Horace Purdy Journal April 1904 Entry
7 pgs
APRIL 01 FRIDAY- No entry
SATURDAY APRIL 02- It cleared off in the night and before morning the moon shone beautifully, but today the sun shone at intervals. This morning, I delivered to George Williams at the Danbury National Bank a policy of $2,500 in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company on the Dragan block, same payable in case of loss to the estate of Roger Averill. I then called on Thaddeus Hollister and daughter, Mrs. Tumerelle, about renewing their furniture policy. I received the death proof blanks from the Equitable for use in the Edwin Griffith case. I had Mrs. Griffith make up and sign her statement before dinner. Mrs. Lucy A. Haines called at noon to see about insuring her barn after the settlement of the loss of her house and furniture. After dinner, I got the undertaker, Mr. W. F. Tomlinson, and the friend Azerial Fuller to make up their statement and make oath to same. In the evening, I got the attending physician, Dr. Sunderland, to make and swear his statement. After tea I went over to Mrs. Clara Selleck and delivered to her the Catherine Connor policy and then called on Elijah Morris about payment of Mrs. Mayhew's policy on her Boughton Street house. From there, I took a trolley car to North Street and delivered a furniture policy to Anne Whittlesey. I then called at Eugene Boughton to deliver a policy but the house was shut. I found him waiting at my office on my return. He took the policy and paid for it. While at North Street, I called to notify Mrs. Hattie Beardsley that an adjuster will be here next week to settle for smoke damage to her Summit Street tenant house. Frank Stone's younger brother called in the evening and paid for a 3 year policy for furniture to be renewed on April 10.
APRIL 03 SUNDAY- Mercury 32 above. Cool and windy but not cold. I mailed this morning the death proof in the Edwin Griffith case to manager, G. W. VanFleet at New haven. We attended church in the morning to hear Dr. Wilson's Easter sermon. Jackie Erwin made an appeal to the congregation after the sermon for $980 to make up the deficiency in current expenses which has been accumulating during the last three years. Mr. & Mrs. Hawley took dinner with us. Julia and Lottie came from Sunday School and ate dinner with us. After dinner I walked over to 23 Griffing Avenue to see George Hawley and got his estimate for painting and papering one room at No. 19 Summit Street owned by Hattie Beardsley. In the evening, we attended the Sunday School Easter entertainment.
APRIL 04 SUNDAY- Mercury 26 above. A beautiful day. I went to the Danbury Savings bank in the morning and attached an endorsement for reduction in amount on George Hill's policy in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. Also an endorsed reduction in rate on W. A. White's policy. I called at Hoyt's shop and complimented Henry Hoyt for so successful an entertainment last evening at the church. I then went to Mallory's Shop to see William Mallory about my measure, also Mr. Underhill about furniture insurance. I then went to Terrace Place for Thaddeus Hollister and Mrs. Tumerelle to get their decision as to one or two years to write their furniture policy. After dinner, Mrs. Bliven rode about town with me and over to Beaverbrook.
APRIL 05 TUESDAY- Mercury 40 above. Pleasant. I deposited just before dinner. Expecting Mr. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union to adjust the Hattie Beardsley smoke damage at 19 Summit Street, we stayed at the office. He did not come however. I waited until 3:30P.M. and the drove up to Westville to see about renewing the Abbott policies. I am not inclined to do so. I had a talk with T. C. Benedict near there about insuring his property. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening with us.
APRIL 06 WEDNESDAY- Mercury 30 above. George and Mr. Beeman went to Hawleyville this forenoon to see Thomas Power about insurance. After dinner, I went over to Dr. Sunderland's to get an application from his man, William Sedor about accident insurance. I got it subject to approval of the debt. I raked off my south front yard in the P.M. Mr. W. Furness, special agent of Commercial Union called to settle the small smoke damage to the house at 19 Summit Street. I harnessed and drove up there with him to Mrs. Hattie Beardsley, the owner living on North Street. We settled for $6.00. Mr. Furness gave a sight draft and I cashed it for Mrs. Beardsley. Mr. Furness thinks favorably of giving us the appointment of agent. He will talk with the company and let us know later. After supper I went over to Mr. Underhill's on Orchard Street to try and insure his furniture. He being out for the evening, I failed to connect. I went upstairs and made a short call on Mrs. Townsend whom I also insure.
APRIL 07 THURSDAY - Mercury 45 above. Lowery in the morning and very spring like. An extremely heavy dew or light shower last night, just enough to lay the dust. Check from Equitable received this morning for $1,182.93 in payment of the death claim of Edwin Griffith, for which Mrs. Griffith signed receipt of same and policy forwarded toW. B. Schiffer, cashier at New Haven. I called over to Clarence Morgan's store before dinner. Frank Moody paid his premium on life insurance due APRIL 9. Frank Wilcox, the Carman, introduced me to Mrs. Lottie Stock for furniture. He also has just moved in to 91 White Street. From there, I called on young Mead, the painter, at Hamilton's, then on Fred Kirkley, and Phil Sunderland and at Henry Biddiscombe. I then went home, harnessed the horse and drove up to Oak Street and arranged for renewal for Mrs. Mary Betts. In the evening, I called on Mr. Sands Underhill at 22 Orchard Street for insurance on furniture.
APRIL 08 FRIDAY- Mercury 38 above. A pleasant spring day. After dinner, I went over to an auction on the Granville Ambler place, thinking to buy a carpet for the office. I did not do so. I wrote a policy in the Sun Insurance Company for Anson Eggleston for $300 of cased tobacco in John Vail's barn in Stony Hill. I called at 91 White Street to give the rate on insurance for furniture to Lottie Stock. Just at night before tea, I left the equitable check for $1,182.67 life insurance with Mrs. E. Griffith. It came yesterday. I borrowed it to show a few friends. W. Mead came in before tea and paid his Yz annual life insurance premium and before retiring, I mailed the check toW. B. Schiffer and to Frank Moody also. In the evening, Charles Perkins called to have his furniture policy transformed, he having moved. John Pierson was her today from North Salem.
