Horace Purdy Journal December 1869 Entry
7pgs
DECEMBER 01 WEDNESDAY - I hired Mr. Stanton's horse again to get beds from the depot and go to Noank. Received a letter this evening from Gussie. DECEMBER 02 THURSDAY - I put in two beds for Mrs. I. D. Gates this morning. I mailed a check to T. E. Twitchell for $44.78. I wrote to Gussie and enclosed $5.00. It snowed a little in the evening. DECEMBER 03 FRIDAY - Finished up my bed business for the present in Mystic. Took in part pay from H. D. Chesbro two undershirts and two pair of drawers for $3.60. Took sample of grape pickers from Dennison & Packer. I left Mystic on the 4:15 train and arrived in New London about 5 o'clock. I took board at the old place for a few days at Moore's, 28 ## State Street. As I left Mystic, I received a letter from William Hayes saying that Henry Day had closed up in New York and had gone to New Jersey. DECEMBER 04 SATURDAY - New London. The coldest morning we have yet had. I have been around today to see some of my customers. I took an order for two more beds from William C. Crump, the lawyer, making now the third from him. Received a letter from Mr. Twitchell with the receipted bill enclosed for the last lot. I wrote to him ordering three more for here. I had my boots mended by A. Stanley Smith. Bought of him a pair of Arctic Rubber shoes for $2.50. DECEMBER 05 SUNDAY - At Mr. Moore's in New London. Rain and snow together most of the time during the day. I attended M. E. Sunday School n Federal Street in the morning. Before tea, I went with Mr. Smith (a boarder) to visit Fort Trumbull. After tea, I called on Mr. Simpson in Blinman Street. I wrote Gussie and to William Hayes. I attended Methodist prayer meeting in the evening. Five were forward for prayers. DECEMBER 06 MONDAY - In the morning, I got from Starr & Farnum another 1,000 circulars, packed my things, and took the 10:40 train for Norwich in a hard snowstorm. I found Mr. Ellis in his office at 134 Main Street. The P.M., I spent arranging for a headquarters which I did at George W. Kee's, 168 Main Street, a boot and shoe dealer. I then arranged for board by eating at the Breed Hall Dining Rooms kept by Bruce & Harris and sleeping with Mr. Ellis in his office. DECEMBER 07 TUESDAY - Pleasant and good sleighing, the first of the season. Commenced canvassing for my springs. While canvassing, I got into Mr. Linnell's insurance office, agent for New York Life. He wants to hire me on a salary to be agent for that company. I like the New Jersey Mutual better. He kept me over an hour; he seemed determined to have me. DECEMBER 08 WEDNESDAY - Cold this morning; sleighing excellent. H. L. Butts of the Chelsea File Works while looking at my model accidentally broke a slat. He made another for me. Received by the 4 P.M. mail, a letter from home. Also, one from Twitchell with a bill for three beds for New London. I answered Gussie and enclosed $10.00. DECEMBER 09 THURSDAY - Mercury 3 above zero; pleasant but cold. I took my first order here this morning from P. S. Thrasher. At 12:30, I took the train to New London to put in three beds, two for Crump and one for Coney; this I accomplished. I took an order for W. B. Tate before I could get out of town. I talked with J. D. Hoxie from New London about life insurance. DECEMBER 10 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I spent a part of the day canvassing for my beds. A Mr. Stewart, a life insurance agent, called on Mr. Ellis in his office today. I being in the office at the time was very much interested in the conversation which was on life insurance in general. I lent Mr. Ellis in the morning $1.00 to buy his breakfast with $5.00 again at noon to go to Mystic with where his family is boarding. Before going, he and I talked religion for a long time. I wrote to Mr. Twitchell and enclosed George W. Kee's check for $12.00 for three beds sent to New London. DECEMBER 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. Measured a single bed for Mr. Keeps and a double one for Mr. Engler, a banker at the Waukegan Hotel. Received a letter from Gussie acknowledging the receipt of $10.00. I wrote to Mr. Twitchell ordering 4 beds for here and one to New London. I slept alone on Mr. Ellis' office last night. He returned this evening. After he returned, I took my old dirty thin underclothes, shoes, stock of New Jersey Mutual Life Insurance Company, documents) , Mr. Barnes (Ellis assistant in Life Insurance) etc. and made up a package and took them to the Adams Express Office to send them home. I paid 35 cents to send them. DECEMBER 12 SUNDAY - Warm and a little rain. Mr. Ellis and I had to wait until about 11 o'clock for our breakfast at Bruce & Harris' Dining Rooms. One of the proprietors was waiting for the other and vice versa and the result was that neither came until we sent for them. William Gardner (the artist in Mr. Ellis' office and a Mr. Cook with Ellis and I went for a sleigh ride down to Mohegan (the Indian Reserve) to Sunday School and evening meeting. Mr. Ellis is superintendent of the school. There are about in all 80 of the Mohegan tribe remaining, only 4 or 5 of them full bloods; the others are all half-breeds. Many of them ae good Christian people. They have a church and preacher (Mr. Muzzy) in part supported by the government. A schoolhouse also. There are between 2,000 and 3,000 acres in the reserve. To attend church and Sunday School among the Indians was very interesting to me. I talked to the school a little in the P.M. This was my first attempt at talking to a school. How well I made out I will leave to them to judge. About 40 rods from the church is the favorite spring where the old Indian Chief, Uncas, used to drink. Mr. Ellis and I took dinner with a half-breed whose wife and one daughter were good consistent members of the church. The sleighing grew beautifully less all day so that after the evening meeting, we went on bare ground a part of the way back to Norwich. DECEMBER 13 MONDAY - Warm with rain and sometimes sunshine during the day. The snow is fast disappearing. The choice between sleighs and wagons is now but slight. I this morning received a letter from T. E. Twitchell with a receipted bill enclosed for the last lot of beds. He is tomorrow or the next day coming on to see me. DECEMBER 14 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I took 4 bed orders today. Mr. Ellis went to Hartford this morning. I have had a hard headache. DECEMBER 15 WEDNESDAY - Mr. Twitchell arrived here on the 11:15 train. I met him at the Norwich & Worcester depot. He brought a few samples of door springs and 9 bill holders. I took them from him to sell. We put a spring on one door in the depot and one at the Police Headquarters. He took the 9:38 P.M. steamboat train to New York. DECEMBER 16 THURSDAY - I had 4 beds come on the freight train at 11 o'clock. I employed Mr. Sparks, an expressman to deliver them. After dinner, I put them in; these are my first in Norwich. I put a door spring on Col. McCord's Segar Store 103 Main Street. I worked a part of the P.M. in the rain. I lent Mr. Ellis $2.00 at teatime at Bruce & Harris' Dining Rooms to pay his bill for several meals there. DECEMBER 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New London to put in William B. Tate's bed. He is a grocer on Bank Street. I lent Mr. Ellis $2.00 again. I bought ## ton of coal for him also, he being out of coal and money. I received a letter from D. R. French from Bridgeport, offering me a chance at Life Insurance in the Homeopathic Mutual Company of New York. Received a letter from Gussie. I answered it after tea and enclosed to her $5.00. While in New London, I put a door spring on for Mr. Moore for 28 ## State Street, my old boarding place. DECEMBER 18 SATURDAY - Mr. Ellis being in Mystic with his family, I stayed alone last night in his office. Raining this P.M. This evening, I mailed an order for 6 beds, enclosing last bill of $19.05 to be receipted and a check for $9.05 to balance the same. The check I bought of George Kees. DECEMBER 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cooler than yesterday. I retired alone last night but about 4 o'clock this morning, Mr. Ellis woke me by shaking the office door. He had just arrived from Mystic by the steamboat train from New London. I walked down to Mohegan today to attend Sunday School and evening prayer meeting. We took dinner with Mr. Aaron Rogers, a white man living near and a member of the Mohegan Church. He is a fine man and has an interesting family. His residence is located where one can overlook the city of New London about 8 miles distant. Midway between his house and the church is an old Indian fort of the Mohegan tribe. We walked from Mohegan to the city of Norwich in the evening in about an hour. Mr. Barnes (one of Ellis' agents) and I out walked Mr. Ellis coming home and left him on the road. DECEMBER 20 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast George Barnes went with me up to Norwich Falls and showed me the chasm 30 feet across and 60 feet deep where the old Mohegan chief Uncas jumped across while pursuing Miantonomo, chief of the Narragansett. While jumping, Miantonomo broke his leg and was captured, so says tradition. I also visited Norwich cemetery. From there, I visited the enclosure on Sachem Street where is the Uncas monument, 17 feet high with simply the name 'Uncas' inscribed thereon. In the same enclosure are a number of stones representing the dead of Mohegan blood dating back as far as 1740. One singular epitaph reads as follows: 'Here lies Samuel Uncas, the second and beloved son of his father, John Uncas, who was the grandson of Uncas, Grand Sachem of the Mohegan, the darling of his mother being daughter of said Uncas, Grand Sachem. He died July 1st, 1741 in the 28th year of his age.' Another reads as follows on the opposite side of the enclosure: 'Pompeii Uncas, son of Benjamin and Ann Uncas of Mohegan Blood. Died May 1st, 174 - 0 21 years old. 'The above are verbatim as inscribed on the stones, some of them nearly obliterated but yet intelligible if carefully read. DECEMBER 21 TUESDAY - I spent the day selling door springs. I wrote to Gussie that I will be home on Christmas. I wrote also to D. R. French answering me a chance at life insurance by saying that I have taken an agency for the New Jersey Mutual. I sold a door spring at the American Hotel; also, one to Mr. Bruce of the Breed hall Dining Rooms. The spring was for his residence. DECEMBER 22 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day. I collected for 3 door springs. I wrote to Mr. Twitchell that I expect to be in New Haven on my way home on Friday, P.M. on the Shoreline Express to New York and requested him to meet me at the train as I could not stop over. I arranged with George Kees for selling beds for me in my absence from Norwich perhaps until Spring. DECEMBER 23 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Mr. Ellis being in Mystic, I stayed alone last night in his office. I took the train about 9 A.M. for New London to put in two springs (which I expected were there for Charles Bell who lives below Fort Trumbull on the harbor road) and then returned to Norwich and put in six which I expected to be in Norwich by the morning freight train. I was disappointed to find that the springs had not yet arrived in New London. I stayed during the day to see if they would come by freight from New Haven due at 5 P.M. They arrived. I spent the evening in getting them away from the train, which was a special favor granted by the freight agent and putting in the two of Mr. Bell. I intercepted the from new London, took them from the freight and gave them to the Merchant's Union Express Company to take to Norwich early tomorrow morning, by which I saved about 2 ## hours though they cost me $3.00 expressage from New London to Norwich when 60 or 75 cents would have been all by freight. I succeeded by hard work and the assistance of Mr. Howard, a clerk at Mr. Kees, in getting them all put in before dinner, which enabled me to get away from Norwich by the 1:40 train to go home. The day was splendid and the trip home delightful. I sat in the seat with an agreeable Boston lady from New London to Norwalk. I expected to see Mr. Twitchell at the New Haven depot but did not. I arrived home at 7:30 P.M. Gussie met me at the depot. Lucius Wildman carried me and my baggage from Concert Hall to the corner of West and William Street. I returned to the church where the Sunday School was holding a festival after which we came home, it being rather late. (Ed. Note: no entry for December 24th) DECEMBER 25 SATURDAY - Christmas Day. I took a walk into the street before dinner. I called on Horace Cable at his home. Called also at Ambrose Hill's to see if he was home from Brooklyn. He was not. DECEMBER 26 SUNDAY - Stormy all day; did not go out. DECEMBER 27 MONDAY - Pleasant awhile in the morning, but it finally commenced raining. I called at Crofut's Shop. I mailed a letter to Twitchell informing him of my arrangement with George Kees for selling the spring beds in my absence. I enclosed a check in the Danbury Bank for $35.65 for the last beds received at New London and Norwich. I deposited the amount to meet it. George Purdy and Ambrose Hill came from Brooklyn, arriving on the 3:15 train. DECEMBER 28 TUESDAY - I bought a key for Father Griswold's barn and gave them. I spent a part of the A. M. talking life insurance. In the afternoon, I went over to Ambrose Hill's who came yesterday with George. DECEMBER 29 WEDNESDAY - I called at Crofut's shop again and talked with several on life insurance. The Sunday School officers and teachers and some of the older scholars made me a surprise party in the evening. They presented me with a splendid portable writing desk as a token of appreciation for services rendered in the Sunday School for a succession of years as Secretary and Treasurer. I served then about 10 years. The surprise was complete, and we had a good time. DECEMBER 30 THURSDAY - More pleasant today. Headache doubtless caused by being up late last night. Father Griswold lent me $32.44 for which I gave my note to pay the premium on Henry Day's life insurance policy, which I hold as security for $600.00. He owes me for the store and goods I sold him at 68 Carmine Street. He failing to pay it, I had to pay it in order to keep my security good. I called this evening to see Anna Hinman, who is not expected to live. She has typhoid fever. DECEMBER 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I made in the forenoon a clock shelf for George to take with him to Brooklyn. I also mended by putting in a new axle a small toy cart for Georgie. Ambrose Hill and I met D. R. French at the train at 10:15 A.M. He came from Bridgeport to see Ambrose and me about balance due him on old spring bed business. Ambrose paid him his amount due - $40.31. I can't pay mine yet. He also came to see me on life insurance. He wants me to take the agency on Homeopathic Mutual of New York. George took the noon train for New York. Charles Hayes and Theo Bradley took the 4:15 train for New York. Charles goes to keep New Year's and takes Theo with him. We ate New Year's dinner at Father Griswold. They have it today on account of him going away tomorrow. Mother and Bell, Hattie Mills and Emily Anderson were there. After dinner, I went over to Ambrose to see him and French. In the evening, he and French came over to see me and by arrangement, French will stop with me tonight.
