Horace Purdy Journal January 1866 Entry
10pgs
JAN 01 MONDAY - Warm, cloudy, misty, but no rain to speak of. The sleighing is entirely used up. The baby, who was quite sick yesterday and who had the doctor, is better today. Talked with an agent of the “Aetna” at the shop about life insurance. After tea, I went into the street to see if I could exchange a syringe at Dr. Baldwin’s where I bought it for another as mine has a defect about it; it leaks air. I could not exchange it. I called to see Dr. Bulkeley at his office about Georgie. I bought a box of figs for $1.25 – 4 ¾ lbs. – and then came home. Gussie cut out 4 shirts for me today. JAN 02 TUESDAY - The ground was a little frozen this morning. It thawed a little, notwithstanding it was cloudy all day. I worked all day in the shop as usual. On my way to work this morning, I ordered a cart of feed for the horse at Crofut’s. Ellen Dare from Bethel was up and took dinner with Gussie. Maria and Caroline Mills were up also. They gave Gussie a call and then went up to Mother’s. As I came home from work in the P.M., I paid 50 cents for six months box rent ending July 1, 1866. Annual Meeting of the Hat Finishers’ Association in the evening. Election of officers. The old officers were elected as follows: for President: Victor W. Benedict; Vice-president: Abram Chichester; Secretary: William Withespoon; Treasurer: Calvin R. Dunning. JAN 03 WEDNESDAY - A light fall of snow last night. Father took the horse and carried Mrs. William Nab to Bethel and got a dollar for it. Bell is very sick again with lung fever. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie go into the street to do some shopping. A one armed man at the shop today soliciting help; I gave him 10 cents. JAN 04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and colder in the after part of the day. After tea, I jumped on Old Jim and rode up home to see Bell. From there, I rode down to market. When I came home, I found John Brayman waiting to see me about moving the remains of John, William and Abagail from the Mill Plain Burying Ground to our lot in the cemetery. George has been calculating to do it tomorrow, but Father and I think it best to defer it until next spring. I arranged with John to get the horse’s shoes reset tomorrow. When George came down to go to meeting, He brought us two chickens from Mother. JAN 05 FRIDAY - Very cold. As I went for milk in the morning, I called at John Brayman’s to see if he would take the horse over to McDonald’s and get one of his shoes reset. I found him still in bed with a terrible headache, having had it all night. George came for a piece of corned beef and rode Jim up home and lost off the shoe, so he went and had it put on again. On my way home from work, I took a bill out from the post office from Joseph Ives for a lamp top – 20 cents, I bought October 12th. I having once paid for it, I went in the evening and had it rectified. After tea, I took Old Jim and rode into the street to see Ives. Bought 3 oranges for 15 cents for bell and rode up home with them to see her. After evening meeting, George called and I went up to Father Griswold’s for a pitcher of cider. JAN 06 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a very little warmer than yesterday. I worked as usual in the shop. It being pay day, I drew $30.62. Gussie went up to see Bell this P.M. After tea, Gussie went into the street to do a little shopping. When she returned, I borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Jim up home. I rode back into the street and bought the best beefsteak I could as the Doctor had ordered a little for her. The two Dr. Bennetts went to see her just at night and gave but little encouragement. If she gets over the fever, they think it will leave her with the consumption. JAN 07 SUNDAY - I woke and found that it had been and still was snowing, about 3 inches. – the 7th snowstorm. It cleared off before meeting time. Cold and blustering, a severe day to be out. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School; came home without going in the P.M. George came home with me and stayed to supper. After supper, he harnessed Old Jim, took George Starr’s carriage and went to Bethel for the Presiding Elder, Mead and Mr. Lockwood, our chorister and brought them up to church. As he started for Bethel, Gussie and I rode up home with him and stayed until he returned when he came for us and carried us home. Bell is very sick; she will probably never get well. We left Georgie with Mother Griswold while we were gone. I made out a quarterly report of the Sunday School for Brother Hill to give the Presiding Elder at Quarterly Conference this evening. I sent by George as neither Gussie nor I went out in the evening. JAN 08 MONDAY - Very, very cold. The mercury stood as low as 20 degrees below zero. I was sick last night (a bowel complaint), have felt poorly today and in consequence have not been to work. We kept both stoves going with a good fire all of last night and thereby kept the house comfortable. Brother Hill called to see me about 4 P.M. about the Methodist which I had talked about subscribing for. I concluded to take it and paid him $2.00 for it. He prayed with us before he left. He went with me to the barn to see the horse. From there, he went over to see Allen McDonald and I to borrow Charles Stevens’ saddle to ride up home to see Bell. I went down and bought a ½ pint of Madeira wine for bell with which to make wine whey. I then came back and went to McDonald’s for some milk and carried up home to Mother. While there, George too Jim and rode downtown on an errand. When he returned, I came home. While up there I gave Mother $2.00 which Fanny gave me from the church poor fund. Louise came down and spent the evening with us. About 8 o’clock the chimney to the north apartment of Gregory’s tenement house on the corner (formerly L. Nichols’ old Hat Shop) took fire and quite an excitement prevailed for a short time. There were reports that a large fire was raging in New Haven and no water to be had on account of the cold, all the hydrants being frozen up. Bell is a little more comfortable today. JAN 09 TUESDAY - Very cold but not so cold as yesterday. Was sick again last night and nearly all of today with diarrhea caused by eating chicken pie. After dinner, I made a cover for my guns. In the meantime, John Brayman’s wife came in and Gussie went with her over to one of Gregory’s houses to look at it with a view to renting it next April. Between 3 and 4 o’clock, I rode Old Jim down to the shop and then up home to see Bell. One of his shoes came off and I went down to Center Street and had them all reset and sharpened. It cost $1.00. While we were drinking tea, Mary Purdy called a few minutes to inquire about Bell. I went to market in the evening. JAN 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and mild. I went to the shop today for the first time this week. George called at the shop after dinner and told me that Bell was worse. Gussie went up to see her in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went over to Mrs. Hurd’s and borrowed a bed pan. I rode Jim down to market and then took the pan and carried it up home. Bell thought oysters would taste good so I rode back into the street and bought ½ peck for her. She is more easy this evening. She is now taking opium pills which accounts for it. JAN 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Before I went to work in the morning, Sarah Purdy called in to inquire about Bell. As I came home from work in the evening, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. After tea, I addled Jim and went to market and then up home to see Bell. Mother broke a lamp chimney, so I rode back into the street and got a new one for her. They moved Bell from the bedroom into the parlor today. Sarah Purdy went up and helped Mother today and then came again in the evening to watch with Bell for the night, she being the first to watch outside of the family. She is no better. Dr. Bennett thinks that the chances are against her. JAN 12 THURSDAY - But little sunshine today. A snow squall in the morning. John Brayman had the horse this forenoon to got to Bethel to see some of the Hat Makers about Henry Heinman’s case as the men at T. & E Tweedy’s have turned out against him as an apprentice.; as he went he took his wife and Gussie to see Bell and brought them home again as he returned. Father then carried Amos Purdy’s wife up to sit by Bell in the P.M. Before tea, George rode up to Russell Wildman’s and engaged Lucy to watch. After meeting he took the horse and went for her. He is to keep the horse up there tonight. Mary Purdy came in as we were drinking tea, after which, she and Gussie went up home again to see Bell. Hanson E. Smith got married last night. George had his time given him today at foul hat finishing. Robert Cocking paid his December rent to Gussie today - $3.00. Since writing the above, George has concluded to return the horse tonight. JAN 13 SATURDAY - Warm and pleasant with the exception of a short splatter or rain between 4 and 5 o’clock in the P.M. which came up sudden and was as soon over. John Brush and John Green paid me $1.50 each for sifters to be handed to George, which I did in the evening. I tried to buy some oranges for Bell as I came home from work, but could find none in town. George came in about 9 o’clock to get the team and carry Mrs. Amos Purdy up home to watch with Bell. When he returned with the horse we mended the harness and nailed up a small box on the manger for salt for the horse. JAN 14 SUNDAY - A very little snow about 6 ½ o’clock this morning, not enough to whiten the ground. George at that time came down for the horse to take Mrs. Purdy home from watching with Bell last night. I rode back home with him and returned with the horse to let him eat before going to Bethel for our chorister, Mr. Lockwood, as he agreed to go for him. He borrowed Brother McDonald’s carriage to go with. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. And I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service which was the sacrament. There were two ladies baptized. George carried Mr. Lockwood home again in the P.M. John Brayman called in the evening. Gussie went to 1st church in the evening to a lecture on temperance by Rev. Mr. VanZant. JAN 15 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cold this morning. The mercury stood at zero in the morning. It clouded over in the P.M. with the appearance of a storm when I retired. I went before the “Board of Relief” before going to work in the morning and swore off the eleven hundred dollars I owe Aaron Mallet in Redding. On my way, I stopped and ordered 3 bushels of oats at Crofut’s and paid for the same - $2.25. In the evening, I ordered 1o lbs. of buckwheat flour and paid for that also – 60 cents. In the evening, I rode the horse to market and up home to see Bell. While there, Joseph W. Allen and Brother Everett called in company with Ann Delavan who came to watch with Bell. George borrowed Mr. Judd’s hay cutter and cut up a heap of hay. While driving in the yard with it, the limb of a tree under which he was passing caught the cutter and turned it out with the seat together with George. Fortunately, neither he was hurt or the cutter broken. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. JAN 16 TUESDAY - It was snowing when we woke this morning, making the 8th snowstorm. It was about 4 ½ inches deep. It soon ceased snowing; it cleared off pleasant in the P.M. George came over before breakfast for the horse with which to carry Mrs. Delavan home. The oats which I ordered came yesterday; also the buckwheat cake flour. Louise came down and stayed with the baby in the evening to let Gussie and I go to hear Frederick Douglass lecture. It is the first time I ever heard or saw the man. It was 10 o’clock when we got home. JAN 17 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and with the horse, I took my first sleigh ride by taking Gussie up home to see Bell. I went down to the church and when meeting was out took Fanny over to Dr. Brown’s and got the bundles of work belonging to the Sewing Society and brought them to Father Griswold’s where the Society will meet on Friday P.M. I then took Fanny up home to watch with Bell tonight and then brought Gussie home. After going home with the sleigh and putting up the horse, I mended the harness bridle (one of the blinds). Before retiring, I drew up a bill of prices for the shop, it being the one adopted November 14th and went into effect on the 20th., the same being a deduction of 2 % (?) per dozen on all qualities except No. 5. JAN 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. The sleighing is used up. I worked in the shop as usual. After tea, I took the horse up home to see Bell. She is better. From there I rode down to the Post Office and home. Before retiring, I went to Father Griswold’s for a small pitcher of cider with which a few walnuts was very good. JAN 19 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. The Sewing Society met at Father Griswold’s this P.M. and when I came from work, Gussie and Georgie were up there, so I went there for tea. George, having another order for sifters from Johnson in Newtown, I repaired the wagon where he broke it with a hay cutter in order that it could be used tomorrow. When I had finished repairs, we harnessed and went to the stores and borrowed 6 sifters to send to Mr. Johnson towards the dozen he ordered until George receives some next week when he will fill the balance of the order. JAN 20 SATURDAY - Cloudy, foggy and warm all day until about 5 o’clock when it rained for a time. It came off clear and colder in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Father went over to Newtown for George to take sifters to Mr. Johnson. He went as I started for work in the morning. I rode into Main Street with him. In the evening, I carried Sunday School papers down to the church to be ready for distribution tomorrow. I did a little marketing and came home. Before retiring, I drew up Sunday School classes in a new book for one of my assistant librarians (E. Barnum); it took me until midnight. JAN 21 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. George went to Bethel this morning for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister, and as he was turning into West Street, his horse fell on the ice. No damage was done. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, but was too sick with a headache to stay in the P.M. After supper, I was taken with vomiting, which made me feel better in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to meeting. George harnessed his horse and drove to church so that the horse would be ready after meeting to carry Mr. Lockwood to Bethel. I wrote to Carleton & Porter for I copy of the Sunday School Advocate and 4 copies of the Sunday School Journal which they failed to send in the last lot. Also a dozen of each No. 1 and No. 2 Catechism for 48 cents and 60 cents per dozen. I enclosed $1.08 for them. Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. JAN 23 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. George kept the horse up home last night and drove him down as he came to work this morning, bringing as he came the cot bed home to Amos Purdy’s which Bell has been using during her sickness. Had new copper bottoms put on our tea kettles. When I came home from the shop tonight, I had to kindle a fire in the sitting room stove, Gussie having let it burn out for the first time this winter. I did not go out in the evening, but sorted over my apples. JAN 23 TUESDAY - Cold and pleasant in the morning but before night the sun was obscured from sight. I went into the street in the evening to buy a set of bricks for my cooking stove. Gussie put Georgie in the carriage and went over to call on Mrs. Daniel Starr. JAN 24 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work I bought 1 ½ lbs. of smelt at Avery Raymond’s, called at the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, got a package of Sunday School Advocates at the News Office, and came home. George quit work early, harnessed the horse and went to the depot for a crate of sifters (2 dozen). I stayed with the baby and let Gussie go into the street in the evening. She brought home some bees wax and before retiring made some grease for Hat Finishers' irons for George. Father was down here today and Gussie got him to take Father Griswold’s hams over to Lockwood Olmstead’s to be smoked. JAN 25 THURSDAY - Three to four inches of snow on the ground this morning and still snowing. It soon stopped, however, but remained cloudy through the day. It rained a little about 5 P.M. I worked as usual in the shop. Bell has been poorly again today. We fear a relapse of the fever. I stayed with the baby in the evening and Gussie went to meeting. We are having meetings every night. The house is crowded and some evenings the altar is filled with those seeking religion. JAN 26 FRIDAY - It snowed a little again last night, making the 10th snow of the season. It has been a pleasant day. I worked as usual in the shop. I received a package by way of Day’s News Office (which I previously ordered) from Carlton & Porter containing 2 dozen Catechisms No. 1 and No. 2, one dozen of each and a late catalog of their publications. After tea, John Brayman came in to have me direct a letter from him to his mother-in-law as he wants her to come and attend his wife which he hourly expects to be confined. I rode Old Jim up home to see Bell. George then mounted him and rode into the street on an errand. I sent by him for some ale for Bell – 2 quarts. JAN 27 SATURDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. In the afternoon, I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s sleigh and took Louisa up home to see Bell. I then carried Gussie and Georgie up there, she not having seen Georgie since she has been sick. After supper, we got Louisa to stay in the evening with the baby and we went to Bethel to Mr. Dare’s for a sleigh ride. We got home again about 10 o’clock. JAN 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy before night. George had Mr. McDonald’s sleigh this morning to go to Bethel for the chorister, Mr. Lockwood. In fact, I arranged for the sleigh last night and kept it at my barn until George returned this morning when he took it home. Gussie went to church this morning and I to Sunday School at noon as usual and over to the 1st church in the P.M. to the Union Sunday School gathering. After tea, Gussie called over at John Brayman’s and stayed until nearly evening meeting time. Before meeting, George came for the horse with which to take Mr. Lockwood to Bethel after church. He had Mr. McKinsey’s sleigh. When he returns, he is to put the horse in the barn and rive him down in the morning. Gussie stayed at home and I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached an excellent sermon. JAN 29 MONDAY - Cloudy all day, but not very cold. Now and then, a flake of snow would be seen flying but no storms of any account. We were stinted in our work in the shop today, but the amount given was enough to last me until night. The seats in the church were rerented today. Gussie and Mrs. Bradley both were there and secured our old seat No. 31 for another year. After supper, I borrowed Charles Steven’s saddle and rode Old Jim down to the market and then up home to see Bell. JAN 30 TUESDAY - Another cloudy day. It commenced a fine rain or mist about 4 P.M. John Brayman had the horse today to go to Bethel. I gave him permission to sell or trade him off under certain conditions but he did not succeed in doing so, I believe. Father Griswold came down just before tea to talk with me about the trouble I am into with George by undersigning for him. Before taking the horse out this morning, John too him over to Mr. McDonald’s and had his shoes sharpened as he was not safe to drive with the roads being very slippery. JAN 31 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day; not a cloud to be seen and not very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went up home to see Bell today. She is better. I stayed home in the evening and did some writing for the Sunday School and let Gussie go to market.