APRIL 09 SATURDAY- Mercury 45 above. In the morning, I drove over to Clarence Morgan's and delivered the Equitable renewal receipt to Frank Moody, took a diagram for transfer of Charles Perkins from Locust Avenue to Cole Street, then drove down to Fannie's to see Mrs. John Stone
who lives on the same house to see about furniture insurance. I called also and got William Mead's policy for transfer. I got a pair of heel plates put on my shoes at Mr. Daragan's, then came home and made up a deposit for the bank. John Morris got out 2 loads of manure this forenoon and paid $2.00 for it. I received an accident policy from the Standard Insurance Company for William Sedor, who cares for horses and drives for Dr. Paul Sunderland. In the P.M., I drove with Mrs. Hawley to do our Sunday marketing. In the evening, Harrison Waterman's son came in and paid $21.00 on account for fire insurance.
APRIL 10 SUNDAY Mercury 46 above. I felt badly this morning and took a specimen of urine to Dr. Sunderland's to be examined. He found a little trouble indicated with the kidneys . My head felt badly also. I renewed some headache tablets he previously gave me and felt better in the P.M. After dinner, at which Julia Hirsch was with us, I hitched up Gypsy and we drove up to Panadarum and engaged Mrs. Hadley to come and help at housecleaning on next Wednesday. From there, we drove down to Fannie's for a short call. I delivered Mrs. Stone's furniture policy at the same time. After our return home, I went up to Dr. Sunderland's with Mary and he prescribed for both of us and sent some medicine also to Mrs. Hawley.
APRIL 11 MONDAY- Mercury 44 above. A light sprinkle of rain in the morning which was soon over. George helped me dig a hole at a low place near the crabapple tree at the back door to fill with surplus ashes from the driveway and thus raise a low spot in the yard which we top dressed with material we dug from the hole. This took us until noon. After dinner, I drove up to the Sprague place on Ellsworth Avenue to see if Henry Selleck was using the building in the rear of dwelling for carpenter work. If so, it would affect the insurance for William Weed, our customer living there. I then called on Lottie Stock at 91 White Street to arrange for her insurance on furniture. Lottie Hirsch came up about 4 P.M. and I took her with me down to Rocky Glen to arrange the insurance on her furniture- Mrs. Lottie Williams. On my way down, E. B. Harris stopped me and paid the $15.00 balance on his insurance. George and Sarah came over and spent the evening.
APRIL 12 TUESDAY- Mercury 40 above. The weather was a little doubtful in the morning. It however cleared up in the middle of the day. In the morning, I drove down to 172 South Street to arrange for the renewal of William Deakin's furniture insurance policy. About noon, Charles Abbott came to notify us that his house burned down last night. This was brokered by us by Frank Benedict in the Pacific (Insurance Company). After dinner, I went over to John Stevens' to take up his claim to the Standard Accident Insurance Company. From there, I attended the insurance board meeting at Olmstead & Crowe's office but few were present. They adjourned for one week. After which, I went to Dr. Lemmer's office to obtain his statement as attending physician to John Stevens.
APRIL 13 WEDNESDAY- Mercury 35 above. Cooler and pleasant. In the morning, I drove down to William Deakin's for the amount he wishes is furniture policy to be written for, the drove up to North Street and collected from Mary Monroe. In the P.M., I called on Miss Manthey (at Julia Stone's) daughter of Anton Manthey in reference to their furniture insurance. I delivered a policy to Lottie Stock at 91 White Street; also called on Mrs. Klopp on Maple Avenue for the amount of additional premium for transfer to Liberty Street. Carried a chair to Holly Green's shop for Mrs. Hattie Hawley to use at work. We took up and cleaned the parlor carpet and emptied the room preparatory to papering and painting. George and Sarah came over in the evening.
APRIL 14 THURSDAY- Mercury 33 above. Cool; it commenced snowing about 7 o'clock this morning and continued about an hour. It all disappeared however before the day was over. I did some walking about town. Called to see if Mrs. Frank Klopp could pay balance due on insurance for furniture transferred to Liberty Street, but did not succeed. I also called at one of the old Tweedy factories to see Rufus Rice, Jr. as to paying his balance. He promised to bring in his policy this evening for cancellation but did not. I finished up making John Stevens' claim for accidental injuries received on March 4 from falling down cellar. I completed making up his own statement, also his wife, Ida Stevens as eye witness and mailed them before closing my office about 9 P.M. George Hawley was here this forenoon painting the parlor prior to papering the same.
APRIL 15 FRIDAY- In the forenoon, I drove to lake Avenue and arranged for the renewal of Andrew Bell's horse and barn. Also George Barker on house and furniture. I then drove up to Frank Post's and found no one at home. From there, I drove over to lee's hat factory where I found him. After dinner, about 1 P.M., he called at the office and paid for the insurance to be renewed tomorrow. George Hawley came in the P.M. and papered the parlor I gave William Stillman $2.00 towards defraying running expenses of the church on which it was in arrears. I also went to F. Austin's and paid $3.75 for a commode which Mary recently bought. George Hawley came in the afternoon and papered the parlor.
APRIL16 SATURDAY- Mercury 38 above. Cloudy, wind squalls and sunshine. Mrs. Hawley rode with me in the forenoon about town delivering policies, etc. And then we did our marketing for Sunday. George Hawley came in the morning and put up the picture molding in the parlor which was left undone last night. In the afternoon, Charles Hopkins came for me to go and take the signature as notary public of Fred Decklyn as surety for his sample case of jewelry as traveling agent for a jewelry firm. Michael Hewitt who
APRIL 21 THURSDAY Mercury 38 above. Pleasant all day. I received by the morning mail blank from Equitable Life, death proof for leroy Smith which I have handed over to his son-inlaw, T. C. Millard to be made up. In the P.M., we received a check from the Standard Accident for John Stevens for 6 weeks total disability of $150.00, deducting for the last X's premium due August 06 of $7.50 leaving $142.50.
