Horace Purdy Journal, December 1860 Entry
7pgs
DECEMBER 01 – SATURDAY – No work in the shop. I spent most of the AM in drawing up anew the Librarian’s Account Book. I bought of Charles Bennett some composition for sealing up cider bottles. We took tea with Mother Griswold. We both went into the street in the evening, Gussie to Mary Hoyts’ to see about a new hat and I to market and to Moses’ for my overcoat which he has been repairing. DECEMBER 02 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Somewhat cool and windy. We rose so late this morning that we had to neglect prayers in order to get to church on time. Brother Pegg preached an excellent sermon to the Sabbath School in the morning. His text was “And Jesus called a little child unto Him.” Brother Lovejoy from New York was with us at the Sabbath School. He opened the school with a hymn and a prayer. It was good to see him again in our school. He has grown old in looks very fast since he resided here with us. Brother Pegg preached a good sermon in the PM. His text was “For I am not afraid of the Gospel of Christ”, Romans 1, first clause of the 16th verse. The church was crowded and all seemed much interested. He entered into his theme with ardor and all his soul. He seemed to be inspired from on high. We called over to Mother Griswold’s before meeting in the evening time and walked down to meeting with her. Brother Pegg styled the meeting a Thanksgiving Prayer Meeting. A few prayers were made and then it was devoted to speaking. A good number spoke, but there was not as much freedom as there should have been. Notwithstanding, we had a good meeting. DECEMBER 03 – MONDAY – The third anniversary of my wedding. I went to the shop in the morning, but found nothing to do and came home and spent the remainder of the day painting my fence. Mother Griswold and Fanny took tea with us. I went to the Post Office in the evening and came directly back. The day has been pleasant and cool. DECEMBER 04 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. It commenced snowing about 9 o’clock and continued all day. It is our first snow storm. I put hinges on Mother Griswold’s ottoman boxes in the forenoon. We had dinner over to her house. David Knowles called after dinner to see Mr. Smith. He was not home, so David stayed awhile with me. I went with George over to George Starr’s shop and made a cabinet for curiosities for him. Gussie and I filled it with a lot of trash in the evening and went over home with it to her folks. DECEMBER 05 – WEDNESDAY – I swept paths this morning for the first time this winter. The snow was about a foot deep on the level. The day has been pleasant and sleigh bells have jingled briskly for the first time. I swept paths for Mother Griswold also in the morning. The President’s Message came out in the paper today. We had tea over to Mother Griswold’s. I went to class in the evening. DECEMBER 06 – THURSDAY – Having nothing to do in the shop, we rose rather late. Our new stove, The Northern Light, came today. Mother came down in the PM. Mother Griswold and Fanny came over and stayed to tea. I attended prayer meeting in the evening. DECEMBER 07 – FRIDAY – I went into the street in the AM and got my pot of butter at Graham Hull’s – 24 ¾ lbs. for $6.19, I got one yard of oil cloth for the parlor stove and bound it myself. In the PM, I called on Robert Sayers, the Treasurer of the Danbury Cornet Band and got $9.00 from the Wooster Light Guards for the rent of the hall. I called at the shop and came home. I attended drill in the evening. There was not a quorum there to do any business. I paid the $9.00 to A. Knox, the Treasurer. DECEMBER 08 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. It snowed a little in the AM. I spent the day around home. I bottled cider in the PM. I went to a special Hatters’ Meeting in the evening to take into consideration the adoption of uniform bills of price as prescribed by the National Association. DECEMBER 09 – SATURDAY – Mild and pleasant for December. Brother Pegg preached in the AM from 1st Peter, 1, first clause of the 19th verse. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon, a large attendance, every seat was filled. Brothers MacDonald and Lovejoy talked to the school. Sacrament in the PM. There was a full attendance. Six were taken in on probation besides four who were baptized and two who were taken into full connection. We attended church in the evening. Brother Pegg preached from 1st Corinthians, 3, last of the 27th verse. Subject, “How to be rich”. A good sermon. DECEMBER 10 – MONDAY – No work in the shop. I took a sleigh ride around town in the morning with David Knowles. George came home with me to dinner and I finished bottling my cider in the PM. Father Griswold came home on the freight train severely afflicted with Salt Rheumatism on his ankles. I went to market in the evening. Mrs. Smith came down and spent the evening with us. It commenced snowing in the forenoon and it turned to rain in the PM. DECEMBER 11 – THURSDAY – Nothing to do in the shop. I spent most of the forenoon at Mr. Woodward’s shop reading The Tribune and talking politics with Mr. Bailey, his jeweler. After dinner, I took a nap and then went to Mr. Hanford’s with Gussie for a pair of Morocco and rubber shoes. I went to class in the evening. Ours met with Brother Charles Stevens tonight because of the lecture tomorrow night. It was icy this morning. Pleasant all day. DECEMBER 12 – WEDNESDAY – No work in the shop. I walked downtown in the forenoon after the mail was opened. I called at the Office and came home. In the PM, I went over to George Starr’s shop and got out two pieces to put on the bottom of my South and West doors to prevent the storms from driving in under them over the sills. The remainder of the time, I spent in reading my paper. Mother Griswold came in a little while in the evening. I went into the street for some kerosene oil. DECEMBER 13 – THURSDAY – I have had work in the shop today for the first time since Thanksgiving. We started to go to meeting in the evening, but Gussie, having to go to Mr. Hanford’s to change a pair of shoes, it made us too late for the meeting. I carried a correspondence to the editor of the Jeffersonian for Father Griswold. I called at Mr. Woodford’s to look at frames for photographs and then I came home. I then went over and bought for Mother Griswold 2 ½ bushels of coal from the cellar and filled her coal box for her. It has been a cold day and a prospect of a very cold night. DECEMBER 14 – FRIDAY – A very cold night last night. Cold today. I worked in the shop all day. Mr. Crofut sent me a half bushel of flour. He can get no money just now on account of the Panic. He had an opportunity to buy some flour on time and he bought it so that his men could have some flour until money could be had. I bought 3 lbs. Of raisins of him also which were very nice, some which he took in of a peddler for some hats. Father Griswold went away this afternoon, notwithstanding that he is severely afflicted with the Salt Rheumatism again. In taking my watch from the nail at the shop tonight, I dropped it, breaking the crystal. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at E. S. Davis’ and I went to drill in the evening. DECEMBER 15 – SATURDAY – It was very cold last night. It has moderated a little today, I think, though it is pretty cold yet. I went to the shop in the morning and finished one hat which was left over from yesterday and then waited all day until night expecting every half hour to get a dozen, but went home without getting a single hat. While winding my watch last night, I broke the main spring. I left it at Mr. Woodford’s in the morning. It was repaired when I came from work at night, but not having enough money to pay for it, I left it. I attended a special Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Brother Maynard being absent, I was appointed Secretary Pro Tem. The principal business was to make arrangements for our coming anniversary and exhibition on Wednesday evening, December 26. DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday. It has thawed a little. H. F. Pease of Bethel preached for us all day. Brother Pegg exchanged pulpits with him. Text in the morning, Matthew 27:22. A Mr. Skinner was with us in Sabbath School. He is traveling around introducing good literature to the reading public and also in laboring in Sabbath Schools in which he takes a great interest. He talked to our school for a short time after the lesson to the edification and acceptance of all. Text in the PM, Luke 15:2. I liked his preaching today better than ever before. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Mr. Wing from Goshen was there and exhorted at some length. He talked well. DECEMBER 17 – MONDAY – Today is the day for the Secession Convention in South Carolina. I have had work in the shop. I went to market in the evening and called with Gussie at the church where the Sunday School were met to rehearse for the Anniversary. I bought a string of suckers of Noah Hoyt and came home and dressed them before I retired. DECEMBER 18 – TUESDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but there was nothing to do. I finished and had trimmed a hat for David Knowles’ father and then had Nelson Nickerson come home with me to dinner. We sat and talked awhile and then I went up home for my skates, thinking that we would go over to the pond for a short time, but I spent the whole PM looking them up as George had lent them out. About 4 o’clock, we went over to Col. White’s pond and I skated about tem minutes and then we went to our homes. I had a headache nearly all the PM, but it then ached severely. George came down about 6 o’clock and I cut his hair for him. DECEMBER 19 – WEDNESDAY – On my way to the shop in the morning, I carried a chicken and a winter squash to Mother White. There being no work in the shop, I came home and after dinner, went to Col. White’s pond and skated awhile. I did not attend clads in the evening, but stayed at home and helped Gussie chop and mix mince for pies. It rained a little in the evening. DECEMBER 20 – THURSDAY – It rained last night and the early part of the day. Very icy this morning. I went to the shop, but there was no work. Gussie having gone up home to spend the day, I went too. We stayed to dinner which we had about 4 o’clock and came home just after dark. We did not attend the Prayer Meeting in the evening. Abel’s pork having come, he made us a present of a spare rib. Mother gave Gussie a bed quilt before we came home – one which she promised when we were married. DECEMBER 21 – FRIDAY – Pleasant and warm with some mud. No work in the shop. The daily paper brings us news today that South Carolina passed her Secession Ordinance. I finished painting my front fence in the PM. Harriet and David Mills and Caroline and George came to tea and spent the evening. I went to drill in the evening. The company adjourned until the first Friday in April with the exception of the Quarterly Meeting in January. I came home and popped some corn for the cousins and visited with them until after ten o’clock when they went away, Harriet to her boarding place and David, Caroline and George went up home. DECEMBER 22 – SATURDAY – Rain last night and until nearly night today when it cleared off cold. I have had work in the shop – one dozen of 7/. Mr. DeOssy of Norwalk called on me at the shop to get me to canvass the town for subscriptions to the Sunday School Times. I received a letter from D. F. Hickok, the Patented Folding Clothes Dryer man, in answer to one I wrote to him about the agency for the dryer. I went into the street in the evening and got trusted for two undershirts at Stevens & Hoyt’s. DECEMBER 23 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Skinner, who is studying for the ministry and now canvassing for subscriptions to the Atlantic Monthly, preached for us in the morning. Text, Hebrews 12:1. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from 1st Peter 1:7. After the service, I went with Mother over to Dr. St. Johns to get a tooth extracted. After tea, we called over to Cousin Frances Boughton’s, who is sick with the quinsy. We attended church in the evening. Brother Pegg gave us a Christmas sermon. Text, Revelations 22, the last clause of the 16th verse – The Bright and Morning Star. DECEMBER 24 – MONDAY – Cool and windy. I have had one dozen hats today - /7. Mr. Crofut paid us a little money for the holidays. I drew $3.00. We went down to the church for a short time in the evening, where the children were rehearsing for the Anniversary. From there, we went up to Mr. Rowan’s store to see the Christmas toys and the purchasers. Father Griswold came home today. DECEMBER 25 – TUESDAY – I rose early and Peter Starr, Henry Hoyt, George and myself took George Starr’s double team and went down below Mountain Pond after evergreens to dress the church with. We came back about 11 o’clock. I went to work in the shop in the PM. I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 26 – WEDNESDAY – On my way to the shop in the morning, I stopped to have Dr. Bulkley call and see Father Griswold who is severely afflicted again with Salt Rheumatism. On my way from the shop at night, I went after Mother Griswold’s puppy at an Irishman’s, Thomas Sproul. In the evening, we had our Sunday School’s Anniversary. It was a complete success, notwithstanding the hard times. The church was crowded. The Christmas tree was a fine affair. DECEMBER 27 – THURSDAY – I have had one dozen of hats to finish today. I finished them just after dinner. There being no more ready for today, I came home. I went to market in the evening and bought a chicken. It was reported when the evening train came in that Fort Moultry at Charleston, South Carolina was on fire the guns spiked and a train laid to blow it up. Stephen Morris was buried in the PM, also, John Hedge, who died in his chair so suddenly. DECEMBER 28 – FRIDAY – A pleasant day. The report which we had last night is corroborated by the papers today. Major Anderson spiked the guns and burned the gun carriages and retreated to Fort Sumter to strengthen his position. It would now be impossible for any force, however large, to take Fort Sumter, even with the Major’s small force .The South Carolinians are indignant at the movements of Major Anderson, for they calculated to take Fort Sumter from the government themselves. I have had work in the shop but left about 2 o’clock to come home and eat a Christmas Dinner with Father and Mother Griswold and father and Mother Purdy, George and bell. We had a very pleasant time. In the evening, Abel and Harriet came over and they went with George and myself over to Col. White’s pond to skate. We returned early and finished the evening with old folks. DECEMBER 29 - SATURDAY – Cloudy and the appearance of snow. I have had work in the shop. I carried my subscription book and specimen Sunday School Times up to Mr. Huntington’s store in the evening, not having done anything with it. I have been too busy in the shop. The news from the revolutionists in South Carolina and the traitors in the government in Washington are more alarming every day. DECEMBER 30 – SUNDAY – Misty all day and some rain. We attended church. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Genesis 3:9, “Where Art Thou?” A Sunday School Missionary meeting at noon. The time was mostly occupied by the brethren speaking, occasionally singing a hymn. The meeting was an interesting one. Text in the PM was Job 7:16, “I would not live always.” A proclamation was read from our Governor Buckingham in pursuance in one from the President Buchanan (traitor as he is showing himself to be to the country) for Friday, the 4th of January, 1861 to be set aside for fasting and prayer. Our governor has made some suitable amendments to it, and out of respect to him, it will undoubtedly be observed. After tea, we went over home for a short time. It began to rain quite hard in the evening. On that account, we did not go out to church. DECEMBER 31 – MONDAY – I rose and went to the shop rather earlier than usual. I finished two hats which I had left over from last Saturday and then had to wait until after 2 o’clock, PM until I could get anymore. I went to Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Stirring news reaches us again today. It is reported that the President has consented to surrender the forts in Charleston harbor to the Carolinians (Traitors and Revolutionists) and recall Major Anderson from Fort Sumter. General Scott has written to Anderson to tell him that he did right and too hold his position and he will bear him out by heading the Northern army and putting down treason and rebellion. At least this is the report. It is reported here this evening that a telegraphic dispatch states that Buchanan has resigned his office as president of the United States. I hope that it is true for it may prevent a collision between South Carolina and the federal troops. I received a letter from Harriet today stating that she had no work and that she wanted to come up and stay awhile
1860-12-01
Horace Purdy Journal, November 1860 Entry
5pgs
NOVEMBER 01 – THURSDAY – No work in the shop. I spent most of the day helping Father Griswold gather his vegetables, viz, carrots parsnips and two kinds of turnips. I also dug up and tore out the raspberry briars at the west side of the north end of his yard which were overrunning his yard, after which, I dug carrots and parsnips for myself. It rained a little two or three times in the morning. The afternoon and evening were pleasant. I attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Father Griswold gave me a bushel of large Snow White French Turnips.
