Oilmill Pond, Danbury Conn.
3.5 x 5.5" colored photograph
Horace Purdy Journal, June 1863 Entry
3pgs
6/1 MONDAY - Pleasant. But little work in the shop though it took nearly all day to do it on account of waiting for the Facers. Gussie did her washing today for the first time since last fall. George came to the shop in the P.M. just before I finished work. We were paid off today. We had not received any pay before in 4 weeks. I came home by way of Joseph Ives store and paid him for my range and I brought home a spider (Ed note: a kitchen utensil ' a basket with a long handle). After tea, I hoed garden for Harriet. Went into the street in the evening and exchanged the spider for a longer one and brought back a fish line to use on tomorrow. Henry Rider, the enrolling officer, took my mark preparatory to a draft. 6/2 TUESDAY - An eclipse of the moon last evening. Pleasant today. I hoed in my garden before breakfast. George and myself got Mr. McDonald's horse and went on Thomas Mountain and dug some sarsaparilla roots to send to Harewood Hospital, Washington D.C. (where George came from) to a friend. We fired at a mark with my revolver and then went over to Mill Plain Pond fishing in the P.M. We fished off the bridge and had very good luck. We each had a good mess besides giving Mr. McDonald a mess. After tea, I dressed nicer and went to the Post Office. I then went to Joseph Ives and arranged for a new bottom to our new Prizer range which has broken. 6/3 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but cool. We had our fish for breakfast. I had the headache in the P.M. George went to Bridgeport this morning. I went to the depot in the evening to meet him, but he did not come. I stopped at the Office and got a letter from Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. Ford and child (preacher in Ridgefield) spent the day at Father Griswold's. 6/4 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. I worked as usual in the shop. George came home on the morning train. He got left in Norwalk last night and stayed with John Brayman. I worked late in the shop. I hoed in my garden after tea. Did not go into the street in the evening. Was very tired. 6/5 FRIDAY - Cloudy and cool in the morning. Pleasant in the middle of the day and cloudy again in the evening with the appearance of rain. When I came home from the shop, I borrowed Mr. Cocking's scythe and mowed my door yard. Gussie went into the street in the evening and George came home with her. 6/6 SATURDAY - A little rain in the morning. Sunshine and cloudy at times during the day. Gussie went up home in the P.M. When I came home from work, I raked up my door yard grass which I mowed yesterday and got my own supper. Gussie, George and Bell came down after 7 o'clock. Bell stayed with Eddie while we all went to Concert Hall to hear Mr. Montgomery from Vicksburg, Miss. speak. It was free lecture and a collection taken. It was very interesting. 6/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Gussie, not having her new hat stayed at home and I attended church all day. Brother Crawford preached as usual. Text in the morning - Psalm 18-35, in the P.M. Philippians 3-8. George sat in the gallery in the morning and with me in my seat in the P.M. I have had a headache all day. I wrote to Cousin David Mills in Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. and sent it to the Office by Gussie in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to prayer meeting. She scalded her arm at the tea table by turning over the tea pot. 6/8 MONDAY - Prospects of rain a part of the day and sunshine the remainder. I got my grass in with the wheelbarrow and piled it up to rot for manure. I then took the grass hook and trimmed up after the scythe. Consequently, I was late to the shop. I did not feel very well and left my work before the night. I got my stove, the Paige Range changed for the Opal. I gave a dollar in exchange. George went into the woods in the P.M. with the girls. When he returned, he brought down the 3 dozen yeast cakes to be sent to Mrs. Boyle in Brooklyn and the Sarsaparilla roots to be sent to Harewood Hospital in Washington tomorrow morning by John Grannis who returns to his Reg't ( the 17t)h ). I hoed in the garden after tea and went to the market in the evening and brought home a loaf of bread and a 4 lb. shad. George came from his Lodge here to pack the Sarsaparilla. He is to stay all night. Before he retired, he wrote a letter to his friend, Baker in Harewood Hospital, the one he sends the sarsaparilla to. 6/9 TUESDAY - a little rain this morning, but it was so very little that it did no good. Pleasant during the day and another little spatter just a t night. I went to the depot in the morning with George to give his sarsaparilla to John Grannis who started for the Reg't. George went to the shop with me and stayed a short time. After tea, I commenced bushing my peas. 6/10 WEDNESDAY - Warmer again. We are still limited in our work at the shop. Albert Benedict was married today at 1 o'clock to Miss Sturdevant at the 1st Congregational Church. It was a grand affair. They left on their bridal trip by the 4 ' train. Gussie went to see them married. I took a nap after dinner to refresh myself and then went to the shop. After tea, I finished bushing my peas. And clearing off the ground next of the woodhouse where the brush lay to make room for Mr. Cocking to pile up wood. I went rather late to class. I did some marketing before going in. I got a letter from David Mills form Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia. 6/11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I finished my work at noon. After dinner, I took a nap and finished digging up Plantains in my yard. I the cut up the coarsest of my old pea brush and burnt the finest. I hoed over the vacant space in my garden reserved for cabbage. Put a wooden bottom in my coal hod and helped Mr. Cocking get his wood near to the woodhouse and pile it up. It began to rain while we were doing this. When we finished, we took a seat on my front Piazza and talked while he smoked his pipe. Gussie being over to Mrs. Davis' making a blouse with Mrs. Davis' help. Thomas Stone and Hull's wife have eloped. Just heard of it today. 6/12 FRIDAY - A little rain last night. Very warm. George called at the shop and gave me a check to endorse to draw his bounty money. I left it at the Danbury Bank to be collected. The corpse of Charles L. Benedict came on last evening's train from Harewood Hospital, Washington D.C. He was one on George's old comrades in his company (Co. C) 17th Reg't. The funeral was attended at 1 o'clock this P.M. at his home over to Stony Hill. I finished my work about 4 o'clock and went up to Robert Lewe's for some pepper plants. On my way back I stopped a few minutes to see Nelson. Nickerson who has just returned home from Long Island. We had a fine mess of strawberries from my garden for tea. I then fired off my pistol at a mark and drove some stakes to my Dahlias. George then came along on his way downtown and I went with him. I left him at the Post Office waiting for meeting to be out to come home with Mother. I went to market; bought two small lobsters, two fresh mackerel and a bunch of radishes and walked up home with Mr. Francis. 6/13 SATURDAY - Gussie went up home in the forenoon and stayed all day. I came home and got my own dinner. I finished my work about 3 o'clock. On my way home, I borrowed 2 dollars of O.H. Swift and paid my taxes which was $4.95. It began to rain before I got home. George came home with Gussie and Eddy. Fanny came down in the evening and stayed with Eddy Gussie brought home her new summer hat. 6/14 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. George came down before church time and we both went to the 1st Congregational Church to hear Mr. Coe. I left George at our Sunday School and came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. George came home with her to tea after which we put Eddy in his carriage and all went up to the cemetery. George went over to Mrs. White's to see Harriet Mills and we came home. Mother and Bell were there having stopped on their way to evening meeting. We being tired did not go out in the evening. 6/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. Unwell with Diarrhea. Did not work in the shop. Went over to Oil Mill Pond with George in the P.M. We fished a little and took a bathe. He took dinner and tea with us. We went downtown in the evening to make some arrangements for a picnic on Thursday. It is reported that Maryland is invaded again by the rebels. Moved my stove up to Father Griswold' house 6/16 TUESDAY - PLEASANT. Considerable air shining and cooler than yesterday. Not feeling well yet; I have not been to the shop. I carried the yeast cakes down to Charles Reed's store to be sent to Harriet for Mrs. Boyle by him. I have worked in my garden, some weeding and hoeing. The rebels are invading Pennsylvania. The evening papers say that they are within 15 miles of Harrisburg, the capital.
1863-06
Horace Purdy Journal September 1868 Entry
8pgs
SEPTEMBER 01 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop. Arranged with the Danbury Savings Bank to let my note lie over until October 1st. It is due the 4th of this month. I went up to see John Cosier in the evening to see about endorsing a note for me. He consented. SEPTEMBER 02 WEDNESDAY - I worked in the shop. Left work to go to the Danbury Bank with a note of Cosier endorsing, but could not get the money. I wanted $350.00. News from the Vermont election reports from 8 to 10 thousand increase in Republican majority last year in the polls. Guns were fired over Vermont. Mother came down and was with us to tea. The balance of 5 tons of coal came from Griffing today. SEPTEMBER 03 THURSDAY - To New York; cloudy in the morning, rain in the P.M. I brought up a 16x20 walnut and gilt frame for Eben Barnum, also a singing book, 'Revivalist' for Magee. FRIDAY - Stormy. I have worked in the shop. I stopped about 10 o'clock long enough to go to the Pahquioque Bank and take up my note of $350.00 by giving one of Father Griswold. The papers give us today the news of the death of ex -Governor Thomas H. Seymour. This morning, I paid Mr. Pond $10.00, $7.30 being for a box of soap he bought for me in New York the remaining $2.70 to stand on account to my credit. SEPTEMBER 05 SATURDAY - I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant at noon. A Grant and Colfax banner was raised at Concert Hall. A Mr. Adams and one Taney from New York spoke. A torchlight procession in the evening. SEPTEMBER 06 SUNDAY - I attended church in the morning and Sunday School at noon after which I came home with Georgie. Gussie came down with him to Sunday School. She stayed in the P.M. After tea, we took a walk with Georgie over to Spring Street. Gussie called at Henry Hinman's to see their baby who is sick with dysentery. At the same time I called on Daniel Manly. I took a leaflet of music to Mr. Lockwood in the evening, but I did not stay to meeting. SEPTEMBER 07 MONDAY - Showers in the morning; pleasant in the P.M. I worked in the shop in the A.M. There being no work in the P.M., I took the noon train to New York. Daniel, my boy in the store, gave me a mess of fish to bring home which he and his father caught yesterday. SEPTEMBER 08 TUESDAY - Cool in the morning. Nearly all the shops in the village adjourned to turn out in large numbers to scour the mountains and swamps in the vicinity of Brookfield for the Negro who last night committed a rape on Mrs. Russell Wildman. The search was a fruitless one. Georgie was last night taken with diarrhea and vomiting. Mrs. Bradley called this evening and paid me ___ of the seat rent. She is to wait and see if George pays and if not, then she pays her half of the six months, after which time, I give up my claim and her bargain thereafter is with Charles Stevens. George turned out to hunt the Negro today. Before breakfast, I wrote to Edmund Palmer about buying my New York picture business. SEPTEMBER 09 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I worked in the factory until noon and then took the train to Stamford to see Edmund Palmer. The business being new to him, he concludes not to buy me out. It being misty and almost rain at noon, I borrowed an umbrella of Robert Cowan, but had but little use for it. Finally it rained a little in Stamford about 6 o'clock. I talked on the corner of West and New Street on my way home with Clark Beers about my store; he has some idea of buying. Gussie sick with dysentery, apparently. Before retiring, I wrote to William Hayes at the store. SEPTEMBER 10 THURSDAY - Rain during last night and this morning. A part of the day has been pleasant. A thundershower this evening. I mailed the letter I wrote last night this morning. I have worked hard in the shop. George finished canvassing William and George Street for me today. I sent the list to the Club Room by him this evening. I being very tired, he did our marketing for us and I stayed at home this evening. SEPTEMBER 11 FRIDAY - Showery at times during the day; very warm. An Irishman called 'Fancy Pat', while crossing the stream near the factory on a timber, being intoxicated, fell into the stream. Had it not been for the factory hands (who were looking at him and expected him to fall in) going to his assistance, he would have drowned. One of our apprentices, Edward White, was first to him. George took the train this morning for Yonkers where he has secured work at Waring & Nichols. I bought 4 gallons of kerosene oil of Mr. Pond at 55 cents. SEPTEMBER 12 SATURDAY - The sun has been hot; summer all over again. I have been to New York. I framed and brought up with me two pictures ' 16x20, two inch walnut and gilt, one for Saul G. Bailey, 'Soldiers' Testimonial', the other for Mrs. Cyrus White entitled 'The Motherless', a picture she has taken the agency for and intends canvassing. I brought a bottle of whiskey for William Hutchings to carry out a joke in the shop between us concerning him and James Purcell, a rum-seller on the corner of Varick and King Streets in New York. I also brought two packages for Elijah Morris, one of them being candy for his little girl from his folks in the city. Walter Sparks told me that Fred Jennings threatened to sue me for talking about him. I despise him and treat him with silent contempt. It is this and not slander that enrages him. I am not concerned for what I may have said in fact, and besides, he knows he owes me $10.00 for rent; it is this that makes the trouble. Thief he is for blandly denying the debt. It is for three months' rent for January to April, 1859. See Ledger Account, page 29. I saw Gussie sick and the doctor at the house tonight when I came home from the depot. SEPTEMBER 13 SUNDAY - Very warm again. After breakfast, I went down to the church with the Sunday School papers and over to Elijah Morris with the packages I bought for him last evening. I attended church this morning. I gave to Mr. Lockwood, our chorister, the 30 leaflets from Bigelow & Main's specimen pieces of music from 'Chapel Melodies'. Gussie being sick, I came home from Sunday School. After tea, I took a walk with Georgie around the square, stopping a few minutes at John Bouton's. SEPTEMBER 14 MONDAY - I have worked in the shop. Two letters for George, I mailed to Yonkers this evening. I bought a new rope for my bucket. Bought this book for a journal and began copying from paper up to this time. Maine election. SEPTEMBER 15 - Worked in the shop. Georgie was last night taken with dysentery, it being just 5 years that Eddie died of the same complaint. Mrs. Amos Purdy was in to see him this evening. Jollification at torchlight procession this evening over Maine election which is reported to be 23,000 Republicans. This is a 12,000 gain over last year. The rejoicing was kept up to a late hour amid cheers, shooting Roman candles, and speaking by a Mr. Dellman of New York on the steps of the Wooster House. He is a war Democrat, opposed to Seymour and will, he says, vote for Grant. His democratic friends are highly indignant at him. SEPTEMBER 16 MONDAY - Gussie was up with Georgie all night. I did not undress or go to bed, but lay on the lounge. He is very sick. I have worked in the shop. I mailed a letter to William this morning; sent it to the Office by Mr. Sherman. There was a little rain in the forenoon. It came off cold in the P.M. I went to market in the evening. I saw Clark Beers in Billy Raymond's; he has not yet heard from his New York folks concerning buying me out. I got two oranges which I sent to Norwalk for by Robert Cowan, the only two to be found there or here. They cost 10 cents each, very small at that. I want them for Benjamin Rolfe's little girl who is sick. SEPTEMBER 17 THURSDAY - Cold last night and this morning, but no frost on account of the wind, though the air has been cold enough. Chilly all day. Work begins to give back; we were stopped after a half day's work. I went up home in the P.M. for some tomatoes. We want to put them up in airtight jars for winter use. I hoed out my strawberry bed before tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening; also to see Dr. Bulkely for instruction about giving medicine to Georgie. We try to think him a little better though he is very sick. Sarah Purdy came over in the evening to sit up a part if not all the night with Georgie. Gussie was up last night and I am nearly sick myself. The Soldier's Record having come for George, I mailed it to him this evening to Yonkers. SEPTEMBER 18 FRIDAY - Our first frost this morning; the day has been pleasant. Cool but warmer than yesterday. Sarah Purdy watched with Georgie in company with Gussie last night. I went to bed last night with a headache; have had it today but have worked in the shop. Our work being limited, I finished about 3 o'clock. Mother Griswold and Fanny came home from Bloomfield by the evening train. John Bouton borrowed my gun this evening to go for pigeons tomorrow. SEPTEMBER 19 SATURDAY - A lovely day, though cool in the morning. I have been to New York. Clark Beers' wife and baby were on the train with me to New York, going to her mother who is not expected to live. I came home on the 3 o'clock train. I bought a piece of cloth of John Gilbert at Georgetown for Henry Stone. I brought two frames for Harriet Mills. Georgie is better. SEPTEMBER 20 SUNDAY - Fanny stayed with Georgie last night so that Gussie and I had a good night's rest. Gussie did not go to church at all. I went down to Sunday School, but returned after its close. Father came down to see Georgie in the P.M. but returned before tea. After tea, Gussie went over to see Frank Bouton who has a little girl born on Thursday night last, the 17th. It commenced raining after dinner and continued during the day. Georgie is still better today. Mrs. Bradley called this morning to see how he was and Mrs. Daniel Starr at noon. After tea, I wrote to George telling him how sick Georgie had been. I enclosed to him his gold pen which he left home when he went away. SEPTEMBER 21 MONDAY - I stayed up with Georgie last night. Pleasant but cool today. I have worked in the shop. Our work being now limited, I finished mine about 3 o'clock. Doctor came a few minutes after I came home. He pronounced Georgie better and recommended a bird for him. I immediately took my gun and started to get one. I wrote and mailed a note to Southmayd and Company in New York with $2.50 enclosed with which to advertise. I also wrote to William at the store. SEPTEMBER 22 TUESDAY - Gussie sat up last night with Georgie. I have worked in the shop as yesterday until about the middle of the P.M., our work now being limited. The Negro who committed the outrage on the wife of Russell Wildman on Great Plain about two weeks ago was today brought to town and lodged in jail. He was caught in Canaan, a town in this state by another Negro and brought here. Later : it is yet to be known whether he is the guilty one or not. Before tea, Father Griswold and I ground his scythe for me to mow my dooryard as soon as I get time. Georgie is about the same as yesterday. We have fed him some bird, the broth and some toast which we must wait until tomorrow to see the effect. It commenced raining about 7 o'clock this evening. I went to market and to the Post Office this evening. Louise stayed a part of the evening with us. SEPTEMBER 23 WEDNESDAY - Rain this morning. I stayed with Georgie last night. I slept a good portion of the time in the lounge beside his bed. I have worked in the shop but finished all we could get before noon. I stayed with Georgie in the P.M. to let Gussie go to the dress maker, Mrs. McNeil. Just at night, I took my gun and started to get Georgie a bird, but could not so I got two red squirrels and came home. I wrote to William after dinner, directing him to put it in (my store) as many agents' hands as he could to sell for me. SEPTEMBER 24 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. It commenced raining in the P.M. I have worked in the shop. I came home about 4 P.M. and went up home to get a chicken for Georgie, but Mother killed the one she had been