Horace Purdy Journal August 1869 Entry
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AUGUST 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not very warm. I took Georgie down to church in time for Sunday School. After school, I came home with him. After dinner, I took him for a walk over into Division Street. We stopped to see Mary, the first time we have called on her since her marriage. From there, we went over to Horace Cable's in Spring Street. Horace gave me a letter which he got from the Office last evening from D. R. French in which he acknowledged the receipt of the draft for $100.00 from Hill & Purdy. He wants money as fast as we can remit to him to pay for a large lot of slats lately received from Vermont. AUGUST 02 MONDAY - Pleasant. In the forenoon, I collected a little on our spring beds from Albert Scott, R. W. Holmes, and George L. Smith. After dinner we went up to the bogs to see a man about spring beds, but he being away from home, we did not see him. It was about 6 P.M. when we returned. After tea, Horace Cable came over to see me. We went into the street together. We received by the evening mail a bill for Lot No. 4, our last one for springs from D. R. French. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station today to introduce our spring bed bottoms. We spent about a half day there showing it up and took 3 positive orders besides preparing the way for a goodly number of sales some other day. We started for home about sundown arriving here about 8:30. AUGUST 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I collected from Mr. Decklyn $18.50 for 3 spring bed bottoms. I turned it over to Horace Cable and he with other money got a draft for $100.00, which I this evening mailed to D. R. French with a duplicate of 6 beds ordered from Twitchell. I at the same time sent the order to Mr. Twitchell. In it were two for H. Fairchild which he is in a great hurry for to commence housekeeping. We expected a lot of beds on the freight train, but they did not come. AUGUST 05 THURSDAY - Showery with some indications of rain but only now and then a little sprinkle. It cleared off in the evening. Horace Cable and I with his horse rode over to Sturdivant's to canvass the factory for our spring bed bottoms. In the P.M., 10 beds came by the freight train. We put up a part of them, including 3 we took to Bethel for Farnum Greenwood and Thomas Wheeler. AUGUST 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool in the morning. We rode up to New Milford in the morning to put up spring beds at Lanesville and the Iron Works. But found the beds had not come as we expected. We fed ourselves and the horse at Nelson Knowles in Lanesville. We came home by way of the steam excavator. George Bradley paid me $6.75 for his spring bed. I also in New Milford collected $6.00 from Michael McNiff. In the evening, I went over to Horace's but not finding him home, I went to the Post Office where I found him. AUGUST 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still cool. I mowed my dooryard and raked it off this forenoon. After dinner I went to the depot where I met Horace Cable with his horse. We had 6 beds come on the freight train. We put up 2 for Hanford Fairchild, one for Philo Knapp and the two which came last week for William Bailey. An eclipse of the sun this P.M. from 5:15 until about sundown. In the evening, I went to market with Gussie. We bought a toy small gun for Georgie. Two letters - one from Twitchell and one from French. AUGUST 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer. We did not get up this morning until about 8 o'clock. Gussie went to the Baptist church this morning to hear their old minister, Mr. Stone. Father came in just before dinner to have me cut his hair. I did it and then took Georgie down to Sunday School. After school, I came home again. We had dinner about 3 o'clock, after which I took Georgie with me for a walk. We went into River Street where we stopped to see E. E. Wildman about sending me word from New Milford if my spring beds were at the depot there. He is going up there tomorrow. From there I walked around to Horace Cable's and their home, stopping at Ambrose Hill's a moment to see Philo Bennett. AUGUST 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. I hoed up a few weeds in my garden before breakfast. After breakfast, I went over to Horace Cable's and we with his horse took Henry Willis' and Mrs. Lewis Bennett's bed springs and went over to Sandy Hook and put them in. I went to look at J. H. Warner's springs that Ambrose Hill put in one of the slats of which is broken. I concluded to write to D. R. French and have him take back the bed and send another in its place which will be alright. We came home by way of Bethel where I collected for Hill & Purdy $6.50 from George Osborne for a spring bed. We arrived home about 2 P.M. I tried to collect a little in the P.M. In the evening, I attended teachers' meeting. I offered my resignation, but they refused to accept it, deferring action for one month. Before I retired, I wrote to D. R. French about exchanging J. H. Warner's bed (at Sandy Hook) for a good one, one slat being broken, and several others are defective. AUGUST 10 TUESDAY - Hot. Horace Cable and I went to New Milford for 6 bed springs and brought them to Lanesville. I put up 4 of the 5 at this place, the 5h being for Nelson Knowles. I did not go there on account of his son having the smallpox. Horace not feeling very well and fearing the smallpox, he took the train at Lanesville and started for home, leaving me to take care of the beds. After putting up John and James Knowles, Perry Chase's and Willis' and leaving Nelson Knowles' at his son's place, I then started for the Iron Works and put up one for Lewis Ives after which I drove home. Before doing so, I was obliged to go to the blacksmith's and got a new shoe put on the horse's foot. AUGUST 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and hot. We delivered and put up John Corning's springs in Mill Plain, Hiram Paddock's and Samuel Dank's at Little Sodom in New York State. We took dinner at Mr. Paddock's. We spent the remainder of the day canvassing towards home arriving about 7 o'clock. Received a bill today from Thomas Sproule for 5 tons of coal at $10.00 per ton. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant and hot. We went to Bethel this forenoon to canvass a little for our spring beds and measure Henry Tinmann's bed for a set of springs. After dinner, I prepared a set of crossbars for A. W. Bailey's bed to put into Miss L. Farnum's. Harmon Knapp, professing not to like the springs (this is the first out of a hundred where dissatisfaction has occurred), we took them out and took them in the wagon and with the one for Miss Farnum, we went down to Bethel about 6 P.M. and put it in for Tinmann. AUGUST 13 FRIDAY - before breakfast, I wrote to Henry Day, telling him that I must have some money on the notes that were due April 1st and May 1st last. I sent it to the Office for the morning mail by Charles Short. I canvassed in the forenoon for our spring beds. In the P.M., I went over to Horace Cable's and spent the greater part of the afternoon on the door sill of his barn talking over business, the bed and free trade, etc. I went to Tweedy's Wool Hat Shop and collected from Willis Gunn $6.75 for a set of box springs we put in for him last Tuesday up to Lanesville. From there, I called at Ely & Young's shop under the hill by Lacey & Davis' forming factory. I then went to Mallory's shop to see Ed Dunning. Before we left there, a shower came up and we walked to his house (Horace Cable's) in the rain. There was, however, but little rain fell. I played my first game of croquet this noon over to Mr. Pond's. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from William Hayes. AUGUST 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went over to Lake Kenosha with Horace Cable blackberrying. Elmer Cable, Charles Hill and Willis Graham were over there and rode home with us. We all filled our baskets and pails. I got over a peck myself. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then went into the street to see if I could see someone who owes Cable & Purdy for spring beds. I did not collect any. I went into the street again in the evening. Edwin's wife Anne is sick with dysentery. AUGUST 15 SUNDAY - Showery during the day. I went down to Sunday School at noon. On account of the frequent showers, the attendance was small. The time was spent in singing and the Superintendent spoke to the school. I came home in the P.M. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed at home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to William Hayes' letter received on Friday. It rained hard in the evening with thunder showers. AUGUST 16 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I mailed a letter to William Hayes. I went down to the Pahquioque Shop (where I still hold a position) just to see the men. From there, I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory to collect $6.50 from Col. James Ryder but did not get it. As I went to the Pahquioque, I took my clock to Fanton's where it was recently repaired to fix the hands so that they can be moved. They left it before so that I could not move them either forward or backwards. I called uptown to see Mrs. E. S. Davis about springs for her bed which she had engaged some time ago. She had found by examining her other springs that they could unexpectedly use them on her new bedstead and therefore did not need new ones. She would nevertheless have taken them, but I released her from the agreement, not wishing to oblige her to take them if she did not really want them. From there, I called to measure Edmund Dunning's bed but his baby being asleep, I would not disturb the child. I then called at Horace Cable's and came home to dinner. After dinner, I spaded over a place for a strawberry bed and went over to Cable's and got 50 Green Prolific Plants and laid them out, after which Horace and I went into the street to collect. I saw Mrs. Burch, but they would have no money for me until next month. Horace went to see Mrs. W. Bailey and I to see George Raymond. He got nothing but was promised tomorrow morning. I got my pay from Raymond. In the evening, I went up and measured Dunning's bedstead. While standing near the Post Office, Charles Griffing asked me for the balance of my account or a note for the amount. I went up to his office to look over the account but would not give a note. While there, I talked with John Rowan about spring beds. I think I will sell him one. AUGUST 17 TUESDAY - After breakfast, I went down to William Bailey's and collected from his wife $12.00 for two spring beds. I went over to Horace Cable's but on account of the rain, we did not go as we intended to Brewster Station to canvass for spring beds. We spent the forenoon in talking over and arranging our partnership in the tree agency. After dinner, I had a set of half circles sawed out by Daniel Starr with which to fit the springs to Edmund Dunning's bed. Horace Cable measured Charles Griffing's bed for a set of springs. I added it to an order I was about to send to New Haven and mailed it by the P.M. train. The order was for six beds. I went into the street in the evening and got our clock from Fanton's Store. AUGUST 18 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning, but before noon it cleared off. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station. We sold a spring bed to H. M. Senior at Mill Plain. We did a little at selling trees as well as spring beds. We stopped at the Brewster House. In the evening, I made arrangements for Mr. Doty, the new hotel keeper to try one of our beds with the view of putting in several of them if he is satisfied with it. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very hot. We canvassed at the Station today for both trees and beds. I came away this evening with 7 more names added to my list. On our way home just about dusk, we saw a woodchuck just this side of the New York state line. I took my pistol and had 5 shots at him but did not touch him. AUGUST 20 FRIDAY - Very hot. Lowery in the morning. Horace Cable and I went to Milltown by way of Joe Hill's. We came home by way of the bogs arriving about dark. Josie Wheeler took Georgie and Willie Griswold away in the broiling sun in the middle of the day up on Highland Avenue (or so he says). Josie is a bad boy learning Georgie and Willie all manner of obscene and wicked language and running away. John Brayman came home this evening. He had words with E. James who lives over him. James assaulted and knocked him down. AUGUST 21 SATURDAY - Hotter than yesterday. About 8 A.M., I went over to Cable's. From there I went to the Post Office. I saw H. B. Fairchild about what he owes me for 2 spring beds. He promised to send me a check next Monday from New York for the amount $13.50. I took a letter from the Office from T. Twitchell saying that he yesterday shipped Order No. 6 of spring beds, six in number. As I was going to Cable's to carry the letter, I overtook Sidney Thompson who was too drunk to walk straight. I took him to his home and left him flat on the floor. Ezra Malloy's house was struck by lightning. After dinner, it commenced a thunder shower. I went between showers to the depot on the arrival of the freight train and found that our 6 beds had arrived. I went up to Cable's where I was compelled to stay until nearly night on account of several hard thunder showers. On that account I did not want to get the beds from the depot. I went into the street in the evening and brought home a pair of pants to keep in they fit me. AUGUST 22 SUNDAY - Lowery but no rain. We rose rather late. I went down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, we came home again. Gussie stayed to prayer meeting. After dinner, I took Georgie for a walk over to Horace Cable’s. On our way near Lockwood Olmstead's on Stevens Street, I found an ivory billiard ball. We returned a little before dark. Hattie Mills and I stayed at home in the evening. Gussie went to prayer meeting. AUGUST 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mr. Cable and I went to the depot this morning and got 6 beds and delivered them. Charles Griffing, Saul Rundle, Alice B. Ford, and Edmund Dunning. The one for J. H. Warner at Newtown and one for William Fowler over the New York state line near Brewster Station, we put into Cable's barn until we go over that way with them. In the P.M., I took Ambrose Hill's fruit plate book and went down to the Pahquioque shop and commenced canvassing a little for trees. I took 4 small orders. After tea, I wrote to Henry Day, ordering 8 pictures frames, oval gold, 4 rose and ribbon 8x10, 2 scale and ribbon, 8x10 and 2 rose and ribbon 10x12, the last two with square rabbets. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I left home this morning for New York state to canvass for the fruit trees. We took H. M. Senior's bed springs over to him as we went over to Mill Plain and put them in, changing the slats first with Mrs. Corning's, she not thinking hers to be long enough. I ordered $3.00 of Senior's pay in sugar - 18 lbs. - and coffee. We took dinner with Mr. Havilland, just beyond Milltown. After dinner, we started along passing near Dikeman's Station on the Harlem Railroad. Also, near Doansburg, thence to Towner's Station and put up for the night just beyond about 2 miles at George Robinson's. AUGUST 25 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast with Mr. Robinson's folks, we tried to repair his son Peter's copper strip hay cutter. We then commenced canvassing; stopped at Samuel Terry's to dinner. After dinner, we drove on to David Kent's, the old millionaire and put new cylinders in his hay cutter. We then went on through Luddingtonville and put up for the night with Clark Lewis, another old friend of Mr. Cable's. AUGUST 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant again. Before breakfast, I shot my pistol at a woodcock and missed it. After breakfast I shot Mr. Lewis' rifle at one and missed him also. We then all shot at a mark with my pistol. We then soon left Mr. Lewis and started for Patterson. Before getting there, Mr. Cable was bit by Willis Read's dog. We took dinner at the American Hotel at Patterson Station. Here we took quarters for the night. Our canvassing for trees has not been very successful thus far. AUGUST 27 FRIDAY - After breakfast at the hotel at Patterson, Mr. Cable and I rode up to Willis Read's Mill to shoot the dog which bit him yesterday. He stated the case to Mr. Read, junior, who agreed with us that the dog ought to be killed. Mr. Cable shot one bullet into him when he his somewhere around the mill. We then left after Mr. Read promising that if the dog did not die, he would see that he was killed. It now being about noon, we started for Brewster Station to see if the beds we ordered for that place had come but found them not there. Before going to the station, we went to ____, where we took dinner on Tuesday to get a halter which we had then left there. We arrive home at 3:30 P.M. I went into the street in the evening. I received from Hanford B. Fairchild, $13.50 for two spring beds, put up for him on the 7th inst. by Cable & Purdy I received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French stating that he has given up the spring bed agency and desires a settlement with us as soon as we can do so. He sent a statement of Hill & Purdy, also of Cable & Purdy accounts which agrees with our accounts. George came home this evening by the cars (so I am told) to attend the reunion tomorrow. AUGUST 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant. A reunion of the 17th Regiment here today. In the morning, I went over to Mr. Cable's and changed the size of J. H. Warner's bed and used it for Mr. H. Griffing, after which I came home and dressed a little and went into the street to see the assembly of the 17th Regiment just as the procession was forming. I came home and did a little writing. Gussie came home also and dressed Georgie to take him to see the procession. We went into the street again and saw the procession and went to the dinner tent down to the Turner House where they had an excellent dinner for free. The procession consisted of our Military Company, the veterans of the old 17th Regiment, the Fire department, and the Brass Bands, our own and the Wheeler & Wilson's from Bridgeport. I made out a receipted bill of the two spring beds Hanford B. Fairchild paid me for last evening and gave it to him this P.M. AUGUST 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took Georgie down to Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with him. After the session, the teachers had an interview by request of the Superintendent and voted to have a picnic one week from next Wednesday (the 8th inst.) if the day is fine. It is to be in a grove at the junction of the White Plains and Housatonic railroad near Brookfield. A committee was appointed to make arrangements and procure transportation. After dinner, I took a walk over to Horace Cable's. George came home last Friday evening to attend the reunion of his old regiment which took place yesterday. I have not seen him today. AUGUST 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went into the street and over to the Sewing Machine factory and collected from James Ryder $6.50 for one spring bed from Hill & Purdy. I then waited for the arrival of the train at 10:15 to see the 8th Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. The regiment formed just above the bridge and with Wheeler & Wilson's band marched out to Lake Kenosha where they are to encamp for the week. I commenced picking my crab apples at noon. After dinner, I went into the street again and collected from D. Osborne $6.00 bed money from Hill & Purdy. Edmund Dunning paid me $6.00 for a bed this A. M. Before night, I went to Rundle & White's and collected from Mr. Rundle $6.75 for a spring bed. This was for Cable & Purdy. I went from there over to Horace Cable's. He came home with me and got some crab apples. Also, Charles Hill came for some. I wrote to D. R. French asking for the address of the New York Expansion Spring Bed Company so that I can write and secure for Mr. Cable or us both the County of Putnam in New York adjoining Fairfield in this state. I went into the street and mailed it. I bought some pistol balls - one pound. I bought ## dozen teacups for Harriet Mills for crab apple jelly. George returned to Brooklyn this morning. AUGUST 31 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went over to Horace Cable's in the morning to go to Brewster Station to put up spring beds, but his horse having a sore back, we concluded to wait over until tomorrow. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and arranged a little to work next week. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to hear a phrenological lecture in the evening. After they went Charles Hayes came by the evening train. Louise and I got him some tea. I then went down to market. I put in 10 bushels of charcoal today.