1866-01
Horace Purdy Journal October 1865 Entry
9pgs
10/01 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I cooked my own breakfast this morning and while clearing away the dishes turned over a quart of milk. I attended church all day. Brother Hill preached in the morning. A Hungarian preached in the P.M. upon the persecutions of Protestants in Hungary. A collection was taken to enable him to send his mother and sister back to Hungary who have been pardoned as all of them have been banished for the sake of their religion. I got my tea after which John Brayman came over and we hitched George's horse and rode up to the cemetery. After putting up the horse and feeding him, I went up home to see George and John went to the depot to send word home by the milk train. I went rather late to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached. George and Bell came home with me after meeting to see John. I paid the balance of my seat rent today for the year. Also what Mrs. Bradley owed - $6.00. 10/02 MONDAY - Election day. I went with George to buy hay up to L. E. Bartram's. We borrowed his hay cutter. The hay came in the P.M. I helped George stow it away in Father Griswold's barn. George got his wagon repaired up to Chase's shop. I bought 2 barrels of charcoal for 60 cents a barrel. George went to Starrs Plain in the evening on an errand to Uncle Edwin. I went to market in the evening. The town election went republican but the amendment to the Constitution allowing the Negro to vote was rejected by votes. John Brayman came this evening to stay with me for the first time. 10/03 TUESDAY - Cool and pleasant. I went to the shop today for the first time since a week ago Saturday. We raise our prices 2 % (?) on a dozen all round today. I worked until dark. Hatters' Meeting in the evening but I did not go on account of hearing that cousin Anna Heinman was very low and going up to see her. John Brayman went with me. I went to market in the evening. Bought beefsteak, sugar, matches and a ream of notepaper. George went to Ridgefield today and entered one of his sifters for a premium. He returned in the evening. A letter from Gussie in the evening. I wrote an answer before retiring. 10/04 WEDNESDAY - Cool and cloudy with a sprinkling of rain in the morning. I picked apples for Father Griswold in the forenoon in the tops of the trees where he could not climb. He gave me half for picking or rather, gleaning. I made a barrel for myself which is worth $4.00. I drew $10.00 for Gussie out of the Savings Bank in place of what I gave her to go to Canton with. I went to the shop at 3 o'clock and found the journeymen in an uproar about foul shops; as at the trade meeting last evening, they voted to stop working for a man who had both a fair and foul shop in the same locality. There was a meeting called for this evening to take into consideration the case of foul shops. I attended. The meeting finally adjourned until 2 o'clock tomorrow P.M. I picked my dwarf pears before dinner. I mailed the letter this evening which I wrote to Gussie last night. 10/05 THURSDAY - Cold and raw. The difficulty about foul shops not being settled, we could not go to work today. John Cosier and I went hunting. George went to Ridgefield to get his sifter at the fair and to bring Bell home. In the evening I borrowed $25.00 of Mr. Judd for John Brayman to go to Norwalk and pay grocery bill. 10/06 FRIDAY - Pleasant. John Brayman went to Norwalk this morning. In order to get away, we were up early. In a Hatters' Meeting yesterday afternoon, the trouble about foul shops so far as Mr. Crofut's shop went was settled and today we are all at work while William Tweedy and Edmund Tweedy's shops are still doing nothing. They threatened to make them foul and not employ any more fair men. John came home on the freight train and brought some oysters, a bushel for Mr. Brockett and a half bushel for me. We got them in the evening at Raymond's store where he left them when he arrived. O. A. G. Todd got a beating last night at Oscar Serine's house. He had been to see a widow woman who lives upstairs and a man went and called him out and before he was down the stairs, he (attacked) him. Todd cried murder to the top of his voice and alarmed all the neighbors. 10/07 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked late in the shop. Mr. Thompson came in while we were drinking tea, after which we all walked downtown together. I borrowed $25.00 of Andrew Knox to pay A. Judd what I borrowed for John Brayman on Thursday evening. 10/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to church all day. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon and communion in the P.M. After tea, John and I harnessed George's horse and too a little ride to limber old Jim's legs and settle our suppers. We rode on the hill west of Col. White's Pond, across from there to near Colby Bartram's on the road to the bogs, and then on the Mill Plain road as far as the old Elbert Segar place and then across to the Miry Brook road and home. I wrote to Carleton & Porter ordering 65 Sunday School Advocates and 26 Sunday School Journals for another year, also 4 sheets of tickets for the infant class. The bill according to the catalog will be $29.20. I enclosed $30.00 for the amount; over to stand to my credit. I mailed it as I went to meeting in the evening. 10/09 MONDAY - John Brayman and I went to the shop as usual after getting our breakfast and washing the dishes. John went to Norwalk this afternoon as he was not to have any work tomorrow. A special Hatters' Meeting in the evening to take into consideration the case of apprentices in the shop lately declared foul and to do any other business proper to be done. I could not attend on account of a Sunday School Teachers' Meeting at the church. I being secretary and having the books was obliged to attend. After the meeting I went to the Jeffersonian Office and got 50 large cards for the sellers of Tilden's Flour Sifters to hang in their stores. I got them for George, he having ordered them. 10/10 TUESDAY - John being in Norwalk, I had to get my breakfast alone. I was in consequence late at the shop. George came before I got away and carried my dirty clothes over to Alex Pine's and carried me as far as Concert hall on my way to work. John came home on the morning train and was here again to tea. George went to Stebbins' store to see about their underselling his sifters; he had some words with Amos about them but finally arranged the matter. I attended a Hatters' Meeting in the evening (a special) but the object to rescind the vote previously taken to not work for a boss who has a Fair and a Foul shop in the same locality was not gained. 10/11 WEDNESDAY - I earned $8.12 today, the largest I ever earned in one day. John Brayman not having any work went hunting in the afternoon, but got nothing. I went to class in the evening. 10/12 THURSDAY - Windy and cool. I went to the shop immediately after breakfast, leaving Cousin John to wash the dishes as he had plenty of time not having any work. He and George went to Norwalk selling sifters as they went or rather started; they are to return tomorrow or the next day. We had but one dozen hats today. I finished mine about 11 o'clock. My last ton of coal came in the P.M. I busied myself around the house until just at night when I took my gun down to Charles Hull to have a new tube put in but finally remedied the difficulty with the old one (there was leakage around the tube). I then went to the Wooster House and got shaved and my hair cut bought a loaf of bread, a pound of coffee and came home and got my tea. I took a letter from the Office for Gussie as I came home from work at noon. The postmark was so indistinct I could not tell where it came from. I opened it and found it to be from Edwin's wife. I carried it up to Father Griswold's for the family to read. I went up home in the forepart of the evening to see Bell who is very sick with lung fever. From there I went to the Post Office and home. 10/13 FRIDAY - Cool. I worked as usual in the shop. While I was getting my tea, Father came in to borrow our syringe. I looked all around for it and then went up to Father Griswold's and Fanny said that Gussie took it with her to Canton, thinking that the baby might require its use. After tea, I went to market and at the same time carried a lamp to Joseph Ives to have the top fastened on. As I came from work, I took a letter from the Office from New Haven for George, he not being home. I shall keep it until he returns from Norwalk. Before retiring, I washed myself all over in a tub. 10/14 SATURDAY - Very cold for the season last night and in fact today. There was ice on a water pail outside this morning of considerable thickness, the first I have seen this fall. I have felt rather poorly today, not really sick but a used up languid feeling. When I came home from work at night, I put on my underclothes. Just as I was about to eat supper, George and Cousin John Brayman drove up having come from Norwalk. I helped John unharness after giving George two cups of jelly for bell (who is sick). John and I took tea, after which we went into the street to do some marketing, etc. I took three letters from the Post Office for George, two of them from St. Augustine and one from his lady correspondent while he was in the army directed to Willie Franklin. As I came home from work in the P.M., I got a letter from Gussie who is in Bloomfield. She wants me to come for her next week. 10/15 SUNDAY - Rain last night and storm and wind today. Sunday School was thinly attended. The presiding elder was with us in the P.M. at the prayer meeting and preached in the evening. After tea, John and I harnessed Jim and rode up home to see bell and down to see Beatty to have him come to Father Griswold's tomorrow morning and carry Miss Sutherland to the depot. We stayed at home in the evening. George called as he came from evening meeting. 10/16 MONDAY - Started for Bloomfield this morning. I had the company of Peter Starr; he was going to Boston. I met Father Griswold at Norwalk. The trains were delayed about an hour on account of the burning of the Cos Cob bridge in the town of Greenwich. While waiting at Norwalk, Father Griswold and myself visited Seymour's Nursery. While waiting in New Haven, Peter with me called on Elisha Dickerson, druggist in Chapel Street. We took dinner in the depot building (a branch of the Merchant's Hotel). I took stage at 3 P.M. from Hartford to Bloomfield Center. From there I walked to Uncle Lorenzo's and arrived about sundown where I found wife and baby. George Wilson, known as Nicodemus, called in the evening. 10/17 TUESDAY - Picked corn with Uncle Lorenzo a part of the forenoon until Alfred Humphrey called at the house on his way to Hartford and Gussie sent Willie Dean to the field for me. Alfred made arrangements with Hiram Barber of Canton to carry us to Canton in the P.M. if we wished to go. Fearing that tomorrow would be stormy we concluded to go on the baby's account. So about 3 o'clock Mr. Barber came along and we started. Arrived at Alfred's at dark. I paid Barber $1.50 for the job; he thought himself well paid. We were met with the usual hearty welcome and good cheer. 10/18 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy with a little rain. I rode with Alfred to the mill in the morning, after which Lydia and Gussie rode with us up to Mrs. Foot's. I husked corn in the barn in the P.M. and milked a cow for Alfred at night. Boiled chestnuts, put stamps on 3 dozen Salves and told stories in the evening. 10/19 THURSDAY - Stormy all last night and this morning; the sun finally came out and in the P.M. we all went up to Lucien Case's and stayed to tea. Windy and colder towards night. Starlight and rain squalls in the evening. Alfred made salve in the forenoon, as I wanted a gross to take home with me for George to peddle. 10/20 FRIDAY - Went up to Lucien Case's in the morning and borrowed a gun to hunt partridges. I got no partridges, it being too windy but found a fine lot of chestnuts. I went for chestnuts again in the P.M. with Anna, Gussie and the children. We returned in time to visit with Lucien's folks who came down and stayed to tea. 10/21 SATURDAY - We rose about 5 o'clock. Alfred started with us to Collinsville about before 7 o'clock. The train left 20 minutes before 8 o'clock. We arrived in New Haven about 10 o'clock. Our trunk was checked through to Norwalk. My carpet bag I deposited in the Merchant's Hotel and then we went up Chapel Street and called on Elisha Dickerson; from there we went over to Cousin Charles Bradley's in Hubbard Street near the hospital and took dinner. After dinner I went with Mr. Bradley to the carriage factory, his place of business. I returned and in about an hour we left there and called at Mr. Chauncey Dickerman's in York Street, but he and his wife were away so we went to Elisha's and stayed a while. From there we went to the depot where Gussie got a beefsteak. It was tiresome waiting for the train in the crowd. We arrive home at 9 o'clock in the evening, an hour behind time on account of the difficulty of changing trains at the Cos Cob Bridge. Mother Griswold had tea for us when we arrived. John Brayman went to Norwalk today with George with the horse. George intends spending a week or more in that vicinity with his sifters. I brought home a gross of salve for him to sell. 10/22 - SUNDAY - We feel rather tired today. I went to Sunday School at noon and then returned home again. Gussie did not go to church, only in the evening when I stayed with Georgie. After tea, I went up home to see Bell who has had the lung fever. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering additional copies of Sunday School papers 5 S.S.A.'s and 4 S.S.J.'s. I enclosed the money for them - $2.90 and Gussie mailed it when she went to church in the evening. 10/23 MONDAY - The milk train from here last evening had a collision on the N.Y & N.H. Railroad between Stamford and Greenwich. The train form here was chartered by the N.Y. & N.H. Railroad to run as far on that road as the Cos Cob Bridge to carry the milk but was run by an engineer of that road. A man by name of Horace Wildman was killed. Conductor Parsons of this road had a leg broken. Engineer George Stevens was badly injured but not dangerously hurt. I worked all day in the shop. I expected Joe Kyle to bring some butter to Judd's store this evening for Oscar Serine and myself, but he did not. I got a letter firm the Office for George tonight and with one that came on Saturday, I mailed them to him at Norwalk where he is now with his sifters. I saw A. Knox in the street about the $25.00 I borrowed of him for John Brayman which should be paid this evening. John could not pay him; I am to see him again tomorrow evening when John expects to have the money. Bought 62 lbs. of bar soap of Mr. Judd this evening for 16 cents per pound. He is to bring it tomorrow. I am to pay him as soon as I can. John Brayman came home from Norwalk this morning on the train. The dead body of Wildman and the wounded from the railroad accident came by the same train. John is to board with us until he moves his family which will be in about a week. 01/24 TUESDAY - Cold; ice was on a water pail at the back door this morning. After tea, I went to market. I saw Andrew Knox in the street and paid him $11.00 which John Brayman gave me last evening toward the $25.00 I borrowed for him over two weeks ago. I went to the depot when the train came with Clark Beers to see if the tea and coffee which he bought for me in New York came but it did not. There was a letter in the mail for George from his sieve manufacturer, Mr. E. C. Andrews of New Haven. I mailed it to George at Norwalk. Mr. Judd brought the soap today which I bought last evening. 10/25 WEDNESDAY - Quite cold again this morning. I worked until noon in the shop and then came home with a headache. I felt so much better out of doors than I did in the house. I took my gun and with Henry Blair's dog, Bird, I went out a short distance to get a bird for Bell as she is now much better of her fever. I got one quail and two chipmunks. I went to bed early and left Cousin John Brayman to rock the cradle while Gussie and Louise went up home to see our folks and to carry the bird to Bell. 10/26 THURSDAY - The baby sick; John went for the milk this morning while I held Georgie to let Gussie get the breakfast. As I went to the shop, I stopped and left word on Dr. Bulkeley's slate at his office for him to come and see the baby. He came about 9 o'clock. He could not tell exactly what to call the disease but feared both Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria. I brought home a Blk. Spring Brim hat with me at night that I got up from a damaged body. John and I went to market in the evening. I called on Dr. Bulkeley to see about the baby. Mr. Pond gave us about a peck of quinces this morning. A brakeman on the freight train was killed today at Norwalk while coupling cars together. He was jammed between the cars and died soon after. 01/27 FRIDAY - A little rain in the morning; cloudy all day with the appearance of rain every hour. The baby a little better today. George F. Bailey's circus exhibited here this day and evening. After tea, John Brayman and I went to market. The train came in this evening about the usual time as the detentions at Cos Bob Bridge are at an end, they having it now so far rebuilt that the trains run over it. Before retiring, I wrote out a card for George for publishing (subject to his approval) in reply to Edwin Gilbert in reply to one previously written by George. 10/28 SATURDAY - Stormy last night and this morning; it cleared off after dinner. We had but one dozen hats today. I came home at noon and went over to Mallory's shop to see Theo Lyon about getting the Russell Strawberry plants which I engaged to him. He was not at the shop so I returned and let Alban Hurd have some of them. Gussie made quince jelly and preserved some of the quinces today. John Brayman went home on the afternoon train. I went into the street in the evening and received a letter form Alfred Humphrey about the flour he was to buy for us. He was disappointed in not getting it, the parties having sold out all of that brand which they had on hand. I also received a bill from Carleton & Porter for Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals which I supposed I sent the money for when I ordered them. I intended to do so and was surprised to learn there was no money in the letter accompanying the order. George arrived home from a peddling trip of 1 week this evening. 10/29 SUNDAY - It was nearly 8 o'clock when we rose this morning. I had Sunday School Advocates to mark off this morning and in consequence of that and late rising, I did not go to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School after which I came home to let Gussie go to the Union Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church, which took the place of the usual afternoon service. George came down in the afternoon to curry his horse. William Warren came with him and called a few minutes. While they were here, Henry Blair's dog, Bird scratched at the door. I opened the door and let him in. He having hunted with me, he came around I suppose to give me a call and see if I would take my gun and go with him not knowing the difference between Sunday and any other day. He stayed with me until about two o'clock and then left. Gussie stayed with the baby and I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached. Fido came in church and stayed until meeting was out and then climbed over the seats to get to Fanny. 10/30 MONDAY - Cloudy, but no rain; the sun shone however just before it went down. After tea, Louise came down to stay with the baby to let Gussie go into the street with John and myself. While in Benedict & Nichols, George came in and Gussie and I took his horse which was standing in front to f the store and rode over to Theo Lyons' to see if he wanted to take the Russell Strawberry plants this fall which I engaged to him as Alban Hurd wants them if he does not. When we came back, we papered up the cups of jelly (quince) which she made on Saturday. 10/31 TUESDAY - Appearance of storm in the morning. It commenced raining after dinner and rained hard all the afternoon. It broke away in a measure about 7 o'clock in the evening so that the moon shone a little. George helped Gussie and Mrs. Stone clean the bedroom and pantry today and harnessed the horse and came to the shop for me a little before 5 o'clock. We took Oscar Serine in and carried him home as we came home. There was a special Hatter's Meeting this evening held over Harris' Clothing Store. It was to take measures to prevent foul shops and diminish foul men; also to rescind a resolution previously passed regarding pouncing (?) I attended the meeting.
1865-10
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal August 1865 Entry
10pgs
08/01 TUESDAY - A fire broke out last night about 11 o'clock in Orange Street. We had just retired for the night. Mr. Dickerman, John and myself went to it. There I saw for the first time a steam fire engine work. There were three of them there and they worked splendidly. A good share of the inside of the building was burned out, but the walls were all left standing. The lower floor was used for an eating house, upstairs was a storehouse for Singer Sewing Machines. I am told also a room where a lodge of colored masons met. They had a meeting that evening previous to the fire. We rose this morning between 6 and 7 o'clock and went down to see where the fire was in Orange Street and then walked up to the barracks at Grape Vine Point to find George. We were told that he did not stay there last night and no trace of him could be found. So we took a horse car and rode back to the city and got breakfast at an eating house nearly opposite the Depot in ____Street. After breakfast, we continued our search and inquiring for George and finally succeeded in learning that he went over to Bridgeport last night in company with William Warren. John and myself spent the day as best we could. We visited the Trumbull Gallery on the college grounds and about 3 o'clock P.M. George arrived from Bridgeport. We immediately started for Mr. Andrews, the maker of the patented flour sifter. We got so far as Elisha Dickerson's where we found his brother Chauncey who had just made it there to see me. He took us both in his wagon and carried us to his home to see his wife and then drove with us over to see Mr. Andrews. There he left us and we talked with Mr. Andrews until about 6 o'clock about the right of Fairfield County for the sifter. We finally came to terms on certain conditions until Friday to which time we got the refusal of it when he would come to Danbury prepared to give George the papers provided he could arrange the matter with Parmalee & Bradley in a way satisfactory to us, as he has given P & B some machines to sell for him with certain claims against the sales of them in the vicinity. We took supper at the same place we did our breakfast and then all went again to Mr. Dickerman's to stop for the night. I had a hard headache in the P.M. and evening and retired with it. 08/02 WEDNESDAY - I slept but little last night and feel poorly today. Mr. Dickerson gave us all free tickets to take a steamer and go to Money Island on an excursion, but before it was time to start, George received orders to report to the depot with his horn ready to go at 2 P.M by express train to go with the band to play at the grand reception to be given the two companies of the 17th regiment from that place. I concluded to go with them to see the reception at Norwalk and then go home. This of course prevented us from going on the excursion. While at Norwalk, I saw John and Harry Brayman and their wives. As George was to return to New Haven to get his pay tomorrow, I left him in the lunch tent in Norwalk getting his dinner and came home. I fell in with A. G. Crosby on the train coming up. Bell was at the Depot expecting us. Sarah Purdy was at the house when I got home waiting to see us to pay for the dispatch I sent to Norwalk when her brother died. I would not take it. 08/03 THURSDAY - Very warm. I rose rather late. After breakfast and doing my chores, I went to bed again and slept until 10 o'clock, being very tired and not feeling well. I am not feeling in a condition to work. Just as I got up from my sleep, Robert drove by on his way to market with tomatoes and cabbages. I drew some beer and we drank together, then I rode downtown with him. I went to the Post office and called at the factory to see Mr. Crofut but he was not in, so I came home to dinner. After dinner, I went down to the shop again and arranged with Mr. Crofut for $400 tomorrow to help George buy the right for flour sifters in this county. A thunder shower came up about 4 o'clock this afternoon and for a few minutes, it rained hard. It sprinkled a little in the evening, but cleared off when we retired. Father came this way from work at night and brought our pail home which Bell borrowed a few days ago. I drew some beer for him. In the evening, I went to the depot expecting to meet George. The regiment was paid off and nearly all the boys came home, but he stayed over to play in the band in Bridgeport tomorrow at the reception there for the returned soldiers. I was much disappointed as it is very necessary for him to be here tomorrow to sign a note to be given to Mr. Crofut for the money he gets of him. Bell was at the depot expecting to meet him and was disappointed also. 08/04 FRIDAY - I went to the telegraph office before breakfast to telegraph to George who is in Bridgeport to come home on the morning train to attend to getting his papers from E. C. Andrews for the County right for Tilden's Universal Flour Sifter, but concluding finally not to send the dispatch, thinking it would do no good. I got a late breakfast and then took a hat over to John Bouton, but it did not fit. I started back to the shop to exchange it and met Andrew Knox who wished me to get a hat for him and let it go towards a little painting he intends to o for me. I got it and carried it to him and made 50 cents on it. I exchanged the one for John Bouton and carried it to him, but this one did not suit either, and while on my way back with it, I sold it to one of the firm of VanDensen & Matthews at a profit of 50 cents also. Mr. E.C. Andrews of New Haven, the owner of the right for this county of Tilden's Universal Flour Sifter came on the morning train according to arrangement and I did the business of getting the papers for George by endorsing Mr. Crofut's note for 3 months and getting it discounted at the Pahquioque Bank. The note was for $400. I borrowed from the Savings Bank $59 to make out the $450, the discount on the Note of $400 being about $9. We had the document. It was made out by Lieut. Governor Roger Averill. The fee was 50 cents, of which I paid half for George. After the business was completed, I met Gussie at O. H. Swift's store and did up a dress which had been dyed for Josephine Dare and a parasol. I directed it and gave to Edward Barnum on the cars to hand to Mr. Gillette, the ticket agent at Bethel. Gussie then did a little shopping and then we had ice cream at DeKlyn's. We then came home and soon after, Ezra Wildman came to the house for a roll of Griswold's Salve. After tea, Mr. Pond helped me carry my tool chest over to his barn. I intend keeping them there for the present. He is to build a bench and I supply the tools and thereby both will be accommodated. I walked downtown with Mr. Cocking. I went to the depot to meet George. He came with his rifle, cartridge box and belts and his horn, an E flat cornet and over $200 in his pockets. He came round to my house with Bell (who also met him at the depot). He left the $200 overnight with me for safekeeping. He called up at Father Griswold's for a few moments. The house was full of ladies of the Sewing Society who meet there tonight. George drank a glass of beer and then I went up home with him and Bell. I stayed a short time and he played several pieces on his horn. When I returned, I took care of baby and let Gussie go up home to the Sewing Society. 08/06 SATURDAY - Very warm. I mowed in front of my premises; also Father Griswold's and I trimmed the works. I worked at it nearly all the forenoon. George came down just before I finished and helped me and then we went downtown to pay the savings bank what I borrowed - $59 yesterday. We went to Charles H. Sanford's office and he applied for a license to canvas for the flour sifter. From there, we went over to Harris' clothing store and he bought a pair of pants and a vest. We then came home and he took dinner with us. I took a nap and about 4 o'clock, Gussie and I took Georgie some bread cake and a bowl of jelly and went up home to tea. After tea, I cut Father's hair. George came down home with us and I went with him and Bell to market. After we did our trading, we went over to Singing School; there was no one there but Harriet Wheeler. I stayed awhile and came home leaving Bell, George, and Harriet there. They came home by way of my house. I gave him a black spring brimmed hat and went up home with him to help carry a basket with things which he bought in the street and two of his old uniform coats, one of them an overcoat. 08/06 SUNDAY - We rose rather late. Gussie attended church in the morning and I in the P.M. Brother Hill preached in the A.M. A Mr. Huntington preached in the P.M. George attended church all day and sat with us. This is his first Sunday home since he returned from the army. George and Bell came down and went with us to meeting in the evening at the 1st Congregational Church to hear Reverend Mr. Huntington from Stamford. He is acting as agent to establish a state institution for the cause of orphan children, especially the children of deceased soldiers. It was a Union Meeting. It has been showery (thunder) all day and rained very hard just as we came home from church in the evening. 08/07 MONDAY - Showery again today, thought there has been considerable sunshine during the day. I have worked all day in the shop. After tea I pulled some weeds from my strawberry bed until nearly dark when George came in and I went downtown with him. He mailed a pile of letters to Florida, Maine and elsewhere including money to pay what he borrowed at different times of different ones when he was in the service. I bought some Sal Soda to wash Mr. Cocking's hat with. I went to O.H. Swift's and got one dozen lesson Books and a Golden Chain of Showers. The singing book was for Avery Raymond's daughter. The 1st Connecticut Cavalry arrived in New Haven from Washington on Saturday evening. Henry Hurd arrived home on the morning train today. 08/08 TUESDAY - The showers are over and the day has been lovely clear and pleasant and not very warm for the season. George called this morning while we were breakfast. He walked down as far as Main Street with me as I went to work. I washed Mr. Cocking's hat in the Sal Soda before breakfast and took it with me to the shop and finished it over and had it trimmed. Mr. Pond has been building a work bench in his barn today and I am to leave my tools there for the joint accommodation of us both. I pulled weeds from my strawberry plants until dark and then went to market. Harriet started for the cars to go to Stamford this morning, but got left. 08/09 MONDAY - Pleasant. As usual, I worked hard in the shop. After tea, I went to market and walked up with Mr. Pond who was looking for Dr. Bennett, his wife being sick (confinement). 