Horace Purdy Journal, December 1860 Entry
7pgs
DECEMBER 01 – SATURDAY – No work in the shop. I spent most of the AM in drawing up anew the Librarian’s Account Book. I bought of Charles Bennett some composition for sealing up cider bottles. We took tea with Mother Griswold. We both went into the street in the evening, Gussie to Mary Hoyts’ to see about a new hat and I to market and to Moses’ for my overcoat which he has been repairing. DECEMBER 02 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Somewhat cool and windy. We rose so late this morning that we had to neglect prayers in order to get to church on time. Brother Pegg preached an excellent sermon to the Sabbath School in the morning. His text was “And Jesus called a little child unto Him.” Brother Lovejoy from New York was with us at the Sabbath School. He opened the school with a hymn and a prayer. It was good to see him again in our school. He has grown old in looks very fast since he resided here with us. Brother Pegg preached a good sermon in the PM. His text was “For I am not afraid of the Gospel of Christ”, Romans 1, first clause of the 16th verse. The church was crowded and all seemed much interested. He entered into his theme with ardor and all his soul. He seemed to be inspired from on high. We called over to Mother Griswold’s before meeting in the evening time and walked down to meeting with her. Brother Pegg styled the meeting a Thanksgiving Prayer Meeting. A few prayers were made and then it was devoted to speaking. A good number spoke, but there was not as much freedom as there should have been. Notwithstanding, we had a good meeting. DECEMBER 03 – MONDAY – The third anniversary of my wedding. I went to the shop in the morning, but found nothing to do and came home and spent the remainder of the day painting my fence. Mother Griswold and Fanny took tea with us. I went to the Post Office in the evening and came directly back. The day has been pleasant and cool. DECEMBER 04 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. It commenced snowing about 9 o’clock and continued all day. It is our first snow storm. I put hinges on Mother Griswold’s ottoman boxes in the forenoon. We had dinner over to her house. David Knowles called after dinner to see Mr. Smith. He was not home, so David stayed awhile with me. I went with George over to George Starr’s shop and made a cabinet for curiosities for him. Gussie and I filled it with a lot of trash in the evening and went over home with it to her folks. DECEMBER 05 – WEDNESDAY – I swept paths this morning for the first time this winter. The snow was about a foot deep on the level. The day has been pleasant and sleigh bells have jingled briskly for the first time. I swept paths for Mother Griswold also in the morning. The President’s Message came out in the paper today. We had tea over to Mother Griswold’s. I went to class in the evening. DECEMBER 06 – THURSDAY – Having nothing to do in the shop, we rose rather late. Our new stove, The Northern Light, came today. Mother came down in the PM. Mother Griswold and Fanny came over and stayed to tea. I attended prayer meeting in the evening. DECEMBER 07 – FRIDAY – I went into the street in the AM and got my pot of butter at Graham Hull’s – 24 ¾ lbs. for $6.19, I got one yard of oil cloth for the parlor stove and bound it myself. In the PM, I called on Robert Sayers, the Treasurer of the Danbury Cornet Band and got $9.00 from the Wooster Light Guards for the rent of the hall. I called at the shop and came home. I attended drill in the evening. There was not a quorum there to do any business. I paid the $9.00 to A. Knox, the Treasurer. DECEMBER 08 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. It snowed a little in the AM. I spent the day around home. I bottled cider in the PM. I went to a special Hatters’ Meeting in the evening to take into consideration the adoption of uniform bills of price as prescribed by the National Association. DECEMBER 09 – SATURDAY – Mild and pleasant for December. Brother Pegg preached in the AM from 1st Peter, 1, first clause of the 19th verse. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon, a large attendance, every seat was filled. Brothers MacDonald and Lovejoy talked to the school. Sacrament in the PM. There was a full attendance. Six were taken in on probation besides four who were baptized and two who were taken into full connection. We attended church in the evening. Brother Pegg preached from 1st Corinthians, 3, last of the 27th verse. Subject, “How to be rich”. A good sermon. DECEMBER 10 – MONDAY – No work in the shop. I took a sleigh ride around town in the morning with David Knowles. George came home with me to dinner and I finished bottling my cider in the PM. Father Griswold came home on the freight train severely afflicted with Salt Rheumatism on his ankles. I went to market in the evening. Mrs. Smith came down and spent the evening with us. It commenced snowing in the forenoon and it turned to rain in the PM. DECEMBER 11 – THURSDAY – Nothing to do in the shop. I spent most of the forenoon at Mr. Woodward’s shop reading The Tribune and talking politics with Mr. Bailey, his jeweler. After dinner, I took a nap and then went to Mr. Hanford’s with Gussie for a pair of Morocco and rubber shoes. I went to class in the evening. Ours met with Brother Charles Stevens tonight because of the lecture tomorrow night. It was icy this morning. Pleasant all day. DECEMBER 12 – WEDNESDAY – No work in the shop. I walked downtown in the forenoon after the mail was opened. I called at the Office and came home. In the PM, I went over to George Starr’s shop and got out two pieces to put on the bottom of my South and West doors to prevent the storms from driving in under them over the sills. The remainder of the time, I spent in reading my paper. Mother Griswold came in a little while in the evening. I went into the street for some kerosene oil. DECEMBER 13 – THURSDAY – I have had work in the shop today for the first time since Thanksgiving. We started to go to meeting in the evening, but Gussie, having to go to Mr. Hanford’s to change a pair of shoes, it made us too late for the meeting. I carried a correspondence to the editor of the Jeffersonian for Father Griswold. I called at Mr. Woodford’s to look at frames for photographs and then I came home. I then went over and bought for Mother Griswold 2 ½ bushels of coal from the cellar and filled her coal box for her. It has been a cold day and a prospect of a very cold night. DECEMBER 14 – FRIDAY – A very cold night last night. Cold today. I worked in the shop all day. Mr. Crofut sent me a half bushel of flour. He can get no money just now on account of the Panic. He had an opportunity to buy some flour on time and he bought it so that his men could have some flour until money could be had. I bought 3 lbs. Of raisins of him also which were very nice, some which he took in of a peddler for some hats. Father Griswold went away this afternoon, notwithstanding that he is severely afflicted with the Salt Rheumatism again. In taking my watch from the nail at the shop tonight, I dropped it, breaking the crystal. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at E. S. Davis’ and I went to drill in the evening. DECEMBER 15 – SATURDAY – It was very cold last night. It has moderated a little today, I think, though it is pretty cold yet. I went to the shop in the morning and finished one hat which was left over from yesterday and then waited all day until night expecting every half hour to get a dozen, but went home without getting a single hat. While winding my watch last night, I broke the main spring. I left it at Mr. Woodford’s in the morning. It was repaired when I came from work at night, but not having enough money to pay for it, I left it. I attended a special Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Brother Maynard being absent, I was appointed Secretary Pro Tem. The principal business was to make arrangements for our coming anniversary and exhibition on Wednesday evening, December 26. DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday. It has thawed a little. H. F. Pease of Bethel preached for us all day. Brother Pegg exchanged pulpits with him. Text in the morning, Matthew 27:22. A Mr. Skinner was with us in Sabbath School. He is traveling around introducing good literature to the reading public and also in laboring in Sabbath Schools in which he takes a great interest. He talked to our school for a short time after the lesson to the edification and acceptance of all. Text in the PM, Luke 15:2. I liked his preaching today better than ever before. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Mr. Wing from Goshen was there and exhorted at some length. He talked well. DECEMBER 17 – MONDAY – Today is the day for the Secession Convention in South Carolina. I have had work in the shop. I went to market in the evening and called with Gussie at the church where the Sunday School were met to rehearse for the Anniversary. I bought a string of suckers of Noah Hoyt and came home and dressed them before I retired. DECEMBER 18 – TUESDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but there was nothing to do. I finished and had trimmed a hat for David Knowles’ father and then had Nelson Nickerson come home with me to dinner. We sat and talked awhile and then I went up home for my skates, thinking that we would go over to the pond for a short time, but I spent the whole PM looking them up as George had lent them out. About 4 o’clock, we went over to Col. White’s pond and I skated about tem minutes and then we went to our homes. I had a headache nearly all the PM, but it then ached severely. George came down about 6 o’clock and I cut his hair for him. DECEMBER 19 – WEDNESDAY – On my way to the shop in the morning, I carried a chicken and a winter squash to Mother White. There being no work in the shop, I came home and after dinner, went to Col. White’s pond and skated awhile. I did not attend clads in the evening, but stayed at home and helped Gussie chop and mix mince for pies. It rained a little in the evening. DECEMBER 20 – THURSDAY – It rained last night and the early part of the day. Very icy this morning. I went to the shop, but there was no work. Gussie having gone up home to spend the day, I went too. We stayed to dinner which we had about 4 o’clock and came home just after dark. We did not attend the Prayer Meeting in the evening. Abel’s pork having come, he made us a present of a spare rib. Mother gave Gussie a bed quilt before we came home – one which she promised when we were married. DECEMBER 21 – FRIDAY – Pleasant and warm with some mud. No work in the shop. The daily paper brings us news today that South Carolina passed her Secession Ordinance. I finished painting my front fence in the PM. Harriet and David Mills and Caroline and George came to tea and spent the evening. I went to drill in the evening. The company adjourned until the first Friday in April with the exception of the Quarterly Meeting in January. I came home and popped some corn for the cousins and visited with them until after ten o’clock when they went away, Harriet to her boarding place and David, Caroline and George went up home. DECEMBER 22 – SATURDAY – Rain last night and until nearly night today when it cleared off cold. I have had work in the shop – one dozen of 7/. Mr. DeOssy of Norwalk called on me at the shop to get me to canvass the town for subscriptions to the Sunday School Times. I received a letter from D. F. Hickok, the Patented Folding Clothes Dryer man, in answer to one I wrote to him about the agency for the dryer. I went into the street in the evening and got trusted for two undershirts at Stevens & Hoyt’s. DECEMBER 23 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Skinner, who is studying for the ministry and now canvassing for subscriptions to the Atlantic Monthly, preached for us in the morning. Text, Hebrews 12:1. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from 1st Peter 1:7. After the service, I went with Mother over to Dr. St. Johns to get a tooth extracted. After tea, we called over to Cousin Frances Boughton’s, who is sick with the quinsy. We attended church in the evening. Brother Pegg gave us a Christmas sermon. Text, Revelations 22, the last clause of the 16th verse – The Bright and Morning Star. DECEMBER 24 – MONDAY – Cool and windy. I have had one dozen hats today - /7. Mr. Crofut paid us a little money for the holidays. I drew $3.00. We went down to the church for a short time in the evening, where the children were rehearsing for the Anniversary. From there, we went up to Mr. Rowan’s store to see the Christmas toys and the purchasers. Father Griswold came home today. DECEMBER 25 – TUESDAY – I rose early and Peter Starr, Henry Hoyt, George and myself took George Starr’s double team and went down below Mountain Pond after evergreens to dress the church with. We came back about 11 o’clock. I went to work in the shop in the PM. I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 26 – WEDNESDAY – On my way to the shop in the morning, I stopped to have Dr. Bulkley call and see Father Griswold who is severely afflicted again with Salt Rheumatism. On my way from the shop at night, I went after Mother Griswold’s puppy at an Irishman’s, Thomas Sproul. In the evening, we had our Sunday School’s Anniversary. It was a complete success, notwithstanding the hard times. The church was crowded. The Christmas tree was a fine affair. DECEMBER 27 – THURSDAY – I have had one dozen of hats to finish today. I finished them just after dinner. There being no more ready for today, I came home. I went to market in the evening and bought a chicken. It was reported when the evening train came in that Fort Moultry at Charleston, South Carolina was on fire the guns spiked and a train laid to blow it up. Stephen Morris was buried in the PM, also, John Hedge, who died in his chair so suddenly. DECEMBER 28 – FRIDAY – A pleasant day. The report which we had last night is corroborated by the papers today. Major Anderson spiked the guns and burned the gun carriages and retreated to Fort Sumter to strengthen his position. It would now be impossible for any force, however large, to take Fort Sumter, even with the Major’s small force .The South Carolinians are indignant at the movements of Major Anderson, for they calculated to take Fort Sumter from the government themselves. I have had work in the shop but left about 2 o’clock to come home and eat a Christmas Dinner with Father and Mother Griswold and father and Mother Purdy, George and bell. We had a very pleasant time. In the evening, Abel and Harriet came over and they went with George and myself over to Col. White’s pond to skate. We returned early and finished the evening with old folks. DECEMBER 29 - SATURDAY – Cloudy and the appearance of snow. I have had work in the shop. I carried my subscription book and specimen Sunday School Times up to Mr. Huntington’s store in the evening, not having done anything with it. I have been too busy in the shop. The news from the revolutionists in South Carolina and the traitors in the government in Washington are more alarming every day. DECEMBER 30 – SUNDAY – Misty all day and some rain. We attended church. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Genesis 3:9, “Where Art Thou?” A Sunday School Missionary meeting at noon. The time was mostly occupied by the brethren speaking, occasionally singing a hymn. The meeting was an interesting one. Text in the PM was Job 7:16, “I would not live always.” A proclamation was read from our Governor Buckingham in pursuance in one from the President Buchanan (traitor as he is showing himself to be to the country) for Friday, the 4th of January, 1861 to be set aside for fasting and prayer. Our governor has made some suitable amendments to it, and out of respect to him, it will undoubtedly be observed. After tea, we went over home for a short time. It began to rain quite hard in the evening. On that account, we did not go out to church. DECEMBER 31 – MONDAY – I rose and went to the shop rather earlier than usual. I finished two hats which I had left over from last Saturday and then had to wait until after 2 o’clock, PM until I could get anymore. I went to Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Stirring news reaches us again today. It is reported that the President has consented to surrender the forts in Charleston harbor to the Carolinians (Traitors and Revolutionists) and recall Major Anderson from Fort Sumter. General Scott has written to Anderson to tell him that he did right and too hold his position and he will bear him out by heading the Northern army and putting down treason and rebellion. At least this is the report. It is reported here this evening that a telegraphic dispatch states that Buchanan has resigned his office as president of the United States. I hope that it is true for it may prevent a collision between South Carolina and the federal troops. I received a letter from Harriet today stating that she had no work and that she wanted to come up and stay awhile
1860-12-01
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1870 Entry
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3/1 I spent the forenoon in the street working insurance. In the morning I received a letter from my Ins. Co. saying I might forward the application for Mrs. Disbrow but would not make it payable to her husband unless he insured also. I answered by the PM mail saying that he now had $2,000 on his life. I urged the company to issue the policy as this was the only condition on which he will take the policy. Just at night I took John H. White to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. Filled out the certificate there and in the evening mailed it to the company. In the street this evening I saw Peter Robinson and took him into Dr. Bulkely's to be examined, leaving the other part of the application to be filled out tomorrow. 3/2 I delivered Charles H. Wilcox's policy for $500 and received the premium of $9.73. In the forenoon went down to the sewing machine factory and talked life insurance with Col. James Ryder explaining the plan and the strong points and advantages of the company. I gained his favor and acknowledgement that it was a superior company. I then called at the Pahquioque shop for a few minutes and from there to the post office and received the 3 policies, and also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with bill enclosed for 5 spring beds, my first lot sold since coming from New London last Christmas. In the PM I got Charlie Disbrow to deliver my spring beds which came by freight, to Hawley, May, Ryder, Beers and Griswold. During the afternoon and evening I put them all in. It was about 9 o'clock in the evening when I put the last one in for Henry Ryder on Montgomery St. in Granville Hoyt's house. About 5 this evening Dr. Bulkely examined George Bell's wife for a joint policy with her husband. Gussie went this evening to a surprise party at H. E. Comes on Rabbit Hill. 3/3 In the forenoon I went up to Peter Robinson's on Balmforth Ave. and took Mrs. Robinson's application for a joint life ins. policy with her husband. I received by the morning mail the policy for John H. White and a letter from D. R. French, General Agent, with enclosed permit for the State Insurance Commissioner for me to act as agent for the Homeopathic Mutual Life Ins. Company of NY. After dinner I went up to Gould S. Disbrow and took Mrs. Disbrow's application for a policy payable to her husband. I called at Mrs. E. M. Jones and got her signature to the friends certificate on Mrs. Robinson's application. Having felt sick with a headache all day and after dinner feeling worse, I kept quiet the remainder of the PM. After tea I felt better and went into the street to see George Bell about being examined tomorrow. Gussie went this evening to the auction sale of Fanton's fire damaged shirts and bought me 6 shirts nearly perfect for $3.50. 