1869-08
Horace Purdy Journal July 1864 Entry
10pgs
7/1 FRIDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I woke in the morning with a severe pain in my bowels. I went down to see Dr. Bulkley, but he was not in his office. The pain increasing and to all appearances growing worse, I called on Dr. Skiff. He gave me some medicine and after the mail came in, I came home and went to bed. I could eat nothing for dinner. The pain seemed to increase in the P.M. After tea, Gussie and Hattie Mills went down to Dr. Skiff. After they had gone, Bro. Hill, who had been making a call at Father Griswold's, came down to see me. Being in somewhat of a hurry, his call was a short one. He prayed with me and then left to join a friend who was with him at Father Griswold's. He called him Bro. Whitney from New Canaan, one of his old church members. After Gussie returned, Mr. Wing, who had called at Father Griswold's on business pertaining to his clothes dryers, called to see me also. As soon as he left, which was after 9 o'clock, Dr. Skiff came. I was somewhat afraid of inflammation of the bowels. He changed his medicine and promised to call on the following morning. (It is now Saturday morning that I am writing this, I was not able to write yesterday). 7/2 SATURDAY - I suffered considerable pain last night. Could not sleep until after midnight when I fell asleep. I woke in the morning feeling easy, the pain having all subsided, but my bowels feeling sore. Dr. Skiff called about 10 o'clock as he was going to Dr. Hawley's to the next door. He left me some phosphorus for my cough. I paid him $1.00 for last night's attendance. Harriet Purdy came down before dinner and stayed until about 4 P.M. After dinner, or rather, in the middle of the afternoon, I went over to McDonald's Blacksmith Shop and made an iron thing to put top of bullets under the rod to press them home in loading my revolver. We had tea a little earlier than usual to enable Harriet Mills to take the train to go home to Bethel to spend the Fourth. After tea, I weeded out my strawberry bed. Gussie not feeling well, I went to Dr. Buckley's and got some medicine for her. I waited until nearly 10 o'clock for the mail and then came home. After I got home, I heard the locomotive blow. I then went back to the Post Office, but there was no mail matter for any of our folks. As this was only why I went back, I had the walk for nothing. 7/3 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie, not feeling well, did not attend church. Mr. and Mrs. Powel and daughter came last night to Father Griswold's and attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and returned to church with Mr. Powel; the other folks did not attend. Fanny was waiting for him at the church door, but her seat being full, he sat with me. Bro. Hill preached all day. Bro. Crawford opened with prayer and scripture reading in the P.M. Text in the morning - Eph. 2:4-5-6, in the P.M. -John 8:36; it was in part, if not entirely, a Fourth of July sermon. He dwelt considerably on the nation, the war, and the anniversary of our independence. By invitation, we went up home and took dinner with the company. After tea, Mr. Powel and I took a walk around Father Griswold's and my premises. I went to prayer meeting in the evening with the Company, Gussie staying at home with her mother. 7/4 MONDAY - Pleasant. The firing woke me at 4 o'clock. I got up and fired at a target with my revolver a few times. I went down and mailed a letter and Waverly to George before breakfast. After breakfast, I went down again to market for Fanny. As soon as the women got their morning work done, Mr. and Mrs. Powel and daughter, Harriet Wheeler, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. On our return home, I took from the Office 4 letters and 5 bundles of Florida papers. The Ancient City, printed at St. Augustine. They were back numbers which he wants preserved. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I took a nap and then Robert Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's barn to practice target shooting again with my revolver. But previous to doing so, I went down to the baker's for some bread. After tea, we all took a walk (Father Griswold included) up West Street to Gallows Hill and around by Mallory's shop into River Street and up New street to West and home. I went to the Post Office myself previous to coming home. Harriet Mills came up on the evening train from Bethel. She spent the evening upstairs with Mrs. Cocking. Gussie and I went up into the cupola of Father Griswold's house with the company to see what little fireworks there was. 7/5 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Mrs. Stone could not work for us today, one of her children being sick. Our neighbor, Mrs. Curtis done it for us. I went downtown in the morning to see if I could get my winter's coal put in today, but could not; they were too busy. I waited until the cars came to get the mail. I took out two letters for Frank Boughton and took them over to her house. She being at the shop, I left them with her mother. After dinner, I went to look for a team to take us on Mount Four. Mr. Powel went home this morning. I went to the cars with him. Gussie went up to Mr. Bartram's in the P.M. with Mrs. Powel and daughter, Frank and Harriet. Before tea, I wrote to George in answer to the 4 letters received yesterday. Hattie Mills and I got our supper of bread and milk. I went to the depot when the cars came in to see Beatty about his double team to go to Mount Four tomorrow P.M. I saw John Sharp, his driver and engaged it at $4.00 for the afternoon. I then went up to Thomas Fowler's store and paid him for a gallon of molasses which he sent me this P.M. - $1.20. I then went to the Post Office. News by the evening papers is that the rebel pirate Alabama has been sunk. I attended Hatters' Meeting in Benedict and Nichols' Hall in the evening. It was the semi-annual meeting and the election of officers. It was quite late when I got home. Before retiring, I prepared some items from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. 7/6 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I carried some extracts form George's letters to the Jeffersonian for publication as I went to the shop in the morning. Before breakfast, I set out some cauliflower plants for Father Griswold and myself. In the afternoon, I went with our folks and Brooklyn friends to Mount Four. We had Beatty's double team. While up there, I cut a new pole and replaced the one George put up in 1861. Father Griswold, Fanny, Harriet, Louisa, Hattie Mills, Mrs. Powel and daughter and myself. Bro. Hill, our preacher, saw the flag from mother's and started across the fields in a straight line for the place. He arrived while we had gone down to the spring to take our refreshments. I found him on the peak waiting for us when I returned for the horses. While turning round to come down the pole strap broke. Bro. Hill assisted me to repair damages. He rode home with us. When we arrived home, Father Griswold and Mother Griswold and Gussie drove up to the cemetery. When he returned, I drove the team up to the depot and paid John Sharp $4.00 for the team. I did my marketing. 7/7 THURSDAY - Hot and muggy. It commenced raining about 11 o'clock. I came home to dinner without an umbrella. I felt too much exhausted to return. I lay down on the lounge until 3 o'clock. I then got up and fixed the hinges to the pantry door and did some writing. Hattie Mills did not come home to dinner on account of the rain. I wrote to George before tea, giving an account of our trip to Mt. Four. I went to the store in the evening and bought $6.00 worth of sugar, $3.00 crushed , 9 lbs., $3.00 of a coffee sugar and 10 one half lbs. I mailed a letter to George and went into prayer meeting a few minutes before it closed. 7/8 FRIDAY - Showery in the morning. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I have felt better and have done much more work than before in over a week. Had soup and milk for supper, after which Robert and I went to market and to the Post Office together. When we returned, I found Gussie and Hattie Mills gone away. Probably gone to find a boarding place for Hattie as it is not convenient for us to keep her longer. 7/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. Mike Kelly woke me this morning, shaking the door for Robert Cocking, my tenant. He was after him to help get hay. We were limited in our work today at the shop on account of the facer's getting behind with their work. I finished my work about 4 o'clock. I went to the Jeffersonian Office to get a copy of the Jeffersonian printed in June, 1863 with the memorial of Ireneus P. Woodman of Co. C, 17th Regt., Connecticut Volunteers who died at Brookes Station, Va. My 19, 1863 of a wound in the breast received at the battle of Chancellorsville fought 17 days previous to his death. I found in June 3 a card from his father in reference to his death. Also a memorium in an issue of March 2nd, 1864 taken from the Connecticut War record. These Mr. Ashley gave to me for George as it was for him that I was getting them to send to Bell Conrad in Stratford. I had been home but a short while when Burr Bradley, according to an agreement before he left the shop, came to go to the pond with me to bathe. We went over to Oil Mill. Just as we were dressing, two of our shopmates came also, Mr. Rousseau and James Sparks. After tea, I fixed a fastener to one the upstairs blinds and hoed in my garden a little. After which, I went down to market and b ought a piece of meat for Sunday. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening in trying to find a boarding place for Hattie. They did not succeed. 7/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie and I attended church in the morning. Brother Hill preached from Hebrews 2:17. After the Sunday School Prayer Meeting, Gussie went home. I stayed to the communion in the P.M. Clark Hoyt's child was baptized. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. I borrowed a pitcher of water at Mr. Days to fill the vases with. Mailed a letter to George and two Jeffersonians with card and memorium in them on the death of Ireneus P. Woodman to Isabella Conrad at Stratford by request of George. Being tired after our walk, we did not go to meeting in the evening. Hattie Mills feels badly that she must get another boarding place as we have notified her that it will not be convenient for us to keep her longer. She cried over it this morning. 7/11 MONDAY - A shower last night. Pleasant and warm today. We were limited in our work at the shop, having only 2 dozen to finish. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. Hattie Mill's engaged board this morning at Henry Fosters, but tonight they had changed their minds and concluded not to take any boarders. Hattie felt bad and cried about it. Bro. Hills' mother called at Father Griswold's and to our house in the evening. I walked down home with her on my way to Teachers' Meeting. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Dr. Bulkley's office and left word with him to come and see Fanny who is sick with the Dysentery. In Sunday School, the propriety of a Sunday School picnic was considered. Definite action on it was deferred for one month. 7/12 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Another small shower last night. Before breakfast, I repaired by coal bin a little preparatory to putting in my coal. A ton of soft coal came before night. Gussie made her currant jelly and ironed. She was taken very sick with bilious colic about 3 o'clock P.M. When I came home, I found the doctor (Bulkley) there prescribing for her. Mother Griswold and Hattie Wheeler got my tea. Mother Griswold and Hattie Mills cleared the table and washed the dishes. I set out some cabbage plants between the hills of my early potatoes and then went to market. The great rebel raid into Maryland threatening Washington and Baltimore which has cut telegraph lines and stopped railroad trains, etc. The news from the tonight is a little more favorable for us. Telegraph communications are again resumed and railroad trains from Washington to Baltimore are again running regular. Excitement throughout the country runs high but things this evening by the papers seem a little more quiet. On my way back to work this noon, I mailed a Waverly to George. On my way to the shop this noon, I left 3 nice ripe tomatoes at the Jeffersonian Office for the Editor (B. Frank Ashley). They are the first ripe ones in this vicinity. He is to give Mr. Cocking a puff on the in the paper tomorrow. 7/13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Hattie Mills got up and prepared breakfast this morning and let Gussie get up when she got ready. She got up in time to sit at the table with us, however. She is about well with the exception of feeling pretty weak. Received a letter from Henry Mead saying that for some unforeseen circumstances, their visit would be for the present deferred. While we were at tea, Edith Newman came in to tell Hattie Mills that she had got a boarding place with her. I walked down to class with Edith. 7/14 THURSDAY - Wrote to Henry C. Mead before breakfast in reply to his stating that the visit would be deferred for the present. I sent it to the Office by Nathaniel Cable to have it go in the morning mail. The day has been pleasant and warm. I worked very hard in the shop and was pretty much used up at night. After tea, I went to market to get my breakfast and to Dr. Buckley's office for some medicine for Gussie for bilious colic. He not being in, I got the medicine from his son William who happened to be there. 7/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Cool nights and heavy dews. I pulled weeds in my garden a little while before breakfast. Worked hard and late at the shop. On my way to dinner, I took home from the Post Office a roll of paper and 5 sheets both upon which was written sketches of historical facts relating to the early settling of Florida. Frank Boughton was with us to tea, after which, she and Gussie wen to the Post Office which enabled me to stay at home in the evening. I paid Alden G. Crosby $15.00 towards coal as I was coming home to dinner. 7/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant . I pulled weeds in my garden before breakfast. We were limited in our work to 2 dozen today. After I got up my work, I finished a damaged hat and got it trimmed but it was too small for me. I brought it home and will sell it to some boy perhaps. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian Office with sketches of the settlement of St. Augustine, Florida to see about getting them printed. Harriet Purdy was with us to dinner and stayed nearly all the afternoon with Gussie. 7/17 SUNDAY - Pleasant ' hot ' dry and dusty. Brother Hill being away to Middletown, a man by name Willard from Colorado, a presiding elder in this section, soliciting funds to help build a church at Denver in that state preached for us. He preached two excellent sermons. In the morning, form Hebrews 2:17, the same text Brother Hill preached from last Sabbath. In the P.M., 1st Timothy 6:12, the first clause of the verse. Collections were taken at both services for his benefit or rather the benefit of his people. Brother J. W. Nichols went up for Mother at noon and carried her to and from church in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George about the historical sketches of St. Augustine, Florida, which he wanted printed in pamphlet form for sale down there. I took a nap until meeting time, then went down and mailed a Waverly to George and attended prayer meeting. 7/18 MONDAY - Dry and warm, no prospect of rain. Nothing unusual that I know today. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock P.M. After tea, I ate a few currants from the bushes and then went to market and to the Post Office. The evening papers give a rumor that General Sherman has taken Atlanta, Ga. I was the last man out of the shop tonight and locked the door. Took the key over to Harry Stone's for Hiram. When I returned from market in the evening, Mr. Thompson, who lives in Mr. Gregory's little blue just south of us a little distance, came over to see if any of us wanted some French Turnip plants. I went over and got some and set them out and watered them before I retired. 7/20 WEDNESDAY - Still hot and dry. We were limited I our work at the shop, having but 2 dozen. But it lasted me until about 5 o'clock nevertheless. I did not go to class in the (evening) on account of getting and setting out more turnip plants. It was nearly 9 o'clock before I finished transplanting and watering. Gussie and I went out in the street to do some trading and got home at 9 o'clock. 7/21 THURSDAY - The third anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Warm, but considerable wind. Cooler in the evening. We were limited in our work in the shop today, only 1 dozen. I finished it off before dinner. John Bussing then cut my hair for me. I ate my diner (which I carried for the first (time) in a long time on account of Gussie being up to my folks to spend the day) and on my way home called at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and talked a while with him and John Cosier. When I got home, I changed my clothes, went back downtown and paid Dr. Bulkley for a visit to (my) wife a short time ago. He had another charge against me which I disputed and he did not insist upon it. I then went up home and spent the remainder of the P.M. and stayed to tea. I brought home my drawing knife which I found in a rusty condition. Went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. I got 3 letters from George. There was three more in the box from him to Mother, Harriet and Bell. The New York Times gives an account of an interview in Canada opposite Niagara between rebel commissioners and Horace Greely relative to an adjustment to our National Struggle, the war. Also of one between Rev. Col. Jacques and another man sent by President Lincoln to Richmond and Jefferson Davis, the rebel president. Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 7/22 FRIDAY - Yesterday's account of the interview between Horace Greely and rebels in Canada concerning a settlement of our national troubles was greatly exaggerated. I shot Mother Griswold's black cat this morning by her request. Her crime was catching chickens. On my way to the shop this morning, I called on Ashley at the Jeffersonian Office to see about a letter he received from George last evening. I carried my dinner to the shop again today. We were limited in our work at the shop, but it was enough to last me all day. I mailed a New York Times and a Tribune to George in the evening. Hattie Wheeler came down a while in the evening. Edith Newman sent me a letter she received from George for me to take some extracts from for the Jeffersonian. There was a picture in it for me. Answered George's letters before retiring. 