saving for me, so I came home without it, but brought a few potatoes in the basket instead. Georgie has been dressed today for the first time since he was taken sick. He sat up too long and got very tired. I went to market in the evening. It was about 9 o'clock before the train came in the evening. The Northern and Housatonic Railroad commenced today running trains from here to Brookfield in connection with the Danbury and Norwalk Railroad. While waiting for the train to come with the mail, I went into Concert Hall to see James Meany paint a Republican banner for Ridgefield. He has just completed a fine one for us which will be raised on Saturday in front of the Turner House. SEPTEMBER 25 FRIDAY - It rained very hard this morning. I had intended to go to New York, but the rain prevented me. I did not have my clothes off last night, but lay on the lounge. I have worked in the shop. SEPTEMBER 26 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. Some appearance of clearing off in the morning, but it rained again in the P.M. and in the evening. I have been to New York; I bought 6 copies of 'Two Years With Jesus' for Edmund's class; also two copies of the last edition (smaller size) and five hymn books. I went down to Richardson & Boynton in Water Street near Beekman for a set of No. 1 Opal Ranges fine brick for myself. I also left for sale my store with Hall & Buckle, real estate brokers, 101 Beekman Street. SEPTEMBER 27 SUNDAY - Stormy; it rained last night and has continued through today. Georgie is doing well so far as the dysentery goes, but he is very weak and he gains strength very slow. I went to Sunday School at noon but the attendance was very small. No lessons were heard or books exchanged. Brother Starr opened the school with singing a prayer. Benjamin F. Bailey talked to the school. John B. Merwin preached in the morning. I came home after Sunday School. Father came down to see us after tea. As he went home, I walked with him to Deer Hill. As he proceeded home, I went down Wooster Street, Main and West and then home again for a walk. I found Mrs. Bradley at the house on a call to see Georgie. We did not go out in the evening, but stayed at home. Father being out of coal, I last evening let him have a wheelbarrow load. SEPTEMBER 28 MONDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I took my gun and went to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods and vicinity to get a bird for Georgie to eat but could not find one. I was gone over two hours and came home to breakfast with a headache. I went to the shop, but there was no work for the men. I stayed about an hour when the foreman gave me a dozen to finish. I worked to finish them until 3 o'clock suffering with a severe headache. I was too sick to eat a mouthful at noon although I had my dinner with me and yet I worked. The widow of the late Hiram Cole was found in the river this morning about 9 o'clock near J. W. Ives Lumberyard, drowned. It is supposed that she committed suicide by jumping in at the rear of her garden which runs down to the water. Her home is on Elm Street opposite George Starr's. A small Irish boy about ___ years old, son of ___ was also drowned on Saturday in the same stream but lower down. He was carrying dinner to his father and while crossing the timbers which span the stream going over from the Pahquioque Hat Factory to the Bartram and Fanton Sewing Machine Factory, fell in. His body was floated down the ___ Shop before it could be stopped and recovered. Tom Thumb and wife, Commodore Grant and Minnie Warren show this P.M. and evening. I wrote to George in the evening. Gussie went to market and returned with a letter for me from George. I added a reply in the letter already written. While Gussie was in the street, I went into the woodhouse and cut some wads for my gun. SEPTEMBER 29 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I shot a robin for Georgie before breakfast on the sweet apple tree near Father Griswold's barn. My work in the shop lasted until about 10 o'clock. I then came home and fixed up and took the noon train to New York. I had about 20 minutes at the store. William told me of a looking glass which disappeared while Daniel was alone in the store. I am getting suspicious of Dan. Josephine Dare was on the train for New York this evening. I assisted her and a lady friend off the train at Bethel. Constable Charles H. Crosby met me at the depot this evening and notified me of the repairs needed to the walks in William Street. My walks, Father Griswold's and Mr. Pond's need repairs. The trouble is with Saul Barnum. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. Also Emily Anderson to inquire about Elisha Serine who has applied to her to rent her upper rooms. SEPTEMBER 30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I lay on the lounge beside Georgie last night and took care of him. Before breakfast, I wrote to William requesting him if he was able to trace the missing looking glass which I suspect Daniel the boy of stealing. I had work nearly all day in the shop. I went from the shop over to Town Hill to Cyrus White's for 30 green peppers for Gussie to make ___ of. A Mr. Latimer from out west came home today with Father Griswold to make a visit. He is an old family friend who Mother Griswold has not seen for 40 years. I went to market in the evening and brought home my clock which I had cleaned and a new mainspring. Bell came in about 9 o'clock after I returned from the street and said that Harriet had brought over from Mrs. Townsend's school some clothes ' coat, pants, boots, shoes and slippers - which if they would fit me, I could have if I would go up home with her. Accordingly, I went with her and brought home a pair of pants, a coat, a pair of boots and overshoes, 2 pair of shoes and a pair of slippers
1868-09
Horace Purdy Journal September 1864 Entry
10pgs
9/1 Wednesday - I rose and wrote a letter to George before breakfast. I mailed it with a New York Times and went to the Depot to see Charles and Henry Hinman. Louise Jones and Harriet went off on the train, Louise to New York City and Harriet to Stamford. When the train left, I came home to breakfast. I made over the walk from Father Griswold's back door to the barn and the went downtown to the Post Office and got a letter from Charles Parsons with his pictures and a dollar enclosed for the pictures of his brother Phil which I sent to him. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I went downtown and waited for the freight train in order that I could get some peaches which Parmelee and Bradley effected. They came and I bought one half a crate containing 18 to 20 quarts. The Catholics are having a picnic at Redding today. I wrote an answer to Charles Parsons' letter before tea and while Gussie was away on a walk to the cemetery. Just before retiring, I mailed my letter to Charles Parsons, went to Couch's Picture Gallery to engage him to take Mrs. Davis' boys picture tomorrow. I was at the cars when they came in and Charles and Henry Hinman returned home having been rejected by the surgeon at Bridgeport. Mike Ryan, George Blissard, and John Pollett were rejected also. Mrs. McDonald raised from 5 to 7 cents a quart for milk this morning. Frank Boughton returned the $6.00 I borrowed for her of Alden G. Crosby. 9/2 FRIDAY - No work. Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, I wrote to George about the rejection of the Hinman boys. About 10 o'clock, I borrowed Dr. Buckley's horse and went up for Mother and brought her down to spend the day with us. After dinner, I helped pare and halve peaches for canning. I mailed the letter to George and went to the shop and drew George Davis' money for his wife as he has enlisted in the navy. After tea, I got Parmalee and Bradley's team and carried Mother up home. Gussie and I went with Mrs. Davis to Couch's in the evening to get her pictures to send by James S. Taylor to George on board the North Carolina at the navy yard in Brooklyn. We waited until the cars came to see Mr. Taylor about sending a small parcel to George Davis. James Leuning (sp), William Hickok and others who were accepted yesterday at Bridgeport as volunteers and sent to camp in New Haven came home this evening in uniform on furlough until next Tuesday. As we came home in the evening we found Gussie's cousin, Miss Williams from Kansas up to Mother Griswold's. She came by the evening train. 9/3 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until after 3 o'clock. Gussie finished putting her peaches in cans today. Atlanta has fallen and is now in the hands of General Sherman and his noble army. After the papers came and the news was read, the bells were rung and the cannon fired. Flags were hoisted and there was a rejoicing time generally. After I came home from work, I gathered my beets and put them in the cellar in order to make room for a strawberry bed. Before tea, I killed a chicken over to Mrs. Davis'. She gave it to me. I offered to pay her but she would not take anything. After tea, Gussie and I went to market. The cars being late, she went home and I stayed to wait for the mail. The train came a little after 9 o'clock. The news of the capture of Atlanta was fully confirmed. Just before retiring, Mr. Cocking brought a glass of beer down to me. 9/4 SUNDAY - Cloudy and rain in the P.M. Gussie did not attend church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 12:12. In the P.M. from John 2:24. I walked home from church with John Cosier under his umbrella. Talked to the Sunday School at noon. I took a nap after tea. No service in our church in the evening on account of a sermon by Starr Hoyt Nichols to the Young Men's Christian Association in the 1st Congregational Church. I went down about 7 o'clock and mailed letters for Mrs. George Davis. 9/5 MONDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. I had calculated to work in my garden and set out a strawberry bed, but on account of the storm could not. I went down to Charles Hull's Tin Shop and make some pistol bullets. I came near putting out my eyes by wetting the molds to cool them and then before they were dry pouring in the melted lead which splattered and flew into my face blistering my eyelid a little. The first number of the War Record was sent to me for another year which I had not subscribed for on account of not feeling able to do so and not because I did not like the paper. On the contrary, I like it very much. I ordered it sent back to the publishers again. In the afternoon, I went to the shop for my pay for the last two weeks' work. Went to Sanford's Wood Sawing establishment and got a piece of hickory for a ramrod for Mr. McDonald's gun which I am keeping for him. I shaved it down in Robert Sayer's Undertaking Shop and then came home and finished it off which took me all the afternoon. I retired with the sick headache after which Mr. Cocking returned from the Post Office with two letters for me from George. He acknowledged the receipt of the hat and watch which I sent him on the 16th of August. The Letters were written the 16th and 23rd and postmarked August 27th. News by the evening paper of the capture of the rebel [Raider] Georgia, a pirate. 9/6 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning. John Cosier came up for a gallon of vinegar before I got up. I rose with the headache again. My fingers which I cut yesterday with a wire on my umbrella being pretty sore, I concluded not to go to the shop. After breakfast, I copied some extracts from George's two letters for the Jeffersonian and carried them to Ashley. I waited for the mail which was rather late and then came home to dinner. I went over to McDonald's to repair Emaline Williams' trunk lock after dinner. I went into the street and got short iron, nails straps and buckles and just about made over new her trunk by working nearly all afternoon on it. I went to the depot in the evening to meet cousin Lieut. Charles C. Parsons and wife if they should come as we somewhat expect them. But they did not come. Went to the Post Office and while there listened to Rev. Mr. Shepard talk as he has just returned from the front of our army at Petersburg. I walked up home with Mr. Cocking. Brought a letter for Father Griswold from Canton. Stayed up there a short time to visit with Cousin Emaline. The celebrated Guerilla John Morgan who was formerly captured and broke jail has been killed and his staff captured. So says the Evening Post. A letter in the office from Harriet from George which I remailed to her in Stamford where she is visiting. Commenced a letter to George in the evening. 9/7 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I finished gathering my vegetables on the place where I want to set out strawberry plants. I got my first Jeffersonian from the printing office on my new subscription for one year. In the evening I went to the depot and got a through ticket to Cleveland by the Erie route of Mr. Williams, the ticket agent, for Cousin Emaline Williams who goes tomorrow morning. Fred Vintz cut his foot badly today. 9/8 THURSDAY - Cousin Emaline Williams left on the morning train for Kansas. Had work in the shop until early night. There was a rainbow circle around the sun just after dinner, a thing which I never saw before or heard of either. It was a circle the same as usual, except that it contained all the colors of the rainbow. Brother Woodruff was at Father Griswold's with George Starr when I came home from work. Cloudy in the P.M. I finished my letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Harper's Weekly and two Jeffersonians. One back number with the piece in it that George wrote of how the 17th Regt. spent the 4th of July at St. Augustine and the last number. I went to the depot to see if Charles Parsons and lady came. From there, I went to the Post Office and then to prayer meeting. Brother Woodruff was there. The evening post gives us news of the French in Mexico being whipped. When I came home, it was clear and cool with prospects of a frost. 9/9 FRIDAY - Rain early this morning. Cloudy during the day a little broken between 3 and 4 o'clock with an occasional ray of sunshine. After I finished my shop work, I came home and spaded garden to put out strawberry plants. I spaded about half the patch and put out two rows of plants. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's in the P.M. and was late getting home. A balloon was seen (I saw it) between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening in a northeast direction. I went to the Post Office in the evening. and returned as soon as the mail was opened as I was very tired. 9/10 SATURDAY - pleasant and warmer than before since September came in. I had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. On the way home, I bought 4 lbs. of excellent coffee of Parmalee and Bradley, the last he had of the kind, and I was desirous of securing it for fear of not being able to get any more of the kind. As soon as I got home, I went immediately back again to Hull's Tin Shop to have a new bottom put into our tea kettle and a top with a lid on our old fruit can. When I returned, I spaded a little more ground and put out two rows more of the Russel Prolific strawberry plants. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary came in. Gussie went with me downtown to market and to the Post Office in the evening. A soldier who lost one hand at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip at the time General Butler took New Orleans came to the shop today soliciting assistance to go to his home somewhere on the North River. I gave him 25 cents. 9/11 SUNDAY - Stormy. I went with Gussie down to the church and then went to Barnum's Hotel to see what arrangements had been made for the Ridgefield Military Company to get dinner, they being here to bury the remains of Captain White, Company I, 10th Regt. Connecticut Volunteers, as if there were no arrangements made to feed them, I was going to ask our friend Rockwell who is a member of the company home with us to dinner. They were to take dinner at the hotel. Mr. Tweedy not having a load, I went down to Long Ridge with him where the religious part of the service was conducted at the Methodist church by Mr. Clark of Georgetown, a protestant Methodist. He preached an excellent sermon from Job 14:14 'If a man die shall he live again. As soon as the service was over, we drove home as soon as possible not waiting for the procession as it was raining in torrents. The service at the church was at 11 o' clock. We arrive home a little before 2 o'clock. I went to the sacrament in the P.M. Brother Woodruff assisted in administering it. He preached in the morning but I, being at Long Ridge, did not hear him. The procession passed up Main Street just after the services in the church were over. I heard the three volleys fired over the soldier's grave at 3 one half o'clock as I was writing at home. Though his house was on Long Ridge, he was buried in our cemetery. After tea, I took a nap until evening meeting time. The meeting was one of thanksgiving in accordance with President Lincoln's proclamation. The three congregations united in our church. The meeting was one of great interest. Remarks were made by the several clergy with occasional prayers and singing by the choir. Brother Woodruff made the last speech which was a good one after his peculiar style. It brought down the house by way of intense interest and laughter. The exercises were closed by the congregation joining the choir in singing 'The Star Spangled Banner'. 9/12 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day. It cleared off in the evening or just before night. I had one dozen cheap hats to finish which I did before noon. Received three packages of old letters by from George by mail. After dinner, I cut off each end of Fanny's flower stand to make it small enough to go in their bay window. I then went over to George Starr's for a board with which to make a work bench for Gussie. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went to the depot with Bell in the evening to meet Harriet as we expected her form Stamford, but she did not come. 9/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cool for the season. After breakfast, I took my gun and started for Starr's Plain where I found David Bradley as I expected. We went on Moses Mountain and there and on the way home we spent nearly all day. The game I brought home was as follows: 1 rabbit, 1partridge, 2 pigeons, 2 robins and 2 chipmunks. I was very tired at night. We dressed the game before tea. After tea, I went to the Post Office. Mr. Cocking had a load of wood come today. Charlie, the boy who works for Mr. Lynes with Robert came in the evening and wheeled the wood to the woodhouse and piled it up. 9/14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I finished digging my strawberry ground as far as I could on account of the tomatoes and put out three rows of Poor House seedlings. I pulled up my squash vines and all the corn stalks that had no corn on them and gave them to McDonald. I then went down to the Post Office and came home to dinner. We had Father and Mother Griswold with us to eat a wild game pot pie. I cleaned my gun before breakfast. It is just one year ago this morning since Eddie died. No, I made a mistake a year ago tomorrow. I was thinking today was the fifteenth. Before tea, I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Pictorial with a Jeffersonian and last weeks' Danbury Times with the historical sketches of St. Augustine in it sent by Montgomery Bailey. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill led it. After class, I walked up with John Cosier and called to see David Bradley to see how he stood the hunt yesterday and to see if he could go again tomorrow. I stayed about an hour and talked. When I came home Gussie had retired. It clouded up about 6 o'clock and sprinkled a little as it did during the evening. Moses Baxter, who went away to avoid the draft I see is at home today. He doubtless had word sent to him that our quota was filled and that there would be no draft. If the American people were all like him and his father the country would be destroyed before it would be defended. They will not only not fight themselves but will prevent others from doing so if they can and are continually condemning the administration for putting down an armed rebellion by force of arms. 9/15 THURSDAY - Eddie died one year ago this morning at a quarter past three o'clock. I t has been pleasant today. I took up and put in pots Gussie's house plants. Repaired Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. Nailed a strap in Mother Griswold's trunk. It was then noon. After dinner I took my gun and went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain swamp to hunt for pigeons. I wounded one and could not find him in the swamp and shot at another but the distance was so great I did not kill him. It was dark when I got home. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. 