APRIL 22 FRIDAY- Mercury 30 above. A beautiful day. I drove in the forenoon about town arranging some five insurance renewals. 0. E. Cook, insurance agent from Bridgeport, came by direction of George Shaw to adjust loss of Dennis Cunningham of Grassy Plain, he arriving about 11 AM and George went with him. In the PM, I went with John Stevens to the bank to get a draft of $142.50 cashed, same being for the Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company of Detroit Michigan. Also while in the street, Mr. T. C. Willard, president of Danbury National Bank, called me to fill in the agent's blank in proof of the death loss of leroy Smith of $600.00., paid up in Equitable. I did so and later went to County Clerk Booth's office for his certificate of Jabez Amesbury as notary in the case. After which I mailed the proofs to George VanFleet at New Haven. In the evening, I went up to Ira Ames as notary and took the acknowledgement of his and wife's signature in assignment of the Travelers Insurance Company policy to the said company for a loan to them of $75.00. Fanny came up in the evening, bringing lottie and the baby Georgie. George and Sarah were also over and spent the evening.
APRIL 23 SATURDAY- Mercury 35 above. Pleasant. We washed both wagons this morning. Frank Bennett called about 11 o'clock and arranged and paid for insurance on their place at 10 Pleasant Street. J. Wesley Wells called while I was in the street before dinner and promised to pay on his insurance next Saturday. After dinner, Mrs. Hawley rode with me on a few business calls and we both did some marketing for Sunday. Among them, I drove over to Beaverbrook and got Arthur Grove's policy to make same payable to Howard Hoyt.
APRIL 24 SUNDAY Mercury 52 above. Pleasant and getting to be very dry. After dinner, Mary and I drove up to Mrs. Healy's at Pandaranum to engage her for next Thursday to help at housecleaning. From there, we went down to Fannie's and carried a bundle from Aunt Sarah to her. In the evening, we went to Dir. Sunderland's for Mary to consult him.
APRIL 25 MONDAY- Mercury 60 above. Pleasant and warmer. A slight shower last night. Mist enough to lay the dust. George and I mended the boardwalk near the privy after breakfast. Lillian, his wife, came up and after the morning work was done, she and George took the carriage and started for an outing down to Redding and that locality looking after collections. Etc. I helped Mary empty her room and whipped the carpet, after which and before dinner, I went into the street and ordered 1/2 ton of coal at John McCarthy's for Mrs. Hattie Hawley. After dinner, John Bouton came in and had papers executed in application for an increase in pension. I then went toW. H. Cable's office and let his boy type write an affidavit for Patrick Cunningham and Henry Taylor, city assessors, to execute as to the assessed value of her real estate in the matter of increased pension for her. I then went up to Mallory's Hat Factory and Charles Taylor put a new band on my summer hat and also flanged it for me. In the evening, I called at his house at Stevens Street and we talked over the matter of getting his policy in the Equitable changed from his wife as beneficiary who is insane to his daughter or his legal representative.
APRIL 26 TUESDAY- Mercury 48 above. A slight shower last night and cooler. The greater part of the day, however, has been pleasant. George put down the carpet in the small bedroom this morning, after which, I drove up to Bolton's shop to get Henry Taylor, one of the city assessors, to make a joint affidavit with the other assessor, Patrick Cunningham, as to the assessed value of Sophia Allen's property in the matter of her application for a widow's pension. He assented, but I afterword ascertained that Mr. Cunningham was out of town and the matter is deferred. Mrs. Hawley helped Mary this afternoon in housecleaning work and she took dinner with us. We this forenoon received a draft of $275.00 from George Shaw, special agent for the Agricultural Insurance Company in payment of the Dennis Cunningham loss on furniture. After dinner, George went down and delivered the same to him in settlement. Cunningham came directly up town to get it cashed, but before he could do so, Mr. Williams the cashier at the Danbury National Bank wanted my endorsement on the same which I did and he returned to the bank to get his money.
APRIL 27 WEDNESDAY- Mercury 45 above. It rained a little towards morning. About 8 AM, it settled in and continued rainy all day. Received Equitable check for $600.00 toT. C. Millard for death claim on the life of Leroy Smith. Before dinner, I delivered the same to Mr. Millard, taking up his policy and the receipt for same, and in the PM, mailed the same toW. Schaffer, the cashier, at New Haven. Of the several policies on the life of Mr. Smith, Ours is the first to the front for payment. In the forenoon, I called on Lottie Stock, regarding her insurance covering her piano, also in the interest of the dealer, Joseph Wright. Before coming to dinner I also called on Sophia Allen and gave instructions about getting from the rector of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church in Yonkers, an affidavit under oath as to the record of her marriage. After dinner, I took a nap and at 3:30, I attended the funeral of the wife of Mr. Frank Hull on Cherry Street. In the evening, Mrs. Allen's daughter called to see if I would go to Yonkers to get an affidavit from the Rector of St. Johns Protestant Episcopal Church as to record in the church books as to the marriage of John Allen and Sophia Bell. After her departure, I wrote to the rector as to his willingness to look up the matter and write an affidavit.
