Horace Purdy Journal, January 1860 Entry
10pgs
JANUARY 01 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late in the morning for the commencement of a New Year. We commenced sitting downstairs in church today for the first time. We have concluded to leave the choir and take seats below hereafter. Preaching all day by Brother Miley. Text in the morning – 2nd Corinthians, verse 4 and the last clause of verse 18. “For the things that are seen are temporal; the things that are not seen are eternal.” The text in the PM was Romans, 9:3. “For I could wish for myself to be accursed (and separated) from Christ for (the sake of) my brethren; my kinsmen according to the flesh.” We went over home after tea. Frank Boughton and Mary Purdy called for Mrs. Crofut and Augusta to go to the Baptist church before evening meeting to see Anna Tobias married to a Mr. Williams. I did not go, but met them at our church in the evening. JANUARY 02 – MONDAY – The mercury stood at 4 degrees below zero this morning. Paid my interest money at the savings bank before I went to the shop - $21.00. Sent $40.00 for the Juvenile Missionary Society by J. A. Lovejoy for two certificates of Life Membership of the Parent Society, they being for Fanny Griswold and Frances Lovejoy. I wrote a letter to Mr. Lovejoy in the evening about changing Fanny Griswold’s name from Frances to Fanny, as I had by mistake given him the wrong name. JANUARY 03 – TUESDAY – Very cold in the morning, but the weather moderated before night so that it snowed a little in the evening. I worked in the shop all day and was very tired at night. I went to market in the evening, but did not attend class, which was to be a short sermon and a speaking meeting. We have commenced this week to have some extra meetings preparatory, as we trust, to a revival of religion among us. JANUARY 04 – WEDNESDAY – Went to Thomas Barnum’s in the morning for an old box wood stove and to George Hull’s for some old pipe, which made it about 10 o’clock before I arrived at the shop. I put up the stove down in the cellar when I came home from work to keep out the frost. I went to market in the evening after which it was too late to attend class. Augusta being unwell did not attend either. JANUARY 05 – THURSDAY – I worked all day in the shop. We attended meeting in the evening. Father Griswold preached from Ephesians 2:20-22. After the sermon, the quarterly conference was held. JANUARY 06 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. Theodore Fowler (our foreman) of the Pahquioque Finishing Shop gave his men an oyster dinner at Mr. Philander Ferry’s eating saloon. It was one of the pleasantest occasions of the kind that I have ever enjoyed. The dinner was made up of oysters, pickles, hot coffee, mince and apple pies, and fried cakes with ale beer for those who wished and ended with the best cigars that the establishment could afford. The whole was interspersed with suitable and appropriate toasts and compliments to Mr. Fowler and to the proprietor of the establishment, the speeches being considerably witty and some of them quite eloquent. A committee was appointed (while we were leisurely enjoying our cigars) to see that the doings at the dinner were properly inserted in the Danbury Times, tendering to Mr. Fowler and Mr. Ferry our thanks and compliments for their liberality and the manner in which the dinner was prepared. I received the two certificates of life membership in the Missionary Society for Fanny Griswold and Frances Lovejoy by J. A. Lovejoy from New York together with a ___ for myself. I attended the drill of the Wooster Light Guards in the evening. JANUARY 07 – SATURDAY – I did not go to the shop this morning, on account of gong to Ridgefield in the PM with Father Griswold. We started at 2 o’clock, Father, Augusta and myself, with Mr. MacDonald’s horse and sleigh. We arrive at Ridgefield between 4 and 5 o’clock. It commenced raining in the evening. JANUARY 08 – SUNDAY – It was pleasant in the morning, but the snow was mostly gone. We attended church. Sacrament in the AM. Father Griswold preached in the PM. Text was John 4:24. – “God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” We were invited to take seats in the choir and did so. The singing was excellent. It had been warm and pleasant during the day, so that it was very wet and muddy. It did not freeze any in the evening, so that we did not go to church. JANUARY 09 – MONDAY – We are at Uncle Joel’s yet. We went up on the hill before breakfast to see Long Island Sound. We saw it very plainly. After breakfast, I harnessed the horse and we started for Danbury with the sleigh mostly on bare ground. We did not put on the bells, thinking that they would not be very appropriate since the sleighing was so poor. Father Griswold went home by the cars to diminish the weight on the sleigh. We started about 9 o’clock and arrive in Danbury about 11 0’clock, before Father Griswold came Father, Mother, and Fanny. I went to the shop in the PM and earned $.75. Went to market in the evening. JANUARY 10 – TUESDAY - I helped Augusta about her washing in the morning. I went to the shop and worked all day. Foggy and the appearance of rain in the AM. The sun shone a little in the PM. No rain during the day as I expected. I worked in the shop for as long as I could see. Frances Boughton was with us to tea. John came in the evening. Mrs. Crofut came downstairs and sat with us in the evening. I spent most of the evening in writing notifications for the members of the Military Company. JANUARY 11 – WEDNESDAY – Foggy and cloudy. A little rain in the evening. I had work in the shop all day. I worked as long as I could see. Having a new ledger to make out for the Military Company, and it being so dark and muddy, I did not go to class. My writing kept me busy until 9 o’clock. JANUARY 12 – THURSDAY – I awoke and found that it had been snowing during the night and it continued to do so. It cleared off in the PM. I had full work again in the shop. When I came home from work, I found the house empty of all except for Prince (the cat) and a note left for me by Augusta to come over to Harriet’s to tea. I went over and found Brother and Sister Miley and Mr. Patterson together with Father and Mother Griswold. They had about finished their tea, so I took possession of the second table. After tea, Brother Miley prayed with us and then Clark Hoyt came in to give them a sleigh ride home. We attended meeting in the evening, which was a sermon by Brother Miley and a prayer meeting. Being obliged to go to market, I did not get in soon enough to hear the text. Mother Purdy called just as I was going to tea. She would not go with me, so I left her in the house, but when we came home, she had gone. JANUARY 13 – FRIDAY – I had full work in the shop and earned $2.50. When I came home from work, I found that Gussie had gone up home to Mother Purdy’s. She came home in time to get my tea. After tea, I went to market and to drill. It was a quarterly meeting. It was previously announced that we should elect some officers, but the whole business was laid over for next week. After drill, I came home and copied the minutes, wrote in my journal and went to bed. JANUARY 14 – SATURDAY – I awoke and found the earth nearly clad with a fresh layer of snow. It continued to snow for a while in the morning, but it soon became misty and some rain during the day and evening. I bought some writing paper for the Military Company on my way home from the shop. Mr. R. Smith came to look at my rooms in the evening and about concluded to take them about the first of April. I went to market in the evening, returned home and did some writing (ruling and preparing a ledger for entering some accounts for my own use) and then retired. JANUARY 15 – SUNDAY – Very icy this morning, but it being a warm and pleasant day, the ice soon disappeared. We had oysters for breakfast and chicken pie for supper. We attended church. Brother Miley preached. Text in the AM – John 15:25, the latter clause: “They hated me without a cause.” George assisted me in the library this noon for the first time. Text in the PM - Ezekiel 33:7, “So thou, son of man. I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel. Therefore, thou shall hear the word of my mouth and warn them from me.” The preaching was excellent. We went over home for a short time after supper. We attended prayer meeting in the evening, but we were both so tired and sleepy that the meeting did us but a little good. The meetings continue very good, but there are no seekers to my knowledge. JANUARY 16 – MONDAY – Gussie and Mrs. Knapp were on a strife to see who would get their washing hung first. Gussie beat her a little. We have all the work we can do now in the shop. William Wheeler was at the shop again today. I took him on turn. He was shopped. Warm and pleasant overhead; rather sloppy underfoot. The sleighing has about left us today, I paid six months dues to Alfred heath in the evening, being July 10th to January 10th – 60 cents. I sold a roll of salve to John Armstrong in the evening. We attended Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. I was elected one of a committee to procure some new library books for the Sabbath School, but do not think that I shall act. JANUARY 17 – TUESDAY – I worked hard and as long as I could see in the shop today. Cloudy and had the appearance of a storm in the morning, but before night, the sun shone and it was pleasant in the evening. Eli Hoyt’s mother died today. I went to market in the evening, but did not stay to church, was too tired. While I was in the street, I had a conversation with Milo Dickens about the Military Company. Mr. And Mrs. Crofut came down for a while in the evening. We ate some apples together. JANUARY 18 – WEDNESDAY – We are very much hurried in the shop. I have been on drab work today. I worked as long as I could see again today. On my way home from work, I found George by Montgomery’s Shop. He went home with me and carried some apples home with him. He expected company to help him eat them in the evening. Gussie and myself attended class in the evening. Charles Stevens’ class met with ours. Both leaders being absent, George Starr came in and led. We had a good meeting. After the meeting, Mr. Clark (the leader of the band) and myself had a talk about the writing on the floor of the Military Hall. JANUARY 19 – THURSDAY – The weather is moderate, thawing some during the day. I bought a small piece of beefsteak on my way to work in the morning to cook for my dinner in the shop. I stopped work a little sooner than usual and went to Charles Hull’s and bought an iron, came back to the shop and put a holder on it which took me until dark. After tea, I went down to see Alfred Heath, the secretary of the Hatters’ Society to exchange a card for a check, but he was in New York, so I left the card for him until tomorrow night when I was told he would return. The card belonged to William Wheeler. I attended church in the evening, but did not get in soon enough to hear the text. David Osbourne of Bethel preached an excellent sermon in which he earnestly exhorted the sinner to repent and seek the Savior. One person rose for prayers (a man). JANUARY 20 – FRIDAY – We arose in good season. I worked all day in the shop. I attended drill in the evening. We have news to day of another death in our military company - Robert Dikeman. He died in Memphis, Tennessee. The company voted to attend his funeral if his body is brought home, as we expect it will be next week, his friends having sent telegraphic dispatch to send his remains as soon as possible. JANUARY 21 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop as usual. We had garnish money to send out today which was spent on ale beer, cider, crackers and cheese. I partook of one glass of cider and did justice to the crackers and cheese, so much so that I did not touch my own dinner, but brought it home just as it was put up in the morning. William Wheeler’s check was put in my box at the Post Office as I directed the secretary to do for Mr. Wheeler as I promised him I would be responsible for it considering that I took him on turn. I went to market in the evening. Bought a new chimney for our camp (stove). Went down to Martin Clark’s in the evening and made an explanation about the writing on the floor of the drill room and to invite the band to turn out with us at the funeral of Robert Dikeman next week. JANUARY 22 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very muddy. Brother Miley preached. Text in the AM – 1st Peter 1:8. “Whom having not seen, ye love, in whom though ye now see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” The Sabbath School was attended as usual; George still assists me at the Library. I think he will make a very good assistant. Text in the PM – Mark 10:17. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running and kneeled to him and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life.” Mother Griswold called in while we were eating supper. In the evening, I mailed Gussie’s picture and a letter to Cornelia Post in Essex for her. We both feeling tired and the walking being bad, we did not attend church. We went over to Harriet’s and sang a short time and then came home and retired. JANUARY 23 – MONDAY – Pleasant and very much like spring, thawing a good deal during the day. I was nearly all day finishing up my last week’s work. We were paid off as usual this afternoon. I drew $14.00, the largest week’s work I have made in more than a year. On my way home from work I called and paid to Gould Disbrow $5.00 on a coal debt, also to Charles Hull for a finishing iron, $2.75. Mailed a Danbury Times for Mother Griswold to Mary Burr at Bloomfield. The body of Robert Dikeman did not come on the evening train as some of friend expected. There was a special meeting of the Guards in the evening to make arrangements for the funeral, but as his remains did not come, we drilled for a time and dismissed. I went to the market and then came home. JANUARY 24 – TUESDAY – The weather continues about the same. I worked as usual in the shop. The apprentices of the Finishing Shop (Pahquioque) were all drunk today (with the exception of Edward Stevens), viz., George Loomis, Thomas Maddon, Miles Doran, and Theodore Flagler. The Make Shop apprentices joined them. They came in about noon and nearly turned the shop inside out. They then went away and stayed all the PM. The bell tolled this afternoon for Hiram Wildman. The body of Robert Dikeman did not come on the evening train as we expected. One of his friends arrived on the 11 o’clock train, saying that he would in all probability arrive tomorrow. We repaired to the hall to do some business and then adjourned. George Allen walked up with me. He being in very poor circumstances, I gave him 50 cents. Gussie commenced today to make a pair of slippers for her Father. She designs to make a pair for her Mother also. JANUARY 25 - WEDNESDAY – It did not freeze any last night, warm all day. The wind commenced to blow in the PM and began to freeze in the evening. I came home from the shop and drank my tea alone. Gussie had taken hers over to Cousin Frank’s. I was at the depot when the train arrived in the evening. The remains of Robert Dikeman did not arrive as expected. We went to the Drill Room and drilled in slow time by music, “The Dead March” to prepare ourselves for the funeral on Friday if the body arrives. After the drill, I walked up West Street with Cyrus Benedict and had a conversation about the feelings existing between the Military Company and the Brass Band. Father Griswold presented us a frame for Gussie’s record of her father’s family. The Catholic church caught fire yesterday. I did not attend call this evening on account of the special drill. Charles Maddon lost a child today. JANUARY 26 – THURSDAY – Cooler today, but little sunshine. Abraham Wildman was buried today. Gussie was up home to tea. It commenced snowing in the evening. A telegraphic dispatch that the remains of Robert Dikeman would arrive tomorrow. I went up to the Hall a short time and then came home. JANUARY 27 – FRIDAY – The ground was covered with snow this morning, but clear and pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. The remains of Robert Dikeman, which we have expected since Monday last, came this evening by Adams Express. The members of our company, The Wooster Guards, carried him to the undertaker’s shop (our Captain George Southmayd) and examined the corpse. It came in a metallic coffin and was in an excellent state to be seen. He was laid out in his clothes and looked very natural. It was a heart rending scene to see his father when he first looked upon the lifeless form of his only son. After he had been seen until all present were satisfied, we carried our brother soldier to the residence of his sister, Mrs. Theodore Sanford. After which, we returned to the Drill Room to make further arrangements for the funeral. After the business was completed, I walked home in the company of George Allen. JANUARY 28 – SATURDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and worked until nearly 11 o’clock. I then came home to dinner and equipped myself in uniform for the funeral of Robert Dikeman. It was attended at 1 o’clock. Our Company marched to the home of Theodore Sanford near the cemetery and took possession of the corpse and escorted it in military style to the Disciples’ Church, where a sermon was preached from Job 14:14 – “If a man die, shall he live again?” After the services, his remains were again placed in the hearse of our Captain, George Southmayd and our Company took their position at the head of the line with the left of the Company in front and proceeded to the cemetery by martial music (The Dead March) through a hard snow storm. When the services were over at the grave, The Company formed on each side of the grave and fired two volleys over the last resting place of Robert Dikeman and returned by quick step to the Armory. George called in the evening for a roll of salve for father. JANUARY 29 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late, about 8 o’clock. The day is pleasant, but rather a cool air. There was a prayer meeting instead of a sermon in the morning. We did not get ready in time to attend, so we waited until noon. Preaching in the PM by Brother Miley. Text – Hebrews 10, latter clause of the 23rd verse- “For he is faithful that promised.” We have a new chorister and the singing improves. The sermon did me but little good, I was so sleepy. A representative of a colored church in Bridgeport was here this PM for money to aid his church, but I guess he did not succeed very well. Father called while we were drinking tea and stayed until nearly dark. Mother Griswold called also. We did not attend church in the evening. JANUARY 30 – MONDAY – I woke with the headache and had it all day. I left my work at 1 ½ o’clock and went to the church to buy a seat (as it was the day appointed for renting them). I rented No. 30 – price $16.00. I went back again to the shop and went to work. We took tea and spent the evening over home. The Elder had quite a tea party, the persons present were as follows: Brother Miley and mother-in-law, his wife being sick, she could not attend, Charles Stevens and wife, William Scofield and wife, Fred Starr and wife, George Starr and wife, James Nichols and wife, Able and Harriet, and ourselves. We sang a hymn and closed with a prayer by Brother Miley. JANUARY 31 – TUESDAY- Have felt more like myself today. I have worked all day as usual. Mr. Crofut was to New York yesterday and in consequence, we did not get our pay. He was at the shop today, but for some reason or other, he did not pay us off. It thawed considerably but grew colder towards night and froze. It commenced snowing in the evening and the wind blew furiously. We did not attend the meeting in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny were invited out to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Miley at Isaac Smith’s.
