Horace Purdy Journal, January 1860 Entry
10pgs
JANUARY 01 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late in the morning for the commencement of a New Year. We commenced sitting downstairs in church today for the first time. We have concluded to leave the choir and take seats below hereafter. Preaching all day by Brother Miley. Text in the morning – 2nd Corinthians, verse 4 and the last clause of verse 18. “For the things that are seen are temporal; the things that are not seen are eternal.” The text in the PM was Romans, 9:3. “For I could wish for myself to be accursed (and separated) from Christ for (the sake of) my brethren; my kinsmen according to the flesh.” We went over home after tea. Frank Boughton and Mary Purdy called for Mrs. Crofut and Augusta to go to the Baptist church before evening meeting to see Anna Tobias married to a Mr. Williams. I did not go, but met them at our church in the evening. JANUARY 02 – MONDAY – The mercury stood at 4 degrees below zero this morning. Paid my interest money at the savings bank before I went to the shop - $21.00. Sent $40.00 for the Juvenile Missionary Society by J. A. Lovejoy for two certificates of Life Membership of the Parent Society, they being for Fanny Griswold and Frances Lovejoy. I wrote a letter to Mr. Lovejoy in the evening about changing Fanny Griswold’s name from Frances to Fanny, as I had by mistake given him the wrong name. JANUARY 03 – TUESDAY – Very cold in the morning, but the weather moderated before night so that it snowed a little in the evening. I worked in the shop all day and was very tired at night. I went to market in the evening, but did not attend class, which was to be a short sermon and a speaking meeting. We have commenced this week to have some extra meetings preparatory, as we trust, to a revival of religion among us. JANUARY 04 – WEDNESDAY – Went to Thomas Barnum’s in the morning for an old box wood stove and to George Hull’s for some old pipe, which made it about 10 o’clock before I arrived at the shop. I put up the stove down in the cellar when I came home from work to keep out the frost. I went to market in the evening after which it was too late to attend class. Augusta being unwell did not attend either. JANUARY 05 – THURSDAY – I worked all day in the shop. We attended meeting in the evening. Father Griswold preached from Ephesians 2:20-22. After the sermon, the quarterly conference was held. JANUARY 06 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. Theodore Fowler (our foreman) of the Pahquioque Finishing Shop gave his men an oyster dinner at Mr. Philander Ferry’s eating saloon. It was one of the pleasantest occasions of the kind that I have ever enjoyed. The dinner was made up of oysters, pickles, hot coffee, mince and apple pies, and fried cakes with ale beer for those who wished and ended with the best cigars that the establishment could afford. The whole was interspersed with suitable and appropriate toasts and compliments to Mr. Fowler and to the proprietor of the establishment, the speeches being considerably witty and some of them quite eloquent. A committee was appointed (while we were leisurely enjoying our cigars) to see that the doings at the dinner were properly inserted in the Danbury Times, tendering to Mr. Fowler and Mr. Ferry our thanks and compliments for their liberality and the manner in which the dinner was prepared. I received the two certificates of life membership in the Missionary Society for Fanny Griswold and Frances Lovejoy by J. A. Lovejoy from New York together with a ___ for myself. I attended the drill of the Wooster Light Guards in the evening. JANUARY 07 – SATURDAY – I did not go to the shop this morning, on account of gong to Ridgefield in the PM with Father Griswold. We started at 2 o’clock, Father, Augusta and myself, with Mr. MacDonald’s horse and sleigh. We arrive at Ridgefield between 4 and 5 o’clock. It commenced raining in the evening. JANUARY 08 – SUNDAY – It was pleasant in the morning, but the snow was mostly gone. We attended church. Sacrament in the AM. Father Griswold preached in the PM. Text was John 4:24. – “God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” We were invited to take seats in the choir and did so. The singing was excellent. It had been warm and pleasant during the day, so that it was very wet and muddy. It did not freeze any in the evening, so that we did not go to church. JANUARY 09 – MONDAY – We are at Uncle Joel’s yet. We went up on the hill before breakfast to see Long Island Sound. We saw it very plainly. After breakfast, I harnessed the horse and we started for Danbury with the sleigh mostly on bare ground. We did not put on the bells, thinking that they would not be very appropriate since the sleighing was so poor. Father Griswold went home by the cars to diminish the weight on the sleigh. We started about 9 o’clock and arrive in Danbury about 11 0’clock, before Father Griswold came Father, Mother, and Fanny. I went to the shop in the PM and earned $.75. Went to market