08/10 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning, cloudy in the P.M. It commenced raining about 9 o'clock in the evening. On my way to work in the morning, I bought of Benedict & Nichols 1 # yards of cotton cloth at 36 cents a yard. I worked hard all day. After tea, I went to market and the Jeffersonian Office for paper and at Couch's gallery for 4 card pictures of the baby. Our neighbor Mr. Pond had a son born last night at about 11 o'clock. 08/11 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast I wrote a letter to Everett C. Andrews in New haven to know why he does not send the order of flour sifters to George. I did not have time to mail it and I left it until George came in for dinner while I was at the shop. Gussie showed it to him and he approved its wording and took it and mailed it himself. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking took the train this morning for Fort Hamilton, Long Island to visit her sister. Gussie called on Widow Burr Bradley this P.M. I went into the street in the evening and walked up with Robert Dunning. He stopped in when I got home and compared his rifle bullets with my pistol balls. 08/12 SATURDAY - A beautiful day. I worked until about 4 o'clock and then quit. We received our pay this P. M. We now receive our pay weekly on Saturdays instead of once in two weeks and on Monday. This is the second pay day under the new order of things, but the first that I have drawn as I did not work last week. I brought home a new black hat for John W. Bouton which he ordered about a week ago. After tea, I started to carry John's hat over to him and saw him in the road near Father Griswold's lot on George Street and gave it to him there. He paid me ($2.50) the price for it and I returned home. I then started up home to see him (George?) and found him away. I then went into the street and there I found him. We did some trading and he took a flour sifter from Parmalee's store for a sample with which to commence business on Monday morning. He came home with me and showed Gussie and Fanny how it worked by running some flour through it. He forgot a loaf of bread which he bought for Anna Heinman. Before retiring, I marked of the Sunday School Advocates preparatory to distributing tomorrow. 0813 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came down before breakfast for a loaf of bread which he left here last evening. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School and to church in the P.M. It was the sacrament Service. George came home with me and we put Georgie in his carriage and all went up home to take supper with him as it is his 24th birthday. There was a prayer meeting held at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit, she not being able to get out to church. I lay on the bed in George's room during the meeting and had a good nap. George and Bell came down with us as we came home. I drew a glass of beer for George and then I went with him and Bell to meeting. Brother Hill's brother-in-law preached for us. 08/14 MONDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I wrote to Carleton & Porter ordering $2.00 worth of illustrated books for children for Fanny to use in the infant class. As I went to work I mailed it. Harriet Wheeler came home from New Fairfield today where she has been visiting for a few days. Father Griswold came home on the train from a trip in his district. George went out for the first time to sell flour sifters. He received by this evening's mail a letter from Everett C. Andrews saying that he would ship the sifters immediately. Teachers' meeting in the evening. I, of course attended as I am Secretary and Treasurer. George came home with me after the meeting and we talked awhile at our gate. I copied the minutes of the Sunday School Teachers' Meeting before retiring. 08/16 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than it has been for several days past. I carried 12 quarts of crab apples to Parmalee & Bradley's as I went to work in the morning. George took sifters off from Parmalee & Bradley's hands today. The package of small books for the infant class which I ordered on Monday morning came today. Mother, Bell, George and Gussie went over to Aunt Louisa's visiting this afternoon. Our folks had Mr. Thomson's horse to bring Mother over. We raised our bill of prices at the shop today. 2 % (?) on a dozen, except No. 5 the coarsest quality and for extra heavy hats we raised the 4 % (?). The books I ordered Monday morning for the infant class came today. After tea, I went to class and found no one there and cane home again after waiting for the mail. 08/17 THURSDAY - There were indications of rain in the A.M. but it finally came off pleasant. I carried a flour sifter with me to the shop this morning for Edward Stevens who engaged it yesterday. George Benjamin engaged one, also John W. Bussing. I carried one down to Mr. Benjamin's this evening with a peck of crab apples. And left one with Mr. Pond this morning to show his folks and let them try it. I expected John Bouton to come today to lay a new floor to my stoop today, but he did not come and now I think I will defer it until I paint the house. I picked a part of my last tree of crab apples tonight. 08/18 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I sold a sifter this morning for George to a German named Syfer. I carried one to Mr. Carlson to try. Henry Hurd, just home from the war, was shopped at Mr. Crofut's today. The facers at the shop being tired out and discouraged stopped work and thereby obliged us to stop for want of hats. We came home about the middle of the afternoon. I pulled weeds from my strawberry beds until about dark and then went to market. I called at Randall's Store to see some flour sifters and made arrangement to place some of George's kind beside them. Took a letter from the Office from George from Mr. Andrews of New Haven. I carried over to him at Aunt Louisa's where he was spending the evening. He came home with me and wrote Sterling & Peck of Bridgeport about the sifters as Andrews wrote George that they wanted 4 dozen. Georgie is sick; he has dysentery symptoms. 08/19 SATURDAY - Foggy in the morning, pleasant and warm in the P.M. In order to have the flues repaired at the shop, we all stopped work at noon. The trimmers struck for higher prices today. In the P.M., I went with George to sell sifters. He had Mr. Judd's horse. We hauled 8 dozen from the depot. I went to market in the evening. Before retiring, I wrote to E. C. Andrews in New Haven and enclosed $53.20, his bill for the 8 dozen sifters, this being the amount after deduction $6.00 for the 10 machines which he allowed George that were at Benedict & Nichols' when he bought the county rights. I left the letter to be mailed tomorrow night or Monday morning. 08/20 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm in the P.M. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and to meeting in the afternoon. Brother Hill preached from 2nd Tomothy2:3. George went home with Aunt Louisa to tea; he stopped at my house on his way to look at the letter I wrote for him last evening. After tea, Gussie went over to Elisha Severine's to see how their baby was; it is only just live. While she was gone I wrote to Carleton & Porter ordering another copy of Sunday School Advocate form July to October for Katie Benedict, a scholar in Jane A. Post's class. I enclosed 8 cents for the paper which is the price of eight month's subscription. George called before meeting time and took the letter I wrote for him to E.C. Andrews and mailed it as we went to meeting. Bell was there to go home with him after meeting. 08/21 Monday - Cloudy and smoky in the morning, but it finally came off pleasant and very warm in the P.M. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went in to the street and made arrangements with Parmalee & Bradley and Joseph Ives to put some sifters in their stores for sale. I took a letter from the Post Office for George from E.C. Andrews concerning sifters; also a circular for the collector of Internal Revenue Tax ( H. Hoyt) notifying me to pay my tax of $6.80. I started immediately up home to take the letter to George but found that he, Bell and Phebe Palmer who comes from Stamford today had gone downtown. I started back on a run and met them near Mr. Townsend's and made them go back home with me.. I there talked business with George and then he Bell and I went up into Father Griswold's barn garret where he stores his sifters and put the cranks on two dozen of them ready for Parmalee and Ives in the morning. They then went home and I at his request wrote an answer to Mr. Andrew's letter. Georgie did his first creeping this evening. 08/22 TUESDAY - A thunder shower last night about 1 o'clock and at the same time Abel Gregory's barn was burned near the northern extremity of Balmforth Avenue, supposed to have been set on fire. George took the train this morning for Bridgeport to make arrangements with Sterling & Peck for the sale of his sifters. He intends to visit Norwalk and Stamford on the same business before he returns. I went to the depot to see him off. He took a sample of his sifters with him. Joseph Ives came for one dozen sifters today. I called there this evening and got the pay - $12.00. I took about a peck of crab apples up to Fred Starr's market this evening for Fred Harrington. He is to call for them there. I did some trading and came down to Parmalee & Bradley's store and got my pay for the 12 quarts of crab apples which I left there to be sold. I received a letter from Carleton & Porter stating they would furnish "Longking's Questions" for $1.56 per dozen. I also took a letter from the office for George from Mr. Andrews. Burr Rockwell came to the shop today asking assistance from the Hatters. 08/23 WEDNESDAY - Clear and pleasant this morning and cool after the rain. I repaired one of George's flour sifters before breakfast. Parmalee & Bradley came for one dozen sifters today. I worked as usual in the shop. Theo Lyon came with me from the shop and (bought ?) 50 Russell Strawberry plants. I went into to the street in the evening and got my paper (the Jeffersonian), bought a garden trowel, went to class and walked up home after meeting with Robert Dunning. Elisha Serrine's baby was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. Gussie bought another barrel of charcoal. Mr. Lynes sent $1.25 for a sifter which he bought of George. Phebe Palmer and bell came down this evening bur went home before I returned from class. Before going into the street this evening, I carried a sifter over to Alex Pine's for his wife to try. 08/24 THURSDAY - Cold this morning; some say there was a little frost. I worked all day in the shop. Oscar Serrine came for some strawberry plants as he came from work. Bell came down at noon for Gussie to go up home and spend the P.M. She went and cousin Phebe came home with her at night to stay. I ate some bread and milk for supper and then went to market. I called at Henry Hoyt's office and paid $6.80 Income tax. I also went to the depot to meet George, but he did not come. He has doubtless not been able to complete his business regarding the sifters in the lower part of the county. 08/25 FRIDAY - pleasant and a little warmer. Phebe stayed with us last night. I worked as usual in the shop. George came home on the morning train. Edwin Harris brought me some Trompe De grand strawberry plants at the shop today. I brought them home and transferred then before tea. After tea, I dressed up a little and went into the street with cousin Phebe. Gussie did not go, she having been to the cemetery and was too tired. George and Bell came down in the evening and Phebe went home with them. 08/26 SATURDAY - Pleasant and I think a little warmer than yesterday. I went to the shop but on account of the facers not having hats enough ahead we only got one dozen which I finished before dinner. Theo Lyon came home by way of my house and bought a sifter. I have to give him some strawberry plants for buying a sifter. I brought my dinner home with me and ate it with Gussie at the table. Ed Harrington paid me for the sifter he bought several days ago. I went up home about 2 o'clock and George came down with me. Phebe and Bell came down a short time afterword. George and I went into the street. He mailed a letter to John Brayman about canvassing for the sifter. He gave a letter to Ed Barnum to be thrown off at Maria and Carrie Neil's boarding place. He then walked with me down to the shop and I got my pay. I bought a new gold pen, price - $1.15. I sold my old one and got 90 cents for it. Oscar Serrine came for some strawberry plants before tea. George, Phebe and Bell were with us to tea. I went to market in the evening in company with George. When we returned we ate a watermelon which I got in Father Griswold's patch. We enjoyed the evening very much. They went home a little before 10 o'clock. Before retiring, I drew up a bill of prices for the shop, adopted on the 16th instant. 08/27 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. Phebe came home with her at noon and I went down to Sunday School. Brother Hill preached in the morning, but on account of a head cold could not preach in the P.M. and consequently there was no service in the afternoon. After the Sunday School session, I came home walking up with David Bradley after going with him across to Barnum's Hotel to get a paper of tobacco. Georgie tumbled out of bed this morning while we were at breakfast. This is the first time it has happened to him. He is just 9 months and 11 days old today. Phebe was with us to tea. After tea, she and Gussie went up home to prayer meeting. George and Bell came back with them at evening meeting time. Gussie stayed with baby and I went with them to prayer meeting mailing as I went a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering another copy of the Sunday School Advocate for a Sunday School scholar for July to October. After meeting, Phebe, George and Bell came home with me to get some paper curtains they bought yesterday for Mother and left by mistake at my house. I fixed a pitcher of cold coffee with milk and sugar which we drank before they went home. 08/28 MONDAY - I rose feeling nearly down sick this morning, having a bowel complaint. George called just as we finished our breakfast., he having been down at Mr. Judd's to get his horse but it was not at home. As I went to work I carried Father Griswold's clock down to Mr. Robinson's store for repairs. I worked until after 6 o'clock in the shop. George started for Ridgefield about 4 P.M. with a load of sifters to peddle out. He took cousin Phebe and Bell as far as Uncle Edwin's. After tea, I went into the street and did some marketing and then attended the Annual School meeting of our district. B F. Ashley was elected clerk and James Taylor, Isaac Smith and Ezra Mallory for committee, Ephraim Gregory for collector, Henry Williams for treasure. 08/29 TUESDAY - Pleasant. Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny started this morning for Ohio. I worked as usual in the shop. Considerable talk today among the hatters about the reported combination of the bosses, an arrangement entered into by some of them determining not to pay any more advances to the workmen and agreeing not to shop any man who is on a turnout for prices at any other shop. Gussie received a letter from Ellen Dare with the balance of money due for dying a dress some time ago which Gussie paid for her. I went to market in the evening. George came home about 9 o'clock in the evening from a trip to Ridgefield selling sifters. Before retiring, we sealed up cups of Crabapple jelly. 08/30 WEDNESDAY - Warmer today. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie called at Daniel Starr's this P.M. and stayed to tea. I marked Fido's collar before tea. While splitting kindling this evening, a piece hit my eye and hurt it. I went to market in the evening. 08/31 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Muggy in the morning and appearing like rain but by the middle of the forenoon, the sun comes out hot. We being so close onto the facers at the shop, we could get only one dozen today. I finished mine at noon and came home. I met George with Mr. Judd's horse before I got home. I rode down with him to Mr. Judd's store to take the team home and then he came home with me. We talked over the matter of putting the price of the sifters up again to $1.50 instead of $1.25 as he has been for a few days selling them. Noah Hoyt came while we were talking about it for a # dozen. He let him have them and rode down with him to notify Parmalee & Bradley, Joseph Ives, and Randall that they must sell them at $1.50. Harriet and Louise Jones came to tea and spent the evening. Mr. Jabine and friend Potter came in the evening and went home with Louise to Mr. Jabine's. I bought a baby carriage of Elisha Serrine and put Georgie in it and went up home to come down with George who was also with us to tea.
1865-08
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal May 1865 Entry
10pgs
05/01 MONDAY - The insurance runs out today and as I went to work this morning, I took the policy to get it renewed. I called at L. C. Hoyt's office and found that he died this morning at five minutes past 4 o'clock. Some say that it was the spotted fever that killed him and others that it was erysipelas, and some say that it was the plague that is prevailing in Russia, and one account is that Dr. Bennett gave him powerful medicines and poisoned him. He was well a week ago. The insurance on my house and furniture which I wished to renew was in the Aetna Company. I concluded to defer the matter until he was buried and someone began to conduct the insurance business in his stead. Burr Bradley is very sick. He has indications of a fever. After tea tonight, I went over to see him and took a pail at his house and got some ice as I went into the street. 05/02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I pulled some weeds from my strawberry bed until dark and then went over to see Burr Bradley. He is pretty sick, no better than yesterday and last night. He wished me to order through Peter Starr one dozen lesson books, 1st Series. I went to the paper office and did so. When I came home, I walked up West Street with Nathaniel Cable. L. C. Hoyt was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. The services were in our church. I did not go, but Gussie did by going up and getting Bell to take care of Georgie. I took the baby carriage over to McDonald's as I went for milk this noon and had it mended. 05/03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but rather cool. Gussie got up with a severe headache, tried to get breakfast but could not, so I cooked it myself. I ate, cleared off the table and went to the shop. I found Gussie very much better when I came home from work. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him better. From there, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought my first mess of porgies at Raymond's three large ones for 13 cents. From there, I went down to Billy Kyle's in the Pahquioque Block and bought a large shad for Father Griswold for 18 cents a lb. 05/04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday, though there was a white frost this morning. Just as I was starting for the shop, Mr. Stevens, the gardener, came to spade my garden for me. As the manure was not yet on the garden, I stayed to get it out. It was coal ashes, door yard grass and other vegetable matter. The best part of the forenoon being used in getting out the ash heap, I then concluded to spend the day in planting. Accordingly, I went into the street for some garden seeds, June potatoes, etc. I spent the P.M. in planting lima beans, potatoes, sweet corn, string peas, beets and parsnips. Miss English and her friend Miss Brown called in the P.M.; also Bell Purdy. In the evening, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called to see Mr. B. Bradley. He is worse than he was yesterday. 05/05 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I planted more potatoes in my garden before going to the shop this morning. On my way, I carried to Parmalee & Bradley's 5 lbs., 10 oz. of pieplant for Mother Griswold. Gussie drew Georgie up home on Deer Hill this A.M and spent the day. When I came home from work, I found the house locked. I got my supper ready to eat just as she came in accompanied by Bell. After supper, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him more comfortable than he was last night, though I suppose he is really but little if any better. I then went to the Post Office and home. 05/06 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained gently all day until just at night and in the evening when it rained very hard in showers. There was some lightning with it but no thunder. On my way to work in the morning, I carried my boots to Reed's Shoe Store to have some pegs drove in the soles to stop them squeaking. I came home to my dinner for the first time since last fall. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley. I engaged to go and watch with him tonight. Mr. Pond got some trompe De Gard Strawberry plants of Father Griswold this morning and set them out. I planted a few more potatoes in the garden this morning, also some squash. I took 6 lbs. of pieplant for Mother Griswold this morning and started for Parmalee & Bradley's store with it but sold it to Hoyt Dibble, engineer at Mr. Crofut's Forming Factory in West Street. 05/07 SUNDAY - I watched with Burr Bradley last night. I came home about half past four this morning and went to bed. I slept until 8 o'clock. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home as soon as church was out and I went down to Sunday School and attended preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached upon the providences of God in our own congregation during the past week, viz. the death of L. C. Hoyt, the severe sickness of Burr Bradley, etc. His text was ____. A dispatch was received today that Sally Ames (Sally Keeler it used to be) was dead. She being pregnant miscarried, at the same time had the small pox. She died at 10 o'clock this morning. After tea, Fanny came down to take care of Georgie to let Gussie and I go to call at Burr Bradley's that I might leave the Sunday School collection - 65 cents with him as he is the treasurer. His wife took the money and brought the book so that I could put down the amount taken. I did not see him as he is too feeble to see anyone. From there we called on Mrs. Stone (our wash woman) and at Daniel Starr's. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening while I stayed with Georgie. As she went she mailed a Harper's Weekly to George for me. 05/08 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the bedroom tearing off the paper preparatory to putting on the new. She made out nearly a day's work. I paid her a dollar. I helped her shake carpets at noon after dinner. In the evening, Louisa took care of Georgie and Gussie went with me and bought some paper for the bedroom. Dr. Bennett and son and Dr. Lacey held a consultation this morning and decided that his disease was erysipelas and that there was no hope in his case. I called a little after 6 o'clock as I came home from work and found him dying. After buying paper in the evening, Gussie and I came that way home. Gussie went home soon after seeing him and I stayed a while and fanned him. I left him fading fast and got home at 10 o'clock. While in the street I left my watch with Captain S. G. Bailey for repairs. Received this noon through the Post Office a blank to be filled out with my income the past year. It was from C.H Sanford, Asst. Assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue. Showery just at night and in the evening. 05/09 TUESDAY - Stormy all day. I started for the shop and went by way of Burr Bradley's to see what time he died and when he was to be buried as I supposed that he was certainly dead as none expected last night that he would live until morning. But to my surprise, he was still alive. There being no man present except his own family friends, I pulled off my boots and stood over him until he died which was a quarter to 12 o'clock. I gave him his last nourishment and wet his lips the last time. Soon after he was done breathing, I put his false upper teeth in his mouth, closed his eyes and mouth and helped tie a handkerchief under his chin to keep his jaw in place. I took two pennies (large ones) from my pocket and placed them on his eyelids after they were wrapped in paper to prevent them from coloring the lids. I came home to dinner and returned again soon after to assist if necessary in laying him out, but the undertaker, Mr. Holy (?) and Amos Stone had already begun the job and needed no more help. So I then took the blank sent to Burr by the Assistant assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue and carried it to the Assessor (C. H. Sanford) to see what could be done in regard to it. He was not sure that it could be collected (the tax). I left the blank with him and he is to see if the payment of the tax by the widow can be avoided. I handed in my own receipts for 1864, which were as follows: wages for the year, $773.62, rent upstairs rooms, $36.00making the total receipt $809.62. The deducting from the sum total $66.00 interest money and insurance $4.20 and taxes $3.80, it leaves $735.62. The deducting $600.00 not liable to taxation. It leaves subject to tax $135.62 which at 3 percent tax will make it $6.78 as my taxes under the Internal Revenue law. I went to the shop about 3 o'clock and finished off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then quit. I came home by way of Burr's to see about watchers. I took it upon myself to procure two for the night which I did in the Street in the evening by getting George Hamilton and Captain E.E. Wildman. Gussie went over to see the corpse in the evening and I came home that way to come home with her and to tell them that watchers were engaged. 05/10 MONDAY - pleasant but a little cool. I took 12 lbs. of pieplant to Parmalee & Bradley's Store for Father Griswold as I went to the shop. We notified Mr.Crofut this forenoon that if he wished to keep his men he must advance $2 per dozen on his whole bill. He agreed to give it. We worked until noon and then all hands attended Burr Bradley's funeral, which was at 2 o'clock at the house. From there we repaired to the church where Brother Hill preached a sermon. I, in company with several other hat finishers walked up to the cemetery and witnessed the burying. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lynes' and got some lettuce plants which Robert Cocking, his gardener who lives with me promised to give me. I gave David Bradley a few of them on my way home. It took me until quite dark to set them all out. David and Hart then came along and I went with them downtown. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. In it was the death of Burr Bradley and Uncle Stephen. While in the street, I saw Andrew Knox about papering our bedroom. It is doubtful about his being able to do it this week. I fear we will be obliged to engage someone else as the room is all ready for the paper. I bought some halibut and went with David Bradley around to call on Mrs. Bradley to see how she was bearing the loss of her husband and to get the dress that Gussie had borrowed for her of Mrs. Barnum. 05/11 THURSDAY - Rain last night and this forenoon. It partly cleared away in the P.M. and the sun shone a little. A little splatter of rain about 6 o'clock and a very hard shower with thunder and lightning and a tremendous wind about 7 o'clock. I heard in the evening that it blew over the spire of the Presbyterian Church in Bethel and unroofed one house. Andrew Knox papered our bedroom in the P.M. He finished before I returned from work and lest his l=pocket knife. He consequently went home without his pay. Mrs. Cocking came down and stayed with Gussie in the evening while I went to get my Aetna insurance policy renewed by the General Traveling Agent who is now here to adjust the business that was left by the death of L.C. Hoyt. I then went over to Widow Burr Bradley's to get the list of S.S. Advocate Subscribers to mark off the papers for distribution on Sunday. She not only gave me the list of names but gave all the books pertaining to the Secretary and Treasurer of the School which I took until the School appoints someone in Brother Bradley's place. My insurance policy I put up in an envelope to send to Aaron Mallett at West Redding, but on account of the lateness of the hour I did not mail it. 05/12 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and this morning, but it cleared off about noon, pleasant but a little cool. On my way to work this morning, I mailed my insurance policy to Aaron Mallet, West Redding. Not feeling well, I came home before night. On my way home, I engaged ton of coal of Tom Sproul which came between 5 and 6 o'clock. I also took one dozen lesson books from Starr & Hopkins (through whom we got them from New York) and carried them over to the church. Before tea, I helped Gussie put down the bedroom carpet. Brought our last ham down from Father Griswold's barn after tea and cut a slice for our breakfast tomorrow morning and cut off a piece which we feared was fly blown to boil for dinner tomorrow. I wrote to Aaron Mallett, West Redding notifying him that I had sent him my insurance policy and telling him why I delayed so long before sending it which was that the agent L. C. Hoyt was dead. I sent the letter to the office in the evening by Gussie as she went to the milliner's and to Sewing Society. I spent a part of the evening in looking over the Sunday School secretary and treasurer's books which have been temporarily been given into my hands since the death of W. B. Bradley, out old Secretary and treasurer. The Sunday School Advocates have come and I tried to find among the books and papers the list of subscribers in order that I might mark off the papers ready to distribute on Sunday but I could not make the list which I found agree in numbers with the number of papers received from New York. 05/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. We moved the bed back again into the bedroom from the parlor where we put it in order to clean and paper the bedroom. I helped move the bureau and such things as required my help and then went to the shop. On my way home to dinner, I took three letters out of the Post Office from George. There were two more there, one for Mother and one for Harriet. The two last are written April 21 and 24 and speak of the surrender of General Lee and army to General Grant and the assassination of Lincoln. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock in the evening to finish up the work I had out. Gussie made calls at Mrs. Daniel Starr's and Widow Burr Bradley this P.M. and went up to the cemetery. I met Andrew Knox and paid him $1.40 for papering our bedroom last Thursday. Gussie went to the milliner's in the evening while I went to market and around to Widow Burr Bradley's to see about the list of subscribers for the Sunday School Advocates. 05/14 SUNDAY - A lovely day but it clouded over again in the evening threatening a storm. I stayed with Georgie in the forenoon to let Gussie attend church. Brother Hill having a boil on his foot sat down and preached. Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon. I commenced taking names for the Sunday School Advocate at noon. Brother Bradley began it before he was taken sick but did not complete it before he died. I have taken charge of the books until another Secretary and Treasurer can be elected. On account of Brother Hill's sore foot the sacrament was not administered in the P.M., but Mr. Van Meter who is here with 11 girls and 1 boy from the Howard Mission preached or talked to the church and his girls sang some sweet music. They were arranged inside the altar. Mr. Van Meter talked and his children sang at the Baptist Church this forenoon. Mother came home to our house to tea. At 4 o'clock the three Sunday Schools, 1st and 2nd Congregational and Baptist, assembled at our church to hear Mr. Van Meter and his girls. I went to hear them again. When it was over I got George Cosier to take Mother home from my house. Bell came home from the 4 o'clock meeting and stayed until evening meeting time and went to hear them again at the 1st church with Gussie. I sent a letter and Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Gussie as she went and mailed them to George at St. Augustine, Florida. As I was coming from the regular afternoon service this P.M. and got just at the head of our street in West Street, I saw Curtis Hoyt get run away with. He had his Grandfather Hoyt's double team and was coming for Mary Richards to take her up to Pembroke where she teaches school. There was a little girl in with him, his cousin a daughter of Frank Hoyt's. They were thrown out and the wagon turned bottom upwards and dragged as far as the corner of George Street by Mr. Pond's where the horses were stopped; neither of them were badly hurt. Rumors that Jeff Davis and cabinet are captured. 05/15 MONDAY - It has been a beautiful day, though early this morning, I feared a storm. I drew $2.50 for Burr Bradley and $.67 in checks making $3.17 his due at the shop. As I came home from work, I carried it to his widow. The papers today officially confirm the capture of Jeff Davis. The first dozen wire brim hats were weighted out today. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian office to see about the publishing of George's last letter. From there, I went to market and to the Post Office and came home. Mr. Basset's wife died very suddenly today. Dr. Bennett says it was similar to what Clark Hoyt and Burr Bradley died with. I sat up until 12 o'clock preparing a letter for publication in the Jeffersonian for George. 05/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson were shopped after dinner. I sent at noon by Joseph Kyle to have Nathan Farrell send me a # barrel of ale beer which he did in the P.M. I gave Mr. Cocking a glass in the evening and then rode down to market with him. Sarah Purdy called just as I went downtown with Robert. Before retiring, I worked awhile at Cosmopolite's letter for publication. 05/17 WEDNESDAY - Very warm, the warmest of the season. It has been almost intolerable in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson worked for the first time in the shop today; the first since they were shopped which was yesterday. William Patch was buried this P.M. After tea, I went into the street and got my Jeffersonian and mailed one to George. I returned immediately for fear of being caught in a shower which threatened. As I came home, I overtook Miss English who was coming to call on us and walked home with her. She talked awhile and played with Georgie and then returned to Dr. Ryder's where she is stopping. I did not go to class on account of the threatening shower. Before retiring, I completed arranging George's letter to the Jeffersonian for publication. After tea and before going downtown, I planted some cucumbers. 05/18 THURSDAY - Cloudy with a cool East wind during the day. It began to rain a little in the evening. On my way to work this morning, I left George's letter at the Jeffersonian for publication. I also dropped a line in the Post Office to Andrew Knox for Mother Griswold this morning. 05/19 FRIDAY - Still cloudy; no hard rain but misty. I planted some evergreen corn in the garden before breakfast. After dinner the shop was called and a vote passed that we Have $2.50 extra for a scoped faced block finished on a scope band. Mr. Crofut was sent for to talk up the matter. He finally agreed to give the $2.50 extra for a scope faced block which was designed to cover the Spring Brim. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock. Received a letter this noon from Aaron Mallett acknowledging the receipt of the insurance policy. 05/20 SATURDAY - I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed before breakfast until the rain drove me off. It rained very hard for a time in the morning. I worked as usual in the shop. This is the third day I have been on the Spring Brim hats. We have just announced that style of a hat. There is a prospect of a large run on them. I came home for dinner and found Mrs. Stone cleaning house for Gussie. The bedroom upstairs and the bedroom has been her work for today. Mother Griswold was with us to dinner. I helped Mrs. Stone shake carpet before returning to work. I worked until 6 o'clock to finish off a dozen. I went to market in the evening. I waited for the mail before coming home and received a letter from George. Miss English came for some pepper plants which Robert left for her. Mr. Cocking lost his pocketbook today with about $8.00 and some papers of more or less value. He purchased an article at George Hurd & Sons and that is the last he remembers of the pocketbook. 05/21 SUNDAY - South wind and warm. A little rain in the morning. Flying clouds so that we had but little sunshine. I stayed home in the forenoon and let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. I wrote to George; sent a Harper's Weekly to him also. Wrote a note to the editor of the Connecticut War record in New Haven and enclosed a copy of George's letter in the Jeffersonian for publication in the War record. It is to be printed in the Jeffersonian this week. _____ from the Five Points Mission reached for us this morning and took a collection for the mission. A collection was also taken for the Lincoln Monument. After tea, Father called to see us. I gave him a glass of ale. From here he went over to Aunt Louisa's. I stayed with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go to Prayer Meeting. As she went, she mailed my letters and papers. Mr. T. Scofield's adopted child Charlie died this P.M. at 5 o'clock. 05/22 MONDAY - Lowery all day. A very little rain in the P.M. I worked hard until 7 o'clock in the evening and earned the largest wages ever in my life - $7.00. Dwight Rogers became father to a little daughter this forenoon. Our old nurse Miss English is nursing Mrs. Rogers. I went to market in the evening and down to Mr. Thompson's to get my truss repaired, cleaned, covered and a new pad. He charged me $2.00. Charlie Scofield was buried this P.M. at 3 o'clock. Gussie went to the funeral. While I was down to Mr. Thompson's in the evening, Sarah Purdy called. 05/23 TUESDAY - Lowery in the morning. The Masonic Order of this town went to Norwalk this morning by a special train to attend a celebration. It cleared off about noon; a little cooler. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the parlor today. After dinner and before returning to the shop, I helped her shake the carpet. After tea, I nailed down the carpet and Gussie put the room in order. Mr. Cocking came to bring his wife home from Mr. Lynes' and I rode downtown and back again with him. By evening mail I received a note from John W. Norris, editor of the War record acknowledging the receipt of George's letter for publication. Bell came down about 4 P.M. in a great fright about Mother who had a poor turn. After I returned from market about 49 o'clock, I went up home to see her and found her rather poorly but to all appearances at least not more so than she has been for some considerable time past. I feel rather old today on account of working hard yesterday and setting up until midnight to repair my truss. 05/24 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. Mrs. Stone cleaned the sitting room and sink room today. I have felt nearly sick today from a hard cold. I worked all day nevertheless. After tea, I helped Mrs. Stone put down the sitting room carpet. I went down to the Post Office and to the news Office for the Sunday School Advocate. I being very tired retired early. Father Griswold up to Mother today. He thinks her to be in a worse situation than ever before. 05/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked until 7 o'clock in the evening to finish off a dozen hats. After tea, I sharpened some Pea Bush. I broke the crystal to my watch last night while putting down the sitting room carpet and carried it in my hand as I went to the shop this morning until I got to Robinson's store where I got it repaired. Susan Hancock came on the evening train to make a visit to Father Griswold. Report from Miss Barber had a letter from ___ of the 7th regiment that they were soon coming home. 05/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop but came home earlier than usual to bush my peas. After doing it, I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed until nearly dark and then, to let Gussie go to the Sewing Society at Dr. Brown's, I came in to take care of the baby. Louisa came in however, and sat by him to let me go see if Mr. Barnum on the corner wanted by yard grass for the mowing. I did not see him but while returning, met Nathaniel Gable and he came in with me to have me refer to my journal and see when it was that George Davis enlisted. We found it was about September 1st, 1864. Gussie drew Georgie up home this P.M. to see Mother. She found her quite cheerful though poorly. 05/27 SATURDAY - Cloudy during the day; rain just at night. I left the shop about 4 o'clock and came home and borrowed Mr. Pond's scythe and mowed my dooryard. Jacob Fry (one of my shop mates) came and raked it up, I having promised it to him for raking up. After tea, I went downtown and brought home a pair of patent leather boots to try them tomorrow if I concluded to keep them. A fellow from New York State named Nichols was run away with this evening in Delay Street this evening. Upon turning the corner at Liberty St., the wagon struck a tree at which time the horse broke one hid leg. The last seen of him, a fellow was leading him up West Street and was reported that he was going toward the Bogg's to kill him. The leg was so badly broken that it dangled about and he was obliged to go on three legs. 05/28 SUNDAY - Rain last night, lowery all day and some fine rain. Gussie went to church in the morning and I to Sunday School in the P.M. I acted as Secretary and Treasurer of the School and arranged with David Bradley to take my place at the library. The Superintendent (George Starr) wishes me to take Brother W. B. Bradley's place as Secretary-Treasurer. I am acting in that capacity though no appointment has yet been made since Brother Bradley's death by the Board of Officers and Teachers. I distributed the Sunday School Advocates for the first time since Brother Bradley's death. After tea, Father came down and brought a bottle to get some ale for Mother. I went up home with him to see Mother. I found Mr. and Mrs. Squires there. I went into the parlor and sang with Bell a little while she played and came home again about 7 o'clock. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I sent it to the Post Office by Fanny as I did not go to meeting. I took care of baby and let Gussie go to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street to hear Dr. Hanley deliver a discourse on the Protestant Episcopal Church. 05/30 MONDAY - Rainy this morning. The wind got around into the west after dinner and the sun shone for a while, but just at night and in the evening it was cloudy again. I drew for my last two weeks work $62.00, the largest wages I ever earned before. I worked until 7 o'clock before coming home to tea. After tea, I returned the grindstone up to Father Griswold's barn for Mr. Carlson to grind our scythes that he might mow his door yard. While we were grinding, David Bradley was putting casters on Mother Griswold's kitchen table legs. We were until dark grinding the scythes and sickles. I then went to market, at the same time taking my new patent leather boots Mr. Benedict's (where I bought them) and paid for them $6.50 and left them to have some steel nails put into the heels on the outer edges. Mr. Cocking brought me some pepper plants this morning and I set them out at noon. He brought some for Father Griswold at the same time with some eggplants. I got another package of Sunday School Advocates for Sunday School. 05/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock in the evening. When I came home to tea, I found Miss English, our old nurse, talking with wife and baby. She just called for a few minutes; she is now nursing Dwight Roger's wife. Mr. Pond has been trimming up his sidewalk today. I went to market in the evening and walked up the street with John Cosier. 05/31 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. On my way to work in the morning I left my 5 gallon can at B&N's for 5 gallons of oil. I paid him for it and he sent it up before noon. From there I went up to S.G. Bailey's Jewelry Store to get a hand on my watch which got off last night. He put it on and charged me nothing. Mr. Fowler sent up 3 lbs. of butter today. While we were drinking tea, Father came down with a bittersweet vine for Mother Griswold and wanted to borrow Father Griswold's scythe. I helped him grind it. Also Mr. Pond's which I intend to use tomorrow. I drew some ale and Father and I took a glass. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I drew some more ale for Mr. Cocking.
1865-05
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal April 1865 Entry
13 pgs
04/01 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy again in the evening. We had but one dozen to finish at the shop; I got through before dinner. I brought home a little paint for the edge of some picture frames and painted them after which I went to caucus at 3 P.M. in the basement of Concert Hall. David P. Nichols and Mr. H. Tweedy were nominated for our two representatives. L. C. Hoyt was chairman of the meeting. Edwin Harris and John Tweedy were appointed Tellers. I expected Aaron Mallett of Redding here to get his interest money, but for some reason he did not come. After I returned from Caucus, I helped Father Griswold trim some trees in his yard and move a bird house from under the cornice of his house to the sweet apple tree near the barn. When I came from Caucus however, I went to B. Cable's and got a large sized clothes dryer to use in place of the one we have been using which was a small size. The small one I am going to store until Mr. Wing or his agent calls for it. In the evening, I went to Dr. Buckley's and got a change of medicine as Georgie has some indications of croup. I went to market (after talking with Dr. and his son about politics, the war, etc.) and bought some oysters for our breakfast. By the evening Post, gold is 151. Gussie went to the dressmakers (Mrs. McNeil) in the P.M. Louise took care of the baby. Bell called this P.M.; Mother is no worse. Our new neighbor, Mr. Pond moved in today. 04/02 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold preached for us today. I attended in the morning. His text was 1st Corinthians 3:21.22.23rd. George Cosier went up for Mother in the morning and brought her to church. After class meeting, he carried her to our house where she stayed in the P.M and to tea. I came home to let Gussie go in the afternoon. At evening meeting time, I went to the church and borrowed Mr. Levi W. Bartram's team to take Mother home with. Mr. S.W. Platt, the Newtown Methodist preacher gave a scientific temperance lecture at our church. He illustrated it by charts. The other churches were closed and all attended the lecture. A collection was taken up to help pay for the Newtown parsonage as this is the object for which he now lectures. I mailed the Harper's weekly to George as I went to the church. At the close of the lecture, the telegraphic news just received from General Grant was read to the audience. After three days hard fighting, our troops have been completely successful. Sheridan is sweeping everything before him capturing large numbers of prisoners. Grant has ordered an advance of his whole line and has captured the enemy's whole line of defenses. As the news was read the audience could with difficulty restrain their joy. President Lincoln is at City Point and directed the above dispatches to be sent. Julia Pine died this morning. She has been nearly or about a year been sick with consumption. 04/03 MONDAY - Election day ' Republican majority ' 208. The papers today confirmed the reports received by telegraph last evening. About noon we received by telegraph the intelligence that that Richmond and Petersburg had fallen with 40,000 prisoners. About 4 P.M. the cannon was fired 36 times in honor of the event. At the firing on Ira's Hill, I saw Andrew Knox for the first time to speak with him since his return from the army. He was 1st Lieutenant in the 1st regiment Heavy Artillery, C.V. His time of service had expired. He left his regiment near Petersburg. I have had no work in the shop. I worked around the house a great part of the day. Mr. Mallett of Redding came about noon for his latest interest on $1,100. I paid him $59.40 having paid his tax for him on the amount last summer, which was $6.60 the same being deducted from the 66 dollars. Later 10 o'clock at night I have just returned from Concert Hall where we have had a gathering to rejoice over victory in the field and to receive returns from the election. We have heard from nearly all the state and we have increased Union majorities and falling off of Copperhead majorities in strong Copperhead towns. The indications are that Buckingham is elected by a larger majority than ever before. By the evening post, gold is 145. During the day, it varied from 141 to 149 closing as above named. 04/04 Tuesday - I had work all day in the shop. On my way to work in the morning I took Gussie's shoes to C.H. Reed's to be mended. Buckingham is elected by about a 12,000 majority. The war news is good. The evening paper quotes gold at 146. 13,000 rebel prisoners have arrived at City Point. General Lee with what is left of his army is skedaddling and strewing the roads with the implements of war. Grant is in hot pursuit. Our prisoners are released. Libby is empty. Hatters' meeting in the evening. I got excused and left before it was over. Julia Pine was buried at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Gussie attended. We made up a purse at the shop for William Pine of about $4.20 with which to pay funeral expenses for his wife. 04/05 WEDNESDAY - Hager's barn was burned about 3 o'clock this morning with a wagon and sleigh and hay cutter belonging to Dr. Brewer and some books belonging to Mr. Robertson. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I came home about 3 o'clock and washed down my fruit trees with a solution of Salsoda. A fight today between two Dutch merchant tailors named Zarkowski and Harris. Two of their men took up the cause of their employers and had a clinch in Parmalee & Bradley's store. They were immediately parted by Bradley and Charles Hadden taking each of them one and taking them away. Thomas Stone was yesterday arrested by A.B. Hull (the freight agent at the depot) for adultery. His case was examined today and his trial put over to the next court and he was bound over under $500 bonds. John Bussing cut my hair at the shop after I finished my work. While we were at tea, Bell came in and said that Mother wished to see me up there as soon as I could come after tea as her business was important. I accordingly went up. It was about a gravestone for John and having his, Abagail's and William's remains moved from Mill Plain here to the cemetery. We concluded to let the matter rest for the present until a more convenient time. By the evening post, gold is quoted at 152. There is a rumor that Jeff Davis has been captured and that Abraham Lincoln has been taken by rebels at Richmond, but these need yet to be authenticated. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. On account of going up home, I did not get to class. 04/06 THURSDAY - Rain a little at times, sunshine and wind. No work in the shop. I bought a little more Salsoda and finished washing my trees. Set out some horse radish roots under the drain. I filled out where plant had died in my Trompe de Grand strawberry bed. Raked leaves off the door yard. Sawed my 4 foot wood in the woodhouse once in two and piled it away in a smaller compass to make room for Mr. Cocking's wood. Gussie received a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. I sorted over the apples in the cellar. I went to market in the evening and walked up West Street as I came home with Rev. Mr. Shepard (Universalist clergyman). Good news in the evening post. Grant has cut off Lee's retreat. Gold at 150. 04/07 FRIDAY - No sunshine during the day, a little rain. There were enough rays from the setting sun to produce a rainbow. The grass has taken a fresh start today. It looks fresh and green. I have been at work on Full Stiff Drab Brush hates today. The papers tell us today the Sheridan has occupied the R. Road junction at Burkesville ahead of General Lee and Grant being close in Lee's rear there is all about a certainty of the destruction of the rebel army under Lee. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. Alberta Hoyt's in the evening. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. News by the Evening Post that Sheridan has handsomely whipped Lee again near Burkesville and captured six rebel generals, a large number of prisoners, cannon, etc. Gold 147 by the Post. 04/08 SATURDAY - pleasant and a little cooler. About a half days work for the men, but I being on Brush hats had all that I could do. The news by the Evening Post last night was fully confirmed by the morning papers. Gussie made mince pies today. After tea, Louise came down and stayed with the baby and let Gussie go with me to market as she wanted to do some shopping. I bought meat, oyster crackers and two collars for myself. Nothing new by the evening papers. Gold quoted at about 149. After we came home, Fanny came in to make some arrangements about presenting books to the Sunday School Superintendents tomorrow. Brother Pegg and wife came to George Starr's this P.M. by freight train. He is to preach for us tomorrow. 04/09 SUNDAY - pleasant but cool; a heavy frost last night. Fanny and I went to church early and took the books for presentation to the Sunday School Superintendents from the parsonage into the Sunday School room. At noon, they were presented by Brother Pegg. 'The History of Methodism' in two volumes was presented to Brother William White and George Starr, Supt. and Asst. Supt. 'Biographical Sketches of Methodist Ministers', imitation of Moroccan Gilt price $3.00 was presented to Sisters Holmes and Bartrams, female Supt. and Asst. Supt. It being Conference Sunday and Brother Hill being too sick to go to conference or to preach, Brother Pegg came and preached for us. Text in the morning, Hebrews 12th, first 3 words of the second verse, viz. Looking Unto Jesus. Sacrament in the P.M. After the morning service Mary Purdy came up and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go to the presentation at noon and the Sacrament in the P.M. I went over in the morning and engaged her to come. She stayed and went with Gussie in the evening to hear Brother Pegg preach. I stayed at home with Georgie. I finished a letter to George and sent it with a Harper's weekly and yesterday's tribune to the Post Office by Gussie as she went to meeting. A prayer meeting was appointed to Mother's at 2 o'clock. 04/10 MONDAY - A day of rejoicing, General Robert E. Lee yesterday surrendered to General Grant. This morning's papers brought us the news. Stores and factories were immediately closed and notwithstanding the rain, the streets were filled with people all carrying happy faces. The bells were rung and cannon fired; the Brass Band and Drum Corps was out. In the evening, Concert Hall was illuminated and a large enthusiastic crowd assembled. Music by the Glee Club and Drum Corps. and Brass Band. Speeches were made, etc. I bought some sperm candles and illuminated father Griswold's cupola. The girls helped and also illuminated the whole house. We lighted up the lower part of our house also. I went up home and got Bell to come down and stay with baby to let Gussie go with me to Concert Hall. The evening mail brought us a letter from George. Bell stayed all night. Teachers' meeting in the evening. Mary Purdy came over before tea, and I cut her hair for her. 04/11 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, cloudy again in the evening with a chilling atmosphere. On my way to the shop this morning, I called and paid Fred Bradley $1.00 for the sperm candles I bought there yesterday to illuminate Father Griswold's cupola. I also went to the Jeffersonian office and gave Ashley the item of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsen's death for publication. I worked late on some brush hats in the shop. It was about 7 o'clock when I came home to tea. After tea, I went to market and bought some table salt. There was an adjourned Hatter's meeting, but I was too tired to attend and came home as soon as the mail was opened. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. At the Sunday School Teacher's Annual Meeting last evening, the same officers were elected except the male Supt. and Asst. which was only changed. George Starr was made Supt. and William S. White, the former Supt. made Asst. 04/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day. The sun shone a little after dinner though faintly. I am completely tire out finishing badly cleaned Brush hats. I burned one a little on the brim this P.M. and may have it to pay for. I stopped and would not take any more of them. I came home with the headache. An article in the Jeffersonian from George speaking of the death of Lieut. Col. Wilcoxsen of his regiment who died in Tallahassee, Florida in the rebels' hands, a prisoner of war. Inflammation set in his wounds and caused his death. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed with it in the evening a New York tribune of Monday and the Jeffersonian rolled up together. It is reported that William Seward, the Secretary of State in Washington is dead. He died from injuries received from being thrown out of a carriage. It is also reported that Lynchburg, Va. is taken by General Thomas. Gold by Evening Post is quoted at 145. Father Griswold returned from conference (which was held in the 17th Street Church in New York City) by the evening train. 04/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant. D.L. Chichester called the shop this forenoon to get an advance on some hats that were heavy, called B&W Hats. It is certainly harder and heavier work than we ordinarily have and we ought to have more for doing it. But as we had said nothing about it when trade was good, we thought it an unfavorable time now to ask an advance just as trade was over and a prospect of dull times coming on. It being late before I got to the shop this morning, I did but little during the day, only 1 dozen and then came home. Robert Lewis was off today, has gone to Lacey & Sheathars. I bought glass for two picture frames at O.H. Swift's. Gussie drew the baby over to Mrs. Lynes this P.M. to see Mrs. Cocking. She stayed to tea. Hattie Mills came to see us before she returned. She stayed until evening when Gussie went into the street with her. I understand that Theodore Flagler and Fred Wildman arrived home last evening, their term of service of one year having expired. 04/14 FRIDAY - A beautiful day. Fast day, no work in the shop on that account. I did some grafting for Father Griswold and myself. Before breakfast, I carried home the bottle of cut rubber and other ingredients called cement which a long time ago I borrowed of John Cosier to mend my rubber boots. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and carried Mother to church and home again. After dinner Father and Mother Griswold took the same team and rose over to Mill Plain to engage butter for the summer for themselves and us of Chris Fowler. They also spoke for Mrs. Cocking. Mr. Fowler agreed to furnish us ___ . At the same time that they went over there, Harriet, Gussie and myself went up to the cemetery to repair the flower beds and set out some plants. On my return I brought home a 3 # pound shad at 20 cents/lb. from Avery Raymond's, our first this season. It came from the North River. I finished grafting for myself before tea. In the evening, I intended to attend the Union League, but the room was not lighted, so I waited for the mail and came home. Gold 146. 04/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; began to rain about 4 P.M. I finished grafting for Father Griswold in the morning, and while at it about 9 o'clock, a dispatch was received saying that president Lincoln was shot last night while at Ford's theatre in Washington. He died this morning about the same time the President was shot, an assassin, perhaps the same one, went to Secretary Seward's room where he lay sick in bed and cut his throat at the same time lunging his knife into his side. As he left, he stabbed ___. Upon the receipt of the news, all the bells commenced tolling. Flags are at half-mast and many houses are dressed in mourning. A general sorrow pervades the people and indignation is aroused anew against the rebels. A later dispatch this evening states that the murderer has been caught. I raked off my garden and burned the rubbish. I dug around my trees and destroyed worms. Mr. and Mrs. Lynes having come home for the season today, Robert and wife returned to their rooms and furniture. Her sister, Mrs. Courtney is visiting with them. She is to occupy our bedroom upstairs while she stays. Mrs. Lynes gave Mrs. Cocking a basket of eggs as she came away. When she got here with them she gave Gussie a dozen of them. Later, 10 o'clock in the evening I have been downtown. Received 2 letters from George, Gussie one and Harriet one. There was no evening papers come. There are rumors that Secretary Seward is not dead but that his son is and then right the reverse that the secretary is dead and not the son. Taking all the reports together we are yet in the dark as to the safety of Seward. While we were eating dinner this afternoon, Harriet Purdy called. Aunt Louisa called also a short time afterwards. 04/16 SUNDAY - Pleasant, a shower about 6 P.M. Mr. Stone, the Baptist preacher, preached for us in the morning. Gussie attended; I stayed with the baby. Father Griswold being home, he exchanged with Mr. Stone. Gussie came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached for the first in quite a time. He has been prostrate with inflammatory rheumatism. He looked like a ghost as he stood at the desk and preached. The church was draped in mourning at the death of President Lincoln. The galleries were hung in black. The pulpit was covered in a large American flag, draped in mourning. A solemn mournful feeling pervades the people. Father Purdy was at church and came to our house to tea. Mr. Cocking and myself bought a Sunday Times to get further news about the murder at Washington. The paper cost 20 cents. Henry E. Comes and Allison Smith went to Brewster Station for them. They sold like hotcakes even at that price. I completed my letter to George and Gussie mailed it as she went to meeting in the evening. A Harper's weekly and yesterday's Tribune also at the same time. I had dreadful sick headache and could not go out in the evening. There was a Union meeting at the 1st Church in the evening; I was too sick to go. I went to bed. Fanny came down and took care of Georgie. 