9/16 FRIDAY - I have had work all day in the shop. I came home about sundown and found the house locked and Gussie away. I had a fire and boiled tea before she came. She was up home. I scolded some for coming home and finding the house fastened and no one to get supper when I had worked so hard all day and was tired. Mr. Swift occupies his new store for the first time this evening with his newspapers. I attended the Union League before I came home. 9/17 SATURDAY - Had work in the shop until noon. After dinner, I took my guns and started to find David Bradley according to last evening's agreement and found him in company with Hart Purdy and Robert Raymond in Hull's Orchard near the old Isaac Levine place down the road leading to Fox Pond Hollow. From there, we went over near the old David Ambler farm and down across the flat meadows to the edge of Mill Plain Swamp on Granville Amblers Fish Ware land. We came home by way of Terry's Woods and Oil Mill Pond. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking, who have been staying out to Mr. Lyne's all the week came home in the evening. Mother Griswold and Fanny started for Bloomfield this morning. A Democratic mass meeting in Norwalk this morning. Harriet came home from New York this morning. 9/18 SUNDAY - Gussie's birthday - 28 years old. The sun shone brightly in the forenoon. Fling clouds and wind in the P.M. I attended church all day. Gussie did not. Brother Hill preached. Text in the morning _______. In the P.M. Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 11:2. After Sunday School, I took Thomas Lyons' team and went up for Mother and brought her to church. She walked home. Just as Brother Hill commenced his sermon in the P.M., Aaron Morehouse's wife was taken faint. He was obliged to leave church with her. After tea, I took a nap until nearly evening Meeting time. We both attended. Just before going, Bell and a little Squires' girl who lives just this side came bringing two letters from Harriet to mail. Gussie had news this evening that Marianne Underhill, an old schoolmate and chum of hers at Amenia School was dead with two of her children also with dysentery. She lived near Gaylordsville on the Housatonic River road. 9/19 MONDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until about 3 one half o'clock. David Mills appeared to me in the shop this forenoon. He came from Bethel on the train. He arrived home on Saturday evening. When I finished work, I went to the Depot to see him off. Carrie came up with him and Harriet returned with them. I went to Austin's store and drew $2.50 the same being my traveling expenses to and from Bridgeport to have my name stricken from the rolls. James S. Taylor, the first selectman left the papers and money there to be paid to all such as myself who went down to Bridgeport for that purpose and had their names taken off. Paid to John Cosier the balance of my seat rent for this year. - $3.00 Reverend Mr. Shepherd, the Universalist minister gave a lecture or rather his experience of what he saw on a visit to our army under General Grant in front of Petersburg and Richmond., Va. Gussie attended with me. After his lecture a collection was taken up for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission. Also he presented a book to take one dollar subscription which is to be circulated throughout the country to buy a house for General Grant as a token of the country's appreciation of his service to the country. It was 10 one half o'clock when we arrived home. 9/20 TUESDAY - Had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. I then came home by way of Burr Bradley's with him and drank some new cider which he had just got. The shop was called in the forenoon to raise the price on the Round Crown or Smith Block. We got 2 cents extra on soft hats and 3 cents on stiff rims. Mr. John Cosier called before tea to engage a gallon of vinegar for Lucius Wildman. I agreed to let him have it. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I received a letter from George, the first since he was ordered to join his regiment. He is now with them at Picolata. The evening papers state that a heavy but successful battle had been fought by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Also that rebels in Canada have seized small steamers on Lake Erie. I put down my name to give $1.00 toward buying a house for General Grant. 9/21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home to dinner and ate with Mrs. Jesse D. Stevens and her mother. Jesse's wife was spending the day with Gussie. While we were eating dinner, the commenced firing 34 guns in honor of the late victory by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The bells were rung also. I went on to Ives Hill after dinner where they were having the salute and went with them to help put up the gun. (Mrs. Lanford who was with us to dinner came in just before dinner having been over to the Sand Hill for some scouring sand). I called at Tweedy Brothers and then came home and got out a piece of hickory for a ramrod in McDonald's gun, the other one which I made being rather small. Between 4 and 5 o'clock, I went out into the street to get my Jeffersonian and met John Cosier who wanted me to go hunting with him a short time over west a short distance which I did. We went over as far as Granville Ambler's land on the edge of Mill Pond Swamp and returned without seeing anything to shoot at. We arrive home after dark. I drank my tea and started for class meeting but so much of the evening was taken up with finding a daily paper to send to George and mailing it together with the Harper's Weekly and Jeffersonian that I did not go but attended the Union League which kept me out until 10 one half o'clock. I sent the daily paper in order that George might read the news of Sheridan's victory at Winchester. Mr. James Fowler brought us but 1 one half lbs. of butter this week instead of two as usual and notified us that he could bring us butter but once more. 9/22 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. I had work in the shop until noon. I ate my dinner which I had with me and came home by way of Alden G. Crosby's coal office and paid him the $6.00 I had borrowed of him some time ago for Frank Boughton to pay her interest with. When I got home I finished the ramrod to McDonald's gun, it being the second one I made, the first being too small. Wallace Hyatt, one of the boys at the shop, climbed the flagstaff on the shop this morning to put in some new halyards. The flag was then run up and kept flying during the day. After tea, I wrote a letter to George and intended to mail it in the evening, but before mailing it, I concluded to wait for the evening mail to see if another letter came from him and sure enough there was one. While reading it in the post office, there was an alarm of fire. It was a linty (sp) on the rear of Heurie's (sp) Tobacco Store. For a few minutes prior to the arrival of the hose, there was every prospect of a large fire. But the hose soon extinguished the flames. I having just previous to the fire bought some scallops for breakfast, I took them and came home. Before retiring, I answered the letter from George just received and enclosed the letter I wrote before going to market. 9/23 FRIDAY - Cloudy with some mist in the P.M. Had work all day in the shop. I collected money in the shop for powder to fire on the first occasion we have such as a victory or the capture of Richmond. Before breakfast went down and mailed the letter to George which I wrote last night. I attended the Union League in the evening. Came home about 10 one half o'clock. 9/24 SATURDAY - Cloudy and rain between 3 and 4 o'clock P.M. A thunder shower about an hour after. I had work in the shop until after dinner. On my way home I called at Louis Moegling's (sp) dying establishment to see what it would cost to get the field of our flag at the factory dyed as it has become so faded that it is not respectable. I came home and commenced making out a letter for George for publication in the Jeffersonian from his last two letters. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We did our marketing and she came home while I stayed for the mail. I did a little collecting of money with which to buy powder for salutes in our Union Gun. The new Union Club room was to be opened in the evening, but for some reason was not. Further good news from General Sheridan. He continues to whip the rebel General Early very severely. Upon receipt of the news, bells were rung and the cannon fired. 9/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cooler. I attended church all day. Gussie came down to Sunday School and afternoon meeting. Brother Hill exchanged with Mr. Stone the Baptist I the P.M. Mr. Stone preached from Luke 23:42-43. Before and after supper, I finished copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I then finished also the letter I commenced writing to him this morning. I mailed also in the evening with the letter, The Harper's weekly and Friday's Tribune. Also a comic picture of Lincoln, Little Mac, General Grant, Richmond, and Weldon R. Road. There being prospects of frost, we gathered what few dwarf pears there were remaining in the trees, a dozen perhaps. In the letter to George, I requested that he send me a list of the names of those in his Company who are 21 years old but who have not been made freemen, on account of coming of age since entering the army. There are measures being made to get them home to vote for president in November. Just before meeting time, Gussie and I went over to Burr Bradley's and went from there to prayer meeting with him and his wife. We got their card pictures. 9/26 MONDAY - Pleasant. My work in the shop lasted until about 2 one half o'clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian and left a letter from George for publication. He thinks it cannot be printed this week as the paper is full of matter for this issue. I bought one pound of shot on my way home to go hunting tomorrow with Burr Bradley. I picked beans before tea to save them from the frost. I got the one half dozen Army and Navy Dictionaries at Swift's News Office in the evening and mailed them to George. At the same time, I wrote a letter with pencil and mailed to him, stating the price of the dictionaries. After which I went to the Union meeting in Concert Hall to organize a Union Campaign Club. I was organized in due form making John Tinely (sp) president. We had speaking from Rev. Mr. Shepard and Chaplain Ambler. Also the song 'Rally Round the Flag, Boys' led by Mr. Jackson. The meeting was well attended and enthusiastic. I carried cartes de visite of Gussie and myself to the shop and gave them to Burr Bradley in exchange for theirs received last night. 9/27 TUESDAY - I rose about 5 o'clock and found it raining hard and with that gave up the idea of hunting with Burr Bradley and went back to bed as I was in no hurry having no work in the shop. I lay half an hour and then got up again, but found it pleasant, the rain being but a little shower passing over. I then hurried as fast as possible about breakfast, but Burr came before it was ready. I ate such as was ready and started with Burr. We went over to Jacob Fry's. He had promised to carry us over to Pine Mountain with his team. He not being ready, we went on and followed the stream from E. Hull's up to Fish Ware looking for ducks. While I was hunting partridge, Burr saw three ducks, but did not get a shot. Mr. Fry overtook us on the Miry Brook road just beyond Fish Ware. We rode up the old Spruce Mountain Road by Thomas Smith's and then hunted around crossing over to Pine Mountain, paying a visit to the U.S. Coast Surveyors. From there we hunted the woods down coming out in the vicinity of Starr's Plain Pond. We then went on the mountain the other side of the road up to Hawley Branson's farm over Moses Mountain across by Charles Starr's wood and home. My game was one partridge, one pigeon, one chipmunk, and a Brown Thrasher. We arrive home at 2 o'clock. At 5 P.M., went down to see the Lincoln and Johnson banner flying to the breeze. Speeches were made by John Tweedy, Silas Ferrel and Mr. H. Francis. Having a severe headache and feeling lame after my tramp, I came home and retired early, feeling quite used up. Harriet Purdy left a letter here for Gussie from Eliza Humphrey in California. Gussie being out with me to the banner raising, she put the letter in at the window beside the casing some way, how we could not imagine. This morning, while Burr Bradley was waiting for me to eat breakfast, Sarah Purdy came in to tell me that George wished her to tell me that the Regiment had received their instrument for a Regimental Brass Band. He wanted me to have it inserted in his letter for the Jeffersonian. 9/28 WEDNESDAY - Had work until noon at the shop. A subscription came to the Copperheads at the shop this morning for a McClellan banner to match and without doubt will excel ours for Lincoln and Johnson. We had the game I shot yesterday for dinner today. A little rain about 2 P.M. It soon stopped and then Burr Bradley as he promised at the shop came along with his gun and we took a little stroll to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods, Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp, across to Thomas Lyons, from there across in the rear of the old Captain Fairchild Ambler's estate, up toward Edward Mack's, the old Benjamin Ambler orchard opposite the Levine(sp) place, the across to Charles Starr's woods and home arriving about 6 o'clock with 2 High holes and a chipmunk, which I gave to Burr. I then dressed, took tea, went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and one to send to George, which I immediately mailed with a New York Times of today. I then went to class, had a good meeting, after which I went to the grocery store for some things, to the Post Office, and for the first time visited our Union Club rooms over Harvey's new store, 3rd floor. I put my name down as one of the club. Sat a few minutes and walked up home with John Green and Rev. Mr. Shepard. 9/29 THURSDAY - Stormy in the forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I worked all day I the shop. Frank Cornwall's (colored) house on Turner Street fell down over his head this morning about 6 o'clock. It stood on a side hill and fell for want of proper underpinning. I went to hear Henry C. Demming of Hartford speak in Concert hall in the evening upon the issues of the day. He arrived by the cars in the evening and in consequence was late in commencing his speech. I got home at 10 o'clock. Demming was the late colonel of the 12th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. 9/30 FRIDAY - Stormy again in the morning, but some sunshine in the P.M. and pleasant in the evening. I had work all day in the shop. Gussie spent the afternoon up to my fathers. T. H. Bond of New Haven spoke to the Copperheads in Concert Hall in the evening. They made considerable display by escorting their speaker from the cars to the Hall with a band of music. I went to the Union League in the evening. Father Griswold was initiated with a large number of others. Fido was close to his heels all the time.
1864-09
Horace Purdy Journal October 1864 Entry
9pgs
10/1 Saturday - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went home and helped Burr Bradley get a load out from his gun. In the afternoon, John Cosier and myself went hunting. We got 3 woodcock and 1 quail. I gave my share to him. Gussie and I went up to Nelson Nickerson's in the P.M. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. She came home leaving me to attend the caucus preparatory to the town meeting next Monday. I understand that the Copperheads' meeting last evening in Concert Hall was a small affair. The attendance was good. But the speaker (Bond) was a blackguard and produced no sound arguments to substantiate his doctrine. The speech was low slang and abuse of the administration. He uttered some of the foulest lies. For instance, saying in the face of Sherman's, Sheridan's and Grant's great victories that the army has never been successful and have not gained one single victory. 10/2 SUNDAY - Stormy. On account of the rain, I did not start for church until 11 o'clock. Brother Hill exchanged with the New Canaan minister a one armed man, Carroll by name, who preached for us. I stayed to Sunday School, which was slimly attended and then came home and wrote to George in the afternoon. I mailed it in the evening, also a Harper's Weekly. Gussie attended prayer meeting with me in the evening. 10/3 MONDAY - Town Election. No work in the shop. Mr. Cocking paid his rent (or rather his wife paid it for him) this morning. Cleaned my gun before breakfast or commenced and finished it after breakfast. I went to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see John Cosier. From there to the shop and then down to the courthouse and voted. Previous to going to the shop, I called at the car building shop at the Depot and got the ages of Manton Bailey and William Warren of their father. From the courthouse, I home by way of the Post Office and Swift's News Office. Father Griswold came home on the morning train and voted before going home. I took a nap after dinner and about 2 o'clock went to the shop for my pay. Walked down to the courthouse again with Burr Bradley and back up to John Cosier's office. From there home and picked some apples for Father Griswold. Just before going to the shop for my pay, Mr. Harris came with my barrel of cider and helped me in the cellar with it. I went in the evening to hear Major Haggerty speak at Concert Hall for Lincoln and Johnson and the Union. It was an excellent speech. He is young but decidedly smart. He was preceded by a _____ who accompanied him. Time after time, he brought down the house with great applause. A few Copperheads in the meeting and quite a number outside seemed disposed to make a disturbance but he was not one of that kind to be bluffed off and told them so. The result of our town election was a majority for us (Republican) of 184. James S. Taylor for First Selectman by majority. O. H. Swift for Town Clerk 178. 10/4 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it finally came off pleasant. There being no work in the shop, I finished weeding my strawberry bed. I went downtown before dinner. Called at Parmalee and Bradley's store and while there, agreed with Haviland to go hunting in the P.M. I ate dinner and went down to Dr. Lacy's and got his dog. Met my comrade at Benedict's factory in West Street and started. We went up by Oil Mill Pond, through Terry's Woods and over to a little swamp near Granville Ambler's entrance to his land. We ran 2 rabbits in a stone wall and got them. I shot a High Hole and a Blue Jay. He shot a chipmunk. I took home rabbit and gave him the remainder. Burr Bradley and wife came in to spend the evening. She stayed with Gussie while Burr and I went to Hatters' Meeting. Burr came back home with me and then went home with his wife. 10/5 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gave Lieutenant Governor Averill the list of men and their ages who have come of age since entering the army in the 17th Regiment, viz. George S. Purdy, 23 years, August 13th, 1864, Mr. H. Warren, 22 years old, March 2, 1864, James S. Bailey, 23 years old, September 25, 1864, William Otis, 22 years, September 7, 1864, Theodore Morris, 21 years, October 13, 1864. Averill is to write by the first mail to Colonel Noble and get furloughs for them in possible to come home, be made freemen and vote in the coming presidential election. I came home about 11 o' clock. Walked up with John Cozier. After dinner, I finished picking beans in the garden. Hattie Gregory, a niece of Walter F. Olmstead, living neighbor to us was married this P.M at 3 o'clock at the Baptist church. She married _____. Gussie went to see them married. After which, I met her near Benedict and Nichols' store and we tried to match some oil cloth which we have but could not. After getting my papers at the Jeffersonian Office, I found some horrid mistakes in George's letter published in it. I returned to the office before they finished striking off the papers and had the errors corrected and exchanged the copies I had for some more which had been corrected. I then came home and after tea put one for George and another for his friend in St. Augustine, Mr. Arnie Allers . I also wrote a letter to George, the writing of which made me too late for class meeting. I went down in the evening and mailed the papers and letter. Called at Jeffersonian Office and showed Ashley more mistakes and laughed at him about them. Milford Ruff (sp?), an apprentice at the Pahquioque Shop who enlisted in a New Jersey regiment for 100 days returned home on a train this evening, his term of service having expired. 