1860-01-01
Horace Purdy Journal, July 1862 Entry
6pgs
7/1 - Tuesday - Stephen Holmes boy Charly died this morning with inflamation in the bowels. I went to the savings bank before going to the shop and paid $21 interest money. After work hoed the garden and helped Father Griswold set out some tomatoes and cabbage plants. Went to market in the evening and to the Hatters Meeting. I didn't get home til 10 o'clock. Father has been plowing out his potatoes. Mother and Bell called in the evening. 7/2 Wednesday -Worked till noon then came home to dinner. Went to the funeral of Charly Holmes. He was a member of our Sabbath School. The School assembled at 1 o'clock and the service was at 2 o'clock. It rained all afternoon. A large portion of the scholars were present and sang the hymns commencing with Our Sweet Flower Has Drooped and Faded. Father Griswold officiated. I went up to the cemetary. Burr Bradley walked under my umbrella and we walked home by his house to keep him dry. He gave me some cabbage plants. 7/3 Thursday. Worked in the shop. I sent a letter by Beatty's Stage to Abel Grey who makes and supplies us with butter. A telegraph this afternoon that there was a heavy battle on Tuesday near Richmond. Our loss was estimated at 15,000. Louisa took care of Eddie in the evening and Gussie and I went into the street. 7/4 Friday - I hoed in my garden and went to practice with my pistol at a target in the afternoon. In the PM Gussie and I took a walk with the baby in his carriage . Went up to Emily Anderson's and then down to the new fountain at the foot of Main Street and up home to Father Purdy's . Stayed a short time and came home. on our way back from Emily Anderson's we stopped at Mr. Rowan's and took some ice cream. The day has been very quiet for Independence Day. 7/5 Saturday - Worked as usual in the shop. Henry Benedict was buried this afternoon. It is reported that Robert Nostrand had his leg amputated this PM. I later learned that this was false . The Doctor only took out some pieces of bone. I went to market in the evening. Bought a paper (the Post) to get news from McClellan's army near Richmond. He has been fighting for eight days and our losses are near 20,000 as far as can be made out. Rebel losses are much heavier. No fighting since Tuesday as far as we are informed. We had a dispatch today that Vicksburg on the Mississippi is taken. I believe this is the last rebel stronghold on the river. I came back at 9 o'clock and went up home for my clothes that mother washed. I brought home a pail of milk. When I returned I got some water from the brook and put it in a large tub and gave myself a good washing over my whole body. 7/6 Sunday - Had our first young men's prayer meeting at 9 o'clock. Brother Crawford preached. George was in Stamford today so I was Librarian and Secretary. I stayed for afternoon service. Brother Crawford preached from the same text as I heard from Dr. Ryan in Washington DC on May 19th of 1861 previouse to our crossing the Potomac. Congregation and school was small today on account of the excesive heat. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening. 7/7 Monday - I worked hard in the shop. After tea I wnet to the post office where I met Uncle Edwin. I had a long talk about his family, the loss of Mary and her two children. Cousin Edwin and the boy living with him now have the same complaint, the diptheria. 7/8 Tuesday -Picked cherries from Father Griswold's tree before breakfast so Gussie could make some pies. Geroge came home on the train today. He came from Stamford to Ridgefield last night, stopped there and came today walking as far as Bethel. Stopped at Aunt Harriet's in Bethel then took the train home. Worked late at the shop to finish a dozen hats. Took care of Eddie in the evening so Gussie could go to the milliner. 7/9 Wednesday - Have all the work I can do in the shop today. Gussie went over to Mrs. Cyrus White's in the PM to the Sewing Society and took Eddy with her. I got my own supper and put up a shelf in the sink room. I went into the street about 9 o'clock for a loaf of bread.7/10 Thursday - It has been very smoky today. The sun looked like a ball of fire and the moon looked the same. Worked hard in the shop. After supper I helped Father Griswold set out some celery plants. I then went to market and brought home a loaf of bread and a peck of round clams. Lieutenant Andrew Knox of the 1st Connecticut Artillery came home on the train this evening. He was in the battle near Richmond. Eddie has broken out with measles and has the whooping cough. 7/11 Friday - Mother was with us to tea. George came down and returned my carpet bag that he used to go to Bridgeport on the 4th, and to Stamford and Ridgefield. We are in doubt whether Eddy has whooping cough or the measles although he coughs considerably. Mother Griswold and Louisa took care of him in the evening to let us go into the street. 7/12 Saturday - I worked until a short time after dinner and came home as I was very tired, having worked hard all week. Mr. Ball, one of Father Griswold's masons put the finishing coat over the plastering on my chimney in the sink room just before 6 o'clock. Gussie went up home so I got my tea upstairs with Mother Griswold. Gussie went to the milliners in the evening and I took care of Eddie 7/13 Sunday - Went to men's prayer meeting at 9 o'clock and Brother Crawford preached. Came home after Sunday School prayer meeting and Gussie went in the PM. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to hear our Presiding Elder Mr. C. Hoyt preach. Sacrament in the PM. John Carpenter Jr. and Henry Heinman were baptized. 7/14 Monday - I worked in the shop. It was our usual payday and I drew $21.00 for 2 weeks work. I attended Sunday School Teachers business meeting and copied the minutes before I retired to rest. Father Griswold and Fanny came home from New York on the evening train. 7/15 Tuesday - Spent the day at home white washing, moving the stove into the sink room, [bolting] down oil cloth, buying zinc and making 2 frames upon which to nail it to protect the wood work behind the stove from the heat, filing my saw and mowing my door yard and it was dark when I finished. 7/16 Wednesday - I came home to dinner. Mother went to the funeral of the child of Robert Sayres. Isabella came down in the PM and stayed to tea. I sent a bottle of cider by her to Father. A thunder shower came in the PM so I did not go to class in the evening. Father Griswold's sofa, parlor table, oil cloth and carpet came from New York today. They were taken into our house to await the finishing of their new one. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills in McClellan's army near Richmond. 7/17 Thursday - Worked all day in the shop. Robert Fry came for my door yard grass after tea. A special Hatters Meeting in the evening to give a card to [Saul] Sniffens. He was [rejected]. After the meeting I saw Lieut. Knox at Bennett's store. He is home on furlough. 7/18 Friday - Gov. Buckingham came on a special train at 12 o'clock to hold a meeting in the evening to get volunteers for the war. We had a cannon at the ship and all hands turned ourt to salute the Gov. The train stopped and he presented himself at the door, head uncovered to acknowledge the compliment. A large enthusiastic meeting was held at concert hall in the evening. Lieut Gov. Averill presided and spoke, the Gov. , Mr. Gilbert, a Mr. Hoyt who is preaching at the Baptist Church during Mr. Stone's absence in Europe, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister from New Fairfield, and Thomas St. John who was drunk and made a failure. Capt Moore was there and quite a few came forward after the meeting and enlisted in his new company. 7/19 Saturday - I came home to dinner instead of carrying it. I worked late in the shop in order to finish up the work I had. Cousin George Hall from Sodom called as I came from work. He went over to stay with Cousin Harriet. I went into the street in the evening. 7/20 Sunday - I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting and George handed me a letter from Cousin David Mills, 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Gen. Banks division dated 3 miles from Warrington VA. George took it out of the post office last evening, M.r Crawford preached in the AM. We had a short Sunday School shool session and an intermission before going up to the First Congregational Church to a gathering of Sunday Schools for School concert to take the place of regular afternoon services. I came home at intermission to let Gussie go to the concert. I took care of Eddy and wrote to Cousin David Mills. Gussie came home and reported an interesting meeting. After tea Mary Purdy came over with George Hall. It being rainy we did not attend church in the evening. They stayed until after 9 o'clock. 7/21 Monday - Anniversary of the battle of Bull Run. I worked in the shop until 7 o'clock. After tea I went down town and mailed my letter to Cousin David Mills. 7/22 Tuesday - George had some diffuculty with Father about leaving home and came to the shop to see me. He called at the house when I was at tea and I wrote a letter for him to [Binghamton] to E. A. Sanford to see about a situation for him to make firearms. We went into the street and he went to class and I mailed the letter. I then went to Military Hall to see how Capt. Moore was doing in getting volunteers. He is doing well with about 50 men already. I bought some groceries and came home. 7/23 Wednesday - In the forenoon I came very near enlisting with 5 of my shopmates, John Brush, Charles Small, Hiram Crofut, Flagler and John Rooney. We were all ready to go to the Recruiting Office except John Rooney who first took off his apron but put it on again immediately. I went to market in the evening. 7/24 Thursday - A special town meeting this afternoon to vote a bounty to the volunteers enlisting for the war under the President's call for 300,000 more men. I stopped work to go but heard that the business was done and the meeting adjourned. $125.00 bounty was voted to all who enlisted under this call previous and until August 20th. I went home and worked in my garden. Also went over to Mr. Hurd's and got some strawberrry plants and set them out. They are Hooker and what he called the None Such, and I got some of both. In the evening I called at Thomas Barnum's to see if he wanted a shop at the Pahquioque. I then went down town and walked up with Mr. Swift to the new dealer who bought out Smith. I had conversation with him about renting my upper rooms. George today has procured a stituation at Sturdevant's Factory at hardening [reals] 7/25 Friday - Just a year ago this afternoon the 1st Connecticut Regiment marched from camp to Meridian HIll Washington D.C. to the arsenal to deposit our arms and from there to the depot to return home after 3 months, including the Battle of Bull Run. The cars did not start until midnight, having to wait for a train arriving with troops. I was told they were a portion of Sickle's brigade. I worked all day in the shop and was very tired when I came home. After tea I propped up my pea vines and went to market. 7/26 Saturday - I brought some turnip plants home from the shop which Daniel Manley gave me and planted them before tea. I went into the street in the evening and paid for a lobster whieich Avery Raymond brought up according to order. 7/27 Sunday - I went to the Young Mens prayer meeting in the morning and came home after Sunday School. Mary Purdy offer to take care of Eddy so I went back to church with Gussie. Brother Crawford preached. A horse ran away as people were going to church in the morning. He came on the sidewalk and ran over several women and badly injured Mrs. Richards, Widow Eli Rockwell, Mrs Nathan Bennnett, John Stone's wife and her sister. I have been told others were hurt but have not yet learned their names. George came home with us to tea. After tea Gussie and I took Eddy in his carriage and called at Mrs. Richards' and at Mrs. Rockwell's. From there we went over to Burr Bradley's and then over to Town Hill to John Pollitt's . We did not got to meeting in the evening. 7/28 Monday - Worked hard all day at the shop. Pay day and I drew $18 for the last 2 weeks. After tea we left the baby with Mother Griswold and went into the street to do some trading. Capt. Moore's company of volunteers were out in the street in the eveninig parading with music. They leave for Hartford on the train tomorrow morning. 7/29 Tuesday - I have been toubled with a pain in my breast and side today. Came home earlier on that account. I came by Mr. Wright's paint shop and paid him 12 cents which I owed him. Bell came down and stayed for tea. Anna Purdy is worse. She had a spell of bleeding last night and another today. I brought home a pound of shellac for Father Griswold. 7/30 Wednesday - I have not felt very well today. William Judson from a Pennsylvania regiment under McClellan was at the shop. He was wounded, having lost a finger and a portion of another in the battle for Richmond. I tried to take up a collection for him to enable hime to get to New York, he being a pretty hard case. I did not succeed as the men feared he would spend it on liquor as I also feared. 7/31 Thursday - I felt better today but still not very strong. I worked until 5 o'clock and went down to the railroad bridge with E. Stevens, George Fenner, and Joseph Young to bathe and wash. Mrs. Russell Wildman and Lucy called after tea. Our folks went with them up to the new house. I went into the street in the evening. Stirring news in the papers. It is reported that 10 iron clad gun boats have come over from England and have broken the blockade at Mobile. I went to prayer meeting late. This morning I took 1 dozen rolls of Griswold Family Salve down to Mr. Swift to let him sell for us on commission.
1862-07
Horace Purdy Journal, January 1870 Entry
11pgs
1/1 Mr. French stayed with me last night. In the morning we went over to see Ambrose Hill. We called on Dr. Bulkely to solicit his aid in soliciting applications from the friends of Homeopathy. He then came home with me to dinner, after which I went to the Depot with him. He took the 12 o'clock train home to Bridgeport. Ambrose Hill took the same train on his way back to business in Brooklyn. I came directly home and wrote to Henry A. Ellis relinquishing my agency for the New Jersey Mutual in order to take up the Homeopathic Mutual of N.Y. Hattie Mills having gone home last evening with Emily Anderson, Gussie, Georgie and I went by invitation of Mrs. Bradley over to Andrew Williams to tea. We stayed and spent the evening. 1/2 Severe rain storm and high wind. I did not go out. Anne Heinman is only just alive, she has typhoid fever. Amos Purdy called just at night for a few minutes to see me. Father came down to see me and to see how Anne is doing. 1/3 Belle's birthday, she is 18 years old. I spent part of the day in the street principally at Noah Hoyt's store talking life insurance. In the evening I called for a few minutes on Dr. Bulkely and talked about the merits of Homeopathic Ins. Co. I did some marketing and came home. Before tea I wrote to D. R. French asking about a paid up policy on the regular plan. I mailed it in the evening and received by evening mail a statement of account from T. E. Twitchell. 1/4 After breakfast I took over and put in for Mr. Fuller a spring bed. Anna Heinman died last night a little after 11 o'clock. Gussie was there with others and helped lay her out. I was in Main St. before dinner. I received by morning mail a bill from Sigler Bros. 131 & 133 Mercer St. N.Y. requesting immediate payment. I answered by PM mail that it was impossible at present without neglecting my family. This PM I went into the street again and called at Lacey Hoyt & Co. Hat Shop. I there talked life insurance with Zerah Hoyt. From there I went to A. Knox paint shop and talked with him. I took tea with Loiuse up to Father Griswold's . I went to Hatters meeting in the evening and stayed for roll call and was excused. Went to post office and came home. Charlie Hayes and Theo Bradley came from N.Y. on the evening train. 1/5 I went over to the school house with Mr. Pond and put a door spring on one of the back doors. Ann Heinman was buried from the Church at 2 PM. Father Griswold made a prayer at the house before going to the Church. Brother Burch attended the funeral at the Church. Roxanna Hall and George, her son, came over to the funeral and took tea with us before returning to [Lodam]. In the evening Gussie and I went up town to look after a pair of black glovers Andrew Williams sister lent to Mrs. Barnum, sister of Henry Heinman. By evening mail I received a letter from H. A. Ellis, Norwich, General Agent for New Jersey Mutual Life Ins. Co. in reply to mine about giving up the agency of said company for Homeopathic of N.Y. He was very surprised and disappointed. By same mail received one from D. R. French of Bridgeport answering mine regarding a paid up policy as regular life in Homeopathic. Before retiring I wrote to the Homeopathic of N.Y. to ascertain some facts concerning the Company, to French also to know if its commissions he offers are the same on all forms of policies. 1/6 Talked life insurance today. I was at the Pahquioque shop in the PM. Joe White asked me about the $60 I borrowed from Mr. Crofut, Dec. 4, 1868. He said it was $80 I owed. The amount was originally $80, but I paid $20 in Feb. 8, 1869 to Mr. Crofut and they had neglected to give me credit. In the evening I called at Charles Andrews and Charles Hull to look for a sheet iron air tight wood stove for Mother Griswold. I called into Randall's & Bradley and walked up with Egbert Gilbert, Orin Bronson, and Fred Bradley after Fred closed the store. Received by mail another letter form H. A. Ellis extorting me to stick with New Jersey Mutual and trying to convince me it was the best company. 1/7 Harry Buckely called at 8 A.M. for my harness blacking. I received 3 letters in the morning mail., from Homeopathic Ins. Co. in NY, D. R. French in Bridgeport, and H. A. Elllis, Norwich. Father came down in the forenoon and stayed till noon but would not stay to dinner. In the PM When I came home to tea I found Carrie Mills at the house. She came from Bethel to see Hattie and to stay all night. I called on Harry Bulkely in the PM and pretty much presuaded him to take a policy on his life. After tea I called to see Hattie Taylor about rebinding my overcoat and repairing it generally. 1/8 Solicited for life insurance again today. I saw [James] Selleck at Clark Beers Grocery. He has pretty much concluded to insure his life with me. I am to see him again. I called at the Jeffersonian office to see Mr. Swertfazer,the editor. I have not seen him since I came home . He lost his wife while I was away. I called on Deacon Stone about a spring bed. I am to see him again next week. Carrie Mills, from Bethel up to see Hattie, took the train for home this PM. My bundle of Life Ins. documents came by express prepaid this evening. I emptied the drawer to my secretary to put them in. Preparing a place for them took me until 11 o'clock. 1/9 Pleasant but cold. We all went down in time for Sunday School. I took Georgie after school and came home with him. It was the monthly concert, an interesting time. My first attendance since coming home from New London County on Christmas Eve. The Sundays since my coming home have been stormy. We had a trukey for supper. After supper Louise and Minnie Vintz came down for a short time. Minnie is stopping for a few days with Louise. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed home with Georgie. 1/10 It snowed nearly all day. In the forenoon I went to George Hull's and to Charles Andrews to get a sheet iron air tight stove for Mother Griswold. I finally selected one of Charles Andrews. After dinner I went down and arranged to have it brought up. Benjamin Rolf came up with it and I rode up with him. He and I put it up and he took her old stove in exchange. I wrote to H. A. Ellis and mailed it in the PM, renewing my invitation to leave the New Jersey Mutual and go in for the Homeopathic Mutual of NY. I made of some old stocking legs some leggings for Georgie to reach above his boots and with elastic fastened them above his knees. 1/11 Snow has melted fast. I called at the shop in the forenoon and talked with Elbert Marsh about life insurance. After dinner I took Georgie on his sled and drew him int the street and down to the Pahquioque Shop, up the R. Road and then home. I sledded down Father Griswold's lane with him twice after returning from the street. I then went into the street and took an order from Abel S. Hawley for a spring bed. I called at Lacey Hoyt & Co. to see Zerah Hoyt. The drop letter I took for George yesterday I remailed to Brooklyn. Father Griswold offered to pay for paint for my house if I will apply it. The evening he gave me an orderon A. Knox for paint. I called in the evening to see how Dr. Bulkely who is sick with the fever is. His son William is here to attend to his patients. 1/12 I mended Georgie's crib by gluing up joints in the PM. I went down to the post office and then to Pahquioque shop to give Joe White, the bookkeeper, the date when I paid Mr. Crofut the $20 toward the $80 I borrowed of him. From the shop I went to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and paid for Father Griswold a bill of $1.90. After dinner I went down town again and called to see George Stratton at Tweedy's [Foul] Shop about a spring bed. On my way back I stopped at Geroge Starr's Shop to see Lee Daniel Starr about insuring his life. In the evening I went into the street again. I called to see Dr. Bulkely, he is worse with the fever. 1/13 In the forenoon went down to Andrew Knox with an order from Father Griswold for paint, enough to cover my house. About noon I talked with Andrew Bedient at his Daguerreian rooms about life insurance. in the PM I borrowed O. H. Swifts horse and wagon and took 6 gals. of chemical paint up home with which to paint my house. 1/14 I commenced painting my house. I worked until noon and painted on the south side . In the PM I went into the street. I talked life insurance in Saul Hawley's Hat Factory to Saul Petit, Timothy Rose and a man living on Great Plain. I called a few minutes at Andrew Williams Machine Shop and then walked over home with him. His father is not expected to live long. In the evening Gussie went up to E. S. Davis to the Sewing Society gathering, the first time it has met at Mr. Davis' new house. I went to market in the evening. 1/15 We had snow and the fine misty rain which makes it icy. I went into the street this forenoon and before coming home called in and talked with William Warren about life insurance in the R. R. paint shop. After dinner I wrote to A. Stanley Smith, New London; George W. Kies, Norwich, Latham & Owens, Noank; and G. J. Stevens at Stonington, and also Watsons & Bidwell at Mystic River to find out how the demand for spring beds is since I came home. The above 5 places are the headquarters for the bed in the several towns. I mailed these letters in the PM and called a few minutes at William Bedient's Picture Gallery to see how he still feels about insuring his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. From there I went up to John Cosier's office on White St. and talked with him about the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. I enlisted his sympathy in the matter so that his influence for the company is gained along with a desire to assist me. Then bought a little cheese for tea and came home. Gussie went to maket in the evening while I stayed at home. Louise Vintz has a party of young folks this evening. Before retiring I completed a letter to Henry A. Ellis, General Agent for the New Jersey Mutual Life Ins. Co., Norwich Conn. That with other writing kept me up until 2 o'clock. 1/16 Went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I returned with Georgie. Father came down to see us just before night. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to church 1/17 In the forenoon I talked life insurance with Almon Hickok in his shop . I went into the street again in the PM and talked insurance with George Ryder and Michael Daragan in their store. When I came to tea I found Bell at the house waiting for me to cut her hair, which I did before tea. After tea I went into the street again. Our preacher Thomas H. Burch lectured this evening in Concert Hall on temperance. 