04/17 Monday - Pleasant but a little cool. I am over my sick headache and have worked all day. I bought a New York Tribune to send to George and mailed it this evening. The papers today give an account of the taking of Mobile with a large number of cannon and 3,000 prisoners. Ezra Wildman was off from the shop today. Theodore Flagler called at the shop today. He has been in the Navy for one year. He came home one day last week. Harriet Mills called in the evening. The shop today was dressed in mourning by hanging black and white festooned together out the trimming room windows and the factory flag trimmed in black hung over the front entrance. Secretary Seward is better and his son Fred out of danger. The assassins not yet caught. 04/18 Tuesday - A little colored boy about 10 years old came to the door just as we were retiring about 11 o'clock and wanted to stay overnight. I refused and soon after heard him crying near Mr. Pond's east gate. I went to him and he said his feet were cold. My sympathies were aroused and after considerable questioning as to where he was from and how old he was, I took him in, gave him some supper and let him sleep in the lounge. His name is James Martin. He has no parents living. He is from Peekskill and is the same boy who about a year and a half ago stayed all night with us. I called him up this morning and set him at work sawing some wood for me to pay for his lodging, supper and breakfast which I thought he could do as well as me anyway. When breakfast was ready, I called him in to eat. After which I gave him as good a written recommendation as I could to help him get employment with some farmer. He promised to go into the farming districts and with his paper to get employment. I went to the factory and soon saw him with two other Negroes on the railroad tracks after having been kicked out of the boiler room by Hiram Haddam the engineer. I send Orlando Morris, the errand boy, after him. He brought him up into the finishing room where I talked to him and took away the papers which I gave him in the morning, not wishing the little vagabond as he proves to be to carry around a recommendation with my signature. It was cloudy in the morning, rainy in the middle of the day and cleared off before night. It is reported in the evening post that the man who attempted to murder Secretary Seward has been caught. An extra meeting of the Union League was held to make arrangements for the observance of tomorrow which is the burial of President Lincoln. All business is to be suspended and stores to be closed from 11 o'clock. What further was done at the meeting, I know not as I left before business was over on account of the lateness of the hour. They concluded, however, I believe to call a meeting of the citizens tomorrow forenoon and have it a citizen's affair rather than confine it to the League itself. I bought a shad for Mother Griswold and when Fanny came home she bought another, so I took one of them off their hands. 04/19 WEDNESDAY - The anniversary of the Wooster Guards tendering their services to Governor Buckingham under president Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops for 3 months in April, 1861. NO! It was 4 years ago yesterday and 4 years ago today that the Guards left home on the afternoon train for the rendezvous at New Haven. It is also the anniversary of the first blood shed in the revolutionary war at Lexington as well as the first of this war by the killing of a Mss. Soldier in Baltimore. President Lincoln was buried today or rather the funeral obsequies were held in Washington. All over the land services were held in churches and a sermon preached. Our churches as usual on all such public occasions united. The service was held in the First Congregational Church. Father Griswold preached the sermon or delivered the discourse as he had no text. At 11 o'clock, a meeting of citizens was held at Concert Hall to make arrangements about badges, a procession, etc. They voted to wear a badge of mourning during the day. (The Union League or its members are to wear one for 30 days.) and after the service in the church which commenced at 12 o'clock (the same hour as the services at the Presidential Mansion) a procession was decided upon which according to arrangements was formed at the church at the close of the service about 2 o'clock in the following order Band (Drum Corps), soldiers who had served in the war, ladies, next gentlemen and ladies and brought up with gentlemen. The procession was a long one. We marched down to the Courthouse and then up to Franklin Street and back again to the place of starting where we broke up in the churchyard with a benediction from Bishop Williams of the Episcopal Church. In the morning, I put coal ashes around my trees and decorated the front door and piazza with emblems of mourning. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie put Georgie in his carriage and drew him down to Brother Hill's where she witnessed the procession. I went into the street in the evening, but there being no evening papers, we got no news. Bell came down at noon for some vinegar. Smith Terrell was this morning married to Margaret Dibble. Mr. Townsend officiated. They went off on the train. Saul Mallory was marshal of the procession at A. Lincoln's funeral, or rather at the demonstration made here at Danbury at the time of the funeral. The day has been lovely. In the evening in the post office I paid my taxes, $13.79 to Charles H. Crosby. 04/20 THURSDAY - A little sunshine during the forenoon, but after dinner, it clouded over and commenced raining about 5 o'clock. I have had no work in the shop today and have worked around the house. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the yard, made the flower bed by the piazza, set out a few Poor House Seedling Strawberry Plants which Mr. Cocking brought me to fill out my bed where a few had died out. Mr. Cocking took two dozen perpetual bearing raspberry plants from Father Griswold to set out over to Mr. Lynes. They are 50 cents per dozen. He is to let Father Griswold have tomatoes and eggplants in exchange. After dinner, I took a nap and then put out some myrtle in the tubs for that purpose in the yard. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from George from St. Augustine, Florida. I also received by ail the insurance policy for renewal from Aaron Mallett, West Redding. He holds the policy as additional security with a mortgage on my place for $1,100. Before retiring, I helped Gussie commence a shell frame for John's picture. It rained hard when we retired. 04/21 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty but only a little rain. I have not felt well today and did not go to the shop. I went into the street in the forenoon and talked with O. H. Swift about buying out his business picture framing, stationary, books, etc. After dinner I lay on the lounge and took a nap. About 3 o'clock, I went downtown again and helped Mr. Swift carry a large picture of the deathbed of Daniel Webster (which he had been framing) up to Mr. R. White's. I then went to the shirt factory to see Edith Newman about making a general exchange for George of pictures. Letters, etc. for which purpose I came downtown. She and George had held an intimate correspondence since he has been in the army and now she has engaged herself to be married to one Samuel Main of Georgetown. George wishes me to make the exchange of letters, pictures, etc. She promised to come to our house next Monday evening and bring the letters, etc. to make the exchange. I stayed with baby in the evening and let Gussie go to the sewing society up to Mrs. Fanton's on Balmforth Avenue. While she was away, I commenced a letter to George. 04/22 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. Cloudy but a very little rain before dinner. It cleared off about 10 o'clock. There is but a few men left in the shop, they having left and gone to Tweedy Brothers, Mallory's, and Sheather's & Lacey's to get more work and better prices. What men there are left have all the work they can do. At 4 P.M. a meeting was held in Concert Hall to nominate a man for Postmaster in the coming term. Dr. Brown was selected by a majority of over 50 above all others. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie got to the stores with me. Elias Fay's remains came in the evening train and were taken over to his father's. He died last Monday April 17that Chatfield Minnesota. News came today that Fred Vintz was dead and buried. He was wounded and taken to Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C. where he died with a fever. We sat up until 12 o'clock working on a shell picture frame. 04/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning. Our new presiding Elder, Nathaniel Mead preached for us this morning. A love feast was held a t 9 o'clock this morning. We rose too late to attend. Gussie went to church in the forenoon while I stayed with the baby. She came home after the morning service and I went down to Sunday School. It took so long to put on anew the numbers which were off from some of the books that I did not go to church in the afternoon. When I got there at noon, I found Saul Main in the seat by the library with Edward Barnum. He is to be married to Edith Newman before long. Next month, I believe. After supper, I finished my letter to George. There were three sheets full. A Mr. Dorman who preached for the 1st Congregational Church 4 weeks ago and also again today preached this evening at their church and the 3 other congregations, viz. 2nd Congregational, Baptist and ours united and I went to hear him. It was a eulogy on Abraham Lincoln. His text was Revelations 18:8. It was a good thing. It was fitting the occasion of the nation's grief and he did justice to Lincoln. As I went to church, I mailed a letter and a Tribune to George. The Harper's weekly did not come yesterday as usual. I expect them tomorrow or the next day. 04/24 MONDAY - I was informed wrong about Elias Fay's remains coming home Saturday evening. It did not arrive, but is expected every day. The day has been pleasant but cool; a heavy mist last night. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I had all I could do in the shop and worked until sundown. Georgie is cutting his teeth and is very worrisome. Gussie went in the evening to the Baptist Church to hear Mrs. Bingham, the southern refugee speak. While she was gone I sorted Edith's letters from other letters of George's in order to return them to her in exchange for his in her possession as he requested me. I somewhat expected her here this evening to make the exchange. She partially promised me that she would come. 04/25 TUESDAY - Pleasant. Elias Fay's remains came on the train last evening and were buried this afternoon at 2 o'clock. On my way home from work tonight, I borrowed a pair of trimming shears of Charles Hull to make a knuckle fender for my irons. I returned them in the evening. The Harper's Weeklies came today. I sent one to George and mailed it with a letter I finished after tea. Edith Newman sent the old letters she received from George with pictures, relics, etc. including a white handkerchief with blood stains on it from his wound received in the trenches before Fort Wagner on James Island. Her Mr. Saul brought them and took hers written to George in exchange. Mrs. Burr Bradley called on Gussie this afternoon. I bought some halibut for my breakfast for the first time this season. 04/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Nothing unusual in the day. When I came home from work at night, I found the house locked up and wife and baby gone with Mother Griswold's folks up to Mrs. Bartram's. I got my own supper and was about starting for class when Mrs. Bartram drove up with them all. Just at that time Sarah Purdy came along and took Georgie and came in to the house with him. Mrs. Bartram also came in. The consequence was that I did not go to class, though I rode down with Mrs. Bartram to get my Jeffersonian and to mail one to George which I did, putting it up and directing it in the Jeffersonian Office. 04/27 THURSDAY - Warmer than yesterday. It has been like midsummer. News by telegraph this noon that J. Wilkes Booth the murderer of President Lincoln was shot dead in a swamp in Maryland. They were doubtless obliged to shoot him in order to get him at all. He was shot through the head. The cherry blossoms are coming out fine. Some trees were blossomed out full yesterday. Others have blossomed today. When I left the shop I came by way of George Hull's and got some pieces of tin for upright partitions in our Sunday School library and went to the church and put a part of them in before I came home. After tea, I took the lantern, went up to Father Griswold's barn and made a pair of cleats for a drawer which I brought home from the Sunday School room which was not of any use there and intend to put it up under my bench at the shop. After I did this, I went up home to see if I could get Father to come and make my garden for me. He is too busy in the shop and cannot. Mrs. Cocking's sister, Mrs. Courtney went home to Fort Hamilton, Long Island this morning. In the evening, Father Griswold wanted to borrow $10.00 until next week. I let him have it and $4.90 of it to balance my account with him. He gave me back 10 cents leaving my due borrowed money $5.00. 04/28 Friday - Very warm again for the season. I put up my dinner at the breakfast table but finally concluded to stay at home and commence making my gardens as I wanted to dig up a certain spot and plant dwarf peas as well as make the flower borders which I preferred to do myself rather than hire it done as I could suit myself much better though I could have earned in the shop more than enough to pay a man for doing it. I accomplished the task I laid out to do though working in the sun gave me a severe headache which I was obliged to endure until the heat of the day was over. After tea, I carried a drawer down to the shop which I intend to put up under my bench and then came home by way of Avery Raymond's and bought a shad for 12 cents per lb. I bought a New York Daily Times with the account in it of the capture of J. Wilkes Booth and one of his accomplices named Herold. They were found secreted in a barn near Port Royal on the Rappahannock in Virginia. Herold gave himself up but Booth would not surrender. He said they would never take him alive. They set fire to the barn to drive him out. As he was coming out and in the act of shooting, one of the men shot him through the neck. He lived only two or three hours after being wounded. He murdered President Lincoln with a bullet and came to his end in the same manner. Gussie mailed the New York Times to George as she went to the Sewing Society in the evening up to Mrs. Fantonӳ on Balmforth Avenue. I stayed with Georgie while she was away and in meantime, David Bradleyӳ wife, Frank Bouton, and Mary Purdy called to see her. I heard a Bob oҠWhite this morning for the first time this season. I planted dwarf peas and some radishes. I commenced a letter to George while staying with Georgie in the evening. 04/29 SATURDAY - Showery through the day, though there was a little sunshine in the P.M. I put up my drawer under my bench at the shop at noon time. While we were drinking tea, it thundered hard. It rained hard in the evening. I went to the church and finished putting up the tin partitions between every ten books in the library. I worked at it until 4 oӣlock; when I came home the stars were shining. The wind has blown hard all day. 04/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant but colder. Gussie went to church this morning. I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon and I went to Sabbath School and to the quarterly Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church. Sunday School books were taken in but none were given out. After tea, Father came and gave me the particulars of Uncle Stephenӳ death of the 2nd Connecticut Light Battery at the Battle of Mobile when the city was captured. He went safely through the battle and while helping to carry the wounded from the field stepped on a secreted torpedo which blew up taking clean from his body one leg and badly shattering the other. He lived about an hour. Fanny came down and stayed with Georgie and we went up to the cemetery leaving Father with her. I mailed a Harperӳ Weekly to George ֠wrote a little in a letter I had begun to George speaking of Uncle Stephen's death. We being tired when we returned from the cemetery neither went to church in the evening.
1865-04
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal December 1864 Entry
9pgs
12/01 THURSDAY - Pleasant and mild. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Henry Ryder's wife was buried today. I brought home a paper box from the shop and after tea I cut it into gun wads with John Cosier's wad cutter. I went to market, but after my return I went up to John Cosier's with his wad cutter and a part of the wads I cut. John Brush not so drunk today. 12/02 FRIDAY - But little sunshine during the day. It began to mist in the evening and at 9 o'clock, it began to rain. John Brush was around the shop all the P.M. again today, drunk as usual. Tried to borrow money of his shop mates to continue his spree but no one would lend him any. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and caught a chicken and put it under a coop that I might find it to kill in the morning. I went to the Union league in the evening. 12/03 SATURDAY - I killed the chicken this morning which I caught up to Father Griswold's last night and shut up in a coop. Cloudy in the morning. Rain in the P.M. I came from work by way of Avery Raymond's and bought a pint of scallops. After supper, I went over to Mr. McDonald's to borrow his well hook to fish up the bucket in my well. Mr. Smith's hired girl broke the rope this morning and in consequence the bucket went to the bottom of the well. Mr. McDonald could not find hid hook, so I went over to Clark Hickok's and borrowed one. I went to market in the evening to buy some meat for Fanny to feed her dog with. It cleared off very pleasant in the evening. The cars did not come in until about 11 o'clock. Christian Quien, 2nd Lieutenant of the 11th Regiment came home on the train, being discharged from the service. 12/04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm in the morning but grew cold in the P.M. I attended church all day. Brother Hill preached a sermon to the Sunday School children in the morning. Harriet Purdy came to our house after church and stayed to tea. After tea, Father came down to see us and the baby. Miss English (our nurse) went out after tea was over. Christian Quien was to church with his wife I the P.M. I mailed a Harper's Weekly (pictorial) to George in the evening. I came directly home from the Post Office without attending prayer meeting. 12/05 MONDAY - Sunshine and clouds interspersed during the day; appearance of snow. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I received a letter dated November 17th and a St. Augustine's paper, 'The Florida Union' today. In the letter, he acknowledged the receipt of the shirts I sent him on the 4th of November. I answered it by adding to the letter I commenced last evening and mailed it as I went to market this evening. 12/06 - TUESDAY - Cloudy and a little rain at noon, a little broken about sunset. The moon shone a little in the fore part of the evening. John Cosier sent me word last evening to call at his office this morning which I did. He wanted to see me about pork which he expected today. He said also that he received a letter from George last evening. Seeley Kellogg brought me a hind quarter of beef weighing 119 lbs. this noon at 9 one half cents, the bill being $11.30 which I paid. Borrowed Burr Bradley's meat saw and cut it up partly this evening. I expected some money or rather supposed that I could get some from him to pay for my pork. But he will not be able to let me have any. I went to market in the evening and engaged one half bushel of salt at Benedict & Nichols' to put down my pork with. Our neighbor Mr. Miller had a daughter born this morning about 7 o'clock. 12/07 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and foggy all day with some rain. I have had a severe headache this afternoon which obliged me to come home from work sooner than I should otherwise have done. Miss English has been nearly down too with a sick headache. My pork has not yet come as I expected. David Bradley called to see me in the evening. He agreed to mend my gunstock. He also wanted to borrow $10.00 of me. 12/08 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cold. It froze hard just before night. Brought home a hat for Father Griswold which I took from to the shop to make larger. A brush hat which I damaged for a drab (sp) and colored for him. It did not fit, it not being large enough so I shall have to take it back to the shop and stretch it still larger. A little boy __ years old living with his grandmother near the shop and by name Canfield, his father living in Newtown, his mother dead, was run over or against the cars this afternoon and injured his ankle badly. At first it was supposed that his foot would have to be amputated, but finally I believe that it was ascertained that no bones were broken, but the ankle joint considerably injured, though not enough so but what Dr. Bennett thought that it would soon get well and no permanent injury ensue. Before retiring, I cut the sprouts and roots from my large turnips down cellar and put them in a barrel. 12/09 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cold, but not so windy as it was yesterday. I took the hat from Father Griswold with me again today to enlarge it. I borrowed a stretching block of Ira Morse to do it with. When I came home from work, I found Bell at our house. She stayed to tea and I sent a beefsteak to Harriet and one to Father towards paying what I borrowed from them. After tea, I went to Charles White's store to see about buying pork. I stayed downtown until the mail came in and then I came home. Mailed Herald with President's message and a Jeffersonian to George. 12/10 SATURDAY - A hard snow storm last night and this forenoon. The weather moderated towards night and the eaves were dripping at bedtime. The sleighs cut about considerably. It being the first sleighing of the season. After tea and before going to market, John Cosier called to see me about pork. The hog I expected to have of him, he was disappointed in. But he now engages me another to be butchered a week from Monday. On my way home from work tonight, I took with me a letter for Father Griswold from Rochester. 12/11 SUNDAY - Stormy and misty and fine rain. I attended church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Zachariah 4:6. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon. Sacrament in the P.M. Brother Crawford assisted. Bell's name was read off with others to be taken into full connection at the Sacrament Service but she has not been to church today and consequently was not taken. Father came down to see us after supper just as I had put on my rubber boots to go up there. I did not go but stayed and visited with him. He took home with him a piece of fresh beef to pay for what I had borrowed of him. After he went home, Miss English wrote a letter to her brother Fred N. English and I put up a Harper's Weekly for George and went to the office and mailed both. I did not go to meeting but returned. Gussie wrote to her Essex friend Cornelia Post in the evening. 12/12 MONDAY - It cleared off very cold and windy towards morning. After breakfast, I brought water from Father Griswold's for Miss English to wash with. I stayed at home in the evening and cut up my beef and salted it down. I had one hoop put on my beef ___ which burst off just as I was about to pack the beef in it. I took it over to Baxter's immediately and had one put on. Gave Fanny a steak to take home for her breakfast. While I was at work down cellar, Edith Newman and Harriet Mills came in and spent the evening, Miss English having gone down to the store to trade and also to get a pair of corsets for Gussie. A subscription paper came around the shop today for Widow William Crofut, he having been killed on James Island, South Carolina towards two years ago. He was a member of Company D, 7th Regiment, B.F. Skinner, Captain. I gave 20 cents. I paid Mr. Crofut $5.00 for the hat I sent to Mr. Cole at St. Augustine, Florida. As he paid me $27.00 for my two weeks work, I handed him back $5.00. 12/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning and in fact, all the forenoon. The weather moderated very fast during the day. Cloudy in the P.M. and a little snow in the evening. John Cosier came to see Harriet Wheeler this morning about some wood just as I was ready to go to the shop and I walked down with him and went to John Rowan's bakery with him and selected a lard barrel to use for pork. I paid John $2.00 for it and he is to deliver it to me when he does his own. Miss English, Gussie and the baby went up to Mother Griswold's about 10 A.M. and spent the day. I went up there to tea. I paid Miss English $8.00 the balance due her up to tomorrow when I intend to discharge her. I went to the Post Office in the evening. Horace Greeley gives a lecture this evening at Concert Hall, subject 'Self Made Men'. 12/14 WEDNESDAY - I awoke and found it snowing hard; it continued all the forenoon. It cleared off after dinner and was pleasant and warm. I left the shop about 2 o'clock and hired Mr. A. Judd's horse and sleigh and got Bell to come and stay with Gussie and then carried Miss English up to home in Pembroke to her sister, Mrs. David Mansfield. Bell wanted to go to class in the evening, so I stayed with Gussie and let her go. I got Father Griswold's hat again and stretched it in the evening. It cost me $1.00 for Mr. Judd's team. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Bell carried it to the Post Office in the evening. 12/15 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M. and the evening with the appearance of snow. Before going to the shop this morning, I took down the small bedstead in the bedroom and put up in the room upstairs and move our larger bed from the parlor into the bedroom again Bell assisted me. It is her first day with us. I worked as long as I could. Bought a dollar's worth of sugar and took a letter from the Post Office from George in which he gave an account of how they kept Thanksgiving in St. Augustine. I got the letter as I came home from work at night. I found Cousin Frank Boughton at our house; she stayed to tea. After tea, I answered George's letter and mailed it when I went into the street. News this P.M. by telegraph that General Sherman has taken Savannah. I did not wait for the mail in the evening as a dispatch had come in that the N. Y. train had run off the track at 85th Street and thereby our train might be detained until midnight or even later. 12/16 FRIDAY - The papers today give no definite news regarding the taking of Savannah, though it is thought that this time it is dome. It was towards midnight that last night's train came in. The day has been lowry with occasionally a little snow, particularly this evening. Monty Bailey from the 17th Regiment was in the ship this morning to see his half-brother, Edward Smith, who is an apprentice. John Cosier called at the shop in the P.M. to see if I had sold the half of a hog which I had told him I would try to do for him. I had not done so and he was glad of it for he had found a customer for it. On my way home from work, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see if the editor B. Frank Ashley wanted a communication from George for the next week's paper. I was pretty tired after tea, and did not go into the street but split some wood fine (for kindling) in the woodhouse and brought it in the house. Fanny saw Dr. Buckley today about the baby who has a cold and Gussie who has been troubled with a stiff neck and pain running from it into her shoulder. Rather rheumatic in its symptoms. 12/17 SATURDAY - Cloudy, warm, and foggy. The sun shone a little just at night and the stars early in the evening, but they were soon concealed by the fog. Bell went up home this afternoon for a little while. Miss English called to see Gussie and the baby while Bell was up home. Before going to the shop this morning, I killed 3 chickens for Mother Griswold. She picked and dressed them and just before night brought two of them down and gave them to us. After tea, I went to the Post Office. The news of General Thomas' victory over the rebel General Hood near Nashville was confirmed in the evening papers. The morning papers gave rebel accounts of the capture of Savannah by our troops under Sherman. Stephen Holmes who wronged so many out of money and then ran off came home on the train this evening. 12/18 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has melted very fast today. I had the headache last night and today but I have felt better towards night. Dr. Harris, from New York I believe, preached for us all day in behalf of the missionary cause. His text in the morning was from Mark 16: 11-16. The service, including a collection at the close of the sermon was held until about 12 one half o'clock and consequently the Sunday School service was short. A collection was taken in the school for the deaf and dumb; between 7 and 8 dollars was taken. I went to the Congregational Church in the P.M. Father came down to see us after tea. I gave him 25 cents towards sawing wood for Harriet. I did not go to meeting in the evening. I sent a Harper's Weekly to the Office to be sent to George. Before retiring, I finished extracting for George's last letter for the Jeffersonian. Just before evening meeting time, Burr Bradley and wife called to see us. They wen t church when it was time. 12/19 MONDAY - Stormy a great part of the forenoon (rain), the snow wasting very fast. On my way to the shop in the morning, I left a letter from George at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. Victor W. Benedict, our foreman, who went to New York on Saturday, came home on the morning train. I spoke to John Sheather, the bookkeeper, about having $60.00 advanced to me with which to pay for my pork. I saw Mr. Crofut about it this evening and he said I could have in tomorrow. On my way home from work this evening, I bought a pair of rubbers for Bell towards what I shall pay her for helping Gussie take care of baby and do the work. They cost $1.25. Jesse D. Stevens was shopped at the Pahquioque today and took the bench next to mine on the left. Olsen Smith has bought out the newspaper business from Cowan and Swift and commenced operations in Swift's old stand in the Post Office. Just at night, a light streak appeared in the North and Northwest and in the evening, the stars shone. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. 12 /20 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cold; it has thawed but little. We were turned out early this morning by the breaking of the bedstead. Mr. Crofut gave me the $60.00 today which he promised to advance to me yesterday. I came home at night by way of John Cosier's office to see if my pork came and if so to pay him for it. But it did not come. I expect it tomorrow without fail. I was very tired when I came home from work and took a nap after tea. I stayed at home and Bell wen to the Post Office in the evening. 12/21 WEDNESDAY - Stormy and snow. On my way home from work, I called at John Cosier's office to see if my pork had come. It had and I paid him for it. 303 lbs., 18 cents per pound, $54.54. I got the Jeffersonian and Father Griswold's mail and came home. I spent the evening in cutting up and packing my pork. Cosier brought the barrel (which he bought for me at Rowan's) at the same time with the pork. I finally concluded to pack the pork in my old barrel as I found it would hold it and use the new large one to pickle my hams in. It was 11 o'clock when I got through and retired. 