APRIL 28 THURSDAY- Mercury 42 above. Stormy all day. In the morning, I wrote to VanFleet, the Equitable manager in New Haven regarding Charles Taylor's changing beneficiary from his wife to his daughter or to his legal representative or assigns on account of his wife being mentally deranged. I also called to see Frank Wilcox about the piano insurance for Lottie Stock. After dinner, I went to see Manny Forbush to see about insurance on his house and barn at Germantown; also Robert Haskins about his renewal. At 5 PM, Mrs. Mary Couch and daughter Hattie Hollister cane to make an affidavit as to their bill to the estate of Mrs. Arthur Reed. After tea, I called a moment on Mrs. E. Griffith to get information necessary in her application for a pension; after which Mary and I called on Laverne and Hattie Rogers on the corner of George and Orchard Street.
APRIL 29 FRIDAY- Mercury 50 above. Lowery in the morning but no rain. It cleared away in the afternoon and grew warmer. Before dinner, I went up to Robert Haskins to see further about his insurance. After dinner, I drove over to C. L. Morgan's to get the price I am to credit him for the last ton of coal he bought me. I then came home and took Mr. John Peivans and went to City Hall with him and paid his town taxes and also my own. We then returned to my office and I settled with him for March rents collected. I then went to City Hall to search the records of the marriage of Edwin Griffin to Melissa Segar, but it was not to be found. By some oversight, it was doubtless never recorded. I then called on Dr. W. Wilson of theM. E. Church and he agreed to look up the church records for it. The fact and record of it is necessary to aid her in obtaining a widow's pension. I left the matter with Dr. Wilson to look up tomorrow. George Hoddinott came in the evening with George Purdy to our office to make up some papers. Before tea, I called on Mrs. Griffith to look over some family papers for the facts of her marriage.
APRIL 30 SATURDAY- Mercury 52 above. After breakfast, I took the trolley to Bethel to see the building near Short's Hat Factory which Mrs. Laura Wildman recently bought and is repairing for dwelling purposes. They not being there, I returned home. I then with Mr. Beeman drove over to No.5 Moss Avenue (the old lves greenhouse property) and arranged for the transfer of Saul Clark's policy by cancelling same and re-writing. After dinner, Fred Kirby called to get his policy on his market cancelled as he has gone out of business. Then Mrs. Hawley went with me to Bethel again where I met Mr. and Mrs. Wildman at the house I called to see in the morning. While out, a thunder shower came up and we hastened home to escape getting wet. However, it rained but little here. We did our Sunday marketing when we returned. I bought our first quart of strawberries for the season for 15 cents which we had for tea. George and Sarah came over in the eveningn.
1904-04
Horace Purdy Journal July 1904 Entry
9 pgs
JULY 01 FRIDAY - Mercury 68. Warm and sultry but little sunshine. Showers in the PM and evening. George with Mr. Beeman took our Blue Flame Kerosene Oil stove in the buggy down to Taylor’s Tin Shop in the morning to have him stop the leak in the tank which he recently tried to do but failed. He succeeded better this time. Lottie Hirsch came up in the forenoon. After getting the oil stove home, I took the horse and with Lottie went again into the street and I went up to the corner of Main and North Streets and I collected from daughter the balance due from insurance on the house for Mrs. Anna Evans. After dinner Lottie went with me to D. Gage’s Blacksmith Shop and got Gip shod new all around, after which I carried Lottie down home. JULY 02 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Pleasant and cool. George helped me place a framework around my tomato plants this morning, after which I had Mr. Beeman go with me up to Orrin Knox’s to get his affidavit jointly with that of Edwin Rockwell as to the marriage of Leonard Dexter and his wife and that they lived together as man and wife until the death of Mr. Dexter. I made a deposit at the bank and drew brother George’s pay for him at the Eagle Hat Factory as to arrangement made yesterday, I having cashed his account prior to him going to New York yesterday. I called at the office of George Stevens’ and Son and got a check for a broker policy I wrote for them on John W. Green. I also received one by mail from J. M. Layton of Norwalk for the Walthousen policy. After dinner, I got Edwin Rockwell’s affidavit. I then went to the barber shop. JULY 03 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 60. A model day. No dust. Pleasant, cool and comfortable. After cleaning up, I went to the Post Office for my mail, and then went to Edwin Rockwell’s on Foster Street to get his age and also the age of Orrin Knox to insert in their affidavit given yesterday on behalf of Mrs. Dexter in the matter of her application for pension. I then took a car over to White Street to see John Bristol about his furniture insurance expiring today. We took dinner with Mrs. Hawley. A union patriotic service is to be held this evening at our church. Mary and Mrs. Hawley attended. I did not feel able to go myself. JULY 04 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. A delightful day; neither cold nor hot. After doing my morning work, care of the horse, etc. I ,at about 9 AM, got Mr. Beeman to ride with me over to the freight depot in response to a postal received yesterday from George S. Purdy in New York that he had shipped a package of crackers to me by freight. They proved to be a dozen bottles of Seely’s Ginger Ale. On arriving home, I gave Beeman one bottle. We then, Mary and I, got off by trolley as soon as possible to Bethel to George L. and the Becker’s for a clam bake and 4th of July dinner. We returned home about 7 PM and found Fannie and daughter Lottie at the house in the hammock waiting for us. There were present at the Becker’s besides the old Beckers and George and wife, George Becker, his wife and 4 children, Mr. John Rogers, wife and little girl from West Wooster Street, and Mr. Stevens, his wife and little girl, boarders of Mr. Becker. A photograph of the party was taken in two different groups. Fannie, after opening a bottle of Ginger Ale, goes home, leaving Lottie to stay the night with us. JULY 05 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 66. Warmer today. I drove to see about renewal of Dexter, Lyon, Small and Sarah Austin. Lottie, who stayed over with us, rode around with me and I finished up by taking her home about 11 o’clock with some things she had for their dinner. Her father had just left the trolley car to get his dinner when we got there. Fannie gave me a half loaf of new bread to bring home. When I arrived, Joseph Kroha was at the