Horace Purdy Journal July 1866 Entry
11pgs
JULY 01 SUNDAY - A beautiful day. George came down early this morning for the horse and took a horseback ride before breakfast. He came down before meeting time and we shaved each other. Edwin came in and shaved also with my razor. George and Gussie went to meeting together in the A.M. I went to Sunday School as usual at noon. George and Bell came home with us to tea after which I borrowed Saul Barnum’s wagon and George and I took Georgie and rode up to the cemetery, over to Sturdevant’s to see the new R.R. ,across from there to the lower end of Main street and home. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen lesson books for the Sunday School. I went to church in the evening. Brother Webb preached for us. After meeting, we went up to visit with Edwin and stayed until after 10 o’clock. JULY 02 MONDAY - A lovely day. In the morning, I borrowed Charles Hull’s wagon and Edwin Griswold and Eddie, Jr., Josie Wheeler, Gussie and I took a ride. George went with us downtown where I stopped with him to buy a new set of clothes. He wants them by Thursday to take with him when he returns to Brooklyn. I paid Charles Hull $10.00 for the second hand hay cutter bought February 26th. I also paid my P.O. Box rent up to Jan. 1, 1867. After dinner George came down and hoed the garden for me while I painted my front fence. After tea, Gussie and Louise went with me over to Lake Kenosha to secure a boat for fishing tomorrow. JULY 03 TUESDAY - I took Charles Hull’s wagon home this morning and borrowed Mr. McDonald’s to go fishing. Father Griswold, Edwin and little Eddie, George and myself went over to Kenosha fishing. We stayed until nearly 4 o’clock. We took a bath and then came home. We had very good luck, though most of the items were small. After tea, I went up to James Fowler’s and borrowed Theo’s carriage which he offered for sale before he died. Plowed out Father Griswold’s corn and potatoes after tea. JULY 04 WEDNESDAY - I rose this morning by Edwin calling me and helped hoe corn and potatoes before breakfast for Father Griswold. I finished painting my front fence before dinner. After dinner, I practiced with my pistol at a target. Edwin tried, also Gussie. I sold my horse and harness to _______ this afternoon. Andrew James brought me the customer. I sold the old Theo Fowler carriage with him which I was using while my wagon was being repaired. I had the privilege of buying or selling the carriage for $25.00 for Mr. Fowler. I had a chance, so I sold the establishment - horse, harness and carriage for $90.00. The horse and harness stands me $65.00. After selling, I went up to the cemetery, our folks having gone up previously. From there, I went to Mr. Fowler’s to pay him for the carriage. I waited until it began to rain and then came home without seeing him. On my way home, I bought a pair of thin pants at Mr. Harris’ for $2.50. In the evening, we had a few pieces of fireworks to set off up at Father Griswold’s. It was done to please little Eddie Griswold. JULY 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went up to see Mr. James Fowler before breakfast and paid him $25.00 for his carriage which I sold with my horse yesterday. After breakfast, I went into the street again and settled my account with Benedict & Nichols by paying the balance $16.16. I felt about sick at noon, could eat no dinner, took a nap and felt better after. Caroline Mills was here to dinner. In the P.M., I painted the brickwork under my house in front and the piazza and steps. I used some old paint of Father Griswold’s by buying some oil to put with it. George got his new set of clothes and left for Brooklyn on the regular afternoon passenger train at 4 o’clock, 58 minutes. Mrs. Cocking made Georgie a present of a small cart. We took tea up to Father Griswold’s with Edwin. I wrote two letters in the P.M. for George on the sifter business to Everett C. Andrews, his manufacturer, ordering one dozen sent to D. H. Johnson at Newtown and one to Said (?) Johnson. George mailed them as he went to the depot. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, we went up to Father Griswold and sat until bedtime on his piazza. Did not go to the shop today, but worked around the house. JULY 06 FRIDAY - Very warm – over 90 in the shade. I took up and put down a new drain in the forenoon. In the P.M., I painted the lattice work under Father Griswold’s piazza. Edwin and little Edwin, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler, and Josie came down to tea. Edwin and Ed Jr. walked downtown with me in the evening as I went to the Office. JULY 07 SATURDAY - Very warm. My wagon being done at the blacksmith’s about 9 o’clock, I took it over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to be painted. I did not go to the shop, but worked around home, mowing my door yard and trimming my walks. I worked hard until 12 ½ o’clock in the hot sun. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and sleeked off a silk hat for Mr. McDonald. Fanny bought some ice cream in the evening. When I returned home from the market, I ate some with them. I had a headache in the P.M. and the evening. Mr. McDonald’s bill for iron work on my wagon was $14.30; he threw off the 30 cents and I paid him $14.00. JULY 08 SUNDAY - Very warm. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which I came home to keep cool rather than to stay to prayer meeting in the P.M. I took a chair in the yard under the trees and sat nearly all the afternoon. A shower came up about 5 ½ o’clock. It continued to rain at evening meeting time, so we stayed home. JULY 09 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day and colder. I went to the shop today- the first time. Edwin and little Eddie came to the shop to see me in the P.M. Gussie bought some handkerchiefs for him to take home with him as presents to the family. After tea and supper, I went to the church for a teachers’ meeting. JULY 10 TUESDAY - Cloudy with some appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off clear and pleasant in the middle of the day. We having trouble at the shop to get hot irons, we stopped work at noon to have a large flue put in the place of a small one we have been using. We contemplated going over to Daniel Manley’s to help him get hay in the P.M. we sent Joe Kyle over to see if he wanted us today, but the weather not looking favorable, he feared to get a large quantity of grass cut with bad weather to prevent getting it up so we stayed at home. I hoed cabbage, planted strawberry peas for seed next season, dug over the ground beside my hedge between Mr. Pond and myself, and after tea, went over near Oil Mill Pond with Ed Dunning to practice shooting at chimney birds. I hit two and he only one. Louise Vintz took tea with us. There being no one home at Father Griswold’s, Mother Griswold and Harriet having gone to Harford by the noon train with Edwin and son Eddie, who have been visiting with us since June 30th. I did not go the depot to see them off, having bid them goodbye in the morning. I saw Edwin on the train as it passed the factory. John Brayman paid me $2.00 on what he owes me today. I got the ramrod to my gun which has been to Stevens’ Machine Shop for a new head. Smith Pulling came with butter just at night. I paid him $1.49 which pays for all up to date. Georgie being badly broken out, Gussie went to the doctor with him. He pronounces it Scarlet rash and gave us medicine for it. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. I took two letters from the Office this morning which came last night – one from George and one from Everett C. Andrews, saying that he has sold out his sifter manufacturing, but would try and fill the order of one dozen for George in a few days. I wrote a reply to Andrews and a note to D. H. Johnson in Newtown saying that his order could not be filled for several days. Cleaned gun before retiring. JULY 11 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. We were up considerable with Georgie last night. The flues at the shop which were repaired yesterday afternoon were so arranged as to make it dangerous to the wood work adjoining, and in consequence, we had to stop again this P.M. to change the flues. I came home to dinner, after which I went over to Olmstead’s Carriage Shop to direct about the wagon I am having painted there. From there, I went to Robinson’s and bought a record book for the Sunday School came home and copied the minutes of the last three meetings into it, which takes it back to the May meeting which was the first of the Sunday School year. Louise took care of Georgie while Gussie went up home to see Bell who is sick. She is having trouble again with her lungs caused without doubt from getting too tired and overdone while George was home to send the Fourth. After tea, I went again with Ed Dunning over to Oil Mill Pond to practice shooting at chimney birds. It was dark when we returned. JULY 12 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but the flues were not yet fixed and we could in consequence do no work, so I returned and went to work in my garden weeding out my strawberry bed and trimming the runners for new plants. I worked with bare arms and blistered them in the sun. After tea, I went to work again and worked until dark. Gussie put Georgie to bed and then went to market herself. She called to see the doctor about Georgie; he thinks that he has the “chicken pox” with the Scarlet Rash”. Later – not the chicken pox – July 16th. JULY 13 FRIDAY - Very warm. Gussie, having no bread baked neither pie; I bought my dinner at the baker’s as I went to the shop in the morning and carried it to the shop with me. Gussie had Mrs. Stone to wash for her today. I mailed in the evening a necktie and a collar with a note to George. JULY 14 SATURDAY - Very warm. Mr. Sifer mowed the remnant of my grass on Father Griswold’s dooryard today, not quite either- a little corner of it he left. It was so hot in the shop that I quit work at noon, waited for my pay and came home. I borrowed Charles Stevens’ horse and got my wagon home from Olmstead’s Shop where it had been to be painted. The whole amount of repairs on it is as follows: $14.00 to McDonald for setting up springs and one new leaf in the hind one and two new tires and $14.70 to Olmstead for new rims ($3.00) and six new spokes ( $1.00), washers ($.70), painting, striping and varnishing ($10.00) – total $28.70. I went to market in the evening and saw Harris Crofut about my feed cutter; he thinks he will buy it. When I returned from market, Gussie went down to pay Mr. Adams the balance due for Georgie’s’ straw hat. I sent by her for a pint of ale which Robert and I drank before retiring. She