12/22 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cold. I stayed at home and put my hams in brine, helped by the lard and prepared the sausage meat and took 6 and a half lbs. with 16 ounces for Mother Griswold down to Benedict and Nichols' market and got it ground. I paid one half cent per pound for the use of the machine. As I went down just before night to speak for the use of the machine, I took from the Office two letters from George. One was written Dec. 8th; the other Dec. 11th. There were two Cartes de Visite in each letter. They were friends of George. He sent them home for preservation. One was of his old Wardmaster Baker of ___ Hospital in Washington, D. C., Saul Barnum, a boy by the name of Wood or Wool, and a corporal I did not know. Father Griswold started for Canton this morning to see his brother Chauncey. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking called to see us about noon. They stayed but for a few minutes. 12/23 FRIDAY - The coldest morning thus far of the season. On my way to work this morning, I mailed the Jeffersonian to George. Gussie walked into the street and back this afternoon to do some shopping. Mr.Cocking was intending to take her down with his horse and sleigh, but the weather having moderated considerably and he being a little late, she started on foot. He finally came and was sorry that she walked. She bought some toys for Josie Wheeler and our baby and an apron for a Christmas present to Bell. On my way home from work, I overtook Father and I brought home with me and gave him a spare rib and some pieces to fry from my pork. After tea, I sent Bell over to Aunt Louise with some meat, the same as I gave Father. While she was gone I finished my letter to George and sent to the Office by her as soon as she returned from Aunt's. 12/24 SATURDAY - A little snow last night. Pleasant today. I worked late in the shop as usual. Jesse D. Stevens cut my hair before I left the shop. Gussie and the baby went up home this P.M., while Bell went up to her home a little while. Mary Whalen of Brooklyn came to Father Griswold's by the morning train to spend Christmas. Bell brought down a dozen eggs to bring some to tea for Mother. I bought them of her and she took the money and bought tea with it in the evening. Louise went to the store in the evening. They came home about 10 o'clock in company with Harriet and Fanny and Miss Whalen after having been to the Christmas Auctions at the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street. They brought home a handkerchief for Gussie to give to Bell for a Christmas present with the apron Gussie bought for her. They were given to her before retiring. Mary Anne Newman was married this morning to Mr. Ezra Barlow. 12/25 SUNDAY - Christmas day. Pleasant. I started early for meeting and borrowed David Cosier's horse and sleigh and went up for Mother and brought her to church. We took Harriet also. At 10 o'clock, after she had attended class, I took her home again with the same team. His son George went and drove both times. Gussie went to church in the afternoon for the first time since her confinement. Brother Hill preached from Luke 2:11 in the A.M. and from 1st Timothy 3:16 in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie and Mrs. Curtis went over to see Mrs. Miller's baby. Frank Boughton and Emma called also after tea. Bell and I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Mailed a Harper's Weekly to George. Mrs. Stephen Holmes was to church today for the first time since her husband's rascally transactions. She looked as if she had passed through the grave (if such a thing was possible). 12/26 MONDAY - Foggy; misty and a little rain. The snow has wasted very fast. Today being pay day, drew $7.00 and left to credit (towards the $60.00 I borrowed of Mr. Crofut to pay for my pork $25.00) leaving my indebtedness on the amount $35.00. After tea, Fanny came down and said that they had just received a dispatch from Canton that Uncle Chauncey was dead and would be buried on Wednesday. Gussie and I went up in the evening to talk about going to the funeral. Neither of us can go. Father Griswold is away. He went up to see Uncle last Thursday. He found him very low. He stayed with him until Friday, I believe when he was compelled to be at his appointment on his district. 12/27 TUESDAY - Foggy, misty, warm with little rain. The sleighing is used up. Eliza Mallett died this forenoon at 10 o'clock with diphtheria and typhoid fever. She had long dome millinery business for Mother in this place. The dispatch was received last night of the death of Uncle Chauncey. I sent by Mr. Swift on the morning train to intercept Father Griswold at Norwalk and give to him in order that he could go on to Canton and attend the funeral instead of coming home. Mr. Swift did the errand and Father Griswold went to Canton, we suppose. I have had rheumatism in the left breast this P.M and evening. Mother Griswold is sick. We fear the dysentery. I went for Dr. Buckley in the evening. Before going, I rubbed my spare ribs with salt and pepper to keep them as the weather is bad to keep them. 12/28 WEDNESDAY - Still lowery and warm. I carried my molasses jug to Parmalee & Bradley's as I went to the shop and ordered a gallon sent home. I had rheumatism in my breast again this forenoon after I got to work. We had but one dozen hats today. It being but a half day's work, I ate my dinner at the shop however as I had it with me and then started for home. On the way, I found David Bradley and went with him to Ely's Carpenter's shop for a piece of black walnut and some glue to mend Mr. McDonald's gun stock which I broke. I called also at Holly's hat shop, where father works to tell him of the change I made about the Jeffersonian. We are to get it hereafter of the publisher instead of the news dealer. Before going home, I went to the Office and got Father Griswold's and my own paper. I mailed one to George in the evening. David Bradley helped me mend my gun in the afternoon. At the supper table, I was taken with a strange feeling, being faint. I could eat no supper. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mary Moutry's in the evening. Bell went to class and I took care of Baby. I subscribed for the Jeffersonian for Father for 6 months, to be paid with money from George. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. Fred Shears, a boy 15 years old, a clerk in the Post Office was today arrested for breaking open letters and taking money out. For a long time suspicions had rested on the operations of this Office. Letters with money enclosed have been safely traced to this Office but were never received. Also, letters with money have been mailed here but never got to their destinations. A detective has been watching this Office for some time and today caught Fred in the act or rather traced a letter to him and he owned it together with 4 or 5 others. 12/29 THURSDAY - It rained hard during the night. Cloudy this morning with a north wind and cooler. The clouds were broken at times and at one time, a snow squall. Just before sundown, it shone a few minutes on the hills. The evening has been perfectly clear and pleasant and growing cold. When I came home from work, I found Mother at our house. Charles Starr brought her down in the morning. I got McDonald's horse and carriage and took her home after tea. Bell went up and back again with me. After I returned and took care of the team, I went into the street with Gussie. She went to the milliners with her hat and to Reed's Shoe Store and bought a pair of shoes. I took my old shot pouch down to Charles Hull's to get John Cable to put a spring in it. 12/30 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Snow squalls during the day and pleasant again in the evening. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get some dressmaking doe in the P.M. I was very tired and did not go out in the evening. Bell went down to the Post Office when the mail arrived. I spent the evening in drawing up anew the Lemarian's book (my own), the Teachers and Scholars. David Bradley came and took away my gun to repair it for me. 12/31 SATURDAY - Stormy, snow. Limited work in the shop, though the stint is about all I can do. I have been about sick for 4 days past with a cold and rheumatism in my breast. Felt better this afternoon and I worked easier. Bell went up home this P.M. She tried to get Alfred Gregory's horse and sleigh but he would not let her have it. She did wrong to ask him without consulting with us about it. After tea, I went to the Post Office and mailed 4 letters for Harriet which Bell brought down from home. I bought me a new diary for 1865 and an album picture of a child at prayer as a New Year's present for Gussie. The cars were late coming in. After the mail was opened, I went home with David Bradley and got my gun which he has been repairing for me. I paid him 50 cents for the job.
1864-12
Horace Purdy Journal September 1864 Entry
10pgs
9/1 Wednesday - I rose and wrote a letter to George before breakfast. I mailed it with a New York Times and went to the Depot to see Charles and Henry Hinman. Louise Jones and Harriet went off on the train, Louise to New York City and Harriet to Stamford. When the train left, I came home to breakfast. I made over the walk from Father Griswold's back door to the barn and the went downtown to the Post Office and got a letter from Charles Parsons with his pictures and a dollar enclosed for the pictures of his brother Phil which I sent to him. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I went downtown and waited for the freight train in order that I could get some peaches which Parmelee and Bradley effected. They came and I bought one half a crate containing 18 to 20 quarts. The Catholics are having a picnic at Redding today. I wrote an answer to Charles Parsons' letter before tea and while Gussie was away on a walk to the cemetery. Just before retiring, I mailed my letter to Charles Parsons, went to Couch's Picture Gallery to engage him to take Mrs. Davis' boys picture tomorrow. I was at the cars when they came in and Charles and Henry Hinman returned home having been rejected by the surgeon at Bridgeport. Mike Ryan, George Blissard, and John Pollett were rejected also. Mrs. McDonald raised from 5 to 7 cents a quart for milk this morning. Frank Boughton returned the $6.00 I borrowed for her of Alden G. Crosby. 9/2 FRIDAY - No work. Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, I wrote to George about the rejection of the Hinman boys. About 10 o'clock, I borrowed Dr. Buckley's horse and went up for Mother and brought her down to spend the day with us. After dinner, I helped pare and halve peaches for canning. I mailed the letter to George and went to the shop and drew George Davis' money for his wife as he has enlisted in the navy. After tea, I got Parmalee and Bradley's team and carried Mother up home. Gussie and I went with Mrs. Davis to Couch's in the evening to get her pictures to send by James S. Taylor to George on board the North Carolina at the navy yard in Brooklyn. We waited until the cars came to see Mr. Taylor about sending a small parcel to George Davis. James Leuning (sp), William Hickok and others who were accepted yesterday at Bridgeport as volunteers and sent to camp in New Haven came home this evening in uniform on furlough until next Tuesday. As we came home in the evening we found Gussie's cousin, Miss Williams from Kansas up to Mother Griswold's. She came by the evening train. 9/3 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until after 3 o'clock. Gussie finished putting her peaches in cans today. Atlanta has fallen and is now in the hands of General Sherman and his noble army. After the papers came and the news was read, the bells were rung and the cannon fired. Flags were hoisted and there was a rejoicing time generally. After I came home from work, I gathered my beets and put them in the cellar in order to make room for a strawberry bed. Before tea, I killed a chicken over to Mrs. Davis'. She gave it to me. I offered to pay her but she would not take anything. After tea, Gussie and I went to market. The cars being late, she went home and I stayed to wait for the mail. The train came a little after 9 o'clock. The news of the capture of Atlanta was fully confirmed. Just before retiring, Mr. Cocking brought a glass of beer down to me. 9/4 SUNDAY - Cloudy and rain in the P.M. Gussie did not attend church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 12:12. In the P.M. from John 2:24. I walked home from church with John Cosier under his umbrella. Talked to the Sunday School at noon. I took a nap after tea. No service in our church in the evening on account of a sermon by Starr Hoyt Nichols to the Young Men's Christian Association in the 1st Congregational Church. I went down about 7 o'clock and mailed letters for Mrs. George Davis. 9/5 MONDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. I had calculated to work in my garden and set out a strawberry bed, but on account of the storm could not. I went down to Charles Hull's Tin Shop and make some pistol bullets. I came near putting out my eyes by wetting the molds to cool them and then before they were dry pouring in the melted lead which splattered and flew into my face blistering my eyelid a little. The first number of the War Record was sent to me for another year which I had not subscribed for on account of not feeling able to do so and not because I did not like the paper. On the contrary, I like it very much. I ordered it sent back to the publishers again. In the afternoon, I went to the shop for my pay for the last two weeks' work. Went to Sanford's Wood Sawing establishment and got a piece of hickory for a ramrod for Mr. McDonald's gun which I am keeping for him. I shaved it down in Robert Sayer's Undertaking Shop and then came home and finished it off which took me all the afternoon. I retired with the sick headache after which Mr. Cocking returned from the Post Office with two letters for me from George. He acknowledged the receipt of the hat and watch which I sent him on the 16th of August. The Letters were written the 16th and 23rd and postmarked August 27th. News by the evening paper of the capture of the rebel [Raider] Georgia, a pirate. 9/6 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning. John Cosier came up for a gallon of vinegar before I got up. I rose with the headache again. My fingers which I cut yesterday with a wire on my umbrella being pretty sore, I concluded not to go to the shop. After breakfast, I copied some extracts from George's two letters for the Jeffersonian and carried them to Ashley. I waited for the mail which was rather late and then came home to dinner. I went over to McDonald's to repair Emaline Williams' trunk lock after dinner. I went into the street and got short iron, nails straps and buckles and just about made over new her trunk by working nearly all afternoon on it. I went to the depot in the evening to meet cousin Lieut. Charles C. Parsons and wife if they should come as we somewhat expect them. But they did not come. Went to the Post Office and while there listened to Rev. Mr. Shepard talk as he has just returned from the front of our army at Petersburg. I walked up home with Mr. Cocking. Brought a letter for Father Griswold from Canton. Stayed up there a short time to visit with Cousin Emaline. The celebrated Guerilla John Morgan who was formerly captured and broke jail has been killed and his staff captured. So says the Evening Post. A letter in the office from Harriet from George which I remailed to her in Stamford where she is visiting. Commenced a letter to George in the evening. 9/7 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I finished gathering my vegetables on the place where I want to set out strawberry plants. I got my first Jeffersonian from the printing office on my new subscription for one year. In the evening I went to the depot and got a through ticket to Cleveland by the Erie route of Mr. Williams, the ticket agent, for Cousin Emaline Williams who goes tomorrow morning. Fred Vintz cut his foot badly today. 9/8 THURSDAY - Cousin Emaline Williams left on the morning train for Kansas. Had work in the shop until early night. There was a rainbow circle around the sun just after dinner, a thing which I never saw before or heard of either. It was a circle the same as usual, except that it contained all the colors of the rainbow. Brother Woodruff was at Father Griswold's with George Starr when I came home from work. Cloudy in the P.M. I finished my letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Harper's Weekly and two Jeffersonians. One back number with the piece in it that George wrote of how the 17th Regt. spent the 4th of July at St. Augustine and the last number. I went to the depot to see if Charles Parsons and lady came. From there, I went to the Post Office and then to prayer meeting. Brother Woodruff was there. The evening post gives us news of the French in Mexico being whipped. When I came home, it was clear and cool with prospects of a frost. 9/9 FRIDAY - Rain early this morning. Cloudy during the day a little broken between 3 and 4 o'clock with an occasional ray of sunshine. After I finished my shop work, I came home and spaded garden to put out strawberry plants. I spaded about half the patch and put out two rows of plants. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's in the P.M. and was late getting home. A balloon was seen (I saw it) between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening in a northeast direction. I went to the Post Office in the evening. and returned as soon as the mail was opened as I was very tired. 9/10 SATURDAY - pleasant and warmer than before since September came in. I had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. On the way home, I bought 4 lbs. of excellent coffee of Parmalee and Bradley, the last he had of the kind, and I was desirous of securing it for fear of not being able to get any more of the kind. As soon as I got home, I went immediately back again to Hull's Tin Shop to have a new bottom put into our tea kettle and a top with a lid on our old fruit can. When I returned, I spaded a little more ground and put out two rows more of the Russel Prolific strawberry plants. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary came in. Gussie went with me downtown to market and to the Post Office in the evening. A soldier who lost one hand at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip at the time General Butler took New Orleans came to the shop today soliciting assistance to go to his home somewhere on the North River. I gave him 25 cents. 9/11 SUNDAY - Stormy. I went with Gussie down to the church and then went to Barnum's Hotel to see what arrangements had been made for the Ridgefield Military Company to get dinner, they being here to bury the remains of Captain White, Company I, 10th Regt. Connecticut Volunteers, as if there were no arrangements made to feed them, I was going to ask our friend Rockwell who is a member of the company home with us to dinner. They were to take dinner at the hotel. Mr. Tweedy not having a load, I went down to Long Ridge with him where the religious part of the service was conducted at the Methodist church by Mr. Clark of Georgetown, a protestant Methodist. He preached an excellent sermon from Job 14:14 'If a man die shall he live again. As soon as the service was over, we drove home as soon as possible not waiting for the procession as it was raining in torrents. The service at the church was at 11 o' clock. We arrive home a little before 2 o'clock. I went to the sacrament in the P.M. Brother Woodruff assisted in administering it. He preached in the morning but I, being at Long Ridge, did not hear him. The procession passed up Main Street just after the services in the church were over. I heard the three volleys fired over the soldier's grave at 3 one half o'clock as I was writing at home. Though his house was on Long Ridge, he was buried in our cemetery. After tea, I took a nap until evening meeting time. The meeting was one of thanksgiving in accordance with President Lincoln's proclamation. The three congregations united in our church. The meeting was one of great interest. Remarks were made by the several clergy with occasional prayers and singing by the choir. Brother Woodruff made the last speech which was a good one after his peculiar style. It brought down the house by way of intense interest and laughter. The exercises were closed by the congregation joining the choir in singing 'The Star Spangled Banner'. 9/12 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day. It cleared off in the evening or just before night. I had one dozen cheap hats to finish which I did before noon. Received three packages of old letters by from George by mail. After dinner, I cut off each end of Fanny's flower stand to make it small enough to go in their bay window. I then went over to George Starr's for a board with which to make a work bench for Gussie. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went to the depot with Bell in the evening to meet Harriet as we expected her form Stamford, but she did not come. 9/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cool for the season. After breakfast, I took my gun and started for Starr's Plain where I found David Bradley as I expected. We went on Moses Mountain and there and on the way home we spent nearly all day. The game I brought home was as follows: 1 rabbit, 1partridge, 2 pigeons, 2 robins and 2 chipmunks. I was very tired at night. We dressed the game before tea. After tea, I went to the Post Office. Mr. Cocking had a load of wood come today. Charlie, the boy who works for Mr. Lynes with Robert came in the evening and wheeled the wood to the woodhouse and piled it up. 9/14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I finished digging my strawberry ground as far as I could on account of the tomatoes and put out three rows of Poor House seedlings. I pulled up my squash vines and all the corn stalks that had no corn on them and gave them to McDonald. I then went down to the Post Office and came home to dinner. We had Father and Mother Griswold with us to eat a wild game pot pie. I cleaned my gun before breakfast. It is just one year ago this morning since Eddie died. No, I made a mistake a year ago tomorrow. I was thinking today was the fifteenth. Before tea, I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Pictorial with a Jeffersonian and last weeks' Danbury Times with the historical sketches of St. Augustine in it sent by Montgomery Bailey. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill led it. After class, I walked up with John Cosier and called to see David Bradley to see how he stood the hunt yesterday and to see if he could go again tomorrow. I stayed about an hour and talked. When I came home Gussie had retired. It clouded up about 6 o'clock and sprinkled a little as it did during the evening. Moses Baxter, who went away to avoid the draft I see is at home today. He doubtless had word sent to him that our quota was filled and that there would be no draft. If the American people were all like him and his father the country would be destroyed before it would be defended. They will not only not fight themselves but will prevent others from doing so if they can and are continually condemning the administration for putting down an armed rebellion by force of arms. 9/15 THURSDAY - Eddie died one year ago this morning at a quarter past three o'clock. I t has been pleasant today. I took up and put in pots Gussie's house plants. Repaired Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. Nailed a strap in Mother Griswold's trunk. It was then noon. After dinner I took my gun and went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain swamp to hunt for pigeons. I wounded one and could not find him in the swamp and shot at another but the distance was so great I did not kill him. It was dark when I got home. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. 9/16 FRIDAY - I have had work all day in the shop. I came home about sundown and found the house locked and Gussie away. I had a fire and boiled tea before she came. She was up home. I scolded some for coming home and finding the house fastened and no one to get supper when I had worked so hard all day and was tired. Mr. Swift occupies his new store for the first time this evening with his newspapers. I attended the Union League before I came home. 9/17 SATURDAY - Had work in the shop until noon. After dinner, I took my guns and started to find David Bradley according to last evening's agreement and found him in company with Hart Purdy and Robert Raymond in Hull's Orchard near the old Isaac Levine place down the road leading to Fox Pond Hollow. From there, we went over near the old David Ambler farm and down across the flat meadows to the edge of Mill Plain Swamp on Granville Amblers Fish Ware land. We came home by way of Terry's Woods and Oil Mill Pond. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking, who have been staying out to Mr. Lyne's all the week came home in the evening. Mother Griswold and Fanny started for Bloomfield this morning. A Democratic mass meeting in Norwalk this morning. Harriet came home from New York this morning. 9/18 SUNDAY - Gussie's birthday - 28 years old. The sun shone brightly in the forenoon. Fling clouds and wind in the P.M. I attended church all day. Gussie did not. Brother Hill preached. Text in the morning _______. In the P.M. Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 11:2. After Sunday School, I took Thomas Lyons' team and went up for Mother and brought her to church. She walked home. Just as Brother Hill commenced his sermon in the P.M., Aaron Morehouse's wife was taken faint. He was obliged to leave church with her. After tea, I took a nap until nearly evening Meeting time. We both attended. Just before going, Bell and a little Squires' girl who lives just this side came bringing two letters from Harriet to mail. Gussie had news this evening that Marianne Underhill, an old schoolmate and chum of hers at Amenia School was dead with two of her children also with dysentery. She lived near Gaylordsville on the Housatonic River road. 9/19 MONDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until about 3 one half o'clock. David Mills appeared to me in the shop this forenoon. He came from Bethel on the train. He arrived home on Saturday evening. When I finished work, I went to the Depot to see him off. Carrie came up with him and Harriet returned with them. I went to Austin's store and drew $2.50 the same being my traveling expenses to and from Bridgeport to have my name stricken from the rolls. James S. Taylor, the first selectman left the papers and money there to be paid to all such as myself who went down to Bridgeport for that purpose and had their names taken off. Paid to John Cosier the balance of my seat rent for this year. - $3.00 Reverend Mr. Shepherd, the Universalist minister gave a lecture or rather his experience of what he saw on a visit to our army under General Grant in front of Petersburg and Richmond., Va. Gussie attended with me. After his lecture a collection was taken up for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission. Also he presented a book to take one dollar subscription which is to be circulated throughout the country to buy a house for General Grant as a token of the country's appreciation of his service to the country. It was 10 one half o'clock when we arrived home. 9/20 TUESDAY - Had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. I then came home by way of Burr Bradley's with him and drank some new cider which he had just got. The shop was called in the forenoon to raise the price on the Round Crown or Smith Block. We got 2 cents extra on soft hats and 3 cents on stiff rims. Mr. John Cosier called before tea to engage a gallon of vinegar for Lucius Wildman. I agreed to let him have it. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I received a letter from George, the first since he was ordered to join his regiment. He is now with them at Picolata. The evening papers state that a heavy but successful battle had been fought by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Also that rebels in Canada have seized small steamers on Lake Erie. I put down my name to give $1.00 toward buying a house for General Grant. 9/21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home to dinner and ate with Mrs. Jesse D. Stevens and her mother. Jesse's wife was spending the day with Gussie. While we were eating dinner, the commenced firing 34 guns in honor of the late victory by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The bells were rung also. I went on to Ives Hill after dinner where they were having the salute and went with them to help put up the gun. (Mrs. Lanford who was with us to dinner came in just before dinner having been over to the Sand Hill for some scouring sand). I called at Tweedy Brothers and then came home and got out a piece of hickory for a ramrod in McDonald's gun, the other one which I made being rather small. Between 4 and 5 o'clock, I went out into the street to get my Jeffersonian and met John Cosier who wanted me to go hunting with him a short time over west a short distance which I did. We went over as far as Granville Ambler's land on the edge of Mill Pond Swamp and returned without seeing anything to shoot at. We arrive home after dark. I drank my tea and started for class meeting but so much of the evening was taken up with finding a daily paper to send to George and mailing it together with the Harper's Weekly and Jeffersonian that I did not go but attended the Union League which kept me out until 10 one half o'clock. I sent the daily paper in order that George might read the news of Sheridan's victory at Winchester. Mr. James Fowler brought us but 1 one half lbs. of butter this week instead of two as usual and notified us that he could bring us butter but once more. 9/22 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. I had work in the shop until noon. I ate my dinner which I had with me and came home by way of Alden G. Crosby's coal office and paid him the $6.00 I had borrowed of him some time ago for Frank Boughton to pay her interest with. When I got home I finished the ramrod to McDonald's gun, it being the second one I made, the first being too small. Wallace Hyatt, one of the boys at the shop, climbed the flagstaff on the shop this morning to put in some new halyards. The flag was then run up and kept flying during the day. After tea, I wrote a letter to George and intended to mail it in the evening, but before mailing it, I concluded to wait for the evening mail to see if another letter came from him and sure enough there was one. While reading it in the post office, there was an alarm of fire. It was a linty (sp) on the rear of Heurie's (sp) Tobacco Store. For a few minutes prior to the arrival of the hose, there was every prospect of a large fire. But the hose soon extinguished the flames. I having just previous to the fire bought some scallops for breakfast, I took them and came home. Before retiring, I answered the letter from George just received and enclosed the letter I wrote before going to market. 