1869-12-01
Horace Purdy Journal October 1869 Entry
7pgs
OCTOBER 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have used Harry Buckley's horse and Saul Barnum's wagon and been to Reuben Blackman's on top of the hill this side of and in view of Newtown and put in a spring bed. On my way over at Beaverbrook, I put one in for Eugene Jennings. From Newtown, I drove to Hawleyville and fed my horse, then through the village of Brookfield up to Lanesville where I put in a set of springs for Nelson Knowles that I have deferred since August 10th on account of smallpox at that place. I collected from James Knowles $3.00 balance due since that date for Cable & Purdy. I drove home in about an hour and a half from Lanesville, arriving about 6:30. I unharnessed and fed the horse again in Nelson Knowles' stable before starting for home. After tea, I went over to Aug. Kenner's and put in his springs which I delivered yesterday while they were at the fair in Norwalk. OCTOBER 02 SATURDAY - Lowery early in the morning. Pleasant in the middle of the day. Towards night, it clouded over and a little fine rain for a few moments. Clear and pleasant again in the evening. In the forenoon, I went up to E. S. Davis to get my model box repaired. I called at Mr. Crofut's shop and left the key to my drawer under my bench for Joe Kyle to take charge of in my absence. After dinner, I put a safety bar in Charlie's bedstead. I then went up to Benjamin Morris' to see a wreath they want to get preserved but found no one home. I came home and picked my pears and pulled my carrots. In the evening, I went into the street. I saw Joel Foster at the Caucus. He paid me $2.28 balance due on springs. I bought 2 quarts of sweet potatoes and came home. OCTOBER 03 SUNDAY - It has rained hard all day. None of us has been to church. It stopped raining just at night when Gussie went up on Deer Hill to Father's. She brought home a piece of mosquito netting that George wrote to have us bring down to him on Wednesday when we go to New York. OCTOBER 04 MONDAY - It commenced raining again about 2 o'clock this morning and rained very hard and steady until about 2 P.M. when it stopped, and the sun came out. It being Town Meeting Day, I went down in the forenoon and voted. I ordered 400 labels printed with the name 'Horace' printed on to paste over 'Hill' on my spring bed posters to make it read Horace Purdy instead of Hill & Purdy, Agents for New London and Windham Counties. In the P.M., I went down for them and in the P.M. and evening I pasted them on. Gussie went to market while I stayed home in the evening. Before retiring, I wrote to Twitchell that I expected to be in New Haven on Thursday morning when I would see him. After writing, I went over to Horace Cable's to carry a pair of sockets and screws for a spring bed for him to put into H. M. Senior's bed for a safety bar. It being about 10 o'clock, he was in bed. I did not disturb him but put them on the door sill so that he would see them when he opened the door in the morning. OCTOBER 05 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. In the morning, I took the train for Bethel and then collected from Adam C. Williams and A. Chichester pay for spring beds and then rode back to Danbury with the Col. (Chichester). I collected $6.50 from Mrs. Ford and $3.50 from Anna Eastwood leaving $3.00. After dinner, I rode over to the Fair Grounds with Harry Buckley to see Eugene Jennings about pay for a bed I put I for him. He promised to leave the $7.25 in Chichester's Store in White Street this evening. We then rode up to L. C. Fanton's to the cider mill. I collected $6.00 from him from Cable & Purdy. I took my black vest over to have Mrs. Cocking put in two watch pockets. I picked my sweet apples just at night. Bell being down here, she helped me carry them upstairs. I went into the street in the evening. Charles Hayes gave me a check for $25.00 for his last month's board. I got William G. Randall to cash it for me as Gussie wants to use the money in the morning to go away with. Before retiring, we packed a trunk and bags for going away in the morning. OCTOBER 06 WEDNESDAY - Started for New London and Windham Counties to see the Connecticut Spring Beds for Thomas E. Twitchell in New Haven. Gussie and Georgie with Louise Vintz started with me via New York. We took the steamboat 'Nelly White' from Norwalk; arrived in New York at the foot of Market Street about 11 o'clock. We all went to the St. Charles Hotel corner of Bleeker Street and Broadway to dinner. From there, we went to Central Park and spent the P.M. This was Louise's and my first visit to the park. We went from the Park to William Hayes, 415 Hudson Street to tea. I called as I went at 61 Carmine Street to see Henry Day but got no satisfaction about payment of his notes. We had a pleasant time at William's to tea, after which he went with us to Peck Slip to take the steamer “Elm City” for New Haven, the same that the 1st Connecticut Volunteers took from New York to New haven in 1861 when we returned from the three months campaign at Bull Run at the commencement of the late Southern Rebellion. George met me at the steamer and gave me $5.00 on account towards picture frames at Yonkers and at Ferguson's at No. 10 grove Street, which he sold for me when I was in business in New York. The steamer left at 11 P.M. OCTOBER 07 THURSDAY - The steamer arrived with us at New Haven at 4:15 this morning. We took a hack to E. B. Stevens at 92 Ward Street and took breakfast with him and Harriet. I soon went to 95 Orange Street at the corner of Chapel to see Mr. Twitchell. Mr. D. R. French, his old general agent for the beds was there. I paid Mr. Twitchell his last bill for beds, $29.00. I took the 10:45 train for New London. Gussie and Georgie took a train at the same time for Collinsville. I arrived in New London about 1 P.M. I took board at 28 ## State Street with a Mr. M. Moore who keeps a large but good boarding house. OCTOBER 08 FRIDAY - I spent the day in surveying my field of operations, putting up posters and showing my model. OCTOBER 09 SATURDAY - I canvassed for the beds. Saw the assistant assessor about a license. He says because I deliver the beds, it puts me down as a peddler and I must have a license. In the evening, I met Frank Trowbridge on State Street. I took a walk with him about the city and went to the 'Metropolitan', his hotel where I Left him and repaired to my boarding house. OCTOBER 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning. After breakfast, Frank Trowbridge and I had a man to row us across the Thames to Groton where we visited the tower erected in Memory of the massacre perpetrated by the traitor, Arnold, during our war with England, or rather in memory of the gallant dead who there fell in defense of Fort Griswold. We ascended to the top by means of winding stone stairs where we had a splendid view of New London and the Thames river above and below to its mouth. We visited old Fort Griswold and then returned to the city. After dinner, I went with Mr. E. S. Simpson, an old gentleman of about 60 years formerly of Danbury who boards with me at Moore's and visited Fort Trumble, a new work erected I believe about 15 years ago. It commenced raining before we returned and continued all evening. OCTOBER 11 MONDAY - Pleasant this morning. I have canvassed for the bed with a little more success today. OCTOBER 12 TUESDAY - Canvassed as usual for the bed. During the day, I visited Bosses Cracker Bakery on Water Street, also a Horse Nail Factory. In the evening, I called on a man in John Street about bed springs. I then took a walk with Mr. Simpson. OCTOBER 13 WEDNESDAY - A cold Morning. Canvassed as usual. Received a letter from Mr. Twitchell stating that upon consultation with the Internal Revenue Assessor in New Haven, I am required to take out a license to sell the spring beds upon the grounds that delivering them as I do, makes me a 4th class peddler subject to a $10.00 license. OCTOBER 14 THURSDAY - A little rain last evening. Pleasant and a little warmer today. Canvassed but took no orders. OCTOBER 15 FRIDAY - Canvassed but took not an order. It commenced raining in the evening. OCTOBER 16 SATURDAY - It rained all last night and this morning. It cleared away in the P.M. About 3 P.M., I took the ferry boat and went over to Groton and took an order from Mr. Budington and Mr. Kearns. Windy and cool. OCTOBER 17 SUNDAY - Attended M. E. Sunday School on Federal Street from 10:30 to noon. After dinner, I wrote to Gussie in Canton. Mr. E. S. Simpson, an old gentleman, a printer boarding where I do, went with me to M. E. Church in the evening. After meeting, we took a walk around the city awhile before retiring. OCTOBER 18 MONDAY - In the forenoon, I went to R. E. Burrow's Carpenter Shop, No. 2 Kellam Street and prepared a set of half circle blocks for Stephen Budington's round nail bedstead. I did but little canvassing and took no orders. I found one Henry M. Lester, a shoe dealer at No. 10 Main Street who has one of my pattern bedsprings which he bought in Boston during the Great Peace Jubilee last June; he likes it very much. OCTOBER 19 TUESDAY - A cool day. I canvassed in the forenoon. AT 2 P.M., John H. Sloan, son of Mrs. Moore, was buried. A Mr. Gomley, an Englishman boarding where I do hired a team with me and we rode in the procession. After the funeral, I went over to the Kerse Nail Factory and took 3 orders for bed springs. I went also to the tannery but sold none there. I went in the evening with Mr. Simson to the printing office and finally retired with the headache. OCTOBER 20 WEDNESDAY - The coldest day we have yet had. A heavy white frost and ice thick as glass. I wrote to Mr. Twitchell for a cut of the bed springs to use in printing 5,000 circulars I am about to have done. OCTOBER 21 THURSDAY - Received a letter from Mr. Twitchell saying that he yesterday shipped 8 beds to me. Received another after dinner in reply to one asking for a cut of the bed. OCTOBER 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I was disappointed in not finding my 8 beds at the depot this morning. In the P.M., I visited the New London Boiler and Engine Works. I then crossed over the New London and Northern Railroad Bridge over the cove to what they call the 'Neck' to canvass for my beds. OCTOBER 23 SATURDAY - After breakfast, I employed an expressman to deliver my beds (they are my first in New London). Three of them were for Groton, for Budington, Kearns, and Morgan. After dinner, it commenced raining and continued all the remainder of the day and evening. I got my beds all put in before night except for Mr. Crump's and he was not ready as he is moving and will not be settled for 2 or 3 days. OCTOBER 24 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cool. I attended Father Whitney's preaching in the P.M. at the Bethel ___. OCTOBER 25 MONDAY - Pleasant. Shoes mended at A. Stanley Smith, 54 State Street, and my headquarters for the bed springs. Called on my customers to see how the beds suited. Went to Groton in the P.M. to get B. Ellison's order. I wrote to Mr. Twitchell in the evening, ordering 10 more beds and enclosed a check for $30.05, the amount of the last bill for beds. I received the bed cut by express. OCTOBER 26 TUESDAY - Went down to the Pequot House (a summer resort near the mouth of the Thames) to see if I could arrange to put in spring beds for it next spring. Canvassing on my way back without any knowledge of the place, I got into a house of bad repute which I afterward learned was known as the Cottage by the Sea'. As soon as I saw the character of the place, I told short stories and retreated. I got 12 dozen cards, 8 ## x 12 with 'Orders for the Connecticut Spring Bed Received here' printed on them. I put one of them in A. Stanley Smith's Store Window at 54 State Street. I deposited in the Union Bank, $30.05 to meet the check I sent to Mr. Twitchell. OCTOBER 27 WEDNESDAY - First snowstorm. It snowed nearly all the forenoon quite hard making about 2 inches of snow. I looked after printing 5,000 circulars at Starr & Farnum's, corner of Main and State Streets. I took 3 bed spring orders before noon. In the evening, I folded, wrote across the ends, and filed away in a bill holder a lot of bills for A. Stanley Smith at his store. I then went down to Blinman Street with Mr. Simpson and helped him put up a bedstead preparatory to the arrival of his wife from New Jersey whom he expects tonight by New York steamer. I sat up with him until the arrival of the steamer at midnight to meet his wife. She came. I then left him to return to my boarding place at Mr. Moore's for the night. OCTOBER 28 THURSDAY - Cloudy and cold. I took and order for bed from D. B. Thurston, 56 Bank Street, ex-Governor of Rhode Island. I took 1,000 of the 5,000 circulars ordered from Starr & Farnum. I telegraphed to J. E. Chapman, 177 Grand Street not to send the large bed cut. I sent by mail a sample of my new circular to Mr. Twitchell. OCTOBER 29 FRIDAY - Warmer. I took 11 spring beds for the depot this morning, delivered and put them up before night. It commenced raining before night. I put in one for A. Stanley Smith and took tea with him. I wrote to T. E. Twitchell in the evening and enclosed a check for $41. 14 for the last lot of beds and enclosed the bill to be receipted. OCTOBER 30 SATURDAY - A little sunshine though cold and most of the day cloudy. I deposited in the Union Bank, $41.14 to meet check with. I canvassed a part of the day. I spent the evening in A. Stanley Smith's Shoe Store, writing for myself and helping him wait on customers. OCTOBER 31 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cool. A fire alarm last night at 1:30 o'clock. I turned out to see what I could, but the fire was extinguished so soon that no light was seen. I understood that it was in the Wilson Manufacturing Company, a foundry and iron-working establishment. This P.M., I attended M. E. Church. We had an excellent sermon from Mr. Cooper from Westerly Rhode Island, formerly preached here in New London. He preached another good one this evening. A young lady sat in the seat with me and offered me part of her hymn book. I accepted and sang with her. After dinner, I called on Mr. Simson in Blinman Street.
1869-10
Horace Purdy Journal August 1868 Entry
8pgs
AUGUST 01 SATURDAY - Pleasant and hot. I have been to New York. Dr. Brown's wife went down with me and stopped at Mr. Ryfield's at 44 Downing Street. Levi Wildman called at the store, also James Fanning. A heavy shower on my way home from Stamford nearly to Danbury. AUGUST 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant. George and I went over to the Oil Mill Pond to wash after breakfast. It has been warm. I went down to Sunday School at noon and came home again at its close. We had a hard thunder shower about 6 P.M. I called at Mr. Pond's early in the evening. The meeting was held in the basement today on account of painting, repairs, etc. going on upstairs. AUGUST 03 MONDAY - Pleasant and hot. I dug out worms from my apple trees in my yard before breakfast. I have worked in the shop. A moonlight excursion on the steamer 'Nelly White' on Long Island Sound this evening. An excursion train left here for Norwalk about 6 P.M. After tea, I went up to see Mr. Jackson to see about my pay for looking glass frames. He promises it tomorrow. I then went to market. AUGUST 04 TUESDAY - A hard thunder shower this morning. George went on the moonlight excursion last night. He got home between 3 and 4 o'clock this morning. The door being locked, he could not get in, so he went in Father Griswold's barn and took a nap until morning. I got don work in the shop before dinner. As I came home, I called and settled my old account with O. H. Swift in exchange of frames and molding, etc. between us. I owed him $1.25 I mowed a part of my dooryard this P.M. In the evening, I got my pay from F. G. Jackson for looking glass frames - $17.00. He left it at the Post Office for me. Mr. Sherman put up some cabbage (which Gussie bought) as he came from the store tonight. I bought a half gallon measure for Mr. Pond to measure kerosene oil in. He gave me credit on it for what I owe him. Before retiring, we sealed up 10 cups of currant jelly. AUGUST 05 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain. I trimmed with a scythe where I mowed last night before breakfast. I have been to New York. The sun shone in the P.M. I took dinner with William Hayes at No. 16 Bedford Street. I paid store rent to Mr. Young. It rained very hard when we retired for the night. AUGUST 06 THURSDAY - This morning was lovely. The sun shone brightly for an hour or two. I raked off my yard before breakfast where I mowed it on Tuesday. I have worked in the shop. Mrs. Haviland living in the house with Mr. Richards was buried this P.M. AUGUST 07 FRIDAY - I worked at digging up plantains in my yard before breakfast and again as long as I could see at night. I have worked in the shop. A thunder shower about 5 P.M. Gussie went to the market in the evening while I stayed at home. William Carlson cashed my account at the shop - $15.00 - before I came home as I shall be in New York tomorrow and cannot draw my pay myself. AUGUST 08 SATURDAY - Showery. While in New York, we had a heavy thunder shower. The Liberty Pole at the corner of Carmine and Bedford was struck by lightning and the upper half shattered at 2:30 o'clock. I priced marble mantels for Oscar Serine near the junction of 6th Avenue and Broadway. AUGUST 09 SUNDAY - George and I went over to the pond to wash before breakfast. I went to church in the morning. Mr. Kearn from New Fairfield preached. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, I came home with him, leaving her to stay in the P.M. The collection made by the children for the National Orphan Homestead at Gettysburg was handed in. The amount so far handed in was $53.89. After tea, we took a walk with Georgie up to Serine's new house. A thunder shower about 6 P.M., though the rain was not very heavy here. AUGUST 10 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop today. I went to Teachers' Meeting in the evening at which the Infant Class money box was opened and I brought home a portion of the money. AUGUST 11 TUESDAY - Showery. I have worked in the shop. Before tea, I made a strawberry bed. After tea, I finished setting out the plants. I then went into the street to the Post Office and returned early but tired. I bought a new grate for our Opal Range of Joseph W. Ives. Gussie got Mrs. Bradley to go with her this P.M. and got a tooth extracted. AUGUST 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went to market. I engaged my winter's coal this evening of Charles Griffing, 5 tons at $9.75. AUGUST 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I have worked in the shop hard all day. This is brother George's birthday. AUGUST 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Worked ## day in the shop. A 'Clam Bake' in the P.M. at 3 o'clock at the river bank in the rear of Joseph Kyle's. It was by the shopmen to spend over $3.00 fine money in the shop. We had a very pleasant time. An adjourned Sunday School Teachers' Meeting this evening in regard to a picnic which was voted for on Monday evening. On account of expense, the vote was reconsidered and lost. AUGUST 15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York. I took with me and framed and brought back with me this evening a Soldier's Testimonial for Cyrus A. White and two more pictures, same size ' 'Heroes Dead' and 'Brave and True' groups for Mr. Frank Page. AUGUST 16 SUNDAY - A small shower early this morning. After breakfast, George and I went over to Oil Mill Pond to wash. Mr. Vincent, the great Sunday School man, has been with us today. He preached in the morning, talked to the school at noon and lectured the several schools in our church in the P.M. After tea, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk to George Starr's to give him the $53.89 collected by the children for the National Orphan's Homestead in Gettysburg, Pa. AUGUST 17 MONDAY - Cool but pleasant. I have worked in the shop. Deborah Merritt with Bell was here to tea. I went over to Cyrus White's in the evening with his testimonial which I framed for him. AUGUST 18 TUESDAY - Muggy and warmer than yesterday. I have worked in the shop. Martin Foster came to the shop to see me about preserving a cross, I believe from a friend's coffin in Ridgefield in memory I believe connected with John Rockwell who sent the flowers to me. Upon naming the price, he was in doubt about what to do. He promised to bring it to me this evening if they concluded to have it done. I brought home a new black soft hat for Mr. Pond. After tea, I dug a place for another strawberry bed. AUGUST 19 WEDNESDAY - Warmer than for some time past. Before breakfast, I set out a bed of strawberry plants. I have worked in the shop. Received a bill of $1.65 from Hull & Rogers for tin conductor. Mother and Father Griswold came down in the evening and sat awhile. AUGUST 20 THURSDAY - Hot and muggy again today. A special hatters' meeting last evening about consolidation of the Fair independent Societies. They did not consolidate but adjourned until next Tuesday evening when the matter will again be brought up for final action. A heavy thunder shower about noon. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant. On account of a bad color of hats, our work in the shop was stopped before dinner. William Carlson cashed my account for me for $23.00. In the P.M., I paid my bill at Hull & Rogers - $1.65. It was contracted last November. I also paid $8.00 to Henry Williams, Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, for commutation during September. AUGUST 22 SATURDAY - A beautiful day; have been to New York. Father Griswold went down this morning also. I went to Carlton's Book Publisher at 699 Broadway for Wallace Pine. I went also to Phillip Phillips for 3 'Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves Combined' for members of the Sunday School. I framed and brought home with me a picture for Frank Page, 'Heroic Dead', 16x20, two inch walnut and gilt. James Wood (clock dealer) from No. 5 Courtland Street called to see me at the store. AUGUST 23 SUNDAY - I attended church in the morning. Gussie came down at noon to Sunday School with Georgie. I came home with him after school. The awards to the children for collections for the Gettysburg Orphan Asylum were distributed this noon. After tea, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk around the square West, Division, Wooster and Deer Hill Streets. AUGUST 24 MONDAY - I have worked hard in the shop; came home late. Feeling tired, I stayed at home in the evening. Gussie bought 10 bushels of charcoal. AUGUST 25 TUESDAY - Worked in the shop Adjourned special meeting this evening to investigate the case John Clark, Walter Signor and Saul Brockett. Signor was granted a card, but Clark and Brockett were rejected. Consolidation was disposed of by laying the motion on the table. While at the meeting, John Morris gave me a picture of his wife's daughter to frame for him in 8x10 polished walnut. AUGUST 26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. Have worked in the shop. In the P.M., a fine Liberty Pole was raised by the Democrats in the street near the Wooster House. Mr. Fowler's boy, Frank, came in while we were at tea with butter for Mother Griswold. They being away, we are taking it in their stead. I wrote to William at the store. Gussie mailed it in the evening. AUGUST 27 THURSDAY - Worked in the shop; headache all day. George Foote, for a wager of $1.50, walked up to the depot, down Main and Liberty while wearing an old caved-in silk hat. Two large placards with the names of candidates for President on them of each political party ' Grant & Colfax and Seymour & Blair. The Republican candidates, Grant & Colfax on his shoulders and the other Democratic, beneath his shirttail which was a very long one made of two kinds of calico (shop shirt) hung outside. He did it in 7 minutes including a stop for a drink. Gussie and Louise Vintz, another Griswold girl (who is staying with us now while they are away on a visit to Hartford County) have been up to George Davis' to spend the day. Georgie went up to Mother Purdy's yesterday where he still is. George, not having any work, went to Norwalk on the noon train to stay over tomorrow at the reunion of his old regiment, the 17th. AUGUST 28 FRIDAY - Gussie went to Norwalk this morning to act as lady for George at the reunion. I have worked in the shop. Edward Dickenson was this morning found dead near the junction of Main and Town Hill Streets, supposed to have been murdered. He was intoxicated when last seen about midnight. A post-mortem examination found that he died in a fit. Many think, however, that he was murdered by one called Bully Townsend, a desperate character seen last with him. George Foote after the wager yesterday was drunk the remainder of the day. He cried off the shop this morning, but I persuaded him to try and return again which he did and was shopped. Cyrus White cashed my account as I intend to go to New York tomorrow. AUGUST 29 SATURDAY - Shower early this morning. I have been to New York. I framed for the Sunday School a certificate of shareholder in the Gettysburg Orphan Asylum for soldiers and sailors of the war. Also a photo for John Morris ' 8x10 oval, polished walnut. A Democratic banner raising at the Wooster House. Philander Comstock's horse ran with his daughter, Lois. She was thrown from the carriage and picked up insensible. Her life is despaired of. She was reported dead once today, but this is not so. John Smith, an unprincipled Democrat, abused Saul G. Bailey this evening in a shameful manner. Captain Bailey could stand it no longer and gave him a beating up. AUGUST 30 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Before breakfast, I went down to the church with the certificate I framed and hung it in the Sunday School room. It was sent to the school for contributions made in the amount of $58.85. George and I went to Oil Mill Pond to wash after breakfast. I attended church in the morning. Our chorister, Benjamin Lockwood, came home with me to tea. We went over to Mr. Pond's and had a sing, Mrs. Pond playing the piano. AUGUST 31 MONDAY - A shower at noon. Another just at night and in the evening. I have worked in the shop. Wrote to William before I retired.