bought a pair of slippers for herself also. JULY 15 SUNDAY - Very warm; I went to church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School after which I returned home. After tea, Gussie and I drew Georgie up home to see Bell who is not very well. Gussie went to church in the evening to the Baptists to hear their new organ. She went in company with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I stayed with Georgie. Ed Dunning sat in the yard with me all the evening. We talked on religion. I found him to be a fine young man, steady in all his habits with serious religious impressions. I trust the evening has not been spent unprofitably to either of us. I wrote a short letter to George and enclosed a letter received here for him directed to Willie Franklin. Gussie mailed it as she went to church in the evening. JULY 16 MONDAY - Hot; the thermometer 96 in the shop, the hottest day thus far this summer. I worked until about 5 P.M. and then gave up nearly exhausted. Gussie went to market in the evening. Harriet and Josie returned form Bloomfield on the evening train, she not feeling well. The difficulty with her side being so much worse, she feared to stay from home any longer. Alva Stevens was found dead this noon in his room in Hull block over Dr. Baldwin’s Drug Store. He has been missed since last Saturday morning. His body was in a very corrupt state. JULY 17 TUESDAY - Another very warm day. About 5 P.M., showers passed by us in the north giving us only a few drops. The lightning was sharp and the thunder heavy. It struck Stevens’ Carpenter Shop near Barn Plain Bridge. The fire was out before the hose got there. I worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening. When we retired, it looked as if we would have a settled rain. I made some lemonade in the evening; Robert drank some with us. JULY 18 WEDNESDAY - Warm again today but the sun was hid from sight several times which made it less oppressing out of doors. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. A shower came up about 5 o’clock which gave us a little rain. Robert Dunning came over and picked some currants after tea. I went to market in the evening. JULY 19 THURSDAY - It rained some last night; it has been cool today. I worked as usual in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I left an advertisement at the Jeffersonian Office for my wagon. After tea, I went into the street with Ed Dunning. I called at the Jeffersonian Office and changed the wording of the advertisement I left there this morning. When we returned, we sat on my front steps for a while and partly made arrangements for going hunting a sort time early tomorrow morning. JULY 20 FRIDAY - I rose about 3 o’clock this morning and went over to Robert Dunning’s to wake his son Ed who agreed to get up and come over to wake me. I got the start of him. We started about 4 o’clock and got to the hunting ground down between Town and Middle Mountain by the time we could see to shoot. We found three woodcock and shot two of them; each of us got one. It was about 6 ½ o’clock when we returned. I went to the shop, but was obliged to come home about noon, having a hard headache. Getting up so early and taking so much of a tramp was rather too much for me, not being used to it. Bell came here after meeting last night and stayed all night with us. She took Georgie up home with her in the forenoon to spend the day. I went to market in the evening and came home about 8 o’clock when it commenced raining. JULY 21 SATURDAY - Cloudy with occasional fine rain and mist. I went to the shop and worked as usual. After tea, I trimmed an Elm tree standing in front of the house. Robert Dunning came along as I was doing it and helped me drag off the limbs I cut off, after which I walked downtown with him and did some marketing and returned home. JULY 22 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the time during the day. Mother walked down about 9 o’clock and went from here to church about meeting time. John Brayman came over and picked a mess of peas from our vines before we rose this morning. Gussie told him last night to come and get them. Gussie went to church this morning. I went down to Sunday School and returned when it was over, not staying to the prayer meeting in the P.M. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen new catechisms and one copy of the Sunday School Advocates for the three remaining months of the Advocate year. I enclosed $.56 for the both of them, that being the amount of the bill. After tea, I took Georgie to walk over to Mr. McDonald’s. When I returned with him, we took him in his carriage and went over to Daniel Starr’s and made a short call before evening meeting. I went to church in the evening; Mr. Webb preached. After meeting, I walked up home with Bell, she being alone. JULY 23 MONDAY - Pleasant and not so extremely warm as last week. I brought water from Father Griswold’s cistern before breakfast for Gussie to wash with; this is the first time we have been obliged to do so this summer. John Meaker made his finishing shop foul today. Mallory discharged all his finishers Saturday and it is expected that his shop will be made foul also. After tea, I hoed my cabbages and went to market. I called at David Osborne’s store to tell him of my wagon for sale, I having heard that he wanted to buy one. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up her currant jelly in cups. JULY 24 TUESDAY - A beautiful summer day, not extremely hot. Mrs. Coles came over this morning and picked a mess of peas which we gave her if she would pick them. Mrs. Pulling came about 7 o’clock as we were eating breakfast this morning with our butter – 2 lbs. I paid her for it - $.70. David Osborne came to look at my wagon. He thought the springs were not quite heavy enough to suit him. I went to market in the evening. JULY 25 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful morning. I worked as usual in the shop. We had a heavy shower about 1 o’clock P.M. As it passed over, the sun shone a short time, but another soon followed which was far heavier than the first. It continued until nearly 8 o’clock in the evening. I went into the street in the evening to take a lamp for repairs and to go to the Post Office. I bought a small kit of Mackerel No. 1 at Randell & Bradley’s to be sent up tomorrow morning. I paid $3.12 for them. I walked up with Joseph W. Allen from the street He came home with me to get a bottle of cider at father Griswold’s for his wife, it being ordered by the doctor. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with us. I made some lemonade which we drank before retiring. JULY 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I had the headache in the afternoon. As I came from work, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s; also one dozen No. 1 catechisms which I ordered last Sunday. After tea, I went over to Robert Dunning’s for a few moments to see him shoot at a mark with his rifle. I stayed at home in the evening with Georgie and let Gussie go into the street. JULY 27 FRIDAY - Warm, muggy, clouds, sunshine and a little rain. I worked as usual in the shop and stayed until about 7 o’clock. Gussie is calculating to go to Norwalk with an excursion tomorrow in company with and at the invitation of Mr. Cole’s folks. She accordingly went up for Bell to come and stay all night and take Georgie home with her tomorrow morning after she leaves for Norwalk. JULY 28 SATURDAY - An excursion to Norwalk and Roton Point. Gussie went in the company of Mr. Coles’ folks. Warm and muggy in the morning. Showers in the middle of the day; a severe one between 4 and 5 o’clock P.M. Walter Fayerweather’s house on Highland Avenue was struck by lightning. Bell stayed with us last night and did the work after breakfast to let Gussie go on the picnic and then took Georgie home with her. On account of the shower, she did not come home with him at night. The excursionist arrived here at 11 o’clock. I met Gussie and Susan Brayman at the depot. JULY 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. On account of retiring so late last night, we did not get up this morning until after 8 o’clock. Gussie is nearly used up from her excursion yesterday. She did not go to church as usual this morning, so I went instead. We expected Mr. Lockwood to tea with us, but he, not feeling well, concluded not to come. Father came down with Georgie this morning about 8 o’clock. After tea, I took a walk into West Street and up to Seth Downs’ and return. I then wrote to George to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and to the Bible House on 4th Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets to enquire the price of cheap bibles per dozen. Gussie walked up to the cemetery about 6 P.M. with Harriet and Mr.Stokes and others of their family, I believe. I stayed with Georgie. She returned too late to get to evening meeting, so she went over to Mrs. Green’s to see how their little boy, Sammy was. He is dangerously sick. I made some lemonade before retiring. JULY 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I gave Gussie $2.25 to pay Mrs. Baxter for dress making. I bought $.25 worth of sugar to make lemonade at the shop. Received a letter from George with $10.00 enclosed to pay Mr. Harris towards his suit of clothes which he bought when he was home over the 4th of July. Reverend L. Webb delivered a lecture in the evening at our church on the massacre by the Sioux Indians of the white settlers in Minnesota in August, 1862. As we went (Gussie and I), I called at Mr. Harris’ store and paid him the $10.00 George sent to him towards his clothes. Brother Webb was in Minnesota at the time doing military duty against the Indians. He was Adj. General to General Sibley at the time. The papers today state that the Atlantic cable has been successfully laid, it being the third attempt. Messages have been sent back and forth already. JULY 31 TUESDAY - I wrote a letter to George before breakfast in answer to one received yesterday but did not mail it until this evening. A number of men have been shopped today to go into the new shop (formerly used for foul men) as Mr. Crofut has more work than can be done in his main shop. Ed Harris, James Hagen, Daniel Manly, John Knowles and others were shopped. I worked until 7 o’clock at the shop. Received a letter from Carlton & Porter in reference to the bibles for Sunday School use. I went to market in the evening – bought clams, eggs and lemons. An account in the papers today of a riot in New Orleans, or rather a mob. Loyal men assembled in a convention were attacked by rebels who had formerly fought in the Rebel Army. The affair took place on the 30th of July.