NOVEMBER 08 – THURSDAY – Cool and pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. We attended class in the evening. NOVEMBER 09 – FRIDAY – I have had work nearly all day in the shop. Mother Griswold’s pot of butter came today. I went to drill in the evening. There was not a quorum present, so we could do no business. NOVEMBER 10 – SATURDAY – No work in the shop. I called down there in the morning after which I did some marketing and came home. The day being stormy, I stayed in the house. I went up home just at dark to see Mother who has been sick. She is having another blister drawn on her back. I brought home a bottle of George’s new cider for Gussie. I went to market again in the evening. NOVEMBER 11 – SUNDAY – Stormy. My birthday. I am 26 years old. Another year of my life has flown. The past cannot be recalled. The future is with God. The present only is mine. But I trust that while I mediate over the year which is past and gone, the thoughts of my heart may do me good. I can well exclaim with the Psalmist, “Surely, goodness and mercy has followed me all the days of my life.” While I have many things to right in the past, I will trust in God for the future, knowing that He careth for me, and with the Lord at my side, no spiritual harm can befall me. Blessed Assurance! It is nearly six years since I yielded to the gentle influences of God’s spirit and cherished a hope in the world’s Redeemer. A hope both sure and steadfast; sure because it is founded on the Rock of Ages, steadfast because his word endureth forever. And now, praying for help, I commence another year. Brother Pegg preached this morning from Matthew 26:55. Sacrament in the PM. He preached a sermon to the young men in the evening. Subject, “Young Men in the Battle of Life.” Text, Proverbs 20, the first of the 29th verse. The sermon was a good one. He talked plainly to them before he took his text for desecrating the church by the use of tobacco, peanuts and chestnuts. He also disapproved in strong terms of an exhibition which was going on in Concert Hall at the same time, i.e., a panorama of the Life of Christ. It is a shame to the town to permit it and far more so for the proprietors of the Hall to consent to rent it on the Sabbath for the exhibition. His language may sound harsh to some people, but I think he did right; in fact, his duty as a Christian minister demanded it. NOVEMBER 12 – MONDAY – Town election. Republican majority of about 160. No work in the shop. William Wheeler came in with Father Griswold’s cider and mine while I was down to the courthouse, so he went away without getting his pay. I worked around home in the PM. We were too late to go to Teachers’ Meeting in the evening, so I went out in the evening over to John Boughton’s. NOVEMBER 13 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. I went down in the morning and got my pay which the foreman, Mr. Fowler, drew for me yesterday - $7.00. I finished wheeling sand on the walk in front of my house, but I had to work long and late to accomplish it. After tea, I went over to George Rider’s for Father Griswold to get him to come with his team and work tomorrow. I went to market in the evening. NOVEMBER 14 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. I worked all day for Father Griswold in company with George Rider’s man with a team in getting out manure from Starr and Barnum’s shop and muck from the edge of the ditch in front of his house. I drew two loads of muck for myself for the garden. Gussie and myself took dinner over to her Father’s. I attended class in the evening. We had a good meeting. General Tom Thumb is in town and exhibited this afternoon and this evening to an immensely crowded house. NOVEMBER 15 – THURSDAY – No work in the shop. Mrs. B. Bradley and myself took Jacob Fry’s horse and team and rode up to the water works dam. It is completed and has been full but today it is no more than one quarter full. They let it into the pipes yesterday as far as the Main Street Bridge. I painted on my front fence in the PM. Gussie went at 3 o’clock to see Tom Thumb for the first time in his life. After tea, we went up to see Mother who is yet sick and then went to prayer meeting. NOVEMBER 16 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. I came home and went to painting on my fence again. A retired preacher came along in the PM peddling plated silver ware for the Meriden Britannia Company. We bought a set of tea spoons for $1.50 and a sugar spoon for 50 cents. He threw in a mustard spoon worth 25 cents. I went to drill in the evening and mailed a letter to Uncle Lorenzo Burr to find the address of the proprietor of his clothes dryer (or patented clothes line). NOVEMBER 17 – SATURDAY – We rose rather late. A heavy frost this morning. John Rooney, the youngest apprentice in our shop, was sent after me to go to the shop this morning. I went and had work all day. When I came home at night, I drew off enough of my cider to fill my vinegar keg and then bunged up the barrel tight. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who have been away, came home in the evening. The came in by invitation of mine and spent the evening. I brought home George’s account book from the Sunday School library and drew up the names anew. NOVEMBER 18 – SUNDAY – Stormy, rain all day. Mr. Peck, the 2nd Congregational minister, preached in the morning from Job 19:25. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from Luke 15:10. Mother Griswold came in while we were at the tea table and sat awhile. I wrote a letter to Father Griswold at New York about bringing home tow Certificates of Life Membership of the Parent Missionary Society for Clark Beers and myself. I attended church alone in the evening. Brother Pegg preached from 1st Kings 18:21. Subject, “Elijah on Mount Carmel.” A good sermon. NOVEMBER 19 – MONDAY – The weather has been varied today. Sunshine and very pleasant one moment and very cloudy with the appearance of rain the next. Some rain in the evening. Disbrow & Cosier brought me a half barrel of Brick Mountain Coal this morning to try before putting in my supply for the winter. I called and paid him on my way from work at night (as I have had work all day). We spent the evening over home with Mother Griswold, Fanny being away for the evening. NOVEMBER 20 – TUESDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came home and bottled up 12 bottles of cider. I went to the shop in the PM and got my money - $3.87. I then came home and commenced to shovel together the muck and manure which I had on my garden mixing it together to lie through the winter. I got my cabbages into the cellar. The express man brought a package of articles for Frank and Gussie bought in New York by Susan Watson for them. The operators on the water works finished up in our street today. They filled the ditch which has been opened up nearly 4 weeks, more or less. Gussie and Mother Griswold went up home in the evening. I went to the Post Office and then went up myself. When we came back, we found Father Griswold home. NOVEMBER 21 – WEDNESDAY – No work in the shop. I have had my coal put in my cellar today – 3 ½ tons. I transplanted a small maple tree this PM from my yard to the street in front of my house. I also transplanted and Isabella Grape Vine from Father Griswold’s yard to my own. I took the mustard seed from my barrel and put in three eggs. I took some manure from the pit and mixed with what muck I had left. I took up the fennel root from the garden, etc., etc., etc. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the PM. We both went to class in the evening. It was pretty cold last night and has been cool today. NOVEMBER 22 – THURSDAY – No work in the shop. I bought 2 ½ dozen bottles to fill with cider. I have not felt well today. A headache and a heavy pain across my bowels. I went to market in the evening and attended prayer meeting. The ground froze quite hard last night for the first time. NOVEMBER 23 – FRIDAY – John Brush brought me 12 pounds of new corn meal in the morning. I had work in the shop until 10 o’clock. My cider bottles came in the PM. I washed them and then after I came home from drill in the evening, I bottled the cider. It was 12 o’clock when I retired. It rained a little until just at night when it commenced and rained very hard during the evening. NOVEMBER 24 - SATURDAY – I cleared off this morning. Windy all day. It began to freeze before night. Mother Griswold invited us over home to tea. Sarah Boughton and Abel and Harriet were there. Gussie went to Singing School in the evening with them. I stayed at home and bottled some cider for Mother Griswold. I have had work in the shop. NOVEMBER 25 – SUNDAY – Just before retiring last night, I went over and moved Fanny’s plants from the parlor to the sitting room and study for fear of the frost. Wed ate some walnuts and drank some cider before we came home. It was a very cold night. We kept a fire all night on account of the plants for the first time. We moved them also from the parlor to our sitting room this morning. I attended church alone in the morning. Brother Pegg preached from Matthew 3:11. Gussie came in the PM. Text Hebrews 6:19. We attended class in the evening. The day has been clear but cold. NOVEMBER 26 – MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and finished what work I had out. There being no more work, I came home, but stopped on the way to George Hull’s with Jacob Fry. He offered me a stove on credit. I nearly made up my mind to take one, but finally concluded not to as I had but little work and no money. It has not been quite so cold today. The weather indicates snow. I went into the street in the evening. I called at George Hull’s, the Post Office and then came home. NOVEMBER 27 - TUESDAY – Rain and the frost all out of the ground. I have had work in the shop. I stayed at home in the evening and helped Gussie paper covered boxes made to imitate ottomans. NOVEMBER 28 – WEDNESDAY – I went to the shop and finished off the work which I had out which took me until after dinner. I bought a box from Noah Hoyt to put my Dahlia roots in. Quite an excitement occurred in the PM between a brake man on the train and a clerk at Young’s Shop, the brakeman claiming that the clerk stole his hat and the clerk insisting that he bought the hat and paid for it. The brakeman chased him to the shop and by main strength walked and dragged him to the Depot where the conductor of the freight train took the hat and for a while both went bare-headed. I then left the scene, but I heard later that the crowd took the matter in hand and being convinced that the clerk owned the hat demanded it from the conductor and obtained it. I attended class in the evening alone. We had a good meeting. NOVEMBER 29 – THURSDAY – Thanksgiving Day. Pleasant. I read my paper until church time and then went. The services were held at the 1st Congregational Church. Sermon by our minister, Brother Pegg. Text, Psalm 100, 1st of the 4th verse. The sermon was good. We had dinner at Father Griswold’s. I did not go to meeting in the evening, but stayed at Father Griswold’s and had walnuts and cider. NOVEMBER 30 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. Stormy. We went up home for dinner. I went to drill in the evening. There were but three there, so, we quit early.
1860-11-01
Horace Purdy Journal, October 1860 Entry
5pgs
OCTOBER 01 – MONDAY – A heavy frost last night. It commenced raining about 9 o’clock and continued stormy all day. I have worked in the shop all day as usual. My trade is good just now; we are very much hurried. Father Griswold returned this evening from a nine day tour of his district (the New Haven of which he is the presiding elder). Our society meeting was held at the church this evening, but few being present, the meeting was adjourned. I did not attend. OCTOBER 02 – TUESDAY – Cloudy most of the time during the day. A hard shower just at night about dark, and for about a half an hour, I never saw it train so hard. It poured down in torrents. After tea, I put on some old clothes with my rubber boots and attended Hatters’ Meeting under Concert Hall. OCTOBER 03 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. Our company of Wide-Awakes went to New York today for a Grand National Torch Light Procession this evening. In the evening, I took Brother McDonald’s horse and carried Brother Pegg over to Great Plain School House to preach. His text was Hebrews, the 11th chapter, the last part of the 27th verse. I received a letter from D. F. Taylor in Bethel with a dollar enclosed to replace the one he gave me for blacking which was not good. OCTOBER 04 - THURSDAY - Cloudy and foggy in the morning, sunshine in the forenoon, and rain in the afternoon. I have worked very hard today. I rose home with Jacob Fry and then I lent him an umbrella to walk home with. Gussie attended a lecture with Abel and Harriet in the evening on “Physiology and Anatomy” by John Collet, MD. I was too tired to go myself and enjoy it so I went to market and returned home, after which I helped Father Griswold put up his kitchen stove. OCTOBER 05 – FRIDAY – Cloudy and some rain during the day. It cleared off in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold, Abel and Harriet all started for Hartford this afternoon. I attended drill in the evening. Susan Watson came in the evening after Gussie had gone to the Physiological Lecture by Dr. Collett at Concert Hall. When we returned, she had taken possession of the house. OCTOBER 06 – SATURDAY – Clear and cool. We prepared our breakfast over home and ate it with Miss Watson and Fanny. They both came over and took tea with us. Gussie attended the lecture in the evening and I went to market. I called a short time in Singing School and then went over to the lecture to walk home with Gussie. We carried our house plants in the parlor this morning. Before I went to bed, I went over and helped fanny take in her plants. OCTOBER 07 – SUNDAY – Cool in the morning. The day has been pleasant. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Isaiah, the 63rd chapter, the last three words of the 1st verse, viz., “Mighty to save”. Our presiding elder, William Hoyt, preached in the evening from Matthew 25:23. A good sermon. Noah Hoyt called while we were at super. We attended prayer meeting in the evening. The wife of Seely hull was found dead this morning. The cause was drunkenness. OCTOBER 08 – MONDAY - Rain in the morning. Clouds and some sunshine during the day. Pleasant in the evening. I went to market and attended Dr. Collett’s lecture with Gussie in the evening. Before we went I mailed to papers (The Jeffersonian) to Edwin in Ohio. OCTOBER 09 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have worked as usual in the shop. Augusta and myself attended Collett’s lecture again in the evening. Subject, “The Brain”. It was very interesting. OCTOBER 10 – WEDNESDAY – We had to wait considerable for work in the shop today. Gussie attended Dr. Collett’s private lecture to the ladies this afternoon. I attended the one to gentle =men in the evening. OCTOBER 11 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop and finished off a dozen hats which I had out. There not being any more ready, I came home and stayed until noon when I returned and worked all the PM. In the meantime, William Keeler brought my keg of cider for vinegar which I put in the cellar when I came home. Gussie spent the day up home. I bought a barrel of Mainsworth Pippins of Noah Hoyt in the evening. I paid one dollar for them. OCTOBER 12 – FRIDAY – I worked as usual in the shop. David Lonagan brought a barrel of cider to the shop today. We paid him for it, giving him 6 cents apiece. Noah Hoyt sent my apples to me today – one barrel. I attended military meeting in the evening. When I came home, I found Father and Mother and Aunt Mary there. They had spent the evening with Gussie. OCTOBER 13 – SATURDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. Fanny and Susan Watson took tea with us. I went to a special Hatters’ Meeting in the evening, called to consider the case of Edward Corvain, who for misconduct was discharged some time ago from Tweedy’s Shop and who now wishes to go back again when there is a full complement of apprentices. There being but one signer for the call of the meeting present, the meeting, by a vote, was adjourned. I went to market and on my way home, stopped at Dr. Riders’ and engaged two barrels of winter apples. Four varieties, one half barrel of each- Fall Pippins, Greenings, Sweet Yancey and Vanderbeers at one dollar a barrel. After I came home, I drew some cider for the benefit of Miss Watson and myself. Gussie drank a little, but Fanny, as usual, refused. I paid my tax while I was in the street to Dr. Brown, $1.09, Dog Tax, 50 cents. I paid Fanny $5.00 for Gussie, the ones that Mother Griswold had and sold to Gussie before she went away. OCTOBER 14 - SUNDAY – Cloudy all day. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Luke 5:18-26. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon. Caroline Francis’ uncle from Newark, New Jersey, was there and opened the meeting and talked some. Sacrament at noon. Aunt Harriet and Cyrus came up last night to Father’s. She came to meeting with Mother and came home with us to tea. Cyrus and George went to Bethel to church. It was so stormy in the evening that we did not attend church. I wrote a letter to Uncle Chauncey and Aunt Ruth and sent her the double variegated poppy seed which I promised her when I visited there. Gussie wrote one to Eliza in California. OCTOBER 15 – MONDAY - A little snow last night. It was seen on the mountains, but it soon disappeared. It cleared away this morning and was pleasant. Fanny being away from home, Gussie went over and got tea for Miss Watson and I went over and took tea with them. I went to market in the evening. I called at Mr. Woodford’s store and got Fanny’s premium of W. Olmstead for her painting which she had in the Fair. It was only 50 cents. I went to the Society’s meeting at the church also. I mailed a letter to Uncle Chauncey Griswold. OCTOBER 16 – TUESDAY – Dr. Rider sent my apples to me this morning before I went to the shop. Theodore Fowler, our foreman was married today and started on the afternoon train for Pennsylvania. OCTOBER 17 – WEDNESDAY - The Wide-Awakes went to bethel last night and were addressed by Cyrus Northup, Crofut of the Jeffersonian, and William Judd of that place. I paid Dr. Rider for my barrels of apples, delivered yesterday and bought last Saturday. Gussie wrote a letter to her Father and Mother in Bloomfield. We attended class in the evening. OCTOBER 18 – THURSDAY – I have worked in the shop as usual today. We have had quite a Republican demonstration this evening. The Ridgefield and Bethel Wide-Awakes have been with us. They made an appearance in the street. After the parade they and the citizens were addressed by C. Ferry in Concert Hall. Gussie and myself witnessed the parade and then came home. Gussie received a letter from Anne and enclosed was one from Edwin. OCTOBER 19 FRIDAY – George called this morning while we were at breakfast. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Susan Watson went away this afternoon on the train. I mailed a Jeffersonian to Eliza in California. I went to drill in the evening. George went with me. He is going to drill with us so as to turn out for our target practice on the 31st. We are going over to Father Griswold’s to sleep tonight as Fanny is alone in the house. OCTOBER 20 – SATURDAY – It commenced raining about 5 o’clock this morning. I have had work all day with the other Drab finishers finishing off a lot of Pecunia Colored Brush Hats for California. The Black finishers have had no work. After tea, I went downtown to engage Mrs. Beach to help us clean next week. OCTOBER 21 – SUNDAY – Rain in the morning and cloudy all day. .Brother preached in the morning from Amos 6:12. In the PM, from Isaiah 64:6. Subject “Fading Leaves”. Mother told me today that Henry Brayman drove up from Norwalk with two passengers which were left by the cars. They arrived at Father’s about 12 o’clock. He called them up and talked about a half an hour and then started back for Norwalk. George Washington, “The Colored Preacher”, preached at 4 ½ o’clock at our church, his object being to solicit aid to build a church for the colored people in ____. We did not attend. We stayed at home in the evening. We paid a short call on Horace Crofut, our old tenant after tea. OCTOBER 22 – MONDAY – No work in the shop today. I carried a coat up to Louis Moegling this morning to be dyed; also two umbrellas to Comstock to be mended. At the same time, I mailed two letters for Gussie and two papers to Edwin – the Jeffersonian and the Hartford Daily Courant. I came home and drew the tacks from the sitting room and bedroom carpets preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. In the evening, I hired a horse and carriage and took Gussie up to Mr. Wise’s to get her Calceolaria, but Mr. Wise was not home. From there we rode up to the Water Works reservoir. On our return, I carried my apples into the cellar after getting a half barrel of Greenings from Thomas Barnum. Just before tea, I went down to B. Bradley’s to get my money which he drew for me at the shop - $15.00. Fanny came in and took tea with us. We went to market and then attended Quaker Meeting at Concert Hall in the evening. OCTOBER 23 – TUESDAY – Mrs. Beach has been cleaning for us today. I have been home all day to help them. There has been no work in the shop. Fanny took dinner and tea with us. I received a letter from Father Griswold requesting me to carry in his list for taxation as he will not be home in time. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 24 – WEDNESDAY- We slept over home last night and got our breakfast there this morning. I cleaned my stove pipe and got a new set of bricks to line the stove with. I spent the day at home. We finished nailing down carpets and got things in their place again. I commenced putting another coat of paint on my front fence in the PM. I went to class in the evening. A good meeting. Brother McDonald led. OCTOBER 25 – THURSDAY – I have had work in the shop today. I bought 1o bushels of charcoal at 10 cents a bushel at noon and came home with the man to see about putting it in my cellar. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Harriet and Abel came home by the evening train from their visit in Hartford County. OCTOBER 26 – FRIDAY – Bailey’s Circus is here today. They stop here for the winter. I finished my work in the shop at noon, after which I went to Oliver Stone’s office and handed in Father Griswold’s tax list and my own. I then came home and painted on my fence. In the meantime, Gussie went up home to see and help Mother who is sick. I went to drill in the evening. OCTOBER 27 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but the work not being ready, I came home. John Raymond came home with me. After he went away, I commenced painting my fence again. After dinner, I banked up around my house. Theodore Fowler, our foreman, came home on the morning train from his wedding tour. I had the headache in the evening. OCTOBER 28 – SUNDAY – A heavy frost this morning. Cooler and cloudy. Jacob Shaw from Redding preached for us. Text in the morning – Psalms 50:2. In the PM, Habakkuk 1:13. He is a dull preacher when compared with Brother Pegg. He is very easy in his manner of preaching, although his reasoning is very good. Brother Pegg is in Hartford today, his last appointment before coming here. After the afternoon service, the funeral of Walter Smith, son-in-law of Mr. Nichols, was attended at the home of Mr. Nichols. They being Presbyterian people, Mr. Coe attended the funeral. After tea, we went up home to see Mother who has been sick. We spent nearly the whole evening there. We did not attend the Prayer Meeting. OCTOBER 29 – MONDAY – Cloudy all day. A very little rain. I worked in the shop all day. I lent $15.00 to Nelson Nickerson until we get our pay which we did not get today on account of Mr. Crofut being in New York. Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Gussie attended, but I went to extra drill at the Military Hall. OCTOBER 30 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. Fanny sewed a new sweat (band) in a military hat for George to wear on the target Excursion tomorrow. Father Griswold came home on the morning train. In the PM, he went to the 1st Congregational Church to preside at the Sabbath School Convention which is to last two days, commencing today. He went to organize the convention before dinner. In the PM, I went up to Louis Moegling’s with Gussie and carried a shawl to be dyed. I got my coat which had been dyed and carried it to Stevens & Hoyt’s to be made over. While there, I selected a pattern and ordered a vest, after which, I went over to the Convention. At 8 o’clock in the evening, we went to the church to see Brother Pegg marry Susan Holmes to Dwight Baldwin. The knot was splendidly tied with a crowded house. He is a habitual drinker and is often intoxicated. Her friends prophesy trouble for her. OCTOBER 31 – WEDNESDAY – It rained very hard in the forenoon. I went up to Military Hall to see about the
1860-10-01
Horace Purdy Journal, September 1860 Entry
7pgs
SEPTEMBER 01 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I took a walk up home before breakfast and carried some crab apples to Mother. I also carried some to the shop for George Benjamin. Gussie went with me to the market in the evening. I bought a watermelon home with me. SEPTEMBER 02 – SUNDAY – Gussie did not feel very well in the morning and so did not attend church until noon when she came to Sunday School. Brother Pegg preached for us. He preached for the Sabbath School in the morning from Isaiah 32 and the first clause of the 20th verse. In the PM, from 1st Corinthians 1:18. Both sermons were excellent. Mother Griswold came in while we were drinking tea and Father Purdy just after. He stayed awhile and helped us eat the remainder of the watermelon I bought last night. John Boughton and Frank also came in just before church time. We all attended. SEPTEMBER 03 – MONDAY – I brought water before breakfast from the brook for Gussie to wash with. I have worked hard all day in the shop. I drew $17.00 for last week’s work, a larger week’s work than usual. Eddie palmer came from Ridgefield this morning and started for Stamford on the afternoon train. He called on me at the shop before he went. He spent the evening over home. SEPTEMBER 04 – TUESDAY – I commenced to dig my potatoes in the garden before breakfast. I took a letter from the Post Office from Edmund Palmer with a bill in it for one gross large and three dozen small boxes of blacking. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. Gussie with me to market in the evening. I mailed a letter to Edmund Palmer. I paid a tax laid by the Hatters Association for the benefit of the widow of Ebenezer bailey recently deceased by accidental poison. SEPTEMBER 05 – WEDNESDAY – A little warmer than it has been for several days. Father Griswold made us a present of a watermelon, one of his own raising .After tea, we ate a part of it. It rained a little in the evening. I, being very tired, did not attend class. AUGUST 06 – THURSDAY – It thundered a little in the morning and had the appearance of a wet day. I dug potatoes until breakfast was ready. There being no drab work for a few days, I had to take black ones or none. I am thankful for that, but drab work is the best. I can earn more money and earn it easier. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. I called at Mr. Hanford and found that my blacking had come. Not having any way to get it home, I left it there until tomorrow if I can make it convenient to get away. It has only sprinkled occasionally and the day has been very warm and dusty. AUGUST 07 – FRIDAY – Very warm and sultry again today Prince caught another chicken today over to father Griswold’s I whipped him severely for it. Abel has been in our shop today building a screen in front of the flues to keep off the heat. On my way home from the shop, I borrowed Noah Hoyt’s horse to go up to Mr. Hanford’s for blacking which he bought from New York for me from Mr. Edmund Palmer. Father Griswold gave us the best citron melon I have tasted this season. We ate it for tea. I went to drill in the evening. On my return, I went over home and I stayed the rest of the evening. AUGUST 08 – SATURDAY – I finished digging my South American potatoes this morning before breakfast. I had a little more than a bushel and that is enough of that kind, since I do like them very much. I carried one dozen of blacking with me to the shop to sell it as I may have occasion. I had a feast at the shop at noon. I carried tomatoes, plums, an apple and a citron melon (one of father Griswold’s production) besides my regular dinner. I went to market in the evening and called Dr. Bulkeley for Mother Griswold who is sick with a touch of dysentery. Gussie went with me down to Mary. Hoyt’s. We went over home on our return. SEPTEMBER 09 – SUNDAY - Rain last night and a little this morning. Cool and cloudy and the prospect of a wet day, but it cleared away about noon. It has been so cold as to be uncomfortable at church. There ought to have been a little fire. Brother Pegg preached in the morning as usual. Text John 4: 32. Sunday School at noon as usual on communion day and sacrament in the PM. Mr. Pike, our colored neighbor had his baby baptized. After tea, I took and nap and Gussie went with me over to her Father’s melon patch and picked 4 citron melons for her mother after which we went into Abel’s a short time. Marion Brightman and wife were there. Preaching in the evening. We attended. Subject “Christ, the Divine Carpenter” A good sermon. A Prayer meeting after, the first meeting after preaching, we have had this season. SEPTEMBER 10 – MONDAY – Cool. A frost last night in the lowlands. Mr. Crofut commenced today to use checks instead of a book account for the finishers. I drew $16.56 today. I worked in the shop as long as I could see. I ordered a new pair of pants at Stevens & Hoyt in the evening. SEPTEMBER 11 – TUESDAY – I dug potatoes again this morning before breakfast. I worked in the shop as long as day light would let me again today. George Loomis was off this afternoon to go at wool hatting over to Sturdivant’s. I took tea over to Mother Griswold’s. Mother had been there in the afternoon and stayed to tea, but went home before I came from my work. I went to market in the evening and got caught in a shower. SEPTEMBER 12 – WEDNESDAY – Cold. Rainy and windy all day. Mother Griswold was quite poorly this morning. I went for the doctor on my way to the shop. I worked all day in the shop. I was taken with a headache in the PM and when I came home, I felt badly. I stayed at home in the evening. SEPTEMBER 13 – THURSDAY – Clear and cool. My head pained me so that I could not sleep as long as usual last night. My head felt weak this morning, but everything considered, I felt very well and have done a good day’s work. Gussie was obliged to go to the store in the evening and I accompanied her. We went to the Post Office and returned home. Went over to Mother Griswold’s a short time and then came home and retired. SEPTEMBER 14 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I worked hard all day in the shop. Josephine Dare from Long Island has been home to visit with Mother Griswold and Gussie today. She went away before I came home. I attended drill in the evening. George Bevans, one of our expelled members from the Wooster Guards, was there and bought the cap and ax (which belonged to our company and formerly used by George Eddy – deceased) and intended to act as a pioneer in the Bridgeport Washington Guards of which he is a member. He paid us $15.00 for it. SEPTEMBER 15 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. I have earned $3.00 every day this week. We went to market in the evening. Gussie has been up home this afternoon. SEPTEMBER 16 – Pleasant and warmer today. The safety valve to Tweedy’s boiler accidently raised this morning, or so it is said. At all events, the result was that the whistle began to blow and continued to do so for a long time. The bell rang and an alarm of fire was raised. No. 1 Engine came up West Street as far as William Street and how much farther, I know not. But hearing what was the matter, they soon returned again to their house. We attended church all day. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Proverbs 29, the first clause of the 25th verse. “The fear of man bringeth a snare.” The funeral sermon of Mr. Fanton, the proprietor of the shirt factory in Wooster Street was preached in the afternoon. Text – Colossians 3:3. “For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” The corpse was seen in the path as the congregation passed from the church to the gate. I saw Josephine Dare in the yard as I came out. After tea, we went up home and carried half of a watermelon left from our tea. It was grown in Father Griswold’s lot. Mother came down with us to church. The meetings are getting quite interesting. I think we are on the verge of a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The church is generally being received and sinners, we hope, will soon be converted in our midst. SEPTEMBER 17 – MONDAY – Cloudy the greater part of the day and a very little rain. Work is plenty and good. We were paid off as usual. I drew $19.00. I have earned $3.75 today. Father Griswold came home on the freight train. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I received a letter from Edmund Palmer acknowledging the receipt of $7.75 for blacking and sending back the bill receipted. SEPTEMBER 18 – TUESDAY – Pleasant and warm. I had no work in the PM, so I went uptown and sold some blacking. I sold 1 ½ dozen at 10 cents. I have commenced with this lot to sell at that price. Sarah Boughton and Harriet Wheeler and Frank Boughton spent the PM with Gussie. Abel and John came to tea. John went with me to market in the evening. Frank stayed with Gussie while we were downtown. SEPTEMBER 19 – WEDNESDAY – I intended to take the cars this morning to Bethel to sell blacking but was too late for them and had to walk down. I sold out nearly before I got to the Depot when the train came along and I took it and came home. I brought my potatoes home from Father Griswold’s cellar. After dinner, I took some blacking and went back to Bethel and sold during the day 4 dozen at 10 cents per box. I took tea at Cousin Herman Taylor’s and came home on the train. SEPTEMBER 20 – THURSDAY – The equinoxial storm is upon us. It has been stormy all day except for a few times when the sun shone for a few minutes at a time. It has been very warm and oppressive in the shop. Thunder and lightning in the evening with considerable rain. SEPTEMBER 20 – FRIDAY – I roe and found it raining. I wore rubber boots and took an umbrella to the shop and made some calculations for a stormy day, but it came off pleasant about noon and the result was a beautiful afternoon and evening but rather cool. When I came home from the shop, I found the house locked up, Gussie having gone up home to visit with Brother and Sister Pegg and father Griswold and Fanny. It was too late for me to go up so I took tea with Mother Griswold. I went to drill in the evening. I stopped at Benedict & Nichols’ and got 4 ½ ounces of mustard (?) for Gussie which she has been waiting nearly two weeks for as they have been expecting it for about that time. SEPTEMBER 22 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, Gussie and I went to see the Wide-Awakes in a torch light procession. Frank Shepard addressed the republicans at Concert Hall. I carried our butter pot down to A. B. Hull’s to have our winter butter put down. I ordered 25 lbs. SEPTEMBER 23 – SUNDAY – Mr. ___, formerly a missionary to Africa from Redding, preached for us all day. Text in the morning, Isaiah 9, last of the 6th verse. “The Prince of Peace”. In the PM, 1st John, chapter 1, the latter clause of the 7th verse. “The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin”. Both sermons were excellent. Mrs. Dare was at the church in the PM. I ran a sliver underneath my fingernail this morning before church. I cut open the nail to get it out, but I am afraid that I did not get it all. I am afraid that I shall have a bad finger. Father called on us after tea. Mother Griswold came in while we were eating. She is feeble today. Before church, we went over to Father Griswold’s melon patch and found two ripe ones. We called at Horace Crofut’s on our way back and gave both of them to him. We attended prayer meeting in the evening. The meeting was a good one. One of the shirt factory’s girls was converted in the young people’s prayer meeting before the public service. Brother Pegg was with us in the evening. He stated in the meeting that Mrs. Maynard was dying. SEPTEMBER 24 – MONDAY – Cloudy in the morning, but this blew over after a while and the day was pleasant. The tent on the Fairgrounds was raised today. I drew $12.00 on my last week’s work. I sent a letter to Ferdinand Taylor, foreman at Oren Benedict’s shop at Bethel with a one dollar bill enclosed which I took from him for blacking last week. There was a twenty percent discount on it. We went over to Abel’s to tea. Marvin Boughton’s wife was there. I went to market and Gussie to Mary Hoyt’s in the evening. SEPTEMBER 25 – TUESDAY – The day has been showery, some very hard showers, too. The last shower was in the PM and blew down the Fairgrounds tent after which it came off pleasant. William Wheeler and myself stopped work between 4 and 5 o’clock. He harnessed his horse and rode home with me and took a bushel of Prince Albert potatoes for Father Griswold, a bedspread for Mother Griswold and a picture for Fanny to the Fair. I bought a family ticket for them and entered them for premiums. I bought one for myself also. Gussie and I attended in the evening. The opening address was delivered by Nelson White. The band was in attendance, also the Bethel Glee Club. I stopped on my way home and bought a cider barrel of Avery Raymond, price, $1.37. SEPTEMBER 26 – WEDNESDAY – Cool, but pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. In the afternoon, a fellow walked a rope down from the belfry of Concert Hall across to the roof of Charles Hull’s store. Gussie attended the Fair this afternoon and came home very tired. After supper, I went to market and bought some scallops for the first time this fall. SEPTEMBER 27 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop in the morning and worked until nearly 11 o’clock when I went to the fair. I came home about one o’clock and Gussie went with me to see the main walk the rope again across the street from Concert Hall and then we went up to the Fair again. After tea, I went up again to see about getting our things away tomorrow. Mrs. Maynard died this evening about 6 o’clock. SEPTEMBER 28 – FRIDAY – The Fair broke up today. I got Noah Hoyt’s horse and went up (his clerk, Charles Mason went with me) to the Fair tent after Mother Griswold’s things. I dug up the grape vines and took away the frame south of my house before dinner. After dinner, we went to see the man walk the rope again and Monsieur Augustus Reynard go up with his balloon from the Fairground, but both were a failure. It was too windy for the rope walker and the balloon was so old and rotten that the wind tore it so badly that it was impossible to ascend. He let it loose to see if it would go up alone, but it only just cleared the ground and the wind shattered it in pieces (so the people said, for I did not go to see it). As we were going, we met the folks coming from the grounds saying that it was a failure and that the Fair was dismissed, so we wheeled and returned home. I picked my hops and put in my onions in the PM. There was no drill in the evening, on account of there being a hop in Concert Hall. SEPTEMBER 29 – FRIDAY - A heavy frost last night. I picked my dwarf peas this morning. The funeral of Mrs. Maynard was attended this afternoon at 2 o’clock. There was another public exhibition of rope walking at 4 o’clock. The Bethel Wide-Awakes came up and joined ours in a torch light procession in the evening. I saw Cousin Roxanna Hall with Aunt Louisa’s folks at Noah Hoyt’s store this evening. On their way home, they called on us. SEPTEMBER 30 – SUNDAY – Pleasant but cool. The rev. F. Williams from Jefferson City, Missouri preached for us all day. He is soliciting aid to erect a Methodist institution of learning, a college or a seminary in that state. He presented it to the congregation in the morning and received $120.00. The morning service was so prolonged on account of it that the Sunday School session was omitted. The text in the morning was Acts 2:1-4; in the PM, Revelations 5:8-10. Both sermons were excellent. Cousin Roxanna Hall and Aunt Louisa came home with us from church and took tea with us. We attended church in the evening. The decision was to have a prayer meeting, but Dr. Williams preached again, after which we had a prayer meeting. Three persons were forward for prayer and on was converted (a lady). Horace Crofut was forward, the only man.