3/4 It tried to snow in the forenoon but was too cold. It moderated in the PM so that it snowed a little. Henry M. Day came in town this forenoon. I saw and had a talk with him about the money he owes me but could not get anything definite from him. In the PM I went up to Young and Ely's shop, to Mallory's . After tea I went into the street expecting to have George Bell examined but I could not find him. I deposited $18.60 in Danbury Bank for a check I sent by this PM mail to L. E. Twitchell. 3/5 I talked life insurance in Charles Chapman's shoe store in the forenoon. Young Dr. William Bulkely went up and examined Mrs. Disbrow this morning but omitted to have her sign the document so I went up before going to dinner and had her sign it. In the PM old Dr. Bulkely went up and examined Peter Robinson's wife. I mailed the joint applications by the afternoon mail. I put in a door spring for William Bedient Jr. , the artist. I did it to test it beside another kind he was using. In the evening I went in the street and did some marketing with Gussie and came home. Joseph Bates paid me today $6.84, he balance of his first quarterly payment on his 15 yr. endowment policy. 3/6 Gussie and Hattie Mills attended church while Georgie and I stayed home. After tea Georgie and I took a walk around the square to West St. by way of George and Orchard Streets. I wrote to George concerning his voting here this spring and also offered him New London and Wyndham counties for the sale of the Connecticut Spring Bed. 3/7 It has snowed all day. I received from the Homeo. Ins. Co. an extra from the Insurance Times, a statement of business of all companies doing business in NY for the year ending December 31, 1869. In the PM I mailed a letter to D.R. French at Seymour CT. I went to Concert Hall in the evening to hear Dr. Pond lecture on Temperance. It was acknowledged by those present to be the best lecture yet delivered and the audience voted unanimously to invite him to repeat it at some future time. 3/8 Sleighs tried to run but made sorry work of it. In the forenoon I went to the Sewing Machine factory to see James Olmstead to get the $27.00 left by Charles Hayes for me to draw. I got $20.00 and then came home, stopping as I got to the post office and got Mrs. Disbrow's policy from the Ins. Co. Received also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with receipted bill enclosed for the last lot of spring beds. After dinner I wrote to Mr. Twitchell and also to Starr & Farnham printers, cor. State and Main Streets, New London for the bed cut I had them use in printing my circulars. I want them to send it to Mr. Twitchell at New Haven. I also wrote to A. Stanley Smith. I then went into the street and mailed the letters I wrote and took Mr. Disbrow and his son Charlie's policy to them. Later in the PM I saw John White and gave his to him. They all paid me but Gould Disbrow who wants me to wait a day or two. Dr. Bulkely received a letter from the Ins. Office in NY to see Peter Robinson again about his pulse. So in the evening I went with him to the Doctor's office, and his pulse instead of being over 80 was 72, and expansion of chest instead of being 37' to 38' was 35' to 37'. 3/9 I went to Bethel on the noon train to talk life insurance and returned by the evening train. Received a letter in the evening mail from George answering mine about voting here in the spring, also telling me he was now at work at Straw Hat Curling. 3/10 I received a joint policy for George B. Bell and wife. I took the noon train for Bethel. Sidney Smith came up with me on the evening train. He came home with me and talked about taking the New London and Wyndham counties to sell the Connecticut Spring Bed. He left about 10 o'clock to walk back to Bethel. I bought of George Osborne in Bethel a smoked beef tongue. 3/11 I went up to the boot and shoe factory and to the Chase Carriage factory in the forenoon and talked life insurance. Rec'd by the morning mail a joint policy for Peter Robinson and wife. In the PM I delivered it and got a check for the amount of the premium, $109.40. Gould S. Disbrow also paid me the premium for his, $31.60 less $3.13 for a 1/22 [Bbl] flour. I talked life insurance with H. E Comes and Robert Sayers. George Dickens wife died this morning about 5 o'clock. 3/12 In the forenoon I rode with Peter Robinson over to Sturdevant's to talk life insurance a little with the shop hands. I rode back about noon with William A. Bouton who drives George Starrs' team. Before going to dinner I took Peter Robinson's check to the Danbury Bank. I made out my report to D.R. French and went again to the bank and got a draft for $135.88, which with my commission, examinations, balanced accounts for all premiums collected up to date. I mailed the report and draft by the PM mail. I brought home a cat just at night from Gould S. Disbrow's feed store. 3/13 Cold, blustery and snowy all day. The funeral of George Dickens' wife was to be attended this PM immediately after sacrament service at the church. But on account of the severe weather it was postponed until tomorrow. Gussie went over to Mr. Dickens in the forenoon to help arrange flowers for the funeral but returned about noon because it was postponed. I stayed at home all day and took medicine, feeling about sick myself. First appearance of whooping cough with Georgie. 3/14 There has been some sleighing today. George Dickens buried his wife from the church this PM. After the funeral I went up to Charles Chase Carriage Shop to talk life insurance. From there I stopped at the Union Hat Shop and talked with Cyrus Raymond and think I shall finally insure him. In the evening I went to market and then over to John Bouton's and made a call. 3/15 I went over to Mr. Richards in the morning and had him cut from an old pair of slipper uppers a pair of small ones for Georgie. I then brought them home for Gussie to sew together and bind. I then went down to the Pahquioque Shop and called for a few minutes also at the Railroad Repair shop and then at William A. Bedient's picture gallery. I lent Bedient $25.00. He returned it to me again this evening. After dinner I commenced paining my home again. I finished the north side and commenced on the West end. In the evening I went to the post office and received a letter from D. R. French acknowledging the receipt of my report and the draft for $135.88 which I sent on Saturday. 3/16 I started snowing very had this morning, then turned to rain. I received by the morning mail a letter from Starr & Farnham saying that they had sent by express to Mr. Twitchell in New Haven the bed cut they used in printing my circulars last fall, also giving me Mr. Crockers name and address who keeps the Pequot House in New London. I wrote to Mr. H. S. Crocker about spring beds for the hotel. I also wrote to Mr. Twitchell that if he wrote to him concerning them, to refer him to me. I then wrote another letter to George in Brooklyn. After dinner it cleared and was warm, but splashy ' the snow being soft and full of water. Before night the wind got into the north and it grew cold. Mr. Richards had one of Georgie's slippers done but it being too large he had to rip it again and make it over smaller. Mr. Pond came in about 9 o'clock in the evening to get me to go over to Mr. Warner's on West St. and sit with Marshall West who is sick until a young man named Trowbridge should come about 11 o'clock to watch with him for the night. I did so and returned about 11'. 3/17 Henry Ryder paid me $7.20 for a spring bed. I called at the County House to see Albert Sherwood on life insurance but he was not at home. Mr. Richards finished Georgie's slippers today. I brought them home before tea. After tea I gave Georgie an injection to move his bowels, they have not moved for 3 or 4 days. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. 3/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon where we had a good deal of talk about the school and its principal, Mr. Pond. In the PM I went up to the Mallory Shop and talked life insurance a little. In the evening I went to the school meeting in Borough Hall, but the hall not being big enough the meeting was adjourned until next Monday at Concert Hall. Consulted Dr. Bulkely about whooping cough with Georgie. 3/19 Was around town talking life insurance. In the evening was at Randall & Bradley's and talked with 2 or 3 on life insurance. 