1/18 In the forenoon I took my model and went up to Saul Hawley's shop to show it to John Way. I took his order for a spring bed. In the PM I painted on the south side of my house. After tea Charles E. Hayes who boards with us paid me $25.00 on the amount he owes us for board. I mailed a letter in the evening to H. A. Ellis and enclosed $6.00 to balance the account between us, this with spring beds and door springs pays the commission I was to have on the policy on my own life which if I had stayed with New Jersey Mutual I would have had. I pay the amount of my commission to him as being his just dues. I went with Gussie in the evening to F. Starr's market to have my acccount looked up and paid him $10.00 and then took out a pass book and had $6.25, the amount of our indebtedness entered and we commence to use the pass book there after. 1/19 After breakfast, I took the 1/2 gal. oil can down to Fred Starr's store for some kerosene. From there I went to Clark Beer's store and took Stephen L. Beers application for a 12 payment life policy. In the PM I went up to Saul Hawley's shop to see Lee, George and the block makers in the rear of the factory about life insurance. In the evening I went with Beers to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined, After which I mailed his application to D. R. French in Bridgeport, he being the general agent I work for. I wrote this PM to the Home Office of the company, 231 Broadway, NY, asking about a 10 year paid up policy whether thereafter the dividends may be drawn in cash annually if desired. Also what a 10 yr. life policy is worth in cash paid by the company to the policy holder after the payment of the annual premium. Also what an endowment will cost for a boy 5 yrs old, payable at 21 years of age. 1/20 I went down to the Pahquioque Shop in the forenoon, called at Andrew Knox paint shop for a little putty to use while painting my house and came home. In the PM I painted my paizza except the railing and floor. In the [evening] I went into the street and mailed the letter to the Homeopathic Ins. Co. asking whether a policy on 2 joint lives will be givent for a man and wife and also about the dividends on a paid up policy. I called at Clark Beers and arranged for 4 gals. of oil. After coming home I went up to Mother Griswold's for a while to cheer her up as she is not feeling well. 1/21 Worked until noon painting the railing and finishing on my piazza. After dinner I went into the street . On my way home just at night I went to Hattie Taylor's for my overcoat which she has been binding, working button holes and putting in new pockets. By the morning mail I received a letter from H. A. Ellis, Norwhich, acknowledging the receipt of $6.00 to bring him to balance of account on my policy. I the evening I went to the post office, Gussie having gone to sewing society at Walker Bartrams. Louise stayed with Georgie while I was in the street. Before coming home I went with William Bedient up into his Deguerreian rooms for a few minutes to compare Phoenix Life Ins. tables with a copy I had. Ifound them alike and he gave me his to take home. 1/22 Saturday. After breakfast I went over to the ledge to see Charles Short and his men quarry out the stone, getting the old ledge leveled down for Mr. Pond who is contemplating building a house the next season. From there I went over to John Bouton's to see his new baby, a fine boy from last Thursday night, the 20th. From there I went over to George Crofut's mill and talked life insurance to the miller. Returning, I passed over Gallows Hill around by Tweedy's factories talking insurance when I had the opportunity. I went to the post office to get a letter from the Homeopathic Mutual in reply to quesitons asked. It then being noon I came home. Before we were through with dinner, D. R. French came in from a train on the line of the Harlem Rail Road. He took dinner with us, after which we talked over many things pertaining to life insurance. I got from him some very desirable information regarding note companies. I went with him to the depot to see him off to Bridgeport on the 4 1/4 PM train. After the train left I went over to Lacey - Hoyt Hat Shop and talked with Zerah Hoyt more about insurance on his life. I am gaining ground with him and shall take an application from him before long. I came home to tea, after which I returned again to the street, Louise came to stay with Hattie Mills all night. 1/23 Sunday. I have stayed at home all day. Bell came down jsut at night and went to church in the evening with Hattie Mills and Gussie. Fanny brought from Sunday School a picture of the National Lincoln Monument for which I subscribed a few years ago, 50 cents towards exacting it. This being the price of shares which were taken all over the country for which every shareholder was promised a picture of the same. The monument is now completed and is erected in Springfield Illinois, the home of Lincoln. Many in our Sunday School subscribed to it and each received a picture. I not being at School today, Fanny brought me mine. 1/24 In the forenoon I repaired my bedstead by putting in 2 new sockets, fasteners, in place of 2 broken. I received by morning mail from the Return Letter Office, the letter I wrote from Mystic River to Henry M. Day on Nov. 24th, notiflying him when the premium came due on his life insurance policy which I hold as security for notes given in payment for store business in NY which I sold to him March 22, 1869. I bought the 2 pairs of bed fastenings of Guthrie for 10 cents. In the PM I painted the front of my house. I went to the post office in the evening and took out a letter for Bell and brought it home. 1/25 In the forenoon I called on Lockwood Olmstead's carriage shop and talked with his 2 sons, William and John, about insuring their lives. From there I went to see John W. Bussing at his Beer and Pie shop near Tweedy's factories. After dinner I wrote to the Home Ins. Office, NY, in reply to one received in the morning mail, sending me 2 blank policies for reference and complaining about my wanting more supplies for working Insurance. I received at the same time one from Mr. French in New Haven. He is just bound from there to NY and will call at the home office. In the PM I went to Bedient's Photograph Gallery, then to John Bussing again, and then to see the block makers at Paul Newley's Shop. Received [Barnes] report by evening mail, also another letter from Mr. French from NY saying that I must not be scared by what Mr. Plummer says about more documents. 1/26 Spent the day talking life insurance at the Pahquioque Shop with Victor W. Benedict and Edwin Harris, at Wooster House Stable with George Bell in the forenoon. I called to see Harry Bulkely but he was not at home. I then called on George Starr and talked a long time with him and made some progress toward insuring him for $5,000. I am to see him again. I then went down to Sherwood's store and collected $6.5o for a spring bed from Fuller. I came home to tea with a severe headache, felt better after tea. After Gussie and Hattie Mills went over to Mrs. Bradley's to attend with her a Wooden Wedding at William Porter's on River St. nearly opposite Saul Hawley's Wool Hat shop, and Louise Vintz came to stay with Georgie. I went to the post office and took a letter from the Homeopathic Life. I called at Beers Store and showed the policy to him, Stephen L. Beers, and then went up to Dr. Bulkely's office to have him take the number of the policy. I found the young Dr. out, but his father in the office for the first time since his severe sickness.He is just able to crawl about. I came home suffering extremely with headache and retired as soon as I got home. 1/27 Had the headache all night and was late in consequence. About 9 AM the express man came with 2 sings and a policy register and those books for an agent from the Homeo. Ins. Co. Annals, Annecdotes and Legends of Life Insurance, Life Agents Manual, Life Agents Vade Mecum. Before dinner I called at Dr. Bulkely's office and left the number of the Beer's policy and then delivered it to him. He will pay the money by the 1st of Feb. if not before. In the PM I took my oil can down to Beer's store for 4 gallons of kerosene oil to come out of $5.00 I am to trade out of the premium on Stephen L. Beers policy.which will have $35.17 which he is to pay in cash. I had some conversation with Henry Barry about a policy, also William Siguor and Zerah Hoyt. I called on Andrew Knox and congratulated him upon having taken out a policy on his life though he did it with Mutual Life of New York. I saw the new iron bridge on White St. which was today completed so that teams drove over it. I came home by way of New Street to pay Harriet Taylor $1.25 for repairing my overcoat. She was not in so I left $1 with her mother who could not make change and I could not pay her the whole amount. I then went again into the street and saw Harry Bulkely and tried to persuade him to take a life policy now but he wants to postpone it for a while. In the evening I called on Mr. Barry to see how his little boy is, they are afraid of scarlet fever. Mr. Barry and I went into the street together, he to Dr. Bulkely's for medicine while I tried to persuade him to be examined for an application for life insurance but he has not yet fully decided. After dinner I put one of the tin insurance signs on the front of my house. 1/28 Another splendid day, more like May than January. I worked on painting my house all day. I finished the front and made a good start on the north side. We had 2 rabbits for dinner which Gussie bought last evening. I went to the post office in the evening and called at Mr. Barry's to see how his little boy was. 1/29 It was snowing when I arose. Around 9 o'clock I went over to Hattie Taylor's to pay her the 25 cents I owed. From there I called on George Starrs shop and had quite a spirited talk with Daniel Starr and William Bouton on life insurance. I then went to the post office and got a commission from Homeo Ins Co. for William Bulkely making hime examing physician for the company. I called on William Bedient at his photographic rooms, explaining to him the joint policy for man and wife. I then called on Victor Morrell at his blacksmith shop and talked life insurance and coming home to dinner walked up West St. with him. I spent the greater part of the PM at William Bedient's rooms. He pretty much concluded to take out a policy. I went for the doctor just at night for Father Griswold, he is severely afflicted with rheumatism. 1/30 About 2 in. of snow on the ground, neither good sleighing or wheeling. I went to Sunday School at noon with Georgie. Came home with him after and left Gussie at the afternoon prayer meetingg. I attended preaching in the evening. Our female Sunday School Supt and assistant, Mrs. Bartram and Mrs. Holmes are very sick. Mrs. Bartram has the typhoid fever. 1/31 Snowed most of the time all day. In the forenoon I rode down to Bethel with William A. Bouton on a load of hat boxes. I did it in order to talk to him about insuring his life. After dinner I went into the street and called on William A. Bedient at this photograph rooms and filled out an application for a life ins. policy all except the date and signatures. I am waiting to see about his wife going in with him on a joint policy. I then went up to George Starr's shop and had a long talk with him about a librarian in the Sunday School and a little on life insurance. From their went up to see John W. Bussing, had quite a talk with him on life insurance. I went over and spent the evening with William A. Bouton and spoke with him and his wife on life insurance.
1870-01
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1870 Entry
9pgs
2/1 Tuesday. I talked in William A. Bedient's rooms on life insurance. As I started home, I saw Joseph T. Bates ath te crossing of Main St. by the post office. He wanted me to make out an application for a life insurance policy or him. Instead of going to dinner I immediately went with him to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. I then filled out the application and received the first quartely premiun, $4.89, to cover risk from present time provided the application is accepted and gave him his receipt. After dinner I went to see Lewis A. Ward, the friend he referred to me. I mailed the application to the company by the afternoon mail. I called on Stephen L. Beers expecting to get from him the premium due on his policy but he can't pay until Thursday. In the evening I went into the street and saw Oscar Levine and gave him a written statement of what I knew about his farm in Iowa or what I had heard other say about it. He wished me to do this in order to use as evidence on behalf of the farm is he should have occasion to do so. Mr. Levine came home with me and stopped a few minutes in which I showed him something pertaining to life insurance. 2/2 In the morning I took a coffee and a tea pot to Charles Hull's to be soldered and then went down to the Pahquioque Hat Shop and talked with Victor W. Bedient and George Foot abou life insurance. I called in at William A. Bedient's Photgraphic Gallery. He told me he would have the application made out for him and his wife. I this evening I went over to his house on Steven Street and filled out an application blanks for he and his wife . I spoke this PM in Swift's stoe with Fed Benedict of Miry Brook about his taking out a policy. He made some inquiries into the matter and spoke about $5,000. I am to see him again. 2/3 Between 8 and 9 this morning Dr. William Bulkely and I went over to William A. Bedient's and examined his wife. We then came back to his office and there examined William Bulkely himself. It is a joint policy. After dinner I went up to Victor Morrell's to get his sister, Mrs. Miller to sign the friend certificate for Mrs. Bedient. I mailed the applications by the 4 o'clock mail. I then went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and talked insurance with Charles Bradley, Nathaniel Barnum, and others. Received a letter in the evening from Homeo. Ins. Co. saying the Joseph T. Bates application was rejected for anything except a 15 yr. endowment. That is all they would grant. 2/4 After breakfast I walked down to see Joseph T. Bates to tell him that his application for a life insurance policy was rejected. I did not find him at home. On my return I called at L. L. [Houtbell's] office and left word with him that I wanted to see Mr. Bates. After dinner I called at the Rail Road Paint shop and then went to the Pahquioque shop and spent the remainder of the day talking life insurance with Seth Downs and Mr. Belltare. Gussie went in the evening to H. B. Fanton's to the Church Sociable or the Sewing Society. Louise Vintz stayed with Georgie for me to go into the street. I spent a part of the evening with A. E. Fuller at Sherwood's Store talking with him about insuring his life. 2/5 In the AM I put at door spring in Swift & Cowan's store door to let them try it. While at Swift's I saw Joe Bates about his rejected application for a life policy. He preferred not to take the 15 yr. endowment and wanted a 10 yr. annual life if they would grant it. I think it exceedingly doubtful but I wrote by the afternoon mail to the Company about it. I received by evening mail a joint policy for William A. Bedient and wife. Amos Stebbins died today. 2/6 I stayed at home all day. Gussie went down to church at noon and in the PM and again in the evening. While at tea Father came down and stayed for an hour. After tea we went over to Robert Cocking's and made a call. I wrote to William H. Hayes, 415 Hudson St,, NY and Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. 2/7 I put 2 door springs on the Billiard and Bar Room doors for Nathan Turrell. I broke one putting it on, there being a flaw in it. I left them on trial for a few days. If they suit him he will pay me for them. After dinner I took my spring bed model down to Beer's store to show Elijah Beers and Albert Miller. I then came home and wrote to Homeo. Ins. Co. for information concerning William A. Bedient's policy, the premiums being more than I expected. I mailed the letter in the PM and called in Randall & Bradley's store and talked life insurance a little. After tea I went into the street for the mail. 2/8 Commenced snowing early and continued all day. I went into the street in the forenoon and stayed until nearly noon at Randall & Bradley's store talking life insurance. I took a letter from the Post Office from David R. French from Dover Plains. He is there working life insurance and expects during this week to come my way and call on me. After dinner I wrote to Eva B. Filed and addressed Station G. I wrote in answer to one received about a week ago inquiring about some engravings she left with me to be framed when I was in NY. I went to the post office and mailed it and then wnet up to Burr Rolands and spent the remainder of the PM talking life insurance with Henry Perry, Jabez [Amiston], Alfred Heath. I went into the street again in the evening to the post office. I brought a letter for Charles Hayes from his brother William. 2/9 Heaviest snow we have had yet. I rose early and commenced digging paths at 5 ' o'clock and worked at it til the middle of the forenoon, then went down to the post office and received a letter from Homeo. Ins. stating that the premium on William Bedients policyno. 2099 was correct , $27.09. After dinner I wrote to T. E . Twitchell a friendly letter telling him how business was here, but not ordering anything. I called on George Starr before coming home to tea. After tea I went into the street and mailed the letter I wrote to Mr. Twitchell. I called at Beers store and then walked up West St. with Aug. [Kiessier]. 2/10 After breakfast I wrote to George in Brooklyn, Houston Street, 3 doors down from DeKalb Ave. I wrote speaking of the deaths of Abel Parsons' wife, Mrs. Stewart and Amos Stebbins. I also requested some money if he could let me have some. I went up to Harris L. Crofut's Carpenter Shop (in the rear of Bradley and Mansifield's Stables) to see George Barnum about life insurance. After dinner I took Gussie and Georgie up to William Bedient's Photograph Gallery to get Georgie's picture taken. After which I mailed my letter to George. Bedient this forenoon paid me the $27.09 premium on his joint policy. As Georgie and I were walking up West St., Robert Cocking and wife with some of Mr. Crofut's family were sleigh riding and Robert took Georgie up with them and gave him a fine sleigh ride about town and then drove home with him. In the evening I went to the post office and then home. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel today. 2/11 I spent a part of the forenoon in Charles Hull's tin shop talking life insurance with Peter Ambler. After dinner I called at Wooster House to see how the door springs worked which I had put on and then I went to [Frey Hoyt Ives] shop to talk insurance a little with Albert A. Stone. From there I called a few minutes on David Cosier by the Bridge and then went to William Bedient's Gallery and took 2 proofs of Georgie's picture to show Gussie how they looked. After tea I went again into the street. 2/12 I went into the street and returned the 2 proof pictures of Georgie to William Bedient to mount and finish up. I paid him for 4, $1.00, and brought home the 2 and am to wait until next week for the remaining 2. I saw Theo Lyon at Victor Morrell's blacksmith shop and talked with him until noon and then came home to dinner. After dinner I went again into the street and collected from J. C. Beers $32.80, the balance due me from Stephen L. Beers first premium of life ins. policy,. $40.17 was the premium but I traded $7.07 of it. I expected Mr. French would be here today from Dover Plains on his way home to Bridgeport but he did not come. I called on David Cosier this PM and I offered him $1 for every man he could send me that I would insure. In the evening I went to Frederick Starr's with Gussie to do some marketing. 2/13 Gussie and Hattie Mills went to 'love feast' this morning and Gussie came home after to finish her work. At noon she returned again to church and stayed in the PM. I did not go, but just before noon took Georgie up home to see my folks. We returned home about 2 o'clock. Mother and Bell are both sick but not dangerous. They have taken cold and are not able to go out, though not confined to their beds. 2/14 Monday. I went in the morning to Benedict Bros. Shoe Store and had my boot repaired. From there I went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and then to Pahquioque Hat Shop a few moments and then home to dinner. After dinner I went to Fred Starrs market and ordered half a hog sent to Father Griswolds. I then started to go up to Tweedy's factories but the rain drove me home. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal of a peddler. I wrote to D. S. Lessington, 88 South Halsted St., Chicago Ill. in answer to an advertisement in Harpers Weekly to send sample of goods free to any good energetic canvasser. I also wrote to D. R. French. Gussie and I went into the street together in the evening. I mailed my 2 letters, bought 50 cents worth of buckwheat flour and came home leaving her to do some other marketing. Henry Crofut's wife gave birth to a son about 2 o'clock Sunday morning when she went into a fit and has lain insensible since then. They have hope of her recovery. Before retiring I wrote a receipt for $40.17 for Stephen L. Beers, the first premium of his policy. 2/15 Henry Crofut's wife died last night. I went down to his factory this morning but found all the men about to go home and the shop to be closed. There was black crape on the factory and office door. I went from there up to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop to give Harry Davis a role of Griswold's salve which he engaged a few days ago. From there I went over to the Rail Road Paint shop and talked with William H. Warren about life insurance. I called a moment at Charles Griffins Coal Office to solicit life insurance from him, but he already has a much life insurance as he wants to pay at present. I then came down to Parmalee & Sherman's store and talked ins. with Mr. Parmalee, In the meantime Spencer the druggist came in and of course the drug seller must oppose Homeopathy so I had quite a dispute as to the merits of Homeopathy and Alopathy. Benjamin White who was there took sides against me and I fought the whole crew of them. After dinner Father called, also Horace Cable. They staid nearly all PM. After they went away I went over to Abbotts [Ban] Box Shop and talked with Ed Targett on insurance. I then called n Turner Stevens and had some encouraging talk with him on the subject, and then called on E. P. Davis at his shop. I then came home, it being about 6 o'clock. Before tea, I emptied my port cask to the the salt for Father Griswold to use in packing his pork. In the evening I went to market and to the post office and got a valentine for Georgie from Elyria Ohio. 2/16 In the forenoon I went into the street, called and talked insurance with Russell Hoyt, from there called on Saul Hawley's hat shop and talked with John Beard about ins. until about noon then went to Dr. Bulkely's office and paid him $8 for Homeop. Ins. for the 4 examinations ' Beers, Bates, Bedient and wife. I then went to the post office and got a letter from T. E. Twitchell speaking of the spring bed business in general and hoping that I will work the bed again in the spring. In the PM I took some sausage meat to Fred Starr for E. E. Griswold to be ground . I talked insurance a little in Avery Raymond's store with Albert Blissard and Rusell Bevans. I then called a few moments on Bedients Photograph Gallery and then went to Mortimer Jennings Carriage Shop and talked with him and Mr. Barber who works there. I called again at Bedients and then walked up West St. with him as I came to tea. Before coming home I went up to F. Starrs and got the sausage meat I took there and brought it home to Mother Griswold. After tea I went to the post office and to the store for coffee. I called on Dr. Bulkely and got a partial list of Homeopathists from whom to solicit ins. Henry Crofut's wife was buried this PM at 1 o'clock. Gussie went to a surprise party in the evening at Henry Tobias'. 