1860-09-01
Horace Purdy Journal, August 1860 Entry
7pgs
AUGUST 01 – WEDNESDAY – Cooler this morning and evening and not so extremely hot during the day, though it has been pretty warm. On my way home from work, I stopped at Andrew Knox’s for a little green paint to paint over a pair of blind fastenings which I had put on after they were painted and to paint the tops of my Dahlia sticks. Charles Reed and Mr. Hendricks and their wives and wives’ mother were there to tea at Mrs. Baxter’s. I went to class in the evening. We had a good meeting. I finished a wool hat for George today, but I was not yet able to get it trimmed. AUGUST 02 – THURSDAY –pleasant but cool in the morning. I had a severe headache in the morning. I went to the shop, but the heat of the room made me feel so much worse that I returned home again. I paid Ephraim Gregory the $1.00 balance of my assessment of six dollars on the new street on the corner of George and William Streets to Deer Hill. He gave me a receipt in the evening. I went down to the shop in the afternoon and got a hat trimmed for George. And got what money I had earned this week. I paid Mrs. Baxter $1.56 for 5 weeks (days?) washing for myself during Gussie’s absence. I got a coat ($1.75) and hat ($1.25) from Charles Stevens on credit. Lewis Hoyt died last night in a fit. Thomas Benedict lost a child this PM of dysentery. I went down to the R. road about dusk and took a bath and returned and partly packed my carpet bag and retired. AUGUST 03 – FRIDAY – I started for Canton this morning and reached Collinsville between 1 and2 o’clock and walked up to Uncle Chauncey’s and found Aunt Ruth alone, uncle being away from home. I surprised her by pretending to be a salve peddler. I talked with her for quite a while before making myself known. I took tea with her and then walked over to Cousin Alfred Humphrey’s where I found Gussie. It cost me $1.25 to get from Danbury to Canton. AUGUST 04 – SATURDAY – After breakfast, I played a game of checkers with little Lauren Mills Humphrey. We cracked and ate some butternuts and then I went with Cousin Alfred up on West Hill to see his colt. On our way home, we picked and ate a great many blackberries. After dinner, the children, Gussie and myself went on to the bridge and fished a little and then took a walk down to the stream. Just at night I went with Lauren up on East Hill to the orchard after some Harvest Apples. After tea, Gussie and I took a walk over to Uncle Chauncey’s and back. We had a thunder shower in the morning. AUGUST 05 – SUNDAY – A beautiful day. We attended church all day. (Mr. Bridgeman, a missionary to go to Africa) preached in the morning. Text, Psalms 16:2. Mr. Fisk preached in the PM from Acts. I went with Alfred Humphrey to the 5 o’clock meeting after which Ann Eliza, Gussie and myself took a walk part of the way up East Hill and then we all went over to Esq. Hallock’s and spent the evening. His daughter, Mary, played the melodeon and we had a sing. AUGUST 06 MONDAY – Cousin Lydia gave us some flapjacks with Maple molasses for breakfast which were excellent. Lauren went down to Aunt Ruth’s and brought her up to Lydia’s where she spent the day with us and after tea, we went home with her. I helped Cousin Alfred get up his wheat and pitched up one load for him in the PM before going into the field. The girls (Ann Eliza and Gussie) dressed me in a shawl and bonnet and a skirt and presented me to the company. Aunt Ruth did not know me. The whole company was in a roar of laughter. AUGUST 07 – TUESDAY –A beautiful morning at Aunt Ruth’s. After breakfast, Gussie and myself walked around the premises and regretted much that Uncle Chauncey was not at home. We hope to see him before we go away, but fear that he will not be home in time. I made some paper bags for Aunt Ruth and Gussie to put up flower seeds in. In the PM, Gussie and myself went up on the hill opposite Aunt Ruth’s. Alfred and Lydia came down to tea and Gussie rode up with them while I walked. It was a very warm day. The thermometer stood as high as 90 in the shade. AUGUST 08 - WEDNESDAY – Another very warm day. In the morning, I wrote in Lydia’s and Lucia Ann’s case album. In the PM, we went over to Mary Sidney’s and took tea. While we were there, a hard shower came up. We had another when we got home which left the sky cloudy with the appearance of a wet night. It was raining when we retired. AUGUST 09 – THURSDAY – Flying clouds and but a little sun. Very warm and oppressive. After breakfast, Alfred, the boys and myself went to the orchard and gathered his Harvest Apples. After we returned, we had news that Uncle Chauncey arrived home last night. Cousin Alfred harnessed his horse and took Gussie and myself down to see him. We stayed until nearly noon and returned with Alfred. After dinner, Alfred, Lydia, Gussie and myself went up to Lucian Case’s and spent the PM. After tea, we all went over to the swing. When we returned we found Mary Hallock waiting to spend the evening with us. After she went home, we went into our room and packed our trunk and bag and retired. AUGUST 10 – FRIDAY – Pleasant in the morning. At 8 o’clock, Lauren with Uncle Chauncey’s horse, carried us over the mountain to Case’s farm to take the stage to Bloomfield. We stayed at Mrs. Stockwell’s until 10 o’clock when the stage came along. We arrived at Uncle Lorenzo’s at about 1 o’clock. After dinner, I went out in the lot and helped Uncle gather his Golden Sweet Apples for market. AUGUST 11 – SATURDAY – (Bloomfield). Uncle Lorenzo and started for Hartford with a load of Golden Sweet Apples (60 bushels) about 4 o’clock. The others of the family rose at the usual time. I wrote two letters – one to Mother Griswold and one to Cousin Alfred Humphrey. In the afternoon, I went around a portion of Uncle Lorenzo’s farm with him and his hired man, Henry, and helped him a little about repairing some rail fences. We retired about 10 o’clock. No rain at that time. AUGUST 12 – SUNDAY – Uncle Lorenzo and Mary both unwell this morning. Uncle, Hattie, Gussie and myself rode to church in the morning. Mr. Russell preached from 2nd Corinthians 5:11. Uncle Lorenzo went home at noon, while Gussie and I visited the burying ground where her little sister, Mary Victoria and her Grandfather and Grandmother Griswold and her Grandfather and Grandmother Webster were buried. Uncle stayed at home in the afternoon and let Aunt Clara and Aunt Mary drive back to church. The Baptist minister preached for us from Psalm 46:1. I liked his preaching rather better than I did Brother Russell’s. Aunt Clara, Aunt Mary, Hattie and Gussie rode home from church and I walked in company with Charles Dean, their boarder. I mailed two letters at noon – one to Mother Griswold and one to Cousin Alfred Humphrey to Canton Center. After tea, Charles Dean Mary, Hattie, Gussie and myself called on Uncle Daniel and his son Henry. We returned about dark. Henry gave me $2.50 to carry to Danbury to Mr. Thompson, the truss maker. AUGUST 13 – MONDAY – Clouds, rain and sunshine interspersed all day. Henry Hacka, Uncle Lorenzo’s hired man borrowed a gun and I shot their old black cat, then we took her 4 kittens and tied them in a bag with a stone and drowned them. After dinner, I helped them pick Golden Sweet Apples for market. He wind blew so hard that we could scarcely keep a ladder on the tree. James Wilson came in and spent the evening with us. It is raining hard now as I am retiring at 10 o’clock. AUGUST 14 – TUESDAY – Stormy all day. We spent the day as best we could in the house. I had intended to help Uncle Lorenzo pick apples today but we could not on account of the storm. AUGUST 15 – WEDNESDAY – Clear and pleasant. Charles Dean, Mary Burns, Gussie and myself started after breakfast and went to Wardsworth’s Tower. From there, we rode into Hartford. We arrived about noon, took the horse to a stable and then we all went to Southmayd’s Restaurant and took dinner. After which, Mary and Gussie and myself visited the Athenaeum, while Charles Dean went after the horse. When he came, we rode down on Colt’s Dyke, down to the riverbank, up the river past his pistol manufactory and then we went up to the State Arsenal. We could only get into the Gun Houses and see the cannons on account of the armorer being away. We stayed there a short time and then went up to the North Meadows to the encampment where the officer’s training is being held. We stayed there until 6 o’clock and the rode up into the city to do a little buying at the candy stores and then started for home. We arrived at Uncle Lorenzo’s about 8 o’clock or a little before. AUGUST 16 – THURSDAY – I helped Uncle Lorenzo pick Golden Sweet apples in the forenoon. After dinner, I went to Harford with Hattie, Mary and Gussie. We visited the military encampment (officers’ training), but they had been reviewed and dismissed and we did not see them. We did some trading in the city and started for home. We arrived at Uncle’s a little after dark. AUGUST 17 – FRIDAY – The day has been pleasant. We spent the forenoon an packing our trunk and carpet bag to start for Hartford after dinner to take the 3 o’clock train to connect with the New York & New Haven Railroad and arrive home in Danbury at about 8 o’clock. We took dinner and after Uncle Lorenzo’s return from taking a load of apples to Hartford, we put the trunk and carpet bag in the wagon and put our things on, but when they went to harness Old Charley, one of his shoes was off. He tried to get another horse, but could not. The stage, on account of repairing the road was obliged to go through the center so that we could not take that and the consequence was that we could not leave for home today. I rode over to the center with Uncle to get the horse shod this afternoon so that we should be sure to go home tomorrow. AUGUST 18 – SATURDAY – I went into the meadow with Uncle Lorenzo and mowed until it was nearly time for lunch after which I helped spread. After dinner, about 1 ½ o’clock, Uncle Lorenzo harnessed Old Charlie and carried Gussie and I to Hartford to take the 3 o’clock train for home. We arrived safely about 8 ½ o’clock. We had some difficulty in procuring a carriage to take our baggage home. They were in great demand as passengers were many. Gussie rode and I walked. We took supper with Mother Griswold. AUGUST 19 – SUNDAY – Home, Sweet Home. Here we are again in our own pleasant home. I took a walk around my premises before breakfast and found that the weeds had grown rapidly in my absence and that my dooryard needed mowing again. Prince, we found, was the same large, noble, affectionate cat that he has ever been. We attended church and found upon going in, Phoebe Palmer in the seat with Mother and Bell. She came up last Friday night. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from 2nd Peter, first chapter and the first clause of the 16th verse. In the PM, Zachariah, 14th chapter, latter clause of the 7th verse. It seemed good to hear Brother Pegg again. After tea, we went up home to see my folks and cousin Phebe. Abel and Harriet went up with us. From there, we went to church in the evening – Prayer Meeting. AUGUST 20 – MONDAY – Cloudy and misty, but no rain to speak of. I went to the shop and had work all day. Two men have been shopped since I went away - George Benjamin and Harry Ledger. John Rolfe cried off this noon. The work was too hard for him. Gussie went with me to the market in the evening and walked with me down to Dr. Thompson to pay him $2.50 for Harry Webster who sent it by me when we were in Bloomfield. After we came home, we went over home to see Father Griswold who came home on the train this evening. He brought Gussie’s Album from Uncle Chauncey’s with four N!66er Joe’s potatoes form Alfred Humphrey’s. AUGUST 21 – TUESDAY – Warm and pleasant in the forepart of the day, but it clouded over just before night and rained a little in the evening. The streets are ditched more or less all of the time now to lay down the water pipes for our Borough Water Works. My business is good now. Two more men were shopped today, Seth Northrup and John Hox, a German. AUGUST 22 – WEDNESDAY – This is truly the Dog Days. Weather interspersed with sunshine, clouds and rain. It has been a very warm day. We have suffered extremely with the heat in the shop. Cousin Phebe and Bell were here to dinner and I came home. Mother and George also came to tea. Prince chased a chicken while we were at tea. I got up from the table and whipped him. We did not attend class. Gussie was late about doing her work and I was too tired. AUGUST 23 – THURSDAY – Gussie went to Bethel this morning with Phebe, Mother and Bell. She was late in getting away and had just time to step on the train as it started. They returned on the freight train and all went up home. Gussie being away when I returned from work, I got my own supper from bread and milk. Joe Tammany and George Loomis drank too much liquor this morning and in the afternoon, both cried off. They were persuaded to go on trim again and did. Both were shopped again and paid Garnish. But soon, Joe cried off again. His money was voted back to him again because we thought he would need it as he was going to Jersey. He started by the afternoon train. One more man was shopped today – Frank Webb. We went to market in the evening. AUGUST 24 – FRIDAY – I worked as usual in the shop, only harder. Smith Pulling was shopped today. Fanny came home from the West this evening. I attended drill, came home and had the outline of three meetings to copy. AUGUST 25 – SATURDAY – Rainy in the morning. Pleasant in the PM and warm all day. Eddie Palmer came from Stamford on the morning train and came direct to the shop to see me intending to go home with me at noon, but as I had my dinner, he went alone up to Charles Benedict’ shop and went home with George. He came down to see Gussie in the afternoon. I worked hard all day and was very tired when I came home. We went to market in the evening. Gussie called on Mary Hoyt, while I called at Charles Hull’s store with David Knowles to look at _____’s revolver. AUGUST 26 – SUNDAY – George Ives’ barn was burned last night about 11 o’clock. The day has been pleasant and not quite so hot. Reuben Loomis preached for us. Brother Pegg has gone to Birmingham to preach for him. His text in the morning was Romans 12:11, a very instructive sermon. In the PM, 1st Timothy 4:8. Abel and Harriet have gone back to the choir. I am surprised since Harriet has said repeatedly that she would never go back again under any considerations whatever. After tea, we went over home and stayed until church time. Brother Loomis was there to tea. He sang a long time with us. After the prayer meeting in the church he stayed and sang with Mr. Woodford and Abel. He is a beautiful singer and was formerly a chorister before he commenced preaching. AUGUST 27 - MONDAY – The day has been pleasant. I have worked hard all day on No. 24 Planter Pecunia Colored hats, 8 oz. heavy. We have had a little excitement in the shop today with James Hagen who refused to come to order when called by the Chairman and furthermore, he called the shop himself. He was fined 50 cents and refused to pay it. We had determined to take off our aprons when we had got up our work, but before we did, Fred Bradley paid the fine for him unsolicited. I went to market in the evening and paid to Andrew Knox, $7.00 which I borrowed of hi before I went away to Hartford County. AUGUST 28 – TUESDAY – I have worked hard all day in the shop and am very tired. We had Garnish Money spent in the shop this morning. The fine of 50 cents which Fred Bradley paid was voted back again to Fred today by the shop. It was 12 o’clock last night when I retired. I have been to market this evening. AUGUST 29 – WEDNESDAY – Cool nights and pleasant day. Davis Lonigan was shopped at our shop today. The trial of the Irishmen for the murder of the German on River Street on the 26th of June last came off this PM. Four of them were convicted. They will be sentenced tomorrow. I finished picking my crab apples before tea. I went to market in the evening. I borrowed a dozen large blacking of Mr. Crawford. I wrote a letter to Edward palmer for more blacking. AUGUST 30 – THURSDAY – I commenced to mow my dooryard before breakfast and finished it when I came home from the shop at night. I left work a little before dark, there being no more hats faced. George went home from his shop sick about 4 o’clock. Mother stopped on her way to evening meeting and told us. She says it seems like Cholera Morbus. AUGUST 31 – FRIDAY – I carried the grass which I mowed on my yard yesterday to the compost heap before breakfast. I have not felt very well today, but have worked hard nonetheless. I came home feeling very tired. Gussie went I to the street with me for some jelly dishes. She returned home and I went to drill. Mr. Hunt, the man who contracted to dig the ditches for the water works left town last night in debt to his men. (Later, the report that he has left town is false. He was on a drunken spree and has given up the job to the pipe layers.) There has been considerable excitement about it today. The weather has been quite varied today, cloudy, sunshine and some rain.
1860-08-01
Horace Purdy Journal, July 1860 Entry
7pgs
JULY 01 – SUNDAY – (9 o’clock AM. I took breakfast with Mrs. Baxter. Cloudy and some prospects of rain. I found Prince this morning over to Mother Griswold’s locked up in the house. He had been there since sometime yesterday. He followed me over home for his breakfast. He was very hungry. I went up to Dr. Bennett’s and got a half pint of milk for him after going over to Harriet’s for some fragments of meat. 10 o’clock in the evening. The clouds have passed away and it has been a pleasant day. I attended church alone. Brother Pegg preached from Revelations, second chapter and the latter clause of the tenth verse. Text in the PM was Exodus 12:14. The sermon was on the celebration of the 4th of July. It was good. George came home with me from church and helped me pick some strawberries to bring up home for tea (as I went up there to tea instead of Mrs. Baxter’s). John Boughton being alone also, he went up with us, his wife having gone to Norwalk. Gussie, I expect, enjoyed herself today with her old friends in Essex. JULY 02 – MONDAY – I rose about 5 o’clock. I made my bed and went over to Mrs. Baxter’s to breakfast, after which I took my dirty clothes over for her to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. Before tea, I varnished my sitting room and returned the brush in the evening. I went to the depot with Harriet and George to meet Mrs. Jones. I walked up home with them after she came. I stopped at the church and left three dollars towards my seat with Peter Starr. JULY 03 – TUESDAY – I hoed in my garden before breakfast. We had only two dozen hats to finish. I finished them before dinner and came home with my dinner and ate it. I finished painting my piazza in the PM. Father Griswold came home on the 2 o’clock train. I went to the depot when the evening train came to see if Mrs. Jones trunk had come. It came. I got Mr. Beatty to take it up home. I rode up with him and back again. The German who was so brutally beaten by the Irish a week ago died last night. He was buried this afternoon. The Irish are to be tried next Thursday. JULY 04 – WEDNESDAY – There not being any celebration here in town, the village has been quiet with the exception of pistols and firecrackers. I walked down to Main Street after breakfast but soon returned again and went to work in my garden. Father came down and picked some dwarf peas for dinner and some strawberries for Mrs. Jones and Harriet. I worked in the garden until early 11 o’clock when I locked up and went down to the Post Office and got a letter from Gussie in Essex and went up home to dinner. About 2 o’clock, Mrs. Jones and Harriet came home with me for a walk. We walked around mine and Father Griswold’s premises. We went in for a short time. When they went home, I went back to work in my garden. I worked until teatime and then shaved and cleaned up and took a walk downtown and went to class. I answered Gussie’s letter and wrote one to Aunt Mary in Ridgefield for Mr. Crofut. Emailed them both in the evening. JULY 05 – THURSDAY – A stormy day. I have had all the work I could do in the shop. On my way home from work, I stopped at Mr. Woodford’s and got my watch, which he has been repairing and cleaning. It cost me $1.75. I brought home a letter for father Griswold from Fanny in Elyria. I wrote a letter in the evening to Brother John Miley about the wrong certificates which were sent to Clark Beers and myself. JULY 06 – FRIDAY – Cloudy in the morning but it soon cleared away and the day has been pleasant. There was a report this morning that burglars tried to enter the house of Alfred Hyatt on Wooster Street last night and that he and his dog found an Irishman secreted in his currant bushes. After getting up and going out, I have been working in the shop all day. The examination of the Irishmen arrested for the murder of the German closed this morning. They have been bound over to a higher court. I took tea as I have done since Gussie went away at Mr. Baxter’s. I attended drill in the evening. I came home and copied the minutes of the military meeting and retired. JULY 07 – SATURDAY – The day has been pleasant. I have had all the work that I could do today in the shop. Mr. Crofut had a piano put up in the shop for his daughter, Laura, to take lessons on as she keeps the books and is home but little. She thought it would be more convenient for her at the shop. I received a letter this evening from Uncle Jesse Mills from Ridgefield saying that Aunt Mary would come up to help Mr. Crofut as a nurse on next Tuesday, provided we would come after her. I also received one from Gussie in Essex. I went to market and bought a piece of meat for Prince and came home. After reading Gussie’s letter to Mother Griswold, I retired. JULY 08 – SUNDAY – Cloudy in the morning. Brother Pegg preached in the AM from Revelations 2, part of the 17th verse. Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon. Sacrament in the PM. Preaching in the evening by Brother Pegg. Subject, “God in the Floral Kingdom”, text, Matthew 6:28. I went up home to tea, after which Miss Jones and Harriet came down to Abel’s with me and we had a sing before evening meeting. We sat upstairs in the evening, Miss Jones, Harriet and myself. I walked up home with them after meeting and brought home some milk for Prince. JULY 09 – MONDAY – Rainy in the morning. On my way to the shop, I mailed a letter to Gussie who is still in Essex. I had work all day in the shop. It cleared off before night and was very warm. I attended our Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. I have a boil on the left side of my face which annoys me very much. JULY 10 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have had blk. work in the shop today. I stopped work at 3:30 o’clock to go to Ridgefield after Aunt Mary for a nurse for Mr. Crofut. I found her at Uncle Jesse’s at the old grandmother place. We took tea with Aunt Riana and started for Danbury. We arrive about 9 o’clock. I drove the horse up to Crosby’s Stables and bought some meat for Prince and came home. Mr. Crofut paid for the horse. JULY 11 – WEDNESDAY – I went to the shop in the morning and finished off the work which I left last night to go to Ridgefield and then I waited until noon for work, and there not being any prospect of getting any very soon, I went up to the church and took out of the school library 143 books to make room for 84 new ones which were larger. I numbered them and put them in the library besides tying up the old one to send up to the Boggs’. After tea, I hoed out my cabbages and called on Aunt Mary over to Mr. Crofut’s a few moments. I then went down to the Post Office and before I came home went to market and bought a piece of meat for Prince. I brought a letter home for Father Griswold and retired about 10 o’clock. JULY 12 – THURSDAY – Cooler but pleasant. Mrs. Baxter had breakfast ready about 5 o’clock. By that means, I got an early start for the shop. The foundry caught fire this afternoon, but it was soon extinguished by our shop hands who ran over each carrying pails of water (or all who could get pails). I worked rather late. I did not attend Prayer Meeting in the evening, but went over to the Post Office and back. There has been a circus here today and this evening. P. T. Barnum, the say, is interested in it. JULY 13 – FRIDAY – Pleasant, but the mornings are rather cool. I have had full work today. I received a letter from Gussie. I attended drill in the evening, after which I went up home to see Miss Jones as she is going back to Brooklyn tomorrow. JULY 14 – SATURDAY – I went to the depot in the morning to see Miss Jones off. I had only 10 hats. I brought my dinner home and went over to Mother Griswold’s and ate it with them. I attempted to paint, but it was so hot that I could not. Jacob Blissard’s wife died this morning. I hoed my turnips after tea, and went down town and bought a pair of shoes for $1.37. JULY 15 – SUNDAY – I commenced a letter to Gussie, who is in Bloomfield, before church. I finished it before evening meeting. Brother Pegg’s preaching has been excellent. Today, his text in the morning was Acts 12:5. In the PM, Hebrews 1, last of the 27th verse. We have an addition of 84 volumes in our library. I gave them out today for the first time. I went over to Mother Griswold’s to tea. After tea, I went over and sat a little while with Michael Knapp and his wife. I went to church in the evening and walked home with Aunt Mary and Jane (Mother Griswold’s girl). JULY 16 – MONDAY – Pleasant and warm all day. I have worked all day in the shop. On my way home, I called and balanced my account with Stevens & Hoyt. Mother Griswold has been very sick today. There was a shower passed overhead In the PM, but it did not give us any rain. It was soon clear and pleasant again. Another one came up in the evening and it rained considerably, accompanied by a great deal of lightning and thunder. Report after report in quick succession, many of them sounding like the discharge of firearms and some of them like a volley of musketry. It was the most terrific thunderstorm I have witnessed in a long time. JULY 17 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop a little after dinner. I came home and picked currants for Mrs. Baxter to make jelly for Gussie tomorrow. She being in Bloomfield, Mrs. Baxter offered to do it for her. I pulled weeds in my garden before tea and hoed it afterwards. I gathered my dwarf peas for seed. I walked down to the Post Office in the evening. An Irishman named ___, who was killed by lightning last night on Spring Street, was buried today. JULY 18 – WEDNESDAY – An eclipse of the sun this morning. It lasted about two hours, commencing about 7 o’clock, passing over nearly half of the sun. The drab work being scarce in the shop, I was put on blacks. I had plenty to do. Mrs. Baxter made Gussie’s jelly today (currant). When I came home from work, I found Harriet at Mrs. Baxter’s waiting to see me. She stayed and took tea with us, after which I went up home with her and lent her two dollars to get her teeth cleaned. JULY 19 – THURSDAY – Cloudy in the morning with a prospect of a storm but it came off very warm and pleasant in the afternoon. I have felt the heat more than at any time this summer. In the evening, Mrs. Baxter and I pasted paper over dishes of our jelly. JULY 20 – FRIDAY – It has been very warm again today. One of the apprentices at the shop (Pahquioque), Miles Doran, was 21 years old today. He had refreshments out under an apple tree east of the factory. It was a pleasant place and we had a pleasant time. Henry Harvey and Ebenezer Bailey took corrosive supplements instead of sugar in brandy this evening and my latest information is that they are not expected to survive. JULY 21 – SATURDAY – A thunder shower in the morning. Another hard one in the afternoon. A meteor was seen last night a little before 10 o’clock to rise in the northwest and pass through the heavens to the southeast. Those that saw it say that it was a beautiful sight. My blinds were brought home today by the painter. After I came home from work, I put them on. I went to market in the evening to get a piece of meat for Prince. Mr. Harvey and Mr. Bailey are no better from the effects of the poison. JULY 22 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and a little cooler. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Mark 14, first of the 8th verse. The Reverend Mr. Sanford, preacher in charge at the Five Points In New York City, preached, or rather talked ( for he did not take a text) talked to the congregation about the working of the mission in that place after which a collection was taken for the support of the mission, the clothing of children, etc. The collection was a liberal one. His remarks and description of the place, the suffering and the degradation and the wickedness of the place which is crowded in that vicinity was interesting to listen to and drew tears from a large part of the congregation. At 5 o’clock, the several Sunday Schools assembled at the 1st Congregational Church where he addressed them on the same subject until about 6 ½ o’clock. Mother Griswold’s girl, Jane, wanted company to the church in the evening, so I let her walk down and back with me. Mr. Sanford preached from Romans 8:26. The sermon was excellent. JULY 23 – MONDAY – Cloudy and some rain in the forenoon, but it cleared away in the PM. There was but little work in the shop – only one dozen. I painted our sink room. Father Griswold came home in the afternoon on the train. I went over home in the evening to see him. Abel and Harriet were there singing. They wanted me to sing, but the music they were singing was new to me so that I could not enjoy the sing very well. I stayed until after prayers and then came home feeling lonely and low-spirited. I retired as usual since Gussie has been away with my only companion, Prince. JULY 24 – TUESDAY – It appeared this morning very much like a September morning – clear and cool. I went to the shop but there was no work. I came home and mowed my dooryard again and trimmed the edges of my yard walks. It kept me busy all day. The burglars were around again last night. They took from Henry Crofut’s pantry window their breakfast which had been prepared overnight and some milk. They also tried to enter a house on Franklin Street through a window, but while attempting to do so, was struck at with a knife by B. F. Skinner. He hit him and the fellow ran. He has not been heard from yet. He was not recognized. His features were black; he was either masked or he was a Negro. I went into the street in the evening after some meat for Prince. The two persons which were poisoned are fading fast. Ebenezer Bailey is not expected to last until morning. Mr. Harvey remains about the same. JULY 25 – WEDNESDAY – Ebenezer Bailey died this morning about 2 o’clock from the effects of the poison (corrosive supplement) taken last Friday evening. No work in the shop. I went up with Nelson Nickerson and performed an operation on a kitten for him and then came home and painted some Dahlia sticks and went partly over my sink room with another coat besides fixing window springs and putting in two new blind fastenings which were broken at the painter’s at the time of the fire. I paid Andrew Knox $15.00 on debt for paint and painting my blinds. I mailed a Jeffersonian to Gussie and went to class. JULY 26 – THURSDAY – I worked in the forenoon in the shop. I came home for dinner and dressed myself to attend the funeral of Ebenezer Bailey at 2 o’clock. There was a shower during the services, which were held at the Disciples’ Church. Immediately after the services, I went down to William Bradley’s to attend also the funeral of his youngest child, a boy, aged one year an nine months. I bought me a silver pencil with a gold pen attached of Mr. Huntington - $2.50. I borrowed two dozen boxes of blacking of Mr. Hanford until I can get some from New York. I am getting it to fit out Fred Bradley to peddle as his health is poor and consequently is not able to work in the shop. I wrote a letter to Mr. Palmer ordering 12 dozen large boxes and three dozen small for Mr. Hanford. We had another shower about six o’clock. I went into the street in the evening to mail a letter and to exchange my pen. I did so and returned home. JULY 27 – FRIDAY – There was a very hard shower last night after I retired with very strong thunder. I have been to the shop and worked until about the middle of the afternoon and then stopped because of a pain across me in my right side and back. I think I have taken cold, probably after mowing my door yard last Tuesday. My back being a little lame after it, I think the cold settled there. Fred Bradley came to the shop this morning and told me that Harry Stone kept Palmer’s blacking and sold it for 10 cents per box. I returned the blacking I borrowed of Mr. Hanford (Fred having sold only one box) and then telegraphed to new York and countermanded the order I sent Mr. Palmer for 15 dozen this morning. Mother Griswold tried to persuade me to go to Canton tomorrow morning and take the time now that I don’t feel very well to visit instead of visiting a week later. I was almost persuade to go, but upon considering the matter a little more, I saw plainly that it would not be convenient and immediately gave up the idea. I attended drill in the evening. There being no business done, we adjourned early. JULY 28 – SATURDAY – Last night before retiring, I wet a towel in cold well water and bandaged it around me for the lame side and back which I had. When I arose this morning, I found that the difficulty was entirely removed. The nights and mornings are very cool for the season. I went to the shop feeling quite well but after dinner, I was taken with a severe headache and worked all afternoon in severe pain. I paid my board to Mrs. Baxter at the tea table. I went down to the Post Office in the evening. I helped James Maynard carry over to the school library 13 bibles which he was ordered to purchase for the school. Twenty were ordered but the whole amount could not be obtained at a time. I brought a letter from the Office for Father Griswold from Fanny who is in Madison, Wisconsin. JULY 29 – SUNDAY – Cloudy with more or less rain all day. A love feast at 9 o’clock. There was a melting. A warming influence pervaded the meeting. Many were blessed and I think all were profited, both those who spoke and those who didn’t. A strange minister, Mr. Bailey, preached for us in the AM. His text was Daniel 1:8. Brother Pegg preached in the afternoon from John 7:47. Brother William Hoyt, our presiding elder was to preach to us in the evening and I supposed he did. I did not attend on account of the storm. I spent the evening over to Mother Griswold’s. I sang a little with Harriet and Abel before I came home. JULY 30 – MONDAY – Hot and sultry. The heat in the shop has been very oppressive today. Mr. Harvey died this morning about 4 o’clock from the effects of the poison which he took a week ago Friday. I went to the Office in the evening and had a letter from Edwin Palmer in New York, a business letter about blacking and one from Gussie mailed from Bloomfield, but she is to start for Canton tomorrow. I only earned $6.00 this week which I received this afternoon. JULY 31 - TUESDAY – Warm again today. . Mother Griswold told me this morning that Prince had killed another of her chickens. Mr. Henry Harvey was buried today at 2 o’clock. I went downtown in the evening to mail a letter to Gussie. I intended to mail in the morning, but by spending so much time trying to find Prince, I was too late. I found him after I came home from work and took him over to the coop and showed him the chickens and punished him severely.
1860-07-01
Horace Purdy Journal, June 1860 Entry
6pgs
JUNE 01 – FRIDAY – I left my work in the shop with the promise of getting it tomorrow and left for Ridgefield for Mr. Crofut to get Aunt Mary for a nurse, but she had been exposed to the small pox so I could not bring her home with me. I went to drill in the evening. JUNE 02- SATURDAY – Windy in the forenoon. Having yesterday’s and today’s work to do in the shop kept me nearly all day at work. I came home and hoed my peas and worked around home. We went out in the street in the evening but did not get there soon enough to meet Harriet who came on the train and took a ride out to Mill Plain with Mr. Beatty to deliver a passenger before he delivered her to her home. We did not go up to see her as it was too late. JUNE 03 – SUNDAY – It was 7 o’clock before we rose this morning, we being very tired last night. The day has been pleasant. Brother Pegg preached good as usual. Mrs. Pegg’s father and mother are visiting them and were at church. The text in the morning was John 11. He used the first clause of the 39th verse. In the PM, Job 34:29, the first clause of the verse. I was sleepy during the afternoon service for the first time since he has preached here. It was a misfortune of my own and not the preaching which was good, what I heard of it. After tea, we were getting ready to go up home to see Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert from Derby. Mrs. Pegg’s parents, but fortunately, they were on their way up to see Father and Mother Purdy, so instead of it putting us to any inconvenience, it was a pleasure for us to accompany them up home. They started early to church with Mother. Gussie and myself waited until church time before we went. JUNE 04 – MONDAY - I took our sickle to the shop in the morning to grind it, but there being no work, I returned home and cut my door yard grass and put on a final coat of paint on the south side of my house. After tea, we put Frank’s plants in her mounds and borders over home. There being prospects of a shower, I hastened downtown to Benedict & Nichols. After I came home, I found that one of the pieces of meat smelled bad. I hastened back with it and exchanged it for another. JUNE 05 – TUESDAY – Cloudy all day, but no rain of any account. I had work nearly all day in the shop. After I came home and before tea, I took some straw over to Dr. Benedict’s and cut it with his hay cutter and covered the ground around my strawberry plants so that the berries will all keep clean. I went downtown and paid Noah Hoyt the bill I owed him -$1.75. I also paid Norris, the butcher, $1.27 that I owed him. I went to the cars when the train arrived to meet Father and Mother Griswold just for the General Conference in Buffalo, New York. Gussie had tea ready for them when they came. They seemed to enjoy their tea with us very much. After tea, we went over home with them to talk a short time and unpack. We stayed until after prayers and the came home to retire. JUNE 06 – WEDNESDAY – I went over to Dr. Bennett’s before breakfast to cut some more straw to put around my strawberry plants. We have been very busy in the shop on small Pearl hats. Rowena Pease and her husband called on Gussie and her folks today. Her husband’s name is Pease also, her own cousin, I believe, and an officer in the army. I went to market in the evening and was rather late to class. Gussie did not attend as she was too tired. JUNE 07 – THURSDAY – Warm and showery with a south wind in the AM and a hard shower in the afternoon. The wind got around in the west before night and the sun shone brightly. The evening was beautiful. We went to market, but it took so much of the evening, that we did not get to the Prayer Meeting. I have all the work that I could do in the shop. Mr. Smith paid to Gussie his last month’s rent today - $4.00. Augustus Seeley was married this PM to a Miss Hoyt. JUNE 08 – FRIDAY – Pleasant in the morning. A thunder shower before dinner. Showery in the PM. Plenty of work again in the shop today. Judge Culver gave a political address in the evening. The Wide Awakes turned out in the evening in a torch light procession. I went to drill in the evening, but the Captain dismissed us early, so I came home for Gussie to go down to see the procession. She went and was pleased. JUNE 09 – SATURDAY – Pleasant, but cool for the season. The work in the shop not being ready in the morning, I went up to Main Street and bought a new silk hat on credit for a few days - $4.00. I was rather late home from the shop. After tea, Gussie and I went down to market. I took a letter from the Office for Father Griswold and also one for Harriet Purdy. JUNE 10 – SUNDAY – Cool for the season, more like September or October than June. Text in the morning by Brother Pegg, Luke 23:52. Sabbath School Missionary meeting at noon; Sacrament in the PM. We were asked to go up in the choir and help sing in the morning, but we refused. We expected Harriet Purdy to tea, but she did not come. We went over to Abel’s and sang a little before church. We attended in the evening and Abel, Harriet, Gussie and myself went up into the choir and helped them by the urgent request of Peter Starr, the chorister, thought we much preferred to sit downstairs. Brother Pegg preached from 1st Timothy 1:19. Subject, “The Shipwreck of Faith”. JUNE 11 –MONDAY – Pleasant but cool. I have had a severe headache today. Our foreman being in a great hurry to ship some hats which we were at work on, I stayed until the lot was finished and were paid off, then went into the street and paid Charles Sanford $4.00 for a hat I bought of him last Saturday and then came home. Harriet Purdy called a few minutes on her way to her church. I did not go out in the evening, except to walk up to the new street between Barnum and Olmstead with Gussie. JUNE 12 – TUESDAY – Warmer today. I spaded up the flower bed beside my piazza before breakfast. I worked in the ship until after sundown and earned $3.62. I came home very tired. Harriet Purdy spent the PM with Gussie and took tea with us. We had a fine dish of strawberries from my bed. Father Griswold came home this morning on the train and mowed his front yard before night. I had intended to mow it for him but could not get the time. I went to market in the evening. JUNE 13 – WEDNESDAY – I hoed my lima beans and set out the poles before breakfast. I had work all day in the shop. We had class in the evening. Brother Cosier led the class, Brother Starr being absent. JUNE 14 – THURSDAY – I worked in the shop as usual today. Julia Pine helped Gussie clean house. It was late before she finished. I helped tack down the carpet after I came home. We both retired very tired. JUNE 15 – FRIDAY – I had to wait some time for work in the morning. A trial of several different mowing machines was had today by their agents, near Deacon Beard’s just east of our village. Gussie went up home in the forenoon and stayed all day. I came home from work and got my own tea and went to drill. Mr. Horace Crofut, our old tenant became the father of a 7 lb. boy this afternoon about 5 o’clock. JUNE 16 – SATURDAY – Warm and dry. A shower passed over us in the PM and sprinkled a little but not enough to lay the dust. I hoed in my garden before breakfast. We had a fine mess of strawberries for tea. We gave some to Mr. Smith who lives upstairs and also some to Harriet Wheeler. Mother Griswold called just at dusk, and Gussie and myself made a call with her to George Starr’s. JUNE 17 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm. Mother Griswold called in and walked down to church with us. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from 1st John 3 and the first clause of the 2nd verse. The text in the PM was Galatians 5 and the latter clause of the 6th verse. I had a severe headache all day. Mother Griswold and Harriet Purdy took tea with us. Gussie wrote a letter to Cornelia Post in Essex. We mailed it with two others for Harriet on our way to church. The Prayer Meeting was a good one. Mr. Wing from Goshen was there and we spoke with him after the meeting. JUNE 18 - MONDAY – Foggy in the morning, but pleasant and warm during the day. We have been stinted in our work in the shop today on $2.50. After I finished my work in the shop, I went up to Mr. Weiss’ and got some winter cabbage plants and set them out after I came home. It was dark when I finished. JUNE 19 - TUESDAY – I worked in the garden before breakfast. The morning was cloudy, but the sun soon made its appearance for a short time when it became cloudy and we had some rain. The sun shone again before night. We were stinted again on $1.87. When I came home, I found Gussie picking strawberries. I helped her. We picked about 4 quarts and gave Mr. Smith a dish of them and Harriet Wheeler also. After tea, I painted the ceiling to my stoop and then went to market. JUNE 20 – WEDNESDAY – Rain last night. Cloudy, rainy and some sunshine during the day. We have been stinted again today on our work in the shop. Another house was entered last night on Rabbit Hill and a watch taken. After I came home from the shop, I painted my piazza until tea time. Stormy in the evening. I went to market but was late to class meeting. The Universalist Strawberry Festival came off at Concert hall this evening. The weather being stormy, I think their attendance must have been small. Harry Thompson died this morning about 7 AM. JUNE 21 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop this morning and finished up one dozen hats. That being all the work to be done, I came home. Mother Griswold took dinner with us. In the afternoon, I mowed my dooryard. Harriet Purdy took tea with us. We had a fine lot of strawberries form our vines, about two quarts. Harriet relished them every much. There was nearly a bowlful left which we sent by Harriet up to Mother. After tea, I worked about the yard until dark and then went to market. I saw Charles Stevens. He gave me the certificates which Martha brought him from New York for Clark Beers and myself. They should have certificates of Life Membership in the Parent Missionary Society, but for some reason, they were filled out for the New York East Conference Missionary Society, $10.00 each instead of the $20.00 for the Parent Society. They were sent by Charles Stevens, Jr. He sent to me also another Librarian’s Account Book as I requested. Harry Thompson was buried this afternoon. JUNE 22 – FRIDAY – A pleasant day. I went to the shop and finished one dozen hats. That being all there was to do, I came home and painted the north side of my house. Harriet came down and helped Gussie sew and stayed to dinner and tea. We had strawberries for tea as usual I attended drill in the evening. JUNE 23 – SATURDAY – Warm and pleasant. We have had two dozen hats today at the shop. I came home in the PM and copied the Sunday School classes in a new account book. I worked in my garden. I was so busy that Gussie went to market in the evening. She brought home the news that the houses of Theodore Benedict and Oscar Serine on West Street were entered last night by burglars. JUNE 24 – SUNDAY – Warm and pleasant. Burglars to the number of five tried to enter last night the houses of P. A. Sutton and Widow Sherwood on Deer Hill Street about 12 o’clock. Dr. Bennett and his son, William, saw their maneuvers for about an hour when they were about to enter the houses and they gave chase to them but they could not catch them. Nearly every night they are entering and trying to rob some houses. They have been caught at it several tie but as yet, no one has been able to recognize them. They are either masked or it is too dark. It is causing a great sensation in our village and many persons are arming themselves. They will get in the wrong man’s house yet and will get dealt with as they deserve. They ought to be shot down like dogs and will be yet in they are not careful. The people are getting so that they are afraid to leave their homes by day or to retire by night and they have certainly cause to fear. The Ridgefield minister Joseph Smith preached for us today. He and brother Pegg exchanged pulpits. Text in the AM was Psalm 16, first clause of the 8th verse. In the PM, Acts 16:29-31. He is a good preacher but different in his style from Brother Pegg. Harriet Purdy and Mother Griswold took tea with us. Clark Beers came over before tea and helped me pick strawberries and I gave him a mess to take home for his tea. We attended church in the evening. George Andrew’s son-in-law, Mr. Hill from New Jersey preached. Text John2:25-25. He is a Baptist preacher. The sermon was good. JUNE 25 – MONDAY – I worked in the shop as usual today. G. M. Southmayd’s shop was burned today. The burglars were out again last night. They tried to enter Mr. Sutton’s and Mrs. Sherwood’s houses again and also Mr. McDonald’s. I borrowed a gun of Dr. Bennett so that I could be ready for them if they came around this evening. JUNE 26 – TUESDAY – A man was arrested last night, but not finding anything against him, he was liberated this afternoon. We have been hurried in the shop today. The weather has been very warm. David Knowles called on me at the shop and came home with me to tea. I came around by way of Wooster Street and got some celery plants for Father Griswold. David and I set them out for him. In the evening, I went downtown with Gussie to do some trading. JUNE 27 – WEDNESDAY – Warm and pleasant. I have been very busy all day in the shop. There was a fight yesterday in the PM or evening between some Irishmen and a German on River Street. The German was cruelly beaten to death almost. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp came over in the evening. I left them m with Gussie and went downtown with Abel. JUNE 28 – THURSDAY – I rose a little after 5 o’clock and brought water from Father Griswold’s hogshead for Gussie to wash with again, the second time this week, as she wanted to wash everything she could before she went away. I finished up my work in the shop before night. In the evening, I went shopping with Gussie to fit her out for her visit. I had my measure taken and a shirt cut by the shirt maker this afternoon. It has been a very warm day. JUNE 29 – FRIDAY – A very warm day. I think the warmest we have had this summer. I worked in the shop as usual. Mother came down in the PM and took tea with us over to Mother Griswold’s. I went to the drill room in the evening and got excused after the roll was called and went to a special meeting of the Hat Finishers’ Association. The Wide Awakes turned out in a torch light precession in the evening. Gussie spent the most part of the evening in packing up her trunk to go to Essex in the morning. We both took a bath in a wash tub before retiring. JUNE 30 – SATURDAY – We rose a little after 4 o’clock. Gussie went over home and helped her mother get breakfast and we both ate there. Mr. Beatty came up for her and she in company with her father started for Essex. I went to the depot to see them off, after which I went to the shop. I worked hard and rather late. I am boarding with Mr. Baxter across the way. I went there to tea for the first time. Afterword, I hoed a little in the garden. I went down town for a short time in the evening.