10/6 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, expecting work, but there being none, I went up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat a while with John Cosier. We finally concluded to go hunting. We got ready to go just before dinner, but on account of the appearance of rain, we waited until after dinner. In the meantime, we bought a wad cutter and cut a lot of wads. It continued so lowery with some fine rain that we gave up going. I left my gun at his house rather than bring it home in the rain. I came home and got 12 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into mine. Gussie went up to Mrs. Sanford's and to the cemetery in the forenoon. I went up for her just at night and stayed to tea. I came home with her as far as the Union Club rooms and stopped there until the cars came that I might get the news and the mail should there be any for us. The papers say that General Grant's advanced position near Richmond is strengthened. Gold went up about 3 per cent today. Smith Pulling brought me a pot of butter - 30 lbs. I not being home could not pay him. 10/7 FRIDAY - Clear and pleasant today. Had work all day in the shop. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary Purdy came in. I went to the Union League in the evening. Walked home with David Bradley. Paid Smith Pulling $3.00 towards my butter bill of $15.00. 10/8 SATURDAY - Pleasant and grew cold all day. Cold as winter in the evening. Worked hard all day in the shop. The Copperheads hoisted a McClellan banner about 6 o'clock this evening. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. The evening post gives us good news of the army of the James. Butler has been attacked by the rebels but has repulsed them splendidly and drove them within their inner line of entrenchments. 10/9 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M and evening and cold as winter. I have shook with cold all day except when close to the stove. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 4:4. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, at which Brother J. W. Nichols read to the school a letter he received from George. Sacrament in the P.M. at which Brother Crawford assisted. Martha Stevens, or rather Martha Downs, as it is now, is home on a visit with her baby and a colored servant. She was at church this morning. Mr. Cocking shot a pigeon hawk while over to Mr. Lynes' doing the chores this evening. We moved our houseplants from the piazza into the parlor just at dusk. We feared to leave them out another night on account of the cold. Mrs. Judson, Harriet Ely's mother, died. 10/10 MONDAY - Cold last night. A severe frost this morning. We finished up our work in the shop today. I got mine done at noon. There is no time set when we will have more to do. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned our bedroom upstairs for us today. Mr. Cocking moved over to Mr. Lynes' this morning. They are to do as they did last year, hold my rooms to store their goods and live over there this winter during the absence of Mr. Lynes and family. While we were drinking tea, Harriet came in. I walked downtown with her. Called with her at Dr. Buckley's office to get some medicine. She went to Dr. Lacy's where she is now staying and I went to Societies Meeting at the church. The following trustees were elected for another year: George Starr, George Hull, E. S. Davis, Mr. S. White, Henry G. Fanton. A. N. Gilbert spoke for the union at Concert Hall. After leaving the church, I spoke with John Cosier for a few minutes at the hall. The house was filled to overflowing. We the saw Fred Jackson about going hunting tomorrow. 10/11 TUESDAY - I mailed a Harper's Weekly with two republican campaign documents to George this morning before breakfast. I went hunting with John Cosier, Fred Jackson and dog. We were gone all day. We got separated about sundown and did not get together until we met at John Cosier's. I got there first. I brought home some everlasting for Gussie to make a wreath for me. I went downtown in the evening. I came home as soon as the mail came. 10/12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy after dinner and commenced raining about 4 P.M. and was raining hard when we retired. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house. We cleaned the pantry and bedrooms. I helped them all day, not leaving home until evening, when I went down to get the Jeffersonian, to market, to the Post Office and to hear Ethan Allen of New York speak for the Union in Concert Hall. I stayed but a short time, the house being too damp and cold for me not having an overcoat. I went from the Hall up to see how John Cosier stood the hunting excursion yesterday. I found him feeling first rate. Previous to going to the Hall in the evening, I called a t Dr. Lacy's to see Harriet about getting some wood for her, etc. She gave me $8.00 to get a cord of wood for her. 10/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but windy and cool. Before breakfast, I went to the Post Office and mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called at Dr. Lacey's to get his bird dog to go hunting. The doctor having come home last night, the boy would not let him go without first seeing the doctor. And he not yet being up and I being in a hurry, did not wait. After breakfast, I took my gun and started without a dog. I went to Fish Ware, Fox Pond Hollow, Mount Tour, Long Ridge Town Mountain and home, making it about 5 o'clock when I came in. My game was 2 red squirrels, a Shide Poke, and chipmunk, the chipmunk I did not bring home. The squirrel, I gave to Mother, as I came home that way. 10/14 FRIDAY - Cooler than yesterday. I went in the forenoon to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see if he had any hickory wood (I wanted some for Harriet). From there, I went to the shop to see what was doing and found that they had sent a boy for me to finish a dozen brush hats. I got there ahead of the boy. The hats were not quite ready, so I went again about 3 P.M. and squared them up (they being full stiff) and cut out a dozen tips for them, ready to finish them tomorrow. Before dinner, however, I went up on Clapboard Ridge to Mr. Elwell's (sp) with Mr. Jacob Fry for a calf which he had bought. While there, I bought a bbl. Of Roxbury Russet apples for $2.25 of a man from Stony Hill, Weed by name. He had bought the apples of an orchard of Russell Hoyt I think and was gathering them. I had the pipe fitted to a stove and put it up for Harriet up home. My apples came about 5 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street, waited until the mail came and came home. 10/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have had a dozen black brush hats to finish today. Mrs. Charles Brokerton called just last night to see if we had heard from the boys in the 17th Regiment. Before tea, I filled the low places between my Trope de Grand strawberries with earth. I went to market in the evening. Called a few minutes at the Republican Club Room, took a letter from the post office for Harriet and walked home with my neighbor John Green. While in the street, Henry Ely spoke of hedging their cemetery lot joining mine to give us a chance to do mine at the same time. They want to hedge theirs next week. Wallace Pine lost his child about 6 o'clock this evening. They went down to Starr's Plain to old Captain Pine's. A dog came toward the horse barking and frightened him, throwing them all out. The child struck his head upon a stone and killed him instantly. Wallace Pine is a colored man living near us. 10/16 SUNDAY - I went up home before going to church this morning to carry a letter to Harriet which I took from the post office last night and to get my lead pencil which I left there on Friday when I put up Harriet's stove. Brother Hill preached from Genesis 19:15-20. Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church in the P.M. A Mr. Pardee of New York was there. It looked so much like rain at noon that I came home and did not attend the Sunday School concert. Gussie took care of Josie in the afternoon to let Harriet go. Commenced a letter to George. After tea, went over to Bro. McDonald's to get his horse to take Gussie to the cemetery. Could not get it. He was going to use it. So I walked up alone. I found Henry Ely up there. We talked a little about hedging our lots which join. I mailed Harper's Weekly with some Republican campaign documents enclosed to George. Mr. Pardee delivered an address to their congregation in our church in the evening on Sabbath Schools. Gussie and I attended about 3 P.M. The sun came out pleasant. The evening was clear and delightful although pretty cold. I wore an overcoat in the evening for the first time this season. 10/17 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went up to the cemetery and dug a trench in which to set a hedge around our lot. Went up to Mr. Down's nursery with Henry and Abijah Ely to look at the evergreens for the hedge. After dinner, I went to the shop. Squared up a dozen drab brush hats for tomorrow. Got my pay and came home. I then got my stove down from Father Griswold's barn and commenced blacking it before tea. After tea, Gussie and I went downtown and bought 2 yards of oil cloth 2 yards wide for $2.25 per yard. We then came home and before retiring I finished blacking the sitting room stove and drew the tacks from the sitting room carpet preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. Father and Harriet both received letters from George today, but none for me. 10/18 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. I had the 1 one half dozen brush hats to finish today, $3.00 per dozen. I burned one which cost me. Mrs. Stone cleaned house for us today, the sitting room and the sink room. I helped her shake carpet at noon. When I came home from work about 6 o'clock, the whole neighborhood was out looking for Josie Wheeler who was lost. I immediately went searching myself. A general alarm was given by ringing the bells. He was finally found at the lower end of Main Street. Butler G. Noble, ex-governor of Wisconsin spoke for the Union at Concert Hall this evening. I went in to the street and into the Hall for a few minutes but could not stay of account of nailing down carpet and putting up a stove which I have just completed at 10 one half o'clock. Before retiring, I finished a letter to George. 10/19 WEDNESDAY - Before breakfast I went down and mailed my letter to George. After breakfast, I helped Gussie move her plants from the parlor to the sitting room. Before we finished doing it, Harriet Mills called to see us. I then called at the shop, but there being nothing to do, I went down to see if Fred Jackson would go hunting with me. He could not go, but lent me his dog. I went over to Mill Plain Swamp, to Miry Brook and to Benjamin Norris' and engaged a cord of hardwood for Harriet. I came home by way of Mill Plain and Edward Hull's to see if I could buy some apples, but could not. Bell came down while we were drinking tea to have me to go up and fix Harriet's curtains. I went down to Jackson's to take Milo home and then went up. It took me until nearly 10 o'clock to put them up. James Birdsell, being intoxicated, tried to drive his horse and wagon across the railroad bridge just below the old crib (sp) shop and was run over by the freight train going down this evening. His horse was knocked down between the ties and suspended to the timbers by portion of the harness, but was finally extricated without serious injury. I believe the man had his leg badly mangled and was otherwise injured. Dr. Bennett amputated his leg. 10/20 THURSDAY - Worked all day in the shop on 1 one half dozen drab brush hats. About 5 P.M., the bells began to ring. We at the shop supposed it to be a fire, but soon learned that it was for another victory by Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. We captured 43 guns, one major-general and several thousand prisoners. We had one general killed, three others wounded. The 'Evening Post' gave the particulars. The cannon was fired about 9 o'clock in the evening in honor of the victory. I mailed the Jeffersonian and New York Daily Tribune to George. I tried to get a Post, but could not. At the Republican Clubroom, I saw Henry Ely and paid him $2.00 for Arbor Vitae trees for hedging around my cemetery lot which joins his. A load of soil was also included in the $2.00. The man who had a leg amputated last night it is thought cannot live. 10/21 FRIDAY - James Birdsell died last night or this morning from the effects of the amputation of his leg and other injuries received at the time of the accident. I went to the shop this morning, but there being no work, I went hunting. I went down to get Fred Jackson to go with me but he had just gone in company with a schoolmate. I got Dr. Lacey's old dog, Major, and hurried on to find Fred but did not. I was gone all day and got 2 quail and a robin. I went to the depot in the evening and met Mother Griswold. She has been up in Hartford County on a visit. John Cosier, who has been away for a week came home on the train this evening also. Later - John Cosier came home from his visit on the freight train Wednesday P.M. instead of this evening. 10/22 SATURDAY - No work in the shop. In the forenoon, I borrowed Mr. Lyne's horse which Robert Cocking drove into town and rode up to the cemetery to see the new hedge around our lot. After dinner, I walked up, borrowed a wheelbarrow and shovel of Mr. Day and took the dirt off our lot which was left there after setting our hedge. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and in the meantime and about the time I came home, Harriet Purdy came down and wanted more Belladonna and Aconite medicine. I was alarmed when she said that Mother had taken all that she took from us the other day as it was the liquid medicine from which we put only 4 or 5 drops into a half tumbler of water. I suppose there was about 30 drops of it which she put in a half glass of water. There was about the same of each Aconite and Belladonna. But instead of hurting Mother, it did her good as she is much better than usual today. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We made a fire in our sitting room stove for the first time this evening. 10/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, cloudy in the P.M. Brother Hill being sick, I understood that Mr. Robertson, Pastor of the 2nd Congregational Church, would preach for us in the morning, so accordingly, I went for the first tome and heard Brother Hawley at the Episcopal Church. I went to our Sunday School as usual, and there learned that Chaplain Ambler preached for us instead of Robertson. Robertson preached for us in the P.M. and I went to the Baptist church and heard Mr. Stone. George Bell and bride were there. Bell came to our house to tea. She went with us to prayer meeting in the evening and went home in company with Mr. Squire's folks. As I went to prayer meeting, I mailed a copy of Harper's Weekly to George. It had very much the appearance of rain when we retired. 10/24 MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went up to A.G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat awhile with him and John Cosier. John and I arranged to go hunting in the P.M. I went down to Mr. Jackson's to get his dog, but Fred had just gone hunting himself. I arranged to have the dog whenever I want him if they are not using him. He wishes me to use him as often as I can in order to train the dog. On my way home at noon to prepare to go hunting, I found Dr. Lacey's dog (Major). He followed me and I was glad to have him do so. We went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp. We came across Henry Rider with his gun. We all three hunted together. Rider got 2 woodcocks. Cosier got 2 woodcocks and I, one woodcock and a quail. Rider wanted the quail for his wife who is sick, so I exchanged with him my quail for a woodcock. Cosier gave me his two and I gave Mother Purdy 2 and Mother Griswold 2. It rained a little before we got in. After tea, I went home and carried two woodcock for Mother, while Gussie gave the other two to her mother. 10/25 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning with every appearance of a storm. But after dinner, it came off beautiful. I went to the shop in the morning, expecting work but had none. I came up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and finally arranged to go hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier. Crosby found me ammunition if I would give him what birds I shot. Before going, however, I arranged with Mr. McDonald and Crawford for a horse and saddle to ride in the procession tomorrow at the mass meeting. I had Old Major, Dr. Lacey's dog. I shot a quail and a woodcock and gave them to Mr. Crosby in the evening. I received 4 letters from George by the morning mail. He has been detailed from his company for a musician in a Regimental Brass Band. In the evening, I went to the Union Club Room, and to an extra session of the Union League. Before retiring, I wrote a hasty letter to George. 10/26 WEDNESDAY - A great Union Mass Meeting. The day has been beautiful. I rode Mr. McDonald's horse in the cavalcade. The speaker's stand was built on the old Fairgrounds near the cemetery. The speakers were Col. M. Depew, General Gault of Arkansas and Colonel Noble of the 11th Regiment. The procession was about two miles long. After the speaking was over I assisted to load chairs and settees and take down the arch over the entrance to the Fairgrounds. I was in consequence late home to my tea. Father came down in the evening and brought us a chicken and then went to hear the speaking at Concert Hall. I went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and returned and spent the evening at home. I mailed a letter to George early this morning, also one for Gussie to Bloomfield. The procession was as follows: in the cavalcade of horsemen 250, of which 26 were ladies wagons, 305, whole number of horses, 633. 10/27 THURSDAY - Copperhead mass meeting. The speakers were ______________________. Their cavalcade numbered 66 of which 10 were ladies. Whole number of wagons 238. The day has been cloudy and a little cool. Avery Raymond brought me a barrel of apples, greenings priced at $2.25. At the same time, he took Father Griswold's cider barrel to fill for him. Fred Dunning wanted me to hunting with him, so about 2 o'clock we started. We saw but little game and shot none but the dog pointed on one quail and caught it in the grass before in could fly up. It was dark when we got home. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a Jeffersonian with some campaign documents enclosed to George. I called at the Club Room and at Swift's News Office to wait for the train which was quite late. There has been a Republican Mass Meeting today at Bridgeport, and I learned this evening since the arrival of the train that it was a success and a grand affair. The Copperheads are holding forth this evening at Concert Hall and are applauding with great earnestness expressions like the following. This is a wicked, unholy and infamous war and never should have existed. 10/28 FRIDAY - Stormy, no work in the shop. Bought a hat for George's friend, the postmaster at St. Augustine, Mr. George Cole, price, $5.00. I sent it by mail; the postage was 78 cents, weighing 13 ounces at 6 cents per ounce. I put it in a band box. I wrote a letter in the evening to Mr. Cole about the hat and enclosed the bill - $5.78. I wrote to George also, stating that I had mailed the hat to Mr. Cole. Fanny came home on the freight train this evening from Hartford County. She brought me 2 dozen of Griswold's Salve. 10/29 SATURDAY - No work on the shop. I went hunting in the afternoon with John Cosier. We went up by Philo Wildman's and nearly to Neversink Pond. We came home down through Tamarack Woods and by the cemetery. I got 4 quail, John got nothing. I gave the birds to Alden Crosby for the powder and shot he bought for me for that purpose. I had Mr. F. G. Jackson's dog, 'Milo'. Gussie went with me to market and to take Milo home in the evening. While we were hunting, it rained for a while and we got pretty wet. 10/30 SUNDAY - Brother Hill preached in the morning. Harriet attended Methodist meeting in the forenoon to tell me to get a team if I could and come for Mother at noon and take her to church. I got Thomas Lyon's horse and did so. A Mr. Buckley, who has been preaching at the 1st Church preached for us in the P.M. Lt. Colonel Moegling of the 11th Connecticut Volunteers was buried from the 1st Congregational at 2 P.M. I did not go out in the evening, retired early. We have had sunshine and clouds during the day, but no rain. A special train from Norwalk bringing Norwalk Military Company and Masons to Mr. Moegling's funeral. 10/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. I worked as long as I could see and longer too to finish off my dozen and get out of the way of the other men as these are to be numbers for the blocks tomorrow. Mrs. Stone did three weeks' washing for us today, she not being able to come last week as usual on account of her being sick. They have been making Freemen at the Courthouse today. I brought home an old paper box from the shop and cut into gun wads after tea. I went to market for Mother Griswold in the evening and called at the clubroom to hear the evening news. The news is that the official news of the Pennsylvania soldiers' vote is 12,000 for the Republicans. The horse trainer has been here today. He gave a public exhibition in the street.