2/17 In the forenoon called at John Meeker's Hat Shop and talked life insurance a little. Received a letter from D. R. French in the morning, he having gone home from Dove Plains by way of New York instead of coming through Danbury. In the PM I went to the Danbury Bank and got a draft which I mailed to him with my report of my two first policies issued for the Homeopathic Mutual. I went to Wooster House and collected from Mr. Turrell $3.00 for door springs on put on the Billiard and Bar room doors on the 7th. Went to William A. Bedient's Photograph Rooms and got 4 more carte de visite of Georgie and came home and painted a little on my house until night. After tea I wrote to D. R. French and that I this PM mailed him a report and draft for $42.34. I went into the street in the eve and mailed the letter. Before going into the street, as Gussie was putting Georgie to bed she had to whip him severely for disobedience through the day and sauciness at the time. 2/18 Rained hard all day. In the forenoon went into the street and took the door springs off at Swift's Store, he not caring to buy them. In the PM I called at Henry Ryder's, the Assistant Assessor's Office, to see about furnishing him a spring bed. I bought a Valentine for 5 cents for Georgie to send to his cousin, Willie S. Griswold in Elyria, Ohio in return for one received. In the eve I went into the street and mailed it. I called at Gould S. Disbrow's feed store and had a talk with him on life insurance. He liked the appearance of the Homeopathic Company very well. 2/19 Only a little snow left in place. I spent nearly all the forenoon in Disbrow's Feed Store talking life insurance with Charles Wilcox. I received by the morning mail a letter for W. H. Hayes. When I came to dinner I found Joseph T. Bates at the house waiting for me. He decided he would take the 15 yr. endowment on the stock plan. He paid me $6.00 for the first quarter premium payment and wishes to pay quarterly. I wrote to the company saying he would accept the endowment. In the PM I spent some time talking with Dwight Rogers in his store. I received by the evening mail a letter from C. M. Linington, 88 South Halstead St., Chicago with a paper of needles enclosed as one of the article for which he is soliciting agents. Also received a letter from D.R. French acknowledging receipt of report and draft for amount due his company. 2/20 I did not go to church at all. Gussie went down to Sunday School at noon with Georgie and stayed until after the afternoon service. Just at night Theodore B. Bradley came over and stayed until evening meeting time when he and Charles E. Hayes went together. In the evening Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 2/21 It grew very cold and blustery today, like March. In the forenoon I went to see Elijah Beers to get him to insure his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. He had pretty much decided to insure with Charles H. Crosby in the Connecticut Mutual of Hartford. In the PM I called to see Edmund Allen and Joseph Ives. I called a short time at the Pahquioque shop and then came home. In the evening I went into the street to hear Mr. Lord lecture on temperance at the Concert Hall. The weather being so cold and blustery few came, so the lecture was postponed for 2 weeks. While in the Hall, L. L. Hubbell handed me the receipt I gave to Joseph L. Bates on Feb. 1st for payment of the premium on the life insurance policy, which he had sent to me by Hubbell. 2/22 I talked life insurance up to Mallory's shop this forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and introduced my insurance there also. After tea I went to the post office and then up to Rose Hill to see and talk life insurance with Little Ed Duning. I filled out and application for him but he does not want the policy quite yet. I arrived home around 10 o'clcock. 2/23 I spent part of the AM in the street. In the forenoon I painted on the North side of my house. Charles Hayes paid Gussie $17.00 for board at noon, leaving a balance of $27.00 yet to be collected from his employer, James Olmstead, on March 1st. This he has made payable to me and I am to call for it. In the evening I went to the post office and then to Burr Roland's Shoe Store where I sat until time to close and then came up with Mr. Haviland. I today paid $2.50 for a life insurance agent license until May 1st. 2/24 Called to see George Bell at A. Anderson's coal yard. I agreed to call tomorrow evening at his home to talk life insurance. I also called to see John White at his home on River St. but he was just getting his breakfast so I postponed business until some other time. I received the 15 yr. nonparticipating endowment for Joseph L. Bates from Charles G. Wightman, General Agent at Bristol Connecticut. After dinner I took the policy down to him. When I returned I called at George Starr's Shop and then ordered a ' cord of wood for Mother Griswold of John Wildman. I wrote and mailed a letter to Mr. Wightman acknowledging receipt of the policy and letter enclosed. In the evening I received a list of prominent policy holders in the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. 2/25 Took order from Henry Ryder for a spring bed. Took George Bell and wife's application for a joint policy. Also Charles Wilcox on his life alone. 2/26 H. B. Fanton's shirt factory has burned last night, at 2 o'clock this morning. The alarm woke me about 2 ' o'clock. Charles E. Hayes and I went down and returned about 4 o'clock. I snowed just enough to whiten the ground. On account of having been up at the fire I suppose, I have had a sick headache all day. Have one a good day's work . Took an order for a spring bed from Elijah M. Beers and had 3 men examined for life insurance policies ' Charles E. Dunning, Charles H. Wilcox, and Charles E. Disbrow. In the evening I received by mail a package from Charles G. Wightman, Gen. Agent in Bristol, a package of blotters with my name on them but with a mistake in printing. Hartford is on them instead of Danbury and vicinity and Putnam County, NY. Charlie Hayes took the train to NY for spend a short time while work is dull. 2/27 Felt poorly this morning from headache yesterday and last night. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to church but I stayed home. In the evening Gussie and I went to church to hear Brother Burch preach a sermon on 'Women's Rights' 2/28 After breakfast I went up to Maple Ave. to get James M. Bailey to sign the friends certificate for Charles H. Wilcox application. Then went up to Mallory's Shop to see Ed Dunning's hair and eye color which was omitted on Dr. Bulkely's examination of him on Saturday evening. I stayed there until nearly noon. I then called on E. M. Jones at White's factory and talked life insurance with him a little and then came to dinner. I put in the Post Office for the PM mail the 3 applications. I then went down to the Pahquioque shop. Henry Reed called me into his room over Mr. Crofut's office to see about insuring James Fenning's life for our year or Seven for security. I called at Foster Bros. Shop and got 25 cents from Harry Davis for a roll of salve I sold to him a while ago. I then called at the Rail Road paint shop to talk with William Warren. He has pretty much concluded to take out a policy on his wife for $500. In the evening I mailed an order to Twitchell for spring beds for Griswold, Hawley, May, Beers and Ryder.
1870-02
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1870 Entry
9pgs
3/1 I spent the forenoon in the street working insurance. In the morning I received a letter from my Ins. Co. saying I might forward the application for Mrs. Disbrow but would not make it payable to her husband unless he insured also. I answered by the PM mail saying that he now had $2,000 on his life. I urged the company to issue the policy as this was the only condition on which he will take the policy. Just at night I took John H. White to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. Filled out the certificate there and in the evening mailed it to the company. In the street this evening I saw Peter Robinson and took him into Dr. Bulkely's to be examined, leaving the other part of the application to be filled out tomorrow. 3/2 I delivered Charles H. Wilcox's policy for $500 and received the premium of $9.73. In the forenoon went down to the sewing machine factory and talked life insurance with Col. James Ryder explaining the plan and the strong points and advantages of the company. I gained his favor and acknowledgement that it was a superior company. I then called at the Pahquioque shop for a few minutes and from there to the post office and received the 3 policies, and also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with bill enclosed for 5 spring beds, my first lot sold since coming from New London last Christmas. In the PM I got Charlie Disbrow to deliver my spring beds which came by freight, to Hawley, May, Ryder, Beers and Griswold. During the afternoon and evening I put them all in. It was about 9 o'clock in the evening when I put the last one in for Henry Ryder on Montgomery St. in Granville Hoyt's house. About 5 this evening Dr. Bulkely examined George Bell's wife for a joint policy with her husband. Gussie went this evening to a surprise party at H. E. Comes on Rabbit Hill. 3/3 In the forenoon I went up to Peter Robinson's on Balmforth Ave. and took Mrs. Robinson's application for a joint life ins. policy with her husband. I received by the morning mail the policy for John H. White and a letter from D. R. French, General Agent, with enclosed permit for the State Insurance Commissioner for me to act as agent for the Homeopathic Mutual Life Ins. Company of NY. After dinner I went up to Gould S. Disbrow and took Mrs. Disbrow's application for a policy payable to her husband. I called at Mrs. E. M. Jones and got her signature to the friends certificate on Mrs. Robinson's application. Having felt sick with a headache all day and after dinner feeling worse, I kept quiet the remainder of the PM. After tea I felt better and went into the street to see George Bell about being examined tomorrow. Gussie went this evening to the auction sale of Fanton's fire damaged shirts and bought me 6 shirts nearly perfect for $3.50. 3/4 It tried to snow in the forenoon but was too cold. It moderated in the PM so that it snowed a little. Henry M. Day came in town this forenoon. I saw and had a talk with him about the money he owes me but could not get anything definite from him. In the PM I went up to Young and Ely's shop, to Mallory's . After tea I went into the street expecting to have George Bell examined but I could not find him. I deposited $18.60 in Danbury Bank for a check I sent by this PM mail to L. E. Twitchell. 3/5 I talked life insurance in Charles Chapman's shoe store in the forenoon. Young Dr. William Bulkely went up and examined Mrs. Disbrow this morning but omitted to have her sign the document so I went up before going to dinner and had her sign it. In the PM old Dr. Bulkely went up and examined Peter Robinson's wife. I mailed the joint applications by the afternoon mail. I put in a door spring for William Bedient Jr. , the artist. I did it to test it beside another kind he was using. In the evening I went in the street and did some marketing with Gussie and came home. Joseph Bates paid me today $6.84, he balance of his first quarterly payment on his 15 yr. endowment policy. 3/6 Gussie and Hattie Mills attended church while Georgie and I stayed home. After tea Georgie and I took a walk around the square to West St. by way of George and Orchard Streets. I wrote to George concerning his voting here this spring and also offered him New London and Wyndham counties for the sale of the Connecticut Spring Bed. 3/7 It has snowed all day. I received from the Homeo. Ins. Co. an extra from the Insurance Times, a statement of business of all companies doing business in NY for the year ending December 31, 1869. In the PM I mailed a letter to D.R. French at Seymour CT. I went to Concert Hall in the evening to hear Dr. Pond lecture on Temperance. It was acknowledged by those present to be the best lecture yet delivered and the audience voted unanimously to invite him to repeat it at some future time. 3/8 Sleighs tried to run but made sorry work of it. In the forenoon I went to the Sewing Machine factory to see James Olmstead to get the $27.00 left by Charles Hayes for me to draw. I got $20.00 and then came home, stopping as I got to the post office and got Mrs. Disbrow's policy from the Ins. Co. Received also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with receipted bill enclosed for the last lot of spring beds. After dinner I wrote to Mr. Twitchell and also to Starr & Farnham printers, cor. State and Main Streets, New London for the bed cut I had them use in printing my circulars. I want them to send it to Mr. Twitchell at New Haven. I also wrote to A. Stanley Smith. I then went into the street and mailed the letters I wrote and took Mr. Disbrow and his son Charlie's policy to them. Later in the PM I saw John White and gave his to him. They all paid me but Gould Disbrow who wants me to wait a day or two. Dr. Bulkely received a letter from the Ins. Office in NY to see Peter Robinson again about his pulse. So in the evening I went with him to the Doctor's office, and his pulse instead of being over 80 was 72, and expansion of chest instead of being 37' to 38' was 35' to 37'. 3/9 I went to Bethel on the noon train to talk life insurance and returned by the evening train. Received a letter in the evening mail from George answering mine about voting here in the spring, also telling me he was now at work at Straw Hat Curling. 3/10 I received a joint policy for George B. Bell and wife. I took the noon train for Bethel. Sidney Smith came up with me on the evening train. He came home with me and talked about taking the New London and Wyndham counties to sell the Connecticut Spring Bed. He left about 10 o'clock to walk back to Bethel. I bought of George Osborne in Bethel a smoked beef tongue. 3/11 I went up to the boot and shoe factory and to the Chase Carriage factory in the forenoon and talked life insurance. Rec'd by the morning mail a joint policy for Peter Robinson and wife. In the PM I delivered it and got a check for the amount of the premium, $109.40. Gould S. Disbrow also paid me the premium for his, $31.60 less $3.13 for a 1/22 [Bbl] flour. I talked life insurance with H. E Comes and Robert Sayers. George Dickens wife died this morning about 5 o'clock. 3/12 In the forenoon I rode with Peter Robinson over to Sturdevant's to talk life insurance a little with the shop hands. I rode back about noon with William A. Bouton who drives George Starrs' team. Before going to dinner I took Peter Robinson's check to the Danbury Bank. I made out my report to D.R. French and went again to the bank and got a draft for $135.88, which with my commission, examinations, balanced accounts for all premiums collected up to date. I mailed the report and draft by the PM mail. I brought home a cat just at night from Gould S. Disbrow's feed store. 3/13 Cold, blustery and snowy all day. The funeral of George Dickens' wife was to be attended this PM immediately after sacrament service at the church. But on account of the severe weather it was postponed until tomorrow. Gussie went over to Mr. Dickens in the forenoon to help arrange flowers for the funeral but returned about noon because it was postponed. I stayed at home all day and took medicine, feeling about sick myself. First appearance of whooping cough with Georgie. 3/14 There has been some sleighing today. George Dickens buried his wife from the church this PM. After the funeral I went up to Charles Chase Carriage Shop to talk life insurance. From there I stopped at the Union Hat Shop and talked with Cyrus Raymond and think I shall finally insure him. In the evening I went to market and then over to John Bouton's and made a call. 3/15 I went over to Mr. Richards in the morning and had him cut from an old pair of slipper uppers a pair of small ones for Georgie. I then brought them home for Gussie to sew together and bind. I then went down to the Pahquioque Shop and called for a few minutes also at the Railroad Repair shop and then at William A. Bedient's picture gallery. I lent Bedient $25.00. He returned it to me again this evening. After dinner I commenced paining my home again. I finished the north side and commenced on the West end. In the evening I went to the post office and received a letter from D. R. French acknowledging the receipt of my report and the draft for $135.88 which I sent on Saturday. 3/16 I started snowing very had this morning, then turned to rain. I received by the morning mail a letter from Starr & Farnham saying that they had sent by express to Mr. Twitchell in New Haven the bed cut they used in printing my circulars last fall, also giving me Mr. Crockers name and address who keeps the Pequot House in New London. I wrote to Mr. H. S. Crocker about spring beds for the hotel. I also wrote to Mr. Twitchell that if he wrote to him concerning them, to refer him to me. I then wrote another letter to George in Brooklyn. After dinner it cleared and was warm, but splashy ' the snow being soft and full of water. Before night the wind got into the north and it grew cold. Mr. Richards had one of Georgie's slippers done but it being too large he had to rip it again and make it over smaller. Mr. Pond came in about 9 o'clock in the evening to get me to go over to Mr. Warner's on West St. and sit with Marshall West who is sick until a young man named Trowbridge should come about 11 o'clock to watch with him for the night. I did so and returned about 11'. 3/17 Henry Ryder paid me $7.20 for a spring bed. I called at the County House to see Albert Sherwood on life insurance but he was not at home. Mr. Richards finished Georgie's slippers today. I brought them home before tea. After tea I gave Georgie an injection to move his bowels, they have not moved for 3 or 4 days. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. 3/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon where we had a good deal of talk about the school and its principal, Mr. Pond. In the PM I went up to the Mallory Shop and talked life insurance a little. In the evening I went to the school meeting in Borough Hall, but the hall not being big enough the meeting was adjourned until next Monday at Concert Hall. Consulted Dr. Bulkely about whooping cough with Georgie. 3/19 Was around town talking life insurance. In the evening was at Randall & Bradley's and talked with 2 or 3 on life insurance. 3/20 Sunday. I stayed t home. After tea Father called with a letter written by Bell to George and wished me to mail it for her. Bell is very much worse and father feels too poor to pay for a doctor. So I went for young Dr. Bulkely and sent him up there at my expense. I went up home and was there when he called. He ordered with other things Sherry wine sweetened with loaf sugar. I went to the druggist and bought a little for 23 cents. She being much reduced and debilitated requires this as a mild stimulus and tonic. 3/21 I watched with Bell last night and came home to bed at 5 o'clock. I rose about 8 o'clock and took breakfast. I then went up to Tweedy's factory and talked life insurance. After dinner, wrote to the home office of the Homeo. Ins. Co. ordering more rate books. In the evening the adjourned school meeting met at Concert Hall. James S. Taylor and his crew who has tried to make a disturbance and break up the school was totally defeated and Mr. Pond (the principle) was completely vindicated and sustained. 3/22 In the forenoon I went up town to Tweedy's factory to see some parties about life insurance. Received by morning mail a letter from George F. Howard with George W. [Kris] at Norwich stating that there is some dissatisfaction with the spring bed I sold there last fall and on that account did not wish to engage in the business. Also a letter from William H. Hayes inquiring about business for Charlie, if work had commenced. Consulted Andrew Knox about a sign for my contemplated insurance office. Called over at the sewing machine factory to ascertain about work for Charlie Hayes. In the evening I went into the street to the post office and to see what I could strike in the way of life insurance as usual. 3/23 After breakfast I went up home to see Bell. In some respects she was better, in others she was worse. From there I went down to the County House and talked with Albert Sherwood about insuring his life. He concluded to do so the first week in April if money he is expecting from the State comes. From there I went to Dr. Bulkely's office and consulted him about Bell. I got some more medicine which with his visit on Sunday I paid him $1.25. After dinner I went up home with the medicine and gave instructions about it. In the PM I called to see John Starr about a writing desk for my office. In the evening I received a letter from Mr. Twitchell about spring beds. 3/24 After breakfast I went up into the street to send Dr. Bulkely up to see Mother Griswold. I then went up home to see how Bell was. I think she is slowly gaining. I went before dinner over to the sewing machine factory to arrange with James Olmstead about sending for Charlie Hayes to be made a freeman and vote. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes to send Charlie up after arranging with D. P. Nichols to pay his fare up and return. Before night I moved the desk I bought of John Starr from Scofield's old store in Pahquioque block to Bedient's Photographic Gallery where I have established my office for life insurance. I came home and took a bundle of life insurance documents to the office and arranged them in my desk. I went into the street in the evening. After taking the desk I paid John Starr $8.00 for it. 3/25 Friday. Bought both red and black ink for my office. In the PM I visited Rundle & White's, also [Samuel] Holley' s wool had factory to talk life insurance. Charlie Hayes returned from New York by the evening train. A sociable at the church in the evening. The Sunday School children met and had their gathering in the PM. 3/26 In the morning I went with Charlie Hayes to the Court House to be made a freeman. In the PM I went up home to see Bell. She is getting better. I received by the morning mail two copies of agreement between D. R. French and myself. I signed them both and returned one to him. 3/27 Commenced snowing about 9 AM but soon turned to rain. Gussie had the neuralgia last night and this morning. After supper I went up home to see Bell. When I returned I went up to see Mother Griswold who is very feeble, and there is a prospect of her never being any better. 3/28 I went down to my office in the forenoon and did some writing. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes about an agency for new patent oil cloth. I mailed at the same time in the afternoon mail a letter to George which I wrote yesterday. After I went down to the Pahquioque shop. Business is very dull there again. I brought from the office my large bottle of ink to fill my small ink stand at home. I went to market in the evening. 3/29 I was up to Rundle & White's and Mallory hat shops in the forenoon talking life insurance a little. In the PM helped William Bedient paint his Photograph rooms where I have my office. I was at the office in the evening. 3/30 I got a pint of French brandy at Wooster House of Smith Turrell to give to Mother Griswold. Dr. Bulkely recommended us to go there in order to get a good article. It cost 81 cents. I went to Bethel on the noon train to see Sidney Smith about going to New London to sell spring beds. I did not see him as he was away from home. I came up on the 3 PM train. Father Griswold was on the same train. Dr. Bulkely came to see Mother Griswold again about 5 PM and says she may not live longer than tomorrow. Father Griswold immediately telegraphed for Edwin and for Harriet. After tea I went to the Depot to meet Harriet from New Haven, but she did not come. Received a letter in the evening from George about the spring bed business in New London and Windham Counties. Work is getting dull and he thinks he may be glad of it soon. I went to my office and wrote a reply before coming home. I also got one from William H. Hayes at Heath and Smith, 44 Murray St., New York regarding a new patent oil cloth which I requested an agency for if it could be obtained. 3/31 We were up all of last night expecting every hour that Mother Griswold would die. She had a sinking turn at 2 o'clock but she rallied and is still living now at 4 PM. Father Griswold sent me this morning to the telegraph office with a dispatch for Uncle Lorenzo Burr at Bloomfield saying that she was only just alive. Harriet Stevens came by the morning train from New Haven. I met her at the Depot. After breakfast, I went up home to see Bell. I found her sitting up and doing well. She has discontinued the medicine almost entirely, not now needing it. William A. Bedient took my picture this morning for his own use. A telegram this PM from Edwin at Erie PA. He is on his way home and will be home tomorrow afternoon. Sidney Smith from Bethel called at my office to see me about selling beds in New London County. On account of giving up the territory to George as I contemplate, I refused to send Mr. Smith.
