day. A snow squall in the evening. I received a letter from George by the evening mail. It was written by Mr. Warren, I think. He was better when it was written. I went to class meeting in the evening. 3/12 Thursday - Pleasant . I have worked as usual in the shop. I brought home Mr. Witherspoon's vinegar jug to [let] him have a [gal ??] and carry it to him at the shop in the morning. I went to Dr. Bulkely's in the evening to consult him about Eddie and got some medicine for him I paid him what I owed him $8.30. I then went over to the Post Office and finished a letter I had begun to George and mailed it. At the Office I saw Dr. William Bennett who said that he could take a small parcel to George when he returns which will be on Saturday he says. I went up home and got George's soft hat to send to him. 3/13 Friday - Pleasant. I carried Mr. Witherspoon's jug filled with vinegar to him to the shop this morning. I went over to Mr. Olmstead's for Father Griswold's hams before tea but they were not out of the smokehouse. I went to market in the evening. I carried a small package containing a soft hat over to Dr. Bennett's this morning to carry to George in the 17th Reg't as he returns to his Reg't the 5th tomorrow. 3/14 Saturday - Pleasant. Bell stayed with us last night. After dinner, Gussie came to the shop with a letter from George. He is worse and in the hospital at Brook's Station on the Aquia and Falmouth R.Road, Va. I left my work to go to Bethel to see if Chas. Mills had got home yet as George requested that he should come and take care of him if he could be persuaded to do so. He had not got home. I stayed to tea and took the evening train up. I also went to see Lieut. George Averill before going to Bethel and after my return about getting a pass at Washington to go within our lines if I should go to see George. I received a letter from Cousin David Mills 5th Reg't in the evening. 3/15 Sunday - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and wrote in the P.M. and evening to George and to Dr. William Bennett, Surgeon in the 5th Reg't requesting their influence to get a furlough for George to come home and regain his health or a transfer to some hospital nearer home. I got Lieut. George Averill's signature joining with me in my request to Dr. Hubbard. Gussie went to prayer meeting I the evening. 3/16 Monday - I worked until noon. I ate my dinner and then came home with a sick headache. On my way home, I stopped at the Jeffersonian Office to let Mr. Ashley extract something from David Mills' letter for the issue of this week. I ate no supper. I vomited a good deal in the evening. Gussie went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter for me from Mr. Warren informing me about George. He visited him last Tuesday at the hospital and again on Thursday, the day he wrote the letter. He says that he is better. The hospital doctor says that he has the Typhoid Fever, but the Regimental Surgeon says not. 3/7 Tuesday - St. Patrick's Day. Not feeling well, I did not go to the shop. I went down to the Post Office. I stayed home in the P.M., went to bed, after which I wrote to David Mills and to Mr. Warren. The Irish turned out in grand style to keep up St. Patrick's day. This was their first demonstration ever made on this day in Danbury. Gussie went downtown in the P.M.I went down and mailed my two letters in the evening. Father Monahan, the Catholic priest lectured at Concert Hall in the evening. 3/18 Wednesday - Pleasant . I worked hard all day in the shop. Bro. Crawford and wife, Charles Stevens and wife, George Miller and wife, were at Father Griswold's to tea. Gussie being there, I also went there to tea. I went down intending to go to class, but was too late. I took a letter from the Office for Gussie from Mrs. Mead Brooklyn and then went to hear Wadsworth speak on the political issues of the day at Concert Hall. 3/19 Thursday - Pleasant. In the P.M. I, with other returned Volunteers under the command of Capt. Wildman, attended the funeral of Patrick Lilly who died in hospital. 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Co. B. We turned out with drum and fife with Jackson's Cadet Muskets. He was buried in the Catholic burying ground. I took a letter from the Office for Mother from Harriet in the evening and went to prayer meeting. 3/20 Friday - Pleasant . I felt in excellent condition for work in the forenoon, but after dinner I was taken with the sick headache and was obliged to leave work about 3 o'clock. I went home by way of Couch's Picture Gallery and got a dollar's worth of Cartes de Visite of wife and baby which I ordered a few days ago. I went to bed after I got home. Bell came down after school to stay all night and tomorrow Aunt Louisa called while we were at our tea. Gussie went to Sewing So(ciety) in the evening. I, not feeling well enough, did not go into the street. 3/21 Saturday - Charles Mills arrived home in Bethel last night. He came up on the train this morning and came to the shop. I stopped work and took him home with me to dinner. Caroline came up on the freight train. I spent the afternoon with them and went to the depot at {??] o'clock as they returned to Bethel. Harriet joined them at the depot and went home too. Bell, who came down last night stayed with us today and went up home again after tea. I received a letter from George by the morning mail. He is still in the hospital at Brook's Station and somewhat better, the fever being broken and changed. 3/22 Sunday ' Pleasant and warm, but the melting snow made it very wet and muddy. I went to church and spent both the forenoon and afternoon at the library checking the book from Carleton & Porter's and the Sunday School Union Catalogues in order to use the catalogues to select some new ones for the library as we have about one hundred dollars to spend for new books for our library. After Sunday School, Bell came up to take care of Eddie so that Gussie could go in the P.M. I finished a letter to George and mailed it with the Times in the evening. John Cosier called just before evening meeting time to see about going to New York to get the Sunday School library books. He wants me to go with him. 3/23 Monday - Sick, Joseph Young drew my pay and brought it to me at night. I went down to John Cosier's office and stayed until the mail came. A letter for Gussie from Ellen Dare. I not feeling able, Gussie went to doctor's and got some medicine for me and to the Post Office in the evening. She got a letter from her old school mate, now Mrs. Wright. 3/24 Tuesday - Cloudy, chilly, southeast wind. Appearance of storm. Sick. I stayed at home and took medicine all day. 3/25 Wednesday - I took a profuse sweat last night. I feel better, though very weak. It rained hard with thunder in the P.M. I received a letter from David Mills and answered it. A Mr. Hamilton from Texas is to speak to the people tonight a Concert Hall upon the political issues of the day to aid in the election of Buckingham for Governor. 3/26 Thursday (Ed note: Purdy calls it 3/25) I went down to John Cosier's office in the morning and we checked off more books on the Book Room catalogue preparatory to going to the city to buy them. Charles Mills came up on the train and stayed to dinner. I went with him to Averill's office to get him to take a pension agency for his friend in Washington. I then went to the Cars and went to New York with John Cosier and wife to buy books for the Sunday School. I stopped for the night with Bro. Pegg in Forsyth Street. 3/27 Friday (Ed note: Purdy calls it 3/26) - In New York. After breakfast, Mr. Cosier came down to Bro. Pegg and we went up to the Book Room to buy our books. We bought some at the Sunday School Union and also at then Tract Societies Room. But the largest portion, we bought at the Book Room. We were very busy all day. We took dinner at a Restaurant. We finished our book buying about 4 o'clock, when we went over to Brooklyn together. I went up Fulton Avenue to Gideon Powell's and Cosier went another way. I stayed to Mr. Powell's to tea. I went with them to hear Cyrus Foss preach in the evening. But we were disappointed. His brother Archibald preached in his stead. I returned with them and stayed all night. 3/28 Saturday (Ed note: Purdy calls it 3/27) ' After breakfast at Mr. Powell's, I went over to the corner of Classon and Greene Avenues to call on Mrs. Mead. From there, I went to Claremont Avenue near DeKalb and stayed with Harriet until noon at her boarding place at Mrs. Boyles. I took dinner with them. After which, I started for New York on my way home. I intended to stop in Pine Street to see Mr. Mead and in Murray to see Mr. Powell, but it began to rain so hard that I did not. I arrived home in the evening. 3/29 Sunday - Pleasant and muddy in the morning. It grew cold in the P.M. and evening and froze up hard. I attended church in the morning. Mr. Coe preached for us. After Sunday School, I came home. After tea, I wrote to George and Harriet. I filled out 3 Certificates of discussion for the Loveland and DeWolfe children. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 3/30 Monday - Do not feel very strong yet. I ordered 1,000 labels for our Sunday School books at Ashley's (the Jeffersonian office). The books came from New York this P.M. by freight. I went down to the shop just before night and ironed over Father Griswold's silk hat preparatory to going to conference. In the evening I received and answered a letter from George. He is better, or was when he wrote. I mailed to him $1.00 in money and stamps. 3/31 Tuesday - Snow in the morning. Father Griswold and myself went to the Savings Bank about 9 o'clock to do business with Ephraim and Alfred Gregory and Mr. Mallett of Redding. I took eleven hundred dollars from Mr. Mallett and gave him my note and a mortgage deed together with my insurance policy to secure him. With the said $1,100.00 I took up Gregory's note of seven hundred at the Savings Bankand my note of Four Hundred with Alfred Gregory and took quit claims from the parties. D.B. Booth executed my papers for me. The mortgage deed required a Revenue Stamp of $2.00, the Note, 60 cents. I sold some specie (silver) for 23% premium which amounted to $1.37. I sold it to Robinson the Jeweler. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I did some writing for the Sunday School and retired about 10 o'clock. The snow storm continued all day.
1863-03
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1863 Entry
6pgs
4/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop for the first (time) in over a week. Mr. Swift moved this P.M. John Cosier came home from the city today. He called about six o'clock this evening to see the books which are now in my parlor. Mr. Brady from New York speaks for the administration and the Union and for our candidate for Governor, Buckingham. I went to the Post Office and mailed two Danbury Times to George. 4/2 THURSDAY ' worked in the shop. Went to the Jeffersonian office and got 1,200 labels for Sunday School books. John Cosier and wife, Fanny and Harriet came in and helped about pasting them in the books and numbering them. Bell came down and helped take care of Eddie. She stayed all night. Tomorrow being fast day and no work, we were paid off today. 4/3 FRIDAY - Fast day. I finished labeling the Infant Class books this morning. I have been sick with a headache. John Cosier came in the evening and helped pack the books to take to church tomorrow. David Bradley came home this evening on a furlough from the 17th Reg't. 4/4 SATURDAY - Mr. Cosier came with a team this morning and we carried the new library books down to the church and brought the old ones away to be looked over and reserve the best to be put back again into the library. I did not feel well enough to go to the shop and work. Mr. Swift paid me my rent today. I put a new lock on the door at the head of the stairs for Mr. Cocking. Gussie went into the street in the evening while Fanny and I looked over the old library books and discarded such as we thought best. It began to rain about 8 o'clock and I bundled up and went into the street with rubbers and umbrella for Gussie. I found her at Mr. Swift's office waiting for the mail, as the cars had not arrived. [???] Stone fell dead in Raymond's Fish Market this evening. Heart disease was the difficulty. 4/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy with a little snow and rain during the day. Father Griswold having come home last night, the Conference being adjourned in order to let the Connecticut preachers to come home to vote, he preached for us this morning. There being no Librarian present at noon to give out the new books, Edward Barnum acted as librarians and gave out the new books for the first time. They gave good satisfaction to the school. In the P.M., I stayed home and looked up my Sunday School accounts preparatory to my Annual Report as Secretary and Treasurer. I wrote a letter to George and one to Henry Mead in Brooklyn to let them know that we would be at their house tomorrow on a visit. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Isabella took care of Eddie so that we could both go. She is to stay all night with us. (Ed. Note: No diary entries from April 6 through April 12 because of trip to New York). 4/13 MONDAY - Returned home from New York this P.M. on the freight train. We left Henry Mead's house on the corner of Classon and Greene Avenues, Brooklyn at 7 o'clock this morning. It is just a week ago today since we left home to go to New York. My journal is blank for one week back. Gussie was very sick with sick headache a week ago tonight when we arrived in Brooklyn. One Tuesday morning, we went to Williamsburg to Conference. Judge Belto of U. S. Court was there, also Gen Wood [?] by request of the Conference to administer the Oath of Allegiance to the members of the Conference. The time was occupied with patriotic addresses and altogether, it was one of the most interesting occasions that I was ever present at. We came home to Mr. Mead's to dinner and in the afternoon we went down to Clermont Ave. to Mr. Boyles and spent a part of the P.M. From there, we went to Myrtle Ave. between Bridge and Duffield Streets to Mr. Matthew's dry goods store and did some shopping. We came back to Mr. Mead's to tea and stayed all night. Wednesday morning - After breakfast, we called at Mr. Powel's for the first in Carleton Ave. near Fulton No. 368. From there, we called on Mrs. Watson, 319 Gold Street. She went out shopping with us. Gussie bought a shawl, after which we went over to New York and took dinner at Taylor's on Broadway and then went to the museum. After which, we went up to Fourth Street, No. 654, and called on Mr. Davis. They were not in. We then took a walk up as far as Ninth Street by the church and parsonage. Took the 1st and2nd Ave. cars down to Peck Slip, walked to Fulton Street, took tea at a restaurant near Fulton Market, across the way, and then we crossed the ferry and went up to the Mead's for the night. Thursday - we visited the Navy Yard, took Mrs. Johnson with us. Called on the Whalen girls in Nassau Street and went down near the City Hall and got our dinners after which, we went up to Mr. Boyle's in Clermont Ave. near DeKalb and spent P.M. with Harriet, took tea and stayed awhile in the evening and then went to Mr. Powel's 368 Carleton Ave. near Fulton and stayed all night. Friday - After breakfast I went over to New York with Mr. Powel to his place of business. On the way, we stopped in Nassau Street at Mr. Tibbals [?] and I bought an Album for Harriet Wheeler - $3.00. I went to the store with Mr. Powel and then went to Barclay Street, No. 88 and called on Mr. Boyle at his place of business. From there, I went into Maiden Lane to price some carpet bags and then went to 97 Pine Street and called on Mr. Mead at his place of business, and then crossed the ferry and went up to Mr. Powel's residence where I left Gussie, and took dinner there. After dinner, Mrs. Johnson went with us to Greenwood. On our return, we called on Miss[?] Stewart in Clinton Street No. 82, after which, we returned to the Powel's again for the night. Gussie, having a severe sick headache, she retired without eating a bite. Saturday morning we called on Miss [?] Jones, 256 Shermerhorn Street and then went over to New York to 69 Murray Street, Mr. Powel's store and bought some shoes. We then went up to Fourth Street again and called at Mr. Davis' again. We found them at home and stayed to dinner. After dinner, we went to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and then down to Bro. Pegg's, Fourth Street, and spent the remainder of the P.M. and took tea. We went over to Brooklyn and stayed all night again with Mr. Powel. Sunday - After breakfast, went up to Mr. Mead's and prepared for church and went to Williamsburg, South 5th Street and heard Mr. Foss preach. Came back to Mr. Mead's to dinner and went down to see Harriet in the P.M. Came back to Mr. Mead's to tea. We intended to go to Hanson Place in the evening to hear Mr. Woodruff preach, but a shower interfered with our plans and stayed at home. Monday - Left Mr. Mead's residence and started for home at 7 o'clock A.M. Took the 9 ' o'clock train from 27th Street and connected with the Danbury, ct. train at Norwalk. It was about 3 o'clock P.M. when we arrived in Danbury. 4/14 TUESDAY - Went to the shop today. Came home early and made a fire in my garden to burn up the rubbish. Answered George's letter and procured most of the things to be sent to him in a box. 4/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning. I came home about 3 P.M. to pack a box for George by Express. I brought home the box with some maple sugar and oranges to put in. I carried it to the Express Office and wrote a letter to him, and enclosed the receipt. By his request, I consigned the box to the Surgeon of the Hospital, Col. L. Wilson. Gussie went up to Brother Bartram's and took tea and spent the evening. Bell was here to take care of Eddie and get my tea. 4/16 THURSDAY - Stormy. I took George's bank book and drew $8 before I went to the shop to defray the expense of sending his box of good things and pay his paper bill at Swift's and the dollar I sent to him by mail a few weeks before. I worked in the shop until after 4 o'clock. I then felt tired and went home. I balanced the Treasurer's Account with the Sunday School and carried the books and papers pertaining to it and the Secretary over to Mr. B. Bradley in the evening who is the Secretary and Treasure elect. I then went down to Hanford's Shoe Store and exchanged a pair of shoes for Bell which I got for her in New York and was too small. I went to market and came home. 4/17 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty all day. I worked in the shop as usual, but not feeling very strong, I stopped work about 4 o'clock and came home. I received a letter by the morning mail from Surgeon William C. Bennett stating that he could do nothing for George in the way of a transfer or furlough as he was out from under his jurisdiction. As I came home from work, I brought the Librarian's Book from the Library and drew it up anew. I received a letter from George (No. 3) asking for $5.00. I answered it in a few words added to a letter already written and enclosed the $2.00 as he requested. I borrowed it from Mr. Swift and am to draw it from the bank tomorrow and pay him. Gussie went over to Mrs. Cyrus White's and spent the P.M. and evening. She left Eddie with Fanny and I went up there and took tea. 4/18 SATURDAY - The sun shone bright and warm in the middle of the day. I dug my parsnips this morning. I came home to dinner; on the way I went to the Savings Bank and drew $5 of George's money to make up the $5.00 I sent to him last evening. After tea, I dug around and cut up a plum tree in the garden which was about dead and very much in the way. I set out our cabbage stumps. Clark Hoyt came up to borrow a small piece of grafting wax. I gave it to him and then rode down to the Post Office with him and brought home a letter for Father Griswold from Uncle Chauncy. Mr. Cocking butchered a pig today and spent the evening cutting it up in the cellar. 4/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm ' I attended church in the morning ' I being elected Librarian again acted for the first this noon. Mr. B. Bradley taking my place for Secy and Treas. ' After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. The funeral of old Col. Moss White was attended at 3 o'clock immediately after the afternoon service at the 1st Congregational Church. I went to meeting in the evening and mailed two letters as I went which I had written, one to Harriet and one to George. Our presiding elder, Mr. C. Hoyt preached for us in the evening. I sat with choir. 2nd anniversary of the Wooster Guards leaving Danbury for three months service. 4/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and beautiful in the morning. It clouded over before noon and the wind changed to Northeast. I have felt better today than in a long time before. I came home to my dinner. Before tea I braided a Flowering Almond into a Plum tree for Mother Griswold. I went to the Post Office in the evening. A person who had received a letter from David Knowles told me while I was in the Post Office that George was in Washington and doing well. 4/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After dinner, the fires being low and the men not being able to get hot irons, we adjourned until tomorrow. Burr Bradley came along with me as far as Fred S. Wildman's to see if he had yet received the money from Capt. Moore's Company to be given by him to whomsoever it was consigned. It had not yet arrived. I came home and worked around the yard the remainder of the P.M. I finished labeling the Sunday School Library books in the evening. 4/22 WEDNESDAY - I buried my Dahlia roots for sprouting this morning. After work at night, I set out some asparagus roots for a bed. I went to the Post Office in the evening. I bought a picture of the Patriotism of New Fairfield to send to Henry Mead, Brooklyn. Bought a shad, ordered some sugar, and came home. 4/23 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked hard all day and was very tired. Mr. Cocking commenced to make his flower borders after tea. John Cosier and wife called in the evening and took away some old library books rejected by our school to be given away to some poor school. I received a letter from George in the evening, the first since his transfer to Washington from Brooks Station Hospital. I finished labeling the old library books before we retired. 4/24 FRIDAY - Raining. On my way home from the shop, I found Theodore Lyon in the street and borrowed his horse to take the library books from my house down to the church. After tea, I set out some young lilac bushes Father brought down today. I then wrote a letter to George and put up and directed to Henry Mead a picture of the Patriotism of New Fairfield. I then went down and mailed the above with a Jeffersonian to George also. 4/25 SATURDAY - Cool and windy. On my way home from work at night, I stopped at the Town Clerk's Office George W. Hamilton's and got my quit claim deed from Alfred Gregory which I left then to be recorded. Gussie went up home this P.M. with Aunt Louise and Aunt Pasia Hall. She went into the street in the evening and I stayed at home. 4/26 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy as yesterday. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. Aunt Pasia Hall, Aunt Louisa and Mother came home with her to tea. Bell came down after tea. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Gussie stayed at home and we all went to meeting in the evening. 4/27 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. James Sherwood, who for a long time has worked in the Times Office for Osborne was buried in the P.M. on my way home from work at night, I engaged ' ton of coal of Mr. Disbrow to be delivered tomorrow. Bell was down just at night and stayed to tea. While she was playing with Eddie after tea, he fell and hurt his lip badly. I went to the Post Office and to [??] for a lamp chimney in the evening. Mailed a letter for Gussie to Libby Mead in Brooklyn. 4/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. After tea, I went up home to see Father about making my garden. I brought home a pail of milk and then went to market. The coal I engaged yesterday to come today did not come. 4/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, though in the morning, it appeared like a storm. Sherman Disbrow brought my coal this afternoon. I worked rather late at night. I went to class. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George and received by the evening mail a letter from him. 4/30 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a little sprinkling after dinner. National Fast Day ' the shop closed. Services at our Church. Father Griswold preached. I made a flower bed by the piazza for Gussie and built a pair of steps up the stonework going to Father Griswold's. I answered George's letter and mailed in the evening