3/20 Sunday. I stayed t home. After tea Father called with a letter written by Bell to George and wished me to mail it for her. Bell is very much worse and father feels too poor to pay for a doctor. So I went for young Dr. Bulkely and sent him up there at my expense. I went up home and was there when he called. He ordered with other things Sherry wine sweetened with loaf sugar. I went to the druggist and bought a little for 23 cents. She being much reduced and debilitated requires this as a mild stimulus and tonic. 3/21 I watched with Bell last night and came home to bed at 5 o'clock. I rose about 8 o'clock and took breakfast. I then went up to Tweedy's factory and talked life insurance. After dinner, wrote to the home office of the Homeo. Ins. Co. ordering more rate books. In the evening the adjourned school meeting met at Concert Hall. James S. Taylor and his crew who has tried to make a disturbance and break up the school was totally defeated and Mr. Pond (the principle) was completely vindicated and sustained. 3/22 In the forenoon I went up town to Tweedy's factory to see some parties about life insurance. Received by morning mail a letter from George F. Howard with George W. [Kris] at Norwich stating that there is some dissatisfaction with the spring bed I sold there last fall and on that account did not wish to engage in the business. Also a letter from William H. Hayes inquiring about business for Charlie, if work had commenced. Consulted Andrew Knox about a sign for my contemplated insurance office. Called over at the sewing machine factory to ascertain about work for Charlie Hayes. In the evening I went into the street to the post office and to see what I could strike in the way of life insurance as usual. 3/23 After breakfast I went up home to see Bell. In some respects she was better, in others she was worse. From there I went down to the County House and talked with Albert Sherwood about insuring his life. He concluded to do so the first week in April if money he is expecting from the State comes. From there I went to Dr. Bulkely's office and consulted him about Bell. I got some more medicine which with his visit on Sunday I paid him $1.25. After dinner I went up home with the medicine and gave instructions about it. In the PM I called to see John Starr about a writing desk for my office. In the evening I received a letter from Mr. Twitchell about spring beds. 3/24 After breakfast I went up into the street to send Dr. Bulkely up to see Mother Griswold. I then went up home to see how Bell was. I think she is slowly gaining. I went before dinner over to the sewing machine factory to arrange with James Olmstead about sending for Charlie Hayes to be made a freeman and vote. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes to send Charlie up after arranging with D. P. Nichols to pay his fare up and return. Before night I moved the desk I bought of John Starr from Scofield's old store in Pahquioque block to Bedient's Photographic Gallery where I have established my office for life insurance. I came home and took a bundle of life insurance documents to the office and arranged them in my desk. I went into the street in the evening. After taking the desk I paid John Starr $8.00 for it. 3/25 Friday. Bought both red and black ink for my office. In the PM I visited Rundle & White's, also [Samuel] Holley' s wool had factory to talk life insurance. Charlie Hayes returned from New York by the evening train. A sociable at the church in the evening. The Sunday School children met and had their gathering in the PM. 3/26 In the morning I went with Charlie Hayes to the Court House to be made a freeman. In the PM I went up home to see Bell. She is getting better. I received by the morning mail two copies of agreement between D. R. French and myself. I signed them both and returned one to him. 3/27 Commenced snowing about 9 AM but soon turned to rain. Gussie had the neuralgia last night and this morning. After supper I went up home to see Bell. When I returned I went up to see Mother Griswold who is very feeble, and there is a prospect of her never being any better. 3/28 I went down to my office in the forenoon and did some writing. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes about an agency for new patent oil cloth. I mailed at the same time in the afternoon mail a letter to George which I wrote yesterday. After I went down to the Pahquioque shop. Business is very dull there again. I brought from the office my large bottle of ink to fill my small ink stand at home. I went to market in the evening. 3/29 I was up to Rundle & White's and Mallory hat shops in the forenoon talking life insurance a little. In the PM helped William Bedient paint his Photograph rooms where I have my office. I was at the office in the evening. 3/30 I got a pint of French brandy at Wooster House of Smith Turrell to give to Mother Griswold. Dr. Bulkely recommended us to go there in order to get a good article. It cost 81 cents. I went to Bethel on the noon train to see Sidney Smith about going to New London to sell spring beds. I did not see him as he was away from home. I came up on the 3 PM train. Father Griswold was on the same train. Dr. Bulkely came to see Mother Griswold again about 5 PM and says she may not live longer than tomorrow. Father Griswold immediately telegraphed for Edwin and for Harriet. After tea I went to the Depot to meet Harriet from New Haven, but she did not come. Received a letter in the evening from George about the spring bed business in New London and Windham Counties. Work is getting dull and he thinks he may be glad of it soon. I went to my office and wrote a reply before coming home. I also got one from William H. Hayes at Heath and Smith, 44 Murray St., New York regarding a new patent oil cloth which I requested an agency for if it could be obtained. 3/31 We were up all of last night expecting every hour that Mother Griswold would die. She had a sinking turn at 2 o'clock but she rallied and is still living now at 4 PM. Father Griswold sent me this morning to the telegraph office with a dispatch for Uncle Lorenzo Burr at Bloomfield saying that she was only just alive. Harriet Stevens came by the morning train from New Haven. I met her at the Depot. After breakfast, I went up home to see Bell. I found her sitting up and doing well. She has discontinued the medicine almost entirely, not now needing it. William A. Bedient took my picture this morning for his own use. A telegram this PM from Edwin at Erie PA. He is on his way home and will be home tomorrow afternoon. Sidney Smith from Bethel called at my office to see me about selling beds in New London County. On account of giving up the territory to George as I contemplate, I refused to send Mr. Smith.
1870-03
Horace Purdy Journal April 1864 Entry
8pgs
4/1 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. On my way to the shop this morning, I drew from the Savings Bank $40.00 to make out with what I had on hand $66.00 to pay Aaron Mallett interest on $1,100.00. He called just after dinner for the money. John Boughton and Frank were with us to tea and spent the evening. I finished my letter to George and mailed it together with a pocket dictionary and the Waverly in the evening. John went down with me. When we returned, we had walnuts, cider and apples. We had great sport with John trying to see how much he would eat. After eating more walnuts than any other two, he ate an apple and two pieces of pie. They stayed until 11 o'clock. 4/2 SATURDAY - Stormy still - about half snow in the evening. I worked until dark at the shop. After tea, I went to market. I called a few moments at the Republican Caucus in the basement of Concert Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. 4/3 SUNDAY - Stormy in the morning. A little broken with some sunshine in the middle of the day. Father Griswold preached in the morning from John 12-26. Brother Crawford preached in the P.M. from Matthew 20:19. He was personal in his remarks, referring indirectly about Edith Newman leaving the choir inferring that she was the only party implicated in the difficulty of Melodeon playing. William Stevens, John Cosier and myself talked over the matter of taking up a purse for Edith. I got $1 from Mr. Chittendon towards it; making now already raised $13.00. After tea, I went up home to see Mother. Aunt Louise, John and Frank Boughton were up there. I brought home my dictionary when I came. Gussie and I went to church in the evening. Mr. Coe preached in our church to the Young Men's Christian Association from Romans 14:7. 4/4 MONDAY - Election Day - a glorious victory for the Union 227 majority in this town. I worked in the forenoon around home trimming trees, etc. I went down and voted before noon. After dinner, I went to the shop. It took me all the P.M. to get up my Saturday's work. I dug my parsnips before tea. Gussie weighed out the 10 lbs. of butter which we bought some time ago with Father Griswold and brought it down home. Mother went down to the artist this P.M. and had some pictures taken. Mr. Donald sent Fred Vintz up with his horse and carriage for her. I went into the street in the evening and engaged Beatty to come for Mother Griswold tomorrow morning for the cars. I went to market and came home. Robert Sayers gave me $1.00 today towards the purse to be given to Edith Newman. Paid to the Secretary of Trade (Mr. Witherspoon) 2 months Hatters' funeral taxes 50 cents and 3 months dues 30 cents. 