1870-03
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1870 Entry
9pgs
4/1 I have sent the day mostly in running errands pertaining to Mother Griswold's sickness and watching railroad trains for Edwin who finally came by the Brewster Stage. Letter from George to Father in the evening mail asking for roots bark to cure jaundice. 4/2 I went over to the sewing machine factory in the forenoon to see James Ryder but he was not there. In the PM I answered George's letter to father about roots for medicine, also told him that Mother Griswold is yet living. 4/3 Mother Griswold died this morning at 2:20. She suffered intensely during her sickness until within 5 minutes of her death when pain seemed to cease and she died as if falling asleep. Mrs. [Reseleer] and Mrs. Amos Purdy laid her out. I wrote to George telling him of Mother Griswold's death and mailed it in the evening. 4/4 After breakfast, Father Griswold, Edwin and I went to the undertakers to select a coffin, then went to the cemetery to mark the place to have the grave dug. Before coming home I went down and voted (it being our state elections). About noon when Mr. Hawley came with the coffin, I borrowed their horse and went up for Father and Mother and brought them down to attend the funeral which was held at 2 ' o'clock at the house and 3 o'clock at the church. Mrs. Pond cooked dinner at her house for us all at Father Griswold's . She sent it all smoking hot at 5 o'clock. It was unusually kind of her to do so. 4/5 In the morning I took Elias B. Stevens hat to the Pahquioque Shop to be rebound and curled. Edwin went with me and from there we went up to Lacey's shop where he bought a Pearl Soft Hat for $1.75. We then met Father Griswold and Mr. Stevens at D. B. Booth's office where they were having some papers made out relative to Josie's pension. We also had a document drawn up giving Father Griswold power of attorney to manage and if necessary sell a parcel of land, 3 acres more or less, which is situated in Bloomfield and belonging to the old Webster farm now used by Uncle Lorenzo Burr. It belonged to Mother and now belonging to the children - Edwin, Fanny, Harriet and Gussie. We all signed the document making Father Griswold our attorney. Elias B. Stevens, Harriet's husband took the noon train for New Haven. After dinner, Mr. Pond took Edwin, Charlie Hayes and myself into the new school house and showed Edwin the rooms and explained the workings of the institution. It was very interesting to us all. We all contributed to purchase a book of poems called Yesterday, Today and Forever to present to Mr. and Mrs. Pond as a token of friendship for kindness rendered by cooking our dinner on the day Mother Griswold was buried. The book has not yet been presented. In the evening I went to market and then to the post office. I received a letter from George and one from T. E. Twitchell. I came home and spent the evening with Edwin up to Father Griswold's where we ate walnuts, apples etc. Edwin gave me a stopover check from Brewster Station to New York, which he had left when he came home. It will carry me to NY from Brewster station. Before retiring I wrote to T. E. Twitchell. 4/6 I rose early and wrote a letter to D. R. French at Bridgeport. Father Griswold, Edwin and Harriet took the morning train. Father Griswold for a conference at 7th St, NY, Edwin for Hartford, and Harriet for New Haven. I went to the depot with them and mailed the 2 letters I wrote. I carried to the news office a notice of the death of Mother Griswold to be inserted in that paper. In the forenoon I took George P. Foots application for life insurance. I paid Father Griswold's bill for burying his wife. After dinner I took hams to Mr. Olmstead's to be smoked for Father Griswold. I also paid William Day for digging the grave. I mailed George Foot's application in the PM. In the evening I went to the post office and got a for Charlie Hayes from his brother William. 4/7 I rose with a headache. Having the stopover check from Edwin and wishing to go to New York, Charlie and I took the stage for Brewster at 9 o'clock. At 12 ' o'clock we took the Harlem train for the City. We arrived there between 3 and 4 o'clock after a long and tiresome ride. I was very sick when I arrived. I called at Conference at the 7th St. Curch to give Father Griswold his pen which he left at home. I gave it to Brother Burch who I found standing on the corner of 7th St. and Bowery. Charlie Hayes and I went directly to his brother William's house at 415 Hudson St. where I took to a lounge feeling very sick. [Wife] Coburn gave me a dose of salt & water which enabled me to vomit. I then took a [Ledlitze] Powder which settled my stomach. Feeling better in the evening, Charlie and I went over to Conference. When we returned about 10 o'clock we found William at home. He had just arrived from Portland CT where he had been to look after shipping goods to Chicago IL where he is going next week to open a branch store for his employer, Heath & Smith. They made a bed for us on the floor of the parlor where we retired for the night. WIlilam H. Hayes and I went over to Newark in the forenoon to see Henry M. Day. We found him in his store at no. 6 Bank St. I endeavored to get some money from him but only got $4.00, but with articles I took from his store I made it $16.50. We returned to NY and went to the offices of the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co., 201 Beroadway, where I insured William's life for $1,500 with payments to be made quarterly. It was late when we returned to his home for dinner. After dinner I wnet over to Brooklyn to see George but found he had gone to New York for Conference. I waited for his return and took tea with him at his boarding place, after which he went back with me to NY to Conference where we stayed a short time and then he walked over to Hudson St. with me where we separated. 4/9 In the forenoon I visited the home office of the Ins. Co. again and got an additional supply of documents for prosecuting the life insurance business. After dinner, I called on J. E. Chapman, 177 Grand St., the Empire Spring Bed maker. Charlie Hayes went with me to the depot for the 4 ' PM train to start for home. I there met Father Griswold whose company I had home. After arriving home I stopped at my office and left a portion of my insurance documents. After tea I returned to the office with the remainder of them. George P. Foots policy was at the house. Gussie took it from the office while I was away. 4/10 I did not attend church during the day. Gussie went down with Georgie to Sunday School and stayed in the PM. At noon I took a walk up home to see how Bell was getting along. She is gaining very fast in health. I stayed about an hour. After supper, Gussie and Hattie Mills went up to the cemetery and Georgie and I took a walk around the square via Division St. I went to church in the evening. Victor W. Bedient preached, Brother Burch being gone and our new preacher not yet come, Conference being still in session. This was the first time I heard Victor. I think he did well. 4/11 I commenced painting on my house again this morning but the rain soon drove me off. I went down to the Pahquioque shop to notify George P. Foot that his life insurance policy had come all right. He expected to be able to take and pay for it next Saturday. I then went up to Mr. Rogers jewelry store to get a top mended for Georgie. Ireceived by the morning mail a paper 'The Liberal Christian' from the President of the Homeo. Mut. Ins. Co. in which was an advertisement of the company. Also a letter from Charles Gordon of Norwich, N.Y asking about the Connecticut spring bed. He wants to sell them. I wrote in reply referring him to J. E. Chapman of 177 Grand St. After dinner I took my invoice book and T. E. Twitchell's old spring bed bills down to my office and stuck them in for preservation and reference. I dug my vegitable oysters this noon. I gave Mrs. Pond a mess of them. After tea I went to the post office to mail my letter to Charles Gordon and one to Fanny. 4/12 Before breakfast I began to rake the leaves off my door yard. After breakfast I did some insurance writing then went up town to canvas a little for life insurance. On my way home to dinner I talked with George F. Larkin on life insurance. After dinner I went down to my office then went over to see Mr. Stevens, the gardener, about coming to help Father Griswold. I found him sick with a hard cold and a boil on his neck. I took an order for a spring bed this AM from William Barlow. Paid Theodore B. Bradley, Secretary of our Sunday School $18.89, balance due the leasing of the school since I vacated the position of Secretary and Treasurer last fall. I went to A. Knox for some putty, then came home, and used some of it preparatory to painting my house. In the evening I went down to my office. Received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French from Derby CT relative to the Brooklyn Life Ins. Co. 4/13 I watched last night with Mr. Garrison. Came home about 5 o'clock this morning and rested for an hour then I got up to breakfast. After, I commenced painting my house again. I painted until noon then went up to measure R. B. Glover's beadstead for a set of springs. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and talked life insurance a little. Horace Cable came this morning to tell me that W. J. Dick of Newtown had written to him about spring beds. 4/14 I finished off this morning the raking of my south front yard. Went up to Tweedy's in the forenoon and took a mess of vegetable oysters to Charles Gunn and took his order for a spring bed. After dinner I went up town again and took an order from Walter Fairweather for his second spring bed. Bell has been down to see us for the first time since her recent sickness. This evening I wrote to W. J. Dick concerning spring beds. 4/15 Fast Day. In the morning I finished raking off my door yard. I went down to my office before dinner. In the PM while at my office, I wrote to George about selling spring beds in Brooklyn for Mr. Chapman. I then took a walk up Spring St., then on Dr. Bennet's hill, past O. H. Swift's house and then home. After tea I went down to my office for a short time. Hattie Mills brought up from Bethel this evening some horse radish which I grated before retiring. 4/16 I rode to Bethel this morning with Mr. Hopkins, spent the day there canvasing for spring beds and for life insurance. I took George S. Ferry's application for life insurance. I took dinner with Aunt Harriet and came up on the evening train. I received a letter by the evening mail from T. E. Twitchell with a letter enclosed from Charles A. Gordon to him about spring beds. I wrote a reply and mailed it before leaving my office. While in Bethel I took Saul Ambler's order for a spring bed. 4/17 Gussie having a sore throat and some indications of a fever , did not go to church. None of us attended. In the afternoon I went down to consult Dr. Bulkely about Gussie but the medicines we were giving her were correct and he ordered us to continue them. Father Griswold is to preach this evening but on account of the rain I did not go out. 4/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's factory. In the afternoon mail, I mailed George P. Foot's policy back to the home office to get 'Connecticut' inserted as it was omitted on the blank requiring Town, County State to be named as the residence of the applicant. In the evening I mailed to D.R. French a report but no money being collected I of course had none to include. 4/19 I walked to Bethel in the morning to canvas for spring beds and for life insurance. I stopped as I went at G. M. Hoyt's and at Orin Benedicts. I spent the day in Bethel. I had George S. Ferry examined for a life insurance policy by Dr. [ Mather]. I took William Lawrence's order for a spring bed. I came home from Bethel on the evening train and after going home to tea I returned again to my business office and finished up the application I took today and mailed it. 4/20 In the forenoon I talked with Edmund Allen about life insurance. Received by the morning mail George P. Foots policy which I had sent back to be corrected. I went to Bethel by the noon train to talk life insurance with the people down there. I collected from John Mead $10.00 for William A. Bedient. I took a work train up from Bethel about 6 ' o'clock. I rode on the engine and it cost me nothing. I called to see Henry Berry in the evening about life insurance and to compare notes with the Asbury Life Ins. Co. 4/21 I received George S. Ferry's policy by the morning mail. After dinner, John Crosier drove his horses with me over to Newtown for me to see W. J. Dick, landlord of the hotel, about spring beds. He had gone to New Jersey so we drove back home again by way of Bethel and was caught in a hard shower which was part hail. I received by the evening mail a letter from William H. Hayes from Chicago, his first letter to me since he went out there. Before coming home I answered it at my office and mailed it as I came home. 4/22 I took two hats for Father Griswold to the Pahquioque hat shop to be repaired. I took me all forenoon between Mallory's shop, the Pahquioque and David Manley's little shop at his house. The Drab [Cossinere] I finished over at Pahquioque Shop and had it curled by David Manley. The other being a wire brim, I took it to Mallory's . In the PM I took Georgie to walk with me and took Father Griswold's old silk hat to Manley to be renovated. With passing Walter Fairweather's house, his wife called me to take the measure of a larger bed than the one I measured last week and bring it instead. I called at A. Knox to see if his new lot of paint had arrived. I had. I stopped at my office a few minutes with Georgie and then we came home. In the evening I wrote to J. H.Swertfager and to George Purdy. 4/23 I had Andrew Knox bring me this AM 5 gallons of paint. I put in for Charles Gunn a spring bed this forenoon. At Tweedy's factory, while taking payment for the bed, I met Mr. Hoag, agent for the Brooklyn Life Ins. Co. After dinner I went down to Crofut's shop to see George P. Foot about taking his policy. I then ordered from George Bell the ' ton of coal towards payment of Life Ins. premium. I then came home and painted on my house the rest of the day. In the evening I went down to the office. I received in the evening mail a letter from George. 4/24 Fanny called me up early this morning to go for the doctor for Louisa who was taken sick last night with the pleurisy. Our new pastor, William Hatfield preached for the first time today. Gussie went today and I in the evening. After supper I went up home for Georgie. Bell took him home with her yesterday to stay overnight. I wrote and mailed a letter to George in reply to his. I enclosed to him one of my spring bed circulars. 4/25 I painted all the PM on my house. Received in the morning mail from D. R. French the receipt for Joseph T. Bates 2nd quarter premium. There was a mistake in the figures. It was filled out for $18.84 when it should have been only $12.84. I immediately re-mailed it to him to be corrected. In the evening I went to my office where I saw George B. Bell who gave me $5.00 on his policy, making now $15.00 he has paid in cash which with the ' ton of coal he brought me for $5.37 makes a total now paid of $20.50. 4/26 After breakfast I went down to Andrew Knox to see about getting my house blinds to him to be painted. From there I went to the Pahquioque shop and talked life insurance a little. Victor W. Bedient promised to insure with me pretty soon. From there I went home and resumed painting my house. I worked at it until 7 o'clock and then took tea, after which I went down to my office. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal today from a peddler for $1.00. 4/27 I stayed home all day and painted on my house. Completed the second coat. In the evening I went down to my office. Our military company paraded today and had a [Lesget] practice. 4/28 In the morning I painted the stoop at our south door and Father Griswold's privy seats and the west end of his wood house. I then called a few minutes at Paul Manley's shop and put up one of my spring bed circulars, and called a few minutes at Mallory's Shop, and also on Charles Green at Tweedy's Wool Shop to see how he liked the spring bed I sold to him. I received from the home office of Homeo. Ins. Co. the corrected receipt for Joseph L. Bates premium. I took the noon train for Bethel and delivered George L. Ferry's policy and received the money for it. I took the work train home and arrived about ' hour ahead of time of the regular passenger train. After tea I went down to my office for the evening. I mailed to Joseph T. Bates a notification of his premium being due. 4/29 Friday. In the forenoon I made a new piece of lattice work to place under the side of my piazza. After dinner I painted it with a prime coat preparatory to having it painted green with my blinds. I did a little painting for Fanny also. Before night I went into the street and cleaned the spittoon etc. in my office, talked life insurance with 2 parties. Louisa is better today. She had been very sick since last Saturday with pleurisy. Fanny took tea with us. I went to my office in the evening and wrote to T. E. Twitchell ordering 6 spring beds for Danbury and 2 for Bethel. 4/30 A white frost this morning, cool and pleasant during the day. Before dinner I took the little paint I had left down to Knox to be colored for trimming window cases and cornice. I worked late and then was unable to finish my work as expected. In the evening I went down to my office for a while.