in the evening. JANUARY 10 – TUESDAY - I helped Augusta about her washing in the morning. I went to the shop and worked all day. Foggy and the appearance of rain in the AM. The sun shone a little in the PM. No rain during the day as I expected. I worked in the shop for as long as I could see. Frances Boughton was with us to tea. John came in the evening. Mrs. Crofut came downstairs and sat with us in the evening. I spent most of the evening in writing notifications for the members of the Military Company. JANUARY 11 – WEDNESDAY – Foggy and cloudy. A little rain in the evening. I had work in the shop all day. I worked as long as I could see. Having a new ledger to make out for the Military Company, and it being so dark and muddy, I did not go to class. My writing kept me busy until 9 o’clock. JANUARY 12 – THURSDAY – I awoke and found that it had been snowing during the night and it continued to do so. It cleared off in the PM. I had full work again in the shop. When I came home from work, I found the house empty of all except for Prince (the cat) and a note left for me by Augusta to come over to Harriet’s to tea. I went over and found Brother and Sister Miley and Mr. Patterson together with Father and Mother Griswold. They had about finished their tea, so I took possession of the second table. After tea, Brother Miley prayed with us and then Clark Hoyt came in to give them a sleigh ride home. We attended meeting in the evening, which was a sermon by Brother Miley and a prayer meeting. Being obliged to go to market, I did not get in soon enough to hear the text. Mother Purdy called just as I was going to tea. She would not go with me, so I left her in the house, but when we came home, she had gone. JANUARY 13 – FRIDAY – I had full work in the shop and earned $2.50. When I came home from work, I found that Gussie had gone up home to Mother Purdy’s. She came home in time to get my tea. After tea, I went to market and to drill. It was a quarterly meeting. It was previously announced that we should elect some officers, but the whole business was laid over for next week. After drill, I came home and copied the minutes, wrote in my journal and went to bed. JANUARY 14 – SATURDAY – I awoke and found the earth nearly clad with a fresh layer of snow. It continued to snow for a while in the morning, but it soon became misty and some rain during the day and evening. I bought some writing paper for the Military Company on my way home from the shop. Mr. R. Smith came to look at my rooms in the evening and about concluded to take them about the first of April. I went to market in the evening, returned home and did some writing (ruling and preparing a ledger for entering some accounts for my own use) and then retired. JANUARY 15 – SUNDAY – Very icy this morning, but it being a warm and pleasant day, the ice soon disappeared. We had oysters for breakfast and chicken pie for supper. We attended church. Brother Miley preached. Text in the AM – John 15:25, the latter clause: “They hated me without a cause.” George assisted me in the library this noon for the first time. Text in the PM - Ezekiel 33:7, “So thou, son of man. I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel. Therefore, thou shall hear the word of my mouth and warn them from me.” The preaching was excellent. We went over home for a short time after supper. We attended prayer meeting in the evening, but we were both so tired and sleepy that the meeting did us but a little good. The meetings continue very good, but there are no seekers to my knowledge. JANUARY 16 – MONDAY – Gussie and Mrs. Knapp were on a strife to see who would get their washing hung first. Gussie beat her a little. We have all the work we can do now in the shop. William Wheeler was at the shop again today. I took him on turn. He was shopped. Warm and pleasant overhead; rather sloppy underfoot. The sleighing has about left us today, I paid six months dues to Alfred heath in the evening, being July 10th to January 10th – 60 cents. I sold a roll of salve to John Armstrong in the evening. We attended Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. I was elected one of a committee to procure some new library books for the Sabbath School, but do not think that I shall act. JANUARY 17 – TUESDAY – I worked hard and as long as I could see in the shop today. Cloudy and had the appearance of a storm in the morning, but before night, the sun shone and it was pleasant in the evening. Eli Hoyt’s mother died today. I went to market in the evening, but did not stay to church, was too tired. While I was in the street, I had a conversation with Milo Dickens about the Military Company. Mr. And Mrs. Crofut came down for a while in the evening. We ate some apples together. JANUARY 18 – WEDNESDAY – We are very much hurried in the shop. I have been on drab work today. I worked as long as I could see again today. On my way home from work, I found George by Montgomery’s Shop. He went home with me and carried some apples home with him. He expected