1866-07
Horace Purdy Journal April 1866 Entry
16pgs
APRIL 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Love Feast at 9 A.M. Gussie went and stayed to preaching in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. It being the last Sunday previous to Conference and thee being about a dozen to be baptized and also that there would be no preacher here next Sabbath, the Commission Service was held in the P.M. Brother Hill called me into the altar to hold the Baptismal Bowl for him while he administered the sacrament. At noon, I gave Charles Stevens, Jr. 50 cents towards a purse of $100 to be made up and given to Brother Hill before going to Conference. Preaching in the evening, it being Easter Sunday, the sermon was on the resurrection of Christ. At the close of the sermon the choir sang “Old Easter Anthem”. After meeting, George went to Bethel with Mr. Lockwood. He harnessed the horse before meeting and drove down to the Church. I rode down with him. He sat in the seat with me instead of with the choir. I gave Brother Hill and Annual Sunday School report this morning to take to Conference this week. APRIL 02 MONDAY - Election Day. Pleasant Upon the arrival of the train at 10 ½ o’clock, I met Aaron Mallett and Father Griswold at Roger Averill’s office and I there took up the Bond and Mortgage held by Mallett by paying him the $1,100 due him. He gave me a quit claim deed on the same. Father Griswold let me have the money on Bond and Mortgage. He also holds the Insurance Policy as additional security. We finished up our business before dinner. I also paid my taxes - $8.06 – 2 % deducted by paying today made it $7.90. George moved one of his shop mates down town this morning and then came back and moved John Brayman. This afternoon, I spent down at the polls driving for voters. The Copperheads had a majority of 10 for English. They elected one representative – Joseph Taylor – and us one – Saul Mallory. We elected all the Justices of the Peace. Judging from our own town, things looked dark and many of us feared that we had lost the state, but in the evening returns came in more favorable and we had reason to be jubilant, the prospects being very favorable. I stayed with a large crowd at D. B. Booth’s office until about 10 1.2 o’clock to get the returns from other parts of the state. A good joke on myself going for Henry Bevans to vote. I supposed he voted the Republican Ticket, but he said he should vote Democratic, so I left him at home and would not take him. APRIL 03 TUESDAY - A lovely spring day. No work in the shop yet. I let Seth Downs take the horse and wagon to go for his family down to Plum Trees. A 100 gun (salute) were fired today to commemorate the fall of Richmond one year ago today. Fifty of them were fired in the P.M. and fifty of them in the evening. I helped work the gun in the afternoon. A glorification was held in Concert Hall in the evening. Gussie and I went. Bell came down and stayed with the baby I ran up the flag on Father Griswold’s house today. APRIL 04 WEDNESDAY - A little muggy in the morning with some appearance of rain, but it came off pleasant and we have had another beautiful spring day. I had work all day in the shop. I have a cold settled in my lungs which ache and make me feel miserable. Gussie received her anatomical plates from Mr. Dr. Rawlins. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. Bell came down about 6 o’clock in the evening to have me cut her hair, but I could not, as I did not have a pair of shears suitable. APRIL 05 THURSDAY - Another beautiful day, mild and warm. I had work in the shop. When I came home from work, I raked the covering off my strawberry bed. George dug post holes for Walter Sparks this morning. Mother and Bell took the horse this P.M. and rode to Bethel to see Mr. Squires and Aunt Harriet Mills. When they returned, they went up to the cemetery. I am badly affected with the rheumatism again today. I can scarcely get my hand to my head. I heard the frogs peep this evening for the first time this spring. APRIL 06 FRIDAY - Warm and showery. Cut Bell’s hair in the morning. Mr. Cocking paid me his rent. I took the $200 Harriet Wheeler gave me last evening and took up a note of that amount in the Danbury Bank for Father Griswold as the money was left by Father Griswold for that purpose. I then went down to the shop and got some gum shellac to spread over cuts on trees made by trimming them. I got it for Mr. Pond and myself. After dinner, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode up home. From there, I went over to Mr. Lynes’ to see Mr. Cocking. I saw Granville Ambler over there. I tried to sell him (Ambler) my horse, but could not. Mrs. Cocking sent Gussie a small ball of butter and a ½ dozen of eggs. It continued showery all day. I did not go out in the evening. I received a letter today from little George Humphrey of Canton. I wrote an answer before retiring. APRIL 07 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained quite steady in the P.M. I rode downtown in the forenoon with Mr. Cocking. He gave me two heads of lettuce, my first this season, and about the first in market with Robert. Received a letter from Ambrose Hill saying that George could have work where he is at Prentiss in Brooklyn. Lorenzo B. Sage has charge of the department where George is going. I rode the horse downtown to show to George Wood after dinner. If he sells his horse, I shall try to sell mine to him. When I returned, George took him and rode up home. He stayed with us to dinner. I went to the shop about 2 ½ o’clock and got my pay - $7.96 for two days’ work. I bought some smelt and came home. George came down after tea and we went into the street together in the evening. He called at the Post Office and got $4.00 left there for him by David Bradley which George lent to him last winter. He also got part pay for a sifter from Morgan Chittenden who he saw at the Post Office. He is making arrangements to go to Brooklyn next week. The letter I wrote last evening to George Humphrey, I mailed today. APRIL 08 SUNDAY - I woke and found the ground covered with snow and still snowing. It continued snowing all day more or less, but accumulated very slowly on account of melting so fast. About 5 P.M., it broke away in the west. This, I believe, is the 17th snow of any account this winter. We have had a number of squalls and little flutters of which I have made no accounts. Perhaps if all of them were counted, they would number 25 more or less. George came down this morning about his usual time for going to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood (the chorister), but on account of the storm did not go. He stayed until meeting time and then walked down to church with Gussie. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. George came home with me to tea, after which he went to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood intending to be at the church with him at 5 o’clock for a rehearsal before evening meeting. He borrowed Mr. McDonald’s carriage to go with, he not wanting to go in an open wagon for at the time he started, it was snowing. It being Conference Sunday, A Mr. Wardell, a young minister, was sent from Conference to preach for us today. I attended preaching in the evening. Rev. Wardell preached an excellent sermon from “The Thief’s Prayer on the Cross”. John Main and Saul Main and wife (formerly Edith Newman) have been here in town today. They attended church and sang in the choir. Mr. Lockwood was here in the evening and led the choir. George returned with him to Bethel after the evening meeting. APRIL 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. Yesterday’s snow has disappeared except a little in shaded localities. After breakfast, I got Seth Down’s saddle and rode down to Bethel to see if Lockwood (our chorister) would buy my horse. He would not give a definite answer today. When I returned, I rode up to the machine shop to see Russell Smith about the money he owes me but found that he had left there and would not work there any more for the present. George came in about noon and helped me mend the harness and stayed to dinner. He then borrowed my carpet bag and rode the horse up home to prepare to go to Brooklyn in the morning. While he was gone, George Wood and son came to look at the horse with a view to buying. He agreed to give me $50.00 provided he would work before a cart at drawing dirt. He took him to try, but before he got to the place of dirt with the cart, he got so beastly drunk that he could do nothing at all. I took the horse and cart from him and returned the cart and came home with the horse resolved to wait until he was sober before I transacted any business with him. Before I got home, however, I saw his son who told me he would come and get the horse tomorrow morning. Theo. Fowler died at 1 ½ o’clock this P.M. I went down town in the evening. APRIL 10 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I went down to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I rode to Bethel to see if Ben Lockwood wanted my horse. I returned about 10 o’clock and harnessed and carried Mother Griswold, Fanny, and Josie Wheeler over to Charles Fowler’s to engage butter for the summer. I kept on by Lake Kenosha and home by way of Miry Brook. After dinner, we rode up to the cemetery, the same party except that Gussie went in place of Josie Wheeler. I expected George Wood to come for the horse this evening, but he did not. I made a fire in the garden to burn the rubbish just before tea. John Brayman came over and walked down into the street with me in the evening. I intended to go to Class Meeting, but was too late after doing my marketing. Commenced to wean baby. April 11 Wednesday - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work but met some of the men just this side who said there would be none until tomorrow. I came home just before noon and harnessed the horse and carried two bushels of potatoes downtown to an Irishman who works for A. Hickok, shoemaker. I got 9 cents per bushel; he paid for one bushel and I am to get paid for the other on Saturday if not before. I rode over to Mr. Lynes’ to borrow a whip of Robert Cocking. I drove up to Daniel’s Nursery to look at Arbor vitae for a hedge. I engaged 66 or more if I need them for 9 cents each. Hattie Mills called between 4 and 5 o’clock. Gussie and baby being up home to my father’s, I took Hattie in and rode up there and brought Gussie home. Bell walked down and drew baby in his carriage and stayed to tea with Hattie Mills. I went into the street in the evening. An umbrella mender came along this P.M. and I had 2 umbrellas repaired for 60 cents. APRIL 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I had a little more than a ½ day's work in the shop, the first since a week ago today. Theo. Fowler was buried at 1 P.M. I received a letter from George, giving me the number of his boarding place. It is at 64 Prince Street Brooklyn, New York. I answered it and enclosed letters for him received here from South Norwalk, Ridgefield and St. Augustine. After writing to George in the P.M., I marked off the Sunday School papers: Sunday School Advocates – 78, Sunday School Journals – 46. Gussie, Mother, Bell and Hattie Mills took the horse after dinner and went to Bethel and spent the afternoon at Aunt Harriet’s. Gussie and Bell went to Mr. Dare’s store to sell tatting. Mr. Dare paid Gussie $2.00 for a dozen salves I left there on the 24th of March. Mr. Pond called in the evening to see Father Griswold about a school meeting to be held tomorrow evening. I walked downtown with Mr. Pond and mailed my letter to George with 3 letters enclosed which came here since he went away. Susan Brayman came over in the evening to borrow flat irons of Gussie. ARIL 13 FRIDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. It did rain a little about 8 o’clock, but it finally came off warm and pleasant. I had a full day’s work in the shop. Bell came to the shop to borrow a dollar of me with which to go to Stamford next Monday. Before tea, I rode up home and tried to persuade her not to go, believing that in their destitute circumstances, it was not advisable for our folks to encourage her in the matter, as she would need all she could earn before the summer is over for her clothing. She and Mother both felt so badly for her to have to give up the contemplated visit that I finally gave her the dollar with which what she had would make out enough though I still could not approve of her going. In the evening, I attended a School meeting at Military Hall at which there was appointed a committee to examine and find out what would probably be the expense of rebuilding or refitting buildings acquired for the primary departments of our present and more perfected plans of a graded school as is now contemplated. A paper by mail today for George which I remailed to him at 64 Prince Street, Brooklyn, New York. APRIL 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant until nearly at night when it clouded over and in the evening, it began to mist. No work in the shop. In the morning, I drove over to Philander Betts’ to try and sell my horse to him, but I did not see him. Bought 50 lbs. of corn and oats ground together for horse feed. Bought our first shad at 22 cents per pound. I rode up home just before tea and got a pair of pants which Father has been coloring for George. Before retiring, I made a bundle of them and directed it to send by express. I got my pair for a bushel of potatoes sold to an Irishman working for A. Hickok. Victor Benedict (our foreman) drew my money for me today and left it at Judd’s Store for me. APRIL 15 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel this morning to get Lockwood (our chorister) in George’s place as he was obligated to go today, it being the last time. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School and the afternoon service. Brother Hill preached in the morning. A Mr. Birch from New Haven preached in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George. Also ordered by letter of Carlton & Porter 6 more copies of Sunday School Advocates for 6 months from April 1st and 1 ½ dozen lessons for every Sunday in the year, 2nd Series, for the Sunday School; enclosed $3.06 - $2.16 for Lessons, 90 cents for Sunday School Advocates. Father Griswold preached in the evening. I harnessed the horse and drove down to the church. After meeting, I drove to Bethel with Mr. Lockwood. I returned home at about 10 o’clock. APRIL 16 MONDAY - Stormy. I had work nearly all day in the shop. In the evening I exchanged the castor I bought at auction March 29th for another which was more perfect. The one I returned was scratched. He is still here under Concert hall selling at auction every evening. Louise came down in the evening and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go over to Mrs. George Davis and make a shell frame. Mrs. Davis is showing her. The shells are from what George sent from the south while he was in the army in South Carolina and Florida. APRIL 17 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cooler. No work in the shop. I got out a part of my coal ashes and spread on apportion of my door yard and dug round some of my fruit trees. In the P.M., John Brayman worked for me at grading my front door yard and turfing the same. We took off the turf, carried away the soil, and then after grading, replaced the turf. We only about half finished the job, leaving the remainder for tomorrow or some other day. John stayed with us to tea. I let Mr. A. Judd take the horse to Bethel. He was gone until nearly night. I had a severe headache in the P.M. and in the evening. I worked, however with John, but in the evening, did not feel able to go into the street. So I sent to market by John, who was going down. Bell started for Stamford this morning. She took a bundle containing pants and a few other small things to express to George in Brooklyn from Stamford. APRIL 18 WEDNESDAY - It had some appearance of storm this morning and again in the evening, though I believe the sun shone a little in the middle of the day. I borrowed Alfred Gregory’s lumber wagon this morning and drew with Old Jim some muck from Father Griswold’s lot and manure from the barn. Just before noon, I went up to Daniel’s Nursery and got 70 Arbor vitae plants at 9 cents and Mr. Pond and myself set out a hedge between our yards. Sidney Miller came about noon to look at my horse, but did not buy. In the P.M., I went downtown and got $1.00 for the use of my horse yesterday. I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Mother came down and spent the afternoon and stayed to tea. I harnessed the horse and John Brayman drove up home with her. When he came back, we both drove over to Dr. Bulkeley’s to see if he wanted him to work for him tomorrow, but he was not home. John and myself went down to market together in the evening. I lent him a dollar. I called at Dr. Bulkeley’s office to consult about Gussie’s breasts which are very sore. She fears a “broken breast”. APRIL 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very warm for April. I worked around home at my strawberry bed until nearly noon when I harnessed and rode out to Mill Plain to try and sell the horse, wagon and harness to Frank Blissard who lives in the old Brown house just up the hill back of Birchard’s old place. I did not find him at home, but met him coming home as I returned. I returned home with him in order to let him see how Old Jim traveled. He was highly pleased with him and if he concludes to buy at all, he thinks he will take him. He is to let me know in a few days. As I returned home, I came by way of Dr. Bulkeley’s, where John Brayman was at work making a garden and brought him home. This was about 4 o’clock, he having made an additional hour and a half in the morning and at noon. After tea, I set out some new and removed some old rose bushes, shrubs, etc. for Gussie. We let Georgie run around the yard in the meantime, much to his amusement, it being the first time we have given him the chance to run loose out of doors. I, being tired and nearly exhausted, I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie got to market. APRIL 20 FRIDAY - Very warm again today. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work, but there was none. I came home and harnessed the horse and took Georgie and John Sharp (who is sick but able to be out a little) to ride by going up home to get a pair of George’s old army shoes to work in the garden with. I then drove down to the Post Office and the news Office for my paper, Harpers Weekly. Miss English, who is nursing Mrs. Swift, saw me and wanted me to bring Georgie up and let them see him. I did so and left him there while I went over to Crofut’s Feed Store to get some fed for the horse. It being very warm in the middle of the day, I stayed in a while and read my paper. I went out about 3 P.M. and took off a high place from my sidewalk to make it level for my fence, which I expect to set down lower tomorrow as I grade my yard down to the level of the walk. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode to market and to the Post Office. I got a letter for Gussie from Libbie Mead. APRIL 21 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm again. John Brayman and Patrick Quinn worked for me all day at taking up and putting down again my front fence and grading the yard. A thunder shower for the first time this spring about 5 P.M. John took dinner with us and stayed to tea, after which, I cut John’s hair for him. He helped me take care of the horse before he went home. Before going to market, I took a good bath down to my hips which made me feel like a new creature. John came along just before 8 o’clock and we went into the street together. As I went, I carried 18 Lesson Books down to the Sunday School Library for the use of the school which I ordered last Sunday and came yesterday. Also 6 Sunday School Advocates for new subscribers for the remaining half year. As I was too busy to go to the shop for my pay today, I gave my checks (only $3.00) to Ezra Abbott, whom I saw on the street this evening to have him draw it for me on Monday. While I was in the street, I called at Joseph Ives’ store and made arrangements with Edmund Allen to go to Bethel in the morning for our chorister, Ben Lockwood. APRIL 22 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood this morning. Brother Hill being sick, a Mr. Trumble, an agent for the Sunday School State Convention, I believe, preached for him. Gussie, as usual, attended church in the morning. I went down at noon to Sunday School. The Union Sunday School Concert was held in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church. I went into, but being obliged to stand, I soon got tired and came home. After tea, I wrote to George in Brooklyn, enclosing 50 cents from Morgan Chittenden on a flour sifter. I also wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering 2 Sunday School Advocates and I Sunday School Journal for new subscribers from April to October. I included the money for them. I harnessed the horse before evening meeting time and drove down to the church and waited for Mr. Lockwood. He finally came with Edmund Allen and wife where he had been to tea. I started with him for Bethel immediately without going to the evening services. APRIL 23 MONDAY - Stormy. John and Patrick came in the morning to finish my job of grading and turfing, but the storm drove them off about 9 o’clock. I harnessed and went to Mr. Crofut’s for the steps I bought of him for my piazza. After dinner, Gussie went downtown to the dyers and at the same time ordered 5o lbs. of lead for me, corn and oats for the horse. When she returned, I went to the shop and got $3.00 which I should have drawn on Saturday when they paid off. From there, I went to the car shop at the depot and arranged to borrow a jack screw tomorrow with which to raise my piazza to repair the underpinning. I then went to the barber’s and got my hair cut;, called at Crofut’s Feed Store and paid for the horse feed which Gussie ordered and came home and washed my wagon. While Gussie was away this P.M., John came in and I paid him for Patrick’s day’s work on Saturday - $2.00. He let his day go on the Book Account which I have against him. He is about sick himself, so he stayed in this evening and let his wife, in company with mine, go to market. Gussie brought me a letter from George when she returned. He is doing very well in Brooklyn for a commencement, but he has been about sick during the past week with a severe cold. He has changed his boarding place form 64 Prince Street to 269 Gold Street with ____. It has rained all day with but very little intermission and in the evening, a hard thunder shower while Gussie and Susan were in the street. The wind changed just at night and about dusk, the moon shone brightly; also again after the shower about 10 o’clock. Before retiring, I commenced an answer to George’s letter. APRIL 24 TUESDAY - Neither pleasant nor stormy – wind, sunshine and showers. I fitted the steps I bought of Mr. Crofut in their place in the forenoon. At the same time, I raised the corner of the piazza and blocked it up. I did it with a jack screw borrowed of Mr. Bedient at the railroad car shop at the depot. In the P.M., I put in 18 apple grafts for Father Griswold and dug away the old walk in my yard, taking it down in the same places about a foot, the new grade and steps making it necessary. I quit this work early and harnessed the horse and took the jack screw home. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode down to see Victor Benedict (our foreman) to see if there would be work tomorrow. I was too late, he having gone uptown before I got there. So I rode back home and added to the letter I wrote to George last evening and enclosed a letter from C. + E. K. Lockwood from Norwalk with $2.00 enclosed for sifters George had sold him. I mailed the letter with the $2.00 and 50 cents from Morgan Chittenden enclosed – total, $2.50. I attended class in the evening, the first time since I was assigned to Charles Stevens’ class. Before I retired, I wrote a receipt to C + E.K. Lockwood for the $2.00 received today. APRIL 25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool. I had work in the shop today which lasted until after 6 o’clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. I being very tired, stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market in company with John’s wife. I made her fill the lamps while Susan was waiting for her. I would give her no money until she did. After she returned, John came over and got instructions about working for me tomorrow. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed a receipt for George to C. + E. K. Lockwood in Norwalk for $2.00 received in full for flour sifters. APRIL 26 - THURSDAY - Cold and raw with several little snow squalls during the day and but little sunshine. John Brayman and Patrick Quinn worked for me again today. I made arrangements with the foreman at the shop (V. W. Benedict) to give me my work tomorrow and let me play today, or rather, stay at home and work with my hired help, there being but one day’s work in the shop for today and tomorrow. We complete the job of grading, turning, filling ditch in front, making a mound, and setting up piazza steps, also grading and trimming sidewalk in front. I paid Pat $2.00 when we finished for his day’s work and gave John credit on an old Book Account for his day. Horace Cable wants to buy a horse and came this A. M. to look at mine. It did not suit him. It was not heavy enough for him. I, being very tired at night, I stayed home and let Gussie go to market. Ellen Dare married today to Joe Dunning. APRIL 27 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool, though a little warmer than yesterday. I worked in the shop today. After work and before tea, I rode over to Mill Plain to see Frank Blissard about buying my horse. He has not fully decided yet to buy, but I think he will and that I can sell to him. Received a letter from George and wrote an answer and enclosed $1.00 from Ed Allen, the balance of amount due George for bringing Ben Lockwood from Bethel all winter to sing for us on Sunday. As I went to market in the evening, I mailed the letter. The Bethel Military Company marched up from bethel about noon today. They took dinner at Beers’ Restaurant, paraded in the street, and about 5 o’clock, marched again for Bethel. APRIL 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I had work in the shop until just after dinner. As I came home, I got the Sunday School Advocates at Swift & Day’s. I cleaned pout the privy and mixed muck with it before I got my supper. Gussie has spent the afternoon up home on Deer Hill. Bell came down and stayed with the baby in the evening while Gussie and I went into the street. I got a letter from George by the evening mail. APRIL 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went down to Sunday School Meeting (which was a prayer meeting) having commenced some time before I finished my work at the library, I did not go in but came home. After tea, I took the horse from the stable to the brook to drink and then tied him down in my yard to eat the fresh grass for a short time. I wrote a letter to George after tea, also to Carlton & Porter ordering class books for the Sunday School. As I went to church in the evening, I mailed the two letters I wrote. Joseph B. Wakely was in church and Brother Hill left the desk and went to him and finally persuaded him to preach for him. He preached an excellent sermon from the parable or narrative of the rich man in hell and the poor man in Abraham’s bosom. It was a thrilling and elegant discourse. I walked up from church with Robert Lee. Bell came in just at church time this evening. I walked down with her. APRIL 30 MONDAY - Pleasant, but still rather cool. I had work all day in the shop. While we were eating breakfast, Mr. Judd’s son came and wanted the horse for the day. I left my breakfast and harnessed for him. As I came from work this P.M., I called at the Express Office to ascertain what it would cost for George to express a carpet bag home with his clothes to be washed instead of $1.25 as he was told in Brooklyn. It will cost only 75 cents. I wrote him about it and enclosed a letter to him taken from the office for Willie Franklin (the name is one assumed by him in correspondence with a lady from West Chazy who wrote to him in the army in answer to an advertisement for a correspondent in the Waverly Magazine). Mr. Judd returned the horse a little before dark, when I took him and drove down to Crofut’s Feed Store for some ground corn and oats for the horse. I returned the bag and mailed the letter to George in the evening. Gussie went into the street in the evening to exchange a new hat she bought on Saturday evening and is not pleased with. Louise Vintz came in and stayed with Georgie while we both away.