1870-04
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1870 Entry
9pgs
5/1 Gussie attended church in the morning. Father called before noon and brought me a letter which he took from the post office last evening by mistake. It was from William H. Hayes from Chicago. After tea, Robert Cocking called a few minutes. I took Georgie and walked over home with him to see his garden. I attended church in the evening. Brother Hatfield preached from Matthew, 22nd chap., 42nd verse, What Think You of Christ, an excellent sermon. 5/2 I have worked all day till just at night painting the stoop etc to my house. I then went down to my office where I saw Luman Hubbell who paid me the renewal on Joseph L. Bates policy, $12.84. I bought ' gal. of kerosene oil and came home. I went into the street again in the evening. A canvasser for the Life of John B. Gough came into my office this evening soliciting my name for the book, but I did not subscribe. 5/3 I went down to A. Knox this morning and with his horse came home for my house blinds and took them down to his shop to be painted. In the PM I hired Mr. Judd's horse and took 6 spring beds from the depot (which came up by freight train) and delivered them. I worked until after 7 o'clock putting them in. I received pay for them all but William Barlow's and Mrs. Alice P. Ford. I had 1 ' dozen no. 2 bill hooks come in also for Mrs. Fords, Charles Hull, Harvey Osborne, and O. H. Swifts beds, 6 for each. I went down to my office after tea. I received a letter from J. H. Swertfager regarding a bill I owe him and he wants the money badly but at present there is nothing I can do for him. It commenced raining a I walked up home from my office. I walked up with Charles T. Stevens. He talked with me about attending class. Charles E. Hayes gave Gussie $10 towards his board. 5/4 I took the morning train to Bethel to put in a spring bed for Saul Ambler and for William Lawrence. Ambler is to try his before paying for it. I took 3 orders more before leaving Bethel. I walked up as far as Giles M. Hoyt's Shop and got my pay from William Lawrence, then rode from there home with Thomas Wheeler. I put in a new slat in place of a broken one for Mrs. Ford. After tea I commenced spading the garden and worked until dark. I wrote to Twitchell enclosing a check for $34.87, amount of last bill for bed springs. I also wrote to George inquiring about his going to New London to sell bed springs. Our military company went to New Haven today to participate in the inauguration of Gov. English. 5/5 I have spent the day spading my garden, getting out manure etc., except for a few minutes at noon that I spent going for seed and to deposit $34.87 in Danbury Bank to meet a check for that amount that I sent to T. E. Twichell. I planted 2 kinds of peas, [Champin] of English and the 'Advanced' , a new kind. After tea I went to the post office and to my office for a short time. 5/6 I have worked all day in my garden , planted early Rose potatoes, [Bok] seed and potato onions. In the evening I took the half of door blind (which I kept back to repair) down to A. Knox. I returned for our folks a half bushel basket to Charles Andrews, brought home ' peck of found clams. Received by the morning mail the bill receipted from T. E. Twitchell. By evening mail, received one from George regarding the spring bed business. Before retiring I wrote a reply to it. 5/7 In the morning I called at A. Knox paint shop to see about painting my blinds. I found them working at them. I then called at Pahquioque Shop to talk life insurance with William Signor and John Morris. In the PM I went up to Mallory's, to Tweedy's and to other shops. Mr. Pond and Mr. Barry commenced this PM to mover the evergreen trees in my yard onto Mr. Pond's new made building on the old lime stone ledge. They moved one of them. In the evening I met George B. Bell at my office where he paid me $6.30, the balance of the $20 for his policy and took the policy. 5/8 Gussie attended church all day. I stayed home. After supper, Father came down and stayed a short time. Georgie and I took a walk over to Robert Cocking's with Father as he went home. 5/9 I planted more potatoes, cucumbers, radishes and set out some lettuce plants which Robert Cocking gave me. I finished spading my garden and about half of the flower garden. Mr. Pond and Mr. Barry took the remaining 2 evergreen trees from my yard. In the evening I went into the street and bought a paper of Beet seed. After I returned from the street I went over to Robert Cocking's and got some string bean seed. 5/10 I finished digging the flower borders in my garden. I planted string beans and beets, also squash and radishes. I trimmed 4 of my apple trees then commenced spading the flower beds in front of the house but it began raining so hard I was compelled to stop for the day it being nearly 4 PM. 5/11 In the forenoon Gussie and Georgie went into the street to see French's Circus come in. They went into my office in Bedient's Photograph Gallery, but because of the storm they did not parade in the street. After dinner I went into the street again and talked life insurance a little. In the evening I went over to Horace C. Cables to look over our old spring bed accounts. We finally straightened up the books by his paying me $4.47 to balance accounts. 5/12 I spent most of the day talking life insurance. Sold 24 lbs of [Be] plant to J. W. Jennings. Rheumatism had troubled me towards night and this evening. 5/13 I suffered last night with rheumatic pains and have been troubled with it today. This PM I called at the Wooster House to consult the agent for Flaggs Instant Relief. He applied it to me but I can see as yet no benefit from it. 5/14 Very lame this morning with my rheumatism. I spent the great part of the day talking life insurance at Foster Bros. Shop, Rail Road shop and Sewing Machine factory. In the evening William Barlow paid me in my office $6.50 for a spring bed I put in for him last week. I talked with Mr. Morris, the music teacher about life insurance in the evening at Mr. Hamlin's store. He then walked up home with me, it being about 11 o'clock. The evening was pleasant and the air fragrant with apple and other blossoms. I felt better of my rheumatism before night. Georgie went home with Bell this PM to stay until tomorrow. Pond brought turf for the door yard. 5/15 Our folk went to church in the forenoon. I stayed home and went over to see John Bouton who yesterday cut his hand badly. Father came from church at noon to have me cut his hair. I did it. He stayed to supper. Bell came also from afternoon meeting and stayed to supper. After supper, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk over to Horace Cable. I attended church in the evening. Bro. Hatfield preached to the young men. Gussie attended also. Louisa stayed with Georgie. 5/16 I brought my house blinds from Knox's paint shop and hung them. I put the new lattice over a part and spaded the remainder of the flower bed adjoining. I commenced to mak a circular mound on the grass where I took away the 3 evergreens but had to leave it over until some other time to get a load of soil to put in it. In the evening I commenced to take Charles A. Lyons application for a life insurance policy, but in order for him to get some facts about his family history, we deferred it to be finished tomorrow evening. I bought a bottle of Potters Catarah and Headache [Stuff] of an agent on the street and a wash boiler of Charles Hull on credit and then came home. 5/17 I completed making a mound in the yard the morning. Mr. Barry sent me a load of soil with which to fill it. I went out to the sewing machine factory this forenoon to talk life insurance. I talked also with Victor Morrell. He thinks of taking a policy for $5000. While at my office this evening I wrote to the Homeo. Ins. Co. asking about dividends on a 'paid up' policy. 5/18 I have spent the day working life insurance. In the evening Charles A. Lyon called at my office and I made out his application and Dr. Bulkely examined him for the policy. Before tea I set my bean poles for Limas which I shall plant loose. This morning I took 8 lbs. of pie plant down to Ike (Isaac) Jennings. He not being in, I left it on his desk. 5/19 Went to Bethel, rode down with Joe Day on his bakers wagon, rode back at night with Charles Disbrow. I went to see Thomas Wheeler about another spring bed and to canvas a little. After taking the measure of Wheelers bed he refused to take one because the price was more than his other bought last fall, it being a larger bed. I talked life insurance a little with several parties with ta prospect of success. I did not get an order for spring beds. I received by the evening mail a letter from A. Halsey Plummer, Secretary of the Homeopathic Life Insurance Co. in reply to one written a few days ago about changing the payment of premiums from quarterly to annual. 5/20 I have spent the day working life insurance. After dinner I planted lima beans and sweet corn. In the PM I mailed Charles A. Lyons application for a $1,000 life insurance policy. As I came to tea I bought a broad brimmed straw hat to wear in the garden. I spent a part of the evening at my office. 5/21 In the forenoon I took Hawley Bradley's application for a $3,000 life insurance policy, had him examined by old Dr. Bulkely and in the PM I mailed it to the company with a letter enclosed. A thunder storm about 6 PM. Before that I went over to Robert Cockings for 6 tomato plants and set them out. In the evening I went into the street as usual to my office. 5/22 Gussie attended church in the day time. After tea, Georgie and I took a walk u to Isaac Jennings new house. I attended church in the evening. Brother Hatfield preached an excellent sermon from Jeremiah 12-15. I wrote to George and to William H. Hayes and mailed them in the evening . 5/23 In the morning I bushed my peas. I commenced painting the eave trough to my house, but not having enough paint went down to Mr. Knox for more. I received by the morning mail a policy for Charles A. Lyon. After dinner I took Frederick Bradley's application for a $2,000 life policy. I had him examined this evening and mailed it to the company. 5/24 By the morning mail I received a policy for Hawley Bradley for $3,000. After dinner I carried it to him and received the first semi- annual payment of $40.05. I then went over to the sewing machine factory to tell [Col.] Ryder about what I heard of the Ex,Methodist preacher, Mr. Stebbins, agent for the Singer Sewing Machine say about infringement. This morning I had a talk with Allen McDonald about insurance of $2,000 on his life. This evening I saw Theodore in the street and talked to him about it. I did a little marketing or rather Gussie did and I bought some sugar and then came home 5/25 In the forenoon I took George Raymond's measure of bedstead for a set of springs. It's a round rail bedstead. By the morning mail I received 2 policies for Fred Bradley, $1,000 for the benefit of his wife and $1,000 for the benefit of his children. The the PM I delivered them to him and received the premiums, $45.00. I planted radishes and parsnips. 5/26 I mowed my dooryard in the morning and carried off the grass. Adams Express's man brought me a package of blotters from the home office of the Homeo. Mutual Life Ins. Co. In the PM I canvassed for the spring bed. I went into the street as usual in the evening. 5/27 In the morning I trimmed out the walks in my yard. I then took my paint pot and went down to Knox's for a pint of paint to finish painting the underpinning to my house. I received by morning mail a letter from George stating that the curling of straw hats was now for a short time good, and until it was dull again he should not come home to sell spring beds. I also received one from D. R. French saying that upon further thinking it over, that we had better not leave life insurance for selling 'New Oil of Gladness'. I got a draft from the Danbury Bank for $102.64 and enclosed it with my report to D. R. French, which is the amount due the company for all I have collected. I also wrote to George in reply to his letter telling him to make the most of his work while he has it. I also wrote to Twitchell telling him of George not being able to go to New London at present. 5/28 It has been cold and cloudy. I rode to Bethel this forenoon on a load of lumber with Frank Agnew. I found that Mr. Terry from Bridgeport, agent for the Aetna, had insured several that I had been talking to on life insurance. I collected $7.00 from Saul Ambler for a spring bed I sold him on the 4th of the month. I then took the 3 PM train for Danbury. I came home and ate my dinner about 4 PM then went up to Hurlburt or Lacey & Downs Factory and talked with a Mr. Addis and Potter on life insurance. In the evening I went into the street to my office as usual. 5/29 I stayed at home all day as usual since my clothes have been too poor to attend church. After supper Georgie and I took a walk during which I endeavored to train him to turn out his toes while walking. I attended church in the evening to hear Bro. Hatfield preach as usual. I have felt low spirited all day, brooding over my financial affairs. I sometimes think I am nearly insane or shall be. 5/30 Decoration Day. Our Brass Band and No. 1 Humane Horse (Grand Army of the Republic) went to Bethel by special train at 9 AM to join in the Bethel procession and to decorate with flowers the soldiers graves there at 12 o'clock. They returned, the Grassy Plain Fire Co. coming with them, and at 1 o'clock the grand procession formed and proceeded first to the Catholic Cemetery then to the old burying ground up town. After which they proceeded to our large and beautiful cemetery to complete the ceremony of strewing soldiers graves with flowers. I went to Bethel in the morning and after seeing their processions form I took the train home again. I went to my office where with the time I spent in the street seeing the processions I stayed until nearly 6 PM without any dinner. I received notice from the Internal Revenue collector from Bridgeport that my license for a life insurance agency was ready for me in the hands of J. Amsbury, our Dept. Collector. A large number of people were in the street, and much driving which made it very dusty. I spent the evening at my office as usual. 5/31 In the morning I took my shoes (kid) down to Daragan's to be soled. I had a little talk with George Hull about insuring. I called a few minutes at the sewing machine factory and then at the Pahquioque Hat Factory to see George P. Foot about his policy which I am still holding for him. He cannot take it until work comes up again. Just before dinner I went up to Lacey and Downs to see a Mr. Addis again about insuring his wife's life. She objects therefore I shall not insure her. After dinner I wrote to the Home Office to see about insuring people and waiting one, two or three months for payment. I also wrote concerning the same thing to D. R. French, my General Agent. I then went out on town hill and measured for Mr. Grant's bedstead for a set o springs. I then took Center St. back, stopping at Mortimer Jennings Carriage shop. I there arranged with his blacksmith, Jerome Bishop, to come to my office this evening and have an application made out for a 20 year endowment policy on his life, which he did. This afternoon I went to Danbury Bank to J. Amsbury, the Dept. Collector, and got my license (cost $10.00) for doing life insurance business. After tea I went to my office where I met Mr. Bishop and made out an application for him.