1868-08
Horace Purdy Journal December 1867 Entry
12pgs
DECEMBER 01 SUNDAY - Very cold last night; cool today, but pleasant. Georgie being up home, we both went to church in the morning. Before dressing for church, I went down with the 17 Singing Books I bought in New York for the Sunday School. We had some excellent singing at noon under the leadership of Brother Lockwood. We came home at noon and in the P.M., we went up home to dinner and brought Georgie home with us. Just before evening meeting time, Susan Brayman came in. She walked down with me as I went to church. Brother Birch preached a good sermon after which they held a short prayer meeting. Gussie wrote in the evening to Edwin's wife. DECEMBER 02 MONDAY - Went to New York again today. Just as the train left this morning at 6:30 o'clock, it commenced snowing and threatened a hard snowstorm, but it snowed only a little, about a half inch here and less in New York. The sun came out about three o'clock in New York and the evening was fine. The engine gave out while we were in the upper tunnel in New York this morning and we were detained nearly a half hour. One of the cylinder heads blew out. We waited for the next train which then pushed us down to 42nd Street. Daniel has not yet returned to the store and work is put back on that account. I went down to No. 12 Cortlandt this P.M. to see Mr. Clark about the note due him on the 9th inst. As I fear I shall not be able to meet it. DECEMBER 03 TUESDAY - The tenth anniversary of our wedding. Sunshine and clouds but no storm. I worked in the shop. When I came from work, I went up to W. F. Olmstead's to see him about making application for me at the Union Savings Bank to renew my note of $400 which is in there. After tea, I took to Mrs. Barlow in Liberty Street, the funeral wreath I have been preserving for her. which was on the coffin of her infant child. I did not get the pay for it. I mailed a letter to William W. Hayes, my man at the store. Called at Swift's store; bought meal and buckwheat flour for pancakes. When I came from the street, I found George at the house waiting for me. After talking over the matter, he concluded to write to Yonkers to a shop mate to whom he sold some frames for me and see if he could not get the pay for them to help me out in meeting notes. I went down and mailed it before retiring. The Band of Hope gives an exhibition this evening at Concert Hall. DECEMBER 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I have worked in the shop today. I called this P.M. at the Union Savings Bank to see if at the Board meeting last night they decided to renew my note of $400 and found that they did. I fastened the tin leader to the house which carries the water off from the sink upstairs. We moved the stove from the sitting room into the parlor preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. After tea, I drew up a copy of an advertisement which I am thinking of having put in the paper. I took it into the street with me, but found the Jeffersonian Office closed. I called a few moments in the auction room under Concert Hall and then came home. Before retiring, I took my note for renewal up to Father Griswold for his endorsement and left it for him to hand in tomorrow and take up the old one, as I am going to New York tomorrow. DECEMBER 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Daniel, not having made his appearance, we have hired another boy for the present, if not permanently. I did a great deal of running in the city today and am very tired tonight. George has been helping Gussie clean the sitting room and pantry today. Father Griswold attended to the renewal of my note at the Union Savings Bank for me today. I refunded the interest to him this evening after returning from New York. DECEMBER 06 FRIDAY - Cloudy, but not very cold. I did not rise until about 6:30 o'clock this morning. Before breakfast, I went down to mail a letter to William at the store in New York with one enclosed to Mr. Clark about the $5.00 he promised me if I would meet my note due him on next Monday. I was too late for the morning mail. I have worked in the shop today. George helped Gussie clean the sink room this forenoon. High wind in the forenoon and rain in the evening. I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York again today. I bought one dozen more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves for the Sunday School and let William Hayes have one at the store, bringing home 11. Mrs. Bartram was on the train from New York. Gussie, Louise, George and Hattie Mills met me at the Depot, George and Hattie having come on the same train with me from Bethel. Gussie stopped at the dressmakers and before she came home George and I killed our favorite cat 'Prince' to get him out of misery. He has been sick about 2 weeks with no prospect of ever being better. We had him buried before Gussie came home. After my supper, I went over to Mr. Pond's with three of my new singing books and we had a sing together. Before I came home, I borrowed for a few days $100 to meet a note on Monday in New York. DECEMBER 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. Gussie attended church in the morning while I stayed home with Georgie. George came down in the morning and went with Gussie. I took Georgie up to Mother Griswold's a little before 12 o'clock to wait until Gussie should return while I went to Sunday School. I delivered another batch of 11 books 'Singing Pilgrim' and 'Musical Leaves' to members of the School's sacrament in the P.M. which I attended. George called after tea while I was up to Mother Griswold's. He went over to Aunt Louise's before I returned Mother Griswold came down to stay with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I attend church together. DECEMBER 09 MONDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have been to New York today. Bell went there today for the first time. George, being on his return to Yonkers, he took her with him by way of steamboat from Norwalk to New York. When they landed (about 11 o'clock), he took her up Fulton Street and on the Broadway Bridge. From there, they walked up Broadway to Barnum's Museum where they stayed until after 3 o'clock and then came over to the store for Bell to go with me as far as Stamford which she did by the express train. We left George at the store to take a later train up the Hudson River Road to Yonkers. I took up my note to Henry Clark today - $125 with interest. I brought a wreath home with me from New York to put in Swift's window on exhibition. DECEMBER 10 TUESDAY - The thermometer early last evening stood 4 degrees below zero. I woke this morning and found it snowing. Not so cold today. I have worked in the shop. It came off pleasant before noon. As I went to work in the morning, I left my boots at Daragan's to be mended and called for them as I came home from work. A letter from William Hayes that Nunnebacher in Pell Street had not enough Walnut molding of the pattern I ordered; the 72 22x28 frames of for Smith & Rand Powder Co. He made 60 of them and waits to hear about using another pattern. I wrote to William after tea, giving directions about it and mailed it as I went to market in the evening. DECEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I worked late to finish up my work as I am going to New York tomorrow morning. I came home late and very tired. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go to market. DECEMBER 12 & 13 THURSDAY & FRIDAY - Very cold. It was snowing very hard when I rose. I went to New York. The storm increased during the day. The wind blew terribly. I took the train at 27th Street for home at 4:30 o'clock. We had difficulty in getting up to 42nd Street with horses. After attaching the engine, we went as far as 49th Street and could get no farther on account of Harlem trains on the track ahead and ice at the street crossings. We finally, however (after Mr. H. B. Fanton and myself went to the Reunion Hotel on the corner of 42nd Street and 4th Avenue for something to eat) got under way a little after 11 o'clock, and after a great deal of difficulty we arrived at Mamaroneck about 4 o'clock Friday morning when the water in the engine tanks was exhausted and we could get no farther. We suffered for fuel to warm us and many for food. There was not wood enough at 27th Street to properly supply the cars for even an ordinary trip and no snow plow for the engine. There was evident mis-management all around. We were obliged to lie at or around Mamaroneck Station until about 1:30 o'clock P.M. on account of the inability of the Superintendent of the road ' Hoyt. The engines which were sent to Stamford at noon for water could just as easily been sent in the morning if Superintendent Hoyt had so directed. When we finally got underway again, the passengers held an indignation meeting on board and passed resolution censuring the officers of the road and particularly Superintendent Hoyt, who was on the ground and did so little to assist us. A committee was appointed to see that the resolutions were printed in the New York papers. They were still acting on the matter when we arrived at Norwalk which was about 3 o'clock. There I found Brother Birch who came from Stamford on the same train. We went over to Bixbee's Hotel and stayed by a good fire until the Danbury train came down which waited until 8:30 o'clock for another train from New York. We arrived in Danbury at 10:30 o'clock. Thursday P.M. as I went to the Depot, I went to Philip Phillip's at Broadway Union Square for a dozen Singing Pilgrims and Musical leaves combine for our Sunday School which I brought home with me. (Marginal Note: 30 hours coming from New York to Danbury detained on the cars on account of the snow). DECEMBER 14 SATURDAY - I went to New York again this morning and delivered 72 frames to Smith & rand Powder Company at 170 Broadway and got my pay for them. As I came home, I went again to Phillip Phillips for 10 more singing books. The trains came through with little trouble tonight though they were a little behind time. I am nearly used up tonight. DECEMBER 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not so cold. I went down to the church before breakfast and carried the music books I brought from New York for the Sunday School. Neither of us attended church in the morning. I went early to Sunday School. Gussie came soon after with Georgie. After delivering most of the music books to subscribers, I found that a part of the book was differently arranged from others I had previously procured for the school. Most of the music was there, but the pages did not agree. I took a few of them back again and am to see Phillip Phillips about the matter when I go to New York again. Feeling very tired and weary, I came home again after school with Georgie. Father came down and made us a call after he had eaten his dinner but before we had eaten ours. We did not go to church in the evening, but retired early. DECEMBER 16 MONDAY - Pleasant. The sleighing is splendid and is being improved by many. I am troubled with rheumatism in my right leg. I have worked in the shop today. Robert took down the tin leader which carries off the water from their sink upstairs; it being froze up solid. He has thawed it out today and in now ready to put it up again. As I came from work tonight, I stopped at Mrs. Barlow's on the corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue and collected the remaining $12.00 for preserving and framing the wreath which she owed me for. She, being away, has left it with her mother. I went into the street in the evening to see about buying 4 gallons of kerosene oil. Mother Griswold is 71 years old today. DECEMBER 17 TUESDAY - It was a little red in the east as the sun rose this morning, but since then the day has been lowery and towards night misty with indications of rain. As I went to the shop this morning, I took my can to Benedict & Nichols for 4 gallons of kerosene oil which I got on credit for 65 cents per gallon, the price for small quantities being 70 cents. I had about a half day's work in the shop, after which I got Tom Signor to finish a Cass hat for me made from a California Full Stiff Pearl which I spoiled by cutting the brim too small and got it colored and blocked on another shape for my own use. Cal Chichester curled it for me and I brought it home when I came. Before tea, Fanny and I made some arrangements about mats and frames for some pictures she wants me to get for her in readiness for her by Christmas day. After tea, I went into the street to see Mr. Couch about repairing an oil portrait of Nathaniel Cable. Also, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and left an advertisement for preservation of flowers. I returned home about 7 o'clock to let Gussie go into the street to do some trading. DECEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I have been to New York today. Before going to the store this morning, I went to Phillip Phillips with 6 singing books, 'Singing Pilgrim and Musical Leaves' of the first edition which he gave me last week by mistake in place of the last edition. I left the 6 and made arrangements to return other 16 and get in their place next Saturday the same number of the last edition. I have been kept very busy at the store today making frames, etc. I brought home two mats for pictures for Fanny. Gussie has been up home to Father Purdy's today. She drew Georgie up on his little sleigh. DECEMBER 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant but very cold. I have worked in the shop today doing my yesterday's allowance with that of today which kept me busy until late. As I felt very tired in the evening, I let Gussie go into the street to do some marketing for me and I stayed home. She brought home a few more small Christmas toys for Georgie to the amount of 34 cents. Fanny came in about 9 o'clock with her mother's photograph for me to frame in an 8x10 polished walnut spring pattern which I did and charged her $2.00, my price at the store - $2.75. DECEMBER 20 FRIDAY - Very cold last night. The mercury last evening stood at 5 below zero. It commenced snowing this morning and continued to moderate with more or less snow during the day until evening when it was mild and pleasant and cleared away. I have had work all day in the shop. Joe Day came to the shop for his brother Henry and solicited some money from me on what I owe him for meat. I gave him $10.00. As I came from work, I stopped at Avery Raymond's and got a singing book to take with me to New York tomorrow and exchange for a later edition. Also stopped at Wesley Burritt's for one. I attended a Teachers' Meeting at 6 o'clock in the middle classroom to make arrangements for the coming Sunday School Festival on the 26th of December. Before retiring, I entered the doings on the Sunday School records. DECEMBER 21 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. I took Father Griswold's large photograph with me and framed it in a 16x20 Walnut & Gilt Sperry's pattern. I brought it home with me at night. I returned 5 more singing books to Phillip Phillips before going to the store in the city and expected some of the last edition in return for them but he had none. He expects a supply of them daily. I have been very busy in the store. I borrowed a punch of Mr. Fanton (the shirt man) this evening to use on our Sunday School tickets as a private mark to prevent the use of such as are in other hands. We contemplate using the old tickets to save expense next Thursday. After tea, we went over to Mr. Pond's to see their new baby and to show them picture of Father Griswold which I brought from New York. From there, we took it up home and hung it for Fanny. DECEMBER 22 SUNDAY - Warm and muggy with some rain which with the snow on the ground makes the walking very bad. Gussie has been home all day with the sick headache. I went to the church in the forenoon and spent the time in the basement punching heart-shaped holes in the old Sunday School exhibition tickets to prevent fraud by using old ones now in the hands of many who never returned them from previous exhibitions. After Sunday School, I came home and stayed with Gussie. Father came down after tea for a call. He took the letter from Bell for Mother which we took from the Office last evening. She wrote from Port Chester. Just before tea, I went for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold who has been complaining all day. DECEMBER 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York. Mrs. Nathaniel Benedict went to New York. I accompanied her to the city and saw her safely on the 4yth Avenue horse cars. I have been very busy again at the store. I had the sick headache in the P.M.I had a talk with Daniel Minnerly and finally consented to take him back again in my employ. I returned 4 more Singing Pilgrims and Musical Leaves combine to Phillip Phillips, making 15 of the 22 returned. His other (the revised edition) has not yet come. Before I left home this morning, Mr. Pond came in with a note for me to sign for $1,000 at the Danbury National Bank. I did it to accommodate the firm to which he belongs, Steven Sunderland & Company. They are to endorse it and get the money as they have notes coming due for lumber before they can get any money for the new school house which they are building. The note is drawn for three months from December 3rd. They confidently expect funds before this note matures, and I consider the risk small. I would have not done it for any other man, but he (Mr. Pond) has several times favored me and I feel it would be unkind to refuse him. DECEMBER 24 TUESDAY - I went to New York again today. James Maynard came to the store to see me today. He was under the impression that I kept bouquets preserved for ale and wanted to get some for John Wanderville in New Haven to put in his confectionary store. I walked with him over to Broadway and there left him and returned to the store. After dinner, I went down to E. D. Hill's Coal Office to order another to of coal and to settle up for the wreath I preserved for him. I balanced it by taking coal. He would give only $10.00 for the frame which was $3.00 less than I intended. I saw James Maynard again at Norwalk as I was coming home. I intended to send some circulars with him to New Haven for distribution but forgot them when left the store. Before retiring, I helped Mr. Pond prepare a Christmas tree in his barn. DECEMBER 25 WEDNESDAY - Christmas Day. Georgie had a good time this morning when he found his stocking full of toys, candy, etc. I went to the shop after breakfast, but it was closed; no work to be done today. Father came down and took Georgie home with him this forenoon. Gussie went to church in the P.M. to help dress it in green. I went to the Depot and paid the remaining $28.00 on the $38.00 for my commutation for 6 months ending June 1st. I took Augustus Hoyt's horse and sleigh and with Fred Shears went down to Whittlesey's Evergreen Hill and got some ivy for dressing the church. I went up home for Georgie just at night and stayed to tea. In the evening, I drew up a roll of the Sunday School Scholars for use tomorrow evening at the exhibition. Gussie went to the church again in the evening to assist in further dressing the church. The day has been cloudy and warm. The snow has wasted fast; about 9 o'clock in the evening, it began to rain. DECEMBER 26 THURSDAY - Rain last night, but it cleared off pleasant and warm this morning. The snow has wasted fast today and the sleighing is about used up. I have worked in the shop. As I came from work, I bought a pair of rubbers at Daniel Benedict's and got trusted for them. After tea, I went directly to the church to assist at door keeping at the Sunday School Exhibition. We had a very good time. We took in about $60.00. Georgie went with us. He took a part with other three-year-old children. He got to sleep after his part was played. We drew him down and back in Mr. Pond's baby carriage, ours being broken. DECEMBER 27 FRIDAY - The ground was frozen a little this morning and the sun shone pleasantly for a time but before noon it became cloudy but no rain. The snow has wasted very fast and it is very muddy. I have worked in the shop. James Wallace Pine presented the shop with two books as a testimonial of his regard for the men who have shown him such kindness and encouragement in getting his books (poems) before the public. The books were 'The Cotton Family' and 'Bayard Taylor's Travels'. As I came home from work, I took the wreath of D. E. Hill's from Swift's window and carried it to Mr. William's office at the depot in readiness to take with me to New York in the morning. After tea, I went to market. DECEMBER 28 SATURDAY - I have been to New York today. It was raining hard when I started. I took D. E. Hill's wreath back with me as he now wants it delivered. It came off pleasant before I arrive in the city and the remainder of the day was delightful, except the wind. I came to the 27th street depot by way of Phillip Phillip's at Union Square, but his music books 'Singing Pilgrim and Music Leaves Combined', 30 of which I ordered, he has not yet got from his printer. Bell was at Norwalk waiting for me. She was just returning from her visit at Port Chester and Stamford. Father met her here at the depot and Gussie met me to assist in carrying the music books, but I required no help of that kind. DECEMBER 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The ground was frozen this morning, but at church time it was very muddy. I went in the morning to church. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, I came home with him. At noon, Henry Hoyt gave over to me the money taken at the Sunday School Exhibition on Thursday evening, $59.00. There are as yet two scholars to make returns of tickets sold with which we hope to make the amount over $60.00. Bell came here to tea from church. After tea, I went over to Mr. Pond's a few minutes. I attended church in the evening. The attendance was good. Brother Birch preached a good sermon. DECEMBER 30 MONDAY - Colder. It has frozen all day. I have worked in the shop. Elijah Morris came with me from work to see frames at the house to select one for a picture of his father-in-law which he wants me to frame tomorrow at the store and deliver to his folks at their residence at 40 Suffolk Street. I returned to the street and exchanged $34.00 in currency for bills for the Sunday School, the same being money taken at the Christmas Exhibition. Mr. Pond, not having been obliged to use the note of $1,000 (which I lent my name to for him to raise money for a short time for Steven Sunderland & Company) gave the same back to me this evening and I gave back his personal note of same amount which he gave as security. After tea, I killed the turkey which Father Griswold gave to us as a New Year's present. I also went over to W. Olmstead's with some samples of frames for him to select fro for some frames he is contemplating getting. I then went into the street to get some raisins, eggs, etc. for New Year's. DECEMBER 31 FRIDAY - Pleasant (or rather, not stormy) as there was but little sunshine. The day has been cold. I have been to New York. I took down with me a picture for Elijah Morris and framed for him and delivered to 40 Suffolk Street. I had the company of Dr. Brown and wife to New York this morning. They were on their way to Newburgh to spend New Year's Day with her folks. I invited my headman at the store, William H. Hayes, to come home with me and spend New Year's Day, but he could not on account of the expense accept the invitation though much he would like to.