1864-10
Horace Purdy Journal June 1866 Entry
13pgs
JUNE 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I cut some grass in Mr. Pond’s yard for my horse. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go into the street and to Singing School in company with Cousin Wells Webster and daughter, Helen. When we returned, we went up to the house and stayed about an hour to visit with them, as they intend to start for home in the morning. In the P.M., Father Griswold hired Mr. Beatty’s double team with his large carriage and took a load with Cousin Wells and daughter to the cemetery and out to Beaver Brook to see the new railroad as they are at work on it. Bell is to stay with us all night. JUNE 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I harnessed the horse this morning and carried Helen Webster to the depot. Her father and Father Griswold walked after putting their carpet bags in the wagon. As I returned, I bought a bushel of oats at Crofut’s Feed Store. I put the horse in the stable, ate my breakfast, and went to the shop. We had only a half a day’s work. I left my check with the foreman (V. W. Benedict) to have him draw my money and leave it at Judd’s store. In the evening, I prepared my pea brush and stuck them to my peas. Hoed a portion of my garden. Mowed some grass in my dooryard, also some in Mr. Pond’s to feed the horse over Sunday. While I was at work at my pea brush, Seth Downs came in according to arrangements made this forenoon at the shop to borrow my gun to shoot a robin for his child, who is convalescing from lung fever. Gussie went to market in the evening and left me to hoe garden which I did until after dark. I went down about nine o’clock to see if my clock at the jeweler’s was repaired. It was not, and as I left the house open with no one in it but the sleeping baby, I hurried back and arrive d home before Gussie returned. Josie Wheeler stole Jesse Pond’s little cart from their barn and pulled up a bed of onions for an Irishman which cost Harriet 50 cents damages. JUNE 03 SUNDAY - Stormy all day. I went down to Sunday School at noon. There were but few there. The usual exercises were set aside and the time spent in singing. In the afternoon, Joseph W. Allen, William S. White and myself (a committee appointed at the last teachers’ meeting) went into the Bible classroom and with the help of a map of the borough laid it out into districts and appointed Sunday School teachers (females) to canvass there this summer and bring children who do not attend any place into the Sunday School. After tea, Susan Brayman came in and Gussie went over to Aunt Louisa’s with her. While she was gone, I wrote to George. JUNE 04 MONDAY - Cloudy all day with the appearance of rain each moment though I believe little came. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Bell had the horse this forenoon to carry Julia Squires home who had been staying with her over Sunday. When she returned, Mother Griswold wanted to take a ride but found the harness was broken and did not go. After tea, Mr. Pond helped me grind his scythe and I finished mowing his dooryard. In the evening, I helped him make a small box and dovetailed it together. JUNE 05 TUESDAY - Cloudy and a little rain about 4 P.M. The sun shone before it went down. I had work all day in the shop. I came home to dinner for the first time this season. I felt so poorly that I stopped at Parmalee’s on my way home and took a glass of ale which gave me an appetite for my dinner. I felt like a different man in the afternoon. All hands have been on black hats today. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned tins for Gussie today. Bell came down this P.M. and is to stay with us tonight. She is helping Gussie make a shell frame this evening. I went to market and by the evening mail received a letter from George. He wants to borrow two dollars. Before retiring, I answered the letter and enclosed the money ($2.00). I mended the harness before retiring. It broke yesterday just as Bell returned from Bethel with the horse. JUNE 06 WEDNESDAY - I have worked as usual in the shop. The sun shone in the P.M. and before night it gave promise of fair weather. It has been very sultry and hot today. After tea, I harnessed Jim and drove up to Mr. Hamilton’s, just on the edge of New Fairfield to try and sell George Hamilton my horse. I left there just as a heavy shower was coming up. I drove as far as Elijah Gilbert’s store and there stopped to get a shelter from the rain. I finally came home before it entirely stopped. Mrs. Cocking came to the house this P.M. and began to get things right preparatory to moving. She gave me $3.00 from Robert to pay the rent. JUNE 07 THURSDAY - I commenced this morning and mowed a little grass for the horse in Father Griswold’s door yard. Bell stayed all of last night with us and drew Georgie up home after breakfast. Mr. Edwin C. Sears, one of our shop men, who lives out to Mill Plain died last night in a fit near Lake Kenosha where he went after his tea with some of his grandchildren to catch some fish. I had work in the shop until after 3 o’clock when I came home and harnessed old Jim and went over to the bridge this side of Crofut’s Mill and washed the wagon. After tea, I bushed my Tom Thumb peas which I had heretofore thought would not require it. I got a dozen of the early Cabbage plants and three large double Sunflower plants of Seth Downs. JUNE 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant until 5 P.M. when there came up a shower. Edwin Sears, 58 years old, was buried today. The men in the shop attended in a body. Borough meeting in the P.M. at Concert Hall. E. S. Davis was elected warden by a 7 majority. I came home and went to work in the garden, but a hard shower soon came up and interfered somewhat with my work. JUNE 09 SATURDAY - Sunshine and cloudy at times during the day. I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and then went with George Quien up to his finishing shop and bought 3 pounds of Maple sugar at 2 cents per pound. Victor W. Benedict (our Foreman) drew my money for me and I went for it in the afternoon and then went to George Quien’s and bought 5 pounds more of Maple sugar for Mr. Pond and one pound for Robert Cocking. I had words with Mr. Baxter about corn planted too near the stable door; also about me filling the gutter in front of my house. I paid George Crofut & Son $15 for a barrel of Flour bought a week ago or more. I mowed my dooryard just at tonight to get the fine grass to put around my strawberry plants. Mr. Cocking returned again today from Mr. Lynes’ to live in our rooms upstairs for the summer. Received a letter from George. JUNE 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Bell came down this morning for the horse to carry Mother to meeting. I harnessed and she took Georgie in and gave him a ride up to get Mother. Gussie attended church in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. The sacrament service being omitted on account of the inability of Brother Hill to attend to it on account of sickness, a Mr. Webb from Minnesota who came on here with Fanny Holmes (and it is reported that she is intending to marry him) preached for us. He, not being ordained, could not administer the sacrament, but superintended the prayer meeting which was held instead. After tea, Father came down with the horse. Gussie went with Susan Brayman downtown to see Thomas Purdy’s wife who is very sick. She was so late that neither of us went to meeting in the evening. I wrote to George and Gussie mailed it as she went to see Thomas’ wife. JUNE 11 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I had but just got well at work this morning in the shop when the Reverend Mr. Gannon called to see me about the horse which he had before spoken about buying. I put on my coat and vest, leaving my white shirt hanging on a nail, also my watch and went home. He helped me grease the wagon and then I harnessed to drive a short distance and show him how the horse could travel. I went over to Beaverbrook with him as that was his way home and he was intending to walk to Sandy Hook, about 12 miles. I then thought that I ought to go to Sandy Hook and see if George A. Beers (a merchant there) had sold the 6 sifters which had been left there on commission. I concluded to go and did so and carried Mr. Gannon to his house and took dinner with him. Mr. Beers had sold the sifters. I collected the pay for them - $5.75. The amount was $6.00 but as I had not the receipt which he gave for the sifters when he took them, he hesitated about paying me but finally he said he would pay me and run the risk if I would throw off 25 cents. I concluded to do so rather than come home without the money. Mr. Gannon likes the horse and is satisfied with the price; he also needs a horse very much but does not feel able to buy one. He is very much in doubt about what to do. He offered me a dollar for carrying him home, but as I went mostly only on business for myself, I took only 50 cents. I started for home about 4 o’clock and arrived here about 6 o’clock. I drove to the shop to get my shirt and watch and found the watch had disappeared. Sunday School Teachers’ Business Meeting in the evening. I attended. Before returning, I tried to copy the minutes of the meeting but fell asleep three times and then gave it up. JUNE 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant; I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I worked until dark in my garden and then went to the Post Office to mail a letter to George with one enclosed from St. Augustine. I mailed one this morning to George A. Beers in Sandy Hook with the receipt for the sifters which he gave when he took six of them on commission which he sold and paid me for last Monday. JUNE 13 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day. I had work until noon in the shop. I then came home and sawed and piled wood in the woodhouse. I got some petunias over to Seth Downs’ and set them out just at night. I gave some to Mr. Pond, also to Fanny. Daniel Baxter had a cinch with his son Moses this morning. He threw him down and kicked him. Moses, I think, submitted to it rather than strike his father. I went to the market in the evening and mailed a letter for Bell to George. I paid Charles Reed $3.50 for shoes for wife and baby bought last Saturday. Bell came down just at nigh to help Gussie work at putting shells on a box. She is to stay all night. While in the street, I got the Sunday School Journals for June and marked them off before retiring. Captain B. F. Skinner was buried today from the Universalist Church. The Bethel Military Company came up and buried him with the honors of a soldier. JUNE 14 THURSDAY - The storm is not yet over, though it has rained but little today. Bell stayed with us last night and will do so again tonight. She rubbed sprouts off my potatoes this forenoon and at noon I harnessed the horse and in the P.M., she with Gussie and the baby went up home. She took a basket of potatoes I gave her for sprouting mine. They then left Georgie there and rode up to the cemetery. When they returned, Bell unharnessed and put Jim in the stable. I went to market in the evening and Gussie worked at covering a box with shells. JUNE 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I had all the work in the shop that I could do today. Bell stayed with us last night and took Georgie up home with her today and kept him until night. I harnessed the horse before tea and let Harriet and Louise go up to the cemetery. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe. Took a paper from the Office today for George from his lady correspondent while he was in the army and this evening, I remailed it to him. By the evening mail, I received a letter from him. Nathan Miller called to look at my horse as he came from work tonight. JUNE 16 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. Commenced cutting the grass in Father Griswold’s dooryard for my horse. Gussie took Georgie up home to Father Purdy’s this P.M. in order that she could do some shopping and get her new summer hat. She stayed away until about 8 o’clock in the evening leaving me to get my own supper as best as I could. I was very tired and was much provoked. JUNE 17 SUNDAY - A beautiful morning. It became cloudy about noon and at 3 o’clock, it began to rain. Bell came down in the morning for the horse to carry Mother to church. She gave Georgie a ride up home as she went for Mother and took him again at noon when she carried her home. She left the horse up there in the P.M. and came down with him bringing Georgie in the rain about 3 P.M. I then too the horse and while it was raining in torrents drove over to Mr. Lynes’ to tell him that Mr. Cocking is very sick. He has had the doctor (Bennett) who thinks it is congestion of the lungs. He is very sick and is troubled extremely to breathe. It has rained so hard through the evening that Bell has concluded to stay all night. Gussie went to church in the morning and I went down to Sunday School. I came home when school was out for fear of the rain. JUNE 18 MONDAY - Rain in the morning; it came off pleasant at noon. Bell stayed with us last night. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. When I came home, I found John Brayman waiting to see me. He paid me 50 cents of the balance of $2.00 borrowed and $5.00 on an old bank account. After tea, I went into Mr. Pond’s garden to look at his strawberries with him and he gave me a handful of very fine ones. I went to market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from George with $11.60 enclosed, $1.25 of it to me for borrowed money which I let him have, $1.35 to pay his taxes, and the remaining $9.00 towards a debt he owes Joseph W. Ives. Mr. Cocking is no better today but the doctor thinks he will be better tomorrow. Before retiring, I added to the letter received this evening in the one I commenced to him last evening. JUNE 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. As I came from work, I called at Joseph W. Ives and paid George’s account there - $5.97- and took a receipt for the same. Bell was with us to tea. After tea, I borrowed rigging from Seth Downs and Mr. McDonald and commenced with Father Griswold to run his cultivator through his potatoes. We got at it and dark came on so quickly that we were obliged to leave it until morning. I wrote a short letter for Mr. Cocking to John Courtney informing him of the illness of Mr. Cocking and mailed it for them as I went to market. Gussie had a severe attack of sick headache in the evening. JUNE 20 WEDNESDAY - A lovely day. I worked as usual in the shop. A strawberry festival of our ladies of the church in the evening in Concert Hall. I was doorkeeper. JUNE 21 THURSDAY - Very warm. Bell, who stayed with Georgie last evening while we went to the festival, stayed all night. Charles Hull watched with Mr. Cocking last night. Mrs. Cocking took our bed upstairs. Bell slept with Gussie and I slept on the lounge. I rose at 4 ½ o’clock this morning and cleaned and greased the wagon. Before going to work, I shaved Robert. Gussie went with Mother and Bell this afternoon to Grassy Plain and stayed to tea with Mrs. Squires. I harnessed the horse at noon for them. Mr. Pond gave me a dish of strawberries for my tea. I received a letter from George by the evening mail. I wrote a letter from Robert to John Courtney at Fort Hamilton. James Osborne is to watch with Robert tonight. JUNE 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I rode to Grassy Plain before breakfast to David Squires for the martingales that Bell left there yesterday. She forgot them when she harnessed the horse to come home. I did not go to the shop but worked around the house hoeing the garden, etc. I drove the horse down to the shop at noon to let John Morris use him to plow out a piece of potatoes. A letter from George in the evening asking for what money was left after paying his debts from money he sent home. I paid Parmalee & Howe $4.21 that George owed them which left a balance of $3.62 to send to him. JUNE 23 SATURDAY - Very warm again today. I did not work in the shop in the P.M. but finished and got trimmed a hat for myself. Before coming home, I went to the barber’s and got my hair cut. We picked 1 ½ quarts of strawberries for our tea. We gave Mrs. Cocking a pint of them. Robert has not been so well today. I went for the doctor as soon as I was dressed. I harnessed the horse after tea and went to the Wooster House for some ice for Robert to use over Sunday, the ice dealer having failed to drive this way today. As I came home with the horse, I had to whip him to make him stand while I shut the gates. While I was getting the ice, I also got 4 oranges for Robert. JUNE 24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I watched with Robert Cocking last night. Mrs. Cocking got up at 3 o’clock and I came downstairs and retired. After breakfast, I shave him. He is better today. He rested well last night. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School. When it closed, I came home feeling too tired to stay to meeting in the P.M. Fred Shears had my horse and harness with Edgar Benedict’s wagon to take his mother to the cemetery in the P.M. Mr. Pond found tracks in his strawberry bed today where some person had been picking his berries last night. We have suspicions of the person, but are not certain. I wrote after tea for Robert to his brother-in-law John Courtney in Fort Hamilton, Long Island., telling him how Robert is getting along with his sickness. I also wrote to George (or finished a letter commenced last Friday) and enclosed $4.80 of his money in my hands, he wishing me to send it as he will need it before he gets paid off again. I also wrote to the Sunday School to Carlton & Porter ordering 1 dozen of No. 1 Catechisms and enclosed $.48, the price of the same. About 6 o’clock, I harnessed the horse and took Louise, Gussie and the baby up to the cemetery. We rode up Balmforth Avenue, down Main Street to Franklin, passed Mallory’s Shop, down Spring Street to the Post Office, mailed letters and came home. John Brayman then took the horse and gave his wife a ride. When John returned, I stayed awhile and talked. JUNE 25 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. It has seemed to me to be the hottest day yet. We took off our featherbed and filled a tick with straw and put it in its place. Negotiations have been going on today between the journeymen and Mr. Crofut to reduce the price of the coarse work so that thereby we may retain it and prevent his starting a foul shop. We deferred final action on it on account of the absence of several of the journeymen. We are to get on it tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. After tea, I harnessed the horse and Gussie and Georgie rode with me up to Middle River to see Smith Pulling about butter. We went to notify him that our winter butter was gone and to have him commence bringing it to us for the summer according to previous agreement. When we returned, Mr. Pond and myself rode over to Oil Mill Pond (which was about 9 o’clock) and took a bath. Mr. Cocking is quite well today. He was able to dress himself and go to the table for his tea. A small shower with considerable thunder just at bedtime. JUNE 26 TUESDAY - Very warm but not quite so oppressive, I think, as yesterday. We accepted a reduction on our bill of prices today of 2% on 6-5-4-4x and 1% on 4xa. (?) hats to be the same as soft hats. The new arrangement will take effect July 1st. Smith Pulling brought us 2 lbs. of butter for the first. I harnessed the horse in the evening and went to market. I took a shopmate William H. Hutching and drove up town and down Balmforth Avenue. I carried a notice to the Times Office in the evening for Father Griswold advertising his carpet bag which he lost in the depot yesterday. It was probably stolen. Bell came down just at night and stayed to tea and finally concluded to stay all night. JUNE 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and still very warm. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I hurried to get home before the shower as a heavy one came up and commenced raining soon after I got home. George Foot had a bad gash cut in his head from the heel of a shoe thrown by John Grey this noon at the shop. The whole affair was in sport. It commenced by throwing leaves (?). Mr. Cocking’s brother-in-law, John Courtney from Fort Hamilton, came to see him today. He came on the 3 o’clock train and returned on the regular passenger train. It rained hard all evening with sharp lightning and heavy thunder. I went to the Post Office in the evening, expecting a letter from George, but got none. Bell took Georgie up home this P.M. and has not yet returned and will probably not on account of the rain. JUNE 28 THURSDAY - Stormy this forenoon; it cleared away in part just before night. Bell came home with Georgie in the afternoon, he having stayed up there all night. She harnessed Old Jim and carried Mother over to Aunt Louise’s to spend the P.M. As I came from work, she had just carried Mother home. I let Hiram Hadden take the horse to go up to the Boggs in the evening. He returned about 9 ½ o’clock. I picked a few cherries before dark and then went to market. JUNE 29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool after the rain. I had only a half-day’s work in the shop. Mr. Cocking took a ride with me downtown in the P.M. I paid George Starr $25.00 which I borrowed of him April 1st. I made arrangements in the P.M. with Mr. McDonald about repairing my wagon. I picked what few cherries we had. Our folks expected somewhat that Edwin would come on the evening train. I harnessed Old Jim and went to the depot, but we were disappointed for they did not come. JUNE 30 SATURDAY - I harnessed the horse after breakfast and carried Mr. Cocking over to Mr. Lynes’, the first time that he has been over there since he has been taken sick which was two weeks ago tomorrow. He is not able to walk and he rode back about noon with George Lynes when he came into the street for the mail. When I returned from Mr. Lynes’ I the morning, I left the wagon at Mr. McDonald’s to be repaired. I had the horse shod also before going over with Robert. I carried my dinner at the shop, it being 9 o’clock when I went to work. We were told last night not to come until that time. Hard thunder shower about 4 P.M. with hail. George came home from Brooklyn by the evening train, also Edwin Griswold and little Eddie, Jr. from Elyria, Ohio. I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s wagon and went to the depot for them. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie go to the depot to meet Edwin. George came home this way and I drove home with them. After caring for the horse, I borrowed Seth Downs’ saddle for George who wants to take a ride before breakfast tomorrow morning. As I came from work this P.M., I called at Benedict & Nichols’ and paid then $25.00 on my account of $44.66.