1870-05
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 January 1865 Entry
9pgs
01/01 SUNDAY - Cold but pleasant. Sleighing good. Brother Hill preached a sermon to the children in the morning from Ecclesiastes 12:1 The children sat in the square body of the church and did the singing in the place of the choir from the Golden Chair and Shower. When Sunday School was over, I came home to take care of the bay to let Gussie go to church in the P.M. After tea, Father Purdy and Mother Griswold came in to see us. I completed a letter to George before church time and with a Harper's Weekly, I mailed it on my way to prayer meeting. 01/02 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to Cousin Eliza Humphrey in California for Gussie. I went this early in order to have it taken in the morning mail. The day has been cold but pleasant. We had but little more than a half day's work in the shop. On my way home, I called at Charles Hull's Tin Shop and got my shot pouch in which John Cable has been putting a new spring. I took my gun and went down to Blackman's to see if I could get a silver islet put in it in which the pin which holds the barrels to the stock is inserted but could not. I then took it up to Mr. Wrights to have the new part of the stock stained and varnished. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. After supper I went down to the Post Office and carried my powder flask to have John Cable put a new snap spring on it. As I came home from work, I went before the Board of Relief, but having neglected to carry in my tax list they were prevented by law from doing anything for me. I have therefore to pay tax at $1,100.00 which a list would have avoided. 01/03 TUESDAY - A very cold morning; pleasant; the weather moderated so that it snowed in the evening. George Monroe was shopped at the Pahquioque Shop today. Hatters' Meeting in the evening over Benedict & Nichol's store. I got excused early, came out, and after the mail came, walked up West Street with John Cosier. I found Hattie Mills and Edith Newman spending the evening with Gussie. 01/04 WEDNESDAY - Another snow storm last night. It cleared off before noon. The flues in the shop wanting repairs, we adjourned in the P.M. to give them an opportunity to repair them. I went from the shop and took my gun from Mr. Wright's paint shop where it was to be varnished, and carried it over to Comstock's for repairs before having it varnished. While it was at the paint shop, one of the cocks got out of order. From there, I went to John Cosier's office and bought half cord of chestnut wood. It was sent right up and I rode on the load. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 for one month's rent. Mailed Jeffersonian to George. I went into the street in the evening for my Jeffersonian and saw Ezra Wildman. He insisted upon taking a sleigh ride. Captain E.E. Wildman went with us. He carried me around to my house and I gave them a drink of cider. Then we took a ride to the upper end of Main Street. The cars then came and I went to the Post Office and came home. Preaching at the church; Gussie attended. Copperhead lecture at Concert Hall this evening. Thomas H. Seymour the lecturer. 01/05 THURSDAY - I left the shop at noon and went up to Comstock's to see if my gun was repaired. It was not done. I arranged with him to leave it with John Cosier at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and went back to the shop to work. When I left the shop at night, I went up to the Coal Office and took the gun to pieces, leaving the barrels and locks there and took the stock over to William Wright's to get it stained and varnished. Cosier paid Comstock his bill and I paid him. It was $1.50. I went to Dr. Buckley's office in the evening and borrowed a syringe to use on the baby. I went to Charles Hull's shop and got my powder flask. John Cable has been putting on a new spring. Bell went up home this P.M. Received a letter from George. 01/06 FRIDAY - It commenced raining before noon. It rained at times during the day and set in to rain steady in the evening. Our foreman V. W. Benedict went home with a sick headache at noon. Edith Newman sent the bounty check to me by Hattie Mills at the shop at noon which George sent to me enclosed in his letter. He wants the money drawn and resent to him immediately. I borrowed $10.00 of John Cosier until I can get returns from the check and in the evening, I wrote to George and enclosed a $10.00 greenback to him. I also in the evening carried my 5 gallon kerosene oil can down to Billy Wright's and ordered it filled and sent up tomorrow. On my way to Wright's, I carried Burr Bradley's meat saw home. Sold half roll of salve to Mrs. Cyrus White. 01/07 SATURDAY - Rain this morning. It began to grow cold at noon; snow in the P.M. Very blustering towards night and in the evening; thought it was pleasant in the evening. William Wright delivered the 5 gallons on oil that I engaged yesterday. I worked as long as I could see in the shop and then came home by way of Cosier's office where (after I had been over to Wright's paint shop for the stock) I put my gun together and brought it home. John shut the office and walked up with me. After tea, I went to market for Mother Griswold. Received bill for the box sent from the Postmaster. Before I retired I mended my coal riddle (sp) with brass hoops from an old hoop skirt. 01/08 SUNDAY - A cold morning, but pleasant and grew more mild through the day. An agent from the Christian Commission from the army named Powers preached for us this morning. He gave us a somewhat detailed account of the workings of the Commission with several interesting incidents, some of them quite thrilling. He being an excellent speaker made it very interesting. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon at which some arrangements were made about the Sunday School Festival to come off on Wednesday. Tickets to admit the scholars were distributed. Communion service in the P.M. Gussie went with me in the morning at came home at noon to let Bell go in the P.M. as she was to be taken into full communion with the church. After supper, Father Purdy and Mother Griswold came in to see us. A Union meeting at the 1st Congregational Church for the Christian Commission in the evening at which Mr. Powers and another man who came in with him is to speak. Gussie and Bell attended it; I stayed home and took care of Baby. Christopher Coinum (sp), a German who was in the 3 months service with me died yesterday. He had but just returned home from the Insane Retreat at Harford. His insanity was caused from working in furs and his system being filled with the quicksilver used in carroting the furs. He was buried today by the Masonic Order. Elias Sanford died this afternoon about 5 o'clock. He died of a fit while sitting in his chair. He had attended church twice today and was intending to go again this evening. 01/09 MONDAY - We rose rather late this morning. The day has been pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I retired last night with the headache, rose with it this morning, and had it all day. I worked with it until nearly 3 o'clock when they paid off and I gave up and came home. My two weeks work was $31.00 dollars. I drew $21.00 leaving to my credit $10.00, which with the $25.00 left last pay day, reduces the $60.00 dollars borrowed from Mr. Crofut to $25.00. John Cosier left the bounty check (which George sent me and which he cashed for me) in the bank to day for collection. On my way home from the shop, I called at William Wright's and paid $5.00 for the 5 gallons of kerosene oil I bought on Saturday. We had soup and milk for supper, a real treat. Teachers' meeting in the evening, but on account of headache, I did not go. 01/10 Thursday - Stormy -rain. Elias Sanford was buried today. On my way home from work at night, I called and paid John Cosier $3.25 for a .5 cord of chestnut wood delivered on last Wednesday. George Loomis's father died very suddenly today. Father bought a pair of thick leather shoes for Bell and brought them to her on his way home from work. They were too small and I changed them in the evening. He bought them at Chapman's. I paid for my Post Office box No. 300 for 6 months ending July 1st, 1865. A tea meeting or church gathering at the church in the evening to establish a sinking fund to pay the debt of over $4,000 on the church. We had a pleasant time thought the weather was stormy and on account of that, the attendance was small. Mr. Levi W. Bartram went up for Mother and Mrs. White came for Mother Griswold and Gussie. I had Bartram's team take Mother, Gussie and Mother Griswold home. We came home about 11 o'clock. Mr. Loomis' given name is Austin. He died at Lyman Keeler's with heart disease. 01/11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. We were limited to one dozen hats today. I finished just after dinner. I came home and sawed wood in the woodhouse. Sunday School festival at the church in the evening. Burr Bradley and I were doorkeepers. We opened about 6 o'clock. Mary Purdy came over and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go. Bell went also. The festival broke up about 9 o'clock. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. The church caught fire around the stove pipe. A narrow escape. 01/12 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Harriet Wheeler sent by me in the evening for 6 Jeffersonians. They were sold out at the Office, but I found them at A. Smith's, the news dealer at the Post Office. I went rather late to prayer meeting. I walked up West Street with Chittendon and John Cosier. 01/13 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. The ice has softened and the ground has been muddy. As I came home after dinner, I borrowed Parmalee and Bradley's horse and sleigh and took Mother's sheet iron stove and pipe up home. I borrowed it to use during Gussie's sickness. When I returned to the store with the team, I altered a white cat for Fred Bradley. I then rode up home with his clerk to carry some meal to Mother to make yeast cakes of. As we returned, he drove around by my house and left me. Bell went over to Oil Mill Pond skating with Henry and Anna Heinman. Jessie Stevens' wife came over and spent the day with Gussie. She stayed to tea. Charles Hull got away with again (ed. note - by his horse; see 01/18 below) today in West Street near Dr. Ryder's. He hurt his head and shin badly, but not considered dangerous, I believe. Later - have been skating this evening and had a collision with a fellow (Ed Target) and cut a bad gash in my forehead. Henry Blair came home with me and Sarah Day bound up my head with two of her handkerchiefs as soon as I was hurt. We sent for Dr. Buckley; he came and dressed the wound about half past nine o'clock which was as soon as we could send and he come. Took two pieces of beef over to Olmstead's to be smoked in the evening. 01/14 SATURDAY - It commenced snowing between 7 and 8 o'clock this morning. My head is not so sore today as I expected it would be. It is still bandaged in the blood. Could not go to work. Cannot get a hat on my head. Bell went to the Post Office for me at noon. Gussie went into the street to do some trading and pay Jane Hoyt for making over her hat in the P.M. Mrs. Daniel Starr came home with her to see the baby. Martha Stokes and her friend Miss Dyer called here about 4 P.M. and then went up to Mother Griswold's. Bell went to the store and the Post Office in the evening. 01/15 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Father having heard of my injury came over to see me before breakfast. Bell went to church in the morning and sent brother Jennings up for Mother at noon, but she got a ride with Platt (sp) Brush and came down to my house before noon so that Brother Jennings after going up home for her came around this way and got her. Bell did not come home at noon and Gussie went in the P.M. Dr. Buckley came in the forenoon and dressed my wound. I cannot go out as I cannot get a hat on my head. In the P. M., I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Weekly for mailing to him. After tea, John Cosier came to see me. He stayed until meeting time. I sent the letter and paper to the Office by him. The Baptist preacher, Mr. Stone exchanged with Brother Hill in the P.M. , so say our folks. Clark Polley of the Kentucky Conference to preach, I believe. 01/16 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Harriet, who is now staying at Mr. Townsend's came down after dinner to see me, having heard of my injuries received while skating last Friday evening. She could only stay for a few moments, she said, and would not take off her things. But as usual, she stayed between 2 or 3 hours with her things on. Mother Griswold came in while she was there. In the meantime, Mrs. Stone finished her work. I paid her her charge - 60 cents - and she went home. Baby was poorly yesterday, last night and today. Not very sick, but worrisome. He has a cold and besides, his bowels are not regular. Mother Griswold sent us down some molasses sugar, she having quite a quantity of it from a molasses keg in their cellar. I am yet unable to wear a hat and in consequence am confined in the house with my sore head. Gussie and Bell both went into the street in the evening. Gussie bought material for a baby cloak. It cost $4.75. 01/17 TUESDAY - Stormy, snow. I got Father Griswold's brush hat, which I let him have and was too small and went to the shop about 10 A.M. and took out the trimmings preparatory to finishing it over and making it larger. I went to the Jeffersonian Office and gave Ashley the particulars of my accident while skating last Friday evening so that he could mention it in his paper. I went to the shop again in the afternoon, stayed a while, and came home. Did not work on account of my sore head. Before going to the shop in the P.M., I stopped to the Factory in West Street to see Edward Target, the fellow I ran against while skating. His forehead was bruised but slightly when compared with mine. I went to the Post Office in the evening. It cleared off before I went and was colder. It snowed hard in the afternoon. 01/18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cold. I went to work in the shop for the first time since I was hurt last Friday evening. James Sparks and Eugene Conkling came to work at the shop today. Both were shopped yesterday, I believe. The Baby has the scarlet rash. He has felt poorly for several days and today the rash has made its appearance. After tea, I went into the street and called at Dr. Buckley's office and got some medicine for the baby. The paper today gives an account of the capture of Fort Fisher at Wilmington, North Carolina The troops were under General Weitzel; the storming party under General Terry. What General Butler could not do, our ___(?) generals have accomplished. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Dwight Rogers was run away with today by Charles Hull's horse. He was not hurt, I believe. 01/19 Thursday - Pleasant in the forepart of the day, and thought by some to be the coldest morning we have had yet. Cloudy in the P. M.; the weather moderated and snowed in the evening. We gave the Baby medicine during last night and today and tonight he is better; in fact to all appearances is about as well as usual. Father Griswold came home from New York today and brought a hymn book for Bell (65 cents). Gussie went to the store in the evening and got some flannels at Gillette's in the place of what was stolen few days ago that she took there to be stamped. Bell went to prayer meeting and while both were gone I took care of the baby. 01/20 FRIDAY - It snowed considerably last night, though very quietly; it cleared off before morning and the day has been lovely though somewhat cool. I had father Griswold's old hat blocked over today and intend to finish it tomorrow and see if I can make it large enough this time. I worked as long as I could in the shop as usual. After tea, I went to the Post Office and around to Olmstead's to see if my two pieces of beef were smoked; they were not yet taken out to the smoke house. I ordered them taken out tomorrow morning. 01/21 SATURDAY - Cold this morning, but the weather moderated during the day, so that now there is a prospect of snow before morning. I finished over Father Griswold's hat today to make it larger. I got it trimmed and Daniel Manley curled it for me and I brought it home with me, feeling confident that it will fit his head and give satisfaction this time. After tea, I went over to Lockwood Olmstead's for my pieces of beef which have been there to be smoked, but they were not yet out of the smokehouse. I went from there to Burr Bradley's and left the Sunday School library key as I shall not be there myself tomorrow on account of my sore head. I then went to market and waited for the train in order to get the mail if there was any for us. I walked up with Mr. Reynolds (the one-armed soldier). 01/22 SUNDAY - Pleasant; it has thawed considerable today. I have not been at church on account of having to wear a large plaster over my eye still. Bell went all day and Gussie in the P.M. I took care of Baby. After tea, I wrote to George. Before I finished, Father came in and, as usual since the birth of the baby, stayed awhile. This time he stayed until nearly meeting time. Gussie and Bell both went to meeting in the evening. I sent a letter and a Harper's Weekly by them to the Post Office to mail to George. 01/23 MONDAY - Rain all day. I worked as usual in the shop. Pay day - I had $21.00 coming. I left five to my credit towards the $60.00 borrowed of Mr. Crofut, leaving now $20.00 his due. Being tired and the weather stormy, I did not go out in the evening. The snow has wasted fast today. 01/24 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual until dark in the shop. Father Griswold came home on the morning train from one of his P. Elder's appointments and in the evening, I carried his hat up to him. It was a little too large this time, but I soon remedied that by putting some paper under the leather. I went to the Post Office and to Gillette & Baird's for Gussie. Paid Bell $1.20 for two week's help. 01/25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. On my way to work this morning, I called at Gillette & Baird's for a bunch of embroidery braid which I left there last evening by mistake. I worked as long as I could see at night in the shop. Came home by way of Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I mailed one to George in the evening; sent it to the Office by Gussie who went into the street. Bell went to Singing School at the Baptist Church, so I stayed home with Baby. George Bailey's oldest daughter was married this P.M. to a Mr. George H. Hoyt, a son of the Supt. of the NY & NH Railroad at Stamford. A splendid car from that road was sent up to convey the wedding party to Stamford. It was attached to the regular afternoon passenger train from here at 4 o'clock and 20 minutes. 01/26 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but still very cold. Harriet and Louise Jones called to see Gussie this forenoon, but I being at the shop did not see Miss Jones thought I would like to have done so very much. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lockwood Olmstead's for my two pieces of beef he had been smoking for me. I brought them home and then went to market to Dr. Buckley's for some tincture of Belladonna and Aconite and to consult him about the baby for sickness to the stomach. I waited for the mail walking up with Jonathan Reynolds. I took 8 yards of tatting (spa) to Gilbert and Baird's Store for Bell and got the pay - $1.48; Gussie went over to Frank Boughton's in the evening to carry a baby cloak home. 01/27 FRIDAY - Pleasant but still very cold. D. L. Chichester was shopped today at our (the Pahquioque) shop and Jesse D. Stevens was off on account of the sore mouth which always trouble him at the shop. It is what is called 'The Hatter's Sore Mouth'. After supper, I took my hams and shoulders over to Lockwood Olmstead's to be smoked. I put it in the corn basket and pushed it on the sled. I received by the evening mail two letters and an Old diary for preservation from George. There was a letter also for Mother and one for Harriet. 01/28 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still very cold. As I came home from the shop at night, I came by way of Mr. Hanford's Boot and Shoe and Grocery Store on White Street and bought some coffee. When I got home, I found Mother there; she had spent the day. After supper, I got Mr. McDonald's horse and sleigh and carried her home. I got some milk for her at Mr. McDonald's and gave her one of the cheeks of my hog. Bell rode up home with us and back home with me. I gave Mr. McDonald 10 cents to help me harness. I then went to market for Sunday. Bell got two more letters for me today from George. 01/29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cold, but warmer in the evening. Bell and I went to church in the morning; Gussie stayed with the baby. After Sunday school, I came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. to Sunday School Concert at the North Church. I went to church today for the first time since I got hurt while skating which was two weeks ago last Friday evening. I wrote to George in the P.M. and as I went to church in the evening mailed with the letter a Harper's and a copy of the Jeffersonian of January 1864 in which was printed a letter from him in which was a statement about Lieutenant Fred Betts ordering the body of a drowned colored marine to be rolled off the beach into the sea while the 17th Regiment was on Folly Island, South Carolina. He wanted this paper sent to him for evidence in the matter I suppose, though he says there is no difficulty about it. I also mailed an Advocate and Journal for Gussie to Cousin Eliza Humphrey in California in which was printed the death of her Father. Brother Hill preached in the evening, after which there was a short prayer meeting. Bell stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie and I go. Father came down to see us as usual after tea. 01/30 MONDAY - Pleasant and warmer; it thawed considerably in the middle of the day. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Bell went to the Sewing Society in the evening in the company of Louise Vintz up to Brother Bartram's. David Bradley called in the evening to get a carpenter's tool called a plough that was Abel's. Harriet being away, I went up to Father Griswold's barn and got it for him. While he was here, he helped me fix the lock to my front door. He brought home Harriet's glue pot which he borrowed when he repaired my gun. Took extracts from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I did this just before retiring. The seats in the church were rented this P.M. at 1 o'clock. Mrs. Bradley and Gussie went and the same seats for Burr and me for another year. The price has been advanced $2.00 making it now $8.00. 01/31 TUESDAY - Still warmer today. Cloudy at times during the day and evening. The bursting of the Kohanza water pipe near Concert Hall completely flooded Main Street near the Wooster House this morning. In consequence, the water was shut off from that section and many of the factories that depend on the water for steam purposes had to shut up. The boiler at the Pahquioque could not be supplied with water and consequently no steam could be had to warm the trimming room and the trimmers came up into the finishing room with us and worked around the two long tables there. Just at night, however, they got the old force pump at work which draws water from the brook and will be independent of Kohanza tomorrow if it affords us no water. On my way to work this morning, I left a letter at the Jeffersonian Office for Publication from Cosmopolite (George). I went late to prayer meeting in the evening and talked with Brother Hill after meeting about gathering some new Sunday school library books.