9/23 FRIDAY - Cloudy with some mist in the P.M. Had work all day in the shop. I collected money in the shop for powder to fire on the first occasion we have such as a victory or the capture of Richmond. Before breakfast went down and mailed the letter to George which I wrote last night. I attended the Union League in the evening. Came home about 10 one half o'clock. 9/24 SATURDAY - Cloudy and rain between 3 and 4 o'clock P.M. A thunder shower about an hour after. I had work in the shop until after dinner. On my way home I called at Louis Moegling's (sp) dying establishment to see what it would cost to get the field of our flag at the factory dyed as it has become so faded that it is not respectable. I came home and commenced making out a letter for George for publication in the Jeffersonian from his last two letters. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We did our marketing and she came home while I stayed for the mail. I did a little collecting of money with which to buy powder for salutes in our Union Gun. The new Union Club room was to be opened in the evening, but for some reason was not. Further good news from General Sheridan. He continues to whip the rebel General Early very severely. Upon receipt of the news, bells were rung and the cannon fired. 9/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cooler. I attended church all day. Gussie came down to Sunday School and afternoon meeting. Brother Hill exchanged with Mr. Stone the Baptist I the P.M. Mr. Stone preached from Luke 23:42-43. Before and after supper, I finished copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I then finished also the letter I commenced writing to him this morning. I mailed also in the evening with the letter, The Harper's weekly and Friday's Tribune. Also a comic picture of Lincoln, Little Mac, General Grant, Richmond, and Weldon R. Road. There being prospects of frost, we gathered what few dwarf pears there were remaining in the trees, a dozen perhaps. In the letter to George, I requested that he send me a list of the names of those in his Company who are 21 years old but who have not been made freemen, on account of coming of age since entering the army. There are measures being made to get them home to vote for president in November. Just before meeting time, Gussie and I went over to Burr Bradley's and went from there to prayer meeting with him and his wife. We got their card pictures. 9/26 MONDAY - Pleasant. My work in the shop lasted until about 2 one half o'clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian and left a letter from George for publication. He thinks it cannot be printed this week as the paper is full of matter for this issue. I bought one pound of shot on my way home to go hunting tomorrow with Burr Bradley. I picked beans before tea to save them from the frost. I got the one half dozen Army and Navy Dictionaries at Swift's News Office in the evening and mailed them to George. At the same time, I wrote a letter with pencil and mailed to him, stating the price of the dictionaries. After which I went to the Union meeting in Concert Hall to organize a Union Campaign Club. I was organized in due form making John Tinely (sp) president. We had speaking from Rev. Mr. Shepard and Chaplain Ambler. Also the song 'Rally Round the Flag, Boys' led by Mr. Jackson. The meeting was well attended and enthusiastic. I carried cartes de visite of Gussie and myself to the shop and gave them to Burr Bradley in exchange for theirs received last night. 9/27 TUESDAY - I rose about 5 o'clock and found it raining hard and with that gave up the idea of hunting with Burr Bradley and went back to bed as I was in no hurry having no work in the shop. I lay half an hour and then got up again, but found it pleasant, the rain being but a little shower passing over. I then hurried as fast as possible about breakfast, but Burr came before it was ready. I ate such as was ready and started with Burr. We went over to Jacob Fry's. He had promised to carry us over to Pine Mountain with his team. He not being ready, we went on and followed the stream from E. Hull's up to Fish Ware looking for ducks. While I was hunting partridge, Burr saw three ducks, but did not get a shot. Mr. Fry overtook us on the Miry Brook road just beyond Fish Ware. We rode up the old Spruce Mountain Road by Thomas Smith's and then hunted around crossing over to Pine Mountain, paying a visit to the U.S. Coast Surveyors. From there we hunted the woods down coming out in the vicinity of Starr's Plain Pond. We then went on the mountain the other side of the road up to Hawley Branson's farm over Moses Mountain across by Charles Starr's wood and home. My game was one partridge, one pigeon, one chipmunk, and a Brown Thrasher. We arrive home at 2 o'clock. At 5 P.M., went down to see the Lincoln and Johnson banner flying to the breeze. Speeches were made by John Tweedy, Silas Ferrel and Mr. H. Francis. Having a severe headache and feeling lame after my tramp, I came home and retired early, feeling quite used up. Harriet Purdy left a letter here for Gussie from Eliza Humphrey in California. Gussie being out with me to the banner raising, she put the letter in at the window beside the casing some way, how we could not imagine. This morning, while Burr Bradley was waiting for me to eat breakfast, Sarah Purdy came in to tell me that George wished her to tell me that the Regiment had received their instrument for a Regimental Brass Band. He wanted me to have it inserted in his letter for the Jeffersonian. 9/28 WEDNESDAY - Had work until noon at the shop. A subscription came to the Copperheads at the shop this morning for a McClellan banner to match and without doubt will excel ours for Lincoln and Johnson. We had the game I shot yesterday for dinner today. A little rain about 2 P.M. It soon stopped and then Burr Bradley as he promised at the shop came along with his gun and we took a little stroll to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods, Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp, across to Thomas Lyons, from there across in the rear of the old Captain Fairchild Ambler's estate, up toward Edward Mack's, the old Benjamin Ambler orchard opposite the Levine(sp) place, the across to Charles Starr's woods and home arriving about 6 o'clock with 2 High holes and a chipmunk, which I gave to Burr. I then dressed, took tea, went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and one to send to George, which I immediately mailed with a New York Times of today. I then went to class, had a good meeting, after which I went to the grocery store for some things, to the Post Office, and for the first time visited our Union Club rooms over Harvey's new store, 3rd floor. I put my name down as one of the club. Sat a few minutes and walked up home with John Green and Rev. Mr. Shepard. 9/29 THURSDAY - Stormy in the forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I worked all day I the shop. Frank Cornwall's (colored) house on Turner Street fell down over his head this morning about 6 o'clock. It stood on a side hill and fell for want of proper underpinning. I went to hear Henry C. Demming of Hartford speak in Concert hall in the evening upon the issues of the day. He arrived by the cars in the evening and in consequence was late in commencing his speech. I got home at 10 o'clock. Demming was the late colonel of the 12th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. 9/30 FRIDAY - Stormy again in the morning, but some sunshine in the P.M. and pleasant in the evening. I had work all day in the shop. Gussie spent the afternoon up to my fathers. T. H. Bond of New Haven spoke to the Copperheads in Concert Hall in the evening. They made considerable display by escorting their speaker from the cars to the Hall with a band of music. I went to the Union League in the evening. Father Griswold was initiated with a large number of others. Fido was close to his heels all the time.
1864-09
Horace Purdy Journal August 1864 Entry
9pgs
8/1 MONDAY - Charlie Parsons woke me this morning a little after 5 o'clock by coming down and shaking my door I immediately rose and after lighting my fire, took a walk with him down to the Wooster House took get a little spirits, he not yet feeling well. After breakfast, John Sharp came with his coach to carry him to the depot. I rode down with him and saw Charlie on the train and then started for the factory. The train passed the shop just as I got there. He signaled to me as he passed. Sharp carried us on West Street around Rabbit Hill for another passenger before going to the depot. The day has been very warm. I finished my work at the shop about 1 o'clock and then came home to dinner. In the P.M., I mailed a Tribune and a Waverly to George. Carried picture of Phil Parsons to Couch's to copy some card pictures from for Charles Parsons. I went to the Savings Bank and had the $20.00 I paid for the watch for George transferred from his book to mine. Also deposited a dollar for Eddie with his old book in his name, though he is dead. After tea, Gussie went with me down to market. We went into Deklyn's and took some cream. 8/2 TUESDAY - Very warm. We have suffered more with the heat in the shop than any day before. We were limited in our work today, but it was all I wanted for so warm a day, it lasted me until 5 o'clock. John Bush has lost his last and only child with Cholera Infantius. He has had six children; this one was about 20 months old. Cloudy just at night and before I retired, it began to mist a little with good prospects of a storm. I was so tired that I did not go out in the evening. I put some water in a tub and just before I retired I washed me all over. Bought 2 quarts of blackberries of Zarr (sp) Hack who came along peddling them just before dark. 8/3 WEDNESDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. Between 9 and 11 o'clock, I went over to Mr. Lyne's and Robert and the boy Charles went over to Lake Kenosha fishing. I went with them. We fished until about nearly 7 P.M. Not very good luck. After tea, I went down to the Post Office and directly home again. John Brush's child was buried this P.M at 3 o'clock. 8/4 THURSDAY - Being very tired last night, I overslept this morning. I dressed my fish before breakfast. After breakfast, I pulled the weeds from my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed. National Fast Union Servicers in our church. Brother Hill preached the sermon from Zachariah 14:6-7. It was an excellent discourse for the occasion. The service commenced at 11 o'clock and closed about 1 0'clock. We had dinner about 3 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. Robert went with me and carried some very fine tomatoes to the editor of the Jeffersonian. Perfected and free tomatoes, the nicest I ever saw, I think. I have felt dull with no ambition all day. I think I caught some cold yesterday while fishing. 8/5 FRIDAY - Rain in the afternoon though in the forenoon it had the appearance of clearing off. Limited in our work at the shop. Some of the men finished at noon, I worked until nearly night. I came home by way of Couch's Picture Gallery and got the card pictures of Philemon Parsons which his brother Charles directed me to have copied from a picture fanny had. He being at Hartford and drilling militia officers and expecting to return this way and get them. I went to market and the Post Office in the evening. Martha Whealon came to our folks (Griswolds) by the evening train to make a visit. She is from Brooklyn. 8/6 SATURDAY - Clouds and sunshine, at times appearance of more rain. I finished my work in the shop at noon, we having but a small allowance now. I picked up a damaged hat yesterday and finished it for my head, had it trimmed today and brought it home. Received a letter from George at noon. Commenced an answer in the P.M. Hoed in my garden. Harriet and Louise Jones called before tea, but could not stay. Gussie went with me downtown to market in the evening. We somewhat expected Charles Parsons in the evening, but he did not come. While in the street, Mr. Barnum hailed me about my application for a pension. The officers at the pension office wanting more particulars regarding my case, such as who attended me and how much, also what hospital I was in and the name of our camp. The name of the camp I gave, it was Camp McDowell. As for the hospital, I never went into one, but lay in my tent. The name of the surgeons I gave, but they never treated me for hernia, as I did not tell them the difficulty after I discovered what it was, knowing that medicine would do me no good. There is but little possibility of me getting the pension. Another town meeting this P.M. about filling our quota in order to evade the coming draft. A vote was passed instructing the selectmen to fill the quota of the town as best they can regardless of expense, no particular sum of money being appropriated. 8/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie attended church with me in the morning. Brother Breckinridge, the Bethel preacher, preached for us all day. Text in the morning was Malachi 4:2, in the P.M., Proverbs 4:12. 2 dozen new singing books, Chain and Shower were brought into the school today. John Comes went up for Mother at noon and brought her down for the afternoon service. Theo Lyon carried her home after meeting. Bell came home with us to tea. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage after tea and carried Gussie and Bell up to the cemetery. I fund Edith Newman and Harriet Mills up there. After Gussie and Bell had rode around the cemetery, they got out at Eddie's grave and I took Edith and Hattie Mills in and drove around the grounds. I had to go up to Oil Mill Pond for the horse and back with him again after the ride. Before church this morning, I wrote to Charles Parsons in order to send the pictures to him of his brother Phil which I had copied for him while he was up to Hartford as he requested. But concluded to not mail it until tomorrow for fear that he may come here on his return from Hartford. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/8 MONDAY - Very smoky and warm. Half the men in the shop worked today and the other half works tomorrow. I worked today. The reason for this arrangement was that all the work was on one set of blocks, the 5 deeps. Not feeling very well, I was very tired when I finished my work. I came home by way of Dr. Rider's office and had him dig out an old root for me. I broke the tooth off even with the gum one day last week. He broke it, or rather crushed it in his instruments 3 different times. I finished my letter to George after tea and mailed it in the evening with one to Charles Parsons at West Point. I enclosed 2 card pictures of his brother Philemon which he wished me to have copied from one Fanny has. In fact, to send the pictures was the reason for me writing. I mailed also to George a Waverly. On my way home from the shop, I called at Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and balanced my account for coal by paying $10.00. 8/9 TUESDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop. I worked around home all day. Dug up my old strawberry.. (Ed. Note: breaks off here. Pages 78-79 are missing. Diary resumes at the end of 8/12) 8/12 FRIDAY - in the forenoon. The New York train ran off the track just this side of the city and consequently, it was 9 o'clock before we arrived in Danbury. I came home with the sick headache. 8/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We had 1 dozen each at the shop. After I finished mine, I took six from John W. Bussing at his request as he was to leave to go to Boston. I cut the vines from my strawberry plants leaving the new plants alone preparatory to transplanting. After tea, Robert helped me alter a cat for Mother Griswold. I took the two heaps of grass and piled it west of the woodhouse. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mrs. Stokes, sister to George Bevans died this morning. She gave birth to a pair of twins yesterday. One side of her has been for some time paralyzed. She was not expected to live through her confinement. 8/14 SUNDAY - A hard shower last night which has made the air more pure, though the day has been very warm. The sermon in the morning was to the Sabbath school children by our pastor, Brother Hill. Text was the middle clause of the third verse 15th chapter, 1st Corinthians 'Christ died for our sins.' Sunday school prayer meeting at noon at which Brother George Starr brought a fine picture of 'Christ Blessing the Little Children.' He exhibited and explained it to the schools. Sacrament in the P.M. I stayed, Gussie went home. The funeral of Mrs. Stokes was attended at 3 o'clock at the residence of Avery Raymond on Balmforth Avenue. After tea, Gussie and I walked up to the cemetery and put a bouquet on Eddie's grave. It was about dark when we returned. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. A vote is to be cast today to see if the people will allow the soldiers in the field to vote. I went to the depot with Mother Whealon this morning. I introduced her to Daniel Mauly who was going to Bridgeport and he promised to put her on board of the New Haven train for New York. Carried my shoes to Charles Reed's to be mended. I left George's watch at the jeweler's to be brightened up as I think of sending it to him tomorrow by mail with a hat I am going to send. After I returned from the depot, I trimmed the edges of my door yard walks. I then took extracts from George's letter for publication and carried it to Ashley, editor of the Jeffersonian. Went down and voted and got home at noon. I found Harriet there to take dinner with us. She says Father is pretty sick. Mrs. Stone washed for us. After dinner, I went up home to see Father. He is better. I stayed until nearly 4 o'clock and came home and set out a new bed of the Tromp De Gard strawberries. I went into the street and to the Post Office. The vote allowing soldiers to vote stands. I put up a letter to mail to 200 Mulberry Street, New York for (Father Griswold). 8/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. The letter I intended to mail to Father Griswold, I neglected and he came home on the morning train rather unexpectedly, so I gave him the letter h just as I had prepared it to mail. I spent nearly all the forenoon in mowing the grass and repairing the sidewalk I front of Father Griswold's and my premises. In the P.M., I put up a package for George containing a hat and his watch to send my mail. I also wrote him a letter and put up a Harper's Weekly to send. I went up home to see our folks. Father is improving, I think, but Mother is troubled again with her old difficulty in the region of the heart. I brought home some pears from Mrs. Peck's to stew. Bought 1 dozen eggs of Mother to assist them and bought a quart of molasses for them. Pulled up the weeds west of my woodhouse before tea, after which I went downtown to market and mailed the package to George along with a letter and a Harper's Weekly. I had the package registered, which cost me 20 cents. The postage was 45 cents, making full cost of sending 65 cents. 8/17 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy when I rose in the morning and began to rain about 8 o'clock. Previous to the rain, I dug what potatoes I had where I had set out cabbage and turnips, the chopped up some old pea brush in the wood house. I went to the Post Office when the mail came and rode back in the rain with Charles, the boy who lives with Mr. Lynes. After dinner, I cracked some walnuts and then went up to the Jeffersonian office to get the paper which Ashley sends to George and mail it myself to go by the afternoon mail in order to take the southern mail from New York tomorrow. If Ashley sent it with his other papers, he would not send it by this afternoon's mail, which was necessary to do or wait 8 days for another steamer. I sent with it a New York Daily Times. I went up home to see my folks who are sick and was caught in a shower coming home between 4 and 5 o'clock. I went to market and to class in the evening. There being but few there and Brother Hoyt being sick, Brother Hill led his class and we met with them. Widow White came to Father Griswold's in the evening from Newark, New Jersey. 8/18 THURSDAY - Clear and pleasant. I had 2 dozen hats to finish today. It lasted me until nearly night. After (tea?), Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's to make a call and I went downtown and mailed a letter to E. Wing at West Goshen with $3.30 enclosed for a clothes dryer, the balance of the $5.00 ($1.50), I gave to Father Griswold at his (Wing's) request which he made by letter received today by Father Griswold. I met Gussie at J. M. Ives' store where we selected 18 fruit jars (glass) and ordered them brought up tomorrow. On our way home, we bought a lampshade at Charles Hull's. We took from Father Griswold's box a letter for Mrs. Marie White who is visiting there and brought it home to her. Father Griswold gave me a few Russell Seedling strawberry plants. I set them out before going downtown. 8/19 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I got Alfred Gregory's team and went up home for a load of manure Father gave to me. I dug some of it in my new strawberry bed between the rows. After dinner, I pulled up my pea vines and carried away the brush and hoed my cabbages and turnips. Mr. Cocking brought me some Poorhouse Seedling strawberry plants. I put them out for the time being where I took away my pea vines. Gussie picked and stuffed her peppers. The glass fruit jars I engaged last night came this morning. I walked downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. Received a letter from George by the evening mail. Attended the (Union League?). 8/20 SATURDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. I had one half day's work in the shop. In the P.M., I got my Wilson's Prolific strawberry plants from Father Griswold's and set them out temporarily until I get my ground ready for them. In the evening, Gussie went down to market with me. Harriet was with us to tea. 8/21 SUNDAY - Cloudy all day. Love feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Brother Osborne, the presiding elder, was there. Gussie and I attended, but on account of me going to the shop for my umbrella which I left there yesterday, it was late when I got there. Brother Osborne preached in the morning form Exodus 20: last of 24th verse. Brother Lamon from the 27th Street Church, New York City, who is spending a few weeks up here and boarding with J. W. Nichols preached in the P.M. from Hebrew 4:15. Brother Lamon is a deaf man Brother Hill being sick, is not able to preach. It commenced raining a few minute after we returned from the afternoon services a little after 3 o'clock. After tea, Mr. Olmstead (who lives on Deer Hill where Mr. Huntington used to) came down to tell me that Mother was quite low that she had been sick all day. I went up immediately and found her better. From her telling, I think it was an attack of Cholera Morbus or Bilious Cholic. Father has not been so well today either. I stayed all the evening. I spent a little time up in Harriet's room with her and Miss Jones. Miss Jones was sitting in the room with Mother when I went up. She is a good girl. I returned home about 9 0'clock or a little later. 8/2 MONDAY - Cloudy and Sunshine and showers without thunder in the P.M. I had one half days' work in the shop. Burr Bradley came over after dinner and I gave him 100 Tromp De Gard strawberry plants. Harriet and Louise Jones came down in the forenoon and spent the day. We had water and citron melons for dessert at dinner. I picked my crabapples. Went into the street and engaged Parmelee and Bradley's horse and Brother Hill's carriage to carry Harriet, Louise and Gussie up to the cemetery after tea. We went and got in a shower while up there. Before taking the team home, I carried Harriet and Louise up home. Gussie rode up with them and called in a moment to see Mother. A hard shower again about 10 o'clock in the evening. 8/23 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop at noon. On my way home, I took a letter from the Post Office from George. When I got home, Bell was down to tell us that Aunt Ann was dead and would be buried tomorrow at 12 o'clock. And that Aunt Harriet Benjamin was sick with the same complaint, Dysentery. I tried to get McDonald's horse to attend the funeral, but could not. Jo. Kyle came for what strawberry plants I could spare. I helped him carry the up as far as the depot and then called at the Jeffersonian Office to give him some items from the 17th Regt. just received from George. I then called at the Post Office to get a Post Office way bill filled out which George had sent from the St. Augustine Post Office for that purpose. The last thing before coming home was to help Brother Hill wash his carriage which I used in the rain and mud last evening. After tea, I went up home to see if any of the family intended to go to Ridgefield to Aunt Ann's funeral tomorrow. Father and Mother are both too sick to go. I went to the store with Gussie in the evening to buy some cotton for a quilt. I looked around for a team with which to go to the funeral tomorrow. 8/24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I hired Mr. A. Judd's team and took Bell and went to Ridgefield to attend Aunt Ann's funeral at Uncle Joel's house. It was held at 12 o'clock. We brought Phebe Palmer home with us. Before taking the team home, I took Phebe and Bell up to the cemetery. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. Before starting for Ridgefield, which was about 9 o'clock, I exchanged Judd's carriage for George Hoyt's, the tin peddler who boards across the street to Mr. Smith, his being lighter and nicer. I paid 2 extra for the carriage. Paid Judd $2.25 for his horse and carriage. Mother gave me 60 cents to help pay it if I would take Bell with me. Aunt Joanna (for this was her real name though she would never own the Jo) was 61 years, 4 months and 18 days old. Died Monday night 12 o'clock after two weeks severe sickness with dysentery. Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister, conducted the services at the house. Captain Ben Keeler, an old man across the street from Uncle Joel's was buried also a 2 o'clock. We started for home about 2 o'clock, arriving a few minutes before 5 P.M. Before taking home the team, I went up to the cemetery with Phebe and Bell and then carried Bell up home, Phebe riding up with us but returned with me to stay all night. Hattie Mills, Edith Newman and her brother Saul came up in the evening. I had a hard headache all the evening for riding all day in the sun. On my way for the horse in the morning, I carried a gallon of vinegar to the Post Office for Jo. Kyle. 8/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work, I called at Crofut's Feed Store to do an errand for Father Griswold. Bought a card picture of Mother at Couch's Gallery for Phebe. We had more work than usual today. It lasted until 3 o'clock. Gussie and Phebe went up home to spend the afternoon and I went up to tea. Hattie Mills went up with them. Mrs. Orin Bronson and Frank Boughton came up a little while. We had a good time. We came home about 8 o'clock and went down to the saloon for some ice cream. 8/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Work in the shop lasted until about 2 o'clock. Phebe went up home in the forenoon to visit with our folks and returned with Bell about 4 o'clock. About 3 o'clock Robert came along with his horse and wagon to carry some tomatoes to the Wooster House and to get some lumber. I went down with him for the ride. Phebe stayed until after tea, when she went home with Bell to stay all night. I went up to Mr. Hurd's and got one Tromp De Gard strawberry plant to fill out my bed. Went to the store and to the Post Office in the evening. I went down and returned with Mr. Cocking. 8/27 SATURDAY - Rain between 5 and 6 in the morning. When I went for milk, I brought home Mr. McDonald's double barreled gun to take care of and keep in good order having the use of it for my trouble. I went down to the Jeffersonian Office after breakfast to help Ashley bind the historical sketches which he had been printing for George, but they not being pressed, I could not do it. I bought a coconut with the outer hard shell on just as they are picked from the tree. I bought for a curiosity as I had never before seen one like it. I spaded in some manure in between the rows of the upper part of my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed just before dinner. After dinner, I went into the street for some groceries and my paper, Harper's Weekly. I saw Uncle Edwin, who was to come for Phebe before he went home. She being up home on Deer Hill, I hastened back to tell her that Uncle Edwin would call for her at my house soon. She came down with me and found him waiting for her. After she had gone, I read my paper, took a nap and cracked some walnuts. The sun came out pleasant and warm after dinner. Harriet and Louise came and took tea with us after which we all went up to Mother Griswold's a few minutes. In the meantime, Hattie Mills called and after Harriet and Louise went home walked downtown with us as we went to market. The evening paper gives us news of another major battle on the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg, Va. General Hancock of our army was attacked by the rebels who tried to drive him for the railroad but was repulsed with great slaughter. 8/28 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning and in the P.M Brother Hill preached from John 3rd 27th verse. George Andrews' son-in-law, Mr. Hull, preached in the P.M. from John 15:25. Gussie did not attend during the day. Mother was at church all day. She walked part of the way in the morning and Brother Lyon took her in and carried her the remainder. She went to Smith Barnum's at noon and came home with me to tea. After tea, Gussie and I went with her up home. We spent the evening up there and sang with Miss Louise Jones. 8/29 MONDAY - Eddie's birthday, had he lived. He would have been three years old. Pleasant and more like fall. I had Mr. McDonald put a hoop on our large washtub before breakfast. I finished my work at the shop at noon. I ate my dinner and spent the P.M. at the Jeffersonian Office binding the historical sketches that I have been having printed for George at his request. They are sketches and incidents pertaining to the early settlement of St. Augustine, Fla. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr and I went into the street to the Post Office. 8/30 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but cool night and morning. I had work in the shop nearly all day. Bell came down for my carpet bag for Harriet who thinks of going to Stamford to make a visit. She stayed to tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening and while there, Mr. H. Griffing asked me about Father saying that he owed him about $10.00 for coal since the winter of 1860. I engaged John Sharp to come to Father Griswold's tomorrow morning for Fannie, Hattie and Mrs. Widow White who are going to Camp Meeting at Milford. Anna Purdy was married today to Henry Hinman. They went over to Sodom with her folks to Cousin Roxanna's where the marriage took place. They all returned home in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over there. 8/31 WEDNESDAY - I commenced mowing my dooryard last night and finished it this morning. My work lasted until about the middle of the P.M. I then came home and raked up my grass. By telegraph this afternoon and the evening paper, news of the nomination of George B. McClellan for president by the Democratic Convention at Chicago. I went to market and mailed 525 Pamphlets (?) and Harper's Weekly with a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over to Aunt Louisa's again. I went over to come home with her.