7/23 SATURDAY - Cold this morning. Dry and dusty still. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to George and brought home a piece of corned beef for dinner. We had but 1 dozen hats at the shop. I finished before dinner. After dinner, I took a nap and the fixed our clothes wringer which was broken. I finished up the afternoon work by cleaning off and trimming the edges of the walk in front of the house. After tea, Aunt Louise, Frank and Emma called to get a few currants. Mr. Cocking carried 6 quarts of tomatoes to the Wooster House. I walked down with him. While waiting for the mail, a fellow came and spoke to me calling may name, but I could not recognize him until he gave his name. It was Moses Wheeler of Company C, 17th Regt., in the same Company with George. He is home on furlough. He came from Hilton Head. He has been detached for a clerk to some officer at the place. 7/24 SUNDAY - Morning dry and smoky. Homer B. Barnum of the Co A, 11th Regt. Was buried from the Disciples' Church this forenoon. Captain Henry Hall of Company F, 8th Regt. was buried from our church this P.M. He as well as Barnum of the 11th Regt. was killed by a sharpshooter in the rifle pits in front of Petersburg. Brother Mc Kinney brought Mother to church this morning and up to our house at noon. After Sunday School, I borrowed David Cosier's team and went for her again to attend Captain Hall's funeral. Father was there, so I rode down with her. Mr. Mootry died about 11 O'clock last night. A collection was taken this forenoon to raise $350.00. I gave $1.00. I left Harriet at the house this noon when I came for Mother. I expected to find her when we came home in the P.M., but she was gone. Gussie attended church all day. We were too tired to go in the evening and stayed home. 7/25 MONDAY - Rain. When I rose this morning, I found the cat had treed a rat on one of the evergreens in the yard. I got the gun and shot it. I bought a one half bbl. of flour this morning of Crofut for $7.75. We had one dozen hats to finish at the shop. I went back after dinner to finish them off. We were paid off in the P.M. On my way home, I paid my poll tax to the collector, Charles Crosby - $1.80. He had a military tax of $1.00 against me, but I thought it should be abated on account of having served the required time by law in the state militia. We concluded to let it go unpaid for the present until he found out something definite in regard to it. I paid 3 cents to Dr. Brown for a letter overnight that someone had directed and sent to George. I spent the evening in taking extracts from George's letters for publication. 7/26 TUESDAY - The sun shone this morning, but there have been some fling clouds all day and at time the sun was obscured from sight with the appearance of rain. We had but little work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. I attended the funeral of Thomas Mootry at 2 o'clock at his late residence. From there, I carried an item up to B. Frank Ashley for publication in the Jeffersonian. It was the resignation of a 1st Lieutenant in Company G, 17th Regt. C.V. sent from one of George's letters. I called at Scofield's Dry Goods Store and paid Aaron Mallet's tax to Charles Crosby, the collector - $6.60. I went to market in the evening. Mrs. Cocking is sick and had Dr. Bulkley today. 7/27 WEDNESDAY - Eddie Vintz, youngest brother to Louisa, who was adopted at his mother's death to a German family named Davis died this morning at nearly 4 years old about 4 o'clock with the croup. I did what there was to do at the shop by 10 o'clock and came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office, agent for the Danbury Coal Company, and ordered my winter's coal to be brought today. I brought home a small iron from the shop belonging to John Morris to let Gussie try it at ironing her clothes. Bell came down in the P.M. and wanted Gussie to go with her to select some paper curtains for Mother. She could not go on account of staying with Mrs. Cocking who is sick so I went down with her. We bought 4. I gave her 10 cents to help get her some a little nicer. My coal came in the P.M. - 4 tons. I bought 2 Jeffersonians for George and sent them as follows: one to Bell Conrad at Stratford and one to Cornelia Smith at North Pitcher, Chenango County, New York and put his name in pencil under his piece headed 'An Evening in St. Augustine' as he directed me to do. I gave John Cosier $40.00 in the evening on my coal bill to the Danbury Coal Company to be credited to me under date of tomorrow the 28th. I attended class in the evening. Clark Hoyt's and ours went together in the middle classroom and were led by a New York man named Sudlow. We had a good meeting. The room was full. Mother was down. Some of the friends with their team brought her down as she is not able to walk so far. 7/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work but the hats were not ready and could have nothing to do today. I came up to A. G. Crosby's coal office and talked awhile with [??] and John Crosier. I waited until the train came in and then got the mail for Father Griswold (I not having any) and came home. I fixed the eave trough to my sink room roof before dinner. I took a nap after dinner. While lying in the lounge, Hart Purdy came in to have me take the gun and take a ramble with him. I did so; we went over toward Mr. Lynes and then over to Oil Mill Pond and we shot at a few birds and at a muskrat and brought nothing home. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then copied a letter of George's for publication in the Jeffersonian. Gussie attended the funeral of Louise Vintz's brother who was adopted by Mr. Davis, a German. Mrs. Feeks called after tea. I went into the street in the evening, bought a beefsteak for breakfast, went to the Post Office and came home. Before tea, I gave my borrowed gun a good cleaning and put it away. The gun belongs to Mr. Montgomery, brother-in-law to Mr. McDonald. 7/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and pretty warm. On my way to the shop this morning, I left Cosmopolite's letter at the Jeffersonian's office for publication in next week's issue. It was an account of how the Regt spent the 4th of July in St. Augustine. I took the extracts of his letters and arranged them by his request. We had heavy CG hats at the shop and I got tired out before night. Harry Ledger told me how to make a grease for my iron. I bought the tallow and beeswax on my way home to make it. I went to market in the evening. Took a letter from the Post Office for Father Griswold from Rev. Joseph Henson, now at Hilton for the Christian Commission. The letter was in reply to one from Father Griswold about his taking the chaplaincy of the 71th Regt., C.V. John Morris caught a turtle at Mill Pain Pond while eeling last night which weighed 61 pounds. 7/30 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood 84 in the shade at 5 P.M. There was a town meeting held at 2 o'clock to raise an injunction previously laid to prevent paying out money previously appropriated for the procuration of volunteers, etc. The meeting being illegal on account of there being but 4 days' notice given when there should have been 30 days, nothing was done. I finished my work about 3 one half o'clock. Went to market in the evening. News by the evening post that the rebels are in Penn. and are advancing in 3 columns. Grant has also been successful near Richmond. Charles Parsons, 1st Lieutenant, Regular Army, came to Father Griswold's in the evening from West Point. He is on his way to Hartford to drill the militia officers of this state at the Officers' drill commencing next Tuesday and ending Friday. He is Professor of Ethics at the Military Academy, having been assigned to that duty instead of the filed on account of lameness caused by varicose veins in his legs. He is sick; he says he was overcome by the great heat. 7/31 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Cousin Charlie Parsons is feeling poorly this morning, being sick to his stomach, did not eat anything at breakfast. Fanny came down for my lantern to let down in their well in their cellar thinking that their new kitten which they brought home last evening and put in the cellar had got into it. I went up and lowered the lantern but no cat was there. I then looked behind some rubbish and found him hid away. I attended church in the morning and sat in the choir. Gussie stayed at home with Charlie Parson and let her folks go, he not feeling able to go himself. Union Sunday School concert in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church. I came home after Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. with Gussie and Cousin Charlie. We had dinner up there with them by taking our piece of roast lamb up there. After the meal, Charlie came home with us to see our premises. I added a few lines to the letter I was writing to George and sealed it. I also put up A Saturday's Tribune and Evening Post and mailed with the letter in the evening. Instead of going to prayer meeting, I went down to see John Sharp and engage him to come for Cousin Charlie in the morning and take him to the train. I then came home and spent the remainder of the evening with Charles Parsons. We gave him our card pictures to take home with him.