1866-06
Horace Purdy Journal June 1864 Entry
8pgs
6/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Warm until about 4 P.M. when a hard thundershower came up. John Bussing was married this morning at 6 o'clock and took the train. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut and we carried our dinner (Harriet and I). On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Come's Marble Works and engaged a stone for Eddie. I went to market and to class in the evening. Our pay was put off on account of taking an inventory until today. But did not get pay for what work we did today. Gussie received a letter from an old Essex friend Kate Bailey, formerly Kate Doane. 6/2 THURSDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy this morning. Cleared off at noon. Before tea, I set a post for Clothes line. After tea, I helped Father Griswold move their refrigerator from barn to cellar. Went downtown by way of Bund's[?] garden with Mr. Cocking who went that way to carry some eggplants to Mr. House [?] in the evening. While downtown, I consulted carpenters and tinners about roofing my center. Received 3 letters from George. There was one for Mother, Harriet and Anne Purdy also in the Office from him. The letters gave the intelligence of the Capture of Companies B, H and K. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening up to Father Griswold's. Brother Hill called there after meeting. Before retiring, I looked over the letters from George and made out one for the Jeffersonian. 6/3 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. After breakfast, I commenced taking extracts from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. After the mail came in, I went up home to see Mother's letter from George. It was written later than mine and contradicted what he wrote to me about Companies H and K being captured. They are alright, but Company B had been taken sure. I bought the one half dozen pocket almanacs that George had ordered of R. C. Cowen and mailed them in the evening. I wrote a short letter also and mailed at the same time. I gave up the idea for the present of putting a tin roof on my wing and bought a few shingles to patch it for the present. While we were drinking tea, Burr Bradley, his wife and youngest child called on us. 6/4 SATURDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop today. I hoed in my garden. Went up to Chas. Chase's about mail time with Robert for a ride. I patched up my wing roof just at night. Gussie went to the cemetery in the evening. 6/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some rain. We were rather late this morning. I attended church during the day. Burr Bradley being absent, I took the collections for him. Gussie did not attend on account of the weather and not feeling well. Wrote to George after tea and mailed it with a Waverly in the evening. I copied from his last letter an account of the capture of Company B of his regt. At Welaka, Fla. for publication in the Jeffersonian. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. It was the Monthly Missionary Concert. On account of the weather, it was in the basement. After the meeting, I called at Mr. Ashley's residence and handed him the Cosmopolite's correspondence for the Jeffersonian. Gussie wrote to Kate Bailey, Essex, Conn. in the evening. 6/6 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Cleared off about noon. I worked until about 7 o'clock to wait to wait for the shower to be over. When I came home to tea, I found Mary and Carrie Mills. The came up to go to the N!66er Show. Carrie to stay all night with Emma Wildman and Mary to stay with us. I went to market in the evening for myself and Mother Griswold. 6/7 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. Mary Mills stayed all night with Hattie. She took the cars for Bethel after breakfast. Uncle Edwin bought me two dozen beanpoles this forenoon for 50 cents. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the cellar for us. On my way home from the shop, I conditionally bought or paid difference between and old watch and a new Hunter's Case Detached Lever for George. If the price is agreeable to George, I shall keep it, if not I am to return it get my money. I bought it at Robinson's. I set my bean poles and bushed my string peas when I came home. I set out some purple cabbage for Father Griswold just before dark. I went down intending to attend the Gen. Class meeting. I was late and besides before going in Dr. Ryder stopped me and wanted Mr. Hill to marry a couple. I went in the church and frightened the people terribly by calling out Bro. Hill. Bought a shower and chain for Bell at Swift's with George's money as he directed. 6/8 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cool for the season of the year. Cloudy with appearance of rain in the evening. I wrote to George in the morning before breakfast about the watch I have been getting for him. I sent the letter to the Office in time for the morning mail. I have worked on black hats today for the first time in a long while. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to inform him (Mr. Ashley) of the wedding last evening at Deacon John Fry's, the parties Bro. Hill was called from Gen. Meeting last night to marry. Oscar Serrine called on his way home from the shop and I gave him some pea brush. I planted over some pole and bush beans that did not come up good. We all went up to hear our presiding Elder, Bro. Pillsbury preach in the evening. After meeting, I went to market for my breakfast and to Mr. Swift's News Office and I bought 6 quires of note paper and two packs of envelopes. The Jeffersonian today, has a letter from George (Cosmopolite) in it from the 17th Regt, Connecticut Volunteers in St. Augustine, Florida. Before retiring, I strung and hung up dome ornamental shelves for Mrs. Cocking, my tenant upstairs. It rained a little as meeting was out and hard before retiring between 10 and 11 o'clock. 6/9 THURSDAY - Pleasant through the day. A shower just at night about 6 o'clock. I cut my finger with a jack plane while making a shelf for Mrs. Cocking's new set of hanging shelves. I am not able to work with it, it is so bad. I called at the shop this morning. Received two letters from George, they being designed for publication in the Jeffersonian. I bought a quarter bbl. No. 2 mackerel at Parmelee and Bradley's for $3.50. I took a nap after dinner. Harriet came down and spent the P.M and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I got some mortar and went up home and plastered up some mouse holes in Harriet's room. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 6/10 FRIDAY - pleasant but cold. Sore finger still. Can't finish hats with it yet. Mowed the grass in front of Father Griswold's and my own premises and trimmed the walk, finishing it up in good shape. After dinner, Gussie went up home and Harriet Mills went up there from the shop to tea. I went up to Mother Griswold's in their absence to tea. While there, I dressed my finger for the first time since I cut it. I then did it up in the blood and kept it wet with Witch Hazel Extract. Today, I changed it and put a plaster of Uncle Chauncey's Salve. Mother Griswold had a few strawberries for tea for the first time. After tea, I hoed out my garden with a rake. In the evening, I carried a pail down to the store for Mother Griswold to get molasses with. Bought some beefsteak for breakfast and came home. 6/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. Frost last night in some places. Very heavy in Brookfield, I learn. I see no effects of it on my premises. I prepared from George's last two letters from the Jeffersonian. I went to the Post Office before dinner. Called at the shop and to the Fish Market and brought home a lobster. Harriet was with us to dinner. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and to Mr. Swift's in the P.M., while I made some slats to put over the windows to fasten curtains and make them hang over the green shades. I then went to the Jeffersonian's Office with a letter from George for publication. Found Gussie in the street and then went to Raymond's and bought a peck of peas and some radishes. I came home and painted Dalia' sticks. Had our first mess of strawberries from our own bed. Hattie Mills went to Mrs. Ryan Whites' to tea. She came home in time to eat a few strawberries with us. I went to the Post Office and to Singing School in the evening. 6/12 SUNDAY - Cool, chilly. I attended church in the morning. Bro. Hill preached. A shower of rain, but no thunder, I believe, just before morning sermon closed. Sunday school prayer meeting at noon. There being no distribution of books, I spent nearly all the session in the churchyard talking with Bro. Chittenden. In the meantime, we walked over to Dr. Bulkley's office as I wanted to consult him about a cold I have on my lung. The office was closed. Bro. Hill went to Bethel to preach in the P.M. Bro. Crawford administered the Sacrament. Rebecca Mills was baptized and received into full connection. Gussie had the toothache and went out early in the service. After meeting, I wrote a letter to George with directions in R(h)yme to match the one he sent me. I mailed a Waverly to him also with the letter. After tea, Hattie Mills, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We stayed rather late and did not go to meeting in the evening as there was none at our church. A union service at the 1st Congregation Church. Sermon by Mr. Robertson to the Young Men's Christian Association. When we came home, we went upstairs to call on Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I drew a pitcher of ale and carried up. She gave some Madden Porter's Syrup for my cough. 6/13 MONDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I have a hard cold on my lungs. Intended to work I today, but after going down to the shop, I felt so poorly that I concluded not to. I engaged another stone in place of the one I ordered some time ago for Eddie's grave. Mr. Swift brought one half dozen verbenas from Norwalk for Fanny this morning. I brought them home from the Post Office. Mrs. Stone washed for us this morning. I went to bed after dinner. Got up about 4 o'clock and drew up my Librarian's Book anew for the Sunday School. Father called on his way home from work and left $5.00 towards our cemetery lot. Mr. Cocking and myself went downtown in the evening to Robinson's to compare George's new watch with his regulator. To the Post Office where I lost sight of him. I went into the War Meeting in the basement of Concert Hall for a few moments. The meeting was to take measures against the coming draft to fill quotas of volunteers or substitutes. I left soon. Did not stay to see what was done. Gussie and Hattie Mills went shopping too. 6/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant, warmer. Went to pay for cemetery before going to the shop in the morning, but did not see Mr. Tweedy. Called at Cowe's Marble Works to direct about inscription on Eddie's stone. There being several garnishes to spend at the shop, it was sent out for a keg of lager beer, crackers and cheese. Henry Ledger got drunk. A Mr. Kidder and Mother came home with Father Griswold today. Kidder stayed all night. I talked with Father Griswold about a chaplain for the 17th Regt. He thinks he knows a man. I went to market in the evening. Bought some liver for breakfast and 15 one half lbs. Ham 22 cents to be brought up tomorrow. I came home and drank some ale with Robert Cocking. 6/15 WEDNESDAY - I coughed about 2 hours last night, from 12 one half to 2 one half o'clock; felt poorly in the morning. Mrs. McNeil came down to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed with us to dinner. Harriet was with us also. After tea, I went down to see Dr. Bulkely. He gave me medicine to take and ordered a cold water bandage around my waist when I go to bed. I saw Mr. Tweedy, the cemetery man and paid him $15.00 for our lot, $5.00 from Father, $5.00 from George, and $5.00 myself. I did not attend class but came home to doctor myself and go to bed. The Evening Post says that Grant has changed his base from the White House on the York River to Charles City on the James River. 6/16 THURSDAY - My cough is a little better this morning. I think that the medicine that the doctor gave me did me good. It has been very warm. I sowed some French turnip seed after I came home from the shop. I went downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. When I returned, I drew some beer and we drank together. I received through the Post Office from E.S. Tweedy, the Secretary of the Cemetery Association my certificate of purchase and ownership of a lot in the cemetery. 6/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm again. Worked hard, was very tired at night. On my way home at night, I came by the way of Come's Marble Works to look at Eddie's stone. After tea, I went to market and waited until after 9 o'clock for the cars to come with mail and news and then go tired and came home. 6/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I worked hard until 4 o'clock and then went up to the cemetery to see about setting Eddie's grave stone. Mr. Comes and Northrop did it. I found Gussie and Fanny up there waiting. On our way home, we met Harriet Wheeler on her way up there at the corner of West and Main Streets. When we got home, it was about 7 o'clock. Hattie Mills had the tea table all set for us. After tea, went to the Post Office and received a letter from George, then went to Singing School. Our preacher, Mr. Hill came in and gave me Fannie's parasol to bring home and stayed and sang with us. It was just one year ago today that George was home and we had our picnic on Thomas Mountain. Before retiring for the night, I copied some extracts from George's letter for the Jeffersonian. 6/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church all day. Gussie went in the P.M. Our afternoon service commences now at 2 o'clock in order to give more time for Sunday School. I sat in the choir all day. Aunt Anne, Susan and Addie Benjamin came up to our folks this morning. We went up to see them after tea, but it was too late. They had gone home. I wrote to George and mailed it as we came from up home. I then called on Lieut. Governor Averill, to inform him that we had a man in view for Chaplain in the 17th Regt. I did not go to prayer meeting, but came home and drew a little ale. Robert and wife came down and he drank with me. When they went up, I wrote in journal and retire a little after 10 o'clock. 6/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. It was nearly 7 o'clock when we rose this morning. A shop call just before noon for an advance on our prices. A committee to draw up a new bill. They reported, the Report was accepted and we voted to stand by the bill. Mr. Crofut refused to give what we demanded. We finished off the work we had taken out and stopped. I came home by the way of the Jeffersonian Office and left a letter from George for publication. I then went over to George Hull's garden to see his Poor House Seedling Strawberries. Andrew gave me 4 samples to bring home. Before tea, I went up home and fixed curtain fixtures for Fanny, as they did not work good. After tea, Mr. Cocking and I cleaned out the cistern. I went downtown in the evening with Gussie. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. 6/21 TUESDAY - Cooler with prospect of a storm. I commenced hoeing in my garden after breakfast, as I was not going to work (the men being still on a turnout for prices). But soon Edward Smith, one of the apprentices, came after me to go to the shop, the men being there to allow Edward Stevens to iron off hats which were to go off on the train this P.M. He was allowed to do so. Then men then assembled at Barnum's Hotel to compare bills of other shops. A committee being sent down to Orin Benedict's shop for his bill. While there, one of the apprentices came in saying that Mr. Crofut had a proposition to offer. We went to the shop and he offered one half of what we demanded. We refused it. He then offered still more, but not what we asked for. We instructed the Foreman, (Victor W. Benedict) to say to him that we wanted what we asked for and nothing less. He did so, and Mr. Crofut wanted time to think about it. We then adjourned. I came home to dinner after which I hoed out my garden, finishing it about 3 o'clock. Then I took a walk up through Mr. Hurd's garden to look at his strawberries. From there, I went over to Burr Bradley's. He had just finished hoeing his garden. We went into the house and had some of his wine. After which, we went up to the cemetery for a walk. We had our third mess of strawberries for tea. After tea, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Before retiring, Fanny came down with a little dog left at their house by the Ice peddler. She wanted to shut him my woodhouse, so that Mother could not hear him cry in the night. Our folks had a letter from Edwin today. He has been drafted in Ohio. He paid $300.00 and got clear. 6/22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and very warm. No prospect of a storm. The dog Fanny shut in my woodhouse last night cried continually during the night, keeping us all awake and I doubt not at all, the neighbors until a little before 3 o'clock this morning when I became vexed with his whining and got up, dressed, and let him out, at the same time giving him a kick. He took the path toward Father Griswold's house. That is the last seen or heard of him. I hope he is dead. If he don't die of a sore throat, diphtheria, or a lung disease, I shall wonder for he cried himself hoarse before I let him out of the woodhouse. I mowed my door yard this forenoon and carried the grass home to the compost heap. Father Griswold came home on this morning's train. I put on my thin pants before dinner for the first time this summer. We had chicken pot pie for dinner. Went downtown after dinner. Had another keg of No.2 Mackerel brought up from Parmelee and Bradley's in exchange for the other one which proved not good. Mr. Fowler brought up 2 lbs. of butter just at night. I attended class meeting in the evening. There was a good attendance and the meeting was good. 6/23 THURSDAY - The warmest day of the season. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the morning. After which, I went down for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold, she being suddenly taken with a sore throat and fearing the diphtheria. I found several of my shop mates in the street. Mr. Crofut sent for us to come to the shop. We went down and he talked with us about prices. From present appearances, he did not see as how he could pay the full advance we asked as the market was full of goods and the demand small. He offered the same as on Tuesday, it being but a little less than our demands. He talked very candid and fair saying that we should really have all we asked as it cost as much to him. But he still could not from present appearances manufacture if he paid what we asked for his work. I borrowed his horse and went up for Joseph Kyle and Edward Harris. Harris was getting in hay and could not come. After I returned the men came together and voted to accept for the present Mr. Crofut's offer until he could get up what hats he had in the works which he thought would take about 2 weeks. After which, we would be governed by circumstances. We adjourned to go to work tomorrow morning, it then being noon. After dinner, I took a nap. Slept until almost 4 o'clock. After tea, I spent a little time around the yard. Went down town for the mail and the news. There was no mail, neither news. 6/24 FRIDAY - Very warm, but not quite so much so as yesterday. We went to work in the shop in the morning. In the evening, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Went to Raymond's and ordered lobsters for Mother Griswold and myself. Bought a linen coat and thin pants of Charles Stevens. 6/25 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood at 90 in the shade. Have been to work on black hats for the first time in a long time. Mr. Wing came to the shop today with Patent Clothes Dryer. I pretty much concluded to have one put up in my yard. After tea, I went over to David Bradley's to go to the Pond to bathe. But we concluded to wait until tomorrow morning. I then went downtown and found Gussie who went down alone as I intended to go to the Pond. We had some ice cream and came home. Harriet Mills has a bad cold and Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkley about it, but he was not in his office. Henry Starr and a son of Mr. Wing's came with the clothes dryer just before tea. I helped dig a hole to set the post. 6/26 SUNDAY - Made a fire. Went for milk and the went with Mr. Cocking as far as Oil Mill Pond where I went into the water and washed after which I went over to Mr. Lyons and waited for him to finish his chairs and then we came home together. He gave me a large head of lettuce when we got home. Gussie had finished breakfast and the table was waiting for me. The mercury has stood at 98 in the shade. After tea, I wrote to George and put up a Waverly for him to mail at the same time. About six o'clock, Gussie, Hattie Mills and myself went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. On our return, I mailed the letter and paper to George. We did not go to meeting, but returned home. I drew some beer and Mr. and Mrs. Cocking sat out on the grass plot in the yard and drank beer with us until 10 o'clock. There was a shower passed over a short time before we went to the cemetery. We got only a few drops of it. In an hour's time the dust flew as badly as ever. Mr. Hill preached in the morning from Proverbs 28:27. After Sunday School, I came home and did not go out in the P.M. While we were up on the cemetery, Bell made her appearance to visit Eddie's grave also. I have been giving Hattie Mills homeopathy medicine for a cold all day. 6/27 MONDAY - Smoky, so that the sun shone but dimly in the morning with the prospect of another warm day. But the wind finally went into the North and blew furiously and cool so that thin clothes felt almost uncomfortable. I worked hard all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone worked for us and used the new clothes dryer. Gussie does not like it very much on account of it taking the clothes too long to dry. Harriet was down to dinner. After tea, Robert and I went down to market. When we returned, I drew some beer, and Robert and I drank together. I then wrote this journal, fixed my fire for morning and retired. 6/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cool again today. I have worked hard and late in the shop. On my way to the shop this morning, I saw John Cosier and paid him $5.00 toward church seat rent - No.31. After tea, Robert and I went downtown to market and to Post Office. Robert traded his watch for a Hunter's case at Robinson's. 6/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool, though warmer than yesterday. The wind went around from North to Southeast. I felt very much like work and have improved it. Harriet Purdy was with us to tea. Father Griswold came home from New York on the evening train. The minister he previously spoke about wanting a position as chaplain has gone to South Carolina for the Christian Commission. I went to class in the evening. There were few present, but a good meeting. I took a letter from the Office for father Griswold from Uncle Chauncey. 6/30 THURSDAY - The sun shone in the morning, but it began to thicken over with clouds until nearly night, when it began to rain. Mr. Wing came to see Gussie and her folks about the clothes dryer in the forenoon. He sold the one he left for us to Father Griswold and brought a smaller size to us in the P.M. After tea, I got some cabbage plants of Father Griswold and transplanted them. I then went downtown with Mr. Cocking to get the mail. Before retiring, I drew off a gallon of vinegar and filled up the keg with old cider.