4/5 TUESDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but not a drop. The stars shone a little in the evening. I burned the rubbish in my garden before breakfast. I worked as usual in the shop. On my way home from work, I called on Edward Allen and got 50 cents towards the purse to be given to Edith Newman. John Cosier, Gussie and myself called there on our way up to present the purse to Edith and they (Allen and wife) went up with us. We spent a little time in singing when John Cosier stepped forward and presented her with the purse in a few brief and appropriate remarks. She was completely taken by surprise. It nearly overcame her. It was with great difficulty that she could control her feelings. The amount given her as $33.00, contributed as follows: John Cosier $5.00, Mr. W. Stevens $5.00, George Starr $5.00, Henry Fanton $5.00, Edward Davis 50 cents, A. McDonald $2.00, P. Starr $8.00, Mr. White 50 cents, Morgan Chittendon, $1.00, Robert Sayers $1.00, Edward Barnum $1.00, Jessie D. Stevens 50 cents, Mr. Lyon 50 cents, J. Clark Beers 50 cents, Edward Allen 50 cents, Rundle $1.00, myself $1.00. Hatter's meeting not being out as I came down, I stopped, but it closed in a few minutes after I went in. 4/6 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but the wind has been northeast. It clouded up just at night. I worked quite late in the shop until 6 one half o'clock. After tea, I commenced a letter to George. A man by the name of Lawrence W. Smith formerly of Co. F 17th Regt. (a Company from Norwalk) came to me at the shop to get the letter of the company that George belongs to, as John Cosier had paid him $1.00 for the War Record to be sent to him. He was an agent for the publisher getting subscriptions. He was with the Regiment until they got to Gainesville when they first went into Va. and there, he not feeling well, was sent to the hospital and has since been discharged. Gussie baked some bread and carried a loaf up home this evening. 4/7 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I gathered up the trimmings from my fruit tree around the yard before breakfast. I worked all day and late in the shop. In the evening, I bought a peck of russet apples and $2.00 worth of granulated sugar (9 lbs.) of Charles White. I bought the sugar because it was cheaper than anywhere else and the price still going up. I spoke for some manure this morning of Moses Norris but it did not come an account of his not procuring a man to haul it. Before retiring, I wrote more in a letter that I am making out for George. 4/8 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm came home to dinner. Mrs. Caroline O'Leary died this morning. Received a letter from George by the morning mail. It was in reply to the one I wrote him giving him the news of Mother's sickness. He feels very bad that Mother is likely to die before he returns home. Mother also received one from him. Hattie Mills was this morning surprised before she was dressed in her room by Dwight Rogers who came to see Mrs. Cocking and got into the wrong room. Christian Quien who has got married within a short time to Marion Nash came to the shop today with 2nd Lieutenant shoulder straps on. He was married on Monday last, I believe, and received a 2nd Lieutenant's commission on the following day. He was previously orderly sergeant. Hatter's meeting in the evening. It was an adjourned meeting from Tuesday evening to take into consideration the possibility of doing something in regard to foul shops. The meeting resolved themselves into a committee of the whole and discussed the matter pretty thoroughly but adjourned for two weeks without coming to any definite conclusion. 4/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant through the day, but it threatened storm in the evening. Hattie Mills and I came home to our dinner. Sister Hattie Purdy was with us to dinner. I scolded her somewhat for her conduct about my dictionary. She accused me of saying things to her when I took the book away that were not true. Hattie Mills went to Bethel in the P.M. I came home from work earlier than usual and went up home and got the gooseberry bushes which I have neglected to get for 2 or 3 years past. I intended to have cleaned out my privy and mix its contents with ashes, but upon commencing, I found the ash heap frozen hard a little below the surface and was obliged to delay the job for a season. Gussie went over to Frank Boughton's in the P.M. and down street with me after tea. We called at Mr. Couch's and got the pictures of Bell, 4 in number, and 3 more of Mother. 4/10 SUNDAY - Stormy. Rain and snow both in the morning. I went to meeting in the A.M., but few were there and it was held in the basement. Bro. Crawford took no text, but talked to us. I came home at noon. Gussie went in the P.M while I stayed at home. Sacrament in the P.M. Gussie said it was held in the audience room above. I finished a letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Waverly. I enclosed Bell's carte de visite to him. Caroline O'Leary was buried this P.M., aged 60 years. I did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. Edgar Johnson died at his home in Wild Cat[??] about 2 o'clock this afternoon. 4/11 MONDAY - The weather is still stormy. I felt the Rheumatism in my right shoulder blade again this morning. I felt but little like work but did all day. On account of the storm, I carried my dinner to work. John W. Bussing cut my hair after work. Hattie Mills came up from Bethel on the morning train and worked until night without anything to eat. I went to the annual Sunday School Teacher's Meeting in the evening. Officers were elected. I was reelected Librarian. My assistant E. Barnum, was taken from me and put in paper distribution. After the meeting, I walked some with Edith Newman to talk with her about Saul, her brother, for assistant librarian in Edward Barnum's place. The moon shone faintly through the mist in the evening. 4/12 APRIL - The weather still cloudy, but no rain today. I came home to dinner. Before dinner was ready, I commenced raking off my grass flat on door yard. I carried a bottle of cider to the shop and left it for John W. Bussing for his dinner. After tea, Robert Cocking came with Mr. Lyon's team to go to the depot and I rode down with him. Mrs. Stone came up and worked for us today and was with us for dinner. Mrs. Cocking came down and spent the evening with us. George H. Benedict, son of Price Benedict, one of our neighbors from just west of us, died today. Aged 23 years. 4/13 WEDNESDAY - Cold in the morning. A little warmer in the P.M. with rain. I came home to dinner. Frank Ward of Beaverbrook died this morning about 5 o'clock. A letter from George by the morning mail in answer to one I wrote to him in regard to the affairs of his old letters of his which Mother has made some trouble about. He places the fullest confidence in me and does not believe any of the stories told about Gussie and me by Mother. After tea, Gussie and Hattie Mills went up home to Father Griswold's to see to see Mrs. White while I commenced a letter to George. Soon Mr. Cocking was ready to go to the depot with Mr. Lyon's carriage and I rode down to market. I called at the church, but the classroom was dark. When I came home, I found Mrs. Cocking, Fannie and Hattie Griswold (Wheeler) and Louise Vintz spending the evening with us. I cracked some walnuts and they stayed until after 10 o'clock. I then wrote more in my letter to George. 4/14 THUSDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant before night. I carried my dinner to the shop. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I mailed a letter, a Waverly and a New York Daily Tribune of last Tuesday the 12th to George. The Tribune contained the official report of General Gilmore regarding the Battle of Olustee in Florida. Father Griswold returned for Conference in Hartford this evening. As we were going down, we met him coming up from the depot with his hands full of trees and vines and his carpet bag. Charles H. Reed was carrying his bag for him. He left the tree and vines at Reed's gate and I brought them home when I came. 4/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant. We were limited in our work at the shop today for the first in a long time. I finished at noon. Harriet was with us at dinner. After dinner, I sowed a little plaster on my yard and then went down town to buy a fence post to repair my gate and to get a cart man to haul some manure for me. I succeeded just at night and got one load and the post brought home. Gussie went up to Mother's in the P.M. and stayed to tea. Hattie Mills went up also from the shop. Carrie Mills came up on the freight train and went up with Hattie. Edith was there to tea. Gussie and the girls came home just at dark. I ate bread and milk for my supper. Gussie, Carrie and Hattie Mills went into the street in the evening. Mr. Cocking being here with Mr. Lyon's horse and carriage, he took them all in and carried them down. 4/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Carrie stayed with Hattie Mills, her sister last night. This morning, she took the train to Bethel. I got to the shop about an hour earlier than usual in consequence of getting breakfast in time for Carrie to take the cars. On the way to the shop, I mailed three letters for Father Griswold. The remainder of my manure came this forenoon, making 3 loads. I finished my work about 3 o'clock and paid Norris for the manure $3.00 and $1.50 to the cart man for hauling. I commenced repairing my gate and righting up the fence in front of my house. I got the fence straighted up and the new gate hinge post set and was obliged to leave it without hanging the gate on account of its growing dark. In the evening, I went to market. I bought a carte de visite of Captain Moore at Bennett's Store for 25 cents and a pair of gate hinges at Charles Hull's for 65 cents. 