1863-04
Horace Purdy Journal March 1867 Entry
16gs
MAR 01 FRIDAY - Lowery with fine rain. As I came home from work, I left the 'Sentence of Christ' at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. I then called at D. B. Booth's office to look at the state register for the residence of Dr. Henry Stearns, formerly surgeon of the 1st Connecticut Volunteers. Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's this P.M., from there to Emily Anderson's, where she stayed to tea. Frank Bouton came this way to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society. John came in soon after and we went into the street together. He returned with me and stayed until the women came from the Sewing Society. Wrote to Dr. Stearns to find when and where I could have an interview with him relative to a pension for hernia received in the army. MAR 02 SATURDAY - A little sunshine during the day. Warm and muddy. We had work in the shop until noon. Received a letter from George. Before coming home, I went to D. B. Booth's office to see if George's name was still on the list so that he can vote; I found that it was. I went to D. W. Benedict's and brought home 3 pairs of rubbers from which to have Gussie select a pair. One pair was not mates, though nearly alike. These she concluded to take as they would cost only 75 cents where the others were $1.25. I returned them before night and tried to get another pair of odd ones for the same price for Mrs. Stone, but could not. I called at the Selectman's Office and paid Mr. S. Peck my taxes which were $18.05. By paying now I had 3 % deducted, making the amount which I paid, $17.52. I went to the Post Office in the evening, came home and commenced a reply to George's letter. It cleared off in the evening and grew colder. MAR 03 SUNDAY - The ground was frozen hard this morning. The sun shone until towards night when it clouded over and now looks like storm. Gussie attended church in the morning. She came home and I went down to Sunday School at noon. I was busy at the Library until after 2 o'clock. It was so late that I came home without going into church. We expected Bell would come here to tea, but she did not. After tea, Father came down to see us. Susan Brayman came in also. Before Father went home, I cut his hair for him a little. It looked so badly that I would not let him go longer looking so. I do not feel so well this evening, so I let Gussie attend church and I stayed home. Before Gussie went, I finished a letter to George and sent it by her to the Post Office. MAR 04 MONDAY - The ground this morning was covered with snow about 3 inches deep and a fine rain was falling. It remained misty with increasingly a little snow through the day. I have worked all day in the shop, though I have felt about sick, my head and stomach feeling badly. I ate only a mouthful of my dinner and felt better for not eating. As I came from work, I took from the Office two letters, one from George with $5.00 enclosed for Mr. Harris towards the $38.00 for his account, and one from Dr. Henry P. Stearns, formerly surgeon of our regiment in reply to one written to him as to where and when I could find him to see him about a certificate for me regarding hernia which I received while in the service. I am obliged to get one and forward the same to Washington in order to get a pension. I am thinking about going to Hartford to see him about it. His residence is at 196 Main Street. After tea, I wrote to George acknowledging receipt of $5.00 for Harris. I went into the street in the evening to see the agent of the Merchants' Union Express for George's washing in a traveling bag from New York. I added to the letter what it would cost and mailed it. I left my watch at S. G. Bailey's for cleaning. I called at O.H. Swift's and bought a pass book for my use at work at the shop and a top for Georgie. I then walked up West Street with Swift. MAR 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. I had but little appetite at noon and ate but little. I worked hard and was very tired at night. Bell came in while we were at tea and wanted me to go up home and pull a tooth for Mother but I was too tired to go into the street and up there too. I went to the Post Office and got a letter from Father Griswold mailed from West Granby saying that he would be in Hartford at the Trumbull House on Friday next instead of Saturday as he told me before he left home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to him. John Stone told me this evening that Bird (Henry Blair's dog) had been shot. Before retiring, I wrote to Henry Blair, telling him what I heard. MAR 06 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. While waiting for a block this forenoon, I went up to Mr. Barnum's office to see about me going to Hartford to see Dr. Stearns about my getting a certificate of disability to enable me to get a pension but found his office closed. As I came from work this evening, I took a note from the office from Louise Blair saying that Bird was dead. While at tea, Miss English, our old nurse came in for a call. Bell soon came in also to stay all night. Gussie went with Harriet and her mother to hear Anna D. Dickenson lecture, while I went over to Mrs. Blair's to see Bird and do some marketing in the street. I stopped at Mr. Swift's store and when he shut up, I walked up with him. Mr. Crofut is having the roof of his drying room raised up to make another story. Robert Cocking paid me his February rent today - $3.00. MAR 07 THURDAY - A little snow this morning and through the day. I came home from work with a headache. A letter from George this evening. George Hawley, P T. Barnum and Judge Pitkin from New Orleans speak this evening at Concert Hall, the first meeting of the campaign. I now hear the band sweetly playing to escort the speakers from the Wooster House to Concert Hall. I am too sick to attend. Gussie has gone into the street. Before retiring, I went over to see Mr. Pond about stopping in New Haven (as I go to Hartford tomorrow) to get his watch. Amos Purdy, who I engaged this morning to bury Bird, tried but the ground was frozen too hard and he was obliged to defer it until the frost should get out more. Bell has been down today, but went home again this evening. MAR 08 FRIDAY - My head and stomach feel badly still though better than yesterday. We rose early so that I could take the train to Hartford. I took the accommodation to New Haven where I stopped and got Mr. Pond's gold watch at Benjamin's Jewelry Store near the depot. I waited half an hour and took the express to Hartford where I arrived at 12:30 o'clock. Father Griswold was on the platform waiting for me. We went together to my old Regimental surgeon, Dr. Henry P. Stearns, at 196 Main Street. I, not telling him of my hernia at the time, it occurred on July 2nd, 1861 at Fall's Church, Virginia. He of course had not personal knowledge of the case to warrant him in giving a certificate that would be of any good to me. I therefore failed to accomplish what I went for. I was not, however, surprised at the result. It was exactly what I expected for he lacked the positive knowledge required. I went with Father Griswold to the Trumbull House to dinner. John Parker, proprietor, is an old family friend of Father Griswold's. I took the steamer, 'City of Hartford' at 2 P.M. for New York. We got out of the river at Saybrook between 9 and 10 o'clock at night. MAR 09 SATURDAY - I was awakened at a quarter before four this morning by the steamer arriving at Peck Slip, East River, New York. I turned out from my berth and after making my toilet, I waited nearly an hour for daylight when I went to Fulton Market and got my breakfast after which I went over to Brooklyn to George's boarding place, 115 Myrtle Avenue and found him still in bed. His landlord, Mr. Peter Haver, invited me in and then called George saying that a gentleman wished to see him. He was greatly surprised to see me. After breakfast, we walked to his shop and then to Fort Greene. He concluded not to go to work, so we returned to his boarding place. He changed his clothes and we went over to New York. We went to the Great American Tea Company, where I gave in my club order of $37.00, made arrangements for its shipment today, and then we called on Henry Blair at 327 Broadway. I told him about the death of Bird, had a little pleasant conversation and then we called at the Merchant's Union Express Office at 180 Broadway, to see about the tea and carpet bag (which George left there last evening.) being forwarded today. We then returned to Brooklyn and called on Louise at 380 State Street. From there, we went to George's boarding place to dinner. In the afternoon, we tried to find some soda ash, but could not. We crossed at the Catherine Street ferry and went to Pier 37 at the foot of Market Street, New York, where we met Henry Blair who was coming to Danbury also. George stayed at the boat with us until it left at 2 P.M. I lent him a dollar before we left which he promises to pay next Saturday. We arrived at Norwalk a little after 5 o'clock. Arrived in Danbury about 8 o'clock where Gussie met me at the depot. My box of tea from the Great American Tea Company and the bag from George was on the train with me by Merchant's Union Express. I took the bag with me leaving the box to be sent up on Monday. We walked around home with Henry Blair to see Bird as he lay dead in his house. When we got home we went over to Mr. Pond's to carry Mr. Pond's watch which I got in New Haven. MAR 10 SUNDAY - Stormy, rain. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I came home as I felt tired. After tea, Gussie and I went up home to see Georgie, Bell having taken him up home with her yesterday. I took the bag of dirty clothes of George which I brought home with me last night up home to have Mother wash and mend them. We stayed until dark and then came home. It has rained more towards night and this evening than it did earlier in the day. We stayed at home in the evening and retired early. MARCH 11 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Merchant's Union Express office to pay for the box of tea from the Great American Tea Company, but the agent was not in and I called again as I came home from work at night and paid for it with the bag of clothes from George sent home for washing. I opened the box of tea and coffee before tea. I attended the Sunday School Business meeting in the evening. L. S. Barnum speaks this evening at Concert hall in opposition to P.T. Barnum a candidate for congressman from this district. After returning from Teachers' Meeting, I carried Amos Purdy's tea over to him and the tea and coffee to O.H. Swift which he ordered. Before retiring, I entered the minutes of the Teachers' meeting in the Sunday School records. Susan Brayman was over this evening and I sold her 1 lb. of bulk tea. MAR 12 TUESDAY - Stormy; a little snow in the morning and fine rain most of the time during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I carried Edward Ambler's tea to him which he sent for by me to the Great American Tea Company. There has been considerable excitement today over L. S. Barnum's speech in opposition to P. T. Barnum last evening. The makers today have struck for their old wages. Mr. Crofut says that he will not give it. As I went to work this morning, I called into Mr. Swift's store and he paid a part of his bill for tea and coffee and the balance this evening. After tea, I went into the street and carried George's bag of clothes to the Express Office to send to him and mailed a letter to him with a note enclosed to the New York express agent from our agent arranging for carrying his bag for 25 cents. I carried Robert Dunning's tea over to him this morning. Before retiring we put John's picture and our marriage certificate each in a shell frame. MAR 13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I have worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work, Istook from the Post Office another receipted bill for tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company, sent doubtless by mistake as they gave me one when I bought the tea and coffee last Saturday. I now have two. 11 o'clock P.M. - Gussie has had this evening a carpet bag bee. The party has just left. They sewed about 23 lbs. of rags. We had loaf cakes with doughnuts and apples for refreshments. We had a good time. The party was as follows: John Bouton and wife, William Warren and wife, Henry Miller and wife, and Daniel Starr and his wife, Carrie Hoyt and Sarah Francis, Mrs. Nickerson and daughter, Libbie, Eliza Hill, Lottie Keeler, Mrs. George Davis, Mother Griswold, Fannie, Harriet and Louise. Father Griswold came down and stayed awhile in the evening, but went home again before refreshments were served. MAR 14 THURSDAY - Colder, cloudy in the forenoon. The sun shone pleasantly this P.M. and melted what it froze this morning. It froze up again by dark. A shop call today to raise our prices. Mr. Crofut being in New York, the matter was postponed until tomorrow when he is expected home. Bell came home with Georgie today and stayed awhile into the evening until I could go into the street and return, Gussie having gone with Susan Brayman up to Mrs. Cole's before I came home from work. When I returned in the evening from the street, Bell went up home. I weighed out a pound of coffee for her to take to Nellie Freeland, she wanting to buy some from me. I took my small spring balance with me into the street and traded with Charles Hull for a pair of steel yards. Upon trial, I found them incorrect. MAR 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; as I went to work this morning, I took back to Charles Hull's the steel yards I got there last evening. We raised our bill of prices at the shop today 2% on a dozen, only half the reduction made on the 28th of last December. A grand Republican rally at Concert Hall this evening. Judge Culver and ____ spoke. A boy named McDermott was today carried by a belt over the main shaft and both legs broken at Tweedy' Forming Factory. MAR 16 SATURDAY - Bell stayed with us last night. It commenced snowing this P.M. and it still continues (it is now 9 o'clock in the evening). I have worked hard all day in the shop. A democratic political meeting is being held this evening at Concert Hall. MAR 17 SUNDAY - It has snowed all day, clearing off between sundown and dark. Mr. Pond with Frank Fanning (and a boy with Frank), George Davis and myself, drew our snow plow out to West Street, up Father Griswold's lane and in Fanning and Davis' yards before breakfast. I swept out the paths in my yard again when it cleared off this evening. I went down at noon to Sunday School which was very small and returned home again when it was over. Except for me going to Sunday School, we have both stayed home all day and made a rest day of it. Father came down after tea to tell us that Mother came near dying last night. It was her old trouble in her chest with an accumulation of phlegm, which came near strangling her. Father said that for two or three hours, she struggled so for breath that he thought she would die. She being better now and the snow so deep, I have concluded not to go up this evening. MAR 18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and Gussie engaged her for Wednesday for Mother as she is not able to do her washing this week. She is still in bed from the severe attack on Saturday night. I worked as usual in the shop. Susan Brayman came over after tea and paid for the lb. of black tea she bought of me and then went into the street with Gussie. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let me go into the street to carry a lb. of coffee to Oscar Serine. I called at the Republican Club Room a few moments and then went up home to see Mother and take letter to her from George which came this evening. MAR 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I returned one of the pairs of shoes which Gussie brought home last evening to fit a pair to Georgie. I also took from the Office a letter from George which was not put in my box last evening., Dr. Brown having withheld it for the few minutes I was at the Office to read what was on the envelope and to make out who it was for, George having wrote the face over with some rhyme in which was the address, the rhyme being about our Connecticut Gubernatorial Campaign, naming George Hawley and P.T. Barnum our nominees for Congress. The sentiment evidently not suiting some New York Post Office officials as on the opposite side of the envelope was written in pencil ' 'Oh gas! You are a da-n fool. You lie'. Enclosed was a letter for Harriet, also the dollar he borrowed of me when I was in New York. In the evening, Gussie had another rag bee. Mrs. Amos Purdy and daughters, Sarah and Lucy, Mrs. Coles and daughter Sarah, Mrs. Short, Mrs. Stone and daughter Matilda, Clarissa Smith, Susan Brayman. Mr. Coles and son Paul came in late for Mrs. Coles and Sarah. They came just in time for refreshments. We had loaf cake, crullers, green and black tea and apples. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed it. MAR 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Mrs. Coles came down again today to help Gussie sew carpet rags. As Gussie was going to the Sewing Society, she took the rags over to Susan Brahman's and spent the P. M. there and sewed rags. Father Griswold having two tickets sent to him to hear George William Curtis (ed. note lecturer, editor of Harper's Weekly, one of the founders of the Republican Party) lecture and none of them being able to attend, Gussie and Louise took them and went. Mother Griswold offered one ticket to me but I was too tired to go, so I let Gussie go in my stead. MAR 21 THURSDAY - Stormy; snow which melted about as fast as it came. My work at the shop only lasted until noon. After dinner, I took Mother Griswold's chopping knife over to Benedict's factory and rounded the edge by taking off the corners. The remainder of the P.M, I spent in Mr. Pond's barn helping Oscar Serine get out material for a grape arbor and make some lattice work. I mended a flour sifter also for Gussie to give to Harriet. After tea, I went over to see Henry Blair who is quite sick. From there, I went into the street and paid for a half lb. of smelt - 33cents - which they brought to us yesterday (Avery Raymond). I saw the band with their new instruments which they played from the depot to Concert Hall for William H. Burleigh of New York who spoke on the issues of the day for the Republican Party. I heard him about five minutes and then came out and went over to Randell & Bradley's and engaged a kit of mackerel to be brought up tomorrow and then came home, after which I went over to Mr. Pond's to set my watch by his in order to regulate it. I then went to the barn and finished repairing the flour sifter. MAR 22 FRIDAY - Cloudy and windy. It was frozen in the morning, but thawed during the day. The moon shone at times through the clouds in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. I came from work by way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I also got the Sunday School papers at the news office. After tea, John Bouton came over with his wife to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at Widow Thomas Barnum's. Mother Griswold stayed with Georgie to let John and I go into the street. I went to Randell & Bradley's and paid $3.25 for the kit of mackerel they brought me today. I also called at D. B. Booth's office to see if the $100 bounty for George had come. After the arrival of the mail John and myself walked up together. He stayed with me until the women came from the Sewing Society. In the meantime, he read off the names for me to write on the Sunday School papers. MAR 23 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. As I went, I carried a pumpkin down to the Post Office for Joseph Kyle. He was to get it from there. I came home leaving Gussie to do some trading and I went up home to see Mother who has been sick. I carried some rotten specked apples up to them and a letter to Harriet which came enclosed in one to me from George. I stayed until 10 o'clock. MAR 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy; warm and very muddy. I went down to church in the morning with the Sunday School papers and arranged them with the lot which came the week before for distribtion this noon. I then went to the barber's and got shaved. Homer Peters and I came home in time to let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went up on Deer Hill to see Mother. I wrote to George and enclosed samples of muslin to aid him in buying some for shirting. I also wrote to the Book Room ordering another copy of the Sunday School Journal. I went over to Mr. Pond's to get 50 cents changed that I might enclose 35 cents for the paper and stayed and talked until nearly meeting time. Gussie returned just in time to let me go to evening meeting which I did mailing as I went the two letters I wrote. Missionary Collection in church today. MAR 25 MONDAY - I woke and found it raining this morning. It soon stopped and rained no more during the day, but remained cloudy. Mrs. Stone washed for us. I worked as usual in the shop. I had pearl cassimeres weighed out for the first time. The Board of Registration met today and a large number were made freedmen. They meet again on Wednesday. While we were at tea, Frank Bouton came in to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at George Starr's. After they were gone, I went over to see Henry Blair a few minutes. From there, I went down to the Post Office and returned home, not wanting to leave Georgie longer alone in the house. A Democratic meeting at Concert Hall this evening. Babcock from New Haven was expected, but did not come. John Bouton called about 9 o'clock and waited for the women to return from the Sewing Society. MARCH 26 TUESDAY - Pleasant. As I went to the shop this morning, I went by way of George Starr's and carried a rubber Gussie borrowed there last evening. I also went to S.S. Peck's store and bought 50 cents worth of pulverized sugar for frosting cake and ordered it sent home as Gussie is to make cake today for the oyster supper at the church tomorrow evening. I have worked on pearl cassimeres today, it is very hard work. When I came from work, I brought two cassimere hats each a different style for Mr. Pond to select from as he is to have a new hat. Georgie is quite sick today, a sore throat. He has taken cold, I think, from going out bareheaded and getting his feet wet yesterday. Susan Brayman and Mrs. Short came in while we were at tea to go with Gussie over to Frank Bouton's to a carpet rag bee. As soon as tea was over, they all went leaving me with Georgie. Theodore Tilton speaks tonight in Concert hall ' Subject ' 'Reconstruction'. After the arrival of the mail, Bell came here from the street to stay all night and brought me a letter from George. I sat down and wrote a reply, but shall defer mailing it until tomorrow evening to wait the result of the board of registration to see if his name is taken from the list of voters that I may add to the letter regarding it. MARCH 27 MONDAY - As I went to work this morning, I left word on Dr. Buckley's slate to have him come and see Georgie who is no better. He came about 10:30 o'clock A.M. and pronounced it a severe case of sore throat and not Diphtheria as we feared. Bell, who stayed last night with us, stayed until after breakfast and then went home and returned again just before tea to stay with Georgie to let Gussie and I attend the Oyster Supper at the church, the proceeds of which are to help furnish the new parsonage. I, according to appointment, acted as doorkeeper with John Bouton. We had a good time, it being nearly 12 o'clock when we came home. As I went down to the church early in the evening, I mailed a letter to George with a note to the 'Great American Tea Company' requesting a pound of their best oolong tea if they have any better than what I bought March 9th. George is to get it if he has time. I told George that he was alright and could vote and I enclosed $5.00 for him to come home expecting the Republican Committee will refund to me. I sold the Sewing Society one pound of tea for the Oyster Supper. MARCH 28 THURSDAY - Squally, cloudy, cold (not freezing) but muddy. Bell stayed with us last night. We were limited to one dozen hats in the shop today. I finished mine about the middle of the P.M. Mr. Pond's new hat being trimmed, I took it over to the curling shop and had it curled and brought it home with me. Before tea, I went for Dr. Buckley, we fearing that Georgie had the Diphtheria. He came but said our fears were groundless, there being no symptoms of the dread disease. Just before tea, I took Mr. Pond's hat over to him. He was well pleased with it. I went to the Post Office and to market in the evening. MARCH 29 FRIDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle's brother-in-law came to the shop today with the brooms the men engaged of Joe. I took a dozen at $4.00. I divided them with Mother Griswold, Mother Purdy and Mr. Pond. Gussie got pay today for the 5 lbs. of coffee I got for Father Griswold in New York on March 9th. Also for a half lb. of tea I sold to the Ladies' Aid Society. Bell came down just at night to stay this evening with Georgie to let Gussie go with me to hear Horace Greeley in Concert hall. She is to stay all night. Just before tea, Freddie Dunning came over to buy a pound of coffee which I promised his father. We attended the lecture as we intended and got home after it about 11 o'clock. MARCH 30 SATURDAY - A beautiful spring day. I took Mr. Pond's hat back with me to the shop this morning to have the trimming reversed, his head being such shaped that the back of the hat put in front fits his head best. George Benjamin and John Morris got into a quarrel today about politics. Loud words and hard names passed between them, but no blows were exchanged. After tea, Gussie and I went to Dr. Buckley's for more medicine for Georgie. We went to market and then to the depot to meet George who came on the evening train to vote next Monday. He went home with Gussie and I. I went to the caucus to nominate representatives to the Legislature. Saul Mallory and Grandison Foot were nominated. After the nominations, the meeting was organized into a club meeting. I then left them and came home where I found George taking tea. He brought me a pound of oolong tea from the Great American Tea Company of a better quality than the last lot I bought. He stayed until nearly 10 o'clock and then went home with Bell who came down about dark and stayed with Georgie while we went into the street. MARCH 31 SUNDAY - Brother George came this way to church this morning and went with Gussie. She returned at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I returned immediately after school to let her return to attend Jennie Humphrey's funeral which was held at the church in place of the P.M. service. As I returned, I went to Charles Stevens and engaged his horse and buggy to for Brother Lockwood in Bethel to sing for us this evening. George went home from Sunday School with William Warren and stayed until 3 P.M. and then came here to tea, after which I went with George Stevens with his father's horse and buggy to Bethel for Benjamin Lockwood to lead our choir this evening, it being Brother Peck's farewell sermon. The house was crowded to overflowing. As soon as he finished his sermon, George Stevens and I went out and went to his father's and harnessed and came to the church as soon as the meeting was closed and took Mr. Lockwood home again. I helped him take care of the horse when we returned. Harriet Purdy sent by George for a half pound of tea. I let her have it for 50 cents.
1867-03
Horace Purdy Journal November 1867 Entry
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NOVEMBER 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I went direct (when I got to the city) to the California steamer at Pier 29 to see Lauren, Eliza and their children for California. The steamer started at precisely 12:30 o'clock. Alfred and Anna were there to see them off. They had some trouble with their trunks, they having been taken to the ___ (?) steamer at Pier 42. Alfred, however, by the aid of a policeman, got them just in time to put them on board before the steamer started. I went from there with Alfred and Anna to the Merchants' Hotel and then over to 380 State Street in Brooklyn to Louise Jones about some oil paintings. I returned to the store just in time to eat some lunch and get to the depot to come home. Henry Crofut's shop on the hill near his large factory was burned this afternoon. It was caused by the overturning and blowing up of a ___ (?) lamp in which was used Benzene. NOVEMBER 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to New York again today. Our neighbor Mr. Brown and wife went down. They were strangers in the city and I put them on the Bleeker Street cars to go to Fulton Ferry When I got home this evening, I was quite tired. NOVEMBER 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant until evening when it rained a little. We both (wife and self) went to church in the morning and took Georgie. We came home after Sunday School. Bell came and took supper with us. After tea, I went up and called on Oscar Serrine who about a week ago hurt his foot badly by having a timber fall on it while working on his barn which he is building. When I came from there, Gussie and I took Georgie and walked to New Street to see the new schoolhouse which we are having built. NOVEMBER 04 MONDAY - The stars shone early this morning and again this evening. I have been to New York and the day has been cloudy and has grown cold this afternoon. It rained a little about 3 P.M. When I came home this evening, I found Gussie nearly sick with Neuralgia. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's barn and held lamp for him to make a coal riddle for his nephew. I suppose he was making it for me when I went to the barn, but found I was mistaken. He proposes making one for me tomorrow evening if I wish. Before retiring, I drew up a form for advertising circulars for preserving natural flowers which I contemplate having printed. NOVEMBER 05 FRIDAY - I did not go to the city today. After breakfast, I went up home with a bundle of clothes for George for Mother to wash. I then went down to the shop and found some work to do. Before going to work, However, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and arranged with Swertfager to print me 5,000 advertising circulars for preserving flowers. I worked until dark at the shop. After work, I called again at the Jeffersonian Office. I also called under Concert Hall to see the new store of pictures and Yankee notions just opened. I received a letter by the evening mail from Dr. Kellogg requesting me to hand a note (which was included) to John Brayman requesting him to pay what he owed him for medical attendance. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Kellogg. Also wrote to William H. Hayes at the store in New York. NOVEMBER 06 WEDNESDAY - Cool; a snow squall in the middle of the day, just enough to say snow. I mailed a letter in time for the train this morning to Dr. Kellogg in reply to one received with John Brayman's bill enclosed. Also one to William Hayes at the store in New York. I worked in the shop all day. As I came from work at night I got 5,000 circulars at the Jeffersonian Office advertising my preserving of flowers and brought them home. After tea, I went into the street and got the deed (mortgage), I gave Father Griswold from the Town Clerk's Office. I stopped a little time at the picture auction under Concert Hall, bought a box of paper colors and came home. NOVEMBER 07 THURSDAY - Cold, the ground froze hard last night and it has thawed but little today. The sun shone but for a few minutes about 1 o'clock. It has looked and felt all day like snow. I had work until noon in the shop. As I was coming home, I met Gussie going down to Main Street. She did a little shopping and then I went with her to Dr. Fitch and she had 2 teeth extracted. I then came home leaving her to call on the widow Burr Bradley. Just before dark, I moved 5 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into my own. Mrs. Gilbert called after tea, to see if her sister, Widow Hull could rent my upper rooms another year. Aunt Louise also called. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I held lamp for Mr. Pond (in his barn) to make a money drawer for Daragan & Rider. It was 11 o'clock when I retired. NOVEMBER 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop today. As I intend to go to New York in the morning, I got my pay before leaving the shop. In the evening, I made two small frames at Swift's for my advertising circulars. I dug my salsify before breakfast this morning. NOVEMBER 09 SATURDAY - I went to New York this morning and took 5,000 circulars advertising the preservation on natural flowers. I left a few of them at Norwalk, also a few at Stamford. I sent a few to Newark, New Jersey by George Hodges. William Hayes, my principal man at the store went to Keyport New Jersey this P.M.; he also took a few of them with him. When I left the store to come home, I came by way of the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, and ordered 10 more Sunday School Advocates ($3.00) and five more Sunday School Journals ($1.75) added to our list of Sunday School papers. I also bought for the School, one dozen Judd's Lessons ($1.80). I t has been pleasant and warm today, but before I got home, it commence raining. NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY - Rain last night and misty this morning. It came off clear in the forenoon and was pleasant and warm. Gussie, on account of a scar on her face produced by the use of Kennedy's Liniment from neuralgia did not go to church. I went down in time for Sunday School. I stayed to Communion Service in the P.M. Mother. Having another poor turn and being sick abed, Gussie went up to see her after tea. There came up again a rain just at night and Gussie got caught in it coming home and she got very wet so that she made a complete change of clothing. It rained hard all the evening. We did not go out but spent a part of the evening upstairs in Robert's rooms. NOVEMBER 11 MONDAY - I am 32 years old today. I have been to New York today. I intended to meet Father Griswold at the 27th Street Depot at noon, but missed him. He came around to my store about 3 P.M. It is his first visit to the store. It looked like rain this morning, but it came off warm and pleasant. NOVEMBER 12 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. According to agreement, Father Griswold went at the 27th Street depot at 9 ## o'clock, but on account of the storm, I did not go to see him as planned to see his lots in Brooklyn. He went alone and I went to the store. It has rained and snowed together more or less all day. It has melted as fast as it came in New York but when I got as far on my way home as Wilton on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, the ground was covered an inch or more deep, the first snow we have had to whiten the ground any and the 3rd time it has been flying in the air. NOVEMBER 13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. The snow has not all disappeared today. It has thawed none in the shade. I had about a ## day's work in the shop. I went into the street before tea, and called at Mrs. Barlow's to say that the wreath I am preserving for her will most likely be done on Saturday. I then called on Henry Day and explained why I have not yet paid anything on my account with him. I had an understanding with him about it. After tea, I went into the street again and got some medicine of Dr. Bulkely for Mr. Pond and myself. I called at Hawley & Sayers and offered 10 % on jobs preserving funeral wreaths which they may get for me. I stopped at Swift's and he ordered through me a half dozen imperial passe-partouts. I then came down and stopped at the auction under Concert hall a short time and then came home. NOVEMBER 14 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool this morning; the ground was frozen hard. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped at Robert Sayers' and talked with him about preserving funeral wreaths. I offered him 10 % on every job he will secure for me. It is warmer tonight; the snow has disappeared very fast this P.M. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Last night and tonight, the falling stars were expected again. A few were seen early this morning by some people, I believe. NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop expecting work but there was none so I came home and helped Gussie clean the bedroom. I also shoveled my heap of ashes and manure into a pile on the garden. I used Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. I went to market in the evening. It has alternated between cloudy and sunshine during the day. NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAY - Went to New York; Cloudy and looked like rain in the morning, but the after part of the day was pleasant. I was busy at the store making frames, etc. I came by the way of Handler's in West 19th Street (my passe-partout maker) to get a half dozen Imperial pass-partouts for Swift. He had but one of the style I wanted, so I took it and ordered 5 more to me made on Monday. Just before the train got to Stamford this evening, the steam ran low so that we could not run. It delayed us nearly half an hour. After tea, I went over to Mr. Sherman's and furnished over 8 yards of cord and brought 5 pictures for him. I went out while Gussie was upstairs, she not knowing where I went became alarmed before I returned and called for me and then woke Robert upstairs to go look for me. Before he was dressed, however, I came in finding Gussie crying. NOVEMBER 17 SUNDAY - I went to church in the morning. Gussie and Georgie came down at noon to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. I came home after Sunday School. George Starr sent $5.00 to me by Gussie with which to get a half dozen of Philip Philips new singing book entitled ''Singing Pilgrims 'and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one. We had our first mess of vegetable oyster or salsify for supper. They were very fine. Neither of us went to church in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. I went to New York in the morning. As I went to the store from the Depot, I went to Handles' In 19th Street and got the other 11 Imperial Pass-partouts for Swift. I stopped at the store a short time and then went over to Fanton's at 491 Broadway and got 12 pairs of Rider's Sewing Machine casters and took the 12:30 train to Stamford to sell the casters. I sold but one pair. I called at Aunt Abbie's and after tea, I took the train for home, being very sick with a sick headache. I vomited at the Stamford Depot and again when I got home. I left the passe-partouts at Swift's store as I came home. I retired soon after I returned home, too sick to eat anything. NOVEMBER 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very cold again. It has thawed none at all today. I stayed at home and worked in the factory. I have not felt very well today from yesterday's sickness. After tea, I wrote to William Hayes, my chief man at the store. I mailed it as I went into the street to exchange a pair of shoes for Georgie which Gussie got for him last evening. After the mail was opened, I called at the Auction under Concert Hall for a few minutes and then walked up with Oscar Serrine. Before retiring, I wrote a plain letter to George about paying me what he owes me as I am now in great need of it. NOVEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool until after dinner when the wind changed to the south and it grew warmer. As I went to the shop this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I had $3.00 worth of work which lasted me nearly all day. Carpenters have been at work in the shop today making a new set of straight stairs leading into the finishing room in place of the old winding ones. As I came home from work, John Sharp came home with me for some cut wads to use in my gun which he has borrowed. After tea, I wrote to Wells Webster in Plainville to see if he could give Edmund Palmer work at carriage trimming. I mailed it in the evening. I also took back again the shoe makers (D. Benedict) the shoes we bought for Georgie, they not being quite large enough. Robert and wife came downstairs and spent the evening with us. We passed the time in a jocular way, telling stories, etc. NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work in the shop until after dinner. I came home by way of Rider's Shoe Store to see some boots he had just come in from New York, but as usual with ready-made boots, none of them would fit me. I then came home and covered my strawberries for the winter. Gussie and Frank Bouton went to the milliner's in the P.M. Frank came home with her to tea. After tea, Frank went down to meeting. I walked down with her. NOVEMBER 22 FRIDAY - Warm and cloudy; a little rain in the fore part of the evening. I have worked in the shop today. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at George Andrews. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go into the street. . While in the street, Alexander Wildman met me and very unexpectedly paid me the $3.25 he has for some time owed me and which I did not expect to get. I called a short time in George Rider's Shoe store and spent a little time talking about the preservation of natural flowers and the came home after exchanging some stale butter crackers at Randall & Bradley's for some pilot bread for Mother Griswold. After I came home, I went up and exchanged the iron casters on Fanny's sewing machine for a pair of brass ones. She paid me $1.00 for the price of them. NOVEMBER 23 SATURDAY - Cloudy, misty and some rain during the day. I went to New York. Before going to the store, I went to the Book Room and got a ## dozen 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one book for George Starr ' retail price 75 cents. They being for our Sunday School, I got them for 60 cents each. From there, I went to the corner of Broome and Elm Streets to see a German bookbinder for James Wallace Pine about binding a book he has been writing ' a poem entitled 'The Pilgrim's Hope'. I then went to 491 Broadway at H. B. Fanton's place to see Benjamin Rider and return to him what sewing machine casters I did not sell and pay for what I did. I then went direct to the store. I brought home the books for Brother Starr and the small wreath I have been preserving for Mrs. Barlow. I showed the wreath to a number on the train coming home. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and showed it, also over to Mr. Pond's and upstairs to Mr. Cocking. NOVEMBER 24 SUNDAY - Lowery through, but little rain. I went to church in the A.M. Brother Ira Abbott, who preached in New Milford when John lived there and was converted, preached for us this morning. We had rather an interesting time in Sunday School this noon singing from the new books, 'The Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combined into one. I delivered to Brother George Starr in Sunday School ## dozen which I got for him in New York. I also got 17 names for others which I am to get this week. Prayer meeting in the afternoon; we both attended. Georgie stayed with his Grandma Griswold. Gussie came home from church with a severe headache. She felt better after tea and went over to Henry Hinman's on Stevens Street to see Anne Elizabeth Delavan who is dangerously sick. She returned in time to let me go to church in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After the sermon, a short Prayer Meeting was held. Joseph W. Allen came home with me after meeting to get a singing book, 'Fresh Laurels' which I sold him. Warm and foggy in the evening, but no rain. NOVEMBER 25 MONDAY - Cloudy, muggy, lowery, foggy, warm, nasty muddy, and very unpleasant. We rose late. I have worked in the shop. I lent Oscar Serrine $2.00 until Wednesday. As I went to work this morning, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's, corner of Railroad Avenue and Liberty Street to see if she would be at home this evening if I would bring her wreath home, but I learned that she would not until next week. After tea, Gussie went into the street to see her dressmaker. In the meantime, Sarah Bouton, Frank Bouton and Fanny Griswold called in to see Mrs. Barlow's wreath which I have been preserving. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with the wreath to have it put into Swift's show window for the public to see. Mr. Swift not being in, I left it with his clerk who promised to put it in in the morning. NOVEMBER 26 TUESDAY - Cloudy and foggy this morning. It came off clear before night. I worked hard all day on 4 Drop Jack-ups, Vienna, Col., F. Stiff. As I came from work, I came by way of O. H. Swift's and got Mrs. Barlow's wreath. I concluded not to put it on exhibition for fear that she might not like it. After tea, I went to market. Charles Hull sent the tin leader today which I ordered last Friday evening. Robert put a lock on the inside cellar door today. NOVEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Was very busy making frames, etc. Came to the Depot via the Book Room and bought 17 Singing Pilgrim and Musical leaves combined for the Sunday School. I got them at the trade price of 55 cents. I took charge of a buffalo robe for at Norwalk for Mr. Potter and left it at Swift's store. Warren Bouton was on the train from Georgetown; he is to spend Thanksgiving in Danbury. His wife met him at the Depot here. Gussie met me also. I expected to find George on the train this evening on his way home from Yonkers but did not. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal today at 20 cents a bushel. NOVEMBER 28 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Stormy. I went to the shop in the morning, but found it closed. I returned by way of Swift's store and got $4.50 for the dozen passe-partouts I got for him. We took dinner with Father Griswold's folks, after which we left Georgie with them and went up to my father's to see George who came home yesterday from Yonkers. I wrote to William Hayes in the store and enclosed a note to George Talmadge about paying his rent. Also one to H. D. Clark about my note to him of $125 due December 9th. I mailed it in the evening and carried three pictures ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families ' over to Timothy Foster's. NOVEMBER 29 FRIDAY - Stormy. Rain. I have worked in the shop. Our foreman (V. W. Benedict) drew my pay while I was in New York on Wednesday and paid it to me today. Before breakfast, I killed a turkey and a chicken for Mother Griswold. The turkey Father Griswold will take to Harriet in New Haven as a present. I went into the street in the evening to buy a camp chimney and went to the Post Office. NOVEMBER 30 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning with considerable wind. I went to New York. Father Griswold also took the same train to new Haven; he took the turkey to Harriet. When I arrived in the city, I went to the Book Room and bought one dozen no. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School. I then went to Ferguson's and arranged with him to let me have goods on credit for a time in order that I may be able to meet a note to Henry D. Clark on December 9th. When I arrived at the 27th Street Depot in the morning, I renewed my commutation for the second 6 months ending May 31st, 1868 for $45.00. I found a letter waiting for me at the store from Smith & Rand to call at their office at 170 Broadway and get 72 more sporting pictures (22x28) to frame in Wall Gilt. I went down after dinner and got them, at the same time ordering the frames of Nonnebacher and the glass of Crowe & Powell. Daniel, who had promised to be at the store again on Friday, had not made his appearance up to 4 P.M. Mr. Pond, who has been in the city on business, called at the store and we came home together. George and Gussie met me at the Depot. George, after doing some business in the street came around to the house and spent a part of the evening. Gussie went up home today with Georgie but it grew cold so fast that she left him up there to stay overnight. Mrs. Green's mother died at 5 P.M.
1867-11
Horace Purdy Journal December 1867 Entry
12pgs
DECEMBER 01 SUNDAY - Very cold last night; cool today, but pleasant. Georgie being up home, we both went to church in the morning. Before dressing for church, I went down with the 17 Singing Books I bought in New York for the Sunday School. We had some excellent singing at noon under the leadership of Brother Lockwood. We came home at noon and in the P.M., we went up home to dinner and brought Georgie home with us. Just before evening meeting time, Susan Brayman came in. She walked down with me as I went to church. Brother Birch preached a good sermon after which they held a short prayer meeting. Gussie wrote in the evening to Edwin's wife. DECEMBER 02 MONDAY - Went to New York again today. Just as the train left this morning at 6:30 o'clock, it commenced snowing and threatened a hard snowstorm, but it snowed only a little, about a half inch here and less in New York. The sun came out about three o'clock in New York and the evening was fine. The engine gave out while we were in the upper tunnel in New York this morning and we were detained nearly a half hour. One of the cylinder heads blew out. We waited for the next train which then pushed us down to 42nd Street. Daniel has not yet returned to the store and work is put back on that account. I went down to No. 12 Cortlandt this P.M. to see Mr. Clark about the note due him on the 9th inst. As I fear I shall not be able to meet it. DECEMBER 03 TUESDAY - The tenth anniversary of our wedding. Sunshine and clouds but no storm. I worked in the shop. When I came from work, I went up to W. F. Olmstead's to see him about making application for me at the Union Savings Bank to renew my note of $400 which is in there. After tea, I took to Mrs. Barlow in Liberty Street, the funeral wreath I have been preserving for her. which was on the coffin of her infant child. I did not get the pay for it. I mailed a letter to William W. Hayes, my man at the store. Called at Swift's store; bought meal and buckwheat flour for pancakes. When I came from the street, I found George at the house waiting for me. After talking over the matter, he concluded to write to Yonkers to a shop mate to whom he sold some frames for me and see if he could not get the pay for them to help me out in meeting notes. I went down and mailed it before retiring. The Band of Hope gives an exhibition this evening at Concert Hall. DECEMBER 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop today. I called this P.M. at the Union Savings Bank to see if at the Board meeting last night they decided to renew my note of $400 and found that they did. I fastened the tin leader to the house which carries the water off from the sink upstairs. We moved the stove from the sitting room into the parlor preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. After tea, I drew up a copy of an advertisement which I am thinking of having put in the paper. I took it into the street with me, but found the Jeffersonian Office closed. I called a few moments in the auction room under Concert Hall and then came home. Before retiring, I took my note for renewal up to Father Griswold for his endorsement and left it for him to hand in tomorrow and take up the old one, as I am going to New York tomorrow. DECEMBER 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Daniel, not having made his appearance, we have hired another boy for the present, if not permanently. I did a great deal of running in the city today and am very tired tonight. George has been helping Gussie clean the sitting room and pantry today. Father Griswold attended to the renewal of my note at the Union Savings Bank for me today. I refunded the interest to him this evening after returning from New York. DECEMBER 06 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but not very cold. I did not rise until about 6:30 o'clock this morning. Before breakfast, I went down to mail a letter to William at the store in New York with one enclosed to Mr. Clark about the $5.00 he promised me if I would meet my note due him on next Monday. I was too late for the morning mail. I have worked in the shop today. George helped Gussie clean the sink room this forenoon. High wind in the forenoon and rain in the evening. I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I bought one dozen more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves for the Sunday School and let William Hayes have one at the store, bringing home 11. Mrs. Bartram was on the train from New York. Gussie, Louise, George and Hattie Mills met me at the Depot, George and Hattie having come on the same train with me from Bethel. Gussie stopped at the dressmakers and before she came home George and I killed our favorite cat 'Prince' to get him out of misery. He has been sick about 2 weeks with no prospect of ever being better. We had him buried before Gussie came home. After my supper, I went over to Mr. Pond's with three of my new singing books and we had a sing together. Before I came home, I borrowed for a few days $100 to meet a note on Monday in New York. DECEMBER 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. Gussie attended church in the morning while I stayed home with Georgie. George came down in the morning and went with Gussie. I took Georgie up to Mother Griswold's a little before 12 o'clock to wait until Gussie should return while I went to Sunday School. I delivered another batch of 11 books 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' to members of the School's sacrament in the P.M. which I attended. George called after tea while I was up to Mother Griswold's. He went over to Aunt Louise's before I returned Mother Griswold came down to stay with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I attend church together. DECEMBER 09 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have been to New York today. Bell went there today for the first time. George, being on his return to Yonkers, he took her with him by way of steamboat from Norwalk to New York. When they landed (about 11 o'clock), he took her up Fulton Street and on the Broadway Bridge. From there, they walked up Broadway to Barnum's Museum where they stayed until after 3 o'clock and then came over to the store for Bell to go with me as far as Stamford which she did by the express train. We left George at the store to take a later train up the Hudson River Road to Yonkers. I took up my note to Henry Clark today - $125 with interest. I brought a wreath home with me from New York to put in Swift's window on exhibition. DECEMBER 10 TUESDAY - The thermometer early last evening stood 4 degrees below zero. I woke this morning and found it snowing. Not so cold today. I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant before noon. As I went to work in the morning, I left my boots at Daragan's to be mended and called for them as I came home from work. A letter from William Hayes that Nunnebacher in Pell Street had not enough Walnut molding of the pattern I ordered; the 72 22x28 frames of for Smith & Rand Powder Co. He made 60 of them and waits to hear about using another pattern. I wrote to William after tea, giving directions about it and mailed it as I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I worked late to finish up my work as I am going to New York tomorrow morning. I came home late and very tired. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go to market. DECEMBER 12 & 13 THURSDAY & FRIDAY - Very cold. It was snowing very hard when I rose. I went to New York. The storm increased during the day. The wind blew terribly. I took the train at 27th Street for home at 4:30 o'clock. We had difficulty in getting up to 42nd Street with horses. After attaching the engine, we went as far as 49th Street and could get no farther on account of Harlem trains on the track ahead and ice at the street crossings. We finally, however (after Mr. H. B. Fanton and myself went to the Reunion Hotel on the corner of 42nd Street and 4th Avenue for something to eat) got under way a little after 11 o'clock, and after a great deal of difficulty we arrived at Mamaroneck about 4 o'clock Friday morning when the water in the engine tanks was exhausted and we could get no farther. We suffered for fuel to warm us and many for food. There was not wood enough at 27th Street to properly supply the cars for even an ordinary trip and no snow plow for the engine. There was evident mis-management all around. We were obliged to lie at or around Mamaroneck Station until about 1:30 o'clock P.M. on account of the inability of the Superintendent of the road ' Hoyt. The engines which were sent to Stamford at noon for water could just as easily been sent in the morning if Superintendent Hoyt had so directed. When we finally got underway again, the passengers held an indignation meeting on board and passed resolution censuring the officers of the road and particularly Superintendent Hoyt, who was on the ground and did so little to assist us. A committee was appointed to see that the resolutions were printed in the New York papers. They were still acting on the matter when we arrived at Norwalk which was about 3 o'clock. There I found Brother Birch who came from Stamford on the same train. We went over to Bixbee's Hotel and stayed by a good fire until the Danbury train came down which waited until 8:30 o'clock for another train from New York. We arrived in Danbury at 10:30 o'clock. Thursday P.M. as I went to the Depot, I went to Philip Phillip's at Broadway Union Square for a dozen Singing Pilgrims and Musical leaves combine for our Sunday School which I brought home with me. (Marginal Note: 30 hours coming from New York to Danbury detained on the cars on account of the snow). DECEMBER 14 SATURDAY - I went to New York again this morning and delivered 72 frames to Smith & rand Powder Company at 170 Broadway and got my pay for them. As I came home, I went again to Phillip Phillips for 10 more singing books. The trains came through with little trouble tonight though they were a little behind time. I am nearly used up tonight. DECEMBER 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not so cold. I went down to the church before breakfast and carried the music books I brought from New York for the Sunday School. Neither of us attended church in the morning. I went early to Sunday School. Gussie came soon after with Georgie. After delivering most of the music books to subscribers, I found that a part of the book was differently arranged from others I had previously procured for the school. Most of the music was there, but the pages did not agree. I took a few of them back again and am to see Phillip Phillips about the matter when I go to New York again. Feeling very tired and weary, I came home again after school with Georgie. Father came down and made us a call after he had eaten his dinner but before we had eaten ours. We did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. DECEMBER 16 MONDAY - Pleasant. The sleighing is splendid and is being improved by many. I am troubled with rheumatism in my right leg. I have worked in the shop today. Robert took down the tin leader which carries off the water from their sink upstairs; it being froze up solid. He has thawed it out today and in now ready to put it up again. As I came from work tonight, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's on the corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue and collected the remaining $12.00 for preserving and framing the wreath which she owed me for. She, being away, has left it with her mother. I went into the street in the evening to see about buying 4 gallons of kerosene oil. Mother Griswold is 71 years old today. DECEMBER 17 TUESDAY - It was a little red in the east as the sun rose this morning, but since then the day has been lowery and towards night misty with indications of rain. As I went to the shop this morning, I took my can to Benedict & Nichols for 4 gallons of kerosene oil which I got on credit for 65 cents per gallon, the price for small quantities being 70 cents. I had about a half day's work in the shop, after which I got Tom Signor to finish a Cass hat for me made from a California Full Stiff Pearl which I spoiled by cutting the brim too small and got it colored and blocked on another shape for my own use. Cal Chichester curled it for me and I brought it home when I came. Before tea, Fanny and I made some arrangements about mats and frames for some pictures she wants me to get for her in readiness for her by Christmas day. After tea, I went into the street to see Mr. Couch about repairing an oil portrait of Nathaniel Cable. Also, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and left an advertisement for preservation of flowers. I returned home about 7 o'clock to let Gussie go into the street to do some trading. DECEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Before going to the store this morning, I went to Phillip Phillips with 6 singing books, 'Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves' of the first edition which he gave me last week by mistake in place of the last edition. I left the 6 and made arrangements to return other 16 and get in their place next Saturday the same number of the last edition. I have been kept very busy at the store today making frames, etc. I brought home two mats for pictures for Fanny. Gussie has been up home to Father Purdy's today. She drew Georgie up on his little sleigh. DECEMBER 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have worked in the shop today doing my yesterday's allowance with that of today which kept me busy until late. As I felt very tired in the evening, I let Gussie go into the street to do some marketing for me and I stayed home. She brought home a few more small Christmas toys for Georgie to the amount of 34 cents. Fanny came in about 9 o'clock with her mother's photograph for me to frame in an 8x10 polished walnut spring pattern which I did and charged her $2.00, my price at the store - $2.75. DECEMBER 20 FRIDAY - Very cold last night. The mercury last evening stood at 5 below zero. It commenced snowing this morning and continued to moderate with more or less snow during the day until evening when it was mild and pleasant and cleared away. I have had work all day in the shop. Joe Day came to the shop for his brother Henry and solicited some money from me on what I owe him for meat. I gave him $10.00. As I came from work, I stopped at Avery Raymond's and got a singing book to take with me to New York tomorrow and exchange for a later edition. Also stopped at Wesley Burritt's for one. I attended a Teachers' Meeting at 6 o'clock in the middle classroom to make arrangements for the coming Sunday School Festival on the 26th of December. Before retiring, I entered the doings on the Sunday School records. DECEMBER 21 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I took Father Griswold's large photograph with me and framed it in a 16x20 Walnut & Gilt Sperry's pattern. I brought it home with me at night. I returned 5 more singing books to Phillip Phillips before going to the store in the city and expected some of the last edition in return for them but he had none. He expects a supply of them daily. I have been very busy in the store. I borrowed a punch of Mr. Fanton (the shirt man) this evening to use on our Sunday School tickets as a private mark to prevent the use of such as are in other hands. We contemplate using the old tickets to