1860-06-01
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1860 Entry
7pgs
MAY 01 – TUESDAY – I had work until after dinner in the shop. I waited until after we were paid off and then went up to Hoyt and Scribner’s office and had my house and furniture insured. My house at $700 and my furniture at $200. Insurance at one percent including the policy - $1.50, it made the total $10.50. I, came home and sowed some Timothy and Red Top grass seed where I had previously sowed clover on my yard. Cloudy all day and a prospect of rain. I wrote a letter to Father and Mother Griswold to the General Conference at Buffalo in the evening. MAY 02 – WEDNESDAY – East wind all day. No work in the shop. I painted over the worst spots on the north side of my house, preparatory to putting on a full coat. The first coat being dry on the front, south and rear, I commenced puttying over the nail heads, etc. An alarm of fire at 10 minutes before 4 o’clock this morning woke me. I dressed myself and went over to Abel’s to have him go with me to the fire. He went. It proved to be the restaurant above the bridge. I was glad to see it burn for it was one of the worst places in town. Drinking, gambling and other vices have been carried on there on a large scale. It is undoubtedly a good thing for Danbury that it has been burned. It was entirely burned up. Mrs. Baxter and daughter and Mrs. Richards called on us a short time in the PM. I mailed my letter to Father Griswold who is at the General Conference in Buffalo, New York after inserting an account of the fire. I attended class in the evening. MAY 03 – THURSDAY – I worked all day puttying the bad places on my house. I had a new point put on lightning rod by Quintus Chichester and his partner. I had a headache in the PM and evening. I did not attend meeting on that account. MAY 04 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. I worked in my garden until after dinner when I broke my spading fork. I carried it to McDonald’s Blacksmith Shop to get it mended. I called at my shop and came home and finished the day by puttying nail heads, etc. on my house. Gussie walked down to see the ruins where the restaurant was burned. I went to drill and she came home. After drill, I bought a Sash Paint Brush of Andrew Knox. I came home and copied the minutes of the military meeting and retired. MAY 05 – SATURDAY – I spaded my garden for a while before breakfast. I went to the shop, but the work not being ready, the foreman told me if I would go home, he would give me my share some other time. I came home and worked hard all day in my garden. I planted onion, carrots, parsnips and beets. I planted 4 rows of the Van Epps Monarch Peas and two rows of the Champion of England, also quite a good number of Dwarf Peas. I transplanted a few strawberry plants. MAY 06 – SUNDAY – Warm and sultry. An old man called in the morning to solicit aid to have an operation performed which is blinded by the providing of a cataract over the sight. The left eye is also becoming so. Also, he is rather an elderly man, poor and not having the means of having the operation performed without aid, he is trying to get enough together by force of gifts of such as may pity and sympathize with him. He is John Colebrook of this state. Brother Pegg preached today and it seems to me to be the best preacher I have ever heard. Text in the AM was Revelation 14:6. His theme was the Everlasting Gospel (see text). In the PM, Psalm 137:14. We walked over to Cousin Frank Boughton’s after tea. We attended prayer meeting in the evening. Brother Pegg announced in the meeting that the wife of Brother Wooley was dead. Brother Woolley preached in Ridgefield last year. He is now stationed in Norwalk. MAY 07 – MONDAY – It still continues warm and sultry. I went to the shop in the morning but had nothing to do. I came home and went to work in my garden. I planted squash, potatoes, cucumbers and corn. Mrs. Richards and Mrs. Eli Rockwell (now a widow), formerly of Ridgebury, the one with whom I lived when I was a boy, were walking in the lot west of my garden, and I saw her for the first time since I lived with her. Mr. Smith, my tenant, helped me to clean out my rain water as it was nearly empty and there was a prospect of a storm. I went downtown and to market with Gussie in the evening. MAY 08 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy with an east wind and a little rain in the morning. I helped Gussie to cleaning the parlor. I worked in my garden and puttied over nail heads on the house. I was very busy all day. George and Emma Wildman came and spent the evening with us. I had to go to market just after they came. MAY 09 – WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and a little rain. No work in the shop. I went down there and came home and painted my parlor. I finished my work late and was so tired that I did not attend class in the evening. MAY 10 – THURSDAY – Cloudy with an east wind, but little rain. I have had work all day in the shop. On my way to the shop, I went up to Andrew Knox’ to carry home a bottle and get some white varnish. But I finally concluded not to get any and came away without any. I came home and found the house vacant and locked. I got some bread and milk for my supper, Gussie being away with Cousin Frank Boughton up to Marion Boughton’s visiting. They came home about 7:30 and went to the stores together while I, being very tired, stayed at home. I received a letter from Father Griswold at the General Conference at Buffalo, New York. MAY 11 – FRIDAY – The anniversary of brother John’s birthday. He would have been, if he lived, 23 years old. I have had work all day in the shop. Warm and pleasant. Our threatened storm has passed over without rain enough to dry the dust. George Quien brought me ½ peck of the South American potatoes for seed to plant in my garden. Gussie went up home in the PM. I attended drill in the evening. I brought home two large porgies and dressed then for my breakfast tomorrow morning. MAY 12 – SATURDAY – I have had full work in the shop which kept me busy early and late. After tea, I sowed some cabbage heads in Father Griswold’s hot bed. I sowed some broad leaf pepper grass also in my garden. Gussie went with me to market in the evening after which we went up home to see if I could get Father to come on next Monday and finish spading my garden. MAY 13 – SUNDAY – Very warm. Brother Pegg preached from the latter clause of the 22nd chapter of Luke: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Sacrament in the PM. After tea, I wrote two letters – to Father Griswold in Buffalo at the General Conference and the other to Cousin Phebe Palmer in Stamford. Preaching in the evening by Brother Pegg. Text from Isaiah 66:13. Subject, “God’s love as represented by the mother”. A good sermon. A full house. MAY 14 – MONDAY – I brought water from the brook for Gussie to wash with. I had work all day in the shop. Father came in the PM to finish spading my garden, but a hard shower which we had drove him from his work. It was the first rain in nearly a month. We needed it very much. The ground was very dry. A meeting of the male members of the church in the evening to see about repairing the church. I did not attend on account of having the parlor carpet to tack down. MAY 15 – TUESDAY – Pleasant but cooler since the shower of yesterday afternoon. It commenced with hail. Father came this morning and finished spading my garden. It took him until about 2 PM. I finished my work before night at the shop and came home and planted potatoes, lima beans and bush beans. I went to market in the evening. MAY 16 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant but cooler in the morning and evening. I went to the shop, but there was no work, the hats not being dry. I came home and transplanted some tomato plants for Father Griswold and planted some lima beans for him. The remainder, I cannot plant until I hear from him. I planted some more limas for myself and two hills of squash and some radishes. I hoed up the grass in my walks and raked them off. I finished puttying up the north side of my house and commenced painting. I worked so late at painting that I could not get to class. MAY 17 - THURSDAY – Cooler in the morning. Some say we had a frost last night but I did not see it. I suppose I did not get up early enough, although I was up at 5 o’clock. There has been work in the shop all day. I came home for dinner and stopped on my return at Concert Hall to vote in accepting an act of the legislature to provide water for our town. It was passed. I was taken with a headache and had to leave work before night. Mr. Weatherspoon came over after tea with some pepper seed to sow in Father Griswold’s hot bed. I went to market in the evening and received a letter from Father Griswold at the General Conference and mailed one for Gussie to Eliza Humphrey in California. After I came home from the street, I commenced a letter to Father Griswold. MAY 18 – FRIDAY – Cloudy and a little rain. Plenty of work in the shop. After tea, I finished my letter to Father Griswold. I mailed it on my way to the drill room. I also mailed to him the printed act of our present legislature to provide Danbury with reliable water works. I attended military meeting in the evening. MAY 19 –SATURDAY – It rained very hard early this morning. Showery all day. Mr. Baxter helped me fix the chain pump in the well before breakfast. I was obliged to descend into the well as far as the surface of the water and fish out the chain with a hook attached to a pole. The water was about eight feet deep. I had work all day in the shop but sis not accomplish much on account of waiting for blocks about half the time. We were paid off in the PM. I received $15.00. Theodore Fowler brought me 25 early cabbage plants when he came from dinner. I transplanted after tea also some Silicia lettuce plants from Dr. Bennett. We went downtown in the evening, I to market and Gussie to Mary Hoyt’s to see about a new hat. I called with her. MAY 20 – SUNDAY – Cool, but pleasant. A high northwest wind. Very much like March. We attended church. Brother Pegg preached in the AM from the Song of Solomon, 2:11-12. Text in the PM - Matthew 5:8. Both sermons were excellent. We did not go out in the evening on account of Gussie feeling unwell. MAY 21 – MONDAY – I painted before breakfast. I had work nearly all day. Showery all day. I put a casing on the chimney corner in my bedroom after I came from work. A child of Clark Hoyt’s was buried this afternoon. Gussie attended the funeral. I did not go out in the evening. MAY 22 – TUESDAY – A hard shower last night. Showery nearly all day. No work in the shop. I helped Gussie clean house. I white washed and painted the bedroom. Mother came down on the PM. I hurt her feelings by scolding her about letting Bell go out of church last Sunday. We went downtown in the evening for some wallpaper to put on the walls in our bedroom. Clear and pleasant in the evening. A new moon. MAY 23 – WEDNESDAY- A beautiful day. I went to the shop in the morning and finished a dozen hats and came home and went to painting in m y bedroom and afterword on the north side of my house. I also took away the west side of my grape vine frame. Cousin Frank Boughton and her baby spent the afternoon and took tea with us. I went to class in the evening. MAY 24 – THURSDAY – In the morning, I whitewashed the pantry for Gussie. No work in the shop. I worked at painting my house all day, when I was not helping Gussie with her cleaning. We did not attend prayer meeting in the evening, but went to market and to Mary Jane Hoyt’s for Jussie’s new hat. A shower came up while we were there. We waited until it was over before we came home. MAY 25 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. We commenced to paper our bedroom. In the PM, I went over to Jacob Fry’s with William Bradley to get some Pea Brush. We got them out of the swamp and Mr. Fry is to bring them to us the first opportunity he has. I attended drill in the evening. Our new rifle muskets have come. They are a splendid affair. The day has been very warm. MAY 26 – SATURDAY – Warm in the AM. Showery in the PM. I did not go to the shop to see if there was any work or not. Mr. Fry brought in my Pea Brush in the morning. Gussie and myself worked all day to finish papering the bedroom. Stormy in the evening. I did not go away from home in the evening. MAY 27 – SUNDAY – East wind. Cloudy and misty all day. Brother Pegg preached in the AM from Genesis 22:2-3. In the PM, from 1st Corinthians, chapter 6, the last of the 10th verse. Both sermons were excellent. Harriet and Abel called a short time after tea. Gussie wrote a letter to Cornelia Post and I one to Father Griswold at the General Conference in Buffalo, New York. I mailed them when I went down to prayer meeting in the evening. The meeting was in the Lecture Room and a good one it was, too. Brother Pegg was more than usually warmed up and so was the brethren generally. The house was crowded. After the meeting, I went over to brother Stevens to see his son Charles to send by him to New York at the Book Room for two Certificates of Life Membership in the Missionary Society, one for Clark Beers and one for myself, also for two Librarian’s Books. MAY 28 – MONDAY – Cloudy until after dinner when the sun shone. I had work nearly all day in the shop. On my way to work in the morning, I went up to Andrew Knox’s for some varnish and turpentine which I carried to the shop with me and after work I brought it home with me and varnished our bedstead. Mayor Tweedy called to see about our assessments on the new street through Barnum’s and Olmstead’s property on Deer Hill. We went up to Mr. Wise’s in the evening and carried a pot to get some plants rooted. MAY 29 - TUESDAY – A pleasant day. I had work in the shop until nearly night. John Brush got intoxicated and appeared ridiculous as usual when he s in that state. Mr. Wise sent me some early London cabbage plants this morning. I transplanted them this evening. After tea, I helped Gussie put up the bedstead and get things righted a little in the bedroom. MAY 30 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the middle of the day and a thunder shower just at night. The moon shine brightly just before bedtime. I have had all the work I could do in the shop today. An Irishman named Thomas Kinney was drowned yesterday in Taunton Pond in Newtown. The Wide-Awakes paraded the street in a torch light procession headed by the brass band in the evening. I went to the Hall to help Captain Wildman box up the old muskets and unpack the new ones in the evening. MAY 31 – THURSDAY – It rained hard early in the morning. I have had to train hard all day today as it has been our May training. We were warned about 7 AM and trained until 6 PM. We had 1 ¼ hours for dinner. We used our new rifle muskets for the first time today. We had martial music in the forenoon and the brass band in the PM. We did a hard day’s work but most if not all the men enjoyed it. I was tired and did not go out in the evening. There was thunder shower about 6 or 7 PM.