16 screws for 15 cents. Before retiring, Mrs. Cocking came down and wished me to get her a quart of milk in the morning. At the same time, she gave me a glass of ale. 4/17 SUNDAY - Pleasant though somewhat windy. I got a quart of milk at Mrs. McDonald's this morning for Mrs. Cocking. Our new preacher was with us today (Mr. Hill); his family is not here yet. He preached in the morning from John 14-27.In the P.M. Luke 15-17. Father Griswold was with him in the pulpit all day. Brother Crawford was also in the morning, but sat in the congregation in the afternoon. Mr. Coles led the choir and Miss Newman played. Edward Barnum being appointed paper distributor, I now have James Parmalee for asst. librarian. Gussie and I were at church all day. Harriet came to the house at noon for something to eat. Hattie Mills gave her a lunch. After tea, I wrote two letters to George and David Mills; Hattie enclosed one with her picture in mine to David. Gussie and I went to prayer meeting in the evening. William T. Hill, our new preacher, was there. He walked up with Harriet Wheeler to see Father Griswold. Gussie went up after she got home. He talked about church affairs. Father Griswold posted him in regard to some things about the church. Mother worse today. A little rain about 11o'clock in the evening. 4/18 MONDAY - The weather was rather uncertain in the morning, but it came off pleasant before noon. Mrs. Stone worked for us. I had work all day in the shop. After I came home from work, I worked as long as I could see at hanging my gate with new hinges on a new post. The women folks (Gussie and Hattie Mills) went to the Baptist Church in the evening to hear Mrs. Ambler speak of the conditions of the paroled prisoners as they arrive there from Richmond in a starving, dying condition. I ate my supper alone after they left for church and then I went up home to see Mother. As Bell had called saying that she wanted me to come up. She wanted to see me about keeping their cow. Father was of a mind to let her go and they did not want to part with her. I persuaded him to keep her, I think, as he consented to have me buy a bale of hay for her on his account. 4/19 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler towards night. I set out my Concord grape vine this morning; the one Daniel Manly gave me. On my way to the shop, I went to Isaac W. Ives Lumber Yard and bought two bales of hay for Father $7.00. Gussie had her first mess of greens for dinner. Harriet Purdy was with her to dinner. I received a box from George with the last evening's mail with some roots and plants for Gussie. I finished the work on my gate before tea. In the evening, I went to market and got a lot of oysters for breakfast. Mrs. Cocking came own and spent the evening with us. 4/20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had to wait about an hour this morning at the shop for work. After tea, I went to market and to class. I got there just as it was out. Peter Starr, our old leader, has left town and we talked awhile about a new one. We rather want J. Cosier to take it but he does not want it. Father called this morning on his way to work and paid me for the hay I bought for him $7.00. 4/21 THUSDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast and before tea, I dug around some of my fruit trees and manured them. I came home to dinner. I had suckatash (dried corn and beans). When I came home from work at night, I bought my first shad at 13 cents a pound. I mailed a short letter to George in the evening with a dollars' worth of stamps enclosed. Gussie went with me in the evening and looked at wallpaper at William Wright's and at Benedict and Nichols. Bought 3 window shades (green) and fixtures for the parlor $1.50 each and 25 cents for the fixtures. Total $5.25. A beautiful evening, the moon being full. 4/22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I dug around and manured my Harvest Apple tree. Harriet came in while we were eating dinner and sat down with us. I worked until 6 o'clock before leaving the shop. I bought 2 pounds of maple sugar of Nosh T. Hoyt in the evening. Went to Hatter's Meeting at Concert Hall. It was an adjourned meeting to take into consideration the case of foul shops. Gussie exchanged the new window shade fixtures she bought last evening for silvered ones. She paid 15 cents in exchange. 4/23 SATURDAY - Pleasant, and it seemed to me warmer than any day previous this spring. I came home to dinner. Hattie Mills went home to Bethel on the passenger train to have the impression taken for her teeth, but the dentist (Schoolmocker) could not do it. She came back on the evening train. Before I ate supper, I manured and dug up Gussie's flower bed by the piazza. We went to market together in the evening. We went to Mr. Wright's to look at wallpaper I bought a shad and came home. I made some egg cider before I retired. I received a letter from George by the morning mail. 4/24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Bro. Hill preached in the morning from Acts 18:9-10 Books taken in but none given out in Sunday School on account of the previous Sunday School meeting in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church, usually called Sunday School concert. Gussie attended, but I came home and wrote a letter to George. I enclosed six 3 cent postage stamps and six 2 cent ones as a present. Mother sent by Bell to have Hattie Mills go up there. After tea, she went. Gussie and I went up to the cemetery; we found John Cosier there with a team. He took us in and drove over the grounds, then rode out on the Great Plain Road nearly to Marsh Brick Kiln, crossed over on to the Beaverbrook Road and back home, he bringing us to our own door. Gussie was too tired to go to prayer meeting in the evening, so Hattie Mills and I went together. Father Griswold was there. He both prayed and spoke. Brother Hill and Clark Hoyt went up to see Mother after tea. She is about the same, apparently no worse, though I suppose really no better. 4/25 MONDAY - Stormy, a warm rain. Received an invitation by mail to attend a presentation to Alfred N. Gilbert in the evening. Read a letter from George with items for the Jeffersonian. The breaking up of their Brigade and the places to which the several Regiments were assigned. The account of Jim Hammer's what is its [???], etc. I did not attend the presentation, but went to the Post Office and to market. I then came home ( after calling on Mr. Ashley to see if he had some room this week for a letter from George) and prepared the letter for publication. Mr. Cocking came down and spent the evening with us. 4/26 TUESDAY - Still stormy. I carried a letter I had made out from George to the Jeffersonian for publication this morning. I came home to dinner and on account of the rain, I carried Hattie Mills' (?) to her. The sun shone a little this P.M., but it clouded over again. Gussie and I went up to Mr. Wright's in the evening to look at wallpaper. Before retiring, I answered two letters in one of George. 4/27 - WEDNESDAY - Showery still, though the sun shone a little this P.M., the same as yesterday, and gave signs of clear(ing) off. I came home to dinner and carried Hattie Mills' to her at the shop. After I finished work, I went to Comes' Marble Works to see about a stone for Eddie. I decided upon nothing. Called at the Jeffersonian's office to tell Ashley where to direct papers to the 17th Regt. To St. Augustine instead of Jacksonville, Fla. Harriet brought George's watch down for me to take to the jewelers for repairs. I went to class in the evening. Bro. Hill (our preacher) led the class. On my way to the shop this morning, I stopped and ordered Dr. Buckley to come up and see Mother Griswold. She is quite sick. 4/28 THURSDAY - A little bit of snow before daylight. Cooler, cloudy until just before night when the sun shone again. Mr. Silverthorn came to Father Griswold's today; was there to dinner. After tea, Gussie and I went into the street and bought some wall paper for our sitting room. Mrs. Cocking's sister came to see her from Fort Hamilton, Long Island. 4/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold started this morning for Philadelphia to attend the Gen.Conference. No work today for the black finishers today at the shop. I being on fancy colors, had work all day. I came home by the way of George Starr's and got a board for Harriet to make shelf in her closet up home. After tea, I commenced grafting one of my apple trees with Golden Sweets. Went to market in the evening and bought a shad for breakfast .4 and a half lbs. at 15 cents a pound from the Housatonic River. Gussie went up to the cemetery this P.M. and made some preparations at Eddie's grave for some plants. Frank Boughton was with her and selected a lot for John. Burglars last night at Tandy's, Fowler's, Barnum's, Wildman's, and Benedict's. 4/30 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked hard all day. Came home to my dinner. Gussie and Hattie Mills went up to the cemetery on the P.M. Gussie engaged Mr. Day to make a small flower bed around Eddie's grave. Before tea, I grafted an apple tree in the garden with Roxbury Russett. I went to market and to Singing School in the evening.