office with George reporting a fire last evening about 6 o’clock in a clothes closet, Ladies’ clothing chiefly burned. Joseph Kroha estimated the loss at about $50. After dinner, I drove up to see it, after which I reported the same to the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. The balance of the PM, I stayed home and attended to office work while Mary and Mrs. Hawley went into the street shopping. George came home from New York in the evening. JULY 06 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 65. A brief shower last night. After breakfast, I took the spindle buggy down to W. Hall’s Blacksmith Shop and carried a gallon of vinegar down to Fannie’s , then went down to Mr. Wixted’s to try and collect for insurance; he not being at home, I left word for him. In the PM, I collected from E. M. Buckley, treasurer for Sarah Taylor’s estate for the insurance on the old Sturdivant place at the White Street terminus of the trolley line. I called on J. Beal, but got nothing. I called at Steven’s insurance office to get forms for renewing Lee Hat Manufacturing Company on July 11. I consulted with the Stamp Clerk, A. H. Hawes about the rate for the Blacksmith Shop of Patrick Lynch at Beaverbrook. Before dinner, I called on Lynch in reference to insurance. I tried to collect from Arthur Grover, but could not, but got 2 dozen eggs and $2.00 from George Bradley. About 5 PM, I went to the blacksmith shop for my wagon. In the evening, Rebecca Dibble called to see about gasoline and kerosene oil stove permits on her insurance policies. Nellie Hamilton and her baby spent the PM and took tea with us. George came over in the evening. JULY 07 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 70. Light shower last night, which being cloudy gave us gentle showers in the forenoon. Clarence Morgan, about 10 AM, reported loss about one o’clock this morning in house at 4 Wildman Street, an accident with a lamp. I took the trolley and went over directly with him; the loss is about $350. I so reported to the Reliance Insurance Company which has the risk. We received short loss proof from the Connecticut Insurance Company this morning with instructions to adjust the same on Joseph Kroha on furniture policy No. 2003 located on 2nd Avenue. In the PM, I went there and adjusted the same at $45 and sent in proof of loss by mailing the same in the evening. Brother George came over and took tea with us. On my return from 2nd Avenue, I found Henry Hawthorne, brother of Halsey Hawthorne, waiting for me to have me mark his June pension voucher. He is the noted fellow who in England many years ago, saved a wealthy woman from drowning and who in her will left him a large fortune. JULY 08 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6AM -62; at noon-78. I t rained moderately about all of last night. Warm and muggy this morning. Before dinner, Mr. Beeman rode with me to deliver policies to John Bristol, Alice Mortimer, George Denton and Della Lyon. I delivered a life insurance receipt to R. C. Reid at the Turner Machine Company shop. I mailed Greenwich policies to the Commercial Union to approve endorsements on John Greely policy 214988 and Center School District policy 2120828. I bought 21 pounds of granulated sugar for $1.00 at the tea store and came home. Prior to this drive, however, I took a diagram of3 park Avenue for John Greeley transfer and left word at Byron Dexter’s to have his mother call as early as possible to sign papers in her pension claim. After dinner, I took a nap in the office. At 3 PM, special agent Knox of the Reliance appeared in a carriage to adjust the Clarence Morgan loss on Wildman Street. We immediately went there, but found him away in the hay field at Beaverbrook. We sent for him; after his arrival, we adjusted the loss without an appraisal for $237. We then took a trolley ride over to the lake and returned at 6 o’clock, just in time for my tea which was waiting with brother George to dine with us. After tea, George and Mary went over to Mrs. Biddescombe’s on Stevens Street to see about making up a Larkin Soap order. JULY 09 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 58; at noon-77. Pleasant. After breakfast, I hoed out my garden. Then I called on Olive Lake to satisfy her that her policy contained permits on kerosene oil and gasoline stores. I then, with Mr. Beeman, rode up to 2nd Avenue and paid Kroha $45 for his fire loss on July 4th. I delivered various policies. I ordered 100 pounds of bran from Barnum. I made a deposit and found brother George on the street and carried him up to his shop to get his pay and then came home to dinner. Mrs. Dexter called about 11 o’clock in reference to word sent her by telephone yesterday to sign an affidavit as to her marriage; the same being required in her claim for pension. Mrs. Lucy Harris called in the PM regarding her insurance and promised to pay next week. Mrs. Hawley rode with me to do the Sunday marketing. We drove down to Fannie’s but he was not at home. Frank Moody called in the evening and paid his life premium. JULY 10 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 65. As frank Moody’s life insurance premium was due yesterday and paid last evening, I made check this morning dated yesterday to send in payment of the same. Lowery with more or less light rain in the forenoon. Brother George being alone (his wife being in New York) came over to breakfast. He took dinner with us also, as did Mr. and Mrs. Hawley, our neighbors. After dinner, I made a check and mailed to W. B. Schiffer, cashier of Equitable Life at New Haven to pay Frank Moody’s premium due and paid to me last evening. I also completed the reliance Insurance Company’s June account and mailed it. McArthur and Mrs. Hawley went to hear deacon talk about his time in the Holy Land – Palestine. JULY 11 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 68; at noon – 72. Lowery, warm and muggy. John Rogers of West Wooster Street left $.70 to pay for Becker and Purdy group pictures which were taken on the Becker lawn, being two distinct grouped positioned groups, one at the table and the other grouped on the lawn. After breakfast, I went down to Charles Dickens to see the damage he had about 8 o’clock last night by explosion of a lamp. After viewing it, I drove up to Bennet’s Shop to see him about the matter before reporting it to the company (Sun Insurance office). After making up report of the same, I took James Martin (who had called at the office) with me and mailed the report. I then called at Rundle & White’s to have him get after Herbert Wildman to pay me the premium he received from Rundle & White for the premium for the $5,000 Sun policy I wrote on their factory. On my arrival home, I found Richard Lee, Jr., assistant special agent of the Sun waiting for me to go out on an inspection