1866-04
Horace Purdy Journal September 1865 Entry
9pgs
09/01 FRIDAY - Very warm, I think the warmest of the season. George started with his sifters for Brookfield this morning; he only sold two today. I worked hard all day. Theodore Bradley came down to the shop this morning according to agreement last evening with his mother and me for me to take the size of his head to get him a new hat. I got one before night and finished it but could not get it trimmed. George came home about dusk. I helped him unload his sifters and he came in and got supper; then I rode down with him as he took Mr. Judd's horse home. I did some marketing and then we rode home with Robert Cocking who was at the depot to meet some of Mr. Lyne's folks who did not come. Mr. Cocking paid his rent for last month in the evening. 09/02 SATURDAY - Rain last night and a little this forenoon; the sun came out in the P.M. I worked as usual but finished about 3 o'clock when we got our pay and I came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to pay him for some coal but did not find him in the office and therefore did not leave the money.. Before tea, I went over to Joseph W. Allen's and altered a kitten for him. About 7 o'clock I went over to Widow Burr Bradley's with a hat I had been getting for her boy Theodore. Burr's old shop mates with myself made her a present of the hat. I went to the market and home not waiting for the mail as the train was very late. I saw George over to Singing School and he came home with me and got a bottle of ale for Father who is sick. The makers who have been on a strike for a few days at Edmund Tweedy's shop were sent for by the boss yesterday and today they went to work having got the prices they asked for, I believe. 09/03 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual and I to Sunday School and in the afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Horn, who formerly preached in Redding, preached for us. In the afternoon, In place of the regular sermon, he talked to the Sunday School which occupied the north square body. After tea, we went to the cemetery, drawing Georgie in his new carriage, arrived back home about dusk and having the headache, did not go to meeting in the evening. We went upstairs a short time and sat with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking, then came down and retired. 09/04 MONDAY - Very warm. George started with a load of sifters for Ridgefield this morning and has not yet returned (8 o'clock in the evening). As I came from work tonight, I stopped at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and paid him for 4 tons of coal - $14.00. While we were at tea, John Bouton came in to carry home some apples for Aunt Louisa which she got of Father Griswold. Phebe Palmer came from Starr's Plain with cousin Edwin Mills this morning. She took the train this P.M. for Stamford. Gussie went to the depot with her. 9 o'clock George has returned. I rode downtown with him as he rode home with the horse. He returned home with me and too supper before going up home. Just before George came, Harriet came down saying that Josie had locked herself in her room and she could not get in. I got the ladder just as George came and he went up and got in the window and came downstairs leaving Josie asleep. 09/05 TUESDAY - Indications of rain until about 4 P.M. when the sun shone a little. A fine moonlit evening and very warm. We were limited in our work today, only 2 dozen but it lasted me nearly all day. I worked in my strawberry bed until tea time assisting the runners to take root. I went into the street in the evening and saw George and gave him a letter from E.C. Andrews which I took from the office. Expected Clark Beers on the evening train with some tea and coffee and a basket of peaches for me from New York, but after the train came I learned that he only started for the city that P.M. instead of yesterday morning as he intended. John Brayman came to our folks last evening on the train. George has spent the day with him in the Hat Shops and this evening he attended a meeting of the Makers. 09/06 WEDNESDAY - A little rain in the forenoon, but it came off pleasant and warm in the P.M. We had only 2 dozen hats today; I finished mine by 3 o'clock. I called at Couch's and got 4 card pictures of Georgie which I ordered on Monday. I finished rooting strawberry plants before tea. I went to the depot in the evening expecting Clark Beers with a basket of peaches for me but he did not come. I broke my garden trowel yesterday morning and bought another as I came home from work this P.M. Theodora (?) Flagler and James Sparks were married this afternoon. 09/07 THURSDAY - We were limited to 2 dozen today in the shop. I finished about 4 o'clock. When I came home, I put up a shelf for Mrs. Cocking to set her water pail upon. Gussie went uptown in the P.M. to see Eben Barnum's wife; she stayed to tea and I got a bowl of milk for mine at home. George and John Brayman came in from a peddling trip just after dark. I returned 6 pint fruit jars to Joseph Ives in the evening. 09/08 FRIDAY - Cloudy all day and began to rain about 3 P.M. I worked until 6 o'clock. Gussie went with me into the street in the evening to do some trading. We gave Mr. Austin a picture of Georgie to give Miss English who is nursing at his house. John Brayman and Hart Purdy came home with us from the street. John borrowed a pair of rubbers of me as it was raining hard. 09/09 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. It has been cloudy nearly all day. Before breakfast, I carried dozen quart preserve jars back to Joseph Ives. George and John Brayman called to see me at the shop before the afternoon train went. I went to market in the evening after which Andrew Knox came home with me to get a copy of the Constitution and By-laws of the old Wooster Guards as a sample for new ones to be printed for the new militia company. I did not find them. Clark Beers brought my peaches from the depot which came on the evening train. 09/10 SUNDAY - Cloudy and at times misty during the day. Gussie went to church as usual in the morning and I to Sunday School and communion in the P.M. Saul Main and wife Edith Newman as it was are in Danbury and attended church today. Gussie went to church in the evening. It was a Union meeting at our church for the benefit of the Guardian Society. As she went she mailed a letter for me to Carleton & Porter requesting the copy of the Sunday School Advocate which w they omitted in the last package. Victor Benedict's child died about 10 A.M. 09/11 MONDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning but it came off pleasant in the middle of the day. Victor Benedict's child was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. Gussie put up 8 air tight glass jars of peaches today. I attended the Teacher's meeting in the evening. I copied the minutes of the meeting before I retired. 09/12 TUESDAY - Cloudy and misty with the exception of a short time in the P.M. when the sun shone. John Brayman came to the shop in the P.M. to ask my advice about taking a card for wool hat finishing as the joiners (?) at Rundle & White's have concluded to give him a card rather than let him go to work foul. He stayed until I stopped work and walked up West Street with me. After tea, John came over and we went into the street together. I did some marketing; called a few minutes at Military Hall where George was intending to play with the band and then I came home, John coming with me and stayed awhile. 09/13 WEDNESDAY - Lowry, foggy and thick mist in the morning, but it soon came off clear and extremely hot. I was taken early in the forenoon with the sick headache which increased so that at noon, I was compelled to stop work and come home. I had a severe turn of vomiting in the P.M. after which I felt better. Mrs. Daniel Starr came over and spent the afternoon and stayed to tea. We gave her a basket of sweet apples for baking and in return she sent us a fine head of cabbage. John Brayman went up home and got the hat which I gave to George and he does not want. I let John have it for a small price and he is well pleased with it. A Mr. Thompson who came from Norwalk to work with John at Rundle & White's called with him in the evening. He is a Methodist. He was waiting for George to go with him to class meeting. George was late and they went into the street without him. While they were gone, I broke the grate to my stove and though I did not feel able to go into the street, I was compelled to for a new grate as I could not make a fire in the morning unless I did. 09/14 THURSDAY - Misty in the morning; sunshine and showers during the day. I did not feel very well today and in consequence have not been to the shop. George went to New Fairfield with sifters today. I saw him in the street previous to going. We talked about selling out the county if a purchaser could be found. I talked with Joseph Ives about it. He said he would think about it and give an answer in a day or two. I saw Charles Barnum about John Brayman's case of working foul or getting a card. I saw John at noon and advised him to take the card (as he now had a chance to get one) and leave the shop. He took my advice and left in the P.M. I saw him again in the evening and lent him $10.00 until he could get to work and earn something. I returned a dozen Eureka Preserve Jars' to Joseph Ives in the evening, they being a failure. They will not keep the fruit air tight. John Brayman and George came with me from the street. We gave George some supper and then we shaved each other. They went home about 9 o'clock. I bought our first mess of scallops in the evening. In the afternoon, I took Georgie in his carriage and went over to Mr. Lynes' to see Robert and the garden, particularly the strawberry bed. I got another dozen Moore's Preserve Jars' at Charles Hull's in the P.M. and Gussie changed the fruit from the Eureka into them so that I could return them in the evening. 09/13 FRIDAY - A little sprinkle of rain this morning, but the day has been pleasant though t warm. I worked in the shop though not very hard as I do not feel very strong yet. We expected Mrs. Beardsley and daughter from Bridgeport here this afternoon and to tea, but they did not come. The have been in town a week or more visiting at Mrs. Cyrus White's, up to our folks and other places. John Brayman got a Wool Hatter's card, also a Fur Makers' card today. I went up to the old military hall in the evening to see George who was there to play with the brass and. Gussie had a letter today from Fannie in Ohio. Andrew Hull's child died today. 09/16 SATURDAY - No fog this morning, but clear and pleasant and cooler. I left the shop as soon as we were paid off and got into a buggy with John Bussing intending to go with him over to Miry Brook and show him where Mrs. Doane lives, he wanting her to nurse his wife, she having had a little daughter last night or this morning.. We rode up to Daniel Benedict's land and I put a pair of heavy boots in the buggy which I had been buying. We then went down to A. Judd's store to enquire of him if we would be likely to find Mrs. Doane at home, and he told us that she had been getting married again within a few days and would not be likely to get her. So John drove up home with me and did not go to Miry Brook. Andrew Hull's child was buried this P.M. George had 2 dozen sifters brought from the depot this P.M. I broke a crank to one of them while trying to straighten it while on the machine. I went to the market and to the depot in the evening to see if Mother Griswold's trunk and bags came from New York which was left behind this morning. They arrived home by the morning train from Ohio. Father Griswold left again in the P.M. for one of his appointments. I wrote for Mother Griswold before I retired to John Stevenson in 27th Street opposite the depot to have him try and look up the baggage and forward it. Before we retired George came in from Singing School suffering from the toothache. Gussie helped him doctor it. 09/17 SUNDAY - A beautiful day; neither to hot or cold for comfort. Gussie went to church as usual in the morning and I went down to Sunday School at noon and to prayer meeting in the P.M. This was the first prayer meeting under the new order of things, not having preaching in the afternoon but in the evening instead. After supper, we took Georgie to ride in hi carriage around the square and up to Father Griswold's where we picked some watermelons and brought home two of them. I added a few words to the letter I wrote for Mother Griswold last evening and enclosed the express man's receipt for the trunk and bag thinking it would assist Mr. Stevenson I finding them. George stopped on his way to meeting with Sarah Purdy, Bell and Mary Purdy. We gave them some watermelon. I went to church in the evening. Brother Hill preached from Luke 12:20. I commenced today to take subscriptions for the Sunday School Advocate for the coming year commencing October 1. 