1864-04
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 November 1867 Entry
13pgs
NOVEMBER 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I went direct (when I got to the city) to the California steamer at Pier 29 to see Lauren, Eliza and their children for California. The steamer started at precisely 12:30 o'clock. Alfred and Anna were there to see them off. They had some trouble with their trunks, they having been taken to the ___ (?) steamer at Pier 42. Alfred, however, by the aid of a policeman, got them just in time to put them on board before the steamer started. I went from there with Alfred and Anna to the Merchants' Hotel and then over to 380 State Street in Brooklyn to Louise Jones about some oil paintings. I returned to the store just in time to eat some lunch and get to the depot to come home. Henry Crofut's shop on the hill near his large factory was burned this afternoon. It was caused by the overturning and blowing up of a ___ (?) lamp in which was used Benzene. NOVEMBER 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to New York again today. Our neighbor Mr. Brown and wife went down. They were strangers in the city and I put them on the Bleeker Street cars to go to Fulton Ferry When I got home this evening, I was quite tired. NOVEMBER 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant until evening when it rained a little. We both (wife and self) went to church in the morning and took Georgie. We came home after Sunday School. Bell came and took supper with us. After tea, I went up and called on Oscar Serrine who about a week ago hurt his foot badly by having a timber fall on it while working on his barn which he is building. When I came from there, Gussie and I took Georgie and walked to New Street to see the new schoolhouse which we are having built. NOVEMBER 04 MONDAY - The stars shone early this morning and again this evening. I have been to New York and the day has been cloudy and has grown cold this afternoon. It rained a little about 3 P.M. When I came home this evening, I found Gussie nearly sick with Neuralgia. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's barn and held lamp for him to make a coal riddle for his nephew. I suppose he was making it for me when I went to the barn, but found I was mistaken. He proposes making one for me tomorrow evening if I wish. Before retiring, I drew up a form for advertising circulars for preserving natural flowers which I contemplate having printed. NOVEMBER 05 FRIDAY - I did not go to the city today. After breakfast, I went up home with a bundle of clothes for George for Mother to wash. I then went down to the shop and found some work to do. Before going to work, However, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and arranged with Swertfager to print me 5,000 advertising circulars for preserving flowers. I worked until dark at the shop. After work, I called again at the Jeffersonian Office. I also called under Concert Hall to see the new store of pictures and Yankee notions just opened. I received a letter by the evening mail from Dr. Kellogg requesting me to hand a note (which was included) to John Brayman requesting him to pay what he owed him for medical attendance. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to Kellogg. Also wrote to William H. Hayes at the store in New York. NOVEMBER 06 WEDNESDAY - Cool; a snow squall in the middle of the day, just enough to say snow. I mailed a letter in time for the train this morning to Dr. Kellogg in reply to one received with John Brayman's bill enclosed. Also one to William Hayes at the store in New York. I worked in the shop all day. As I came from work at night I got 5,000 circulars at the Jeffersonian Office advertising my preserving of flowers and brought them home. After tea, I went into the street and got the deed (mortgage), I gave Father Griswold from the Town Clerk's Office. I stopped a little time at the picture auction under Concert Hall, bought a box of paper colors and came home. NOVEMBER 07 THURSDAY - Cold, the ground froze hard last night and it has thawed but little today. The sun shone but for a few minutes about 1 o'clock. It has looked and felt all day like snow. I had work until noon in the shop. As I was coming home, I met Gussie going down to Main Street. She did a little shopping and then I went with her to Dr. Fitch and she had 2 teeth extracted. I then came home leaving her to call on the widow Burr Bradley. Just before dark, I moved 5 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into my own. Mrs. Gilbert called after tea, to see if her sister, Widow Hull could rent my upper rooms another year. Aunt Louise also called. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I held lamp for Mr. Pond (in his barn) to make a money drawer for Daragan & Rider. It was 11 o'clock when I retired. NOVEMBER 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I have worked in the shop today. As I intend to go to New York in the morning, I got my pay before leaving the shop. In the evening, I made two small frames at Swift's for my advertising circulars. I dug my salsify before breakfast this morning. NOVEMBER 09 SATURDAY - I went to New York this morning and took 5,000 circulars advertising the preservation on natural flowers. I left a few of them at Norwalk, also a few at Stamford. I sent a few to Newark, New Jersey by George Hodges. William Hayes, my principal man at the store went to Keyport New Jersey this P.M.; he also took a few of them with him. When I left the store to come home, I came by way of the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, and ordered 10 more Sunday School Advocates ($3.00) and five more Sunday School Journals ($1.75) added to our list of Sunday School papers. I also bought for the School, one dozen Judd's Lessons ($1.80). I t has been pleasant and warm today, but before I got home, it commence raining. NOVEMBER 10 SUNDAY - Rain last night and misty this morning. It came off clear in the forenoon and was pleasant and warm. Gussie, on account of a scar on her face produced by the use of Kennedy's Liniment from neuralgia did not go to church. I went down in time for Sunday School. I stayed to Communion Service in the P.M. Mother. Having another poor turn and being sick abed, Gussie went up to see her after tea. There came up again a rain just at night and Gussie got caught in it coming home and she got very wet so that she made a complete change of clothing. It rained hard all the evening. We did not go out but spent a part of the evening upstairs in Robert's rooms. NOVEMBER 11 MONDAY - I am 32 years old today. I have been to New York today. I intended to meet Father Griswold at the 27th Street Depot at noon, but missed him. He came around to my store about 3 P.M. It is his first visit to the store. It looked like rain this morning, but it came off warm and pleasant. NOVEMBER 12 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. According to agreement, Father Griswold went at the 27th Street depot at 9 ## o'clock, but on account of the storm, I did not go to see him as planned to see his lots in Brooklyn. He went alone and I went to the store. It has rained and snowed together more or less all day. It has melted as fast as it came in New York but when I got as far on my way home as Wilton on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, the ground was covered an inch or more deep, the first snow we have had to whiten the ground any and the 3rd time it has been flying in the air. NOVEMBER 13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cool. The snow has not all disappeared today. It has thawed none in the shade. I had about a ## day's work in the shop. I went into the street before tea, and called at Mrs. Barlow's to say that the wreath I am preserving for her will most likely be done on Saturday. I then called on Henry Day and explained why I have not yet paid anything on my account with him. I had an understanding with him about it. After tea, I went into the street again and got some medicine of Dr. Bulkely for Mr. Pond and myself. I called at Hawley & Sayers and offered 10 % on jobs preserving funeral wreaths which they may get for me. I stopped at Swift's and he ordered through me a half dozen imperial passe-partouts. I then came down and stopped at the auction under Concert hall a short time and then came home. NOVEMBER 14 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool this morning; the ground was frozen hard. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. As I came from work, I stopped at Robert Sayers' and talked with him about preserving funeral wreaths. I offered him 10 % on every job he will secure for me. It is warmer tonight; the snow has disappeared very fast this P.M. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Last night and tonight, the falling stars were expected again. A few were seen early this morning by some people, I believe. NOVEMBER 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop expecting work but there was none so I came home and helped Gussie clean the bedroom. I also shoveled my heap of ashes and manure into a pile on the garden. I used Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. I went to market in the evening. It has alternated between cloudy and sunshine during the day. NOVEMBER 16 SATURDAY - Went to New York; Cloudy and looked like rain in the morning, but the after part of the day was pleasant. I was busy at the store making frames, etc. I came by the way of Handler's in West 19th Street (my passe-partout maker) to get a half dozen Imperial pass-partouts for Swift. He had but one of the style I wanted, so I took it and ordered 5 more to me made on Monday. Just before the train got to Stamford this evening, the steam ran low so that we could not run. It delayed us nearly half an hour. After tea, I went over to Mr. Sherman's and furnished over 8 yards of cord and brought 5 pictures for him. I went out while Gussie was upstairs, she not knowing where I went became alarmed before I returned and called for me and then woke Robert upstairs to go look for me. Before he was dressed, however, I came in finding Gussie crying. NOVEMBER 17 SUNDAY - I went to church in the morning. Gussie and Georgie came down at noon to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. I came home after Sunday School. George Starr sent $5.00 to me by Gussie with which to get a half dozen