trip. After dinner, we hitched up Gip and George started with him. Soon thereafter, James Beckett, school committee member, of Middle River called to have their schoolhouse policy made over to the town of Danbury as now all districts have been consolidated. George and Mr. Lee returned about 6 PM. JULY 12 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 68; at noon, 82. Pleasant and warm, but considerable air stirring. Special Agent Lee of the Sun started again with George this morning to finish up his inspection list. We went to Plum Trees and Gallows Hill, so-called near West Redding depot in the morning. George hired a livery team today by request of agent Lee. They returned about 3 PM, having completed their inspection tour with a pretty satisfactory idea of this agency’s work. No cancellations ordered, but 2 or 3 suggestions for improvement. I went over the work by reference to duplicate D. R. with special agent Lee which took the remainder of the afternoon. Mary received a letter from Clara Watkins that they (she and her mother) expected to start for Danbury next Thursday noon. I sent a postal for Clara to add to our order for 2 Scott’s Emulsion, making it three. About 7 PM, a heavy thunder shower threatened which largely passed around us but a moderate rain about 8 o’clock. JULY 13 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM, 68. It rained after the shower last evening most of the night. Lowery early this morning but came off pleasant about 9 o’clock. Received a check for $237 from the Reliance Insurance Company for the Clarence Morgan loss on last Thursday morning. Before noon, I reported the same to him and got his signature to receipt of same then left it at the Savings Bank of Danbury to whom policy is made payable for mortgage. I also delivered a policy to Sarah Austin. Fannie called in the PM and after my dinner nap, I drove with her up to the cemetery. I then took up from the registered letter department of the Post Office the letter I wrote Herbert Wildman on June 21st, which he refused to receive after two notices to call for same. I then drove down home with Fannie leaving on my way at A. S. Arnold’s a policy for the Wooster Hose Company No. 5. Achille Canale reported small damage by gasoline stove this morning under Niagara policy 6312, re-issued in Norwich and re-re-issued in Commercial Union. I reported the same this evening to Commercial Union by way of Greenwich Insurance Company. JULY 14 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 52. Cool, but pleasant. The first snap shot pictures of our Bethel Becker 4th of July clambake, George brought up this morning and took them over to John Rogers on West Wooster Street. Before breakfast, I cleaned out the grass in the cracks of my boardwalks. I made out June accounts to Agricultural and Sun. I received from the Commercial Union the policies of John Greely and Locust Avenue School in Greenwich with the endorsement approved. I delivered the same to Charles Mason, then went over to Beaverbrook and directed Mrs. Fuller about the stove in the old shed attached to her dwelling occupied by a tenant. I requested her to tell her husband Mr. Fuller to pay the balance due on his mother‘s (Harriet Fuller) place. I collected $2.00 and one dozen eggs of George Bradley on account. I went over to the depot to meet Clara and Hattie Watkins coming from Hartford, but they did not come. They will probably come on the evening train. Mrs. Brownlow came on the train, however, so I brought her home. I went again to meet the 7:25 train only to be disappointed again. JULY 15 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM-60. After George arrived from Bethel this morning, I drove to Brookfield to look after Robert and Effie Jones’ insurance which expires on the 23rd instant. I also arranged for the renewal of Anna and Harriet Bronson which also expired on the same day. When I arrived home at noon, I found Hattie Watkins and daughter Clara who we expected yesterday from Hartford. They arrived this morning on the 9:15 train. They brought us as requested wicks for the Blue Flame kerosene stove, a bottle of Scott’s Emulsion Cod Liver Oil and a 10 cent package of Barber’s green Ink Powder. After dinner, I wrote to E. Crouch at Ridgefield, the mortgagee on the Jones place at Brookfield to send me by mail the New London County Mutual policy expiring the same date , July 23rd, that I may copy amount, etc. from it in making up the Jones policy. I stayed in the office in the PM and rested from my morning drive. I wrote and sent a bill in the evening to Herbert Wildman for the Rundle & White policy which he brokered for us. Herman came up and brought Georgie with him, for an evening call. JULY 16 SATURDAY - Mercury 65 at 6 AM; at noon -82. George brought up the Bethel Becker clambake 4th of July pictures (2 groups) this morning. Two thunder showers last night; the first about 11 o’clock, the second about 3 o’clock this morning. Clara Watkins rode with me this morning to do the Sunday marketing. I made a deposit before noon and had a word with T. C. Millard, the bank president about life insurance, i.e., the Equitable 5% Gold Bond, after which I drove up to Hoyt Wolthausen‘s factory to see if they had a gas machine with their plant; they had not. After dinner, Mrs. Michael Freeman called and applied and paid for a $500 insurance policy on furniture for 3 months in the Reliance Insurance Company. Charles Brush also ordered a policy for $150 on hay for one year in the John Brush barn. Later in the PM, I drove over for a diagram of the brush barn. Mrs. Hawley went with me. Also over to Durant Street for the freeman diagram, after which we both did some marketing for Sunday. In the evening, George Hawley with his mother came over for me to go security for his household goods bought on the installment plan and part paid for which they will not allow him to move to Norwalk without one to go security for them. I of course refused. JULY 17 SUNDAY - Mercury at 7 AM – 70; at noon – 84. Pleasant. After doing the morning work and taking my morning bath, I went to the Post Office and received a short proof of loss from Arthur Hatch to make up for loss of Charles Dickens’ under policy in the Sun which occurred last Sunday evening. On my way, I remailed to the stamp Clerk, Howes, the 4 months new company permit for Sterling Fanton which was returned to be amended, making same standard by being null and void if not in charge of a competent person. Brother George was with us with our visitors Hattie and Clara Watkins. Walter Tomlinson called while I was at the Post Office to see if I could go with him at 8 o’clock tomorrow morning to appraise the L. Hartwell property. Mary, with Clara and Hattie attended church in the evening to hear Deacon Mc Arthur tell of his trip to the Holy Land. JULY 18 MONDAY - Mercury 6 AM – 65; at noon-85. Rain during last night accompanied by a thunder shower. Cloudy this morning with doubtful appearance of it being a pleasant day. In the middle of the forenoon, it came off pleasant and W. Tomlinson and I went up to George Hartwell’s and appraised his property and returned before dinner. I arrange for Charles Dickens to come this evening to our office to adjust his loss which occurred a week ago yesterday. After dinner, I delivered a policy to Michael Freeman on Durant Street. I compared notes as to the insurance of automobile with stamp clerk A. H. Hawes and then took the trolley to Bethel and arranged for the renewal of O. B. Smith’s insurance tomorrow, after which I called on Mrs. Street to see why she did not last week come and pay $5.00 on her note as she promised. She now promises to come next Saturday. In the evening, Charles Dickens came to the office and I adjusted his fire loss of a week ago last Sunday for $30 in the same insurance office and before retiring, I mailed two proofs to Arthur Hatch, special agent at Boston. JULY 19 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6AM – 68; at noon – 90. After breakfast, I took the trolley to Bethel to get the decision of G. B. Smith as to the annual automobile permit or one with contemporaneous for 5 years the term of the policy. They decided the annual. George mowed the lawn. Hattie and Clara Watkins bought a lawn swing at the village store. Being pretty tired, I took a nap after dinner. Fannie called in the afternoon. Sent check for the May balance to the Sun. Called at Stamp Clerk Howe’s office and compared the April automobile permit with the standard permit. A slight change only was required to make it the G. B. Smith. George had omitted to write the $300 on the barn in the form thought he had included it in the totals. Fire alarm box No. 26 on North Street and Balmforth Avenue struck at 8:30 in the evening. JULY 20 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM - 70; at noon - 82. George took Clara Watkins up with him to Westville to try and collect from James Stevens and also to leave a policy with Chester Wilson at King Street. The wind changed into the north this morning which has given a little setback to the extreme heat. In the forenoon, I went into the street and left Etta Mason’s policy at the Union Savings Bank after exhibiting it to her husband Charles Mason, the register letter clerk at the Post Office. I also had David Hoyt sign an application for increase in pension at the railroad depot with George Chase and A. H. Reinhart as witnesses. In the PM, I ordered two bales of hay of C. W. Keeler, had a short talk with Arthur Cable on life insurance. Eugene Hyatt came in the Mind insured his furniture for $500 for 5 years at 36 Division Street. In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hawley came over and made 2 quarts of ice cream for us, which we finished to the last spoonful with help of Brother George who came over. JULY 21 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. The 43rd anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Mr. Jackson sent by us for Dr. McDonald to come and see Ida Jackson who is sick. George went with me up to see Barbara Moser at 7 Prince Street regarding renewal of her furniture policy which she let lapse. George as notary had David Hoyt and his witnesses acknowledge their signatures to his application for increase in pension. Having taken cold, I am feeling about sick today. After dinner, George rode up to Prince Street with me and delivered and collected on a policy for Barbara Moser; also called on Mr. Hyatt who recently bought out the grocery of S. W. Lathrop and solicited the insurance on their stock. Mary, with her sister Hattie and daughter Clara Watkins spent the afternoon over at the lake. I wrote again to the Commercial Union about the gasoline stove damage of Achille Canale. I sent to the Commissioner of Pensions the application of David Hoyt for increase from $6 to $8 under the old age ruling, he being over 65 years old. JULY 22 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Lowery in the morning. When George arrived from Bethel, we mended the spindle shaft which Gip broke at the hitch post in front of the office yesterday, after which I drove to Brookfield and delivered a policy to Harriet Bowman and arranged for renewing a policy for Robert Jones. On my return home at noon, I stopped and got another dozen eggs of George Bradley on account of his insurance. After dinner, we wrote the Jones policy. I then went down to A. T. Bates office to see about title to a policy in the Union Savings Bank being made to Valentine Patch, it being the place formerly owned by Sidney Morris on the corner of George and Orchard Streets. On my return from Brookfield as I was watering my horse at Wooster Square, I saw for the first time in several weeks Herbert Wildman at a short distance. Before I could get at him for the $100 he owes me, he ducked into the stairway leading to A. T. Bates office in Starr’s block. It continued lowery all day with period of light rain in the PM. JULY 23 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Lowery and cool. After breakfast, I took Mrs. Griffith’s affidavit as to no prior marriage to that of Edwin Griffith; also went over to Beaverbrook for Ezra Wildman’s affidavit to same and to Mill Plain to Clarissa Grey’s making a joint affidavit with E. G. Wildman. I mailed the documents in the PM to the Commissioner of Pension. George came over in the PM. JULY 24 SUNDAY - Mercury at 8 AM – 62. Still cloudy until 11 AM when it began to rain and continued moderately during the day. I went to the Post Office at noon. George Starr Purdy was with us to dinner, after which I wrote to Manager G. W. VanFleet of the Equitable giving reason (on account of ill health) why I have done no business with them this summer. Mary, with Hattie and Clara Watkins, attended church this morning. JULY 25 MONDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 62. Lowery all day but with no rain worth mentioning. I received a letter from Herbert Wildman about the $100 premium for the Rundle & White premium for the $5,000 Sun policy. He claimed to have received a check which was not good which was the reason why he had not paid me. He did not say it was the Rundle & White check; neither did he say it was not. He said it however in connection with the Rundle & White matter intending probably for me to think it without specifically saying it was their check. I showed it to Mr. Rundle and he read it in the same light that we did. The language was very adroit yet did not directly say that it was Rundle & White’s check. I hoped to see Wildman personally today but was not able to do so. I received from J. B. Cralle, Mrs. Dexter’s attorney in Washington, blanks for two