save expense next Thursday. After tea, we went over to Mr. Pond's to see their new baby and to show them picture of Father Griswold which I brought from New York. From there, we took it up home and hung it for Fanny. DECEMBER 22 SUNDAY - Warm and muggy with some rain which with the snow on the ground makes the walking very bad. Gussie has been home all day with the sick headache. I went to the church in the forenoon and spent the time in the basement punching heart-shaped holes in the old Sunday School exhibition tickets to prevent fraud by using old ones now in the hands of many who never returned them from previous exhibitions. After Sunday School, I came home and stayed with Gussie. Father came down after tea for a call. He took the letter from Bell for Mother which we took from the Office last evening. She wrote from Port Chester. Just before tea, I went for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold who has been complaining all day. DECEMBER 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Mrs. Nathaniel Benedict went to New York. I accompanied her to the city and saw her safely on the 4yth Avenue horse cars. I have been very busy again at the store. I had the sick headache in the P.M.I had a talk with Daniel Minnerly and finally consented to take him back again in my employ. I returned 4 more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves combine to Phillip Phillips, making 15 of the 22 returned. His other (the revised edition) has not yet come. Before I left home this morning, Mr. Pond came in with a note for me to sign for $1,000 at the Danbury National Bank. I did it to accommodate the firm to which he belongs, Steven Sunderland & Company. They are to endorse it and get the money as they have notes coming due for lumber before they can get any money for the new school house which they are building. The note is drawn for three months from December 3rd. They confidently expect funds before this note matures, and I consider the risk small. I would have not done it for any other man, but he (Mr. Pond) has several times favored me and I feel it would be unkind to refuse him. DECEMBER 24 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. James Maynard came to the store to see me today. He was under the impression that I kept bouquets preserved for ale and wanted to get some for John Wanderville in New Haven to put in his confectionary store. I walked with him over to Broadway and there left him and returned to the store. After dinner, I went down to E. D. Hill's Coal Office to order another to of coal and to settle up for the wreath I preserved for him. I balanced it by taking coal. He would give only $10.00 for the frame which was $3.00 less than I intended. I saw James Maynard again at Norwalk as I was coming home. I intended to send some circulars with him to New Haven for distribution but forgot them when left the store. Before retiring, I helped Mr. Pond prepare a Christmas tree in his barn. DECEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY - Christmas Day. Georgie had a good time this morning when he found his stocking full of toys, candy, etc. I went to the shop after breakfast, but it was closed; no work to be done today. Father came down and took Georgie home with him this forenoon. Gussie went to church in the P.M. to help dress it in green. I went to the Depot and paid the remaining $28.00 on the $38.00 for my commutation for 6 months ending June 1st. I took Augustus Hoyt's horse and sleigh and with Fred Shears went down to Whittlesey's Evergreen Hill and got some ivy for dressing the church. I went up home for Georgie just at night and stayed to tea. In the evening, I drew up a roll of the Sunday School Scholars for use tomorrow evening at the exhibition. Gussie went to the church again in the evening to assist in further dressing the church. The day has been cloudy and warm. The snow has wasted fast; about 9 o'clock in the evening, it began to rain. DECEMBER 26 THURSDAY - Rain last night, but it cleared off pleasant and warm this morning. The snow has wasted fast today and the sleighing is about used up. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I bought a pair of rubbers at Daniel Benedict's and got trusted for them. After tea, I went directly to the church to assist at door keeping at the Sunday School Exhibition. We had a very good time. We took in about $60.00. Georgie went with us. He took a part with other three-year-old children. He got to sleep after his part was played. We drew him down and back in Mr. Pond's baby carriage, ours being broken. DECEMBER 27 FRIDAY - The ground was frozen a little this morning and the sun shone pleasantly for a time but before noon it became cloudy but no rain. The snow has wasted very fast and it is very muddy. I have worked in the shop. James Wallace Pine presented the shop with two books as a testimonial of his regard for the men who have shown him such kindness and encouragement in getting his books (poems) before the public. The books were 'The Cotton Family' and 'Bayard Taylor's Travels'. As I came home from work, I took the wreath of D. E. Hill's from Swift's window and carried it to Mr. William's office at the depot in readiness to take with me to New York in the morning. After tea, I went to market. DECEMBER 28 SATURDAY - I have been to New York today. It was raining hard when I started. I took D. E. Hill's wreath back with me as he now wants it delivered. It came off pleasant before I arrive in the city and the remainder of the day was delightful, except the wind. I came to the 27th street depot by way of Phillip Phillip's at Union Square, but his music books 'Singing Pilgrim and Music Leaves Combined', 30 of which I ordered, he has not yet got from his printer. Bell was at Norwalk waiting for me. She was just returning from her visit at Port Chester and Stamford. Father met her here at the depot and Gussie met me to assist in carrying the music books, but I required no help of that kind. DECEMBER 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The ground was frozen this morning, but at church time it was very muddy. I went in the morning to church. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, I came home with him. At noon, Henry Hoyt gave over to me the money taken at the Sunday School Exhibition on Thursday evening, $59.00. There are as yet two scholars to make returns of tickets sold with which we hope to make the amount over $60.00. Bell came here to tea from church. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's a few minutes. I attended church in the evening. The attendance was good. Brother Birch preached a good sermon. DECEMBER 30 MONDAY - Colder. It has frozen all day. I have worked in the shop. Elijah Morris came with me from work to see frames at the house to select one for a picture of his father-in-law which he wants me to frame tomorrow at the store and deliver to his folks at their residence at 40 Suffolk Street. I returned to the street and exchanged $34.00 in currency for bills for the Sunday School, the same being money taken at the Christmas Exhibition. Mr. Pond, not having been obliged to use the note of $1,000 (which I lent my name to for him to raise money for a short time for Steven Sunderland & Company) gave the same back to me this evening and I gave back his personal note of same amount which he gave as security. After tea, I killed the turkey which Father Griswold gave to us as a New Year's present. I also went over to W. Olmstead's with some samples of frames for him to select fro for some frames he is contemplating getting. I then went into the street to get some raisins, eggs, etc. for New Year's. DECEMBER 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant (or rather, not stormy) as there was but little sunshine. The day has been cold. I have been to New York. I took down with me a picture for Elijah Morris and framed for him and delivered to 40 Suffolk Street. I had the company of Dr. Brown and wife to New York this morning. They were on their way to Newburgh to spend New Year's Day with her folks. I invited my headman at the store, William H. Hayes, to come home with me and spend New Year's Day, but he could not on account of the expense accept the invitation though much he would like to.
1867-12
Horace Purdy Journal January 1868 Entry
19pgs
JANUARY 01 WEDNESDAY - I went to the Savings Bank in the morning and paid $48.00 interest for six months ending July 1, 1868 on $1,200. From there I went to the shop and took out some work. Then left it and borrowed Parmalee & Sherman's horse and went up home for Mother, Bell and Georgie, who went up home yesterday and brought them down to our house to eat turkey and stay overnight, Father being away on a visit to Ridgefield. Fanny and Louise were with us also as they were alone, Father and Mother Griswold being in New Haven on a visit to Harriet. It has been stormy, snow in the morning, rain later in the day. I went to church in the evening to attend a Special Teachers' Meeting, but there being but few present, no business was done. I mailed this evening a few circulars advertising the preservation of flowers with a few of my cards to James L. Maynard. JANUARY 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant; it has seemed like a spring day. I have worked in the shop. Mother and Bell stayed with us last night. As I came from work this P.M., I hired Mr. Beatty to take Mother home. I paid him 25 cents. I have been rather low spirited today in view of the hard times and my liabilities. I called at Benedict Brothers' Shoe Store and told them that I must have a little more time on what I owe them which was satisfactory. After tea, I went into the street and bought a diary of Mr. Swift, 50 cents. I talked to Mr. Potter about hiring George to drive his team and sell musical instruments for him. I mailed a letter to him about it, requesting him to meet me at the store on Saturday. JANUARY 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop today. I came home from work by way of the Jeffersonian Office to get my paper. William Hurd cashed my account for me before I left the shop - $10.00. I marked off the Sunday School Advocates in the evening. I stayed at home to let Gussie go with Louise up to George Davis'. JANUARY 04 SATURDAY - When we rose this morning, I found it snowing hard and two or more inches of it on the ground. I have been to New York. I had Josephine Dare's company from Bethel to the city. Her brother, Samuel, met her at 27th Street. Willie Hurd, Jr. was on the train with his sister and another lady friend on his way home from Danbury to Patterson. They took the 6th Avenue cars down with me. It has been misty most of the day here, while in New York, there has been no snow and a part of the day the sun shone. Soon after leaving Norwalk on my way home this evening, it began to snow again. As I left the cars on arriving home, it was snowing very fast. Gussie and Louise met me at the depot. George came down to the store to see me today about a position with J. M. Potter to drive a team on the road and sell melodeons, pianos, etc. He thinks of taking the situation if he and Mr. Potter can make a bargain. Before we retired, it cleared off finally and the stars shone brightly. JANUARY 05 SUNDAY - Good sleighing. Pleasant but cold. Gussie attended church in the morning and I went down to Sunday School when she returned from morning service. I stayed to Prayer Meeting in the P.M. Mrs. Holmes, our female superintendent, gave over to me $6.14 which she had collected to pay the expenses of our Christmas Exhibition. Bell was with us to tea. About 6 o'clock P.M., a fire broke out uptown. It was the dwelling in Franklin Street next to what was the old finishing shop on the corner of Main and Franklin Streets, owned by a Mr. Sturgis. Aunt Sally Hoyt and daughter Sarah Smith were living there. Sam Main and wife also boarded there. The house was not entirely burned down. Most of the things were got safely out except the clothing belonging to Mrs. Smith and her three children. It was about evening meeting time when I returned from the fire, but we stayed at home. JANUARY 06 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went to the shop and finished off five hats which I had left over since last Friday. There being no more work, I came home before dinner. After dinner, I went into the street and went before the Board of Relief to swear off $1,100 which I owe Father Griswold. I then went to Brother Burch's and collected 75 cents which his boy Charlie took for tickets sold to the Christmas Exhibition. I then paid him $12.75 for candy which he bought for the cornucopias on that occasion. On my way home to dinner, I stopped at Foster's Carpenter Shop and collected $3.75 from Tim Foster for pictures and frames which I sold him ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families. I took the train at 4:30 o'clock and went to Norwalk to see two undertakers there and arranged for flower preserving. I returned by the evening train. Paid printer for School printing - $6.50. JANUARY 07 THURSDAY - S. C. Holley's wool hat factory was burned this morning between 1 and 2 o'clock. I went to the fire. I have worked in the shop today. After work, I went up to see Father as he has worked for Holley and now will be out of work. Gussie having gone up before me, she got some pictures of Nellie Freeland for me to frame. I rode down home with Charles Starr. I went to a Hatters' Meeting at No. 2 Hose Company's room. I got excused early in the meeting and came home stopping at Flieg's Clothing Store to see if Theo Bradley wanted to go to New York with me in the morning; he thinks he will. When I came home, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he weighed out for me 26 lbs. of sugar at 15 cents per lb. with 2 percent added for expense of getting it here from New York. It came to $4.04. I paid him the 4 cents, leaving my indebtedness just four dollars. JANUARY 08 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with a little snow early in the morning as I was going to the depot. I have been to New York. Theo Bradley has been down with me. I spent a good part of the day going around with him. We took dinner at the 'Savory Dining Room' in Fulton Street just out of Broadway. I framed three pictures (two of them in one frame) for Nellie Freeland and two very small ones for Gussie ' 'Christ Crowned With Thorns' and 'The Virgin Mary' colored in oil. Nellie's were Deacon Benjamin Ambler and wife in one frame and Hattie Gregory (as it were) and her husband, Mr. Craig both on one card in another. Theo and myself were about tired out when we got home. Daniel Starr had a son born to him last night at about 12 o'clock and died at birth. Mrs. Bradley and Gussie went up this evening to see Mrs. Starr and also to call in Stevens Street and see the remains of John Stone who died yesterday morning at 6 o'clock. Mr. Pond came in the evening to see if I had a new hat for him as he intends going to Boston tomorrow. I have not yet made the hat for him. Gussie went sleigh riding with 10 others with George Starr's team by invitation from him. He sent William A. Bouton, his hired man to drive. The load was made up of old maids and widows ' Emily Anderson, Paulina Pepper, Fanny Griswold, Mrs. Noah K. Barnum, Widow Hiram Cole, Mrs. Starr and others. JANUARY 09 THURSDAY - Sunshine; snow squalls and high wind in the P.M. with increasing cold. I have worked in the shop. I have worked as long as I could see, having yesterday's work and today's too to get off. Bell was with us to tea. I gave her Nellie Freeland's pictures which I framed for her. She took them with her to church in the evening and will take them with her up home after meeting. John Stone was buried this P.M. I went to market in the evening and found it to be very cold. JANUARY 10 FRIDAY - Very cold last night and today. I have worked in the shop. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to market, etc. JANUARY 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer, though it is yet very cold. I have been to New York today. I saw Mr. Wing on the train this morning with a new washing machine. I brought one of them home to try. I tried today to find out which of my tenants over the store in New York it is that makes such a nuisance of the water closet but could not. Each denied it and charged the other with it. I threatened to turn out of doors the one who did it, if I could find out the guilty one provided it was not stopped. I brought 1 and a half yards of tracing cloth for drafting purposes to Morgan Chittenden from Burton's in 6th Avenue, between 4th and 5th Streets. Before retiring, I arranged a wash tub for the new washing machine preparatory to washing on Monday. JANUARY 12 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. Gussie went to church in the morning and came home at noon to let me go to Sunday School. I stayed to the Sacrament in the P.M. We stayed at home in the evening and retired early. JANUARY 13 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. The mercury stood at zero this morning. I have worked in the shop all day. Gussie tried her new washing machine, but before she had tried it long, a handkerchief got caught around one of the rollers and she, not being able to get it out again, abandoned it and did not on that account, give it a fair trial. A Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening. I attended as usual, I being the Secretary. The voted to expend one hundred dollars for the new library books and appointed the preacher, Brother Burch and myself a committee to purchase them. They also voted to get up an oyster supper, the proceeds from which to be used in fitting up and furnishing the Librarian's Room. JANUARY 14 TUESDAY - Cold during the morning, but the weather moderated somewhat during the day. Cloudy in the after part of the day with strong indications of snow. I have worked in the shop. About 11 o'clock, Brother Burch and George Starr called at the shop to get the catalogue to the Sunday School Library. I gave Brother Burch the keys to the church and library and directions where he would find the catalogue. He went to New York this P.M. and I am to meet him at Tibbel's on Park Row about the middle of the day tomorrow to assist in spending $100 for library books. As I came home from work this evening, I called at the Parsonage for any keys which he left there for me. Father completed splitting Mr. Pond's wood today. He took dinner with Gussie. Bell came in as we were drinking tea and stayed until meeting time and went down with Gussie who went to market and I stayed at home. Bell came after meeting to stay overnight. About 8 in the evening, it began to snow. JANUARY 15 WEDNESDAY - Snow last night and this morning. It cleared off about noon. I have been to New York and with Brother Burch, bought Sunday School books at Tibbel's. I was busy until time to come home and then left Brother Burch to finish the job. I brought home an old door mat from the store. Bought 'Bullion's Latin Reader' for Charles Hodge. JANUARY 16 THURSDAY - Pleasant, excepting a short snow squall after dinner. I have worked in the shop. I took the Latin Reader to Charles Hodge at the shop and got 75 cents for it. Gussie washed some clothes for George today which I brought for New York yesterday. She took the up home and ironed them while Mother mended. She used the new washer and liked it better today. After tea, I went to market. Gussie went with me as far as the street and then went down Liberty Street to see Mrs. Bradley about going out to Mr. Reynold's tomorrow evening with the Sewing Society on a sleighing party to have a gathering there. JANUARY 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cold in the morning. I have worked in the shop. I brought home a new hat for Mr. Pond. Brother Burch came home today. The Library books came also. He had them unpacked and his boys carried them into the Librarian's Room in the church. The Ladies' Aid Society meets this evening over to Brother Reynold's in Miry Brook. Brother Starr and Isaac Smith each furnished a double team. Avery Raymond supplies one single and Augustus Hoyt, two single teams. They were well filled and all hands started over there on a sleigh ride about 6 o'clock this evening. Gussie went with them. Georgie being sick with a head cold, I stayed with him at home. I went down, however, to the church (Louise at the time staying with Georgie) where they started from to see them off. I then called at D. B. Booth's office to see if the $100 bounty for George had come and found the check there waiting for him, it having come last Monday. I took it and am to take tomorrow to the city for his endorsement. JANUARY 18 SATURDAY - I have been to New York today. I took George's clean clothes down to him, but he not having made his appearance before I left to come home, I left the bounty check with William to have George endorse it when he did come. I cut down William's wages from $10 to $8 per week. Phillip Phillips had his new singing books that I have been waiting for so long, but I was at his place so late that I had no time to wait for them to be put up for me, so I came very reluctantly without them. I was sick with headache when I came home. Nelson Nickerson was on the train this evening on his way home from a coasting trip on the Southern Coast. He arrived in New York today by steamer from Charleston, South Carolina. JANUARY 19 SUNDAY 19 - Pleasant. Georgie being sick with a sore throat and a heavy cold and we both rose rather late. Gussie did not go to church at all today. I went down at noon to Sunday School and in the P.M., William Taylor, the Librarian and Fred Vintz, assisted by myself, put numbers on the backs of the old books and put them in the Library. In the evening, we met in the basement again and took a list of the new books and put into them what labels we had. JANUARY 20 MONDAY - Georgie, who yesterday and the day before was quite sick, is better today. He had no fever last night and today he was more like himself. I have worked in the shop until about 2 o'clock. Then, before coming home, went up to see Harriet at Mr. Townsend's to get a picture she wants framed, but Bell had been there for it and had taken it to my house. I fitted up a