09/18 MONDAY - Cloudy all day but a few drops until evening. It has been cold enough for December today. After tea, John Brayman came over and we went down to market together. I went to the depot when the train arrived to see if Father Griswold's trunk and bag arrived. Ed Barnum the Express messenger said that they were in Norwalk. I arranged with him to bring them up tomorrow and deliver them. I went from the depot to the Post Office and got a letter from Father Griswold written at Meriden to have me see about the lost trunk and bag. John Brayman came home with me and stayed awhile. Before retiring I wrote an answer to Father Griswold directing to West Suffield. 09/19 FRIDAY - Clear and cold. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter to Father Griswold which I wrote last evening. I worked in the shop until about 2 o'clock and then came home with the headache. I repaired 2 sifters for George and went with him to Mr. Mygatt's to look at his horse which he offers for sale. I then came home to tea. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond pick some quinces. I went into the street in the evening to try and dispose of some windfall apples at the store for Mother Griswold but could not. I bought dozen fruit jars from Hull & Rogers for her and came home. 09/20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. Not feeling very well, I did not go to the shop. In the morning, I went over to Granville Ambler's to look at a horse for George. Ambler harnessed it and drove it into town with me and took George in. George and I afterwards went up to Theodore Fowler's to look at a wagon and before we left pretty much concluded to buy his horse, wagon and harness. He harnessed it and we drove home to dinner after which we went up and paid him for it. We gave $100 for the establishment. I took the money from the Savings Bank and lent it to George. George called after tea and we went into the street together intending to go to class but I did not. I received a letter from Mr. John Stevenson of New York in reply to one I wrote him about Father Griswold's baggage. 09/21 THURSDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went up home to ride over with George to Granville Ambler's to notify him that we did not want the horse we were looking at but before we got there, we discovered that we had lost the whip out of the wagon and turned back to find it. We found it and then gave up going to see him. I rode down to Main Street with him and then went to the shop leaving George to get a crate of sifters from the depot and go out on a trip to peddle them. I feel miserable having a bad cold and being nearly used up with hard work. I quit work earlier than usual on that account. Gussie and Georgie went up to my folks in the afternoon and stayed to tea. I rode from the street with Theodore Lyon who came up to get some strawberry plants but it was too dry and he deferred it. 09/22 FRIDAY - While we were eating breakfast, George came in having taken his horse to the blacksmith to be shod. He wrote a letter at my secretary to Mr. Andrews about a sifter got up in the best style to put in the County Fair in Norwalk next week. We were limited in our work at the shop, but I being behind on yesterday's work had more than I could do. After tea, I started to go home to see George but found him away giving Mother, Harriet and Sarah Purdy a ride. They returned while I was there and he drove downhome with me. 09/23 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop and worked until noon to get off a dozen hats on yesterday's work as there was no work to weight out today on account of being so close to the facers. After dinner, I went into the street again to get some boards with which to make a box for George's wagon in which to carry sieves and other articles to peddle, but not being able to get a carman to haul the boards, I gave it up. I came home and helped Gussie pot some plants. After tea, George rode his horse down to eat of the grass in my dooryard until after Singing School. I went to market in the evening and brought home a gun from Joseph Ives' store for trial that I am contemplating buying. It is one Joe used to use himself. It became cloudy and commenced to mist a little before I retired. I mailed a letter this morning which I wrote last evening to Mr. John Stevenson of New York telling him that Father Griswold's trunk and carpet bag had arrived safely. O9/24 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day; a little sprinkling of rain about church time in the A.M. The sun shone a little after meeting in the P.M. After breakfast, I walked up home and stayed until church time when I harnessed the horse for George to take Mother to church. I left before they started and came directly home to take care of Georgie to let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon. I went to Sunday School as usual. I took subscriptions for the Sunday School Advocate and the Sunday School Journal, a new form of the Teacher's' Journal which is issued again commencing a new volume with October 1. It is a double sheet and the reading matter more interesting than the old Teachers' Journal. Prayer meeting in the afternoon. I went up home just before evening meeting and went from there to church. Brother Hill preached. After meeting, I walked up with George as far as Widow Thomas Barnum's and then came across home. When I arrived home, I found John Brayman there, he having come up from Norwalk on the engine which ran up to get the milk car. 09/25 MONDAY - A little rain last night. It sprinkled a little at times in the forenoon. A thunder shower just after dinner. I tried the gun that I bought of Joseph Ives Saturday evening this morning. I fired at a mark on my woodhouse. Did not go to the shop today but built a peddlers' box for George's wagon. I was from 10 A.M. until 10 in the evening building it. Mr. Pond helped me in the evening. I built it in his barn. George helped me nearly all day and through the evening. John Brayman was with us in the evening, keeping us company in the barn. 09/26 TUESDAY - pleasant; did not go to the shop. Painted (or helped George paint) his peddler's box and built a stall for his horse under Father Griswold's barn. Moved his feed down from up home. Borrowed McDonald's hay cutter and cut up some hay for several days ahead. Rode out to Fish Ware to hunt a little while just at night and then came home and put his horse in his new quarters for the first time. Mr. Pond paid for a sifter this morning and Mr. Carlson this P.M. Wrote to Alfred Humphrey at Canton saying that Gussie would arrive there on Saturday and mailed the letter in the evening. I paid Mr. Joseph Ives $11.00 for a gun in the evening. Bought a warmer for a new rod I am to make for it and came home. 09/27 WEDNESDAY - A lovely day. George stared for Norwalk with a load of sifters this morning. I helped him off. Not feeling in good working order did not go to the shop. I went into the street in forenoon and got some medicine of Dr. Bulkeley for Gussie to take with her to Canton in case the baby requires it. After dinner I took my gun and started for a ramble and to get some birds. I returned home a little after 5 o'clock with 4 birds 2 highpoles and 2 robins. I want ore to try the gun I bought than anything else. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie for Gussie to go shopping. I went to market in the evening and returned home as soon as the mail was opened. I saw John Brayman in the street and he came home with me and stayed a little while. Gussie dressed the birds before we retired. 09/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went down to the shop in the forenoon but did not go to work. I came up to John Cosier's shop and made arrangements to go hunting. We went after dinner up to Tamarack. We had Henry Blair's dog. I got a pigeon and John a red squirrel. I t was after dark when we got home. After tea, I went into the street and changed some No. 5 shot (which I bought today at George Hull's) for No. 8. I found John Brayman in the street and went with him to Mr. Harris' Clothing Store to buy some underclothes. Mr. Harris trusted him upon my recommendation. 09/30 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I found Jake Morris in the street this morning and we went hunting together over to Mill Plain Swamp. I got three pigeons. We used Robert Dunning's old yellow dog. John Brayman came over to breakfast this morning on account of Aunt Louisa's folks being all away to Norwalk at the fair. He came to tea also. I went into the street in the evening to get something for breakfast and to engage Beatty to come for Gussie in the morning. 09/30 SATURDAY - Gussie started this morning for Canton. We took breakfast up to Father Griswold's. A burglar got into Joseph Ives' store last night and was shot at by the clerk who sleeps in the store. I went hunting today with John Cosier, Robert Dunning, and Henry Blair. George returned from Norwalk this evening having taken the first premium on the flour sifters at the County Fair at that place.
1865-09
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal, August 1862 Entry
6pgs
8/1 Friday. Cousin Roxanna Hall came from [Sodom] to Aunt Louisa's today because of Anna's sickness and will stay over Sunday. Stopped work early because of a hard pain in my chest. Bought a bushel of flour of Mr. Crofut for $8. The evening papers report the iron clads in Mobile is a monstrous lie or is reported to be. I called to see Mr. Sanford who is to procure a place for George. After I saw him which was about 9 o'clock I went up home but he was not there, being at his lodge meeting. I went down there and waited a long time for him. which made it midnight before I retired. 8/2 Not as troubled with pain in my breast and side and was able to work longer in the shop. After tea George came down and I went with him to Mr. Sanford's to talk more about him going to a trade.I then went into the street to get the news and went to the Times office to order Father Griswold's paper discontinued. 8/3 I went to the 9 oclock prayer meeting and Brother Crawford preached from Mathew. William Warren who has enlisted came home from Bridgeport and was in his usual place as Assistant Librarian in the Sunday School. I came home after School to let Gussie attend in the PM. Cousin Mary wanted me to bring Eddy over in the PM and I did so for a while. After tea Cousin Roxana and Mary made us a call. I had a severe headache and stayed home in the evening. 8/ 4 Worked as usual in the shop. Went into the street in the evening and bought a gallon of ale at Mr. Rowan's. The New Haven train broke down and detained our train and it was 9 o'clock before it reached here. The mail which came on it brought a letter from Cousin David Mills, Banks Division, Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Army of Virginia. 8/5 I see by the papers that the President has called for an additional 300,000 troops by drafting. It is causing considerable excitement in this community. I answere Cousin David Mills letter in the evening and commenced one to Charles. 