1860-05-01
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1860 Entry
10pgs
APRIL 01 – SUNDAY – Prayer meeting in the AM instead of preaching. Quite a number of certificates were given to the scholars in the Sunday School for collecting $3.00 each. Preaching in the PM. Text - John 5:28-29. Subject, “The Resurrection.” A good sermon. I came home with a severe headache. We did not go out in the evening, although preaching was appointed. Brother Lovejoy, Clark Beers and myself were made life members of the parent Missionary Society with the money collected by the members of the Juvenile Missionary Society composed of the Sunday School attached to our church. It requires $20.00 cash to make life members. APRIL 02 – MONDAY – Election Day. I spent a part of the day in plastering up the broken places in the wall in a closet upstairs before my tenants move in which came today – Mr. Russell Smith. We helped them move more or less all day. I in the morning and after work and Gussie during the day. I was obliged to work a part of the day on work which is to be shipped tomorrow to California. Abel took three of my apple trees which I gave him today and set them in his garden. The election as far as heard from stands thus: Danbury, Republican 35 majority, Bethel, Republican 32, Norwalk, Republican 25. Redding as far as heard elected both representatives. North Fairfield gave a Democratic majority of 1; Bridgeport, 125. Wildman for Senator, 11th district standing 32 ahead and one town to hear from and that town has always given a Republican majority. I hear the band playing now. It is now after 10 o’clock. They are, I think, serenading Senator Wildman. I guess they have heard for the other town and he is elected. We had Mr. and Mrs. Smith take tea with us as they are not yet settled. I went to market in the evening in company with r. Smith and mailed a letter to Aunt Mary in Ridgefield for Mr. Crofut and one to Cornelia Post in Essex for Gussie. APRIL 03 – TUESDAY – We rose a little after 5 o’clock. I brought water from the brook for washing. I went to the shop in the AM and had one dozen. The election so far as I have heard is in favor of the Republicans. In the PM, I fixed the fastenings to some of my window blinds. Gussie went up to Brother Scofield’s with her folks and Brother Miley and wife to spend the PM. I went up to tea. On our way home in the evening, we did some shopping. Gussie bought a new dress and hat at Mary Jane Hoyt’s. APRIL 04 – WEDNESDAY – My work in the shop lasted me a short time after dinner. J. W. Nichols came after dinner for our ladies and at 5 o’clock, Father Griswold, Abel and myself got George Starr’s horses and went over to tea and to spend the evening. We took his long box wagon so that we could bring the ladies home with us. We enjoyed the evening very much. The evening was spent about as follows: the older ones enjoying a special chat. Harriet and Gussie played a game of checkers and then I played two games with Harriet. She beat me both times. We were treated with a little homemade wine. The wine was brought in on a server with filled glasses. One of the glasses was a perfect cheat, it being made with hollow sides and the hollow filled with wine or some liquid colored exactly like wine so that it could not be detected by its look. I was tricked by taking that glass and trying to take a drink, but could not get a drop. The ladies were tricked in the same manner in the PM before we came. But the hour finally came when we must start for home, it being nearly 9 o’clock. Abel and I went outside to get the team ready, but were surprised to find no team there. They had broken the hitch rein and started for home. Well, what should we do was the first thing that I thought. It was finally arranged that we three men should start for home on foot while Brother Nichols should bring the ladies with his team. We got as far along on our journey home as old Mr. Marsh’s and found our team in his yard. The gate being open, they walked in of their own accord and no one, not even Mr. Marsh’s people knew they were there. We got the team ready and waited until Mr. Nichols came along and then we took in the ladies and started for home while Mr. Nichols returned home. I shot Mother Griswold’s cat dead in the PM. APRIL 05 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop in the morning – no work. Theodore Fowler, our foreman, paid me $16.00 which he drew for me yesterday, as I was not there when they paid off. I came home and commenced working on my house blinds (repairing them) as they are tight and will not play and some of them are broken. I am obliged to take them to pieces, bore the holes for the slats longer and put them together again. It is a real task. Father came down and stayed for dinner and helped me some before dinner and most of the PM. We only repaired three pairs of them. I set out a quince tree (very small) that father Griswold had given me. Father helped me transplant some Lawton Blackberry roots before he went home. He has been sick for a few days. He does not yet feel well. I went to the market in the evening. We did not attend prayer meeting. APRIL 06 – FRIDAY – I worked all day (except for the time I spent helping Abel dig up three cherry trees and transplanting them) repairing my house blinds. George came over and helped me a little just before dinner. He took dinner with us. After dinner, he came in a wagon with two ladies to get a weeping willow tree to set out over the graves over at Mill Plain. Father Griswold gave us one from his garden. I went to drill, got excused and went to the church to witness a presentation of a pronouncing Bible to father Griswold and Brother Miley and “The History of Methodism” complete in two volumes to Brother George Starr. The presents were bought and presented by the officers and teachers of the Sabbath School. The cost was $15.00 - $5.00 each. After the presentation, Hattie Brockett, Clark Beers, Gussie and myself went up to our drill room to hear the band play. I told Clark if he would come home with me, I would give him an apple. He came, and Hattie with him. APRIL 07 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I finished repairing my house blinds at noon. I commenced painting again in the PM. I worked until sundown. After tea, we went downtown to get our kerosene lamp fixed and do some shopping. Abel and Harriet went to North Fairfield this afternoon. I have nothing to do now in the shop. APRIL 08 – SUNDAY – Stormy all day. Sacrament in the PM. A love feast was appointed for this morning at 9 o’clock. We did not get ready in time to attend church in the forenoon. We went down to Sunday School and stayed in the PM. I gave the chairman of our Juvenile Missionary Society, R. Wildman, $72.04 this noon to hand to the preacher, Brother Miley, to take to the conference this week. A thunder shower in the evening, the first of the season, if I am not mistaken. We did not go to church in the evening on that account. Unless Brother Miley comes back to preach on next Sunday which will be Conference Sunday, instead of sending some other preacher, today is his last with us as a pastor. APRIL 09 – MONDAY – Rain and fog all day. I went to the shop in the morning. I did not expect to find work, but I found that there was nearly a full day’s work on drab hats. I came home for sinner, which is something which is unusual for me. I should have carried my dinner if I had known there was to be any work. As Brother Miley was to start this afternoon for Conference, I left the names of three persons with him to be made life members of the parent Missionary Society by the Juvenile Society of our church, viz., Brother Lovejoy’s daughter, Mary, Clark beers and myself. The Annual Sunday School Teachers’ meeting in the evening. Officers were elected as follows: for President - the Preacher, for Vice-President – William Scofield, for Secretary & Treasurer – James Maynard, for Superintendent – George Starr, Assistant – Peter Starr, for Female Superintendent –Maria White, Assistant – Sarah Bartram, for Librarian –myself, Assistant – J. Clark Beers. The regular business meeting of the officers and teachers was changed from monthly to quarterly hereafter. The Brass Band gave a concert in Concert Hall in the evening to defray the expenses of hiring teachers. The Bethel Glee Club, I understand, volunteered their services on the occasion. I heard the band playing as I came home from the teachers’ meeting. Jet, Harriet’s cat died this evening over to Father Griswold’s. APRIL 10 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. Cloudy all day and stormy most of the time. I seeded down my south front yard with clover. I worked a good deal in the rain and I am afraid I have taken a cold. I stayed at home in the evening and read my paper. William Stevens (an Englishman) our nearest neighbor to the north, had his furniture set out of the house by Sherriff Morris to make room for other tenants who had hired the house. Stevens was enraged and showed fight to the sheriff. He left to get out a writ to arrest him, but in the meantime, Stevens left home so that when Morris came, he was missing, so he finished carrying out his things. The other family took possession and Morris went away. Jet Wheeler was buried this morning. APRIL 11 - WEDNESDAY – I rose and found it raining still, but by the time I was ready to go to the shop, it had stopped. But it did not clear away entirely until night. No work in the shop. I tore away the west side of my cellar hatchway wall in the PM. I went up home in the evening to engage Father to come tomorrow and help me finish laying it up again. Gussie had a good deal of shopping to do in the evening, such as getting a new pair of gloves, going to Mary Hoyt’s for a new bonnet, etc. I borrowed a large size carpet bag of henry to carry with us to Stamford tomorrow. Bailey’s Menagerie showed here this PM and evening before setting out from winter quarters. APRIL 12 – THURSDAY – We rose at 5 o’clock. I went into the street before breakfast and again after for some lime to make mortar to lay up anew the stonework in my hatchway. Father helped me until about 2 o’clock when he went home and we started to prepare to go to Stamford. We went on the 4:20 train and arrived in Stamford about 6:20. Phebe and Edwin met us at the depot. Aunt Abigail had tea ready for us when we got there. We went to conference preaching in the evening. Preaching by Dr. Curry, text 1st John 2, middle clause of 1st verse. We saw Brother Miley after meeting, Brother Wooley also. APRIL 13 – FRIDAY – We rose about six. A shower in the morning. It cleared away so that we all went to church to attend a session of the conference – Aunt Abigail, Phebe, Gussie and myself. Four of the delegates to the General Conference were elected, viz., William Norris, Daniel Curry, E. Griswold and James Foley. It being noon, the conference postpone the election of the other delegates and adjourned. A private session in the PM. We came home to dinner rather late. We went to the Daguerrian rooms in the PM and Aunt Abigail had her picture taken for us. We did not go out in the evening. APRIL 14 – SATURDAY – We are still in Stamford, enjoying ourselves very much. We attended conference in the AM. The remainder of the delegates to the General Conference were elected. The names are as follows, seven in number: William Morris, Daniel Curry, E. Griswold, James Fay, Seymour Landon, Albert ___, Robert Hatfield. Two reserves were elected, viz., Harvey Hempstead and J. S. ___. The Slavery Question was then taken up. An anti-slavery speech was made by ___. A few remarks (pro-slavery) by H. Perry, followed by D. Curry and Herman Baugh. After dinner, I went to the barber’s and had my hair cut, after which Phebe, Edwin, Gussie and myself went down to the steamboat landing to see the boat come in about 4 o’clock. We came home by way of the railroad Dept. Aunt Abbie and Phebe went out in the evening, but Gussie and myself stayed in. APRIL 15 – SUNDAY- We attended church all day (We are still in Stamford). After the service, we went up to Oliver Hoyt’s to dinner. Father Griswold and the other elders with the bishop are stopping. We were taken to and from Mr. Hoyt’s in his carriage. We had an excellent dinner, served up in an aristocratic manner. The view is delightful in all directions form his residence. The Sound is in view. The village of Stamford is also seen to good advantage. APRIL 16 – MONDAY – We attended conference in the AM. The sun shone dimly in the morning, but before noon, it began to rain. Eddie went home for umbrellas and rubbers for Phebe and Gussie. We did not go out in the PNM or in the evening. We went down in Mr. Hoyt’s room in the PM to sing. We sang until teatime. In the evening, Mr. Hoyt came upstairs to stay with us as his family were all gone to church. It continued to rain all the PM and evening. APRIL 17 – TUESDAY – A little rain in the morning. It cleared off pleasant and warm in the forenoon. We attended the morning session of the conference. Gussie’s friend, Elizabeth Bedient from Hempstead, L. I. was there. Gussie was very much pleased to meet her. She was in company with her intended, Henry Mead. After dinner we all went to church as it was the last session of the conference to hear the appointments read off. Mr. Pegg was appointed to Danbury and Father Griswold for the New Haven District. He is to remain with us in Danbury for the coming year and if he should take the New York District next year, he will not move at all. Brother Miley, our old preacher, is going to Forsythe Street in New York City. The conference has been altogether interesting. We have enjoyed it much. It has been Gussie’s first trip to Stamford. We have enjoyed the visit very much. Aunt Abbie has done all she could to make it pleasant for us. After the conference closed which was about 3:30, Phebe, Eddie and Marquise Hatfield, along with Gussie and myself all went up to Rock Spring which is situated on a hill about a mile north of the village. We gathered moss, etc. We arrive home about 6 PM tired and hungry, but Aunt Abbie had tea all ready waiting for us and we did justice to it. After dinner, Mr. Hoyt, his two daughters, Olivia and Harriet, and Mr. and Mrs. Remonde and his two children came in to sing. We all sang until about 10:00 and then we retired. APRIL 18 – WEDNESDAY - It was 7 o’clock when we rose. The weather is pleasant. Phebe, Gussie and myself went to the store after some material to cover the shelves I gave Phebe last summer. We went to work and put them up. While we were downtown, I saw William Hoyt, our old Danbury preacher, now presiding elder of the Bridgeport District appointed yesterday at the conference. He has bought a place in Stamford and is going to reside here with his family. APRIL 18 – WEDNESDAY – (Danbury, 10 o’clock at night). We started from Aunt Abbie’s about 4:30 PM with Phebe and Edwin to accompany us to the cars. We took the cars at 5 o’clock and 27 minutes for Norwalk. The train started from Norwalk to Danbury at about 6:30. Arrived home about 7:30 and took tea with Father Griswold. APRIL 19 – THURSDAY – I was awakened this morning about a quarter to 2 o’clock by the ringing of the bells. It was general alarm fire. Upon dressing myself and going to the scene of the confusion, I found it to be the residence of the Widow Phillips on Deer Hill Street, the fire proceeding from the cellar and just breaking out of the first story window. The upper part of the house was unhurt, but the flames spreading rapidly in about half an hour, their beautiful house was leveled with the ground, a heap of ashes and burning timbers. The family are staying, I now learn, with Charles Benedict, their nearest neighbors on the north whose house narrowly escaped the flames. The fire department were on hand as soon as could be expected but the fire burned so rapidly that nothing could be done except throw water on the side of Charles Benedict’s house and put out the fire as soon as possible. After the house fell in, everything was list except a sofa and a few chairs and a trunk containing some valuable papers which was taken out by William Harrison at the peril of his life. He was offered $50.00 if he would secure it and he accomplished it. The members of No. 1 Engine Company and other rowdies have been intoxicated all day, threatening the members of Engine Company No. 2 and knocking down peaceable citizens and quarreling among themselves generally. They are keeping themselves nearly all of the time in and around the Wooster House, giving that part of our village the appearance of a general riot. Deputy Sherriff Morris, Constable Hawley and citizens who were called upon to assist, arrested several of the ringleaders who were tried this morning. The names of those arrested and the results of the trial, I have not learned. The officers met with a strong resistance, but were finally successful. I had work all day in the shop. I had a severe headache all day and in the evening. I had my summer’s coal brought to me this afternoon by Griffing. Bought it on credit - ½ ton of Lackawanna. Gussie washed this morning and went up home in the PM. APRIL 20 – FRIDAY – I went to the shop in the morning and finished off some work which was left over from yesterday. I came home and altered my walk which goes across to Father Griswold’s. The northern end of it is a little farther to the west. I took up some strawberry plants from a low spot in my garden so that I could fill it up and transplanted them I went to the drill room in the evening. After the business was done, I got excused and went down to the parsonage where the church members were preparing a supper for the reception of our new preacher who was expected on the evening train. But alas, he did not come, so instead of eating the new preacher in, we ate the old one out who is still with us. I believe he is to move next week (Brother Miley). Our new minister’s name is John Pegg. Jr. The supper was made up of stewed oysters and various kinds of cake. The entertainment was closed with prayer by Father Griswold. I came home and after copying the minutes of the military meeting and writing in my journal retired about 1 o’clock. APRIL 21 – SATURDAY – Warm and pleasant with a west wind this morning. But before noon, the wind went around to the east and it rained. I had Mr. Sayers, the cart man, in the morning to help me draw some dirt to level off around my house. When he finished, I got him to take my house blinds up to Andrew Knox, the painter. Gussie has been at work with her folks to get them ready for Ohio. We took dinner with them. I went to market in the PM and to George Hull’s for a lamp chimney in the evening. I worked out in the rain before dinner and think I have taken cold. APRIL 22 – SUNDAY – It was rather late when we rose. It was storming hard. Cloudy all day and some rain. Brother Peg, our new preacher, preached for us in the AM for the first time. Text – Isaiah 52, part of the first verse. (Awake, awake. Put on thy strength, O Zion). An excellent sermon. Father Griswold preached in the PM. Text – Philippians 1:27. After tea, we went over home and to Abel’s to sing. Mrs. Bigelow was there; she is cousin to Abel. We attended prayer meeting in the evening, the first one that Brother Pegg has attended with us as he only came yesterday to preach for us today. He will go back again to Hartford for his things and family. We liked him today very much. APRIL 23 – MONDAY – I went down to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came directly home and leveled off the ground in back of my house and sowed clover seed. It kept me busy all day. We took tea over to Father Griswold’s house. Gussie has been helping t hem get ready to go to Ohio with Father Griswold when he goes to the General Conference. He planted his garden today. Mr. Stevens, the English gardener, and Father spaded it for him. I went for some groceries and to see Mr. Sayers to have him draw some more dirt on my garden tomorrow. APRIL 24 – TUESDAY – Mr. Sayers came this morning and hauled for me 3 more loads of soil for my yard and one load of white sand for my walks. I gave away some black currant bushes to Robert Sayers and his brother, the cart man, who drew my dirt, and Ephraim Gregory. I finished leveling off and seeding down my yard and sanding my walks by working very hard and late. I intended to attend class tonight because I cannot attend my own tomorrow because of a meeting of the Wooster Guard preparatory to our annual parade on the 27th. I went over to Father Griswold’s in the evening to get some instructions about his garden during his absence to the General Conference. It commenced to grow col after dinner and was quite cool just at night and in the evening. APRIL 25 – WEDNESDAY – Frost last night, cool this morning. I rose in good season and went down to Charles Stevens for a vest for Father Griswold. He sent it last night by his apprentice, Elijah Brown, but he carried it home to his boarding place at Albert Howard’s instead of delivering it as he should have done to Father Griswold. I had to go to his boarding place, for he had not got up when I called. As Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny were to start for Ohio this morning, Gussie went over and helped get the breakfast and we ate there. After seeing them to the cars, Gussie went home and cleared away the breakfast table, swept the house, put things in order, locked the house and came over to her own home while I went to painting. I attended an extra drill in the evening, as the Guard intend to turn out on the 27th. We had an invitation to go to New Haven on the 2nd of May to participate in the Governor’s Parade. Our circumstances are such that we shall not attend. I have worked hard painting my house today. APRIL 26 – THURSDAY – Snow on the ground this morning; just enough to make it look white. The weather is still cold, making my hands so numb that I could scarcely paint towards night. Mother came down just before night and went with us to Prayer Meeting. Aunt Louise and Frank came along and went with us. We expected to see Brother Pegg there, but we were mistaken. He has not yet arrived with his family. APRIL 27 – FRIDAY – Pleasant and warmer. I painted in the AM. After dinner, I went up to the Hall about 2 o’clock to turn out on our annual parade, but only 10 members appeared so that we did not appear in the street. I came home early and resumed my painting. I attended military meeting in the evening. On my way home, I stopped at the parsonage for Gussie as she was there helping clean, etc. preparing for our new minister who is coming tomorrow. APRIL 28 – SATURDAY – I painted a little before breakfast, after which I went to the shop. I had work all day. After I came home, I carried out my Dahlia roots for sprouting. We went down to the parsonage in the evening to make a supper for the reception of our new preacher, Brother Pegg. He came on the morning train with his family and took dinner with Brother George ___ and came to the parsonage for tea. Brother William Hoyt, our presiding elder came on the evening train and took tea with us at the parsonage. We came home about 10 o’clock. When I came from the shop, I brought a letter from the Office to Gussie from her cousin Eliza in California. APRIL 29 - SUNDAY - Pleasant. Our new presiding elder, William Hoyt, preached for us in the morning from 3rd John, 4th verse. Sabbath School as usual. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from Ephesian 3, first part of the 19th verse. After the service, the funeral of Mrs. Wylie was attended. We went. After tea, Gussie wrote to her folks who are in Ohio visiting. We attended meeting in the evening. Preaching by Brother Pegg. Text- Psalm 68:18. The sermon was excellent, a full house. APRIL 30 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I had work all day in the shop. Brother Bartram came in the PM after Gussie and Harriet and took them up to his house to spend the afternoon to take tea and to sing in the evening. Ana and Sally Miley, Hattie Brockett, Martha Stevens, Susan Holmes, Harriet, Gussie, Abel and myself were there. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Smith with their son and daughter came in in the evening. Brother Bartram brought the ladies home, while Abel and myself walked.