family group of Washington and gave to Robert. Bell came back from the street and took tea with us. Before and after tea, I worked at arranging the list of new Sunday School books in alphabetical order ready for entering them on the catalogue. When I completed it, I took the list down to the church and did some marketing. I received a letter from William, my man at the store, saying that H. D. Clark wanted a certain looking glass marked $35 for $27 and the same to remain on my $125 note due him next March. I replied before coming home. (I wrote in Swift's store and immediately mailed it) that $27 was too cheap on account, but that he could have it towards the note for $30. JANUARY 21 TUESDAY - A hard snowstorm. I was trouble so with headache last night and this morning, that I did not get up until breakfast was ready and did not go to the shop until after dinner. As I went, I mailed a letter to the store, directing William to send by return mail the $100 Bounty Check of George's which I left there on Saturday for George to endorse. As I came from work, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for 150 labels for Sunday School books which I ordered printed. When I got home, Father was at the house waiting for me to get the new washing machine for him. He wants to try it at Nellie Freeland's. After tea, I went down to the church per agreement with the Librarian to assist at putting labels on the books, etc. It cleared off so that the stars shone in the evening and grew colder. Georgie has evidently got the measles. JANUARY 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. In the evening, William H. Taylor, the Librarian, and I put numbers on the backs of the new Sunday School books. We worked until after 10 o'clock. JANUARY 23 THURSDAY - I have worked in the shop today. It commenced raining about 9 o'clock this A.M. and continued all day. As I came home from work, I took from the Office a letter from William with George's bounty check enclosed which I wrote for on Wednesday. I left it at the store last Saturday for George to endorse when he came down from Yonkers. I went down to the church in the evening and copied the numbers of the new Library books into the catalogue. I gave the bounty check to D. B. Booth to draw the money tomorrow. I wrote to George telling him that J. M. Potter would see him about selling instruments for him. I also wrote to Phillip Phillips to have him save me 35 of the Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves Combined and I will call for them Saturday. JANUARY 24 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked in the shop. I went to D. B., Booth's office in the evening and got George's $100 bounty money, leaving $5.00 of it with Booth as a fee for collecting the same. Gussie then went with me to see the new Library books at the church. Before retiring, I completed copying in alphabetical order the new Sunday School books into the catalogue. Bell was with us to tea. JANUARY 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I sent William out from the store with $90.00 with which to pay some bills and to buy some tea and coffee for me at the Great American Tea Company. He also bought a large slate and some small books which are calculated as helps to teachers for Mr. Pond. I brought home 35 of Phillips' singing books for the Sunday School. I had William come to the depot with me to help carry some of the packages and Mr. Pond met me here at the depot and assisted me. I also brought home for Harriet a pencil drawing which I framed for her. Gussie today took a letter from the Office for me from George. JANUARY 26 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, although not unpleasant. I went down to the church between 9 and 10 o'clock with the Sunday School papers. I returned and let Gussie attend in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School. The Librarian's Room is not yet fully furnished and completed though the center table chairs and carpet are there. The new Library books were given out today for the first time. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached us a good sermon. JANUARY 27 MONDAY - Stormy. It has snowed more or less all day. I have worked in the shop. I went to Teachers' Meeting in the evening, it being a special one to make arrangements for an Oyster Super on February 5th. Before I retired, I copied the minutes of the meeting and drew up a notice of the supper for publication in the paper. January 28 TUESDAY - Cloudy. It has snowed more or less during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I left a notice of our proposed Oyster Supper at the Times Office for publication. I went over to Dr. Brown's to see Lizzie Hill and got some pictures of our church and parsonage and again this evening and got some more which I am to frame and offer for sale at the Oyster Supper next week. After tea, I went over to see George Starr about the money with which to pay for our new Sunday School books. I then went up to Mr. Townsend's and took Harriet's picture which I framed to her. From there, I went over home and got the washing machine as Gussie wants to use it tomorrow. JANUARY 29 WEDNESDAY - Stormy ' snow. As I went to the shop this morning, I left a notice of our proposed Oyster Supper next Wednesday evening at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. There being no work at the shop, I spent the forenoon in trying to get George W. Raymond to go to our church and cut a pipe hole in the chimney in the Librarian's Room, but did not get him. I saw Andrew Knox about doing a little graining the same room in a few days. Mr. Norris, the pianist who played for us at the Christmas Exhibition, came here with his bill which I paid. - $12.00. I dropped a note to George Starr with the bill enclosed requesting him to make up the $7.00 which it was more than we expected as it will ben needed to pay for our new library books. I also wrote to George, notifying him that J. M. Potter would call on him in Yonkers on Friday with the view of employing him to sell musical instruments. After tea, I went up to Mr. Rundle's to see George Mortimer, his son, and get $1.00 for exhibition tickets which he sold. I then went over and carried a Singing Pilgrim to Harriet Phillips. JANUARY 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and mild after the snowstorm. I have worked in the shop. I came home feeling nearly sick. The German who disappeared last Monday was found in Turner Street. He was crazy. He seemed not to know where he had been or how long he had been gone. He is a hat maker and works for Henry Crofut. His name is Steiner. His wife, before he married her, lived with Father Griswold, a servant when they first came to Danbury when they resided in the old Parsonage. After tea, I shoveled the snow off the walk in front of my house and to Mr. Pond's gate. I then went into the street and to the church and opened the Infant Class money box and took from it $5.26 and put it into the Sunday School Treasury. I went into Prayer Meeting a few minutes before its close. JANUARY 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cold last night and this morning. I have worked in the shop. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Dr. Brown's. Louise stayed with Georgie while I went to the Society to get my key which I lent to Mrs. Holmes to clean the Librarian's Room. From there, I went over to the church and made a fire in the new stove in the Library to see if it would draw. Brother George Starr left a draft of $90.00 at the house for me today to take with me to New York tomorrow and put with other money from the treasury and pay N. Tibbels , 37 Park Row for the new Library books - $158.68.
1868-01
Horace Purdy Journal May 1868 Entry
8pgs
MAY 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cooler than yesterday. I have worked in the shop. The new schoolhouse was dedicated today. From 9 A.M. until noon it was open for inspection to the public. In the P.M., addresses were delivered. Cut down a tree in my yard. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond graft a little. I went to market in the evening. MAY 02 SATURDAY - Stormy; have been to New York. William Carlson went down with me. I brought home some of William's wedding cake. Brought a package for Mr. Dare at Bethel from Marlowe's in Bleeker Street. Took an order for regilding two frames and making connecting corners for them for parties in 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. VanAmburgh showed his menagerie today on Deer Hill near our folk. Gussie went to see it at Fannie's expense. MAY 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but not very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School, returned and took a nap in the P.M. George came home with me. We had an early tea and then took a walk up home with Georgie. The menagerie's tent was still standing. Georgie saw the elephant for the first time in his life. I went to church in the evening; Brother Burch preached. George and I this evening notified Charles Stevens that he (George) would take half of my seat with me. MAY 04 MONDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Two large Pier Glasses to regild from 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. Paid $50 for rent to Young for store in New York. I am about discouraged with my business prospects; have been very low spirited today. George has helped Gussie clean house today. He is to take his pay in boarding with us for a while. He commences today. MAY 05 TUESDAY - Pleasant until evening when we had a thunder shower. I slept but little last night on account of my business. I had a talk this evening with Father Griswold about business and felt better in consequence of it. I have worked in the shop. George helped clean house again today. They cleaned the parlor. In the evening, we hung paper curtains. MAY 06 WEDNESDAY - George helped Gussie again about house cleaning. I have worked in the shop. John Bussing started yesterday morning at 6 o'clock and walked to New Haven arriving there at 4:20 last evening. It was done to fulfill an agreement between him and Seth Northrup regarding our last election. It fell to John to walk to New Haven to see the governor inaugurated. I wrote to William at the store regarding buying me out and mailed it. MAY 07 THURSDAY - Lowery and a part of the day rain. I have worked in the shop. The work being the last for this week, I got my account cashed - $11.00, by William Carlson. I came early and picked a lot of greens for dinner tomorrow. I made out my annual report for the Sunday School to present next Monday evening at the Annual meeting. I went to market in the evening. I received a statement of my indebtedness from Benedict & Nichols - $34.00. MAY 08 FRIDAY - Stormy; it rained hard all last night and this morning. Early this morning the hills were white with snow. I have been to New York. I had conversation with my man, William Hayes, today about selling to him the business. He thinks he will take it if he can find a friend to loan him the required money. It cleared off pleasant and cool in the middle of the day. MAY 09 SATURDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Called at E. H. Purdy's in 13th Street to see about having Mr. H. Griffin's frames repaired, which were badly made last August by E. H. Purdy. They would not make it good without charging for it. I left a hand looking glass at Fanton's store at Broadway, corner of Spring Street for B. F. Ryder which I have been setting a plate to for him. Mrs. Pond called in the evening. MAY 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower just at night. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. George and I took a walk over to John Bouton's after tea. George and I went to church in the evening. I gave a written statistical report of the Sunday School to Mary Vintz at the evening meeting to carry to George Starr. MAY 11 MONDAY - George helped me commence making a garden this morning before breakfast. I went to the shop and had a little work. Bought a half ton of coal of Charles Griffing. Prices reduced today on the two coarsest qualities, Nos. 6 and 3. Borrowed $60.00 of Mr. Pond to pay to John Cosier. The Annual Teachers' Meeting was held this evening. The same old officers were reelected. MAY 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. I called on L. B. Sage at 424 Grand Street. Bought a mess of porgies, the first in town. George spread manure on my garden. Left with Lorenzo Nickerson $76.00 for John Cosier. MAY 13 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I spaded garden until noon when it commenced raining. I went to the factory in the P.M. and ordered a hat for Father Griswold, also one for Mr. Pond. I paid $11.67, the balance for the Sunday School indebtedness to Joseph W. Ives for furnishing the Librarian's room. I carried an umbrella up to George to Montgomery's shop for him to come home with. MAY 14 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night. I have been to New York today. Cloudy in the morning, but no rain. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I took dinner with my salesman, William Hayes this noon. I brought one half dozen looking glasses to Bethel for Mr. Dare tonight. I left them at the depot with Mr. Gillette. George and Gussie met me at the depot this evening. I got some seed potatoes this evening of Mr. Philander Brotherton. MAY 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came home and planted corn, potatoes and peas. I weeded out my strawberries. I went to Bethel by the afternoon train to see Mr. Dare about the looking glasses I brought him last night. I came home and found a letter from him with a check enclosed for the amount of the bill - $5.00. He sent it by the baker. I walked from Bethel as far as Orin Benedict's factory and rode up from there with Lucius Wildman. George and I spaded more garden after tea. I went into the street in the evening and Swift cashed my check from Mr. Dare. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. George and Gussie went home with her. MAY 16 SATURDAY - I went to New York today. I took William Carlson's soldier's testimonial down with me and framed it. I brought home and delivered it in the evening and hung it for him. He paid me for it $2.50. I also brought home a preserved wreath and cross for Mrs. Ferrell. John Cosier went to New Rochelle today for the remains of Saul McNeil, who was found dead in a barn. He saw the account in the New York Sun. He died with the heart disease. The vote of impeachment was taken in Congress today. President Johnson was acquitted by one vote. MAY 17 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I have had a headache all day. I only attended Sunday School at noon. Theodore Lyons, John Green and Daniel Starr and wife called to see the preserved flowers I brought last night from New York. Mrs. Bradley called also after tea and Gussie went with her to the cemetery. A little sprinkle of rain in the evening. MAY 18 MONDAY - Stormy and rain. I rode about 40 miles today to Fishkill Village for J. M. Potter to take a melodeon and meet him there with three new horses from Middletown, New York, 25 miles back of Newburgh. He was to meet me this evening at Jackson's Hotel. I received a dispatch from him to wait for his arrival. MAY 19 TUESDAY - It is still unpleasant. I went this forenoon to Mrs. Knapp's where I left the melodeon yesterday and unpacked the instrument and set it up for them. I stayed about 4 P.M. to ride down to Fishkill's landing and if I should not meet Potter to go over to Newburgh and call on Daniel Manly. I met Potter at Mattawan with his horses and I returned with him to the village. After tea at the hotel, Mr. Potter and I called on Mrs. Knapp. Mr. Potter sang and played for them. MAY 20 WEDNESDAY - I started a little after 8 A.M. for Danbury (with the same team I drove to Fishkill on Monday) and led one of the new span which Potter bought. I stopped at Towner's Station on the Harlem Road to feed horses and eat my own dinner. I arrived in Danbury about 4 P.M., just after it began to rain again. I saw the horses taken care of and then went down to the factory and from there home. MAY 21 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night and a great part of today. The streams are very high. I worked a little in the shop. I finished a hat for Father Griswold and one for Mr. Pond. I then finished 9 odd hats which kept me nearly all day. I the evening, I delivered some flower work to Nathan Ferrell, a wreath and cross. Henry Day had placed in his hands an order of $30.00 which he wanted me to allow Ferrell on the flower work. It was unexpected to me but I honored the order and then called on Day and told him what I thought of the transaction. My indebtedness to him (Day) was perfectly understood between us and before doing so, he should as a friend as he professed to be given me notice of his intention to turn the account and thereby save me trouble. MAY 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Paid Mr. Pond this morning $25.00 toward $60.00 borrowed on the 11th instant. I went to the shop and finished up 5 hats to finish up a lot of odd ones, 14 in number. I brought home 3 new Pearl Cashmere hats for Father Griswold, Mr. Pond and Mr. Pond's nephew. I went to the factory again after dinner and got an old knock down Pearl Cashmere body and finished for myself which made a very good hat. It cost me only for the trimming. I brought home Hiram Hadden's soldier's testimonial to frame for him. George, Gussie and Mrs. Bradley went to the cemetery in the P.M. to set out plants, etc. I sold 8 ## pounds of pie plant in the evening at Benedict & Nichols' I let him have it on account at 5 cents per pound. MAY 23 SATURDAY - Stormy and rain. I have been to New York. I took down some pictures to frame for Fanny, John Bouton and Lucy Bennett. I brought one for Hiram Hadden, Fanny and Lucy Bennett. I helped Fanny hang some pictures in the evening. George has worked today for Mr. Pond, whitewashing, etc. MAY 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some mist, but no rain during the day. I attended church in the morning, returning after Sunday School. Father made us a call about 4 P.M. and stayed an hour or more. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie attend church. MAY 25 MONDAY - I have been to New York. It has been neither pleasant nor stormy. Rain in the morning, sunshine in the middle of the day, rain again after 3 P.M. I made two sample frames for Tibbel, having in view a large order. Called at 12 Courtland Street to see H. D. Clark. He has not yet got home from his trip selling clocks. I gave Daniel a scolding at the store today for being so lazy about his gilding. I bought tea and coffee at the great American Tea Company. I brought a small package from Saul Northrup at the New York and New Haven Railroad Depot in New York to N. P. Gillette. George and I went over to River Street this evening to see his boss Kellogg Nichols to get his pay but could not get it, he not being at home. MAY 26 TUESDAY - Clouds, sunshine and rain. I started from home this morning to go to New York. I went to the depot but on account of the weather, concluded to stay at home. I went to the shop and worked all day. After work and before going home, I went to see E. S. Davis about endorsing paper for me to get $300.00. George went into the street in the evening while I stayed at home. I got a picture from Mr. Pond to frame. MAY 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant day. I have been to New York. I went to see Tibbel at 37 Park Row and arranged to do some framing for him. In the P.M., I went with William up to 23rd Street to put up pier glasses. I took a picture down to frame for Mr. Pond. Bought ## barrel of flour in the evening of Charles Crofut at $17.00 per barrel. Went to market in the evening and borrowed $10.00 of Fuller at the market. Before retiring, George and I took down our sitting room stove and carried it up to Father Griswold's barn. MAY 28 THURSDAY - An East wind. Cloudy and a little rain. I have been to New York. I accompanied Mrs. Cyrus White to New York. I have been very busy at the store today. I brought Mr. Pond's picture of 'Christ Blessing Little Children' which I framed for him. After tea, I went into the street again to see Mr. Crofut about borrowing some money. I saw him but my courage failed me and I did not ask him. Mr. Burch returned this evening from Chicago. George and Gussie cleaned the sitting and sink rooms today. Charles Crofut brought me a ## barrel of flour today which I ordered and paid for last evening. MAY 29 FRIDAY - Rain in Danbury, but none of any account in New York where I have been. I spoke with Mr. Fanton on the train this evening about lending me some money for a few days. Frank Butler came home, or rather, came to town from Minnesota this evening. I talked with him on the train. Gussie met me in the street. We went to market and then she went to see Mrs. Bradley and I came home. George went up home to a rehearsal this evening. MAY 30 SATURDAY - Rainy a part of the day. I have been to New York. Helped put up cornices at Mrs. Haight's in 23rd Street and found that they did not fit as they should. Alterations will consequently have to be made. I called at Tibbel's in Park Row with some frames. I bought of him 1 ## dozen No. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School and ## dozen 'Two Years With Jesus' for George. I went to Schermerhorn's in Browne Street for school records for Mr. Pond. I brought him one for a sample. I borrowed of H. B. Fanton, $150.00 for a few days. Soldiers' graves today were decorated with flowers all over the country. A grand demonstration was made here by the Grand Army of the Republic, Fire Department and Temperance Lodge. Georgie is up home to stay overnight. MAY 31 SUNDAY - A lovely day, the first in a long time. Georgie having been sent up to Father Purdy's yesterday and being still there, we all attended church in the morning. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We called for Mrs. Bradley in Liberty Street and she went with us. We returned rather late for meeting, so we stayed at home in the evening. I wrote to William at the store in the evening.