8/6 Limited in our work at the shop. I came home to my dinner. Leiut. Keeler of the 5th connecticut Volunteers called at the shop this forenoon . He spoke at Concert Hall this evening, his object being to get recruits for the 5th regiment. I wrote a letter to E. A. Stanford at Starr's Arms Co., Yonkers for George to see if persons working there were exempt from the draft. I finished one and mailed it to David Mills 8/7 Great excitement about the drafting. Enlistments are going on rapidly. Many are enlisting rather than stand a draft. I went to Dr. Bennett's on my way home from the shop this afternoon and got a certificate of exemption from military duty on account of being ruptured. I mailed a letter to Cousin Charles Mills in the evening. 8/8 A warm day thought by many to be the warmest of the season thus far. Joseph Young walked up with me from the shop and stopped at my home. I gave him some ripe apples (Harriet) and then we went through Father Griswold's new house then he went over to Granville Amblers to see his lady I suppose, Mary Prior. I then started up home for tea where Gussie was but I met her coming home with George drawing the baby for her. I returned home for tea and after, walked down to the Post Office with George. 8/9 I came home to dinner. Went to market in the evening 8/10 Went to prayer meeting a 9 o'clock then came home to take care of Eddy while Gussie went up home with some white flowers with which to lay out John Freeland's little boy who died at 5 o'clock this morning. Gussie returned home at noon and I went to the communion service in the PM. Brother Hare was there and assisted Brother Crawford. After tea we went up home and Gussie attended the funeral with Mother. We brought home a small pail of milk and did not go to meeting in the evening. John Boughton and Frank called in the evening. He is going to war with Capt. Moore's company. 8/11 Worked as usual in the shop. News in the papers today of a hard battle fought near Culpeper Courthouse between Gen. Pope and the rebel Stonewall Jackson. The Colonel of the 5th Connecticut and his major were wounded and taken prisoners. Lieut. Col. Stone was killed or hurt. We will have more particulars tomorrow afternoon. I went to the Teachers meeting in the evening and we voted to have a picnic on the 20th in the Orchard just back of the church. 8/12 Went to the shop but did not feel like work because of a bad diarrhea. Was up several times during the night. I bought a new flower pot and carried it up to John Pollitt's to have a Fuschia transplanted into it. From there I went to the street and the picture rooms (Rittons) where George was having a picture taken for the [Nereka] Lodge of which he is a member. He went home with me to dinner. I went to the depot to see him off on the freight train. Mother, Bell and Gussie with Eddy went as far as Bethel with him where he also stopped to see friends and took the other train to join his squad. He went off in good spirits. I took tea with Father Griswold. I went to the depot in the evening to meet Gussie, Eddy, Mother and Bell. I received a letter in the morning mail from Mr. Sanford at Yonkers in answer to the one I wrote in reference to drafting workmen at Starr Arms Co. It was too late for George and even if it came sooner it would have made no difference. George had made up his mind to enlist. 8/13 I went to the shop but before I took off my coat, Theodore Fowler, Joseph Young and Daniel Manley wished me to got with them to Dr. Bennett's to get military exemption papers. Theodore and Joseph got theirs but Daniel could not. I came home to dinner. I stopped work just before the train left the depot to go to see John Boughton, David Bradley and his brother George and others off to join their regiment in Bridgeport. Gussie was there with Eddie in his carriage. We went from there up to John Pollitt's to get a Fuscia Mrs. Pollitt had promised Gussie. I went to class and to market. It is George's birthday and his first full day in camp. 8/14 Worked all day in the shop. Came home to dinner. Charles Small enlisted this morning in Capt. Moore's company and went off on the passenger train this afternoon.Eddy acted very strange about tea time. We thought he was sick but I guess he was intoxicated from being up to Father Griswold's house where the painter was dissolving shellac with alcohol. I mailed a letter to E.A. Sanford this morning to inform him that George had volunteered for the war and could not go to a trade. 8/15 I my way to the shop I stopped at [Morner's] and bought material for a pair of cheap shop pants and had them cut. I carried them up home in the evening to let Mother make them. George Weed brought a letter in the evening from George who is in camp in Bridgeport with the 17th Regiment. He wanted me to send him money to come home with tomorrow. I sat down and answered it and enclosed $5.00. 8/16 I was late in getting my letter to the post office this morning and had to take it to the cars. I persuaded the post master's clerk, Oliver Bedient to receive it there. George started for home on the morning train and intercepted the letter at Norwalk. He called at the shop when he arrived. Gussie went up home in the PM. I went up to tea. George and I went down to the meadow and helped Father get up his hay. We left Eddy up home in the evening and went into the street and to Singing School. We then went up home for Eddy and got home and retired around 11 o'clock. 8/17 I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting. I opened with selection of a hymn and George led the prayer. Mr. Coc, Presbyterian, preached for us in the morning. George and William Warren are both home from camp. They assisted Aaron Moorehouse and Francis Clark who have taken their places as Librarian and Assistant in the Sunday School. I gave a notice of our picnic to Brother Crawford to be read in the PM. After Sabbath School I came home and Gussie attended church in the PM. Harriet Mills and George came home with Gussie to tea. After which George got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and took Harriet down home to Bethel. After Gussie got her dishes washed we went over to Aunt Louisa's to see John Boughton and Frank. John left his regiment as did George to spend the Sabbath at home. They are to return to Bridgeport on Thursday. Gussie went to meeting in the eveninig while I took care of Eddy. 8/18 Felt more like work today than some time past. Came home to dinner and on the way stopped at the Post Office and got a letter from Edwin. Gussie went up home in the PM to visit Marie Mills and Harriet. George came home with her and drew Eddie. I answered Edwins letter in the evening. 8/19 George left on the train this morning to go back to camp in Bridgeport. On my way home from work I felt sick (bowel complaint). After tea I went to the the grocers and the post office. I called at the military hall to see some recruits drill under Jenkins C. Barry. 8/20 Sunday School picnic in the orchard at the back of the church. I did not go because of work at the shop. Letter from George stating that their regiment, 17th is to leave for Washington on Monday. I wrote in reply and mailed it in the evening. 8/21 We had the shop called this forenoon to raise our prices for the work. Mr. Crofut finally consented to give us what we asked. I was made Chairman of the meeting. Worked later than usual, to 7 o'clock. Went to market in the evening. I know not why, but I felt impressed that George would come home. He did and he is to stay until Saturday. He has been having some photographs (carte de visite) taken and gave me one. A town meeting was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock to vote a bounty for the 9 month volunteers. I was told they voted $200 each. I did not attend. 8/22 Headache in the PM. George came to the shop as I finished work. I went with him to Rittons to see about some photographs. He then came home with me to tea and then we went to borrow a team to go up home to get his melodeon to take to his Lodge room for the evening. Capt. Jas. A . Betts of Company A, 5th Regiment, lately a prisoner at Salisbury, North Carolina came home on the evening train. I carried the Sunday School Role Book and my checks for my money at the shop over to Burr Bradley's as I anticipate going to Bridgeport in the morning to stay over to Sunday to see the 17th Regiment off. 8/23 I went to Bridgeport in the morning. After we got to camp, Camp Aiken) I went with the squad of men and took a bathe in sea water. I took dinner with the boys on Government army rations and drilled with them in the afternoon. There was a prayer meeting in their chapel tent in th evening. I am living camp life. When we turned in we were all in a story telling mood and consequently it was late before we fell asleep. George tents in the same mess with Phineas Lounsbury, William Warren, William Otis, John Grannis, Montgomery Bailey, Edgar Knapp, Lewis A. Ward, Amos Day and William H. Curtis. All have respect for religion and most of them are professors. They have bible reading and prayers every night in their tent. 8/24 swervices by acting chaplain Thompson. There was a collection taken up for the chapel tent. There was a large attendance from the city and ladies even threw in their gold rings. Wrote letter to wife in PM, by Seth Downs who was down with a team. About 400 of the regiment attended Mr. [Mailey's] church and Mr. Thompson preached. The house was filled to utmost capacity. 8/25 After breakfast I went up to the city and returned before dinner. George was detailed for guard duty last night and is still on duty. George proposed a prayer meeting in the chapel tent in the evening and it was a good meeting with the tent full. 8/26 went to the city again this morning . I carried a watch up to Blackman's on [Easu St] for Rufus Warren , and a letter to mail for Sargt. [Bousson]. John Brush came down on the train and went over to camp with me. The new chapel tent was dedicated in the afternoon and I started for home about 5:15. 8/27 Sick today with a bad diarrhea. Went to the shop in the morning but did not work. I wrote a letter to George after tea and mailed it. 8/28 Worked in the shop today. Gould Disbrow carted some sand for me to fill up the ditch in front of my entrance to make it easier getting in with a load. I went into the street in the evening and exchanged a bottle of Arnolds ink for one of Davids which I like better. I got my hair cut and stopped at the post office. I was going to pick my crab apples but there was a shower. 8/29 Eddie's birthday - a year old. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills from Old Point Comfort VA and one from George, Camp Aiken, 17th Regiment, Bridgeport. Just as I finished tea Granville Morris called and handed me a letter from George which he brought from camp. George sent $2 to pay for $1 worth of pictures at Rittons and to order another $1 to be struck off immediately. Gussie mailed my letter in the evening and I stayed home to take care of Eddie. Cousin Charles letter was written in pencil and I inked it over in the evening. 8/30 I picked a few crab apples before breakfast. I came home to dinner and found a telegraphic dispatch from George saying Capt. Moore's company would be home on the freight train. George went to Stamford and brought Eddy (Cousin Edmund) Palmer home with him on the evening train. The company assembled in the Concert Hall when they arrived to present Swords and Sashes to Capt. Moore and Lieut. Daniels and Lieut. [Lorisen]. Lieut. Governor Averill presented them in behalf of the company. The ceremony was quite interesting. Gussie was up home in the PM and evening so I got my supper then went to the depot to meet George. News by telegraph this PM that a heavy battle was fought at the old Bull Run battleground in which the rebels were severely beaten. Our killed and wounded estimated at 8,000 and the rebels double that number. Fanny came home on the evening train from Camp Meeting. 8/31 Afflicted with a severe headache all day. Did not go to the 9 o'clock prayer meeting. George and Eddie (Edmund) Palmer came this way to church. I attended in the forenoon. Brother Crawford's son-in-law, Mr. Hease preached. After Sunday School I came home and Gussie attended in PM. Edmund came and stayed with me til church was out and George called in for him and they went up home. After tea we took the baby and went up home and stayed until evening meeting. Cousin Edmund stayed with me in the evening to take care of Eddie while Gussie went to meeting.