1865-01
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal March 1865 Entry
10pgs
03/01 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Very appropriate weather for spring. I am feeling better now. Yesterday and today I have felt as well as usual and have worked hard. On my way home from work at night, I came by the way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought a dozen eggs of Jacob Fry at the shop today for 40 cents. He was to leave them at the house but the folks being out, he left them at the back door in a small basket. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at John (illegible). Fanny came down and got Georgie to sleep while Bell washed her dishes. I went to class and mailed a Jeffersonian to George as I went. Louise came down and stayed with Bell while we were gone. Bell went up home today. She went about 10 o'clock A.M. and stayed until 3 o'clock. The Jeffersonian today had George's letter giving an account of the capture of Captain Quien and others at 'Salina's Ball' 11 miles from St. Augustine. Also the capture of a wagon train and its guard of 35 men while out on an expedition for cotton. The Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsen Adjutant Chatfield, Captain French and Captain Fred Betts accompanied the expedition. The Lieutenant Colonel and Adjutant were killed; the others excepting 6 men were captured with the train. Mrs. Stone brought me a hat to finish for (illegible). When I came home from work, she was here with it. 03/02 THURSDAY - A little flutter of snow last night. Cloudy today with a little snow in the P.M. which turned mostly to rain in the evening. I finished (illegible) Stone's hat today and got it as far as the trimming room. Burr Rockwell and William Norman were shopped today at the Pahqioque. My head felt bad again today arising doubtless from a disordered state of the stomach, but it did not drive me from work I came home from work via Raymond's and bought a large flatfish for my breakfast in the morning. I found a letter in the Post Office for me from George; also one for Mother from him and another for her from 'Ansonia', who it is from I do not know. Enclosed in mine was one of mine which I wrote him returned for preservation. It was the one I wrote speaking of the Constitutional Amendment in Congress abolishing slavery. In the evening, I commenced an answer to his. He spoke of having started a box to Widow Wilcox containing Charles' effects in which was a segar box containing something for me. As I returned from the street in the evening, I called at Mrs. Wilcox to see if the box had arrived, but it had not. 03/03 FRIDAY - It rained hard this morning. Cleared off just at night. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed a letter to George. Bell went up home this P.M. and carried the two letters to Mother which I took from the office last evening. One was from George; the other was from Uncle Stephen's wife. I brought home the hat for (illegible) Stone which I finished yesterday. Mrs. Stone came in while we were at tea. She paid me $1.00 for finishing and trimming and took it home with her. I learned that Mr. Valentine has sold his place joining me to Mr. Pond the middle district school teacher. Gussie opened some oysters which lay down cellar and we had stewed oysters for supper. I made some egg cider in the evening, the first I have made this season. Mrs. Wilcox received the box containing Charlie's effects today which George packed and sent to her. In it was a segar box containing some things for me or for me to preserve for him. It was 3 sea beans, a piece of Fort Marion, a piece of the old Spanish Treasury Chest left by them in the fort, a piece of the old Plaza Flag, a piece of lightning rod from the M.E. Church in St. Augustine, marble from Rebel mansion found on John's Island, South Carolina, some other relics with a book called 'The Letter Writer' and some old letters sent home for preservation. 03/04 SATURDAY - The inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson for President and Vice-president of the United States. It rained hard last night and this morning. It was understood last night that we should work until noon today and then spend the rest of the day in celebration of our late victories and the Presidential Inauguration. The bells were all rung at sunrise and again at noon with the firing of a national salute. It being stormy, I worked until nearly night in the shop. It was designed to have a procession and an illumination in the evening but the storm induced the committee of arrangements to postpone the affair. But when evening came, the people assembled and would have a time anyhow. So the Concert hall was opened and the people rushed in and filled the house. We had the Drum Corp. there and speaking by Jackson, Smith, Barnum, Lieutenant Governor Averill, D. P. Nichols, Shepard and Peter Holmes. We had singing also under the direction of George Stephens, Jackson and Barnum. We had a real jollification and broke up by singing 'Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow'. It cleared off colder and windy just at night. Bell stayed with Georgie and Gussie attended the jollification with me. 03/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant and spring-like. I heard bluebirds for the first time this morning. Brother Hill being sick, there was no preaching this morning, but a prayer meeting instead. Feeling hungry and tired, I came home after Sunday School. James Parmalee, my assistant librarian being absent, I got Edward Barnum to take his place. Sherman Disbrow last night or this morning, took laudanum and through the day, they have little hope of his life. He has the migraine very badly which are growing upon him very fast and he doubtless took it to commit suicide and thereby end his misery I mailed a Harper's weekly to George as I went to evening meeting. Chaplain Ambler preached for us in the P.M. Gussie was there but I was not. Gussie stayed home in the evening and wrote to George in my stead. After evening meeting, Harry Barry told me that Mr. Disbrow was better and the doctor thought he would recover. 03/06 MONDAY - It froze quite hard last night. Pleasant today. On my way to the shop this morning, I mailed a letter to George written by Gussie. I am now on drab work at the shop for the first time in a long while. I had the first dozen on Saturday. The papers today give an account of the inauguration at Washington last Saturday. It states that the new Vice-President Andrew Johnson was badly intoxicated and disgraced himself and the nation by attempting to make a speech. If it is true, it is most certainly a national disgrace. The papers also state that the rebel General Early and his command have been captured by General Sheridan. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter for Father Griswold. Bought 1 lb. milk crackers for Mother G., bought a pocket comb for myself and some pickled tripe for our breakfast, the first I ever bought. Before retiring, I made some egg cider. I engaged - bbl. Of Crofut's Best wheat Flour while downtown. 03/07 TUESDAY - It froze quite hard again last night, but the day has been pleasant and has thawed considerably. I worked hard as usual all day in the shop. Gussie went up to my mother's this P.M. While we were at tea, Theodore Brothwell called to inquire about the place on the corner which Father Griswold used to own to see if it could be rented. I think he wants it for his Father who I understand is to move from Mill Plain into town this spring. After tea, I went to market for sugar, eggs, beef steak and to pay Crofut for bring me # barrel of flour- $7.50 I had black hats weighed out again today. 03/08 WEDNESDAY - It did not freeze a particle last night; there is but little snow left. Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain but it finally came off pleasant. On my way home from work at night, I got a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. It was in reply to one I wrote on the occasion of the birth of Georgie. Gussie went up home to her Mother's this P.M. and drew Georgie down in his carriage, the first time he ever rode in it. I went to market in the evening and to class but did not get there until after the meeting was over. It was then raining and John Cosier and I sat a while in the classroom until the mail was opened and then came home. Mrs. O.H. Smith was suddenly taken sick this P.M. For a while it was thought she would die. The trouble was a miscarriage. The last of our winter's course of lectures was delivered this evening by G. W. Curtis - subject 'Political Infidelity'. Gussie went with her father and Fanny. It commenced raining hard after the lecture commenced and before it was over, I went down with umbrellas for them and came home with Gussie after listening to the last part of the lecture. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. 03/09 THURSDAY - Stormy last night and today. I have not felt very well today. My bowels have troubled me. I have made out to work all day however. I repaired the latch and bolt on our back door before breakfast. Mr. Samuel Hancock and Susan Watson came to Father Griswold's this P.M. on the freight train. Father Griswold married them at 8 o'clock in the evening. Gussie and I were there, having left the baby with Bell. We came home about 10 o'clock after Gussie and the others had seen Susan in bed. Mr. Hancock went to his room as we came home. 03/10 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and today. It cleared off in the P.M. On my way to work this morning, I bought a piece of beef for Father Griswold's folks and sent it up. 6 lbs. and 6 ounces at 22 cents - $1.40. I commenced on drab work again today. I worked rather late at the shop. When I came home, Gussie and Bell were drinking their tea. Bell went to the Sunday School Singing School at the Baptist Church in the evening. The singing is under the leadership of Nathaniel Barnum. I, having a severe headache did not go out in the evening. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Mr. and Mrs. Hancock came down and spent the evening. I made some egg cider. Fanny who went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. John Rowan's called when she returned. 03/11 SATURDAY - It froze last night quite hard. Sick headache, not able to go to work. Mended Gussie's work box and Eddie's picture frame. The bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hancock left for Brooklyn this afternoon. Gussie and Fanny went to the depot with them. Gussie did the marketing and got my two Harper's Weeklies while she was down. I soaked my feet and shampooed my head in the P.M. I ate nothing at noon; after tea, I felt better. Bell went up home after tea and from there went to the Post Office and returned about nine o'clock. Before retiring, I was entirely free from headache. 03/12 SUNDAY - Pleasant but very blustering in the A.M., a little more quiet in the afternoon. I attended church all day. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach, so Brother Crawford preached in the morning and administered the Sacrament in the P.M. It was so cold in church this morning that I left the preaching and went downstairs and sat by the fire. I have felt chilly all day at church. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon at which a collection was taken of $3.03 with which $15.65 taken in the morning at the preaching service for the same purpose amounts to $18.72 towards paying a bill of over $30.00 for Library books. Gussie attended in the P.M. Bell did not attend at all. Before tea, Mother Griswold came down a short time, but we soon left her (Gussie and I) and took a walk up to my Father's. He is sick with a head cold. There we found Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank. Mr. (illegible) and Jennie Tweedy and another lady were there making a call on Harriet. We walked down with Aunt Louisa and Frank. They stopped long enough to let Gussie nurse Georgie and then they all and Bell with them went to the Disciples' Church to hear a man give descriptions of the battlefields, etc. Fanny Griswold took Harper's Weekly to the Post Office for me and mailed it to George. I paid John Cosier at noon $5.00 towards my seat rent for another year. I also gave Eliza Hill $1.00 towards making up a purse for our preacher (Brother Hill). 03/13 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning with appearance of a storm. A cold night last and this morning, but the weather moderated during the day so that this evening the thermometer stands at 50 degrees on the north side of Father Griswold's house and out of doors at that. The sun has shone pleasantly this afternoon and the moon rose in the evening looking red and warm. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Bell came down to the shop this forenoon to get my dirty overshirt to be washed. I worked hard all day in the shop. Teacher's meeting in the church in the evening, but I did not attend. I went up to Robinson's to get one hand of my watch straightened. I waited for the mail and came home. I brought home a letter for Harriet Wheeler, but it proved to be for another Harriet Wheeler and not for her. Mr. Cocking brought some things here today for Mr. Lyne's preparatory to coming back this spring. 03/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I returned a letter to the Post Office as I went to the shop this morning which was taken out for Harriet Wheeler but belongs to another Harriet Wheeler in town. I finished a dozen hats for Lucius Wildman today. He brought them there to be finished and the foreman weighed them out to me. I was on drab hats and there not being enough faced for a full day's work was compelled to stop about 2 o'clock and wait until tomorrow morning. I came home by way of John Cosier's office and sat there awhile with him. In the meantime he showed me his patent fixtures for a bed. From there, I came home and trimmed my apple trees. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Burr Bradley's to learn how to make cone picture frames. I went to class which met with Brother Charles Stevens instead of tomorrow evening on account of a temperance lecture which is to come off. We had a good meeting. It was something of a prayer meeting with all. Every Brother there offered a prayer in the course of the meeting. From the meeting, I went over to Burr Bradley's and came home with Gussie. 03/15 WEDNESDAY - Warm and cloudy - threatening rain all day and commenced just at night. I heard a robin and saw a crow blackbird for the first time this morning. I came home before night on account of being up with the facers. Bell went up home and spent the day. She got some milk over to Ira Dibble's and carried it up to Harriet. Father is sick with a head cold and not able to work. I brought a little cut shellac from the shop to put where I trimmed my trees. I also commenced to scrape from the bodies all the moss and loose bark but did not finish. As I came home from the shop, I got our coffee pot from Charles Hull's which I left there last evening to be mended. Before retiring, I fitted glasses to picture frames for Gussie. They are plain and are to be coated with cones and shells. 03/16 THURSDAY - Georgie is four months old today. Cloudy in the forenoon # pleasant in the P.M. # warm and windy. On my way to work this morning, I mailed the Jeffersonian to George. I worked as long as I could see in the shop tonight. Gussie called to see Mrs. Swift this afternoon. I went down town in the evening and got Father's Jeffersonian for Bell to take up to him when she goes home again. He is not able to go for it himself. I also lent the #Chart of Life# to Mrs. Swift. Before retiring, I made some egg cider. Gussie called on Widow Bishop in the evening to see if she could do some sewing for her. 03/17 FRIDAY - #St. Patrick's Day in the morning.# Cloudy this morning. It soon came off pleasant but very windy. In the P.M. a new bench came for me which had been ordered for several days. I took up the old one and put it down and finished four Nutria hats on it before I quit work. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Stephen Holmes'. I went to the market and to the Post Office where I got two letters from George written February 27th and March 12th. He gave an account of the capture of Charleston. Enclosed was a card picture of the bombardment of Charleston. I got a letter for Bell and one for Mother from him at the same time. Bell is to take Mother's to her tomorrow. Bell went up home today. Father is still poorly. While she was there, Dr. Skiff came to see him, he having been sent for. Before retiring, I answered George's letters. I enclosed $6.00 for him until he gets paid off. He is out of money and has 6 months' pay due him from the government - $96.00. 03/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant but windy again. The wind rose with the sun and went down with it again. Before breakfast, I sent Bell down to the Post Office to mail a letter to George with $6.00 enclosed. Gussie went to the Savings Bank this afternoon and had the money which was deposited for Eddie transferred to Georgie's name. She deposited $1.00 with which but added makes $5.80 now standing to George's credit. Bell went up home this morning. Dr. Skiff was there and examined Mother's chest and pronounced it a tumor on the main artery of the heart or aneurism as the difficulty is called. Gussie caught Bell in a fit of anger shaking and striking Georgie today. She was very sorry and penitent after it. She confessed her wrong and asked Gussie to forgive her. I think she has learned her lesson and will not do it again. I went to market in the evening and borrowed some stain for the edges of the picture frames which Gussie is going to cover with cones and shells. I received the Jeffersonian from George today which I sent him some time ago to refer to for some purpose. I paid Dr. Brown 6 cents last night due on a letter from George. Before retiring, I stained the edges of the picture frames for Gussie. 03/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Not so windy as yesterday. Georgie cried a great deal last night and kept us awake. We rose late on that account. I did not go to church in the morning, but went down in time for Sunday School. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking and Mrs. Courtney called to see Gussie at noon while I was at Sunday School. I met them coming as I went away to church. I was so busy at the Library that I could not get upstairs to the preaching until after 2 o'clock. After tea, I took a nap in the rocking chair. As I went to evening meeting, I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George. It was a union meeting of all denominations except Catholic at our church to take measures to assist the freedmen of the South, sending aid in the shape of clothing, cooking and farming utensils, etc. A Mr. Guilder from New Canaan preached for us today and opened the meeting in the evening. After the opening exercises, David P. Nichols was appointed to preside over the meeting. Dr. Hawley was there and made the first speech after Mr. Guilder. 03/20 MONDAY - It sprinkled a little this morning and there was some prospect of rain, but it came off pleasant and warm. Mrs. McNeil came to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed to tea. Mr. McNeil (who is painting for Father Griswold) stayed to tea also. Gussie, Bell and Louise went up on Deer Hill to Fathers in the evening to carry a Spanish Rooster which Mother Griswold gave them to put with their hens. From there they went to the Post Office and home. While they were gone, I commenced a letter to George, informing him of what I have further found out about Edith's getting married. Horace Crofut's wife called this P.M. to bid goodbye to Father Griswold's folks who she heard were going to move away, that they had sold their place, etc. It is all false. She took it from the false publication in the Danbury Times that he had sold for $5,000 to Mr. Pond, when it was the place that he had formerly owned that was sold by Mr. Valentine to Mr. Pond for $2,500. 03/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm as June. I got tired out about 2 o'clock and left the shop. I worked around the yard a little, scraping apple tree bodies, etc. I got something from a dwarf pear tree in my eye, which caused severe pain until evening. Gussie and Bell went up home and drew Georgie in his carriage. They stayed to tea and I waited until after lamplight for my supper. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and a mortgage deed to Edwin for Father Griswold. William Bennett came home from the army today. He brought his horse with him. I brought a quart of bourbon whiskey in the evening of Parmalee & Bradley for $1.60. A telegraphic dispatch this P.M. from New York that gold was at 134; the evening papers put it at 133. Father came down to see us today. He was tired out when he got here. He is not yet very strong. 03/22 WEDNESDAY - A thunder shower about 7 o'clock this morning, though there was but a sprinkling of rain. The thunder was quite heavy. I have commenced taking a little bourbon whiskey each day. I took a little with me to the shop and found it a decided benefit. I was able to work all day, whereas yesterday I had to stop after dinner. David Mills came up to make us a call today; he came on the morning train. He took dinner up to Father's and spent the afternoon with Gussie. He came from the depot and called me at the shop before going up home. In the evening, I finished my letter to George, giving him what information I could about Lieutenant Colonel Goodyear of the 10th C.V. What I learned about him, I got from the Connecticut War Record of March. I also mailed to him the Jeffersonian. Blustering and cooler in the P.M. and evening. 03/23 THURSDAY - Snow squall this morning and some rain. The remainder of the day was clear, but the wind blew hard. I took a physic last night (Fig Paste) the effect of which I feel today. Fred Lockwood died this morning about 2 o'clock. I worked late though I did but little and was very tired when I came home. After tea, I took a nap on the lounge. Paid Bell $1.00 for 2 weeks wages at the tea table. It was due yesterday. (Gap in the diary Pgs. 208-209 missing). Continuation of 03/26 SUNDAY - a while and then I went up home to see Mother who for two or three days past has been worse. I returned home in time for meeting and found Mrs. Stone (who works for us) there with her little girl making a call. Gussie not wanting to go to prayer meeting, I went myself and mailed as I went a Harper's weekly to George. 03/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop, I went with Gussie to Dr. St. John's to get a tooth extracted which has kept her awake nights for some time. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Bell came down to take care of the baby that Gussie might go to Mary Olmstead's funeral in the P.M. George Blissard's child was buried today also. I worked so late in the shop that I got locked in. I unbolted the side door and went out. Fred(erick) Douglass, the colored speaker lectured here this evening. (Subject 'Equality Before The Law'). I thought of going to hear him but did not. Just previous to the lecture, Abram Blissard came along by Benedict & Nichol's store and insulted Mr. Shepard, the Universalist preacher, possibly on account of his Union sentiments. Blissard is one of the meanest of the mean Copperheads. Levi W. Bartram standing by, took Mr. Shepard's part and gave Blissard a push which sent him nearly off the walk, at the same time giving him to understand that he must mind his own business and not insult peaceable citizens. I went to Dr. Buckley's office in the evening to consult about the baby, a difficulty of the bowels. No evening papers. Mrs. Todd died this morning instead of yesterday. 03/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. While scraping moss from my fruit tree before breakfast, the old chair on which I was standing broke and let me down. I carried a piece of fig paste to Daniel Manly this morning to let him try it in place of other physic which he has been in the habit of taking. I also gave him the recipe to make it. D.L Chichester called the shop on Theodore Lyon today for running (?) him out of a heater as he claimed. I worked in the shop as late as I could see. When I came home, I found Miss English at our house waiting for Curtis Bennett to come for her to take her home with him to do some sewing for his family. She stayed to tea. Georgie has a cold and some cough. I called at Dr. Buckley's in the evening to consult about it. I bought some smelt for breakfast and walked up West Street on my way home with Mr. Shepard, the Universalist preacher. 03/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. We had smelt for breakfast. Mrs. Todd was buried this P.M. Dr. Buckley's wife and Mrs. Daniel Starr called to see Gussie this P.M. Mrs. Starr stayed to tea. On my way home from work, I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got the papers for fathers Griswold and Purdy and my own. I brought home a good quality of brown sugar # 5 lbs. for $1.00. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. I went to market and the Post Office; was too late for class and came home. The evening Post quotes gold at 152. 03/30 THURSDAY - Stormy. Before breakfast, I picked up and carried off from my yard the trimmings from my apple trees. The uppers to my old boot bottoms which I wear in the shop gave out today and I brought them home and got Mr. Richards to mend them in the evening. I went to the Post Office in the evening. The evening Post quotes gold at 150 1/4. Henry Burroughs came home on the evening train. He was a member of the 15th regiment, Connecticut Volunteers and was taken prisoner in North Carolina short time since. He was for 4 days a prisoner in Richmond at Libby Prison. 03/31 FRIDAY - Stormy all day. Rain and snow together in the evening. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. Gold by the evening paper was quoted 151. Perrin speaks for the democracy at Concert Hall this evening. It cleared off between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening. When we retired the moon and stars shone splendidly.
1865-03
Western Connecticut State University