1864-07
Horace Purdy Journal June 1869 Entry
12pgs
JUNE 01 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. After breakfast, I hoed out the oats in four rows of potatoes for Father Griswold. I then took the lesson books, catechisms, etc. which I bought yesterday in New York for the Sunday School down to the church and a “Singing Pilgrim and Leaves” down to Mrs. Horace Crofut at the foot of Liberty Street. I got my clock at T. B. Fanton's (where it has been to be cleaned) and the papers at Swift's and then came home. In the P.M., I went into the street to engage Mr. Sayers to plow out potatoes for Father Griswold tomorrow and to Knox's paint shop to make arrangements for graining my sitting room. I then came home and commenced scraping off the old graining preparatory to putting on the new. After tea, I planted over parsnips, also some corn. I then went into the street and engaged some butter at Holmes' to come tomorrow. I mailed a letter this morning to William Hayes. At tea time, Charles Hayes paid Gussie $24.00 for board. JUNE 02 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast, I went with Charley to his shop (The Sewing Machine Factory) and borrowed of him a scraper to scrape off the old graining in my sitting room. I worked at it until the middle of the P.M. when I went up to Knox's for paint for priming preparatory to graining. I worked until 11 o'clock at night in order to finish putting on the first coat of paint. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. Louise held lamp for me a part of the evening. It has been showery today. George came in the morning and borrowed my fish lines to go fishing. The New York circus which travels by railroad has showed here today. JUNE 03 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Charles Hayes (our boarder) last night thought he would change his boarding place. He arranged for a place in Montgomery Street and paid a week's board in advance. He came back while I was painting and after further consideration, concluded to stay with us. He however, stayed at the new place last night. He went to Bridgeport on a trip today and returned after tea this evening. Mr. Pond and I ground the scythe, sickle and two carvers after breakfast this morning. I worked for Father Griswold this forenoon, hoeing out his corn and potatoes. After dinner, I took a nap and then took Georgie with his straw hat down to the shop and pressed it over for him making it good as new. From there, we walked up to John Cosier's office where I had a little more talk with him about buying his business and then Georgie and I came home. After tea, while it was cool and pleasant, I worked in my garden until it was dark. Gussie and Louise went up to Mrs. McNeil's this P.M. to see about some dress making. They called a few minutes at the cemetery before returning. JUNE 04 FRIDAY - After breakfast, I wrote two letters - to William Hayes, 31 Downing Street, and Hiram Benjamin, 151 Fulton Street. I sent them to the Office in time for the morning mail by William Blissard. I helped Father Griswold hoe his garden for a while in the morning until the sun became hot about 10 o'clock when I came in and commenced putting on our sitting room, the second coat of paint for graining. Bell took Georgie up to Mallory's Shop with her but returned in time for dinner. I did not finish painting until 6 o'clock. I have to go for more paint before I can finish. I went to market in the evening. It clouded over in the P.M. and before night it rained a little. Father Griswold talked with John Cosier about me buying his leather cutting business. I wished him to see him and give his opinion concerning it that I might have the benefit of his counsel, to say nothing of his approval which is very desirable. He does not object to the movement. While in his study this evening, I signed a certificate on the back of my note of $1,200.00 to the Savings Bank stating that he (E.E.G.) had paid such note and acknowledging my indebtedness to him for said amount. JUNE 05 SATURDAY - Muggy in the morning. Sunshine and two hard thunder showers in the P.M. I went down to see John Cosier in the forenoon and pretty much concluded to buy out his share of his business. Mr. Sherman, the grocer, came up about 11 o'clock for some pie plant. I let him have 7 lbs. and Mr. Pond 10 lbs. at 3 cents per pound. After dinner, I took a short nap and then took Georgie for a walk with me into the street, to John Cosier's office, to the depot at the arrival of the 3:15 train, expecting H. B. Benjamin from New York who promised to bring my old account books, etc. from my old store. He did not however come. I then walked down to the shop and then home again just in time to escape a hard shower. In the evening, I went again to do some marketing and to see if H. B. Benjamin came on the train. George and Bell went to New York this morning. JUNE 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I attended church in the forenoon. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie. After school, I came home with him. After supper, we all took a walk up to E. S. Davis' new house on Rose Hill. We met Henry Ely's wife and child up there. We came home by Mallory's shop and Elm Street. We called on Robert and Maria Cocking before coming home. I went to church in the evening and slept during most of the sermon. Put on underclothes. JUNE 07 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I put on my underclothes again yesterday morning and I find them quite comfortable. I went down to the shop this morning and got my pocketknife which I left there one day last week. I saw Mr. Crofut and told him that I was sorry that I could not pay him the $60.00 I owe him but promised to pay as soon as I received my money from the sale of the New York business. He expressed himself satisfied. I also saw D. P. Nichols and told him the same regarding $24.61 which I owe him. I spent most of the day with George Barnum (John Cosier's partner) helping him. When I came home, I went over to Ed. James to look at some clothing which he wants to sell me. I saw nothing that suited me. After tea, I transplanted dahlias and one tomato plant from a pot. Gussie has been growing this plant all last winter. At noon, I wrote to Carlton & Lenahan ordering half dozen Vol. 1 of “Two Years with Jesus”. Dr. Thompson's son Thomas was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. I have felt cold today and have the headache. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. JUNE 08 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop today. There was shower of rain (but no thunder) about 7 o'clock this morning. Another with thunder as I was returning to the shop after dinner. After work I selected a hat for Mr. Pond and brought home to him. On my way home, I left a copy of “Outlines of the U. S. Government” with David Hoyt at the Railroad Repair shop. He promises to pay next Tuesday, a week from today. Kit is $2.00. I called at John Cosier's office also as I came home. I am yet undecided about buying him out. After tea, I spaded the ground over (or rather forked it over) between my potatoes and early cabbages. Gussie went to market in the evening with Susan Brayman and I stayed at home. I directed an envelope for Susan to send to John at Walpole, Mass. in care of Gill & Sons. The hat for Mr. Pond was $3.00. I charged it to him as I am owing to him on a book account. JUNE 09 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than it has been since last Saturday's thunder showers. I went to the shop this morning for my pocket rule which I left there yesterday. I called at Cosier's office and came home and worked in the garden until noon. After dinner, I wrote Henry Day at 61 Carmine Street, New York about sending a package to me which was last Saturday left there for me by William Hayes. It is my old account books, papers, etc. pertaining to my business in New York at 68 1/2 Carmine Street. I went into the street, mailed the letter, and left a copy of Philip Phillips new singing book, “The Standard Singer” at Ed. Allen's to send to B. Lockwood in Bethel. I called again on John Cosier and told him that I would not buy him out after considering the matter as I have done. I pulled weeds in my garden before tea. In the evening, I went to the church to vote on the question of Lay representation. I voted against it. There were 85 votes cast, 65 for and 20 against it. Gussie attended also. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie to let us attend. JUNE 10 THURSDAY - A little sunshine in the morning but it soon clouded over and before noon commenced to rain. I began in the morning to mow the grass in front of my place, Father Griswold’s, and N. C. Ponds, also to trim out, draw a line, cut a straight edge, and repair the walk. Mr. Pond offered me $3.00 a day to do his front walk. I worked until 4 P.M. when the rain stopped me. This morning, while over to Mr. McDonald's for milk, he (Mr. McDonald) spoke to me about not paying my church seat rent. I think he is meddling with what is none of his business. If he has been directed by the Leaders and Stewards to speak to me about it, I think that they treat me unkindly at least for I am as well aware as they that I owe for the seat and have not been able to pay but will as soon as I am able and they ought to know me well enough for that. I have had the headache nearly all day but have worked out, nevertheless. I did not feel able to go into the street in the evening, so Gussie went and did the marketing. George Stevens' son, Frank, who has not long been out of the penitentiary yesterday stole $200.00 from Graham, the carpenter and this morning, Officer Crosby arrested him. After tea, I wrote to my successor in New York, Henry Day, to see if he can send me some money soon. I am owing Mr. Pond, $100.00. He has a note to meet on the 15th inst. And I would like very much to pay him and thereby help him on the note as he spoke to me about it this morning. He is a kind good fellow and will not