affidavits from personal acquaintances stating that she has not remarried; also wanting the town clerk’s certificate of the record of Leonard Dexter’s death. This I secured this PM. Mary, Hattie and Clara Watkins spent this evening at Mr. Beeman’s. JULY 26 TUESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 65; at noon – 78. Sunshine and shadow intermingled; warm and sultry. Received by morning mail a short proof of loss from W. J. Furness, special agent of the Connecticut Union for use on the small damage on the Achille Canale house which occurred on the 13th of July by accident with a gasoline stove. Picked our first cucumbers this morning. I called at Herbert Wildman’s house to see about the Rundle & White $100 premium, but did not find him there or at his office. Also before dinner, I called on Target & Siemon about the new insurance on their laundry. After dinner, I drove up to Joseph Blissard’s on Park Avenue and took alien of $1,000 on his furniture and personal property in the barn. Mr. Beeman was with me and we drove to Morris Street to see Steven Stuckey about collection of premium; also to Starr Avenue to see Mrs. Schoonmaker. Chester C. Bush of 21 Montgomery Street died about 3 PM. Hattie and Clara Watkins went down with Mary to Fannie’s to spend the evening. George came over in the evening and took a derby hat that Herman gave me to change the curl. Mrs. Leonard Dexter called about 5 PM to inquire about her pension claim and gave me a dollar for two certificates (50 cents each) as to assessor’s statement of no property record of Leonard or Frances Dexter and town clerk as to the death of Leonard Dexter. JULY 27 WEDNESDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 65; at noon – 80. Pleasant. We pulled our first mess of beets this morning for our dinner. Mrs. Hawley called on her way to the shop and signed an affidavit as to her personal acquaintance with Mrs. Frances Dexter and her own knowledge as to her not being remarried, the same being in the matter of her application for a widow’s pension. We took the spindle buggy down to Mr. Barber’s in the morning for a new shaft, one being broken, after which Hattie Watkins rode up with me to Mr. Robert Jones to Brookfield to deliver a policy written in the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. On our return I stopped to see Daniel Joyce to see if he would take the mortgage on our place. He was not at home. I left word with Mrs. Joyce. I stopped at Mr. Fuller’s on my return to try to collect balance due; he was not at home. I also stopped at the establishment of Patrick McManus to inspect the stove pipe in the woodhouse. I then called at George Bradley’s and got a dozen eggs on his account. We arrive home in time for dinner. I completed some papers in Mrs. Dexter’s pension case and mailed in the PM to J. B. Crabbe, her attorney in Washington. In the evening, I called over to Mrs. Jennie Townsend to collect on her insurance but could not. JULY 28 THURSDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. Lowery and foggy in the morning. Received by morning mail a draft from the Sun for $30 in payment of the C. H. Dickens loss which we immediately delivered to him at Connett’s Hat Factory. After taking his receipt and endorsement of the draft, I cashed it for him and deposited the same in the bank. I called at his home and as directed if no one was home, I took his policy from the writing desk in the dining room and brought home to endorse on it the amount of the loss. We then went to W. Barber’s wagon shop on Railroad Avenue and brought home the spindle which he repaired with a new shaft. I am again attacked with swollen and painful testicles as a result of mucus matter in the urethra from catarrh of the bladder. I commenced treatment again with an application of anti-phlogistine and after dinner, I sent George up to Dr. Sunderland’s for medicine. I remained quiet, lying down for the rest of the day. While on the lounge in the office about 3 PM, Joe Thomas called to try and make arrangements with me to get house rent Joel Bates owes him from his pension next September. I of course could do nothing about it, a soldier’s pension being a sacred matter with the U. S. and exempt from attachment or garnishing. JULY 29 FRIDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 64. A hard thundershower about midnight last night. Lightning struck Daniel Depew’s house, tore off part of the roof and knocked off a portion of the chimney and some other slight damage in the house. Myself being unable to look after it after Mr. Depew reported it, I had George and John W. Bouton go up and appraise the damage. I reported to the Agricultural Insurance Company and special agent George Shaw the amount of $20 as being the damage and for fear of another shower might strike and do more damage by water before the roof was repaired, I took the responsibility and told John Bouton to repair it today if possible. I am still at home with my bladder and testicle problem. Sam Hoyt and a Mrs. Grace Clark, his neighbor, were with us to dinner, they having come from Ridgefield to buy groceries, etc. JULY 30 SATURDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 60. Pleasant. George looked up the loss reported by George Stevens & Son of car owned by Mary Jackson (struck by lightning) insured by policy No. 1974 Connecticut Insurance Company for Stevens by Treadwell. We reported the same at once. I received by freight one dozen ginger ales from New York which George ordered for us. After dinner, young Achille Canale came in and I adjusted the loss by gasoline stove in their house No. 2 for $2.50 and sent the same forward to W. T. Furness, special agent of the Connecticut Union, who has the risk by reinsurance of Greenwich Insurance Company. JULY 31 SUNDAY - Mercury at 6 AM – 74; at noon – 80. Muggy and warm. I had daughter Fannie take my key and go to the Post Office for my mail and the Sunday Press about 11 AM, and the proof of loss blank for adjustment of lightning damage under policy 7013 for Cornelia Depew with instructions to adjust and pay. While there has been considerable air stirring during the day, the humidity of the air has been about unbearable. After dinner about 4 o’clock, Mary and sister Hattie and daughter Clara went over to William Dean’s and stayed during the evening. They returned about 10 PM. George S. returned on the 8 PM train from New York City, having been down there with his wife at her sister’s (Louise)since last Wednesday, he not having any work last week at the shop. In the PM, I got Jesse Rogers to go over to John Bouton’s and have him come down and see me regarding the work he did in repairing the lightning damage to Cornelia Depew’s house for the Agricultural Insurance Company to aid me in making up the proof of loss blank which came by mail today.
1904-07