company to help him eat them in the evening. Gussie and myself attended class in the evening. Charles Stevens’ class met with ours. Both leaders being absent, George Starr came in and led. We had a good meeting. After the meeting, Mr. Clark (the leader of the band) and myself had a talk about the writing on the floor of the Military Hall. JANUARY 19 – THURSDAY – The weather is moderate, thawing some during the day. I bought a small piece of beefsteak on my way to work in the morning to cook for my dinner in the shop. I stopped work a little sooner than usual and went to Charles Hull’s and bought an iron, came back to the shop and put a holder on it which took me until dark. After tea, I went down to see Alfred Heath, the secretary of the Hatters’ Society to exchange a card for a check, but he was in New York, so I left the card for him until tomorrow night when I was told he would return. The card belonged to William Wheeler. I attended church in the evening, but did not get in soon enough to hear the text. David Osbourne of Bethel preached an excellent sermon in which he earnestly exhorted the sinner to repent and seek the Savior. One person rose for prayers (a man). JANUARY 20 – FRIDAY – We arose in good season. I worked all day in the shop. I attended drill in the evening. We have news to day of another death in our military company - Robert Dikeman. He died in Memphis, Tennessee. The company voted to attend his funeral if his body is brought home, as we expect it will be next week, his friends having sent telegraphic dispatch to send his remains as soon as possible. JANUARY 21 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop as usual. We had garnish money to send out today which was spent on ale beer, cider, crackers and cheese. I partook of one glass of cider and did justice to the crackers and cheese, so much so that I did not touch my own dinner, but brought it home just as it was put up in the morning. William Wheeler’s check was put in my box at the Post Office as I directed the secretary to do for Mr. Wheeler as I promised him I would be responsible for it considering that I took him on turn. I went to market in the evening. Bought a new chimney for our camp (stove). Went down to Martin Clark’s in the evening and made an explanation about the writing on the floor of the drill room and to invite the band to turn out with us at the funeral of Robert Dikeman next week. JANUARY 22 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very muddy. Brother Miley preached. Text in the AM – 1st Peter 1:8. “Whom having not seen, ye love, in whom though ye now see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” The Sabbath School was attended as usual; George still assists me at the Library. I think he will make a very good assistant. Text in the PM – Mark 10:17. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running and kneeled to him and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life.” Mother Griswold called in while we were eating supper. In the evening, I mailed Gussie’s picture and a letter to Cornelia Post in Essex for her. We both feeling tired and the walking being bad, we did not attend church. We went over to Harriet’s and sang a short time and then came home and retired. JANUARY 23 – MONDAY – Pleasant and very much like spring, thawing a good deal during the day. I was nearly all day finishing up my last week’s work. We were paid off as usual this afternoon. I drew $14.00, the largest week’s work I have made in more than a year. On my way home from work I called and paid to Gould Disbrow $5.00 on a coal debt, also to Charles Hull for a finishing iron, $2.75. Mailed a Danbury Times for Mother Griswold to Mary Burr at Bloomfield. The body of Robert Dikeman did not come on the evening train as some of friend expected. There was a special meeting of the Guards in the evening to make arrangements for the funeral, but as his remains did not come, we drilled for a time and dismissed. I went to the market and then came home. JANUARY 24 – TUESDAY – The weather continues about the same. I worked as usual in the shop. The apprentices of the Finishing Shop (Pahquioque) were all drunk today (with the exception of Edward Stevens), viz., George Loomis, Thomas Maddon, Miles Doran, and Theodore Flagler. The Make Shop apprentices joined them. They came in about noon and nearly turned the shop inside out. They then went away and stayed all the PM. The bell tolled this afternoon for Hiram Wildman. The body of Robert Dikeman did not come on the evening train as we expected. One of his friends arrived on the 11 o’clock train, saying that he would in all probability arrive tomorrow. We repaired to the hall to do some business and then adjourned. George Allen walked up with me. He being in very poor circumstances, I gave him 50 cents. Gussie commenced today to make a pair of slippers for her Father. She designs to make a pair for her Mother also. JANUARY 25 - WEDNESDAY – It did not freeze any last night, warm all day. The wind commenced