1864-06
Horace Purdy Journal July 1869 Entry
10pgs
JULY 01 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have helped Ambrose Hill hoe out his potatoes today. I took dinner with him. I mailed an order this morning to T. E. Twitchell for 6 more beds. I also mailed to D. R. French a duplicate of the order. I went into the street in the evening. I ordered another half bushel of the garnet potatoes and paid for both, bringing the mail for Mr. Pond and Father Griswold. JULY 02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but still cool. I hoed in my garden before breakfast. After breakfast, Ambrose Hill came over and helped me build a framework to keep my tomatoes off the ground. Before dinner, I commenced putting some soil thinly spread over my sidewalk to help pack the sand which I a short time ago put on the walk. In the P.M., Ambrose and I completed repairing our sidewalk. After dinner we went up to Samuel Holby's to take the extra springs out from his beds. We finally concluded to leave it until tomorrow and then put 3 more springs in Father Griswold's bed. JULY 03 SATURDAY - Showery in the morning; also in the P.M. The sun has shone about half the time. I sawed and split up some old boards, brush and broken bean poles which lay near the woodhouse. I then went into the street to try to collect for some beds we have been putting up, but I could not get a cent. In the P.M., we expected 12 sets of bed springs but they did not come. About 4 P.M., I put a new string on the flagpole at Father Griswold's house and ran up his Stars and Stripes. I lowered it again about dusk. I went into the street in the evening. Gussie also went to market. We saw John Brayman who had just come in on the train from Walpole, Mass. to stay over Sunday with his family. In the Jeffersonian printed yesterday, Frank Page advertised John Brayman's name as having bought a bag of flour last February 15, promising to pay in one week and not having done so to the present time. Charles Hayes, our boarder, gave Georgie two packs of torpedoes. The boys are shooting crackers today about the same I suppose as they will next Monday. The day has been since noon extremely warm. JULY 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. After breakfast Charles Hayes and I went over to Oil Mill Pond for a wash. I went down to Sunday School at noon. I gathered from the teachers their quarterly statements of pennies contributed by their classes. I am to arrange them in the form of a report to be read at school next Sunday. I opened and emptied the Infant Class box from which I took $3.74 as their collections for the last three months. I came home with Georgie after school. We had our first mess of peas from the garden for dinner today. After dinner, I took a nap and then took a walk until about 7:30 . On my walk, I stopped a few minutes at Daniel Manly's , also at Ambrose Hill's gate, talked a few minutes with his wife and then met Ambrose before I got out of Stevens Street. When I got home, I found John Brayman at the house. I talked awhile with him and then went up to take down the flag at Father Griswold which I ran up this morning and has been flying all day. JULY 05 MONDAY - Pleasant and not extremely warm. The Fourth has been observed today. I have sold 6 beds today one to George Starr, Walter Fayerweather, Charles Stevens, Henry Booth, Fanny Griswold and a small one for Father's lounge. While canvassing for my springs in the P.M., I called up home and took Father's order. On my way home, I called at Robert Cocking's. His wife treated me in Robert's stead to a bottle of ale. In the evening, I went down to the park to see the fireworks. From there, I went over to Ambrose's to see about going to Bethel tomorrow. We have concluded to go. Charles Hayes went to New York today on the "Nelly White" - an excursion. JULY 06 TUESDAY - I wrote last evening to George, offering him work canvassing for our bed springs provided he was doing scarcely enough in Brooklyn to pay his board. I mailed the letter this morning. The day has been pleasant. Ambrose Hill and I went to Bethel this morning on the train to canvass for the spring beds. We stayed all day and came home on the evening train. We sold 7 beds. JULY 07 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. In the morning, I split some wood in the wood house. I commenced cropping the ends of my tomato vines. Ambrose and I went in the forenoon to the box shop of E. Davis for two boxes for our models. We called at E. S. Davis to get the measure of his bedstead preparatory to ordering his bedspring. She concluded to wait until she got a new bedroom set before giving us an order for bedsprings. In the P.M., Ambrose and I took a walk up to Elwell Fink's farm to measure a bedspring for them. After tea, he came over and we went to Henry Booth's to see about putting springs in his bedstead. We arranged for it and came home and ordered 15 more beds. As Ambrose went home he took the order to the office; also a duplicate of the same to the general agent, D. R. French. JULY 08 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Ambrose came over after breakfast and we went over to Isaac Jennings and took out his middle row of springs in the bed we sold him and adjusted the others properly, the third row being too much for people no heavier than he and his wife. From there, we went over to Henry Booth's and planed some extra fixtures in order to put a set of springs in and old round barrel cord bedstead. After dinner, I waited for Ambrose to come over and go with me to sell the beds. I waited until after 2 P.M. and then started alone. I sold one to E. Thompson, the truss maker; also one to Harry Hornblower. After tea, I went over to see Ambrose and found that he had gone away by the Brookfield cars to Bridgeport, Stratford, etc. trying to collect some money due him for trees. JULY 09 FRIDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain in the morning. After breakfast, I plucked the runners from my strawberry plants. I then took a walk over Town Hill with my model, taking measures as I went of Mr. Collins' bedstead. I visited Sharp's store, Ira Morse, Col. Chichester's house. Both want spring beds but did not order this morning. After dinner, I started for the depot, but was caught in a thunder shower before I got there. So I stopped at Isaac Jennings's Agricultural Warehouse in West Street near Main. After the shower, I proceeded to the freight depot to see if our spring beds came, but they did not. Davis Hoyt sent me up to his house to measure a bedstead for a set of springs, but his wife objected to getting them when I went there so I went away without measuring the bed. JULY 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I spent most of the forenoon in preparing fixtures for Henry Booth's bed and making an arrangement for carrying tools, bits, etc. for putting in spring beds. I went to the depot on arrival of the freight train at 1 3/4o'clock, expecting a lot of spring beds, but they did not come. I spent a part of the P.M. in canvassing for our beds. I went between 4 and 5 o'clock over to Ambrose's and found that he had returned on the 3 1/4 train. I went to market with Gussie in the evening. JULY 11 SUNDAY - A considerable air stirring, but very warm. By far the warmest day we have had yet, I think. Bell came down at meeting time with Georgie who went up home with her yesterday and stayed last night. I went down in time for Sunday School and took Georgie with me. After school I came home with him. I read to the school the first quarterly report of their collections by classes. Only 14 out of 30 teachers reported to me so that my report was meager. The teachers did not all understand the new order of things. We had our first lobster of the season for dinner. We had a thunderstorm between 5 and 6 P.M. which cooled the air and made the evening pleasant. JULY 12 MONDAY - A beautiful morning. Before breakfast, I wrote and mailed an order for 4 spring beds to T. E. Twitchell and a duplicate of the same to D. R. French. After breakfast, I wrote to Carlton & Lanahan for a June, 1868 number of The Ladies' Repository for Jemima Marsh. I took an order in the P.M. from Lyman Keeler and George Rundle for a spring bed. Ambrose Hill and I took the 6:30 train on the New York Northern & Housatonic railroad for the Brookfield junction, thence to New Milford to canvass for two days to canvas for our spring beds. We put up at the New England House. We saw E. Wildman in the evening who is there working with Jarvis Polley building a tobacco warehouse near the depot. JULY 13 TUESDAY - We rose this morning and took breakfast at 6 o'clock. I must say that the landlord needs some of our spring beds, for the one I slept on last night squeaked enough to alarm all in the house. We canvassed all day and advertised the beds as best as we could. We sold 7 before night, which was for the first time, we think, good. Mist and fine rain during the evening. JULY 14 WEDNESDAY - Showery with mist and fine rain all morning; cloudy all day. We sold enough to make 9 before noon. We mailed an order to Twitchell before taking the noon train for home. We ordered the 9 sent to New Milford as soon as possible. We arrived home just in time to meet the freight train on which we expected beds from New Haven but they did not come. I came home, took dinner, did some writing and then went over to Ambrose Hill's. JULY 15 THURSDAY - Fine rain and mist in the forenoon. Having a hard headache, I felt but little like canvassing, so I wrote on mucilage paper the figure $6.75 to put over the $6.50 on our advertising posters. I went down to the shop for a little while in the forenoon. After dinner, I went to the depot to see if our spring beds had come. They did not come, so I went from there down to the Pahquioque Factory again and had a wide black band put on my round crown pearl cass. hat. After tea, we had a hard thunder shower. After the shower, I went over to Ambrose Hill's to look over our company books together. When I came home, I brought the advertising posters home with me. I received from Carlton & Lanahan a bill of Ladies' Repository for Jemima Marsh. Before I retired, I enclosed the amount for mailing to them in the morning. JULY 16 FRIDAY - I sent to the Post Office early by Fred Lewis the note with pay enclosed to Carlton & Lanahan for The Ladies' Repository. I canvassed a little in the A.M. with going around and changing the error in print of the posters - $6.50 for an 8-slat bed ought to be $6.75. Twenty of our beds came by freight train. Noah Hoyt delivered our beds for us. I worked until after 10o'clock last night putting up beds. I went up and put in Father's lounge springs, the last thing. I found them in bed. They both got up and helped me. The day has been extremely warm. JULY 17 SATURDAY - Pleasant but not so extremely warm as yesterday. We have spent about all day putting up the balance of our twenty spring beds. We finished up by taking Horace Cable's horse and going up to put up Lewis Elwell's bed. In the evening, Gussie and I went to market, after which I went over to Ambrose Hill's for a short time before retiring. JULY 18 SUNDAY - It has been a little cooler today; not so much sunshine. I picked peas and dug potatoes for dinner and then went down to Sunday School I came home again after school. After dinner, which was about 4 o'clock, Gussie and I walked over to Ambrose Hill's where we stopped a few minutes and then went up to the cemetery. On our way home, we stopped a few minutes at Andrew Williams. I there helped Andrew's sister lift her father out from his bed and set him in a chair, Andrew himself being away. Old Mr. Williams is a cripple and needs help in and out of his bed. In the evening, I helped Mother Griswold shift some bedding and then I made up her bed as I thought it was best for the springs under it. After this, Charles Hayes and I took a walk up on Deer Hill to Father's. JULY 19 MONDAY - A little rain in the morning. I wrote and mailed a letter to Mr. Twitchell about spring beds before breakfast. Mr. D. R. French, the general agent of the state, came on the train from Derby. He came to see Ambrose as he is going to leave the business; also to see George Ambler about taking Hartford County. I received from Carlton & Lanahan my bill receipted for The Ladies' Repository which I sent for Jemima Marsh. JULY 20 TUESDAY - Before breakfast, I wrote to William Hayes at 415 Hudson Street, New York, to see if he could collect from Joseph Wheeler $8.00 for me. Also to see if he had heard from Tobias Stork regarding the $20.00 he owes me for looking glasses. After breakfast, I measured Albert Scott's bed for a set of springs, and then took my satchel of tools and went over to Horace Cable's. We put a spring bed in the wagon for John Wheeler in Newtown, and with Mr. French, the general agent, we started for Newtown to put up the bed and take a slat to J. H. Warner in Sandy Hook where one was lacking when Hill put up his bed. The bed being 3 rows of springs it did not work well so we took out the middle cross bar and shifted the head and foot springs, making it a regular 2 row bed which now gives satisfaction. We sold 7 beds, two on our way over this morning to Benedict and Osborne and 5 in Newtown and Sandy Hook. We arrived home about 6:30 o'clock this evening. In the evening, I went up to see how Father Griswold likes his 3 row bed; he likes it very much. JULY 21 WEDNESDAY - Rain early this morning. It finally came off pleasant. After breakfast, I went over to Ambrose Hill's and we looked over our company account to see how the business stood before he left for Brooklyn. He left on the noon train. Horace Cable and I started about 11 o'clock with his horse and carriage over into Miry Brook where we canvassed a little for our spring bed. We returned about 2 P.M. without selling any. We both canvassed a little about town in the P.M. In the evening, we went up to George Scott's and secured an order from him and Widow Fanton. Measurements to be taken on Saturday. Elias Stevens, Harriet and Josie came by the train this evening from New Haven. JULY 22 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable harnessed his horse in the morning and we rode up to Pandanarum to canvass for our spring beds. We rode downtown to George Raymond's and William E. Bailey's for orders. Before coming to dinner, I stopped at Charles Reed's and sold two. We sold 7 today besides spending all the P.M. putting up a lot of 8 which came on the freight train. We put up 8 of them leaving E. Thomson's until tomorrow morning, they not being at home this P.M. JULY 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Horace Cable and I went to Bethel today with his horse to put up spring bed bottoms. As we went, we stopped at E. Thompson's and put up his which was left over from yesterday's batch of 8. It took us until noon to finish putting up the lot down there. We finished up the P.M. canvassing there and on our way home. I received by the evening mail a letter from Mr. Twitchell that he today shipped for us 11 beds. I went round to Horace's and showed him the letter before coming home. JULY 24 SATURDAY - Before breakfast, I wrote and mailed a letter to Charles Peck, harness maker in New Milford concerning spring beds sold to him and others requesting him not to disturb them at the depot as we would be there the first of next week and put them up. We canvassed for beds in the forenoon and sold 5 before dinner, 3 of them to Charles Decklyn's family. I had Daniel Starr saw our 4 half circles for me to attach to William Leach's round rail bedstead in putting in his spring bed bottom which we did in the P.M. Eleven beds came on the freight train. We put in7 in the P.M., viz, J. F. Burgen, H. B. Fanton, Albert Scott, T. R. Hoyt, William Leach, George L. Smith and Edgar L. Benedict, leaving Lockwood Olmstead's on account of it being a cord bedstead and Twitchell not sending the right castings. Also Burton Osborne's to Stony Hill and Henry Willis of Newtown. In the evening, we went uptown to George Scott's and measured a bedstead for springs, after which I saw Walter Fairweather at Peck & Wildman's store. He acknowledged the superiority of the bed and pronounced himself highly pleased with it and paid me for it $6.00. Before retiring, I tried to write up my books but was so tired that I gave it up and went to bed. JULY 25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie got Georgie ready for church and let him go in the morning with Josie Wheeler to hear Brother Burch's sermon to the children. I went down and heard the last end of the sermon and stayed to Sunday School after which I came home with Georgie. After dinner which was about 4 P.M., Gussie went to the Band of Hope and Georgie went with me for a walk over to Horace Cable's. Gussie, after the Band of Hope, went to Mrs. Bradley's and stayed until evening meeting time. I stayed at home in the evening. I wore my white linen pants to church today for the first time of the season. JULY 26 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I wrote and mailed to T. Twitchell an order for Lot No. 3 ' 13 beds, also a duplicate to Mr. French, including Lot No. 2 to Newtown and Danbury ' 10 beds. Total Lot No. 2 and 3 ' 23 beds to French. After breakfast, Horace Cable came over and we went to Henry Booth's and put in a safety bar under the springs we put in his bedstead. They not being at home, we got in the window, did the job, and came out the same way. We then went over to Lockwood Olmstead's and put his springs into a cord bedstead. This took us until noon. It was showery in the A.M. After dinner, it rained for a time very hard. After the rain, Horace and I went down to Ezra Stone's (over Avery Raymond's market) and put in 2 new slats in place of 2 which were split from careless handling between New Haven and here. From there we went over to Ambrose Hill's and fitted to and put up the springs (3 rows which we took from T. R. Hoyt) in his bed after changing them from 3 to 2 rows. After tea, I went over to Henry Booth's and got paid $6.00 for his bed. I then went into the street and mailed a letter Mrs. Hill found in the street. I took one from the Office for Bell from George. JULY 27 TUESDAY - Horace Cable and I drove to New Milford this forenoon. We arrived there about 1 o'clock. There were 2 or 3 hard showers during the P.M. which interfered somewhat with our work putting up beds. We put up the nine and got the pay for all except one to Michael Mc Niff. We drove back as far as Lanesville where we put up for the night with Nelson Knowles. JULY 28 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast at Mr. Knowles' this morning, we commenced to canvass in Lanesville a little. We took orders for 4 beds, one for Mr. Knowles, one each for his two sons, James and John, also one for Henry Chase. After dinner, we drove down to the Iron Works, canvassing as we went, but sold not a bed until we got there where we took an order from Lewis Ives for one. We left the Iron Works after 6 o'clock, arriving home about 8 in the evening. I found 2 letters waiting for me, one from William Hayes in reply to one requesting him to collect for me if possible $8.00 from Joe Wheeler and $20.00 from Tobias Stork. The other letter was from D. R. French with a bill for beds for Lots 1, 2 and 3 amounting to $115.25. George Ambler called in the evening to see me about Hartford County. He and Booth are going. JULY 29 THURSDAY - Before and after breakfast, I wrote up Cable & Purdy's books, copying orders in the order book, etc., also wrote to French acknowledging receipt of first bill to Cable & Purdy for beds comprising Lots 1, 2, and 3 amounting to $115.25. I went to the Danbury Bank at 10 o'clock and got a draft for $100.00 and mailed it in the P.M. mail to D. R. French. Showers early in the morning, but pleasant the remainder of the day. Horace Cable helped me canvass before dinner and in the P.M. We expected 13 bedsprings this P.M. by the freight train, but were disappointed, so we canvassed for more orders. JULY 30 FRIDAY - Pleasant and not very warm. Horace Cable and I went to Bethel this morning to collect pay from Beers Blackman and George Osborne. Blackman paid me but Osborne deferred it until next week. We took three orders, Farnum, Greenwood and Tom Wheeler. We expected our beds by freight but were again disappointed, so in the P.M., Horace went out to Mill Plain to collect money for fees. I went with him to canvass for our beds. We took an order from John Corning for one. Georgie went to Bethel with us this morning. I broke another crystal to my watch this P.M. JULY 31 SATURDAY - Horace Cable and I went over to Newtown to put up spring beds. We put up 4 and brought home the fifth one which was made the wrong size. We arrive home again about 1 o'clock. We fed the horse. I ate dinner with Horace after which we took the horse and went to the depot for 13 beds which came on the freight train. We delivered them and put up all but three. We worked until about 8 o'clock in the evening putting up three for Charles Decklyn. We received a letter from T. E. Twitchell stating that he had sent us the 13 beds. He wants us to send him money as fast as we can.