1864-08
Horace Purdy Journal May 1864 Entry
8pgs
5/1 SUNDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy but no rain. Cleared off just at night. I went to church all day and to prayer meeting in the evening, which was a missionary meeting with a missionary collection. Brother Hill's talk in the morning was 1st Thes. 5-6; in the PM, Phil. 3:7-8. I sat in the choir in the afternoon. I wrote to George after church. I mailed it with a Waverly in the evening as I went to prayer meeting. Gussie attended with me. After tea, Hattie Mills went up home with us to see Mother. Roxie gave me a pail of milk to bring home. Alexander Hodge died this P.M. about 3 o'clock. 5/2 MONDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool in the morning. Hattie Mills went to Bethel in the morning to have Dr. Schoolmocker take her impressions for a set of teeth. She returned on the first train at 10 one half o'clock. After work at night, I called at Come's Marble Works to see further about a stone for Eddie. Before tea, I went up to Father Griswold's cellar and got some early June seed potatoes. After tea, I went with Gussie and Harriet Wheeler over to her yard and took up plants for them, since they are intending to take up to the cemetery. In the evening, Gussie went to market and I went up house with a shelf for Harriet's closet and put it up for her. 5/3 TUESDAY - Rain last night and this morning. Showery and sunshine during the day. Windy and cool, pleasant in the evening. Alexander Hodge was buried this P.M. I went to market in the evening. I carried George's watch to the jeweler's for repairs. 5/4 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I dug around my three cherry trees and put some coal ashes around them. I came home to dinner and on my way took a letter from the office from George with $10.00 enclosed with which I am to pay what he owes - take $5.00 towards cemetery lot and deposit the remainder. Gussie and her sister Harriet went up to the cemetery in the P.M. with some plants to put around Abel and Eddie's grave. Before tea, I spaded up a place and set out some Triumph de Grand strawberries. I started for class meeting in the evening but there was none. The General Class meeting last evening took the place of it. I answered George's letter before retiring. 5/5 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day was very tired at night. I deposited $5.00 for George this noon. Harriet was with us to dinner and tea. Mrs. Fuller was buried this P.M. 5/6 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than any day we have had this season. Bought a shad before going to the shop of Raymond's peddler. Gussie read a paper form Cousin Eliza from California with the publication of the birth of another daughter. I attended Council of the [??] in the evening. 5/7 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. A shower about 6 o'clock in the evening. Harriet was down to dinner. I left my work at the shop early and came home to spade garden. I planted a row of Champ England peas. After the shower, I went around to Father Griswold's and my trees and destroyed worms. I went to market in the evening and to singing school. 5/8 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Mr. Coe preached for us in the morning. He exchanged with Brother Hill. His text was 137th Psalm, 1st to 6th verse inclusive. He preached an excellent sermon, at the close of which, he spoke of his leaving town and that this was in all probability, the last time he would preach for us. He spoke very feelingly of the pleasant associations he had enjoyed with our preachers and Church, that he had learned to love us as well as his own church and people. It being Communion Day, we had our usual Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon as heretofore on Sacrament Sabbath. The Sacrament was administered in the P.M. for the first time by Brother Hill in Danbury. After church, I wrote to George. News by telegraph today that the army in Virginia has been fighting for the last three days and that Grant thus far was victorious. After tea, we went over to Burr Bradley's and he and his wife went with us up to the cemetery. A sermon in the evening to the Young Men's Christian Association by Mr. Stone at the 1st Congregational Church. We did not attend. I sent my letter to the Office by Fanny who went to church in the evening. 5/9 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm again. Mrs. Stone worked for Gussie and cleaned the bedroom. Joseph Furbush helped me spade the garden. I stayed a t home to work at it and help Gussie. Mrs. Courtney, sister to Mrs. Cocking, went home this P.M. Glorious News! from Grant's army. He has whipped the rebel General Lee in three day's fighting. He is driving the rebels back on Richmond. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel this afternoon with her new set of teeth. I went to market in the evening. 5/10 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. I spent the day in the garden with my hired man, Joseph Furbush. We finished the job and did a little planting before 6 o'clock. He went to the well for a drink about 4P.M. and broke the rope, letting the bucket go to the bottom. We went over to McDonald's for a well hook and we fished it out. I paid him $4.00 for two day's work. We spaded up Mr. Cocking's and his border's to make out a day's work. Harriet came down to dinner. She stayed the afternoon and stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. 5/11 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day and cooler. I sowed beets, parsnips, cabbage and spinach before breakfast. I sent home a bunch of asparagus for dinner, our first for the season. Harriet was with us to dinner again. I came home early at night and planted dwarf peas, cucumbers, lettuce and radishes. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill, our preacher, led and at its close, consulted the class about a new leader. John Cosier was unanimously voted for and was appointed by the preacher. 5/12 THURSDAY - Cloudy in the morning with somewhat the appearance of storm. The shone a little in the middle of the day. A thunder shower passed over between 6 and 7 o'clock, which gave us a little spatter. When I came home from the shop, I went home with Mr. Witherspoon and got a dozen early cabbage plants and set them out before tea. The news from General Grant in Virginia is still good, though the fighting is desperate and losses great. I went to market in the evening. It was misty and a little rain at intervals. 5/13 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty with some rain. I went to the shop and finished 4 hats, the remainder of a dozen and stopped work on account of diarrhea. I went up to Tweedy Bros. to see Henry Ely about hedging cemetery lot as his joins mine. Ordered 8 more pictures at Couch's - $1.00 worth. Called at Come's Marble Works to see further about stone for Eddie's grave. After dinner, planted some pole beans and set out some onions for the tops. Went to bed before night. Before tea, got up and went down to the Assessor's Office (E.S. Sanford), and got a blank Income Tax list to send to Philadelphia to Father Griswold (who is at the General Conference now in session in that city.) together with a notification which has been taken from the Post Office to have him send in his list. I mailed a Weekly and Daily Tribune to George In the evening containing the war news since Grant's forward movement. Glorious News! from him by the evening paper. Additional victories. The rebels' right and center crushed and their rout complete, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. 3 generals, 30 pieces of artillery and 4,000 prisoners captured. 5/14 SATURDAY - Stormy in showers. The clouds broke at intervals revealing blue sky. A good deal of rain has fallen. I have felt poorly and in consequence did not go to the shop. I hung our new parlor curtains. Robert brought me some tomato plants, also some peppers. Harriet came down to dinner again. The war news continues good. General Grant is giving General Lee a sound thrashing. I went to market in the evening. I fixed Mother Griswold bolt to her front door in the P.M. 5/15 SUNDAY - Cloudy still. Misty, though with but little rain. Gussie and I both attended church this morning. Brother Hill preached from 115th Psalm, 11th verse. There was no service in our church in the P.M. on account of Mr. Coe's farewell sermon. Our congregation went over there. Gussie and I came home. I wrote to George and mailed two papers to him last evening's Post and the Waverly. After tea, I walked downtown to hear the war news. General Butler has taken the outer works of Fort Darling. I did not go out in the evening, but sent my letter and papers to the Post Office by Fanny as she went to prayer meeting. Gussie wrote to Nellie Post in the evening. 5/16 MONDAY - Cloudy and misty. Just before night, the sun shone out about 5 minutes. Oscar Levine and myself went up on Rabbit Hill to Sidney Thompson's on our way home from work for some lettuce plants. We got them and I came home and transplanted them. I the dug up Mother Griswold's flower bed on the terrace by the piazza. I had a severe headache when I finished it. I also transplanted 5 tomato plants for her which Mr. Cocking brought to them. I went to market in the evening. As I came home, the moon broke through the clouds and shone faintly for a wonder. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with Gussie and Hattie as usual. 5/17 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm Mrs. Stone worked and cleaned house for us today. She tore off the paper in our sitting room preparatory to papering anew. I went to market in the evening. I saw Sergeant Scott of Co. C, 17th Regt. He told me that the 17th arrived at Fortress Monroe last Thursday on their way to join General Butler at the front near Richmond. On my way home in the evening I found a breast pin with hair enclosed. 5/18 WEDNESDAY - Shower. We had one before dinner and another just after. I received a letter from George with a bounty check at noon. I carried the check to the Danbury Bank for collection on my way back to work at noon. Caroline Mills came up from Bethel and came home with Hattie to dinner. I worked late at night to finish off a dozen hats. I was the last man out and locked the shop. I got 8 more card pictures in the evening at Couch's Gallery. I was too late to get to class. 5/19 THURSDAY - Warm and Pleasant. Just before noon, Dr. Stevens appeared at the shop with a small box by express prepaid from George containing a piece of bomb shell, cotton seed, etc. Mrs. Stone cleaned parlor and sitting room and James Harvey and Brother papered the sitting room. Harriet came down, but went up to Mother Griswold's to dinner on account of our cleaning. I gave her $5.00 in addition to the dollar she borrowed about a week ago to help her. There being so many carpets to shake and put down, I stayed at home in the P.M. I got through about 5 o'clock and went back to the shop to get my shirt and watch. I went into the street in the evening to return a roll of paper which was left after papering the sitting room. Mother and Bell sent down their letters received from George for me to read and to take extracts from for the Jeffersonian. I spent the evening in preparing a piece for the paper. 5/20 FRIDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop, I carried a letter to the Jeffersonian Office from George for publication. I sent a shad home for dinner. Harriet was with us to dinner. I brought home a pair of kid shoes for myself when I came home from work. I sawed up some wood before and after tea. Josephine Dare spent the P.M. up to Father Griswold's and with Gussie. Gussie and Hattie Mills went into the street in the evening, while I stayed at home and sprouted my potatoes in the cellar. 5/21 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We worked at the shop only until noon as the carpenters were to cut a hole over the flues to carry off the heat. I bought a pair of kid shoes last evening and carried them to the shop this morning to have some nails driven in the heels of them. Burglars entered the Depot last night and blew open the safe of the Railroad Company with powder and it is reported they took from it six or seven hundred dollars. I bought one half cord of hardwood of Mr. Sanford for $4.50. It came in the P.M. and I took it from the northwest corner of the house to the wood house with a wheel barrow and piled it up. After dinner, I went downtown and ordered one half barrel of Hamer's Champaign Ale at Ferrell's Hotel (Wooster House). In the evening, I called at Elias Sanford's to sign a paper of Father Griswold's which he overlooked and did not sign when he filled it out. It was his tax list. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's this P.M. and stayed to tea. Father had a one half barrel of ale come today. Hattie Mills went home this P.M. to stay over Sunday. 5/22 SUNDAY - A little rain last night and considerable mud. Pleasant this morning, but the air a little cooler than yesterday. We both attended church in the morning. Brother Hill gave us a talk about the Christian Commission and took up a collection for that purpose. After school, we both came home. I wrote to George in the P.M. Mr. McKinney with his team went up and brought Mother down to meeting in the morning. After tea, we went up to the cemetery. We carried some flowers to put on Eddie's grave. When we returned, I completed my letter to George and left it to be mailed by some of our folks, either Fanny or Eliza, and then went up home to see Mother. Father gave me a glass of ale. It was too late for meeting when I returned, so I did not go. 5/23 MONDAY - Cool and pleasant. Mrs. Stone worked and cleaned the pantry for us today. On my way home from work, I called again at Come's Marble Works to see further about a stone for Eddie. I brought home a string of porgies for my breakfast tomorrow morning. Went over to Mr. McDonald's and borrowed a gun to shoot pigeon's on my garden. I went downtown in the evening, got a letter for Hattie Wheeler, bought a box of gun caps a match safe and Fred Bradley treated me to a glass of beer. 5/24 TUESDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but not a drop until about 9 o'clock in the evening when it began to mist a little. There being no work in the shop, I ground up the scythe and mowed my door yard. I shot three pigeons on the premises. They have nearly destroyed our row of peas. After tea, I put out some Dahlia roots. Just as we were finishing up the last one, Edith Newman, Sarah Purdy, and Mrs. Wildman (Mr. W. Stevens' daughter) called. They stayed until about 8 one half o'clock. I then went down to the Post Office and to the store. I bought one half lb. of bulk tea, 1 lb. shot No. 6 and the Waverly for George and came home. 5/25 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Had pigeon pot pie for dinner. The sun shone a little in the P.M.I worked hard until about 6 o'clock to finish my second dozen, which most of the men left for tomorrow, as it is doubtful about getting any work then. I went to market and to class meeting in the evening. A Mr. Hollister led the class. He is a furious fellow with stentorian lungs and given to shouting. 5/26 THURSDAY - There being some doubt about having work today upon what our foreman said (Mr. Green), I went to work at my walks in the yard, trimming the edges and raking them off, etc. When I got the job about half done, it began to rain, but I was determined to finish it, so putting on an old coat, I kept at it and between the perspiration and the rain, I was about wet through, or rather my clothes were. At noon, I carried Hattie Mill's dinner to her at the shop as it rained too hard for her to dome home. The foreman weighed out a dozen Full Stiff Drab Half Brush Hats. I squared them up, cut out tips for them and then got Hattie's dinner pail and left. I went to the Danbury Bank and got the $10 for Bounty Check I left there one week ago for collection for George. I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see if Ashley wanted a communication from George this week for insertion in his next week's issue. From there, I went to Cowe's Marble Shop to see further about a grave stone for Eddie. Before going to see Ashley, I had taken three letters from the Office from George from St. Augustine. He gave the news of his appointment to Regimental Postmaster. There was a picture of St. Augustine enclosed in one of them. He wants me to send 4 copies of Carmine Sacra (Note Books) ( Ed. Note: These are hymn books). When I came home from the street, I finished hanging the green curtains (shades) in the parlor. I mailed a Daily Tribune to George in the evening. I went to market in the evening and bought the largest pineapple I ever saw for 30 cents. Before retiring, I prepared a letter for the Jeffersonian from George's letters received today. 5/27 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning. It cleared off the P.M. I have taken cold and do not feel very well today. I bought another pocket dictionary for George and mailed it this evening. The other one, he never received. This one cost 50 cents; the other one only 25 cents. On my way to the shop this morning, I left a letter of George's at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. In the evening, I wrote notice of the breast pin I found to put up in the Post Office tomorrow. Smith Ferrel bought me a one half barrel of ale today. 5/28 SATURDAY - Pleasant through the day, though somewhat the appearance of a storm in the evening. I left a notice at the Post Office this morning with the pin to be called for. I began to brush my peas before breakfast and finished them before tea. Gussie walked down to market with me in the evening. Robert Cocking and I drank some of my beer before retiring. Father Griswold returned from General Conference in Philadelphia Pa. by the evening train. 5/29 SUNDAY - Cool but pleasant through the day. Mr. Atkinson, an Army Christian Commission agent, preached for us in the morning and talked in Sunday School. So much of the time was taken up that books were never changed. Father Griswold preached to the young people on the P.M. text Ecclesiastes 12:1. Mother attended church all day. Mr. McKinney carried her to church in the morning and home as far as our house to tea. After tea, I hired a team and took her and Gussie up to the cemetery after which, I carried her home. Harriet Mills went up to Philo Wildman's yesterday with a friend and returned this evening about 7 o'clock. She went with us to a Union Meeting at the 1st Congregational Church in the evening. Mr. Atkinson (Agent for the Christian Commission), Mr. Kennedy, the Baptist boy preacher (now chaplain of the 79th Regt. New York Volunteers) and another agent from Hartford spoke and a collection for the Commission was taken. When we came from this meeting, it was cloudy and just after we got home, it began to rain. I finished a letter to George and mailed it as I went to evening meeting. After breakfast this morning, I went up home and got my Carmina Sacra to send to George, also his medal which he writes for. 5/30 MONDAY - Pleasant. Cool this morning but warmer at night. The three Note Books ( Carmina Sacra) came this morning to Mr. Swift. I brought them home at noon. After tea, I put them up in two packages (my old one making four) and carried them to the Office and mailed them. The postage on them was 84 cents. Frank Boughton was here when I came from work at night. I lent her $8.00 until Wednesday. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the sink room today. Read a letter from Cousin David Mills by the evening mail. 5/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and rather warm. Sent a letter and paper to the Office this morning by Mr. Dunham. They were for George. We had but one dozen hats today; finished them before dinner. Mr.Cocking came in while we were eating and drank a glass of beer with me. I went downtown after dinner and bought a wire basket for myrtle. Went up to Mallory's shop and engaged some bean poles of Uncle Edwin. Came home.
1864-05