of Philip Philips new singing book entitled ''Singing Pilgrims 'and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one. We had our first mess of vegetable oyster or salsify for supper. They were very fine. Neither of us went to church in the evening. NOVEMBER 18 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. I went to New York in the morning. As I went to the store from the Depot, I went to Handles' In 19th Street and got the other 11 Imperial Pass-partouts for Swift. I stopped at the store a short time and then went over to Fanton's at 491 Broadway and got 12 pairs of Rider's Sewing Machine casters and took the 12:30 train to Stamford to sell the casters. I sold but one pair. I called at Aunt Abbie's and after tea, I took the train for home, being very sick with a sick headache. I vomited at the Stamford Depot and again when I got home. I left the passe-partouts at Swift's store as I came home. I retired soon after I returned home, too sick to eat anything. NOVEMBER 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant but very cold again. It has thawed none at all today. I stayed at home and worked in the factory. I have not felt very well today from yesterday's sickness. After tea, I wrote to William Hayes, my chief man at the store. I mailed it as I went into the street to exchange a pair of shoes for Georgie which Gussie got for him last evening. After the mail was opened, I called at the Auction under Concert Hall for a few minutes and then walked up with Oscar Serrine. Before retiring, I wrote a plain letter to George about paying me what he owes me as I am now in great need of it. NOVEMBER 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool until after dinner when the wind changed to the south and it grew warmer. As I went to the shop this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I had $3.00 worth of work which lasted me nearly all day. Carpenters have been at work in the shop today making a new set of straight stairs leading into the finishing room in place of the old winding ones. As I came home from work, John Sharp came home with me for some cut wads to use in my gun which he has borrowed. After tea, I wrote to Wells Webster in Plainville to see if he could give Edmund Palmer work at carriage trimming. I mailed it in the evening. I also took back again the shoe makers (D. Benedict) the shoes we bought for Georgie, they not being quite large enough. Robert and wife came downstairs and spent the evening with us. We passed the time in a jocular way, telling stories, etc. NOVEMBER 21 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I had work in the shop until after dinner. I came home by way of Rider's Shoe Store to see some boots he had just come in from New York, but as usual with ready-made boots, none of them would fit me. I then came home and covered my strawberries for the winter. Gussie and Frank Bouton went to the milliner's in the P.M. Frank came home with her to tea. After tea, Frank went down to meeting. I walked down with her. NOVEMBER 22 FRIDAY - Warm and cloudy; a little rain in the fore part of the evening. I have worked in the shop today. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at George Andrews. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go into the street. . While in the street, Alexander Wildman met me and very unexpectedly paid me the $3.25 he has for some time owed me and which I did not expect to get. I called a short time in George Rider's Shoe store and spent a little time talking about the preservation of natural flowers and the came home after exchanging some stale butter crackers at Randall & Bradley's for some pilot bread for Mother Griswold. After I came home, I went up and exchanged the iron casters on Fanny's sewing machine for a pair of brass ones. She paid me $1.00 for the price of them. NOVEMBER 23 SATURDAY - Cloudy, misty and some rain during the day. I went to New York. Before going to the store, I went to the Book Room and got a ## dozen 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combine in one book for George Starr ' retail price 75 cents. They being for our Sunday School, I got them for 60 cents each. From there, I went to the corner of Broome and Elm Streets to see a German bookbinder for James Wallace Pine about binding a book he has been writing ' a poem entitled 'The Pilgrim's Hope'. I then went to 491 Broadway at H. B. Fanton's place to see Benjamin Rider and return to him what sewing machine casters I did not sell and pay for what I did. I then went direct to the store. I brought home the books for Brother Starr and the small wreath I have been preserving for Mrs. Barlow. I showed the wreath to a number on the train coming home. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and showed it, also over to Mr. Pond's and upstairs to Mr. Cocking. NOVEMBER 24 SUNDAY - Lowery through, but little rain. I went to church in the A.M. Brother Ira Abbott, who preached in New Milford when John lived there and was converted, preached for us this morning. We had rather an interesting time in Sunday School this noon singing from the new books, 'The Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' combined into one. I delivered to Brother George Starr in Sunday School ## dozen which I got for him in New York. I also got 17 names for others which I am to get this week. Prayer meeting in the afternoon; we both attended. Georgie stayed with his Grandma Griswold. Gussie came home from church with a severe headache. She felt better after tea and went over to Henry Hinman's on Stevens Street to see Anne Elizabeth Delavan who is dangerously sick. She returned in time to let me go to church in the evening. Brother Birch preached. After the sermon, a short Prayer Meeting was held. Joseph W. Allen came home with me after meeting to get a singing book, 'Fresh Laurels' which I sold him. Warm and foggy in the evening, but no rain. NOVEMBER 25 MONDAY - Cloudy, muggy, lowery, foggy, warm, nasty muddy, and very unpleasant. We rose late. I have worked in the shop. I lent Oscar Serrine $2.00 until Wednesday. As I went to work this morning, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's, corner of Railroad Avenue and Liberty Street to see if she would be at home this evening if I would bring her wreath home, but I learned that she would not until next week. After tea, Gussie went into the street to see her dressmaker. In the meantime, Sarah Bouton, Frank Bouton and Fanny Griswold called in to see Mrs. Barlow's wreath which I have been preserving. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with the wreath to have it put into Swift's show window for the public to see. Mr. Swift not being in, I left it with his clerk who promised to put it in in the morning. NOVEMBER 26 TUESDAY - Cloudy and foggy this morning. It came off clear before night. I worked hard all day on 4 Drop Jack-ups, Vienna, Col., F. Stiff. As I came from work, I came by way of O. H. Swift's and got Mrs. Barlow's wreath. I concluded not to put it on exhibition for fear that she might not like it. After tea, I went to market. Charles Hull sent the tin leader today which I ordered last Friday evening. Robert put a lock on the inside cellar door today. NOVEMBER 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Was very busy making frames, etc. Came to the Depot via the Book Room and bought 17 Singing Pilgrim and Musical leaves combined for the Sunday School. I got them at the trade price of 55 cents. I took charge of a buffalo robe for at Norwalk for Mr. Potter and left it at Swift's store. Warren Bouton was on the train from Georgetown; he is to spend Thanksgiving in Danbury. His wife met him at the Depot here. Gussie met me also. I expected to find George on the train this evening on his way home from Yonkers but did not. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal today at 20 cents a bushel. NOVEMBER 28 THURSDAY - Thanksgiving Day. Stormy. I went to the shop in the morning, but found it closed. I returned by way of Swift's store and got $4.50 for the dozen passe-partouts I got for him. We took dinner with Father Griswold's folks, after which we left Georgie with them and went up to my father's to see George who came home yesterday from Yonkers. I wrote to William Hayes in the store and enclosed a note to George Talmadge about paying his rent. Also one to H. D. Clark about my note to him of $125 due December 9th. I mailed it in the evening and carried three pictures ' Washington, Lincoln and Grant families ' over to Timothy Foster's. NOVEMBER 29 FRIDAY - Stormy. Rain. I have worked in the shop. Our foreman (V. W. Benedict) drew my pay while I was in New York on Wednesday and paid it to me today. Before breakfast, I killed a turkey and a chicken for Mother Griswold. The turkey Father Griswold will take to Harriet in New Haven as a present. I went into the street in the evening to buy a camp chimney and went to the Post Office. NOVEMBER 30 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning with considerable wind. I went to New York. Father Griswold also took the same train to new Haven; he took the turkey to Harriet. When I arrived in the city, I went to the Book Room and bought one dozen no. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School. I then went to Ferguson's and arranged with him to let me have goods on credit for a time in order that I may be able to meet a note to Henry D. Clark on December 9th. When I arrived at the 27th Street Depot in the morning, I renewed my commutation for the second 6 months ending May 31st, 1868 for $45.00. I found a letter waiting for me at the store from Smith & Rand to call at their office at 170 Broadway and get 72 more sporting pictures (22x28) to frame in Wall Gilt. I went down after dinner and got them, at the same time ordering the frames of Nonnebacher and the glass of Crowe & Powell. Daniel, who had promised to be at the store again on Friday, had not made his appearance up to 4 P.M. Mr. Pond, who has been in the city on business, called at the store and we came home together. George and Gussie met me at the Depot. George, after doing some business in the street came around to the house and spent a part of the evening. Gussie went up home today with Georgie but it grew cold so fast that she left him up there to stay overnight. Mrs. Green's mother died at 5 P.M.
1867-11
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