1860-04-01
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1860 Entry
8pgs
MARCH 01 – THURSDAY- I rose this morning feeling much better. Cloudy and rain most of the day. I went to the shop and worked all day. On my way home, I bought another bottle of London Porter of Edgar Benedict. Received a letter from Harriet. Mother Griswold called in while I was drinking tea, expecting to find me sick but I surprised her by having earned $3.00 in the shop and feeling as well as usual, except for being tired. I did not go out in the evening. MARCH 02 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. A beautiful day for March. I worked as usual in the shop. Hiram Crofut was off from the shop today. He has hired out for the spring to a Mr. Bevens to work at patent roofing. Gussie went up home in the PM and stayed the evening. I attended drill. Captain Southmayd has resigned and we were warned to appear next Friday to elect a new captain and to fill all vacancies occurring thereby. MARCH 03 – SATURDAY – Cloudy with some rain in the PM and evening. We stayed with Mother Griswold last night and are to do so tonight. She came over and took tea with us. I brought home some worsted cord for the bookshelves in the parlor. I strung them and put them up in the evening. MARCH 04 – SUNDAY – We rose a little after 6 o’clock and came over home for breakfast. Mother Griswold took breakfast with us as she is alone. Pleasant but windy, not very cold. We attended church. Preaching by Brother Miley. The text in the AM was Luke 12 and part of the 48th verse. We were at Sunday School as usual. The text in the PM was Hebrews 11:24-26. The morning sermon was to the children. The one in the PM was on the “Faith of Moses.” Mother Griswold took tea with us. After tea, we went over to Abel’s until evening church time. We did not attend in the evening. MARCH 05 – MONDAY – We rose over to Mother Griswold’s about 6 o’clock. We overslept about an hour. Was at the shop as usual. Was paid off $15.00. Father Griswold came home today from one of his tours of his district, so that Mother Griswold will have company tonight and we will sleep in our own home. Mr. Baxter called while we were at tea to have me go over to his house and witness him warn his tenant out of his house (Mr. Smith). I went as he requested. Mr. Smith would not take it, so Mr. Baxter laid it on the table before him, Mr. Smith saying at the same time that he would not receive any notice from anybody. I read it before Mr. Baxter carried it up to him. Cousin Frank Boughton came over to see if we were coming over to her Mother’s to Mary’s party. We did not go. MARCH 06 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I engaged ½ ton of Council Ridge coal of Martin Griffing. Received a letter of Phebe Palmer telling us of her late conversion. This is news over which we may rejoice. She urges us quite hard to come to Stamford and make a visit during conference which sets there on the 11th of next month. I would like very much to go and think we will. We went up home in the evening, the first time I have been home this year. I have been so hurried with work that I could not. MARCH 07 – WEDNESDAY – I rose this morning and found it snowing hard, but before night, it turned to rain and the snow wasted fast. I worked all day in the shop. It was late when we finished our tea and the weather being bad, we did not attend class in the evening. Mr. Crofut came downstairs and sat a part of the evening with us. I answered Phebe Palmer’s letter before I retired. MARCH 08 – THURSDAY – Was rather late to the shop this morning. I have not felt very well today. I accomplished but little at my work. I ironed off 3 dozen for shipping in the PM. Two garnishes were spent this afternoon for beer and crackers. I did not eat my dinner on that account. I brought home some cord and tassels for pictures and hung them in the evening. Mother Griswold came in and sent the latter part of the evening with us. MARCH 09 – FRIDAY – Snow in the morning. It cleared off about noon. The snow nearly disappeared before night. I worked all day as usual in the shop. On my way home, I did some marketing. I attended drill in the evening. We elected officers: for Captain, E. E. Wildman, 1st Lieutenant, Jesse Stevens, 2nd, R. G. Gowan, for 1st sergeant, Andrew Knox, 2nd, Milo Dickens, 3rd, John Raymond, 4th, George Davis. For 1st Corporal, Nelson Elwood, 2nd, George B. Allen, 3rd, Joseph Young, 4th, Nathan Couch. I received one vote for 1st lieutenant, one for 2nd sergeant, one for 4th sergeant, and four for 1st corporal. I then told them to drop me for I should not accept any office whatever. I came home and copied the minutes of the meeting, and went over home and prepared Mother Griswold’s fires for morning and retired. The largest number of votes cast at the election of officers was 15. MARCH 10 – SATURDAY – The ground was frozen quite hard this morning. March has made its appearance today, it being windy and cool. I worked quite late in the shop. Fanny returned from New York by the evening train and brought a number of articles which Gussie sent for. Adelia Powell came home with her. We were over home when they returned and spent the evening there. MARCH 11 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late. Preaching by our pastor Brother Miley in the AM. The third quarterly meeting of the Juvenile Missionary Society was attended at noon instead of the usual prayer meeting. The teachers, some of them handing in their money with and some without papers to show what scholars had collected the money, and the consequence was that I did not know who to credit the money to. All was confusion and I having a severe headache, could not get up and talk to them as I ought to have done. I was vexed and very much out of patience. I should not have done so but it seemed as if I could not help it. I cared but little how matters went. The Secretary (Clark Beers) came home with me to tea in order to count over the money. We did so and counted out $59.15. I was so sick I could hardly sit up. We did not attend church in the evening. MARCH 12 –MONDAY – I rose feeling quite well this morning. I prepared water for Gussie to wash and put out the line but took it in again before going to the shop on account of the commencing of a storm. Gussie washed out her clothes and left them in soak. I have not felt very strong but worked all day notwithstanding. I was paid off at the shop - $12.98. Paid Martyn Griffing for ½ ton of Council Ridge Coal - $3.75. Our tea was rather late in consequence of working late at the shop. While we were drinking it, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter came in to spend the evening. Clark beers came also according to agreement to do some business pertaining to the Juvenile Missionary Society. In the course of the evening, Mother Griswold came in, and a little later in the evening, came Abel and Harriet accompanied by Mrs. Powell who came with Fanny from New York and is visiting for a few days with her. The sitting room was about as full as we could sit conveniently. All except Clark Beers came unexpectedly. We did our business and then he went home about 10 o’clock. I retired after 12 o’clock. It stormed nearly all the forenoon, cloudy still in the PM, a few stars showed themselves in the evening. MARCH 13 – TUESDAY – I was occupied until 9 o’clock this morning trying to exchange $27.00 in specie for paper money. I finally succeeded. I then carried $50.00 in small bills to the Pahquioque Bank and exchanged it for a fifty dollar bill, the money belonging to the Juvenile Missionary Society, I being treasurer of the same. I got to the shop a little after 9 o’clock. We had to wait considerably for our work today, the facers not getting the work ready for us fast enough. We took tea over to Mother Griswold’s with Abel and Harriet along with Mrs. Powell of Brooklyn. In the evening I went up to Agnes Keeler’s for Gussie’s ring braided of brother John’s hair. It did not fit her; it was too small. We both went up again and had it fitted to her finger. We retired about 11 o’clock. MARCH 14 – WEDNESDAY – Mrs. Powell started for New York this morning. She stayed at Abel’s house last night and Harriet and he accompanied her to the cars this morning. I went to the shop as usual and waited until after dinner for work. In the meantime, I went up to Roger’s Picture gallery with 4 of my shopmates, viz., William Wheeler, Thomas Kyle, Edward Stevens, and Theodore Flagler and we all had our ambrotypes taken. Mine I design to give to Cousin Phebe Palmer. I had one dozen of hats in the PM. I finished them and came home early. Mother Griswold and Fanny being uptown visiting, Gussie went over home to get tea for her father when he should come home and I went to class. MARCH 15 – THURSDAY – A pleasant day. I had to wait a considerable time for work at the shop. I came home to dinner for the first time in a long while. Gussie went out shopping in the PM and had her picture taken (ambrotype) to carry to Stamford for Cousin Phebe Palmer. It cost 25 cents. We did not attend church in the evening. MARCH 16 – FRIDAY – Pleasant again today. I waited again a part of the forenoon for work. I got a dozen of hats and finished them before noon and came home to dinner. I bought a hundred pounds of white lead and 5 gallons of oil to paint my house before I went to the shop in the PM. I went back to work and waited about two hours and then we men who were on drabs adjourned until tomorrow morning. I came home and piled up my wood which had fallen down. Gussie went up home in the PM. I attended drill in the evening. MARCH 17 – SATURDAY – St. Patrick’s Day. It had somewhat the appearance of a storm in the AM, but it proved to be a very pleasant day. I had more work in the shop today. Mrs. Cyrus White and Mrs. Ives were at Harriet’s to tea. We were invited over to take tea with them; we went. Gussie and myself went down to market in the evening. I carried some rags to George Hull’s and Gussie traded them out. A Mr. Charles Rogers came on the evening train to Father Griswold’s from New York. I had a good deal of writing to do in the PM before I could retire. MARCH 18 – SUNDAY – We attended church during the day; preaching by Brother Miley. Text in the AM, 2nd Corinthians 9:7. Mr. Rogers attended church all day. He came to the Sunday School after lessons and talked to the school. A few of the classes brought money which they forgot to bring in last Sunday to the amount of $4.59. Text in the PM, John 5:28-29. After tea, we went over home to visit with Brother Charles Rogers from New York. They had all gone over to Abel’s so we went over. I had the headache so that we did not attend church in the evening. We sent a part of the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Crofut upstairs. MARCH 19 – MONDAY – Cloudy this morning, but the sun soon began to shine making the day a pleasant one. Mr. Rogers took the cars this morning for New York. We were stinted in our work at the shop. I had but 2 dozen hats. I was paid off in the PM - $9.00. When I came home, I dug a hole in which to set an apple tree when I could get an opportunity to move it and found that there was no frost at all in the ground where I dug. Mr. Crofut paid me the balance if his year’s rent this evening - $4.00, the year ended April 1st. I did not go w=away from home in the evening. MARCH 20 – TUESDAY - I was sick last night with a bowel difficulty. I was up and out doors three times. I commenced digging up one of my apple trees before breakfast. I finished transplanting it after breakfast. In consequence I was late at the shop. I had to wait until 11 o’clock before I could get my work. In the meantime, I went up to Retton’s and had two ambrotypes taken, one of them intended for Mother Griswold and the other for Cousin Phebe Palmer, I not being satisfied with e one previously taken by Rogers. It had the appearance of a storm in the AM. It rained a little, but before dinner, the sun shone and a greater part of the day was pleasant. I came home from work rather late and was very tired. I did not go out in the evening. MARCH 21 – WEDNESDAY - Cooler today. A little snow has been seen flying through the air nearly all day, but it did not show itself on the ground. I finished my work before night and came home and transplanted another apple tree in my yard. Quite a demonstration in the street in the evening. Mayor Wood of New York spoke for the so-called democracy of Danbury in favor of Thomas Seymour for governor of Connecticut. A strong attempt is to be made by democrats to carry the state in the election this spring. A tar barrel was burned near Concert Hall before the address commenced. The Danbury Cornet Band escorted the mayor form Forester’s Hotel to the Hall. I stopped at the hall just long enough to get a peek at him and then left. I sold a roll of salve to Mr. Woodford the jeweler. I bought a beefsteak, went to the grocer’s and came home. MARCH 22 – THURSDAY – Cool and somewhat windy. It has snowed somewhat moderately throughout the day, covering the ground nicely, but not very deep. We are still limited in our work at the shop. I carried a piece of Griswold’s salve to one of my shopmates (Albert Johnson)for him to try on a sore ankle which has troubled him for some time past and which he does not succeed in curing. I have faith to believe it will cure him. Starlight in the evening. The man I saw last evening and supposed was Fernando Wood was not him but a Mr. Bradford who was introduced to the audience before Mayor Wood. So it seems that I was mistaken and did not see the man after all my attempts to do so. MARCH 23 – FRIDAY – I went to the shop in the morning. The foreman (Theodore Fowler) kept me waiting until nearly noon for work and then told me that we had better wait until tomorrow when the work would be ready. I came home and commenced painting my house. Mother is sick with her old spinal difficulty. Gussie went up in the PM to see her and to get tea for them. I took tea over to Mother Griswold’s. I attended a military meeting in the evening. We adjourned early and went to the Concert Hall to hear Mr. ___ speak on the political questions of the day. It was a republican meeting and largely attended. The speaking was good and I think it will have a good effect which will show on Election Day. I came home rather late and copied the minutes of the Military Meeting before I retired. MARCH 24 – SATURDAY – I finished my work in the shop about 2 o’clock. I came home and worked at painting my house. I worked at it until tea was ready. After tea, I went to market, which closed up during the doings of the day as far as I was concerned. Gussie is on her knees picking up buttons, hooks and eyes, which she spilled for a box in the closet. Her patience holds out good!! I should have gone up home this evening to see Mother who is sick, but could not very well. Will try again tomorrow. MARCH 25 – SUNDAY – We did not rise very early and were consequently late to church. Preaching by Brother Miley. Text in the AM – Proverbs 14:32. PM – John 5:28-29. Subject, “The Resurrection”. I bought the “Sabbath Bell”, a singing book for the Sunday School, price 10 cents. After tea, we went up home to see Mother, who is sick. We came home just before church time and Gussie wrote a letter to Canton for Cousin Eliza’s picture to copy from. I went to the Office and mailed it for her. Father came down in the evening for a cabbage to use for a blister for Mother’s back and some apples to roast for her. We carried up a cup of crabapple jelly when we went up. We did not attend church in the evening. Elder Grant is here again preaching in the Concert Hall. A Second Adventist, he styles himself, but he does not believe in the immortality of the soul before the Final Resurrection. He places man with the beasts. It is simply a doctrine of gross materialism. MARCH 26 - MONDAY – By doing last Saturday’s work and today’s too, I was kept busy all day. A Grand Republican Mass Meeting this PM in Bethel. Senator Wilson of Massachusetts was expected, but for some reason, he did not come. A Mr. Burnham instead of Mr. Wilson was present. A special train went down for here carrying all who wished to go free. Most of our shop hands attended, but I did not. In the evening, I made out an election notice of the officers in our military company and carried one to the Times and one also to the Jeffersonian office for inclusion in both papers. I traded some in the store and came home. MARCH 27 – TUESDAY – I finished my work at the shop at noon. I then came home and painted all the PM. I went down to Mr. Fisher, the dyer, in the evening for Mother Griswold to get a dress. I stopped at the market on the way home to get something for breakfast. The bell tolled this PM. I learned it was for the wife of Orrin Pelley. MARCH 28 – WEDNESDAY – We are hurried in the shop for a lot of drab hats and we who were on those hats had all we could do. It was late before I came home to tea. I earned $3.50. Judge Cutler of Brooklyn speaks this evening at Concert Hall for the republicans of Danbury on the political issues of the day (or rather, he is expected to). I did not attend class as I expected Mr. Smith, our new tenant, to call to see about moving in on Saturday. He did not call as I expected. I stayed at home and read my paper and retired at about 10 o’clock. Fred Bradley was married this morning to Isabelle Busting and went away on the train. MARCH 29 – THURSDAY – Had work again all day in the shop. Republican Caucus in the PM. David Nichols and Thaddeus Bronson were nominated for representatives to the legislature. Mr. Crofut moved out today and has gone to Abel’s upper rooms. When I came home, Gussie had been to tea over home. Mrs. Wood, formerly Frances Doane had been there and stayed to tea. I was asked to go over there and get my tea. I did so. I was quite tired and did not go out in the evening. MARCH 30 – FRIDAY – I worked all day in the shop. None but those of us who were on drab work had any today. A part of the choir came up to Abel’s in the evening to sing. I had to attend drill and I went over a short time after I left the drill room. The following persons were there, viz., Mrs. Ely, Martha Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Boughton, Mr. Woodford and Peter Starr and Gussie and myself. After the singing, we came home. I did my writing and retired about 11 o’clock. A Democratic Mass meeting tonight in Norwalk. A train was run down free by the Seymour Club and of all the loads that ever was, that was the greatest. A harder set of men could scarcely be found. MARCH 31 – SATURDAY – Warm and pleasant. I helped Mr. Smith bring water from the brook to clean his rooms upstairs before moving in. After breakfast, I went to the shop and worked hard all day. John Brush and George Loomis and Thomas Maddon were drunk last night down to the mass meeting at Norwalk. Tom came to the shop but went back home again, not being in condition to work. John and George continued to drink until they were about as drunk as they could be ad still get around. They left off work before night but before going away, they nearly tormented James Hogan to death. They seemed determined to fight with him. But he displayed wisdom and good sense by not fighting with them. They nearly tore his shirt off his back. They were, I think, a pretty good specimen of the so-called Democratic Party. Taking it all together, it has been an eventful day. Bell came down in the PM and stayed to tea. After tea, we went downtown. When we came back again, we went up home with Bell and stayed a part of the evening.
1860-03-01