to blow in the PM and began to freeze in the evening. I came home from the shop and drank my tea alone. Gussie had taken hers over to Cousin Frank’s. I was at the depot when the train arrived in the evening. The remains of Robert Dikeman did not arrive as expected. We went to the Drill Room and drilled in slow time by music, “The Dead March” to prepare ourselves for the funeral on Friday if the body arrives. After the drill, I walked up West Street with Cyrus Benedict and had a conversation about the feelings existing between the Military Company and the Brass Band. Father Griswold presented us a frame for Gussie’s record of her father’s family. The Catholic church caught fire yesterday. I did not attend call this evening on account of the special drill. Charles Maddon lost a child today. JANUARY 26 – THURSDAY – Cooler today, but little sunshine. Abraham Wildman was buried today. Gussie was up home to tea. It commenced snowing in the evening. A telegraphic dispatch that the remains of Robert Dikeman would arrive tomorrow. I went up to the Hall a short time and then came home. JANUARY 27 – FRIDAY – The ground was covered with snow this morning, but clear and pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. The remains of Robert Dikeman, which we have expected since Monday last, came this evening by Adams Express. The members of our company, The Wooster Guards, carried him to the undertaker’s shop (our Captain George Southmayd) and examined the corpse. It came in a metallic coffin and was in an excellent state to be seen. He was laid out in his clothes and looked very natural. It was a heart rending scene to see his father when he first looked upon the lifeless form of his only son. After he had been seen until all present were satisfied, we carried our brother soldier to the residence of his sister, Mrs. Theodore Sanford. After which, we returned to the Drill Room to make further arrangements for the funeral. After the business was completed, I walked home in the company of George Allen. JANUARY 28 – SATURDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and worked until nearly 11 o’clock. I then came home to dinner and equipped myself in uniform for the funeral of Robert Dikeman. It was attended at 1 o’clock. Our Company marched to the home of Theodore Sanford near the cemetery and took possession of the corpse and escorted it in military style to the Disciples’ Church, where a sermon was preached from Job 14:14 – “If a man die, shall he live again?” After the services, his remains were again placed in the hearse of our Captain, George Southmayd and our Company took their position at the head of the line with the left of the Company in front and proceeded to the cemetery by martial music (The Dead March) through a hard snow storm. When the services were over at the grave, The Company formed on each side of the grave and fired two volleys over the last resting place of Robert Dikeman and returned by quick step to the Armory. George called in the evening for a roll of salve for father. JANUARY 29 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late, about 8 o’clock. The day is pleasant, but rather a cool air. There was a prayer meeting instead of a sermon in the morning. We did not get ready in time to attend, so we waited until noon. Preaching in the PM by Brother Miley. Text – Hebrews 10, latter clause of the 23rd verse- “For he is faithful that promised.” We have a new chorister and the singing improves. The sermon did me but little good, I was so sleepy. A representative of a colored church in Bridgeport was here this PM for money to aid his church, but I guess he did not succeed very well. Father called while we were drinking tea and stayed until nearly dark. Mother Griswold called also. We did not attend church in the evening. JANUARY 30 – MONDAY – I woke with the headache and had it all day. I left my work at 1 ½ o’clock and went to the church to buy a seat (as it was the day appointed for renting them). I rented No. 30 – price $16.00. I went back again to the shop and went to work. We took tea and spent the evening over home. The Elder had quite a tea party, the persons present were as follows: Brother Miley and mother-in-law, his wife being sick, she could not attend, Charles Stevens and wife, William Scofield and wife, Fred Starr and wife, George Starr and wife, James Nichols and wife, Able and Harriet, and ourselves. We sang a hymn and closed with a prayer by Brother Miley. JANUARY 31 – TUESDAY- Have felt more like myself today. I have worked all day as usual. Mr. Crofut was to New York yesterday and in consequence, we did not get our pay. He was at the shop today, but for some reason or other, he did not pay us off. It thawed considerably but grew colder towards night and froze. It commenced snowing in the evening and the wind blew furiously. We did not attend the meeting in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny were invited out to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Miley at Isaac Smith’s.