1867-12
Horace Purdy Journal July 1867 Entry
7pgs
JULY 01 MONDAY - Very warm. I took 7 quarts of strawberries to the city with me this morning for Miss Donavan who lives in rooms over the store and to Mr. Ferguson, the man I board with at No. 10 Grove Street. Daniel (my boy) wanted some money for clothing, so I paid his wages in advance this week. George went to Yonkers at noon. I went in the P.M. and again in the evening to Pier 42 at the foot of Canal Street to see if I could hear anything from the California steamer, 'Rising Star' as she is now about due. We are expecting Lauren E. Humphrey and wife and children on her. In the evening, I wrote to Gussie that the steamer was hourly expected. JULY 02 TUESDAY - Before breakfast I took a walk down the pier but nothing had been heard from the steamer. I went six times during the day and evening but not a word from her. Got a deep circular frame for a hat wreath for Swift at Ferguson's on the corner of Broadway and Broome. JULY 03 WEDNESDAY - I let Daniel have $2.00 more today to get into the country for the 'Fourth'. George, having no work in Yonkers until after the 'Fourth', he came down about noon. I got $17.70, this is from Crosby which he took from a burglar that he stole from my house. I brought the circular frame to Swift this evening as I came home. JULY 04 THURSDAY - The store is not open today and I stay at home and hoe garden. Very warm. About 10 o'clock, after hoeing my garden, I dressed anew and walked downtown. I saw Officer Crosby; He gave me $6.00 which he collected for me from Russell Smith. The 'Band of Hope' have a picnic today in Lyman Keeler's orchard on Deer Hill. While I was in the street, they had formed in procession, headed by the Bartram and Fanton Brass Band and marched to the orchard. The band move in their new uniforms for the first time and made a good appearance. Gussie took Georgie and went up. I was there a short time. In the evening, I mended a trunk for my wife as she is anticipating a visit to Canton this month if her cousin Eliza comes from California as expected. Just at night, I picked strawberries to take with me to the city in the morning. A heavy shower in the evening. Mr. Cocking had some ice cream given him by Mr. Lynes and in the evening, he brought it downstairs and treated Gussie and I to a dish of it. JULY 05 FRIDAY - I took the strawberries to the city with me this morning and in the P.M., Mr. Ferguson had some strawberry shortcake made for George's special benefit. Hot in the city this morning. It partly broke away about 9 A.M., but in the middle of the day, it became thick cloudy again and rained hard in the afternoon. The 'Rising Star' arrived yesterday. I went down today to see if Eliza came, but her name was not on the list of passengers. I went to the Great American Tea Company and bought a pound of Japanese tea for Father. I intended to go home this P.M., but a customer came in at the time I should leave the store and detained me so I could not go. JULY 06 SATURDAY - I went over to Brooklyn this A.M. to get a photograph Louise Jones has been coloring for me for my customer. I got the vase of wax flowers also that she had previously spoken about me putting in my store to sell for a friend of hers. On my return, I went to 41 and 43 Beekman Street at Hollerbach's for some porcelain-headed nails for rustic frames. In the P.M., I cut down a looking glass frame for a customer. I walked up to 27th Street and took the 4 1.2 P.M. train for home where I arrived at 7:30 P.M. It rained hard while I was on the Danbury & Norwalk train. It was a shower which subsided when the train arrived here in Danbury. As I came from the depot this evening, I met Oscar Serine who paid me $2.94 for 10 ## lbs. of butter I sold him of what we had from Ohio. JULY 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Before church, I picked our first mess of peas. We had more than we wanted and I asked Mr. Pond to help me pick. He sent Miss Hutchinson. I divided with her. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School in the P.M. and came home after the session. After tea, we went up home to my Father's and drew Georgie in his carriage. We took some strawberries which I picked in the garden. We took George's dirty clothes up to be washed which he sent by me from the city yesterday. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Frisbie preached for us. Mr. Birch preached in his church. They exchanged. Before retiring, I drew up a list of books, etc. wanted from New York by Goodall for the Miry Brook Sunday School and by Fanny for her infant class here. Also a book wanted by Edward Everett. Also the singing book for Harriet Taylor's class. JULY 08 MONDAY - I returned again to business in the city this morning. I found Daniel there all right, he having been away in the country since the Fourth. George, who has been at the store while Daniel was away, returned to Yonkers this forenoon. I called on E. D. Hill and got $14.00 advance on the wreath I am preserving for him. Or rather, I solicited it and he promised it this afternoon or on the morrow. JULY 09 TUESDAY - Business at the store is about the same ' very dull! I went down this P.M. to Charlton Street to Mr. Hill's Coal Office and got the $14.00 he promised me and with it made but the amount of my bill with John Sherry - $18.50 and went over and paid him. A hard thunder shower about 4 P.M.; it was so dark that we were obliged to light the gas in the store. JULY 10 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool last night and this morning. The bed bugs tormented me last night. I annihilated a few of them this morning. I have done considerable running today. I went to the Book Room this P.M. and bought some Cards, reward Books, etc. for the Infant Class and went from there to the depot and came home. I found John Leland on the train coming home from Orange, New Jersey, where he has been at work. Gussie met me at the depot. I went with her to market and to D. M. Benedict's to get a pair of shoes for her and Georgie. After tea, I went up to see Father Griswold to get his name as endorser to a note in Danbury Bank to be given on the 19th inst. As a renewal of one of the same amount due at that time, the note being one put there in George's behalf. He expected his one hundred dollar bounty from the government to meet it but it did not come. JULY 11 THURSDAY - Returned to the city this morning. I called at the Book Room and paid for the things I got there yesterday for the Infant Class. The coal steamer 'Aragonia' arrive today. The passengers were brought from the steamer by a tug, the steamer being left below at quarantine. I was there, but Eliza did not come. I wrote home to Gussie in the evening to say that the steamer had come but Eliza had not come. JULY 12 FRIDAY - Stormy most of the day. Thunder showers about 7 P.M. A man by name of Buell came to the store and talked of canvassing to sell pictures for me. I took him with me to dinner. Rained hard in the evening. JULY 13 SATURDAY - Cloudy this morning; it soon came off pleasant. George came down from Yonkers this forenoon by boat. After dinner, I went to the Great American Tea Company for 4 lbs. of black tea for the lady where George boards in Yonkers. I bought two 11x13 gold gilt frames (oval) to Mr. Swift as I came home this evening. Helen Webster and her sister Sarah Corbin came to Father Griswold's from Plainville this evening on the train. JULY 14 SUNDAY - A pleasant day, not uncomfortably warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and Communion Service in the P.M. We had a small mess of strawberries for tea, the last of the season. After tea, I went to Rev. Mr. Stone's to inquire where Wesley Burnett boarded. I want to see if he will take my place as Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School. I returned without seeing him. We went up to Father Griswold's and visited with Helen Webster and Sister Sarah until evening meeting time. I had the headache and did not go to meeting on that account. Father called and stayed a while in the evening. Gussie picked flowers and made a bouquet for me to take to George in the city in the morning. JULY 21 SUNDAY - During the past week I have been much engaged with my business in the city and have had no time to write up my journal. Mr. Buell, who is interested in business with me outside the store, insofar as to share the profits with me in whatever work he can secure for me outside, has during this week disposed of 15 large French pictures (engravings of French ports) for me. Also secured for me a job of framing 100 22x28 sporting pictures for Smith & Rand Powder Company. I yesterday made arrangements to do the work. It has been cold for July and more or less showery during the past week, particularly as regards showers yesterday. George came down from Yonkers yesterday P.M. I came home on the 4:30 P.M. train from the city. It rained almost continually on the ride home. I bought two rose and gilt 7x9 frames for Swift. Gussie met me at the depot. Helen Webster and Sister Sarah Corbin left Father Griswold's yesterday noon for Plainville in company with Father Griswold. We rose late in the morning and in consequence neither of us went to church in the morning. I went down in time for Sunday School and returned home after intending to let Gussie go in the P.M., but I spent too much time on the corner of Williams and West Streets talking with Joseph W. Allen trying to persuade him to take my place as Secretary and Treasure of the Sunday School to give Gussie time to go in the P.M. After tea, I took Georgie to walk up to Deer Hill to see Harriet. I called at Mrs. Barnum's on our return. Before walking with Georgie, I went over to see Joseph Allen again about my position at Sunday School. From there, I went to the church and emptied the Infant Class money box. I took from it and put into the treasury of the School $5.35. Gussie went to church in the evening. I stayed with Georgie. JULY 24 WEDNESDAY - I went to the city again on Monday morning and while on the Danbury train fell in with Brother Webb on his way to Collinsville (where he now preaches) and by him found that Eliza and Lauren Humphrey were in Clinton and had been since about the 1st of July. Mr. and Mrs. Pond went with me to New York in Monday. They went direct to my store with me, after which I went with them to Pier 40 North River to the steamer 'Bristol'. He bought their tickets and I went with them on board. After seeing Mrs. Pond comfortably settled on board, he went with me up into the city for a walk and for me to do some business pertaining to the store. I finally left him on the Broadway Bridge at Fulton Street and completed my business and he, I suppose, to make his way back to the steamer. We had a shower just at night on Monday. Tuesday and today, we have had no showers and it has been very warm. Yesterday, Daniel and I fitted up the first 25 large frames on the order of 100 for Smith & Rand Powder Company and got $56.00 on them. Crowe & Powell sent me the balance of the glass for the job today. A number of orders have come in today and business appears a little better. Mrs. Stevens came for the pay today for the carpet she wove for us. Gussie borrowed the money - $14.95 - of her father and then borrowed again before night of my father to pay him. I came home from the city tonight and fell in with a fellow on the train for the first time to Danbury and wanted to go to Isaac P. Hull's. He came with me from the depot and I showed him the way to Mr. Hull's. I brought home with me a large bundle of kindling wood from the city.
1867-07
Horace Purdy Journal June 1867 Entry
12pgs
JUNE 01 SATURDAY - Pleasant; no work in the shop. I went down, however, after breakfast and arranged with Charles Purdy to draw my pay and bring it to me at noon with a new 3 D Pearl cassimere hat which I bought and left to be trimmed and curled. He brought me the money at noon and the hat as he came at night. I spent the day working with Mr. Pond. We worked in company. We worked on his premises the first part of the day digging his flower borders and later in my yard making over the flower bed by the piazza and mowing the north and front door yard. The south, I have previously mowed and raked off. After tea, Gussie went into the street. While she was gone, Robert Dunning came into the yard to look at my strawberries. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with Robert. I got my Harper's Weekly at the news office, called at Swift's a few minutes and then walked up with Charles Bennett. George and Bell came here. Bell stayed with Georgie while Gussie and George went over to John Bouton's. They returned about 10 o'clock and George and Bell went home and we soon retired. JUNE 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the forepart of the day. Gussie went to church in the morning and came home at noon to let me go to Sunday School. I did not stay to the Prayer Meeting in the P.M., but came home after Sunday School in order to get through with my Sunday School writing and tea early in order to go up to see Father who is sick. Bell came here after Sunday School and stayed to tea and went up with us. Before going, I wrote to Carlton & Porter for the Sunday School ordering 2 dozen Judd's Lessons for each Sunday in the year, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each; also 2 dozen catechisms, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each; also another copy of the Sunday School Journal for the remaining 4 months of our Sunday School paper year (for Charles Barnum). The amount of the bill was $4.08, which I enclosed. It commenced raining as we got to Dr. Hendrick's going up home, so Gussie turned about with Georgie in his carriage and went home while Bell and I went on. Father is not dangerously sick; it is only a stitch (as he calls it) in his back and neck, making him so lame that he can hardly move. I came home about 7 o'clock and went down to the Post Office and mailed the letter to Carlton & Porter ordering the things as before named. I returned without going to church on account of the rain. JUNE 03 MONDAY - No work in the shop. I however went downtown morning and got a new pearl cassimere trimmed and curled for Mr. Pond and brought it home to him at noon. I selected it from a lot of damaged ones and got it for half price - $1.00. A perfect one would cost $3.00. It was so nearly perfect that few would ever know the difference. I commenced weeding my strawberries before dinner. While I was at the shop getting the hat for Mr. Pond, George came and trimmed out my dooryard walks for me. I found them nicely done and he gone when I came home. After dinner, I went into the street and had more talk with Mr. Swift about business. He had pretty much concluded to to sell out, but we took a new tack and talked about going in company and take the New York store with the one here and run both, one of us to be in the city and the other one here and exchange so that each can be home with his family half of the time. After tea, I went up with Dr. Kellogg over to Theodore Lyons' for some oat straw for his horse's bedding. It was dark when we returned. He borrowed Rollo Nichols' box wagon to go with. I went into the street again late in the evening and had a talk again with Swift. I came home and talked with Father Griswold. He approves and we intend going to New York tomorrow morning to see about the business there. Bell came down this evening and sprouted my potatoes for me. I am going to pay her in potatoes. She worked late and will stay all night. JUNE 04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I went to New York this morning with Mr. Swift to see about the picture frame business at 68 Carmine Street which we have been talking about buying. We saw the business and before we got home, concluded not to go in company. The expense of doing business would be so large that it would not net profit enough for bother. I pretty much concluded to buy out the New York store myself and start it alone. It is owned by Henry D. Clark. After arriving in town this evening, I saw Mr. Jabine at the Post Office and walked up home with him to talk about the business and money from the Savings bank to buy it with. JUNE 05 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful day. Before breakfast, I went down to Mr. Swift's house to get some statistics on paper regarding the New York store. It was so late before I got my breakfast that I had a hard headache which lasted me all day. I never the less had business to attend to. I had to make my application to the Savings bank for $1,200 which was granted on a joint note of Father Griswold and myself. I went to the shop and bought a 4 D. pearl cassimere for Mr. Swift. He telegraphed for me to Mr. Clark saying that 'all was right regarding the money' and that I would be down in the morning. I went with Mr. Swift to the Savings Bank and made arrangements for him to draw my $1,200 in my absence in New York. I went into Dr. Kellogg's office and took some medicine for my headache. After tea, I felt better and went into the street and borrowed $50 of Mr. Swift to buy a commutation ticket on the New York and New Haven Railroad provided I make all things right in New York regarding the store. I have made arrangements for George to go with me and be head salesman. I received lesson Books, Catechisms and Sunday School papers for the Book Room today. I did not send money enough and had to remit the balance with the bill to be receipted by mail. George helped me bush my peas this P.M. JUNE 06 THURSDAY - Another pleasant day. George went with me to New York this morning as clerk in my store. We took the steamer, 'Neversink'. We got aground getting out of Norwalk Harbor, and together with having to up to the bridge and down to Gregory's Point to the boat, we were to nearly noon getting to the city. We found Mr. Clark at his new place of business in the Gilbert Clock Manufacturing Company of Winsted, Connecticut at 12 Cortlandt Street. We took dinner and then spent the afternoon completing our bargain of me buying his store at 68 Carmine Street. I paid by check on the Danbury National Bank for $1,000 and gave him four notes of $125 for three, six, nine and twelve months for the remaining $500. I gave him a chattel mortgage on fixtures of the store as security and then brought the notes home with me to have O. H. Swift endorse them. We also went to the office of the Greenwich Insurance Company and had the insurance transferred to me. Then we went to the Manhattan Gas Company and deposited $12.00 for meter as security for payment of gas. As I came home, I bought a commutation ticket at the 27th Street Depot for six months - $80. Our butter came from Ohio today. I paid the expressage for it - $3.45. I also before I came home engaged William Mansfield to bring me a ton of coal tomorrow. JUNE 07 FRIDAY - Before breakfast, I went up to see Oscar Serrine about getting my apron, overshirt, towel and tools at the shop. Also gave him my check with 20 cents with which to pay my dues to the Hatters' Society and draw my traveling card. I started for the cars in good season and went to Mr. Swift's house and gave him the note to take to the Savings Bank and draw $1,200 for me which they have agreed to loan me. I also borrowed $29.00 of him, he to take it from the money he draws for me at the bank. When I arrived at the store in the city, I found Daniel there, George having gone out with William Hayes to get acquainted with parties who patronize and work for the store, also some from whom to buy frames. The day has been hot. We made some sales and took some orders for work. I took dinner with George at his boarding house; also tea and I am to stay all night. JUNE 08 SATURDAY - I stayed with George last night . It commenced raining about 6 o'clock this morning. It rained at times during the day, though not very hard. I went to buy picture frames and glass this forenoon. The account books which I ordered yesterday of Crawford & Nadine were sent to the store this P.M. I commenced to arrange in the front basement under the store for a workroom but had to leave it to go home. Just as the train left 27th Street at 4 o'clock, it commenced raining and rained very hard all the way to Norwalk. When we arrived at Redding, I perceived that it had not rained there. Gussie was waiting for me at the Depot. We did some marketing and then went to Mr. Swift's store before coming home to get the balance of the money which he drew for me yesterday at the Savings Bank. He paid the interest on the note of $1,200, stamped the same, deposited $1,000 in Danbury bank for the check of that amount I gave Henry Clark towards the business I bought from him. He bought me a large pocket book and had left for me in cash $64.50. After tea (which was late), I went to see Mr. Pond about the butter which came from Edwin and paid him my half of the amount $14.01 which with his half he will remit in a few days to Edwin. JUNE 09 SUNDAY - Stormy until after dinner. On account of the storm, we did not go to meeting. After tea, I went over to see Dr. Kellogg a few minutes and then went up home to get George's shawl and hairbrush to take to him in New York tomorrow morning. Bell stayed with us last night and today and will stay with us tonight. Gussie and I went to meeting in the evening. Brother George Hughes of New Jersey, agent of the Freedmen's Bureau, preached. Brother Hill, our old pastor, now from Redding, was with us and read the closing hymn. I took a card and went the length of the aisle to solicit for the freedmen. I got nothing. JUNE 11 MONDAY - A beautiful day. I packed up some of my carpenter's tools before breakfast and took them with me to New York to put up a bench to join frames. I was too busy to make my bench, so I came home without making it. Gussie went to the depot to meet me. We went together and paid for a half ton of coal bought last Friday of Sproule & Mansfield. JUNE 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the city again as usual. I had a great deal of running about to do and was very tired when I returned to the store. I took it easy the rest of the day. I brought home George's washing and my new shoes which I put on in D. M. Benedict's Store, leaving my boots to be mended. JUNE 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the city as usual. I bought a vise for my workbench in the basement of the store. As I came home, I went to the Bible House and got three bibles for Emily Anderson, Harriet Wheeler and Aunt Louise. As I came from the Depot this evening, I stopped at D. M. Benedict's and got my boots which I left there last evening to be mended. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he reported that the butter which came for us from Ohio did not hold out. It was billed for 111 pounds but it would weigh only 101 pounds and six ounces. JUNE 13 THURSDAY - pleasant and very warm. I took a fine bouquet with me to the city this morning and put in my show window. I built my work bench for joining frames in the basement of my store today. Gussie went to Ridgefield with Mrs. Short and carried her rags to be woven today. They had Alfred Gregory's horse. After tea, I got out a piece of cherry from Mr. Pond's barn to attach to my new frame making plane I mailed a letter to Edwin this morning intending to enclose a money order of $26.78 for butter but was too late for the morning mail and left the amount with Dr. Brown to be sent by the afternoon mail which he sent this P.M. JUNE 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York as usual. I finished putting up my apparatus for joining frames at my store today. I bought a crate of strawberries at Washington Market for Christian Quien. The locomotive gave out on the New York & New Haven tonight so that we were obliged to get another one at Stamford. JUNE 15 SATURDAY - I took some clean clothes down to George this morning to the city. I have felt about sick today. I repaired Mrs. McCormick's looking glass today. She lives at 19 McDougal Street. Eliakim Wildman called at the store to see me today but I was out. I saw him on the train coming home. Gussie and Louise met me at the depot this evening and I went with them to market. Daniel Minnerly, my boy gilder gave me his picture today. I promised him one of myself. JUNE 16 SUNDAY - Cloudy and hazy in the morning, but it finally came off hot and oppressive. Bell stayed with us last night as she has been doing for a week past. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I came home after school to do my Sunday School writing and to rest, as I am pretty nearly tired out from last week's work in the city. Bell came here to tea and to stay all night. A thunder shower about 6 P.M. We did not go out in the evening on account of the rain. We picked some flowers before the shower and made a bouquet in the evening which I expect to take with me to the city tomorrow morning. Mr. Pond called in the evening while we were making the bouquet. JUNE 17 MONDAY - I rose early and helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe before breakfast. I took a large bouquet to the city with me for one of the conductors on the 6th Avenue cars which I promised last Friday, I believe. I gave a bill which Russell Smith owes me to David B. Booth as I went to the cars this morning for him to give to Constable Crosby to collect for me. It commenced raining as the cars left and rained hard until I got to New York. It came off pleasant and hot in the middle of the day in the city, though they tell me it has rained nearly all day here at home. As we were coming out from the city, it clouded over again and here at home it looks as if it would rain at any moment. Later - 10 o'clock. Clear and pleasant; the stars are shining brightly. JUNE 19 WEDNESDAY - A pleasant day. I went to the city as usual. I took dinner at Mr. Thompson's where George boards. I bought a pound of coffee for William Warren at the Great American Tea Company and let Mr. Fanton have it on the train before I got home. I bought 4 feet of green worsted fringe for Mr. Smith and brought it home with me. Before tea, I put grass around my strawberries around a part of them. I worked until dark and then drank my tea. JUNE 20 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I rode as far as Norwalk in the mail car with Mr. Swift. I got out at 42nd Street when the engine left the train and walked from there over to 6th Avenue with J. M. Potter and his brother. I bargained with George Baker (a son of the woman who lives on the upper floor over my store) to paint the front of the store. He commenced it immediately. I worked again as long as I could see putting grass around my strawberry to keep berries from lying in the dirt. JUNE 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant again today. Edward S. Davis and wife went to New York this morning. Trade has been a little better with me today. I bought a sample of tea today at the United States Tea Warehouse opposite the Great American, I having heard that they gave a better article for the money than the Great American. I brought home a frame from New York to show Mr. Swift. JUNE 22 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had Father Griswold's company to Norwalk this morning, he going east to his work as elder and I to New York. I went with George to dinner at his boarding place at Mr. Ferguson's. After dinner, I went downtown and bought a chrome lithograph (The Chickens) for a customer. I brought home my ripsaw this evening from the city. Gussie met me at Raymond's Fish Market when the train arrived. I did some marketing with her and then came home. She having some more errands to do, I left her in the street. I had strawberries and milk for supper. Wells Webster and wife came to Father Griswold's today. JUNE 23 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. While Gussie was getting ready for church this morning, I took Georgie to walk over in Mr. Pond's garden to see his strawberries. Gussie came home at noon. I went to Sunday School and came home at its close to do the writing for the school. I then picked what strawberries were ripe. We had some for tea. Gave a quart to the Griswold's (Wells Webster and wife being there to tea), saving the remainder to take with me to New York in the morning. Father came down about 7 P.M. with pants and coat for George which I am to take to him in the morning. I went to church in the evening; Brother Birch preached. After church, Sherman Smith and lady (Lucy Bennett) called, he to see me about work at Yonkers, George having sent word to him that they were to commence work again on Monday. JUNE 24 MONDAY - Pleasant in the morning. I took a bag of clothes with me to the city this morning for George and a bucket (4 quarts) of strawberries to my boy in the store, Daniel Minnerly. When I got to the city in the middle of the forenoon, George took his clothes and started for Yonkers to go to work at hatting. It commenced raining about 8 o'clock this evening. After closing the store, I walked over to my boarding place in Grove Street to Mr. Ferguson's. I take the same room and bed that George left. JUNE 25 TUESDAY - I slept until 6 o'clock this morning. It rained all last night and still continues. After breakfast, I went to the store and opened it. Daniel came in a little after 7 o'clock. I completed my fixtures for joining frames today. I took the 6th Avenue cars about 4 P.M. and rode to 27th Street, from there to the depot and home where I am now writing these words. It has rained all day and we have sold nothing in the store. Theodore Bradley came up today and picked 7 quarts of strawberries for Gussie. She gave him 3 quarts to take home with him to pay for picking. JUNE 26 WEDNESDAY - The sun shone a little about 7 o'clock. It soon became thick cloudy again and more rain. I joined my first picture frames today. I took down with me this morning to the city 4 quarts of strawberries to Mrs. Baker (the lady who lives over my store). She made strawberry shortcake for tea, and my boy Daniel and I dined with her. JUNE 27 THURSDAY - Daniel spoiled a looking glass plate today by accidentally marking the back side. George Baker broke a light of glass in my showcase which stands out the door. He was painting the inside of the case when he did it. Sherman Smith came down from Yonkers this P.M. and brought me news that my house had been entered by a burglar and over $17.00 taken. A few minutes later, I received a letter from Gussie bearing the same intelligence, but both were too late for me to take the train to go home. Ill luck seems to be my portion today. JUNE 28 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Sherman Smith tried to sell sewing machine (Wheeler & Wilson) casters today for me but did not succeed very well. I took the train this P.M. and went home to see about the robbery. I found things about as represented. Constable Crosby searched the thief and found my money in his boot. Crosby now has the money in his possession. JUNE 29 SATURDAY - I returned to the city this morning. I had the company of Louise Jones going down, she having been on a visit to Mr. Jabine's. When we arrived in the city, she went with me to my store. From there, I accompanied her to Broadway and saw her in a stage for Fulton Ferry. I then went down in Beekman Street to Hallerbach's to get some porcelain headed nails for rustic frames for Mr. Swift. Sherman Smith being at the store at noon, I took him with me to dinner. George came down from Yonkers about 2 P.M. He is to stay over Sunday at my boarding place and the store until I return on Monday from home. I took the 4 o'clock train for home. Arrived about 7 1/2 P.M. Robert Cocking came back from Mr. Lynes' today to occupy our rooms again. The day has been warm. JUNE 30 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Bell took Georgie home with her yesterday to stay overnight. Father went to church this morning for the first time in a long time. He let Georgie walk down home with him as he came down to church this morning. I wore my white pants today to church for the first time this summer. Gussie went to church this morning as usual. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. Misses Camp and Hutchinson visited our school this noon. I took them up to see the Infant Class . As we came down, Miss Hutchinson fell down the gallery stairs. It hurt her but little, she said. She had a narrow escape. I was behind her coming down when she fell. I walked up home with them after school. Thomas Bradley came up in the P.M. and helped me pick some strawberries. I gave him 2 quarts to take home with him. After tea, I finished picking what was ripe. I had the headache after tea and on that account did not go to meeting in the evening.
1867-06
Horace Purdy Journal March 1867 Entry
16gs
MAR 01 FRIDAY - Lowery with fine rain. As I came home from work, I left the 'Sentence of Christ' at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. I then called at D. B. Booth's office to look at the state register for the residence of Dr. Henry Stearns, formerly surgeon of the 1st Connecticut Volunteers. Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's this P.M., from there to Emily Anderson's, where she stayed to tea. Frank Bouton came this way to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society. John came in soon after and we went into the street together. He returned with me and stayed until the women came from the Sewing Society. Wrote to Dr. Stearns to find when and where I could have an interview with him relative to a pension for hernia received in the army. MAR 02 SATURDAY - A little sunshine during the day. Warm and muddy. We had work in the shop until noon. Received a letter from George. Before coming home, I went to D. B. Booth's office to see if George's name was still on the list so that he can vote; I found that it was. I went to D. W. Benedict's and brought home 3 pairs of rubbers from which to have Gussie select a pair. One pair was not mates, though nearly alike. These she concluded to take as they would cost only 75 cents where the others were $1.25. I returned them before night and tried to get another pair of odd ones for the same price for Mrs. Stone, but could not. I called at the Selectman's Office and paid Mr. S. Peck my taxes which were $18.05. By paying now I had 3 % deducted, making the amount which I paid, $17.52. I went to the Post Office in the evening, came home and commenced a reply to George's letter. It cleared off in the evening and grew colder. MAR 03 SUNDAY - The ground was frozen hard this morning. The sun shone until towards night when it clouded over and now looks like storm. Gussie attended church in the morning. She came home and I went down to Sunday School at noon. I was busy at the Library until after 2 o'clock. It was so late that I came home without going into church. We expected Bell would come here to tea, but she did not. After tea, Father came down to see us. Susan Brayman came in also. Before Father went home, I cut his hair for him a little. It looked so badly that I would not let him go longer looking so. I do not feel so well this evening, so I let Gussie attend church and I stayed home. Before Gussie went, I finished a letter to George and sent it by her to the Post Office. MAR 04 MONDAY - The ground this morning was covered with snow about 3 inches deep and a fine rain was falling. It remained misty with increasingly a little snow through the day. I have worked all day in the shop, though I have felt about sick, my head and stomach feeling badly. I ate only a mouthful of my dinner and felt better for not eating. As I came from work, I took from the Office two letters, one from George with $5.00 enclosed for Mr. Harris towards the $38.00 for his account, and one from Dr. Henry P. Stearns, formerly surgeon of our regiment in reply to one written to him as to where and when I could find him to see him about a certificate for me regarding hernia which I received while in the service. I am obliged to get one and forward the same to Washington in order to get a pension. I am thinking about going to Hartford to see him about it. His residence is at 196 Main Street. After tea, I wrote to George acknowledging receipt of $5.00 for Harris. I went into the street in the evening to see the agent of the Merchants' Union Express for George's washing in a traveling bag from New York. I added to the letter what it would cost and mailed it. I left my watch at S. G. Bailey's for cleaning. I called at O.H. Swift's and bought a pass book for my use at work at the shop and a top for Georgie. I then walked up West Street with Swift. MAR 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. I had but little appetite at noon and ate but little. I worked hard and was very tired at night. Bell came in while we were at tea and wanted me to go up home and pull a tooth for Mother but I was too tired to go into the street and up there too. I went to the Post Office and got a letter from Father Griswold mailed from West Granby saying that he would be in Hartford at the Trumbull House on Friday next instead of Saturday as he told me before he left home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to him. John Stone told me this evening that Bird (Henry Blair's dog) had been shot. Before retiring, I wrote to Henry Blair, telling him what I heard. MAR 06 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. While waiting for a block this forenoon, I went up to Mr. Barnum's office to see about me going to Hartford to see Dr. Stearns about my getting a certificate of disability to enable me to get a pension but found his office closed. As I came from work this evening, I took a note from the office from Louise Blair saying that Bird was dead. While at tea, Miss English, our old nurse came in for a call. Bell soon came in also to stay all night. Gussie went with Harriet and her mother to hear Anna D. Dickenson lecture, while I went over to Mrs. Blair's to see Bird and do some marketing in the street. I stopped at Mr. Swift's store and when he shut up, I walked up with him. Mr. Crofut is having the roof of his drying room raised up to make another story. Robert Cocking paid me his February rent today - $3.00. MAR 07 THURDAY - A little snow this morning and through the day. I came home from work with a headache. A letter from George this evening. George Hawley, P T. Barnum and Judge Pitkin from New Orleans speak this evening at Concert Hall, the first meeting of the campaign. I now hear the band sweetly playing to escort the speakers from the Wooster House to Concert Hall. I am too sick to attend. Gussie has gone into the street. Before retiring, I went over to see Mr. Pond about stopping in New Haven (as I go to Hartford tomorrow) to get his watch. Amos Purdy, who I engaged this morning to bury Bird, tried but the ground was frozen too hard and he was obliged to defer it until the frost should get out more. Bell has been down today, but went home again this evening. MAR 08 FRIDAY - My head and stomach feel badly still though better than yesterday. We rose early so that I could take the train to Hartford. I took the accommodation to New Haven where I stopped and got Mr. Pond's gold watch at Benjamin's Jewelry Store near the depot. I waited half an hour and took the express to Hartford where I arrived at 12:30 o'clock. Father Griswold was on the platform waiting for me. We went together to my old Regimental surgeon, Dr. Henry P. Stearns, at 196 Main Street. I, not telling him of my hernia at the time, it occurred on July 2nd, 1861 at Fall's Church, Virginia. He of course had not personal knowledge of the case to warrant him in giving a certificate that would be of any good to me. I therefore failed to accomplish what I went for. I was not, however, surprised at the result. It was exactly what I expected for he lacked the positive knowledge required. I went with Father Griswold to the Trumbull House to dinner. John Parker, proprietor, is an old family friend of Father Griswold's. I took the steamer, 'City of Hartford' at 2 P.M. for New York. We got out of the river at Saybrook between 9 and 10 o'clock at night. MAR 09 SATURDAY - I was awakened at a quarter before four this morning by the steamer arriving at Peck Slip, East River, New York. I turned out from my berth and after making my toilet, I waited nearly an hour for daylight when I went to Fulton Market and got my breakfast after which I went over to Brooklyn to George's boarding place, 115 Myrtle Avenue and found him still in bed. His landlord, Mr. Peter Haver, invited me in and then called George saying that a gentleman wished to see him. He was greatly surprised to see me. After breakfast, we walked to his shop and then to Fort Greene. He concluded not to go to work, so we returned to his boarding place. He changed his clothes and we went over to New York. We went to the Great American Tea Company, where I gave in my club order of $37.00, made arrangements for its shipment today, and then we called on Henry Blair at 327 Broadway. I told him about the death of Bird, had a little pleasant conversation and then we called at the Merchant's Union Express Office at 180 Broadway, to see about the tea and carpet bag (which George left there last evening.) being forwarded today. We then returned to Brooklyn and called on Louise at 380 State Street. From there, we went to George's boarding place to dinner. In the afternoon, we tried to find some soda ash, but could not. We crossed at the Catherine Street ferry and went to Pier 37 at the foot of Market Street, New York, where we met Henry Blair who was coming to Danbury also. George stayed at the boat with us until it left at 2 P.M. I lent him a dollar before we left which he promises to pay next Saturday. We arrived at Norwalk a little after 5 o'clock. Arrived in Danbury about 8 o'clock where Gussie met me at the depot. My box of tea from the Great American Tea Company and the bag from George was on the train with me by Merchant's Union Express. I took the bag with me leaving the box to be sent up on Monday. We walked around home with Henry Blair to see Bird as he lay dead in his house. When we got home we went over to Mr. Pond's to carry Mr. Pond's watch which I got in New Haven. MAR 10 SUNDAY - Stormy, rain. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I came home as I felt tired. After tea, Gussie and I went up home to see Georgie, Bell having taken him up home with her yesterday. I took the bag of dirty clothes of George which I brought home with me last night up home to have Mother wash and mend them. We stayed until dark and then came home. It has rained more towards night and this evening than it did earlier in the day. We stayed at home in the evening and retired early. MARCH 11 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Merchant's Union Express office to pay for the box of tea from the Great American Tea Company, but the agent was not in and I called again as I came home from work at night and paid for it with the bag of clothes from George sent home for washing. I opened the box of tea and coffee before tea. I attended the Sunday School Business meeting in the evening. L. S. Barnum speaks this evening at Concert hall in opposition to P.T. Barnum a candidate for congressman from this district. After returning from Teachers' Meeting, I carried Amos Purdy's tea over to him and the tea and coffee to O.H. Swift which he ordered. Before retiring, I entered the minutes of the Teachers' meeting in the Sunday School records. Susan Brayman was over this evening and I sold her 1 lb. of bulk tea. MAR 12 TUESDAY - Stormy; a little snow in the morning and fine rain most of the time during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I carried Edward Ambler's tea to him which he sent for by me to the Great American Tea Company. There has been considerable excitement today over L. S. Barnum's speech in opposition to P. T. Barnum last evening. The makers today have struck for their old wages. Mr. Crofut says that he will not give it. As I went to work this morning, I called into Mr. Swift's store and he paid a part of his bill for tea and coffee and the balance this evening. After tea, I went into the street and carried George's bag of clothes to the Express Office to send to him and mailed a letter to him with a note enclosed to the New York express agent from our agent arranging for carrying his bag for 25 cents. I carried Robert Dunning's tea over to him this morning. Before retiring we put John's picture and our marriage certificate each in a shell frame. MAR 13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I have worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work, Istook from the Post Office another receipted bill for tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company, sent doubtless by mistake as they gave me one when I bought the tea and coffee last Saturday. I now have two. 11 o'clock P.M. - Gussie has had this evening a carpet bag bee. The party has just left. They sewed about 23 lbs. of rags. We had loaf cakes with doughnuts and apples for refreshments. We had a good time. The party was as follows: John Bouton and wife, William Warren and wife, Henry Miller and wife, and Daniel Starr and his wife, Carrie Hoyt and Sarah Francis, Mrs. Nickerson and daughter, Libbie, Eliza Hill, Lottie Keeler, Mrs. George Davis, Mother Griswold, Fannie, Harriet and Louise. Father Griswold came down and stayed awhile in the evening, but went home again before refreshments were served. MAR 14 THURSDAY - Colder, cloudy in the forenoon. The sun shone pleasantly this P.M. and melted what it froze this morning. It froze up again by dark. A shop call today to raise our prices. Mr. Crofut being in New York, the matter was postponed until tomorrow when he is expected home. Bell came home with Georgie today and stayed awhile into the evening until I could go into the street and return, Gussie having gone with Susan Brayman up to Mrs. Cole's before I came home from work. When I returned in the evening from the street, Bell went up home. I weighed out a pound of coffee for her to take to Nellie Freeland, she wanting to buy some from me. I took my small spring balance with me into the street and traded with Charles Hull for a pair of steel yards. Upon trial, I found them incorrect. MAR 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; as I went to work this morning, I took back to Charles Hull's the steel yards I got there last evening. We raised our bill of prices at the shop today 2% on a dozen, only half the reduction made on the 28th of last December. A grand Republican rally at Concert Hall this evening. Judge Culver and ____ spoke. A boy named McDermott was today carried by a belt over the main shaft and both legs broken at Tweedy' Forming Factory. MAR 16 SATURDAY - Bell stayed with us last night. It commenced snowing this P.M. and it still continues (it is now 9 o'clock in the evening). I have worked hard all day in the shop. A democratic political meeting is being held this evening at Concert Hall. MAR 17 SUNDAY - It has snowed all day, clearing off between sundown and dark. Mr. Pond with Frank Fanning (and a boy with Frank), George Davis and myself, drew our snow plow out to West Street, up Father Griswold's lane and in Fanning and Davis' yards before breakfast. I swept out the paths in my yard again when it cleared off this evening. I went down at noon to Sunday School which was very small and returned home again when it was over. Except for me going to Sunday School, we have both stayed home all day and made a rest day of it. Father came down after tea to tell us that Mother came near dying last night. It was her old trouble in her chest with an accumulation of phlegm, which came near strangling her. Father said that for two or three hours, she struggled so for breath that he thought she would die. She being better now and the snow so deep, I have concluded not to go up this evening. MAR 18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and Gussie engaged her for Wednesday for Mother as she is not able to do her washing this week. She is still in bed from the severe attack on Saturday night. I worked as usual in the shop. Susan Brayman came over after tea and paid for the lb. of black tea she bought of me and then went into the street with Gussie. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let me go into the street to carry a lb. of coffee to Oscar Serine. I called at the Republican Club Room a few moments and then went up home to see Mother and take letter to her from George which came this evening. MAR 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I returned one of the pairs of shoes which Gussie brought home last evening to fit a pair to Georgie. I also took from the Office a letter from George which was not put in my box last evening., Dr. Brown having withheld it for the few minutes I was at the Office to read what was on the envelope and to make out who it was for, George having wrote the face over with some rhyme in which was the address, the rhyme being about our Connecticut Gubernatorial Campaign, naming George Hawley and P.T. Barnum our nominees for Congress. The sentiment evidently not suiting some New York Post Office officials as on the opposite side of the envelope was written in pencil ' 'Oh gas! You are a da-n fool. You lie'. Enclosed was a letter for Harriet, also the dollar he borrowed of me when I was in New York. In the evening, Gussie had another rag bee. Mrs. Amos Purdy and daughters, Sarah and Lucy, Mrs. Coles and daughter Sarah, Mrs. Short, Mrs. Stone and daughter Matilda, Clarissa Smith, Susan Brayman. Mr. Coles and son Paul came in late for Mrs. Coles and Sarah. They came just in time for refreshments. We had loaf cake, crullers, green and black tea and apples. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed it. MAR 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Mrs. Coles came down again today to help Gussie sew carpet rags. As Gussie was going to the Sewing Society, she took the rags over to Susan Brahman's and spent the P. M. there and sewed rags. Father Griswold having two tickets sent to him to hear George William Curtis (ed. note lecturer, editor of Harper's Weekly, one of the founders of the Republican Party) lecture and none of them being able to attend, Gussie and Louise took them and went. Mother Griswold offered one ticket to me but I was too tired to go, so I let Gussie go in my stead. MAR 21 THURSDAY - Stormy; snow which melted about as fast as it came. My work at the shop only lasted until noon. After dinner, I took Mother Griswold's chopping knife over to Benedict's factory and rounded the edge by taking off the corners. The remainder of the P.M, I spent in Mr. Pond's barn helping Oscar Serine get out material for a grape arbor and make some lattice work. I mended a flour sifter also for Gussie to give to Harriet. After tea, I went over to see Henry Blair who is quite sick. From there, I went into the street and paid for a half lb. of smelt - 33cents - which they brought to us yesterday (Avery Raymond). I saw the band with their new instruments which they played from the depot to Concert Hall for William H. Burleigh of New York who spoke on the issues of the day for the Republican Party. I heard him about five minutes and then came out and went over to Randell & Bradley's and engaged a kit of mackerel to be brought up tomorrow and then came home, after which I went over to Mr. Pond's to set my watch by his in order to regulate it. I then went to the barn and finished repairing the flour sifter. MAR 22 FRIDAY - Cloudy and windy. It was frozen in the morning, but thawed during the day. The moon shone at times through the clouds in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. I came from work by way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I also got the Sunday School papers at the news office. After tea, John Bouton came over with his wife to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at Widow Thomas Barnum's. Mother Griswold stayed with Georgie to let John and I go into the street. I went to Randell & Bradley's and paid $3.25 for the kit of mackerel they brought me today. I also called at D. B. Booth's office to see if the $100 bounty for George had come. After the arrival of the mail John and myself walked up together. He stayed with me until the women came from the Sewing Society. In the meantime, he read off the names for me to write on the Sunday School papers. MAR 23 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. As I went, I carried a pumpkin down to the Post Office for Joseph Kyle. He was to get it from there. I came home leaving Gussie to do some trading and I went up home to see Mother who has been sick. I carried some rotten specked apples up to them and a letter to Harriet which came enclosed in one to me from George. I stayed until 10 o'clock. MAR 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy; warm and very muddy. I went down to church in the morning with the Sunday School papers and arranged them with the lot which came the week before for distribtion this noon. I then went to the barber's and got shaved. Homer Peters and I came home in time to let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went up on Deer Hill to see Mother. I wrote to George and enclosed samples of muslin to aid him in buying some for shirting. I also wrote to the Book Room ordering another copy of the Sunday School Journal. I went over to Mr. Pond's to get 50 cents changed that I might enclose 35 cents for the paper and stayed and talked until nearly meeting time. Gussie returned just in time to let me go to evening meeting which I did mailing as I went the two letters I wrote. Missionary Collection in church today. MAR 25 MONDAY - I woke and found it raining this morning. It soon stopped and rained no more during the day, but remained cloudy. Mrs. Stone washed for us. I worked as usual in the shop. I had pearl cassimeres weighed out for the first time. The Board of Registration met today and a large number were made freedmen. They meet again on Wednesday. While we were at tea, Frank Bouton came in to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at George Starr's. After they were gone, I went over to see Henry Blair a few minutes. From there, I went down to the Post Office and returned home, not wanting to leave Georgie longer alone in the house. A Democratic meeting at Concert Hall this evening. Babcock from New Haven was expected, but did not come. John Bouton called about 9 o'clock and waited for the women to return from the Sewing Society. MARCH 26 TUESDAY - Pleasant. As I went to the shop this morning, I went by way of George Starr's and carried a rubber Gussie borrowed there last evening. I also went to S.S. Peck's store and bought 50 cents worth of pulverized sugar for frosting cake and ordered it sent home as Gussie is to make cake today for the oyster supper at the church tomorrow evening. I have worked on pearl cassimeres today, it is very hard work. When I came from work, I brought two cassimere hats each a different style for Mr. Pond to select from as he is to have a new hat. Georgie is quite sick today, a sore throat. He has taken cold, I think, from going out bareheaded and getting his feet wet yesterday. Susan Brayman and Mrs. Short came in while we were at tea to go with Gussie over to Frank Bouton's to a carpet rag bee. As soon as tea was over, they all went leaving me with Georgie. Theodore Tilton speaks tonight in Concert hall ' Subject ' 'Reconstruction'. After the arrival of the mail, Bell came here from the street to stay all night and brought me a letter from George. I sat down and wrote a reply, but shall defer mailing it until tomorrow evening to wait the result of the board of registration to see if his name is taken from the list of voters that I may add to the letter regarding it. MARCH 27 MONDAY - As I went to work this morning, I left word on Dr. Buckley's slate to have him come and see Georgie who is no better. He came about 10:30 o'clock A.M. and pronounced it a severe case of sore throat and not Diphtheria as we feared. Bell, who stayed last night with us, stayed until after breakfast and then went home and returned again just before tea to stay with Georgie to let Gussie and I attend the Oyster Supper at the church, the proceeds of which are to help furnish the new parsonage. I, according to appointment, acted as doorkeeper with John Bouton. We had a good time, it being nearly 12 o'clock when we came home. As I went down to the church early in the evening, I mailed a letter to George with a note to the 'Great American Tea Company' requesting a pound of their best oolong tea if they have any better than what I bought March 9th. George is to get it if he has time. I told George that he was alright and could vote and I enclosed $5.00 for him to come home expecting the Republican Committee will refund to me. I sold the Sewing Society one pound of tea for the Oyster Supper. MARCH 28 THURSDAY - Squally, cloudy, cold (not freezing) but muddy. Bell stayed with us last night. We were limited to one dozen hats in the shop today. I finished mine about the middle of the P.M. Mr. Pond's new hat being trimmed, I took it over to the curling shop and had it curled and brought it home with me. Before tea, I went for Dr. Buckley, we fearing that Georgie had the Diphtheria. He came but said our fears were groundless, there being no symptoms of the dread disease. Just before tea, I took Mr. Pond's hat over to him. He was well pleased with it. I went to the Post Office and to market in the evening. MARCH 29 FRIDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle's brother-in-law came to the shop today with the brooms the men engaged of Joe. I took a dozen at $4.00. I divided them with Mother Griswold, Mother Purdy and Mr. Pond. Gussie got pay today for the 5 lbs. of coffee I got for Father Griswold in New York on March 9th. Also for a half lb. of tea I sold to the Ladies' Aid Society. Bell came down just at night to stay this evening with Georgie to let Gussie go with me to hear Horace Greeley in Concert hall. She is to stay all night. Just before tea, Freddie Dunning came over to buy a pound of coffee which I promised his father. We attended the lecture as we intended and got home after it about 11 o'clock. MARCH 30 SATURDAY - A beautiful spring day. I took Mr. Pond's hat back with me to the shop this morning to have the trimming reversed, his head being such shaped that the back of the hat put in front fits his head best. George Benjamin and John Morris got into a quarrel today about politics. Loud words and hard names passed between them, but no blows were exchanged. After tea, Gussie and I went to Dr. Buckley's for more medicine for Georgie. We went to market and then to the depot to meet George who came on the evening train to vote next Monday. He went home with Gussie and I. I went to the caucus to nominate representatives to the Legislature. Saul Mallory and Grandison Foot were nominated. After the nominations, the meeting was organized into a club meeting. I then left them and came home where I found George taking tea. He brought me a pound of oolong tea from the Great American Tea Company of a better quality than the last lot I bought. He stayed until nearly 10 o'clock and then went home with Bell who came down about dark and stayed with Georgie while we went into the street. MARCH 31 SUNDAY - Brother George came this way to church this morning and went with Gussie. She returned at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I returned immediately after school to let her return to attend Jennie Humphrey's funeral which was held at the church in place of the P.M. service. As I returned, I went to Charles Stevens and engaged his horse and buggy to for Brother Lockwood in Bethel to sing for us this evening. George went home from Sunday School with William Warren and stayed until 3 P.M. and then came here to tea, after which I went with George Stevens with his father's horse and buggy to Bethel for Benjamin Lockwood to lead our choir this evening, it being Brother Peck's farewell sermon. The house was crowded to overflowing. As soon as he finished his sermon, George Stevens and I went out and went to his father's and harnessed and came to the church as soon as the meeting was closed and took Mr. Lockwood home again. I helped him take care of the horse when we returned. Harriet Purdy sent by George for a half pound of tea. I let her have it for 50 cents.