1868-05
Horace Purdy Journal July 1868 Entry
6pgs
JULY 01 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. I came home by steamer to Norwalk to bring a looking glass frame for Mr. Jackson. I sat up until about midnight, cutting plate and fitting and fastening in the new frame. Mr. Pond assisted me. JULY 02 THURSDAY - Very warm. I have worked in the shop. After tea, George helped me to carry the glass to Mr. Jackson's and hang it. JULY 03 FRIDAY - Very hot; a heavy shower commencing little before 4 o'clock and lasting an hour or more. The rain fell in torrents accompanied with hail. The mercury stood from 90 to 100 in the shade. JULY 04 SATURDAY - Another hot day. I went to New York and took to William Hayes about 3 quarts of strawberries. I returned on the 12:15 Express from New York and arrived here at 3:45. The Catholics held a picnic in Keeler's Orchard on Deer Hill. The 'Grand Army of the Republic' held one in McDonald's Woods at Oil Mill Pond. Gussie attended the G.A.R company. With what was expected, it was a failure. It has been very hot. Georgie has been up home on Deer Hill today in order to let Gussie attend the picnic. He is to stay overnight. The Democratic Convention meets today in New York at the new Tammany Hall between 3rd and 4th Avenues on 14th Street. A salute was fired this evening at sundown at Rose Hill by members of the G.A. R. JULY 05 SUNDAY - Very warm again. After breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond to wash. Georgie being up home, we all attended church in the morning. While we were at tea, Father came with Georgie. Showers around us with heavy thunder and lightning but no rain here. Georgie has a bad cough. I went over to West Street to Mr. Wood's to get a recipe for a cough syrup to make for Georgie. JULY 06 MONDAY - A pleasant warm day though more comfortable than yesterday there being more breeze. I had work in the shop until nearly 6 o'clock. I went down to Swifts with two 10x12 one inch Rose and Gilt frames and cut them down for Fanny to make 8x10's of them. I went to market in the evening. JULY 07 TUESDAY - Cloudy. No work in the shop. I took the 12 o'clock train and went to New York, arrived a 3:20. I took the 4:30 train back again. The shone when I got to the city. Before I arrived home, we had a summer shower. George met me at the depot with my overshoes and an umbrella. JULY 08 WEDNESDAY - Lowery; muggy and hot, but little sunshine. I have worked in the shop. I have filed my saw which belongs to the store after I came from work. After tea, George went to market for me and I took F. G. Jackson's old looking glass frame to his house which I have had since I made his new one. Before bedtime, I went up to Father Griswold's and had a talk with him about my business affairs. JULY 09 THURSDAY - Thunder shower this morning early. Went to New York. William started today with his regiment for Norwich. Horatio Seymour was today nominated for President and Blair for Vice-President. JULY 10 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. We had Dr. Bulkely for Georgie. I talked with Mrs. Willard about learning Gussie to preserve flowers. I brought a package from John Carpenter in New York to Charlie, his brother, in Burnett & Stone's store. JULY 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant but hot. I have been to New York. As I went to the depot this morning, I carried to Charles Carpenter at Burnett & Stone's store, 4 rolls of salve. The store not being open, I left them at Benedict's Shoe Store. William returned this P.M. from his excursion with the New York 7th Regiment to Norwich. I delivered 6 Bead Walnut and Gilded frames to N. Tibbel this P.M. I came near being left by the train in New York this P.M. Gussie moved our bed upstairs today and put my secretary in the bedroom. JULY 16 SUNDAY - Before breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond and washed. I went to church in the morning and to Sunday School. Gussie went in the P.M. to the Communion Service. Before its close, it was nearly broken by an alarm of fire. A Mr. Beers on Balmforth Avenue owned the house. A part of the house was nearly destroyed. After tea, Gussie went with Mrs. Rowan to see Mary White, an old schoolmate. JULY 13 MONDAY - Very warm. HOT! I have worked in the shop. After tea, George and I trimmed the edges of the walk in front of the house. Father Griswold's and Mr. Pond's front also. I wrote to Southmayd & Company, my agent for selling my store and enclosed $2.50 for advertising in the Herald, which with $2.00 given him when I arranged with him to try and sell the business makes $4.50. George took it to mail for me. I also wrote to E. Wing, West Goshen to send an improved washing machine for the one we have had of the first lot, it being imperfect. JULY 14 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very warm. The mercury stood at 95 in the shade. I worked until after 3 P.M. in the shop. As I came home, I bought a quart of Old Stock imported ale for Georgie. The doctor ordered it for him. I sent to the office this morning the letter I wrote to Mr. Wing. JULY 15 WEDNESDAY - Very warm again today. I have been to New York. I left our washing machine at Ridgefield Station for Mr. Wing this morning; he is to send another in its place. I delivered more frames to Tibbels' and received $34.00, the amount of his bill. Hannah Gregory and Mary White from Dover, New York were here to tea. They were old Amenia school mates of Gussie's. George and I went across to Mr. Green's about 11 o'clock and took a wash in the brook and then retired, being nicely cooled off. JULY 16 THURSDAY - Warm, but more comfortable there being a breeze. I have worked in the shop all day. JULY 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop all day. I went to market in the evening. JULY 18 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I took a small bundle for Elisha Morris to be called for at my store. I put in a 10x17 looking glass plate for Robert Cocking and built two small ones. I brought them home with me and delivered them this evening and got my pay for them. Dan Rice's Circus has been here today. George went to Yonkers. JULY 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. As I went for milk this morning, I carried to Mr. McDonald the 3 cents worth of Children's Tracts which I got for him yesterday in New York. George went to Yonkers yesterday and is consequently not with us today. I went to church in the morning. Brother Burch preached to the Sunday School. I came home after school. Gussie came down at noon and stayed in the P.M. After tea, Father came down with Georgie who has been up there since yesterday. We stayed home in the evening. JULY 20 MONDAY - Cloudy; east wind and misty and fine rain just at night. I have worked in the shop. William Carlson drew my pay - $12.00 ' on Saturday and gave it to me today. Bell drew George's pay at Montgomery's today and left $10.00 with Gussie for board. He expects to return from Yonkers tomorrow. Gussie went to market this evening. JULY 21 TUESDAY - Cloudy; east wind but no rain. I have worked in the shop. George came home from Yonkers on the evening train. Thought I lost my pocketbook at A. E. Fuller's Market, but found it at home. The seventh Anniversary of the 1st Battle of Bull Run. JULY 22 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. Cloudy in the morning with fog. Sunshine in the middle of the day. Warmer than the last two or three days. Mrs. Stewart went home this morning from Father Griswold's. I escorted her to the city. I saw her on a 3rd Avenue and Fulton Ferry Stage and left her. Elisha Morris' wife was put in my care also. She took the boat at Norwalk where I turned her over to John Cosier who was going to the city. I framed and brought home Hanson Smith's and George's Soldiers testimonials and brought them up with me at night. JULY 23 THURSDAY - An east wind and cloudy most of the day, but no rain. I have worked in the shop. In the evening, I went to market and paid Charles Griffing for the ## ton of coal I owed him for. JULY 24 FRIDAY - I have worked hard in the shop. JULY 25 SATURDAY - A heavy rain last night. I have been to New York. The day has been fine in New York, though it has rained here about two o'clock; also about 7 this evening and again between 9 and 10 o'clock. I had some conversation with William Hayes in the store about buying me out. Gussie met me in the street after the train arrived and I went with her to market. JULY 26 SUNDAY - Before breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond and took a good wash. I went to church in the morning. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to Sunday School. After school, I came home with him and left Gussie to the afternoon meeting. After tea, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk up West Street into Stevens and Spring Streets. JULY 27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to F. G. Jackson's to see about the $20.00 he owes me for the looking glass frame I made for him July 2. He promises to pay it this week. From there, I went up to Agnes Keeler's to see the size of the three pictures I framed for them last summer; also to inquire the price of braiding a hair watch chain for John Cave in New York. From there, I went to market. The proprietor of the Turner House failed this morning. The sheriff was there and attached his property. JULY 28 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop. A shop call after dinner to put the price of No. 7-6-8-and 4back again to the old price, we having made a deduction on these qualities during dull times about 6 weeks or two months ago. We got the price on all except the No. 6 which Mr. Crofut would not give the 2%, but we agreed on 1% advance. Elijah Morris and myself were the committee to wait upon the boss. I worked all the P.M. in misery with a sick headache. Gussie went to market in the evening. I cut George's hair and helped Mr. Pond set out celery plants. JULY 29 WEDNESDAY - Went to New York. Levi Wildman came to the store to see my business. He thinks of buying a business of some kind. I got two pounds of coffee and one pound of tea at the Great American Tea Company. I brought up two pictures to Oscar Serine which I framed for him ' 'Lost' and 'Saved' in Rose and Gilt. I delivered them after tea and then went to Mr. Richards for my boots and shoes for Georgie which he has mended today. JULY 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I turned grindstone for Mr. Pond to grind his scythe up to Father Griswold's barn. I have worked in the shop. Today has been the first for a long time that we have had full work in the shop. After tea, Bell came home with Georgie. He has been up to Grandmas since yesterday. Gussie went to market in the evening, while I, being tired, stayed home. Gussie bought a pair of heeled slippers - $1.15. JULY 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Real Dog Days' weather. I have worked in the shop. Oscar Serine cashed my account - $20.00. In the evening, I called to see F. G. Jackson per agreement to get my pay for looking glass frames but he was away to New York. I went to market in the evening.