1860-01-01
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1860 Entry
6pgs
FEBRUARY 01 – WEDNESDAY – Cold and snowing still this morning. It came off clear in the PM, but still cold. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. We were paid off in the PM. On my way home, I called and paid to Gould Disbrow $5.00 on coal debt. Received another letter form Henry Brayman at Norwalk. I did not get through my tea in time to dress and attend class. Gussie was unwell ad could not go. I made a fire down in the cellar to keep the frost out in the evening. J. Wakely lectures this evening before the Young Men’s Christian Association. Subject – The Foreign Born Demosthenes. I would like to have heard it, but it was not convenient for me to attend. Indeed, should I have gone, I would have attended class instead. FEBRUARY 02 – THURSDAY – Cool and pleasant this morning. I worked hard all day in the shop. Cloudy and some snow in the PM. It was too late when tea was over to attend church, and besides, I was too tired. I learned today that Jesse Stevens was married yesterday afternoon to Cynthia Sanford, daughter of Joel Sanford. I spent the evening mostly in reading my paper. FEBRUARY 03 – FRIDAY – Very cold this morning. Mother came down and stayed nearly all day with Gussie. I did not see her, as she came down after I went to the shop and went away before I returned from work. Gussie is nearly sick with a cold. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 04 – SATURDAY – A pleasant morning. It snowed a little by squalls during the day. The evening was beautiful. The moon shone splendidly. I worked hard all day in the shop. In the evening, I went down to the store for some articles. After I returned home, I went over to Abel’s and paid him for the Semi-weekly Tribune, which I took off his hands after he had subscribed - $2.50. Gussie is sick with a severe cold. FEBRUARY 05 – SUNDAY – Cold last night and this morning. Gussie did not feel able to attend church this morning. She came to Sunday School and stayed in the PM. The weather was a good deal warmer in the afternoon and had the appearance of rain. The text in the AM was Hebrews 10 and the latter clause of the 23rd verse. – “For he is faithful that promised” – a continuation of the same on last Sab bath by Brother Miley. Text in the PM – 1st Corinthians 15:19 – “If in this life only, we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” by David Osbourne of Bethel, a good sermon. After tea, Mother Griswold came in and stayed a short time when she and Gussie had a short conversation about the difference in the circumstances between Harriet and herself. We did not attend the meeting in the evening, which was to be preaching, but stayed over home with Mother Griswold. We took possession of our new seat in church today in No. 30, North aisle. FEBRUARY 06 – MONDAY – We rose at 5 o’clock. I was one of the first at the shop in order to secure a certain block to finish 4 hats on. Rain in the AM, foggy all day. The evening was pleasant, but very muddy. Gussie was worse today. Her cold has obliged her to take to bed this PM, but she had tea ready for me when I came home. I went to the store in the evening. John Boughton walked up with me and came in and revived Gussie’s spirits very much. Was paid off today at the shop - $15.00. FEBRUARY 07 – TUESDAY – An eclipse of the moon last evening. Warm and pleasant today, but very muddy. Gussie is much better today. I worked as long as I could today in the shop. I went uptown in the evening for some oysters. Mother Griswold called while I was out. FEBRUARY 01 - WEDNESDAY – I worked all day in the shop. Joseph Tammany was off. Albert Johnson was shopped before night in his place. Another tea party at Father Griswold’s. Mr. Bartram and Isaac Smith with their wives. We took tea with them. I went to class in the evening, but came out before it closed and spent the balance of the evening with Father Griswold’s company. FEBRUARY 09 – THURSDAY – Pleasant, but muddy. Have not felt very well today, a bad cold. I went to market in the evening, but did not attend meeting. Gussie went to A. B. Hull’s auction in the PM and bought a number of articles. FEBRUARY 10 – FRIDAY – Very windy last night and today. It blew off the top piece of our church spire and a number of the top bricks of the Pahquioque chimney last night. Our work holds good in the shop yet. I earned $3.00 today. Gussie received a letter from Cornelia Post in Essex. I attended drill in the evening. Mr. Holmes has been moving into his new store. I