force me at all if I do not get the money for him, but he ought to have it and I very much want to pay it for it is a long time past due. Gussie mailed the letter for me this evening. JUNE 11 FRIDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a little splatter of a shower in the P.M. and again in the evening. I finished working on Mr. Pond's sidewalk this morning. I spent the rest of the day drawing with Alfred Gregory's horse and wagon and wheeling on a barrow sand for Father Griswold's and my sidewalk. I spent a short time while waiting for the horse in hoeing my garden. I was very tired at night. Father has gone to Ridgefield and Mother has come over today to stay overnight with Frank Bouton. Tomorrow she will return as far as here and spend the day. JUNE 12 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until noon. I came home to dinner and while eating it, Ambrose Hill came in with his spring bed model. I had a talk with him about canvassing New London and Windham Counties. I went over home with him and examined one in use on his bed. We had some talk about working the thing together, canvassing this county and then going to New London and Windham. I took the model home with me thinking to operate a little with it. On my way home, I stopped to see George Starr about what Mr. McDonald told me was said derogatory to my character and good name in a meeting of the church officials about my unpaid seat rent. He disbelieves McDonald's story and promises to set matters right next meeting of the Leaders and Stewards. I cashed Oscar Serine's account this morning. It was $4.00. We could not make change, so I gave him a $5.00 bill. This evening, he saw me and paid me the dollar. I went into the street this evening and got a letter from George in Brooklyn. He is yet very weak from his sickness (the Jaundice). He has but little work and is anxious to get out of Brooklyn. Mother has not been here today as expected; for what reason we know not. As I came home this evening, I called at Mrs. Wilcox's on Deer Hill to see if Mr. H. B. Benjamin had come from New York and if he brought my package of account books from the Carmine Street store. I saw him but he forgot my parcel. JUNE 13 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I went down to Sunday School at noon. It being our Concert Sunday, I distributed my papers before the exercises commenced. I delivered to L. W. Bartram the half dozen “Two Years with Jesus”, 1st Series which he ordered last Sunday. The $1.50 for these, he could not pay, having no money with him. After school, I came home with Georgie. After dinner, Charlie took a walk with Theo. Bradley. Gussie went to the Band of Hope (Ed. Note: The Band of Hope was a temperance organization for working-class children, founded in Leeds, England in 1847.) and I walked over to John Bouton's and to John Morris' new house with Georgie. JUNE 14 MONDAY - Rain most of the time until after dinner when it finally came off pleasant and hot. I had work in the shop until noon. I started out about 3 P.M. with the model to canvass for the Connecticut Spring Bed Bottom. I sold one to Henry Barry the first call I made. Almon Hickok, I think, will take one also. Several others spoke favorably and may buy. Before returning home, I called to see Alvin Hurd, who is very feeble and will not probably be any better. He is I think about 74 years old. I received by this evening's mail a letter from Yonkers, New York from George Hendrickson with $2.60 enclosed, the amount of his bill for picture frames I made for him before selling out in New York. Before retiring, I made out a receipt for the amount and enclosed with a note to him. I also wrote to George and enclosed 50 cents for him to go over to New York at 10 Grove Street and collect a bill for me from Mr. Tater. I wrote to Daniel Minnerly, my old gilder, for $1.90 he owes me for a frame he made for a friend. He is with my successor, Henry Day at 61 Carmine Street. Knox sent a man today to grain our sitting room. JUNE 15 THURSDAY - Muggy with a little rain, also warm sunshine. I had a half dozen hats to finish at the shop this morning. I took the model for the spring bed with me to the shop thinking I might canvass a little when I finished my work. I talked a little with Mr. Mansfield about laying in my winter's supply of coal. I being out, ordered a half ton of Carmel Ridge which came in the afternoon. Just at night, I canvassed a little for the spring bed. I took an order for one from Frank Larson. I went over to the depot this evening, expecting that my account books would be sent by someone from New York, by H. B. Benjamin, but saw nothing. The bill I sent yesterday to Carlton & Lenahan to be receipted was returned this evening all right by mail. David Hoyt this evening paid me $2.00 for “Outline of U. S. Government” which I a week ago delivered. Temperance Strawberry Festival this evening at Concert Hall. Gussie attended. WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 - Pleasant. I went down to Andrew Knox's in the forenoon and got a 1/2 pint of varnish. In the afternoon, I varnished the sitting room which was grained the day before yesterday. I also varnished my secretary and the parlor chairs. Gussie has had Susan Brayman helping her clean the stairway, wash blinds, scour tin ware and can 5 pineapples. She and Gussie made chowder for dinner. I went to the depot in the evening to see if H.B. Benjamin sent my package of account books which William said he would leave at the store (61 Carmine Street) to be sent to me and which Mr. Benjamin promised to send or bring to me. They were not sent. Louise brought a letter to me from the evening mail which was sent to me for New York purporting to come from Gumbridge & Company, 69 Wall Street. I doubt such a name could be found if one tried to do so. The thing was offering counterfeit U. S. Treasury Notes - $200 for $15, $1,000 for $50, and $2,000 for $80. Who the man can be who presume to draw me into such unlawful business, I cannot tell. I spoke of it to Ambrose Hill when I went in the evening to talk about the Connecticut Spring Bed business. We have pretty much made up our minds to take New London and Windham Counties and go on there to canvass for them. Before retiring, I showed the New York communication to Father Griswold. I think tomorrow, I shall put it into Officer Crosby's hands. JUNE 17 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have canvassed all day for the spring bed. It pleases all who have seen it. Nelson Nickerson's child was brought here this P.M. from Stratford for burial. This evening, I put the counterfeiter's letter into Charles Crosby's hands. I went to the depot this evening but saw no one from New York with my store account books. I returned home and took my spring bed model and called in West Street to see Mr. Coe and Robert Redfield. Coe thinks he will take one. JUNE 18 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have spent today in canvassing for the spring bed. I sold one to James Olmstead at the Sewing Machine Factory. I went up to E. S. Davis to sell him some of them. They have not yet completed their house and cannot yet fit up their beds but there is a good prospect of selling them some, I think. Father and Mother were here to tea. After tea, I went over to Olmstead's in River Street and measured his bedstead for his spring bed. About 10:30 this evening, Saul Flieg and Theo. Bradley drove up for Charlie Hayes to go and ride with them. Charles was in his room partly undressed to retire. He came down and went with them. JUNE 19 SATURDAY - Pleasant and hot. Charlie Hayes went to work without his breakfast because we did not get it in time. I carried it to him. I have canvassed all day for the spring bed. Received a letter from George stating that he went to see Tator about my bill and gave him my receipt for the amount ($4.00) to bill an account which he owed to Tator and he will pay me. I went to market in the evening with Gussie. I came home with the things and then went over to see Ambrose Hill about the spring bed affair where I stayed and talked until nearly 11 o'clock. Hiram B. Benjamin brought my old account books from New York this evening. I met him coming from the depot and took the books from him. Bell took Georgie up home with her to stay all night. JUNE 20 SUNDAY - Warm but showery. A hard thundershower about 6 o'clock. Bell came down with Georgie in time to dress him for Sunday School. I did not go down until noon. Brother Burch preached to the Sunday School children this morning and took a collection for the school amounting to $8.45. I let Theo Bradley count the school, etc. for me to see if he could do it for me as I am intending to be away over a few Sundays soon. Bell came home with Gussie to supper. Gussie went to church in the evening while I stayed home. I took a letter from the Office last evening for William Franklin. This evening I mailed it to George. JUNE 21 MONDAY - I grafted Fannie's lemon tree with orange this morning, also Gussie's. I met Ambrose Hill at the Jeffersonian Office this morning at 8 o'clock to arrange for some printing on the bottom of posters advertising our 'Connecticut Spring Beds'. It was putting our names on the bottom of them as agents for the same. Joe Ives and his salesman Ed Allen tried to run down the beds to me claiming that they were good for nothing. They either lied or the beds they had were a condemned lot for the Connecticut Spring bed is a success, in fact, superior to any other kind. This is my opinion, as it is of all who have used them except Allen and Ives, and they having other kinds to sell, of course say all they can against ours. Almon Judd wants me to put one in his bedstead in competition with John Raymond's. Ambrose received a dispatch from D. R. French, the general agent in Bridgeport, and this P.M., took the 4:15 train for Bridgeport to see what he wants. It commenced raining about 5 P.M. and continued through the evening. I went to market this evening and before