1868-07
Horace Purdy Journal October 1868 Entry
10pgs
OCTOBER 01 THURSDAY - Cloudy and rain threatened all day. I am nearly beside myself with trouble about my New York business. I must sell the store business to pay my debts and yet cannot find a customer. I have worked in the shop. Before tea, we moved our bed downstairs. Then I took my gun and went over to Terry's Woods to look for some pigeons but found none. I went over to Jacob Fry's and engaged 5 bushels of potatoes at 10 cents per bushel. After tea, I went to market. In the evening I got $700.00 of Father Griswold to take up notes which he is endorsing- $400 at Union Savings Bank and $350.00 at the Pahquioque Bank. OCTOBER 02 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop. I left work long enough about 11 o'clock to go to the Danbury Bank with the check Father Griswold gave me last evening and draw money enough to take up my note of $400.00 at the Union Savings bank and the one of $350 at the Pahquioque Bank. After attending to the notes, I returned to the shop and worked the balance of the day. On my way home, I got the lamp at Charles Hull's which I took there last evening for repairs. OCTOBER 03 SATURDAY - Rain in the morning. Cloudy all day until evening when it came off pleasant and cool. I have been to New York. On my way to the store, I stopped at John Sperry's and talked with him about my indebtedness to him of $21.00 and of my intentions to sell to the first customer I could find who wanted to buy my business, my reasons being that I am discouraged on account of the past dull season and in fact the unusual dull times ever since I have been in business one year ago last June 1st. Also the lack of Father Griswold's confidence in my ability to do business enough in that locality to pay my borrowed capital. He having supplied me the said money, I sell to satisfy him rather than for any other reason, though I feel very confident that with a little more money to invest another season, I can do well. Mr. Sperry advised me not to sell. He thinks business will now improve and there is a good chance for me just ahead. Clark Beers came down on the noon train from home arriving at my store at 3 o'clock. He took a look at the store and business with a view of buying. I brought from New York a bundle of clothing from John Carpenter to his brother George. His father met me at the depot this evening and took the bundle paying me 20 cents for my trouble; he offered me 30 cents but I gave him back 20 cents. I did not get out of bed until 6 o'clock this morning and was obliged to take a cold breakfast. I had the sick headache all day on that account. I bought a Lane Hymn Book for Mr. Layman. Also 'Upham's Interior Life' for Victor Benedict. I bought the 1st volume of 'Fuller's Works' also for him to look at as he in thinking of purchasing it also. Coming home from New York, I sat in the same seat as Mr. Merritt, a fine old gentleman who has bought the fine residence of the late A. C. Tweedy uptown and expects soon to move here and become a resident of Danbury. After I came home, Gussie went into the street and bought a pair of shoes of Daragan & Ryder. Robert Fry brought me 4 bushels of potatoes today instead of 5 bushels. OCTOBER 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Gussie attended church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I came home again after school. After tea, I took a walk on Highland Avenue. On my return coming over Gallows Hill, I saw Sidney Thompson. I had a talk with him. He declares that he will stop drinking, reform and join the Temperance Society. When I got home, Gussie went over to John Bouton's. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Latimer, who is visiting at Father Griswold's, preached a very good sermon. OCTOBER 05 MONDAY - Town election. Appearance of rain in the morning. The Democrats attempted this morning at the opening of the polls to do away with the register, also to close the polls at 12 o'clock instead of 4 o'clock as heretofore. They intended to get their vote in this forenoon and then cut us off in the P.M. by closing the polls, but the trick got out in time for us to rally in force at 9 o'clock and defeat their plans. Our party (Republican) came off victorious by a majority of 82. Last Spring's election, we had only 51. I worked in the shop nearly all day. This morning, I took the books to Victor Benedict which I bought for him Saturday in New York. Mother came down this P.M. and took tea with us. I went into the street this evening and got my pants which Saul Fleig cut over for me, they being a pair which Harriet gave me that someone at Townsend School left there and they gave to her. I worked a little on my walk in front this morning and again before tea this evening. I received a letter from Daniel at the store asking for $10.00 to be advanced to him. I wrote a reply before retiring refusing to let him have it. OCTOBER 06 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop. I did today what little we are to have tomorrow also as I intend to go to New York tomorrow. Before breakfast, I mailed the letter to Daniel at the store in New York that I wrote last evening. When I came from work, I finished my front walk and repaired the grate to my sitting room stove and brought it from Father Griswold's barn down to the house ready to set it up. In the evening I went to Hatters' Meeting at the hose house near Barn Place Bridge but found it not lighted nor anyone there. Then I came away. I saw the Wide-Awakes start for Brookfield by the Brookfield train. They are to have a torch light parade, speaking, etc. up there tonight. OCTOBER 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. Mr. Pond has been down also. We did business together this morning. He came to my store and we went downtown together o business. He left his coat at my store. I took it with me to the depot at 4 o'clock where I met him and we sat together coming home. I paid Carlton & Manahan $25.50 for 30 Sunday School Journals and 50 Sunday School Advocates for the new subscription year commencing now. I also bought down at Tibbels' a new Lane Hymn Book for Peter Starr, a half dozen new Longking Questions and three No. 1 Judd's Lessons for the Sunday School. Also, I got for V. Benedict another volume of Fuller's Works. I called on John Sperry and made some arrangements with him to sell my store for me. Harriet Mills spent the evening with us. I carried up to Father Griswold's the notes I took up last Friday. He wants to put some writing on them for me to sign: an acknowledgement from me that he took up the notes. It being late, he did not attend to it this evening. OCTOBER 08 THURSDAY - Shower this morning; another this P.M. Sunshine between the two. I worked in the shop until 3 P.M. Before tea, I went down to the church and hung up three mottos on banners as follows: 'Pray Without Ceasing', 'Stand Up For Jesus', and 'God Bless Our School'. I brought these from New York on trial to return them if the school did not accept them. Received a letter from William advising me to take some measures with Daniel about the paintings he traded off for clothing. I wrote a reply and mailed it this evening. I carried the Lane Hymn Books to Peter Starr this evening which I bought for him in the city. The Grant and Colfax Legions with torches went to Bethel this evening. O. S. Ferry is to speak there. OCTOBER 09 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool; a heavy frost this morning. I put up our sitting room stove this morning. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to Mr. Francis' to get some pictures, certificates, commissions, etc. to frame for Lucius Hoyt. I then went into the street to the Post Office to Fanton's for Gussie's breast pin which he has been mending. I bought a box of 'Coster's Rat Exterminator' and came home. OCTOBER 10 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning; I have been to New York. Gussie went with me as far as Norwalk. From there, she had the company of Mr. Amesbury. She has gone to New Haven for about two weeks to visit at Harriet's. She intends also going to Essex before returning. I had a talk with Ferguson, the frame manufacturer, corner of Broadway and Spring Street. He promises to let me have on credit all I want until I sell out. I arranged for the same with Crow & Powell for glass at 378 Canal Street. I took with me for Swift a small package for his daughter at 109 East 27th Street. Also $2.00 for R. Cowan and left at William Byfield's. I bought a large passe-partout for Swift from Mr. J. Handler. Also 5 small pictures for Benjamin Rolfe. I took down a picture I framed for Mrs. Mc Donald, also 4 more for Lucius Hoyt. I went up to Mother Griswold's to tea, there being no one to get mine for me, Gussie being gone. Georgie is staying up there with Fanny. I put on underclothes this morning. OCTOBER 11 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took breakfast with Mother Griswold. The first Sunday School papers on the new subscription year, I gave out to day. I was kept home nearly all the forenoon making out a new list and marking them off. The large illuminated mottos which I put up in the Sunday School gave good satisfaction to all. They will keep them I am directed to pay for them from the Treasury. I came home after Sunday School and did the usual writing of the session and then went up home to Deer Hill to tea. I took George's clothes up to be washed which came from Yonkers. He sends home his washing in order to retain his residence until after the election. After tea, I went over to John Bouton's for a walk. I attended church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. A blind colored brother made a few remarks at the close of the sermon eliciting money to support colored schools in the South. OCTOBER 12 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop but there was no work. I came home and with Mr. Pond's carriage drew Georgie downtown to see the European Circus and Menagerie enter town. The Band Chorist was drawn by 8 camels. A living lion was on top of a large triumphal car open to the sight of all. In the afternoon, I picked apples for Father Griswold. I went into the street in the evening. I waited for the mail and then came home. I found out when it was too late that there was a Teacher's' Meeting. I did not know that it was given out in Sunday School and consequently was not there. Before retiring, I wrote to George W. Brockett (at the Adams House in Providence, Rhode Island) for the $5.00 I lent him one Saturday at my store in New York a month or more ago. A young man named Stevens working for John Cosier wants to rent my upper rooms. OCTOBER 13 TUESDAY - Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana elections came off today. The returns will be looked at with intense interest. The day has been pleasant. I worked in the shop until nearly 3 o'clock and then came home. There will be no more work until Friday. I commenced mowing my dooryard before tea. I went into the street in the evening, waited for the mail and returned home. OCTOBER 14 WEDNESDAY - Lowery with a little rain. I have been to New York. The news of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, also Nebraska is good. All have gone by large majorities Republican. The republicans are joyous while Democrats have a solemn and doleful look. I brought home 4 framed pictures for Lucius H. Hoyt and one for Mrs. McDonald. I took tea up to Mother Griswold's The Grant and Colfax Club with a Club from Bethel turned out with torches this evening. A salute was fired this P.M. I am told the Republicans are jubilant over the elections. OCTOBER 15 THURSDAY - To New York again today. Appearance of rain in the morning. William was away over to Brooklyn. His (7th Regiment) Drum Corp played for a parade over there. . In the P.M., I went down to Southmayd's, my agent to sell my store. ; also called on James Ward and then went to Goodenough's in Nassau Street for Mrs. McDonald's spectacles which she left there last week. I called on E. H. Sperry in 6th Avenue to try and sell my store to him. Just as the up train was coming into Norwalk Bridge this evening, it ran over a two horse team, the wagons loaded with barrels of tar. One horse was killed. Coming from the depot, I took a letter from the Office from Gussie in New Haven. OCTOBER 16 FRIDAY - A beautiful day. I am still sleeping in my bed at home and taking my meals at Father Griswold's I have worked in the shop today. Before breakfast, I went for milk and took Mrs. McDonald's spectacles to her which she left in New York at Goodenough's in Nassau Street and I got for her. Also the picture I framed for her. She paid for it - $1.50, also 22 cents for car rides, etc. to get her spectacles. Received a letter from George in Yonkers containing accounts of banner raisings, conversions to Republicans, assaults on boys in blue, threats of the Ku Klux Klan, etc. I delivered after tea, 4 pictures to Lucius H. Hoyt which I framed for him and got my pay $4.00. I went to the club room and received George's letter to a small company related to politics, Ku Klux Klan in Yonkers. Went to the Post Office and came home. I answered Gussie's letter before retiring. OCTOBER 17 SATURDAY - Rain this morning with a little snow. I have been to New York. I saw E. M. Sperry about buying my store. In the P.M., I went down to Tibbel's and paid him for the three mottos I put in the Sunday School room. Called at Nunnebacher's about some molding I ordered but I have not yet been sent. . Called also at John Sperry's about some polished walnut ovals returned to the store. Paid balance of Maguire & Booth's bill. Commenced taking inventory of stock, fixtures, tools, etc. Called at Dempsey & Dowding's under Amity House for my satchel which he has been blacking over for me. Walked up 6th Avenue with William (he going to 24th Street to look at a house) as far as 23rd Street, then went to the depot via 5th Avenue Hotel on Madison Square. Came off on the train forgetting my umbrella in the package office (where I left It his morning) Conductor Street put his young daughter in my charge from New York to Norwalk. I had Edmund Allen's company from Norwalk to Danbury. Mr. Pond's wife, children, and Miss Camp were on the train also, they having been on East for a visit. OCTOBER 18 SUNDAY - Cold last night. The ground was frozen hard this morning. I stayed at home with Georgie in the forenoon. Louise came home at noon to let me go down to Sunday School, but there was none on account of there being no coal to warm the church. I stayed awhile in the basement and then came home. I went up home to tea. I did not attend church in the evening. Having some cold, I concluded not to risk taking more by sitting in a cold church. OCTOBER 19 MONDAY - Warmer; cloudy with a little fine rain in the A. M. I have worked in the shop. I have a severe headache from a cold taken last Saturday riding from New York with no fire in the cars. As I came from work, I went to John Cosier's shop in White Street to see about the young man wanting my upper rooms. His name is Stevens from New Fairfield. He is to be married tomorrow to Hiram Pulling's daughter. He has secured rent in new Street. I received a letter from Gussie in New Haven. OCTOBER 20 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I mowed a little in my dooryard before breakfast. I have worked in the shop. I opened, after tea, a barrel of sweet potatoes for Mother Griswold. I am getting all my meals now with Father Griswold now in Gussie's absence. I went into the street in the evening. I brought home some putty and before retiring stopped a leakage in the sink. OCTOBER 21 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York. It commenced raining there between 10 and 11 o'clock and continued all day. Marshall West (Mr. Pond's nephew) went to the city for Mr. Gillette on business. I had his company down and back. I brought up 1 dozen 9x10 Rustics for William Bedient, the photographer. His rooms being closed, I left them with Mr. West at Gillette's store. The Grant & Colfax Club was out with torches as I came from the depot. They were on their way (headed by the brass band) to the Turner House to escort a Mr. Stevens (from Massachusetts) to Concert Hall to speak for the Republicans on the political issues of the day. OCTOBER 22 THURSDAY - Cloudy again all day with some fine rain. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I wrote to Gussie in New Haven. While writing, Mr. Cocking came in to see me in my loneliness. We walked into the street together. I got my watch again from Fanton's, which S. G. Bailey has been fixing for me. I mailed my letter to Gussie and came home. OCTOBER 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop. I came home and left my watch hanging there and was obliged to return for it. I called on William A. Bedient for my pay for a dozen 8x10 Rustic frames but sis not get it. . Got a small oil can mended for Mother Griswold. After tea, I went into the street and bought a new chimney for our large kerosene lamp. I got two testimonials to frame from George Quien, his own and Brother Kearney's. OCTOBER 24 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have been to New York. Called to see E. M. Sperry about buying my business; he has concluded not to take it. I then went to see Thomas Elliot, real estate agent, 137 Bleeker Street, corner of Laurens Street. I left it in his hands to be sold. I took a letter from here to Mr. Graham to Charles Whiting in Water Street. I did not have time to take it down myself, but left it with William to deliver on Monday morning. I brought a frame up for Swift, 8x10 gold seal, also a large passe-partout from Handlers'. The Grant and Colfax club were out this evening with their torches and music. I being very tired and sleepy, retired early. OCTOBER 25 SUNDAY - Warmer but cloudy and in the evening rain. I rose late and did not attend church in the A.M. but stayed with Georgie to let Mother Griswold's folks all go. Louise came home at noon to let me go down to Sunday School. Theodore Bradley acted today as assistant librarian for the first time. William H. Taylor expectedly returned to town and was to Sunday School. He being the old librarian, I offered him the place again, but new hands having been put in his place, he consented to let them remain. I returned home after school. My truss having broken at church, I mended it and then did my Sunday School writing, after which I went up to my father's on Deer Hill to tea. I returned before dark, spent a little time up to Mother Griswold's with Georgie and his Sunday School book, and then came down home for the evening. I did not go out on account of the rain. During the evening, I copied for Mother Griswold the genealogy of the Webster family back seven generations, her children being the seventh. While writing, Miss Camp came over from Mr. Pond's to borrow some mustard for a plaster for Mr. Pond's nephew, Marshall West, who is sick. We having none, I borrowed for them of Mother Griswold I went over a few minutes to see him. OCTOBER 26 MONDAY - Clouds and sunshine during the day. I have worked in the shop. I wore the boots Harriet gave me from one of Mr. Townsend's teachers to the shop and sold them to the office boy, Edmund Dickens, for $3.00. I took from the Post Office a small package left there by previous arrangement by Eliza J. Hill for me to deliver to 74 Carmine Street next time I go to the city. After tea, I went for milk for Louise. The I went into the street and exchanged a coal shuttle for Fanny, bought 25 cents worth of buckwheat flour for Mother Griswold, got $1.25 from Swift for an 8x10 gold frame, peale and ribbon pattern which I brought up for him on Saturday. When I returned from the street, I went over to Mr. Pond's to see Marshall West who has been sick and yet is unable to go out. I took over my bath of card pictures and gave Mr. Pond's folks about a half dozen. It is a splendid moonlit evening. OCTOBER 27 TUESDAY - Sunshine and clouds at times during the day. Before breakfast, I had Mr. Pond fill Father Griswold's 5 gallon kerosene oil can and I carried it up to them. I finished my work in the shop at noon. In the P.M., I canvassed a little for 'Outline of the U. S. Government.' I secured 5 names for it. I took tea up to Father Griswold's as I have done since Gussie has been away. After tea, I went for milk for Louise. I then went into the street to the Post Office where I got a letter from Gussie stating that she would be home tomorrow evening and wished me to meet her in Norwalk. After returning from the street, I called over to Mr. Pond's a short time. He had just returned from a meeting of the warden and burgesses, where he, Father Griswold and others have been to remonstrate against the assessments made upon them for laying tile to drain the flat west of Father Griswold's by way of George Street to the brook. OCTOBER 28 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning. One clap of thunder about 4 o'clock this morning. A little rain from about 9 to 10 A.M. A lovely day the remainder in New York where I have been, though it has been showery here at home. I called on E. M. Sperry's gilder about buying me out. I also called on one of my agents for selling my store ' Mr. Elliot of Bleeker Street, corner of Laurens. On my way home, I met Gussie at Norwalk coming from New Haven from a visit to her sister Harriet. A grand torch light procession this evening here. 'Boys in Blue' from Norwalk, Bethel and Ridgefield were present. Also a cavalcade made up of our citizens. After the procession, a coalition was given by the citizens on Concert Hall. OCTOBER 29 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I had work until noon in the shop. I spent a part of the P.M. in canvassing for 'Outline of U. S. Gov.' I got only one name. I pulled my beets and put them in the cellar. I went to the Post Office in the evening. The Grant and Colfax Club with torches went by a special train at 6 P.M. to Norwalk where the 'Boys in Blue' are to have a torch light procession. A large time is expected. OCTOBER 30 FRIDAY - A cold frosty morning but a beautiful day. No work in the shop. I spent a part of the day in canvassing for the 'Outlines'. I carried in my tax list to William S. Peck at the Selectmen's Room. Hattie Mills came over this P.M. and stayed to tea in the evening. Governor Buckingham speaks at Concert hall for the Republicans this evening. Mrs. Bradley called this evening. I treated Hattie Mills to 2 yards of picture cord and one picture nail, total 22 cents. OCTOBER 31 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I took a clean shirt down for George. He came down to the store from Yonkers for it and brought his dirty clothes for me to bring home to be washed. I took down an order from Swift for ## dozen 8x10 gold ovals, seal and ribbon pattern. I got 10 books of Tibbels 'Outline of the U. S. Gov.' to fill orders I have taken. I bought home two testimonials I have framed for George and Henry Qien. Also, two small ones 4 x 6 gilt picture of John Summerfield for Fanny. Louise met me at the cars. The Democrats had a mass meeting here today. George English and others spoke. They had a procession during the day and another of Chinese lanterns in the evening. It has been cloudy during the day but no rain. After supper, Gussie and I called at Mr. Pond's. I took over the 'Outlines' to Marshall West.
1868-10