paid Father Griswold $1.76 for some beef lard which I bought of him some time ago. FEBRUARY 11 – SATURDAY – Pleasant in the morning. Snow in the PM and in the evening. Mr. Gibson, our old shopmate, came to the shop this afternoon and we made him a present of one of our best soft black hats. He is still quite lame, but improves slowly. Father Griswold has been quite sick today with a heavy cold. We are somewhat afraid of a fever. We had news today that the new M. E. Church in Norwalk which was covered and ready for plastering was blown down yesterday or the night before. Our nephew, Edwin Luther Griswold is just 4 years old today. I went to market in the evening. Abel and Harriet have gone to Singing School this evening for the first time since they left the choir except for Christmas Eve when we all four called in a short time. FEBRUARY 12 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Text in the AM – 1st Peter 1:8-9- “Whom having not seen, ye love, though now you see him not, not believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” by Brother Miley. Sunday School Prayer meeting in the morning, Sacrament in the PM. We brought home Isabella’s certificate to get it framed for her. After tea, we went over home and stayed until church time in the evening when we attended preaching in the audience room. Text, - Luke 15:7-“I say unto you that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance” by Brother Miley. There was a prayer meeting after the sermon, but we did not stay. FEBRUARY 13 – MONDAY – pleasant during most of the day. Cloudy just at night. A little rain in the forepart of the evening. Was paid off at the shop -$14.00. Charles Stevens’ wife died about 6 ½ o’clock this evening. Lawyer Averill’s wife died also today. Marvin Boughton and wife came and spent the evening with us. We enjoyed it very much. Retired about 11 o’clock. FESBRUARY 14 – TUESDAY – I worked as usual in the shop. It had the appearance of rain in the AM. The sun shone in the PM. I went to market in the evening. FEBRUARY 15 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy and very cold in the AM. It commenced snowing in the PM and continued to do so until we retired. The funeral of Charles Stevens’ wife and Mr. Averill’s was attended this afternoon. I could not attend because of the hurry in our shop. I did not attend class in the evening on account of the storm and being tired myself. FEBRUARY 16 – THURSDAY – It snowed most of the time today with the exception of a short time in the PM when the sun shone and I thought it had cleared off. But it began to snow again before I left the shop. I worked hard all day and was home late and very tired. On that account I did not attend class in the evening. FEBRUARY 17 – FRIDAY – A pretty cold morning. We are still very much hurried in the shop. We work early and late. Gussie went up home in the PM. I wrote a letter to Harriet last evening and intended to mail it this evening but forgot it. I attended drill, or rather, went to the Hall, but nothing as usual was done. FEBRUARY 18 – SATURDAY – Stormy all day, snow. We had 5 quarts of pecan nuts at the shop today, the same being a garnish paid by Albert Johnson. I was the last person to leave the shop. I worked as long as I could see. Mother Griswold sent over an invitation while we were drinking tea to go over and eat walnuts this evening. We went, of course. FEBRUARY 19 - SUNDAY – Pleasant but windy. The snow is about six inches deep. Abel and myself shoveled out the paths over to Father Griswold’s this morning. Mr. ___, a blind man, preached this morning. The meeting was in the lecture room on account of the weather, but few came. The text was John 9:2-3. The service was quite interesting. The Sunday School being rather slim, the lessons were omitted. Brother Miley preached in the PM. The text was Hebrews 3:7. Mother sent us an invitation to go up and take tea with the, but the snow was too deep and we stayed at home. We did not attend church in the evening. I finished writing a letter to Harriet. I wrote one to Henry Brayman at Norwalk. FEBRUARY 20 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. We took tea over home. We are going to board there for a week to be company for Mother Griswold, who is alone, Father and Fanny having gone to New York. Abel and Harriet and Gussie and myself went over to Abel Ely’s in the evening to sing. It was a pleasant occasion, but I could sing but a little myself. We arrive home at Mother Griswold’s at about 11 o’clock and retired quite weary. FEBRUARY 21 – TUESDAY – I arose, made the fires, went over to my house to replenish the fire, took breakfast and went to the shop. I came home late and very tired. In the evening, Mother Griswold asked me to write to Edwin about Ellen’s medicine. I did so. February 22 - WEDNESDAY – The anniversary of Washington’s Birthday. Cloudy in the morning. It rained very hard in the PM. The snow disappeared very fast. The streams rose rapidly. We did not attend class in the evening on account of the storm. We drank some bottled cider in the evening with Mother Griswold. FEBRUARY 23 – THURSDAY – The snow had all disappeared this morning. It cleared off by daybreak. Warm and very muddy. A hard shower in the PM. The clouds resembled that of a thunder shower, but no thunder was heard, I believe. I earned $3.37 today in the shop. It was late when I came home from work. Gussie did not attend the evening meeting because of the mud and I did not because I was too tired. FEBRUARY 24 – FRIDAY – Not very cold. I had bad luck making Mother Griswold’s kitchen fire this morning. I worked hard all day in the shop. I earned $3.00. Mother came down this PM by invitation of Mother Griswold and took tea with us for we are still staying with her. After tea, Mother walked downtown with me, she to meeting and I to drill. It was rather late before I finished copying the minutes of the business done at the military meeting so that I could retire. FEBRUARY 25 – SATURDAY – Pleasant but cooler. I worked as long as I could see and was the last one to leave the shop. After tea, I went downtown. I carried three pictures to Charles Bennet’s store to be framed. I found George Allen in the street and gave him the $2.25 which was given to me by a few members of the Wooster Guard as a donation to be presented to him. I did some errands at the stores and came home and fixed my fires at home and to Mother Griswold’s and retired. FEBRUARY 26 – SUNDAY – We rose late, too late altogether for Sabbath morning. The day has been pleasant, cool but not tedious. As was appointed last Sabbath, a general prayer meeting was holden in the audience room of the church instead of preaching this forenoon. Preaching in the PM by Brother Miley, text – Hebrews 11: 17-19. Subject, “The Faith of Abraham.” Mother Griswold is still alone and we are staying with her. Abel and Harriet came in and stayed with us to tea, after which we had a sing together. My voice is very much impaired for singing on account of a difficulty in my throat. I fear that I may have the catarrh. We did not any of us attend church in the evening. Harriet and Gussie did not feel well, and I was too tired. FEBRUARY 27 – MONDAY – Pleasant. Very much like spring. Mr. Crofut has some more leather brims for the California trade. The work is very hard and perplexing. I was paid $16.00 for my last week’s work, better, I suppose than this week will be. After tea, I went into the street and called at C. H. Reed & Co. and balanced my account with them - $12.25. I bought a codfish for Mother Griswold and came home. FEBRUARY 28 – TUESDAY - We rose rather late this morning. I did not finish the dozen of hats today which I took out yesterday afternoon. The work is slow and hard. The day has been pleasant, more like April than February. On my way home from work, I went to Charles Bennett’s store and got the three pictures that he has been framing for me – Gussie’s certificate, the Methodist Church, and Isabella’s Sunday School Missionary Certificate. The whole bill was $2.00. Father Griswold came home on the morning train. I mailed a letter in the evening for Father Griswold and a note to Charles Hoyt’s wife for Mother Griswold about a new cap. I came home and helped Gussie cover her bookshelves for the parlor, after which I fixed the kitchen fire ready to start in the morning for Mother Griswold and then we came home to our own house to retire for the first time in eight nights. Father Griswold bought us a marriage certificate and a new bible for Mother Purdy as a present. FEBRUARY 29 – WEDNESDAY – We were at home this morning and rose a little earlier. Gussie washed, but it proved to be a bad day – cloudy. I worked all day in the shop, but could scarcely stand up to my bench in the PM, on account of a severe headache. I came home sick and soaked my feet and took some homeopathic medicine and retired. T. Hoyt bought me a bushel of the Mercer potatoes.
1860-02-01
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
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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