1867-03
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1862 Entry
7pgs
MAY 01 – THURSDAY – Mr. Baxter came this morning to build my woodhouse. It began to rain at noon so that he could do nothing in the PM. I went to market in the evening and brought home a gallon of ale from John Rowan’s. I intend to take a little of it every day and see if I gain a little strength and flesh. MAY 02 – FRIDAY – Stormy. I have worked all day in the shop although I have suffered with the headache. The men in the shop having concluded to take no more orders and that we have our pay in cash hereafter as other journeymen are getting in other establishments, the shop hands were called together at Mr. Crofut’s request to hear his proposition which he would make to the men. He proposed to pay us 3 or 5 dollars as he could on Monday and every two weeks thereafter to pay us off in full. But what he now owed the men he wanted to pay off as he could for a while to come. He thought he could probably pay in a few weeks. The proposition was unanimously accepted by the men. He further said that he would like to have us take orders if we could make it convenient to do so for the amount now due us. Father Griswold settled up with Mr. Edward Warren today and reserved according to agreement when he went to work $12.00 which he owed me towards home rent. I charged Father Griswold the money to go towards what I owe him. I took care of Eddie in the evening to let Gussie go to market and to the milliners. MAY 03 – SATURDAY – After I finished my work at the shop, I went over to Mr. Lynes’ and bought two evergreen trees. His hired man having to go to the cars for Mr. Lynes, he brought me and the trees home. I set them immediately. I paid 25 cents each. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills who is in the army near Yorktown under general McClellan. Enclosed was his and his brother’s picture taken on a card. MAY 04 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. I went to church in the morning as usual. Brother Wooley, late chaplain of the 8th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers under General Burnside in North Carolina, preached for us from Romans 11:3. After Sunday School was out, I came home and Gussie attended in the PM. Father and Mother came down after tea and went to hear Mr. Wooley give a lecture in the evening on the war and his experiences as chaplain at the battles of Roanoke Island and New Berne. He is lecturing and taking collections to procure chaplains’ tents and books and good reading matter for soldiers The two Presbyterian and Baptist churches closed their churches and assembled in mass at our church to hear the lecture. The house was filled to overflowing. Mother Griswold took care of the baby so that Gussie and I could attend. It was very interesting. Mr. Gilbert, the carpenter, lost a boy about 5 years old last night with Scarlet Fever. MAY 05 – MONDAY – Showers all day with some very heavy thunder. I had some words with John Pollett about a shilling I owed him when making change for an apple tree I sold him on the 19th of last month. I paid him the shilling twice on account of his forgetting that I had paid him the first time. I paid him the second time Saturday evening just before we left the shop. I told him that I had paid him twice and he called me a liar. I believe that he was honest in thinking that he had not paid me previously, he having forgotten it completely and he being naturally very impulsive and quick tempered, I made allowances accordingly, thinking that he would feel ashamed of it after he got cool and was able to think about calmly. It was hard work for me to submit to such abuse, but I did and thereby avoided a quarrel which I am now very thankful for. After work, I went up to his house for some Dahlia roots. We have had news today that the rebels have evacuated Yorktown and the cannon has been fired in the street during the PM and evening. I mailed a letter to Cousin Charles Mills this evening who is in the army at Yorktown. Moses Baxter has been at work today building my woodhouse. MAY 06 – TUESDAY -Showery again today. The atmosphere s cooler after the thunder. Moses Baxter completed my woodhouse today. His bill was $2.75. I paid him $2.00. MAY 07 – WEDNESDAY –Pleasant, but quite windy, very much like March. Before and after tea, I worked around my woodhouse, finishing it off, etc. MAY 08 – THURSDAY - I stayed at home today and worked in my garden leveling off from the new stone work, picking up stones, etc. I also moved my woodhouse about a foot and a half further front. Gussie went downtown in the forenoon and bought her a new black silk dress pattern. I went to market in the evening and bought a shad and sent it up home by George for Father Griswold as a present. MAY 09 – FRIDAY – It has been warmer today. This is the anniversary of the departure for Washington of the 1st Regiment for the state for three months. We broke camp after 4 PM and marched to Long Wharf in New Haven and went on board off the steamer, “Bienville”. We waited for high water until about 10 o’clock when we sailed. I have not felt like work today. I left off early and came home with harry to graft off two little apple trees. Gussie and I went up home in the evening. I carried another hat to Father. MAY 10 – SATURDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very windy. Father finished planting his potato toes today on Father Griswold’s new plowed ground around hid house. After tea, I set out a new bed of strawberries. Gussie went into the street in the evening. MAY 11 – SUNDAY – Pleasant, but cooler. I went to church as usual in the morning. Gussie went in the PM. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford preached in the morning from Matthew 13:3-8. I went to church in the evening. Mother came down and went with me. Brother Crawford preached from Mark, 10th chapter, first clause of the 21st verse. MAY 12 – MONDAY – Father has been to work for me today making the garden. I stayed at home and helped. We have had glorious war news. Norfolk was taken by General Wood’s forces. The rebel iron-clad war steamer which has caused us so much anxiety and our navy no little trouble has been blown up by the rebels to prevent it from falling into our hands. The bells have been ruing and the cannon fired as usual on the receipt of good war news. I attended teachers Meeting in the evening. I copied the minutes before retiring. One year ago today, our regiment (the 1st Connecticut for three months) landed at the arsenal yard in the city of Washington. MAY 13 – TUESDAY – Warm, muggy and very smoky. Father has worked for me again today. I went to the shop, but there being a great deal of waiting for work, I came home again and worked in my garden. We went up to John Cosier’s in the evening. Gussie brought home some house plants and I a jug of cider. One year ago today, our regiment marched from the arsenal yard in Washington up through the city to our first camp since we left Connecticut. We named it Camp Buckingham in honor of our Governor. MAY 14 – WEDNESDAY – We were stinted at the shop today on 2 dozen 6/ hats. I came home early and planted potatoes, corn and peas in my garden. Father has worked for me again today spading my garden. Burr Bradley came home with me to get some lettuce to set out. I started pretty late for class. As I was going in the church door, the class members were going out. They said that there was no class because there was no one there to lead it, not a male member being present. MAY 15 – THURSDAY – Father finished spading my garden this noon. On account of being limited on work at the shop, I came home early. I was very much satisfied, since my head ached so much that I was willing to quit. It has been very warm. I planted some more seeds in my garden just before dark. While doing it, Mr. Filly from Ridgefield called with Isaac Smith to see Father Griswold’s folks. Gussie is severely afflicted with a swelling under her arm and besides, she has had a sick headache today. She was not able to get tea, so we took tea upstairs with Mother Griswold. MAY 16 – FRIDAY – We were stinted again in the shop today thought it took me until dark to get it up. I received a letter from Cousin David Mills from the Connecticut 5th Regiment, General Banks’ division, near Harrisburg, Virginia. Old Father Wildman, as we call him, brought me 30 beanpoles which I had previously engaged. MAY 18 – SATURDAY – I have worked as usual in the shop I received 30 No. 2 catechisms from New York through Starr & Smith for the Sunday School. The bill was36 cents. I called and paid it in the evening. I bought a shad from Raymond’s in the evening weighing 4 lbs., 6 ounces and got trusted for it until Monday. After tea, I set may beanpoles but did not plant the beans. MAY 18 – SUNDAY – I went to church as usual in the morning. Brother Crawford gave us a good sermon from the last clause of the 4st verse of the 3rd chapter of Ezra. He particularly exhorted us to the faithful discharge of every duty each day as these duties presented themselves and not to defer them until these duties stand up before us a great mountain of Christian duties neglected. It was applicable to all and I am sure it cannot fail to accomplish some good. I came home after Sunday School and Gussie attended in the PM. At 4 ½ o’clock, I met with the Sunday School at the church and at 5 o’clock, we assembled with the 1st and 2nd Congregational and the Baptist schools at the 1st Congregational church where we had an interesting time. Singing by the children and speeches by the several pastors and superintendents. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to church. MAY 19 – MONDAY – I planted my lima beans and set out my dahlias this morning and I was consequently late in getting to the shop. It rained a little before noon, but the ground being very dry, there was not enough of it to do much good. We are still limited in our work in the shop. After work, I went up to Mr. Witherspoon’s to get some early York cabbage plants and came home and transplanted them. His boy came home with me to get some lettuce plants. I set out some more myself, sowed some more radishes and some red Dutch cabbage seed and some broad leaf cress or some pepper grass. I paid Charles Bell for the hoe I bought of him last week this morning on my way to the shop. I went into the street in the evening and paid Avery Raymond also for a shad which I bought of him last Saturday – 35 cents. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills in the army under McClellan pressing on and near to the rebel capital of Richmond, Virginia. Father Griswold came home in the evening. MAY 20 – TUESDAY – I had work to the amount of $2.50 today. On my way home, I stopped at Charles Hull’s and had a piece of glass cut to put over Charles and David Mills’ picture in a frame. I went over to Mrs. McDonald’s and paid my milk bill - $1.40. I answered Cousin Charles Mills’ letter in the evening. Gussie went into the street in the evening and by Mother’s request ordered a bag of flour ($1.08) on my account to be sent up home and to be taken out of what I owe Father for gardening. MAY 21 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy and just at night misty with a little rain. George Fenner came up with me when I came home from work. We walked around my premises and Father Griswold’s and went up into the cupola of his new house. I wrote a letter to Cousin David mills of the 5th Connecticut Regiment, General Banks’ division near Harrisburg, Virginia and went down in the evening to mail it with one to Charles which I wrote last night and a Danbury Times to each of them. I then went to market after which it was too late to go to class meeting and I came home. Father came down this morning before I went to work and I settled with him for the gardening, etc. MAY 22 – THURSDAY – A thunder shower last night. Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off pleasant and warm. Gussie went to the store in the evening and I stayed with Eddie and wrote to the Book Room ordering 47 copies of the Teachers’ Journal and enclosing $7.00 to pay for them for one year. MAY 23 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I have worked in the shop as usual. I hoed out my strawberries after tea. In the evening, I went downtown and mailed the letter which I wrote last night to the Book Room ordering 47 copies of the Teachers’ Journal for the Sunday School and enclosed $7.00 to pay for the subscriptions for one year. MAY 24 SATURDAY – Cool but pleasant. I took off some old boards on the backside of my wood house and nailed some new ones in place of them. Theodore put me on Black work today. I went to market in the evening. I brought home two glass cones for my lamp and some porgies for breakfast. MAY 25 – SUNDAY – Pleasant but cool. Warmer just at night. Frost this morning. I attended church this morning. Brother Crawford preached from 1st Timothy 2:1-2. After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the PM. Bell came down after tea and she and Louisa took care of Eddie while Gussie took a walk up to the cemetery with Cousin Mary Purdy. I did some writing in the Sunday School’s Secretary & Treasurer’s Book as usual and walked around the premises. Thomas Barnum called and we went around Father Griswold’s new house and then I walked up to his house with him. Previous to this, Phineas Lounsbury, while walking out from his house in their back lot next to Father Griswold’s premises came over in my yard where I was and we went into the new house after which he went to the 5 ½ o’clock prayer meeting. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Mother came in from meeting to my house for Bell who stayed with Gussie in the evening. MAY 26 – MONDAY – Cool but pleasant. The country is pretty well aroused over the retreat of General Banks for Harrisburg, Virginia back to Maryland crossing the Potomac at Williamsport. The rebel Thomas Jackson who pursues him has been strongly reinforced. On my way home from the shop, I went to Robinson’s and brought home my clock which he has been cleaning. When putting on the pendulum when I got home, I broke the pendulum wire and in the evening, I took it back again. MAY 27 – TUESDAY – Stormy. I set out some tomato plants this morning. I worked in the shop all day. I came home by way of Robinson’s Jewelry Store and brought home my clock which he had been cleaning. MAY 28 – WEDNESDAY- I stayed at home in the forenoon and cut through the wall and floor to lay a foundation for a new chimney in our sink room. It has been cloudy with drizzling rain in the forenoon. Brother Crawford made us a pastoral call in the AM. Pleasant in the PM. I went to the shop. I went to class in the evening. Brother John Cosier led it. MAY 29 – THURSDAY – Pretty cold last night. A heavy frost in some places this morning, although my garden escaped injury. Gussie went up home in the PM and I went up to tea. Mother gave us a nice pail of milk to take home with us. After we got home, I went downtown to get something for breakfast. Eddie is nine months old today. MAY 30 – FRIDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. We have had a new block come today, called the “Bomb Shell Block”. Daniel Manly gave me a new and very early variety of potatoes. I brought them home and planted them to get the seed. I made 13 hills of them. I went into the street with Gussie in the evening. We called to see Mr. John Rowan who has been blind for years and has been to New York to have his eyes operated on. His sight is greatly improved. He is going again. We have news today of the evacuation of Corinth by the rebels under Beauregard. MAY 31 – SATURDAY – I have worked in the shop as usual. On my way home, I bought a sheet iron thimble for the sink room chimney which I am to have built. I brought home a bottle of ale from Randell’s to try before purchasing a dozen bottles which I am thinking of doing. It is a benefit to me to drink a little each day if I can get that which is good. This has been highly recommended to me. I have bought a blank book in which to keep an account of all the money I expend. I shall commence tomorrow
1862-05
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1861 Entry
6pgs
MAY 01 – WEDNESDAY – Rather cool for the season. Three sergeants and one corporal of the regiment were reduced in rank and two privates were dismissed from the service and their uniforms taken from them for bad and unsoldierly conduct.
From May 2nd until the 8th, I wrote nothing in my diary. As it is now (the time of copying this) August 19th, my memory does not serve me and therefore, I am compelled to leave the intervening time a blank, though it was filled up with the usual camp duties.
MAY 09 – THURSDAY – The day has been pretty warm and very dusty. William Wheeler, from Bethel, one of my old shop mates, was to the camp and stayed until we struck our tents and marched off from the ground to go to Long Wharf to take the steamer “Bienville” en route to Washington, which was about 4 1/4. PM. We arrived at the wharf and went on board about 6 o’clock. The other steamer to take the 2nd Regiment came in while we lay at the dock. We left the dock about 10 ½ o’clock, rounded the east end of Long Island during the night. MAY 10 – FRIDAY – I awoke about 4 o’clock this morning and went on deck just in time to see Long Island as we were leaving it and to see the sun rise. 8 o’clock – out of sight of land. Clear and pleasant, the weather fine. The sea is calm, just enough swell to give an easy motion to the steamer. At 10 ¾ o’clock, we passed a Danish barque and signaled her. We gave her three hearty cheers. Hazy in the PM. “Baltimore” – so-called (a comical fellow, a member of the Waterbury Company), is cutting up his friend and raising heck generally. All the men are in good spirits, except the few who are beginning to feel “sea-sick”. MAY 11 – SATURDAY – Smith’s Island, Cape Charles and the sand banks of Cape Henry hove into view about 6 o’clock this morning. We are now in Chesapeake Bay. Seven o’clock passed and we signaled a Swedish vessel. About 3 PM, we met two steamers, one of them, a U. S. Mail. About 3 ½ o’clock, we entered the mouth of the Potomac River. Hazy and scarcely any wind at all. On account of the removal of the lights and buoys by the rebels, we anchored at dark at a bend of the river. After pacing a guard fore and aft and at the side of a steamer to keep a look out (for we were very near the Virginia shore), we retired for the night. MAY 12 – SUNDAY – The crew began to weigh anchor about 4 o’clock and we immediately started on our way up the river again. At 5 o’clock, we met a war steamer, the “Mohawk”. She rounded up to us and her captain inquired where we were from and where bound, how many men on board, etc. He told us to go on up the river, while he would go down and meet the other steamer carrying the 2nd Regiment. Virginia and Maryland are on each side of us. At times, we are almost within hailing distance of either shore. About 8 o’clock, while a part of the regiment were eating breakfast, we passed Mount Vernon, the home and tomb of Washington. In passing, our band played a dirge and a national air. We passed Fort Washington soon after. We passed Alexandria about 9 o’clock. A war steamer lay off there to keep the rebels quiet. A little later, we cast anchor in the river near Washington, about halfway between the Arsenal Yard and the Navy Yard. While we lay there, a steamer came from the dock passing very near us having on board President Lincoln with a military escort. It was nearly noon when we were landed at the Arsenal Yard where we spent the remainder of the day very pleasantly. I spread my blanket upon the grass and wrote a letter home to Gussie. We staked out arms in the Armory and went on board the boat to quarter for the night. MAY 13 – MONDAY – We had our breakfast on board the boat this morning. A detachment was sent ahead early to clear up the ground and pitch our tents near Glenwood Cemetery, north of the city. In the afternoon, the regiment was marched to our encampment. The day was very warm and a number of our men gave out before we arrived there.
Five more days were omitted because I do not remember what occurred, there being no writing done in my diary. The time was occupied thought with the usual duties of camp and drilling.
MAY 19 – SUNDAY – I got a pass this morning and went to the city and attended Dr. Ryan’s church (Methodist). He preached an excellent sermon in which he alluded to the present condition of our country in a very feeling manner. Text, Daniel 6:10. One of the members, a good brother, took me home with him to dinner, after which I went to the camp where there was a preaching at 4 PM. Text, Proverbs 31:5. I went to the city again in the evening and attended church. Wellington Gibbs and Edgar Wildman were with me. It began to rain after we got started and rained hard all evening. Dr. Ryan preached from Ephesians 5:16. MAY 20 - MONDAY – Wrote a letter home. Received one from Harriet in New York, commenced writing one to her. The day has been stormy. MAY 21 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I went over to the Brooklyn 14th Regiment in the evening to see their chaplain, Brother Inskip (?), but did not as there was only a detachment there to pitch their tents. The remainder of the regiment and Brother Inskip are to come into their camp tomorrow.
Wednesday and Thursday are blank in my diary.
MAY 24 – FRIDAY – Sick with diarrhea. I got some medicine from our surgeon, Dr. Stearns. I have done no duty except dress parade at 6 PM. The 3rd Regiment came and encamped near us today. MAY 25 – SATURDAY – I was up a good deal of last night. I had a touch of Cholera Morbus (Note: gastrointestinal illness characterized by cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting). A shower after breakfast. At 1 ¼ o’clock, we were called away as we supposed at the time to battle. We marched as far as a long bridge, but did not cross over as far as Virginia. The alarm was a false one, or at least a small affair caused it. We were forthwith marched back to camp. Not feeling well, it was too much for me. I was obliged to give up my knapsack both ways, going and returning. MAY 26 – SUNDAY – I was detailed for guard duty this morning, but I was relieved just in time to attend preaching in the PM under a large oak tree on our parade ground. Text, 1st John 1:8, 9. We have no regular chaplain for our regiment. This man has come here from the city once before and kindly volunteered to preach for us. I do not remember his name.
Monday through Friday, inclusively are left blank again in my diary. I did not have time, I suppose, or some other cause. I do not now remember. The time was filled up with the usual duties of the soldier, I presume.