1869-07
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 July 1866 Entry
11pgs
JULY 01 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came down early this morning for the horse and took a horseback ride before breakfast. He came down before meeting time and we shaved each other. Edwin came in and shaved also with my razor. George and Gussie went to meeting together in the A.M. I went to Sunday School as usual at noon. George and Bell came home with us to tea after which I borrowed Saul Barnum’s wagon and George and I took Georgie and rode up to the cemetery, over to Sturdevant’s to see the new R.R. ,across from there to the lower end of Main street and home. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen lesson books for the Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Brother Webb preached for us. After meeting, we went up to visit with Edwin and stayed until after 10 o’clock. JULY 02 MONDAY - A lovely day. In the morning, I borrowed Charles Hull’s wagon and Edwin Griswold and Eddie, Jr., Josie Wheeler, Gussie and I took a ride. George went with us downtown where I stopped with him to buy a new set of clothes. He wants them by Thursday to take with him when he returns to Brooklyn. I paid Charles Hull $10.00 for the second hand hay cutter bought February 26th. I also paid my P.O. Box rent up to Jan. 1, 1867. After dinner George came down and hoed the garden for me while I painted my front fence. After tea, Gussie and Louise went with me over to Lake Kenosha to secure a boat for fishing tomorrow. JULY 03 TUESDAY - I took Charles Hull’s wagon home this morning and borrowed Mr. McDonald’s to go fishing. Father Griswold, Edwin and little Eddie, George and myself went over to Kenosha fishing. We stayed until nearly 4 o’clock. We took a bath and then came home. We had very good luck, though most of the items were small. After tea, I went up to James Fowler’s and borrowed Theo’s carriage which he offered for sale before he died. Plowed out Father Griswold’s corn and potatoes after tea. JULY 04 WEDNESDAY - I rose this morning by Edwin calling me and helped hoe corn and potatoes before breakfast for Father Griswold. I finished painting my front fence before dinner. After dinner, I practiced with my pistol at a target. Edwin tried, also Gussie. I sold my horse and harness to _______ this afternoon. Andrew James brought me the customer. I sold the old Theo Fowler carriage with him which I was using while my wagon was being repaired. I had the privilege of buying or selling the carriage for $25.00 for Mr. Fowler. I had a chance, so I sold the establishment - horse, harness and carriage for $90.00. The horse and harness stands me $65.00. After selling, I went up to the cemetery, our folks having gone up previously. From there, I went to Mr. Fowler’s to pay him for the carriage. I waited until it began to rain and then came home without seeing him. On my way home, I bought a pair of thin pants at Mr. Harris’ for $2.50. In the evening, we had a few pieces of fireworks to set off up at Father Griswold’s. It was done to please little Eddie Griswold. JULY 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went up to see Mr. James Fowler before breakfast and paid him $25.00 for his carriage which I sold with my horse yesterday. After breakfast, I went into the street again and settled my account with Benedict & Nichols by paying the balance $16.16. I felt about sick at noon, could eat no dinner, took a nap and felt better after. Caroline Mills was here to dinner. In the P.M., I painted the brickwork under my house in front and the piazza and steps. I used some old paint of Father Griswold’s by buying some oil to put with it. George got his new set of clothes and left for Brooklyn on the regular afternoon passenger train at 4 o’clock, 58 minutes. Mrs. Cocking made Georgie a present of a small cart. We took tea up to Father Griswold’s with Edwin. I wrote two letters in the P.M. for George on the sifter business to Everett C. Andrews, his manufacturer, ordering one dozen sent to D. H. Johnson at Newtown and one to Said (?) Johnson. George mailed them as he went to the depot. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, we went up to Father Griswold and sat until bedtime on his piazza. Did not go to the shop today, but worked around the house. JULY 06 FRIDAY - Very warm – over 90 in the shade. I took up and put down a new drain in the forenoon. In the P.M., I painted the lattice work under Father Griswold’s piazza. Edwin and little Edwin, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler, and Josie came down to tea. Edwin and Ed Jr. walked downtown with me in the evening as I went to the Office. JULY 07 SATURDAY - Very warm. My wagon being done at the blacksmith’s about 9 o’clock, I took it over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to be painted. I did not go to the shop, but worked around home, mowing my door yard and trimming my walks. I worked hard until 12 ½ o’clock in the hot sun. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and sleeked off a silk hat for Mr. McDonald. Fanny bought some ice cream in the evening. When I returned home from the market, I ate some with them. I had a headache in the P.M. and the evening. Mr. McDonald’s bill for iron work on my wagon was $14.30; he threw off the 30 cents and I paid him $14.00. JULY 08 SUNDAY - Very warm. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which I came home to keep cool rather than to stay to prayer meeting in the P.M. I took a chair in the yard under the trees and sat nearly all the afternoon. A shower came up about 5 ½ o’clock. It continued to rain at evening meeting time, so we stayed home. JULY 09 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day and colder. I went to the shop today- the first time. Edwin and little Eddie came to the shop to see me in the P.M. Gussie bought some handkerchiefs for him to take home with him as presents to the family. After tea and supper, I went to the church for a teachers’ meeting. JULY 10 TUESDAY - Cloudy with some appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off clear and pleasant in the middle of the day. We having trouble at the shop to get hot irons, we stopped work at noon to have a large flue put in the place of a small one we have been using. We contemplated going over to Daniel Manley’s to help him get hay in the P.M. we sent Joe Kyle over to see if he wanted us today, but the weather not looking favorable, he feared to get a large quantity of grass cut with bad weather to prevent getting it up so we stayed at home. I hoed cabbage, planted strawberry peas for seed next season, dug over the ground beside my hedge between Mr. Pond and myself, and after tea, went over near Oil Mill Pond with Ed Dunning to practice shooting at chimney birds. I hit two and he only one. Louise Vintz took tea with us. There being no one home at Father Griswold’s, Mother Griswold and Harriet having gone to Harford by the noon train with Edwin and son Eddie, who have been visiting with us since June 30th. I did not go the depot to see them off, having bid them goodbye in the morning. I saw Edwin on the train as it passed the factory. John Brayman paid me $2.00 on what he owes me today. I got the ramrod to my gun which has been to Stevens’ Machine Shop for a new head. Smith Pulling came with butter just at night. I paid him $1.49 which pays for all up to date. Georgie being badly broken out, Gussie went to the doctor with him. He pronounces it Scarlet rash and gave us medicine for it. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I took two letters from the Office this morning which came last night – one from George and one from Everett C. Andrews, saying that he has sold out his sifter manufacturing, but would try and fill the order of one dozen for George in a few days. I wrote a reply to Andrews and a note to D. H. Johnson in Newtown saying that his order could not be filled for several days. Cleaned gun before retiring. JULY 11 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. We were up considerable with Georgie last night. The flues at the shop which were repaired yesterday afternoon were so arranged as to make it dangerous to the wood work adjoining, and in consequence, we had to stop again this P.M. to change the flues. I came home to dinner, after which I went over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to direct about the wagon I am having painted there. From there, I went to Robinson’s and bought a record book for the Sunday School came home and copied the minutes of the last three meetings into it, which takes it back to the May meeting which was the first of the Sunday School year. Louise took care of Georgie while Gussie went up home to see Bell who is sick. She is having trouble again with her lungs caused without doubt from getting too tired and overdone while George was home to send the Fourth. After tea, I went again with Ed Dunning over to Oil Mill Pond to practice shooting at chimney birds. It was dark when we returned. JULY 12 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but the flues were not yet fixed and we could in consequence do no work, so I returned and went to work in my garden weeding out my strawberry bed and trimming the runners for new plants. I worked with bare arms and blistered them in the sun. After tea, I went to work again and worked until dark. Gussie put Georgie to bed and then went to market herself. She called to see the doctor about Georgie; he thinks that he has the “chicken pox” with the Scarlet Rash”. Later – not the chicken pox – July 16th. JULY 13 FRIDAY - Very warm. Gussie, having no bread baked neither pie; I bought my dinner at the baker’s as I went to the shop in the morning and carried it to the shop with me. Gussie had Mrs. Stone to wash for her today. I mailed in the evening a necktie and a collar with a note to George. JULY 14 SATURDAY - Very warm. Mr. Sifer mowed the remnant of my grass on Father Griswold’s dooryard today, not quite either- a little corner of it he left. It was so hot in the shop that I quit work at noon, waited for my pay and came home. I borrowed Charles Stevens’ horse and got my wagon home from Olmstead’s Shop where it had been to be painted. The whole amount of repairs on it is as follows: $14.00 to McDonald for setting up springs and one new leaf in the hind one and two new tires and $14.70 to Olmstead for new rims ($3.00) and six new spokes ( $1.00), washers ($.70), painting, striping and varnishing ($10.00) – total $28.70. I went to market in the evening and saw Harris Crofut about my feed cutter; he thinks he will buy it. When I returned from market, Gussie went down to pay Mr. Adams the balance due for Georgie’s’ straw hat. I sent by her for a pint of ale which Robert and I drank before retiring. She bought a pair of slippers for herself also. JULY 15 SUNDAY - Very warm; I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School after which I returned home. After tea, Gussie and I drew Georgie up home to see Bell who is not very well. Gussie went to church in the evening to the Baptists to hear their new organ. She went in company with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I stayed with Georgie. Ed Dunning sat in the yard with me all the evening. We talked on religion. I found him to be a fine young man, steady in all his habits with serious religious impressions. I trust the evening has not been spent unprofitably to either of us. I wrote a short letter to George and enclosed a letter received here for him directed to Willie Franklin. Gussie mailed it as she went to church in the evening. JULY 16 MONDAY - Hot; the thermometer 96 in the shop, the hottest day thus far this summer. I worked until about 5 P.M. and then gave up nearly exhausted. Gussie went to market in the evening. Harriet and Josie returned form Bloomfield on the evening train, she not feeling well. The difficulty with her side being so much worse, she feared to stay from home any longer. Alva Stevens was found dead this noon in his room in Hull block over Dr. Baldwin’s Drug Store. He has been missed since last Saturday morning. His body was in a very corrupt state. JULY 17 TUESDAY - Another very warm day. About 5 P.M., showers passed by us in the north giving us only a few drops. The lightning was sharp and the thunder heavy. It struck Stevens’ Carpenter Shop near Barn Plain Bridge. The fire was out before the hose got there. I worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening. When we retired, it looked as if we would have a settled rain. I made some lemonade in the evening; Robert drank some with us. JULY 18 WEDNESDAY - Warm again today but the sun was hid from sight several times which made it less oppressing out of doors. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. A shower came up about 5 o’clock which gave us a little rain. Robert Dunning came over and picked some currants after tea. I went to market in the evening. JULY 19 THURSDAY - It rained some last night; it has been cool today. I worked as usual in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left an advertisement at the Jeffersonian Office for my wagon. After tea, I went into the street with Ed Dunning. I called at the Jeffersonian Office and changed the wording of the advertisement I left there this morning. When we returned, we sat on my front steps for a while and partly made arrangements for going hunting a sort time early tomorrow morning. JULY 20 FRIDAY - I rose about 3 o’clock this morning and went over to Robert Dunning’s to wake his son Ed who agreed to get up and come over to wake me. I got the start of him. We started about 4 o’clock and got to the hunting ground down between Town and Middle Mountain by the time we could see to shoot. We found three woodcock and shot two of them; each of us got one. It was about 6 ½ o’clock when we returned. I went to the shop, but was obliged to come home about noon, having a hard headache. Getting up so early and taking so much of a tramp was rather too much for me, not being used to it. Bell came here after meeting last night and stayed all night with us. She took Georgie up home with her in the forenoon to spend the day. I went to market in the evening and came home about 8 o’clock when it commenced raining. JULY 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy with occasional fine rain and mist. I went to the shop and worked as usual. After tea, I trimmed an Elm tree standing in front of the house. Robert Dunning came along as I was doing it and helped me drag off the limbs I cut off, after which I walked downtown with him and did some marketing and returned home. JULY 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the time during the day. Mother walked down about 9 o’clock and went from here to church about meeting time. John Brayman came over and picked a mess of peas from our vines before we rose this morning. Gussie told him last night to come and get them. Gussie went to church this morning. I went down to Sunday School and returned when it was over, not staying to the prayer meeting in the P.M. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen new catechisms and one copy of the Sunday School Advocates for the three remaining months of the Advocate year. I enclosed $.56 for the both of them, that being the amount of the bill. After tea, I took Georgie to walk over to Mr. McDonald’s. When I returned with him, we took him in his carriage and went over to Daniel Starr’s and made a short call before evening meeting. I went to church in the evening; Mr. Webb preached. After meeting, I walked up home with Bell, she being alone. JULY 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and not so extremely warm as last week. I brought water from Father Griswold’s cistern before breakfast for Gussie to wash with; this is the first time we have been obliged to do so this summer. John Meaker made his finishing shop foul today. Mallory discharged all his finishers Saturday and it is expected that his shop will be made foul also. After tea, I hoed my cabbages and went to market. I called at David Osborne’s store to tell him of my wagon for sale, I having heard that he wanted to buy one. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up her currant jelly in cups. JULY 24 TUESDAY - A beautiful summer day, not extremely hot. Mrs. Coles came over this morning and picked a mess of peas which we gave her if she would pick them. Mrs. Pulling came about 7 o’clock as we were eating breakfast this morning with our butter – 2 lbs. I paid her for it - $.70. David Osborne came to look at my wagon. He thought the springs were not quite heavy enough to suit him. I went to market in the evening. JULY 25 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful morning. I worked as usual in the shop. We had a heavy shower about 1 o’clock P.M. As it passed over, the sun shone a short time, but another soon followed which was far heavier than the first. It continued until nearly 8 o’clock in the evening. I went into the street in the evening to take a lamp for repairs and to go to the Post Office. I bought a small kit of Mackerel No. 1 at Randell & Bradley’s to be sent up tomorrow morning. I paid $3.12 for them. I walked up with Joseph W. Allen from the street He came home with me to get a bottle of cider at father Griswold’s for his wife, it being ordered by the doctor. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. I made some lemonade which we drank before retiring. JULY 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I had the headache in the afternoon. As I came from work, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s; also one dozen No. 1 catechisms which I ordered last Sunday. After tea, I went over to Robert Dunning’s for a few moments to see him shoot at a mark with his rifle. I stayed at home in the evening with Georgie and let Gussie go into the street. JULY 27 FRIDAY - Warm, muggy, clouds, sunshine and a little rain. I worked as usual in the shop and stayed until about 7 o’clock. Gussie is calculating to go to Norwalk with an excursion tomorrow in company with and at the invitation of Mr. Cole’s folks. She accordingly went up for Bell to come and stay all night and take Georgie home with her tomorrow morning after she leaves for Norwalk. JULY 28 SATURDAY - An excursion to Norwalk and Roton Point. Gussie went in the company of Mr. Coles’ folks. Warm and muggy in the morning. Showers in the middle of the day; a severe one between 4 and 5 o’clock P.M. Walter Fayerweather’s house on Highland Avenue was struck by lightning. Bell stayed with us last night and did the work after breakfast to let Gussie go on the picnic and then took Georgie home with her. On account of the shower, she did not come home with him at night. The excursionist arrived here at 11 o’clock. I met Gussie and Susan Brayman at the depot. JULY 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. On account of retiring so late last night, we did not get up this morning until after 8 o’clock. Gussie is nearly used up from her excursion yesterday. She did not go to church as usual this morning, so I went instead. We expected Mr. Lockwood to tea with us, but he, not feeling well, concluded not to come. Father came down with Georgie this morning about 8 o’clock. After tea, I took a walk into West Street and up to Seth Downs’ and return. I then wrote to George to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and to the Bible House on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets to enquire the price of cheap bibles per dozen. Gussie walked up to the cemetery about 6 P.M. with Harriet and Mr.Stokes and others of their family, I believe. I stayed with Georgie. She returned too late to get to evening meeting, so she went over to Mrs. Green’s to see how their little boy, Sammy was. He is dangerously sick. I made some lemonade before retiring. JULY 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I gave Gussie $2.25 to pay Mrs. Baxter for dress making. I bought $.25 worth of sugar to make lemonade at the shop. Received a letter from George with $10.00 enclosed to pay Mr. Harris towards his suit of clothes which he bought when he was home over the 4th of July. Reverend L. Webb delivered a lecture in the evening at our church on the massacre by the Sioux Indians of the white settlers in Minnesota in August, 1862. As we went (Gussie and I), I called at Mr. Harris’ store and paid him the $10.00 George sent to him towards his clothes. Brother Webb was in Minnesota at the time doing military duty against the Indians. He was Adj. General to General Sibley at the time. The papers today state that the Atlantic cable has been successfully laid, it being the third attempt. Messages have been sent back and forth already. JULY 31 TUESDAY - I wrote a letter to George before breakfast in answer to one received yesterday but did not mail it until this evening. A number of men have been shopped today to go into the new shop (formerly used for foul men) as Mr. Crofut has more work than can be done in his main shop. Ed Harris, James Hagen, Daniel Manly, John Knowles and others were shopped. I worked until 7 o’clock at the shop. Received a letter from Carlton & Porter in reference to the bibles for Sunday School use. I went to market in the evening – bought clams, eggs and lemons. An account in the papers today of a riot in New Orleans, or rather a mob. Loyal men assembled in a convention were attacked by rebels who had formerly fought in the Rebel Army. The affair took place on the 30th of July.
1866-07