coming home, I went to Homer Peters and had my hair cut. Charles Hayes received a dispatch from New York this morning on business. He took the noon train for the city. JUNE 22 TUESDAY - Stormy. I worked in the shop until about 3 P.M. I then on my way home from the shop met Ambrose Hill and we went to see David Osborne and took an order for a spring bed. He (Hill) came home with me and we made out my first order of 7 and in the evening, I mailed it to the manufacturer, T. G. Twitchell in New Haven. I went over home before tea with Hill and got my new model, leaving the old one with him to put in a new spring. Our church having a Strawberry & Cream Festival this evening, I acted as one of the doorkeepers. After it was over, I went home with Florence Polly up to William Scofield's. JUNE 23 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop about noon. A part of the P.M., I canvassed for our spring bed. I sold to H. B. Fanton (1), Hanford Fairchild (3), and Daniel Starr (1). In the evening, I went to our festival. I attended door a part of the time. I guessed on the weight of the cake. Seven of us guessed the same. JUNE 24 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked a part of the A. M. in the shop. I finished mowing my dooryard this morning. When I came from work, I raked it up and carried it off. I met Ambrose Hill at the Depot on the arrival of the freight train. We expected 19 spring beds from New Haven, but they did not come. I canvassed a little for the remainder of the P.M. and then worked until dark hoeing in my garden. Charlie Hayes came from New York by the 3:15 train. Louise M. Jones called here about noon just after Gussie went up home. Bell came down just at night with Georgie. He has been staying up there for the last two days. JUNE 25 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I hoed in my garden in the morning. In the forenoon, I went over to E. W. Benedict's at Beaver Brook to sell him some spring beds. He did not order today, but I think he will. I took an order from William Jabine at the Danbury Savings Bank. I went in the P.M. and measured his bed. Henry Day was in town today. I saw him at the depot this P.M. as he was going away. His business is improving and will try to get some money for me soon. After tea, I went over to Robert Cocking for some cabbage plants and sent them out. I wrote a duplicate of our last order for beds of T. E. Twitchell in New Haven and mailed it to D. R. French at Derby. He is the general agent and the one we deal with and by his consent, we order direct of Twitchell the manufacturer and then send duplicates of all orders to French. I went into the street in the evening and mailed it. I took a walk to Ambrose Hill's house about 9 o'clock, but he had not returned from Newtown, so I came home again. JUNE 26 SATURDAY - I went over to Ambrose Hill's in the morning after hoeing a little in my garden, but not finding him at home, I went to Andrew William's machine shop to get a thumb screw put in a brace which I want to take with me to New London County next week to use in putting in spring bed bottoms. I went from there to the shop to see about my pay. Joe White (one of the firm) asked me about some money I borrowed from them last December 4th. I told him that as soon as I got money from the sale of the New York store, I would settle it. This seemed satisfactory. I went over to T. R. Hoyt's and measured his bed for spring bottom. I canvassed a little and went back to the shop to get my pay -$4.81. I then came home. Gussie received a paper from Eliza in California. We expected 18 beds this evening by freight but did not receive them, so Ambrose and I canvassed a little in the P.M. We sent off another order for 6 by the afternoon mail. I went into the street in the evening and bought a pair of low cloth patent leather tipped shoes for $2.00. I called a few minutes at the Wooster Guard Festival at Concert Hall and then came home. Gussie went into the street also in the evening. JUNE 27 SUNDAY - Muggy in the morning. A little sunshine in the middle of the day. From 3 to 7 P.M., we had three thunder showers, a hard rain with each. I went to church in time for Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with Georgie, leaving Gussie at the church. I bought of our Superintendent, B. F. Bailey, a “Fresh Laurels” (Ed. Note, a Sunday School hymnal) for Gussie. JUNE 28 MONDAY - Thunder showers this morning. The sun finally came out scalding hot. I went over to see Ambrose Hill in the forenoon. We went downtown together. We took an order of bed springs of Noah T. Hoyt. After dinner, we went to the depot. Our bed springs came, 18 of them. Six of them go to Newtown; The other twelve we delivered and put up as follows: Peter Starr, David Osborne, Swertfager, (editor of the Jeffersonian), W. G. Randall, John Cosier, S. C. Holley, James O. Olmstead (he being away when we went there to put it up, we left it for tomorrow), J. W. Jennings, Frank Leason, Henry Barry, Noah T. Hoyt, and one for myself. It was 10:30 at night before we finished our work of putting up. We had a little trouble with Barry's and Leason's. At the factory where they are made, they got the names exchanged, Barry's name on Leason's and Leason's on Barry's. The trouble was not serious however, as they lived as near neighbors. We took an order of James Ryder's wife while putting up Peter Starr's. We used one ordered for Henry Stevens for Noah T. Hoyt's bed, so before retiring, we ordered one for Noah T. Hoyt's in place of one ordered for him and one for Mrs. James Ryder. JUNE 29 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. I slept on our new spring bed last night for the first time. We like it very much. Ambrose Hill called before breakfast to read a letter to me which he received last evening from T. E. Twitchell, our spring bed manufacturer in New Haven. He states that the last lot we ordered and expected today he cannot send until the last of the week for want of slats. He has 5,000 which he expects this week and there will be no delay hereafter about filling our orders. I fitted some bits and a screwdriver to our brace this morning. After breakfast, James Olmstead drove up here and took me in and afterword, Ambrose and we went over to his house and put in his spring bed bottom for him. He paid me as soon as the work was done. From there, we went down to Noah T. Hoyt's and finished putting in his which we did not complete last night. Ambrose went to Newtown this P.M. with six beds. I canvassed a little this P.M. I took an order this morning from Mr. Pond for a set of springs. Being very tired this evening, I stayed at home and let Gussie do the marketing. JUNE 30 WEDNESDAY - Muggy. Some sunshine and showers during the day. Ambrose came home from Newtown this noon. In the P.M., we finished fastening in their bedstead springs for P. Starr and David Osborne. While at David's he gave us another bed order. We made new crossbars for David Osborne's bed. The trouble was owing to wrong measurements done by himself. I had 5 tons of coal put in today ' Council Ridge. Ambrose took tea with us. I wrote another order for 6 spring bed bottoms, a duplicate of the same I sent to D. R. French, the general agent. I shall mail them tomorrow morning.
1869-06
Kaffenberger Appraisal, 2 - 30 River Street
Real Estate Appraisal for the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury
7 appraisals, 14 images
2 -8 -10 -14 River Street - Gene's Appliances, George Shaker, Anne Shaker
18 - 20 River street
26 River Street
13 - 25 River Street - Fairfield Holding Co.
21 River Street (rear) - Fairfield Holding Co.
28 - 28 1/2 River Street
30 -30 1/2 River Street Joseph P. Haddad, Mary Haddad
1960
Kaffenberger Appraisal, 27 - 45 River Street
Real Estate Appraisal for Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury
7appraisals, 8 images
27 - 31 River St., Castro Convertible Employees Retirement Fund, Bernard and Theresa Castro
44 River St., Abraham Hajj, Edward Hajj
35 River Street
36 River Street
37 River St., Danbury Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol
40-42 River St., Interstate Fur Manufacturing
45 River St., Boesch Manufacturing Co., Arthur H. Boesch
1960
Kaffenberger Appraisal, 44, 46 - 54 River Street
Real Estate Appraisal for Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury
44 River St., Edward Hajj
46 River St., H. Yamin
47 River St., Miled Ellis, Labeeby Ellis
48 River St., Church of God in Christ Inc,
50 River St., John and Stella Maroun
51 River St., Nazeeta Taylor
53 River St., estate of William R. White (in 1912, to the City)
54 River Street
1960
Kaffenberger Appraisal, 45-66 Elm Street, 3-9 River Street
Real Estate Appraisal for the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury
7 appraisals, 8 images
45 - 47 Elm Street
49 - 51 Elm Street
59 Elm Street Danbury Confectionary
62 Elm Street L. Ziallas - tailor, Bo-Bran Shoe Shop
64 - 66 Elm Street - Joseph Buzaid, Nazhia Buzaid, Buzaid Mutual
3 - 5 - 7 River Street
9 River Street - United Fur Company, American Fur Brokers Inc. 1265 Broadway NYC
1960
Kaffenberger Appraisal, 55 - 59 River Street, Rose Street
Real Estate Appraisal for Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury
5 appraisals, 11 images
55, 57 - 59 River St., George E. Samaha, store and Flying A Service Station
56 - 58 River St., George E. Samaha
60 -62 Rose St., Matthews family
26 Rose St., Winfield S. Holman
Rose St. - NE corner and Tweedy Passway , Boesch Manufacturing Co., former owner American Hatters and Furriers Inc., Paul Martin Hat Co.
1960
Kaffenberger Appraisal, 9-43 Elm Street, 27-31 River Street
Real Estate Appraisal for Redevelopment Agency of the City of Danbury
7 appraisals, 7 images
9 - 11 Elm Street - Omaha Beef Co.
13 -17 Elm Street
19 - 21 Elm Street - The Stone Co.
27 - 31 River Street - Bernard Castro, Theresa Castro, Castro Convertible Employees Retirement Fund, Castro Chair Corp.
23 -33 Elm Street
35 Elm Street - Federal Glass Co., A & B Storm Windows
43 Elm Street
1960