1861-05-01
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1860 Entry
10pgs
APRIL 01 – SUNDAY – Prayer meeting in the AM instead of preaching. Quite a number of certificates were given to the scholars in the Sunday School for collecting $3.00 each. Preaching in the PM. Text - John 5:28-29. Subject, “The Resurrection.” A good sermon. I came home with a severe headache. We did not go out in the evening, although preaching was appointed. Brother Lovejoy, Clark Beers and myself were made life members of the parent Missionary Society with the money collected by the members of the Juvenile Missionary Society composed of the Sunday School attached to our church. It requires $20.00 cash to make life members. APRIL 02 – MONDAY – Election Day. I spent a part of the day in plastering up the broken places in the wall in a closet upstairs before my tenants move in which came today – Mr. Russell Smith. We helped them move more or less all day. I in the morning and after work and Gussie during the day. I was obliged to work a part of the day on work which is to be shipped tomorrow to California. Abel took three of my apple trees which I gave him today and set them in his garden. The election as far as heard from stands thus: Danbury, Republican 35 majority, Bethel, Republican 32, Norwalk, Republican 25. Redding as far as heard elected both representatives. North Fairfield gave a Democratic majority of 1; Bridgeport, 125. Wildman for Senator, 11th district standing 32 ahead and one town to hear from and that town has always given a Republican majority. I hear the band playing now. It is now after 10 o’clock. They are, I think, serenading Senator Wildman. I guess they have heard for the other town and he is elected. We had Mr. and Mrs. Smith take tea with us as they are not yet settled. I went to market in the evening in company with r. Smith and mailed a letter to Aunt Mary in Ridgefield for Mr. Crofut and one to Cornelia Post in Essex for Gussie. APRIL 03 – TUESDAY – We rose a little after 5 o’clock. I brought water from the brook for washing. I went to the shop in the AM and had one dozen. The election so far as I have heard is in favor of the Republicans. In the PM, I fixed the fastenings to some of my window blinds. Gussie went up to Brother Scofield’s with her folks and Brother Miley and wife to spend the PM. I went up to tea. On our way home in the evening, we did some shopping. Gussie bought a new dress and hat at Mary Jane Hoyt’s. APRIL 04 – WEDNESDAY – My work in the shop lasted me a short time after dinner. J. W. Nichols came after dinner for our ladies and at 5 o’clock, Father Griswold, Abel and myself got George Starr’s horses and went over to tea and to spend the evening. We took his long box wagon so that we could bring the ladies home with us. We enjoyed the evening very much. The evening was spent about as follows: the older ones enjoying a special chat. Harriet and Gussie played a game of checkers and then I played two games with Harriet. She beat me both times. We were treated with a little homemade wine. The wine was brought in on a server with filled glasses. One of the glasses was a perfect cheat, it being made with hollow sides and the hollow filled with wine or some liquid colored exactly like wine so that it could not be detected by its look. I was tricked by taking that glass and trying to take a drink, but could not get a drop. The ladies were tricked in the same manner in the PM before we came. But the hour finally came when we must start for home, it being nearly 9 o’clock. Abel and I went outside to get the team ready, but were surprised to find no team there. They had broken the hitch rein and started for home. Well, what should we do was the first thing that I thought. It was finally arranged that we three men should start for home on foot while Brother Nichols should bring the ladies with his team. We got as far along on our journey home as old Mr. Marsh’s and found our team in his yard. The gate being open, they walked in of their own accord and no one, not even Mr. Marsh’s people knew they were there. We got the team ready and waited until Mr. Nichols came along and then we took in the ladies and started for home while Mr. Nichols returned home. I shot Mother Griswold’s cat dead in the PM. APRIL 05 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop in the morning – no work. Theodore Fowler, our foreman, paid me $16.00 which he drew for me yesterday, as I was not there when they paid off. I came home and commenced working on my house blinds (repairing them) as they are tight and will not play and some of them are broken. I am obliged to take them to pieces, bore the holes for the slats longer and put them together again. It is a real task. Father came down and stayed for dinner and helped me some before dinner and most of the PM. We only repaired three pairs of them. I set out a quince tree (very small) that father Griswold had given me. Father helped me transplant some Lawton Blackberry roots before he went home. He has been sick for a few days. He does not yet feel well. I went to the market in the evening. We did not attend prayer meeting. APRIL 06 – FRIDAY – I worked all day (except for the time I spent helping Abel dig up three cherry trees and transplanting them) repairing my house blinds. George came over and helped me a little just before dinner. He took dinner with us. After dinner, he came in a wagon with two ladies to get a weeping willow tree to set out over the graves over at Mill Plain. Father Griswold gave us one from his garden. I went to drill, got excused and went to the church to witness a presentation of a pronouncing Bible to father Griswold and Brother Miley and “The History of Methodism” complete in two volumes to Brother George Starr. The presents were bought and presented by the officers and teachers of the Sabbath School. The cost was $15.00 - $5.00 each. After the presentation, Hattie Brockett, Clark Beers, Gussie and myself went up to our drill room to hear the band play. I told Clark if he would come home with me, I would give him an apple. He came, and Hattie with him. APRIL 07 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I finished repairing my house blinds at noon. I commenced painting again in the PM. I worked until sundown. After tea, we went downtown to get our kerosene lamp fixed and do some shopping. Abel and Harriet went to North Fairfield this afternoon. I have nothing to do now in the shop. APRIL 08 – SUNDAY – Stormy all day. Sacrament in the PM. A love feast was appointed for this morning at 9 o’clock. We did not get ready in time to attend church in the forenoon. We went down to Sunday School and stayed in the PM. I gave the chairman of our Juvenile Missionary Society, R. Wildman, $72.04 this noon to hand to the preacher, Brother Miley, to take to the conference this week. A thunder shower in the evening, the first of the season, if I am not mistaken. We did not go to church in the evening on that account. Unless Brother Miley comes back to preach on next Sunday which will be Conference Sunday, instead of sending some other preacher, today is his last with us as a pastor. APRIL 09 – MONDAY – Rain and fog all day. I went to the shop in the morning. I did not expect to find work, but I found that there was nearly a full day’s work on drab hats. I came home for sinner, which is something which is unusual for me. I should have carried my dinner if I had known there was to be any work. As Brother Miley was to start this afternoon for Conference, I left the names of three persons with him to be made life members of the parent Missionary Society by the Juvenile Society of our church, viz., Brother Lovejoy’s daughter, Mary, Clark beers and myself. The Annual Sunday School Teachers’ meeting in the evening. Officers were elected as follows: for President - the Preacher, for Vice-President – William Scofield, for Secretary & Treasurer – James Maynard, for Superintendent – George Starr, Assistant – Peter Starr, for Female Superintendent –Maria White, Assistant – Sarah Bartram, for Librarian –myself, Assistant – J. Clark Beers. The regular business meeting of the officers and teachers was changed from monthly to quarterly hereafter. The Brass Band gave a concert in Concert Hall in the evening to defray the expenses of hiring teachers. The Bethel Glee Club, I understand, volunteered their services on the occasion. I heard the band playing as I came home from the teachers’ meeting. Jet, Harriet’s cat died this evening over to Father Griswold’s. APRIL 10 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. Cloudy all day and stormy most of the time. I seeded down my south front yard with clover. I worked a good deal in the rain and I am afraid I have taken a cold. I stayed at home in the evening and read my paper. William Stevens (an Englishman) our nearest neighbor to the north, had his furniture set out of the house by Sherriff Morris to make room for other tenants who had hired the house. Stevens was enraged and showed fight to the sheriff. He left to get out a writ to arrest him, but in the meantime, Stevens left home so that when Morris came, he was missing, so he finished carrying out his things. The other family took possession and Morris went away. Jet Wheeler was buried this morning. APRIL 11 - WEDNESDAY – I rose and found it raining still, but by the time I was ready to go to the shop, it had stopped. But it did not clear away entirely until night. No work in the shop. I tore away the west side of my cellar hatchway wall in the PM. I went up home in the evening to engage Father to come tomorrow and help me finish laying it up again. Gussie had a good deal of shopping to do in the evening, such as getting a new pair of gloves, going to Mary Hoyt’s for a new bonnet, etc. I borrowed a large size carpet bag of henry to carry with us to Stamford tomorrow. Bailey’s Menagerie showed here this PM and evening before setting out from winter quarters. APRIL 12 – THURSDAY – We rose at 5 o’clock. I went into the street before breakfast and again after for some lime to make mortar to lay up anew the stonework in my hatchway. Father helped me until about 2 o’clock when he went home and we started to prepare to go to Stamford. We went on the 4:20 train and arrived in Stamford about 6:20. Phebe and Edwin met us at the depot. Aunt Abigail had tea ready for us when we got there. We went to conference preaching in the evening. Preaching by Dr. Curry, text 1st John 2, middle clause of 1st verse. We saw Brother Miley after meeting, Brother Wooley also. APRIL 13 – FRIDAY – We rose about six. A shower in the morning. It cleared away so that we all went to church to attend a session of the conference – Aunt Abigail, Phebe, Gussie and myself. Four of the delegates to the General Conference were elected, viz., William Norris, Daniel Curry, E. Griswold and James Foley. It being noon, the conference postpone the election of the other delegates and adjourned. A private session in the PM. We came home to dinner rather late. We went to the Daguerrian rooms in the PM and Aunt Abigail had her picture taken for us. We did not go out in the evening. APRIL 14 – SATURDAY – We are still in Stamford, enjoying ourselves very much. We attended conference in the AM. The remainder of the delegates to the General Conference were elected. The names are as follows, seven in number: William Morris, Daniel Curry, E. Griswold, James Fay, Seymour Landon, Albert ___, Robert Hatfield. Two reserves were elected, viz., Harvey Hempstead and J. S. ___. The Slavery Question was then taken up. An anti-slavery speech was made by ___. A few remarks (pro-slavery) by H. Perry, followed by D. Curry and Herman Baugh. After dinner, I went to the barber’s and had my hair cut, after which Phebe, Edwin, Gussie and myself went down to the steamboat landing to see the boat come in about 4 o’clock. We came home by way of the railroad Dept. Aunt Abbie and Phebe went out in the evening, but Gussie and myself stayed in. APRIL 15 – SUNDAY- We attended church all day (We are still in Stamford). After the service, we went up to Oliver Hoyt’s to dinner. Father Griswold and the other elders with the bishop are stopping. We were taken to and from Mr. Hoyt’s in his carriage. We had an excellent dinner, served up in an aristocratic manner. The view is delightful in all directions form his residence. The Sound is in view. The village of Stamford is also seen to good advantage. APRIL 16 – MONDAY – We attended conference in the AM. The sun shone dimly in the morning, but before noon, it began to rain. Eddie went home for umbrellas and rubbers for Phebe and Gussie. We did not go out in the PNM or in the evening. We went down in Mr. Hoyt’s room in the PM to sing. We sang until teatime. In the evening, Mr. Hoyt came upstairs to stay with us as his family were all gone to church. It continued to rain all the PM and evening. APRIL 17 – TUESDAY – A little rain in the morning. It cleared off pleasant and warm in the forenoon. We attended the morning session of the conference. Gussie’s friend, Elizabeth Bedient from Hempstead, L. I. was there. Gussie was very much pleased to meet her. She was in company with her intended, Henry Mead. After dinner we all went to church as it was the last session of the conference to hear the appointments read off. Mr. Pegg was appointed to Danbury and Father Griswold for the New Haven District. He is to remain with us in Danbury for the coming year and if he should take the New York District next year, he will not move at all. Brother Miley, our old preacher, is going to Forsythe Street in New York City. The conference has been altogether interesting. We have enjoyed it much. It has been Gussie’s first trip to Stamford. We have enjoyed the visit very much. Aunt Abbie has done all she could to make it pleasant for us. After the conference closed which was about 3:30, Phebe, Eddie and Marquise Hatfield, along with Gussie and myself all went up to Rock Spring which is situated on a hill about a mile north of the village. We gathered moss, etc. We arrive home about 6 PM tired and hungry, but Aunt Abbie had tea all ready waiting for us and we did justice to it. After dinner, Mr. Hoyt, his two daughters, Olivia and Harriet, and Mr. and Mrs. Remonde and his two children came in to sing. We all sang until about 10:00 and then we retired. APRIL 18 – WEDNESDAY - It was 7 o’clock when we rose. The weather is pleasant. Phebe, Gussie and myself went to the store after some material to cover the shelves I gave Phebe last summer. We went to work and put them up. While we were downtown, I saw William Hoyt, our old Danbury preacher, now presiding elder of the Bridgeport District appointed yesterday at the conference. He has bought a place in Stamford and is going to reside here with his family. APRIL 18 – WEDNESDAY – (Danbury, 10 o’clock at night). We started from Aunt Abbie’s about 4:30 PM with Phebe and Edwin to accompany us to the cars. We took the cars at 5 o’clock and 27 minutes for Norwalk. The train started from Norwalk to Danbury at about 6:30. Arrived home about 7:30 and took tea with Father Griswold. APRIL 19 – THURSDAY – I was awakened this morning about a quarter to 2 o’clock by the ringing of the bells. It was general alarm fire. Upon dressing myself and going to the scene of the confusion, I found it to be the residence of the Widow Phillips on Deer Hill Street, the fire proceeding from the cellar and just breaking out of the first story window. The upper part of the house was unhurt, but the flames spreading rapidly in about half an hour, their beautiful house was leveled with the ground, a heap of ashes and burning timbers. The family are staying, I now learn, with Charles Benedict, their nearest neighbors on the north whose house narrowly escaped the flames. The fire department were on hand as soon as could be expected but the fire burned so rapidly that nothing could be done except throw water on the side of Charles Benedict’s house and put out the fire as soon as possible. After the house fell in, everything was list except a sofa and a few chairs and a trunk containing some valuable papers which was taken out by William Harrison at the peril of his life. He was offered $50.00 if he would secure it and he accomplished it. The members of No. 1 Engine Company and other rowdies have been intoxicated all day, threatening the members of Engine Company No. 2 and knocking down peaceable citizens and quarreling among themselves generally. They are keeping themselves nearly all of the time in and around the Wooster House, giving that part of our village the appearance of a general riot. Deputy Sherriff Morris, Constable Hawley and citizens who were called upon to assist, arrested several of the ringleaders who were tried this morning. The names of those arrested and the results of the trial, I have not learned. The officers met with a strong resistance, but were finally successful. I had work all day in the shop. I had a severe headache all day and in the evening. I had my summer’s coal brought to me this afternoon by Griffing. Bought it on credit - ½ ton of Lackawanna. Gussie washed this morning and went up home in the PM. APRIL 20 – FRIDAY – I went to the shop in the morning and finished off some work which was left over from yesterday. I came home and altered my walk which goes across to Father Griswold’s. The northern end of it is a little farther to the west. I took up some strawberry plants from a low spot in my garden so that I could fill it up and transplanted them I went to the drill room in the evening. After the business was done, I got excused and went down to the parsonage where the church members were preparing a supper for the reception of our new preacher who was expected on the evening train. But alas, he did not come, so instead of eating the new preacher in, we ate the old one out who is still with us. I believe he is to move next week (Brother Miley). Our new minister’s name is John Pegg. Jr. The supper was made up of stewed oysters and various kinds of cake. The entertainment was closed with prayer by Father Griswold. I came home and after copying the minutes of the military meeting and writing in my journal retired about 1 o’clock. APRIL 21 – SATURDAY – Warm and pleasant with a west wind this morning. But before noon, the wind went around to the east and it rained. I had Mr. Sayers, the cart man, in the morning to help me draw some dirt to level off around my house. When he finished, I got him to take my house blinds up to Andrew Knox, the painter. Gussie has been at work with her folks to get them ready for Ohio. We took dinner with them. I went to market in the PM and to George Hull’s for a lamp chimney in the evening. I worked out in the rain before dinner and think I have taken cold. APRIL 22 – SUNDAY – It was rather late when we rose. It was storming hard. Cloudy all day and some rain. Brother Peg, our new preacher, preached for us in the AM for the first time. Text – Isaiah 52, part of the first verse. (Awake, awake. Put on thy strength, O Zion). An excellent sermon. Father Griswold preached in the PM. Text – Philippians 1:27. After tea, we went over home and to Abel’s to sing. Mrs. Bigelow was there; she is cousin to Abel. We attended prayer meeting in the evening, the first one that Brother Pegg has attended with us as he only came yesterday to preach for us today. He will go back again to Hartford for his things and family. We liked him today very much. APRIL 23 – MONDAY – I went down to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came directly home and leveled off the ground in back of my house and sowed clover seed. It kept me busy all day. We took tea over to Father Griswold’s house. Gussie has been helping t hem get ready to go to Ohio with Father Griswold when he goes to the General Conference. He planted his garden today. Mr. Stevens, the English gardener, and Father spaded it for him. I went for some groceries and to see Mr. Sayers to have him draw some more dirt on my garden tomorrow. APRIL 24 – TUESDAY – Mr. Sayers came this morning and hauled for me 3 more loads of soil for my yard and one load of white sand for my walks. I gave away some black currant bushes to Robert Sayers and his brother, the cart man, who drew my dirt, and Ephraim Gregory. I finished leveling off and seeding down my yard and sanding my walks by working very hard and late. I intended to attend class tonight because I cannot attend my own tomorrow because of a meeting of the Wooster Guard preparatory to our annual parade on the 27th. I went over to Father Griswold’s in the evening to get some instructions about his garden during his absence to the General Conference. It commenced to grow col after dinner and was quite cool just at night and in the evening. APRIL 25 – WEDNESDAY – Frost last night, cool this morning. I rose in good season and went down to Charles Stevens for a vest for Father Griswold. He sent it last night by his apprentice, Elijah Brown, but he carried it home to his boarding place at Albert Howard’s instead of delivering it as he should have done to Father Griswold. I had to go to his boarding place, for he had not got up when I called. As Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny were to start for Ohio this morning, Gussie went over and helped get the breakfast and we ate there. After seeing them to the cars, Gussie went home and cleared away the breakfast table, swept the house, put things in order, locked the house and came over to her own home while I went to painting. I attended an extra drill in the evening, as the Guard intend to turn out on the 27th. We had an invitation to go to New Haven on the 2nd of May to participate in the Governor’s Parade. Our circumstances are such that we shall not attend. I have worked hard painting my house today. APRIL 26 – THURSDAY – Snow on the ground this morning; just enough to make it look white. The weather is still cold, making my hands so numb that I could scarcely paint towards night. Mother came down just before night and went with us to Prayer Meeting. Aunt Louise and Frank came along and went with us. We expected to see Brother Pegg there, but we were mistaken. He has not yet arrived with his family. APRIL 27 – FRIDAY – Pleasant and warmer. I painted in the AM. After dinner, I went up to the Hall about 2 o’clock to turn out on our annual parade, but only 10 members appeared so that we did not appear in the street. I came home early and resumed my painting. I attended military meeting in the evening. On my way home, I stopped at the parsonage for Gussie as she was there helping clean, etc. preparing for our new minister who is coming tomorrow. APRIL 28 – SATURDAY – I painted a little before breakfast, after which I went to the shop. I had work all day. After I came home, I carried out my Dahlia roots for sprouting. We went down to the parsonage in the evening to make a supper for the reception of our new preacher, Brother Pegg. He came on the morning train with his family and took dinner with Brother George ___ and came to the parsonage for tea. Brother William Hoyt, our presiding elder came on the evening train and took tea with us at the parsonage. We came home about 10 o’clock. When I came from the shop, I brought a letter from the Office to Gussie from her cousin Eliza in California. APRIL 29 - SUNDAY - Pleasant. Our new presiding elder, William Hoyt, preached for us in the morning from 3rd John, 4th verse. Sabbath School as usual. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from Ephesian 3, first part of the 19th verse. After the service, the funeral of Mrs. Wylie was attended. We went. After tea, Gussie wrote to her folks who are in Ohio visiting. We attended meeting in the evening. Preaching by Brother Pegg. Text- Psalm 68:18. The sermon was excellent, a full house. APRIL 30 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I had work all day in the shop. Brother Bartram came in the PM after Gussie and Harriet and took them up to his house to spend the afternoon to take tea and to sing in the evening. Ana and Sally Miley, Hattie Brockett, Martha Stevens, Susan Holmes, Harriet, Gussie, Abel and myself were there. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Smith with their son and daughter came in in the evening. Brother Bartram brought the ladies home, while Abel and myself walked.
1860-04-01