1862-08
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1862 Entry
10pgs
MARCH 01 – SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. It is rumored that the Army of the Potomac under McClellan is on the move. If so, some hard fought battle or some large running on the part of the rebels is close at hand. I went into the street in the evening with Gussie to get her some shoes. We received a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. Mother Griswold took care of Eddie so that we could go to the store. MARCH 02 – SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. Brother Pegg preached a sermon for the Sunday School children from the first chapter of Luke, the middle clause of the 66th verse. Mr. Tucker, the editor of the Sunday school Bell, was in the school and talked to us a little. I came home and Gussie went in the PM. We went up home to tea and drew Eddie in his carriage, notwithstanding the snow. We came home before evening meeting time. Gussie went to meeting and I stayed home with Eddie. MARCH 03 – MONDAY –Pleasant in the morning, but some rain during the day. I worked all day in the shop. I got an order from Mr. Crofut and took to Lounsbury’s to pay a shoe bill of $2.50. Brother Boughton came in the evening to sell a patent article for lifting hot dishes, etc. I did not purchase. MARCH 04 – TUESDAY – The shop was called the first thing this morning. It was in session when I got there. It was called to look into the case of Mr. Hurd who had, by the request of Mr. Crofut, taken hats away from the shop and pounced them at home. At the same time, he claimed to be a journeyman instead of a piece boss. We considered it a fouls act for him to work for Mr. Crofut in the capacity of a journeyman without complying with the rules of the trade and going on turn. He was also holding a shop at Tweedy Brother’s. He said that he had designed no wrong and that if any wrong had been done, he was willing to make it all right. The men concluded to look over the offense and allow him to go to work, provided that he would “cry off” from Tweedy Brothers and then go on turn. He did so and affairs were made right for the present at least until the next trade meeting when his case will undoubtedly be brought before the trade. As we were about to adjourn, it was suggested that something should be done in regards to getting more money and getting it regularly, also if possible to do away with the order system under which we have been working for some time past, a year more or less. It was proposed that the making department join with us in the shop call on the subject, which they readily assented to. We all assembled in the boiler room and spent all the forenoon, or nearly so, in talking over the matter, sending a committee to the boss, etc. Mr. Crofut said that he would do the best he could with us and that would be just as he had been doing. He could not possibly make changes in money matters at present, but he gave us some encouragement that he could settle with us on the 1st of April. But this even, he could not promise, for he might be disappointed in getting the money. So we finally adjourned without accomplishing anything, as is usually the case in a shop call. I waited a part of the afternoon for work without getting it and then went over to Mr. Olmstead’s for my hams which he has been smoking for me. I changed the brine for my beef and then went back to the shop quite late, got some work, finished one hat, and then came home. I did not feel well and so did not go to the class meeting in the evening. Cousins Mary and Anna Purdy came in and took tea with us. MARCH 05– WEDNESDAY –Pleasant. Very warm and spring-like. I went to the shop and finished off what work I had out. There being no more ready, I came home. On my way, I stopped at Ira Morse’s and selected a piece of cloth for George for a pair of pants. He came in and looked at it. He liked it and was immediately measured. He ordered them to be cut so that he could take them home for Mother to make. When I came home, I partly emptied our south chamber preparatory to Father Griswold moving in. Towards night, I went down to the shop and got an order to pay for George’s pants - $3.18. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Stephen Holmes’ in the evening. George came and stayed with me until she came home. MARCH 06 – THURSDAY – I have not felt very well today, though I have kept at work. I did not go out in the evening. MARCH 07 -FRIDAY – Pleasant. Nothing unusual. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills in the 1st Minnesota Regiment now at Harper’s Ferry, Maryland. MARCH 08 – SATURDAY – Pleasant but the thaw and the breaking up of the ice and snow makes it very bad under foot. I have felt very poorly, but have worked in the shop all day. I feel very languid and very weak with the headache. I have been told that I have contracted the fever and ague while I was in the army in Virginia. I begin to believe it myself that I have it about me in a light form. A special Hatters’ Meeting in the evening. I got there just in time to see them adjourn. MARCH 09 -SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm. Gussie attended church in the morning and stayed to Sunday School Prayer Meeting at which a splendid Pronouncing Bible was presented to Brother Pegg and one to Sister White who is about to leave us to reside in Peekskill. The books were presented by the officers and teachers of the school. I went to church in the PM; it was sacrament service. Mother called on the way to meeting in the evening and I went down with her. I stopped and mailed a letter to Cousin Eliza in California in which was one enclosed from Fanny, Hattie, Gussie and myself. Brother Pegg preached from John 14, first clause of the second and last of the third verse. MARCH 10 – MONDAY – Stormy. I have felt poorly but worked in the shop all day. I went to Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. We have had news today of an engagement near Fortress Monroe between the rebel iron-clad steamer “Merrimac” and our war vessels. She sank one and captured another, but our new iron-clad gunboat, “Monitor”, came up in time to engage “Merrimac” and two other rebel iron-clad boats. She proved to be too much for them, driving off the “Merrimac” in a crippled condition. MARCH 11 – TUESDAY – Pleasant and warm. The snow and ice has disappeared very fast. I have worked in the shop all day. It has been reported by telegraph and also by the evening papers that the rebels have evacuated Manassas and our troops are in possession of their works. John Carpenter’s house at the lower end of Main Street caught fire this forenoon and an alarm was immediately given, but before the hose could get there, it was extinguished. I attended class in the evening. MARCH 12 – WEDNESDAY – I have worked in the shop. A church social at the church in the evening. We took Eddie and had him baptized. He attracted a great deal of attention and was thought to be a nice baby. The gathering was a very pleasant one and was well attended. Refreshments were served in the basement. MARCH 13 – THURSDAY – I have worked as usual in the shop. Ii received a letter from Cousin David Mills. It was headed, “On the March Forward to Winchester”. It was a very interesting letter, giving an account of their march and a skirmish with a body of rebel cavalry while making a reconnaissance. MARCH 14 – FRIDAY – Cloudy and misty. I have worked in the shop. I was very tired after work. MARCH 15 – SATURDAY – Cloudy with a little rain in the morning. The storm gradually increased during the afternoon and in the evening, it stormed very hard. I went after the milk before I ate my supper, it being too stormy for Mother Griswold’s girl, Eliza, to go. I paid Mrs. McDonald what I owed her for milk, $1.00. MARCH 16 – MONDAY – It rained, hailed and snowed last night. It cleared off warm and pleasant before noon. I went to church in the morning. Brother Pegg preached from Luke 18:37. When Sunday School was out, I came home and Gussie attended in the PM. Mother came home with her to tea and stayed until evening meeting when Gussie went with her while I stayed home to take care of Eddie. I wrote a letter in the PM to David Mills and Gussie mailed it in the evening. After they had gone to meeting, I wrote another to Charles Mills. They are both in the army, the last in the 1st Minnesota Regiment and David in the 5th Connecticut. MARCH 17 – MONDAY – St. Patrick’s Day on the Morning. I have worked in the shop. I have not felt very ambitious. We $5.00 in the PM. I went into the street in the evening and ordered a vest of Charles Stevens. I also mailed the letter I wrote last night to Charles Mills. MARCH 18 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. On my way home from work, I stopped at Tip Hummingston’s to look at a Sawbuck which I think of buying. He is selling out to go west. MARCH 19 – WEDNESDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. The papers give us an account of another victory in North Carolina by Burnside, the capture of Newbern. The 8th, 10th and 11th Connecticut regiments were engaged. Two men in Southmayd’s company in the 11th were wounded, but none from here were killed. Although all three of the regiments suffered in killed and wounded. We have further accounts also of our victory at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. I was late home from the shop, too late to go to class. MARCH 20 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop and finished one dozen 6/. Then, having to wait a considerable (time), I concluded to come home and do some work which I had to do. I had a ½ ton of coal put in the cellar. I had such a severe headache that I was not able to do much more. I was obliged to give up and lie down. It was about noon when I got home. I found Gussie over home eating dinner. I took dinner there too. Robert Foot, a young man, died very suddenly last night with heart disease. MARCH 21 – FRIDAY – Stormy, rain. I did not feel able to do much today. I carried an order to Charles Reed for $3.62 to pay for coal brought me yesterday. In the evening, I went down to Dr. Thompson’s to get a truss. I bought one home for trial. Mother Griswold spent the evening with Gussie. Robert Foot was buried today. The wife of Isaac Seely died today. MARCH 22 - SATURDAY – Cloudy, sunshine and snow. I have worked very uncomfortably today with my truss. It is very unpleasant. Father came in this morning and wanted a bag of flour and pay in work for Father Griswold. I let him have it. MARCH 23 – SUNDAY – Warm, though cloudy and a little snow in the forenoon. I attended church in the morning. Brother Pegg preached from Matthew 6, the latter clause of the 10th verse. I came home after Sunday School to let Gussie go in the PM. Isabella came home with Gussie to tea. Mother came down before evening meeting and went with me. MARCH 24 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I have worked as usual in the shop. We were paid $4.00 each at the shop. I took an order on Stevens & Hoyt to pay for a vest - $3.25. MARCH 25 – TUESDAY – I woke with a headache. I went to the shop, but my head ached so severely that I came home just before noon. Father has been helping Father Griswold move such things as they could into my cellar and into his new barn. His bookcases and books were moved into our parlor in good shape. MARCH 26 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. I have felt well and worked in the shop all day. When I came home from work, I felt so sore and tired from wearing my truss that I determined to stay away from class and retire early, but there being somethings wanted from the store, I was obliged to go into the street but did not attend class. MARCH 27 – THURSDAY – Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. I took another order at Benedict & Nichols for $3.00 and had 68 cents that I had traded there last night taken out if it. Mother came down and took dinner with Gussie but went home before I came home from work. MARCH 28 – FRIDAY – A little cooler today. Brother Pegg called in the shop in the PM. Today’s paper gives a list of the killed and wounded at Winchester, Virginia. Gussie’s cousin, Arthur Griswold, Company I of the 8th Ohio Regiment, is one of the killed. Gussie left the baby with Eliza and went to the store with me in the evening. I bought a bottle of cement of a peddler in the street today. MARCH 29 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. Arthur Fowler, our foreman, fell down the garret stairs. His foot slipped while coming down. It hurt his face, but not seriously. MARCH 30 – SUNDAY – I attended church in the morning. I met my class as usual in the Sunday School and came home in the PM to let Gussie go. Brother Pegg preached from Revelations 21, 1st clause of the 22nd verse. MARCH 31 – MONDAY – A thunder shower last night. With the exception of the rain, it was snow instead, which with a little rain today, disappeared. I borrowed $5.00 of Theodore Fowler, our foreman, to pay Dr. Thompson $3.50 for a truss, which I carried to him this evening and to complete the amount wanted tomorrow to pay my interest.
1862-03
Horace Purdy Journal, January 1862 Entry
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JANUARY 01 – WEDNESDAY – I paid my interest money at the Savings bank and deposited one dollar for Eddie (a gold one which I sent home from Falls Church, Virginia while I was in the army). At 2 ½ o’clock, I went with every other man in the Finishing Shop to the Disciples’ Church to see Edward Stevens married to Hattie Osborne. We then went back to the shop and worked until night. We were paid $5.00 each. In the evening, I went down to Benedict & Nichols and ground our sausage meat. A false alarm of fire early in the evening. It has been warm and pleasant. A south wind, but early in the evening, it changed to the Northwest and blew hard. JANUARY 02 – THURSDAY – Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. I got an order from Mr. Crofut on Benedict & Nichols to pay for my pork - $13.50. I went into the street in the evening to get a chimney for my lamp. JANUARY 03 – FRIDAY – Pretty cold. Jesse Stevens called at the shop this afternoon to get a block from which he claimed. I claimed it by virtue of the shop rule which was of long standing and not known to but a few of the men, they being the only ones who worked there when the rule was made. But on account of the injustice of the rule, the block was given to Jesse. I, of course, abided by the decision of the shop. In the evening, I went downtown and changed a lamp chimney and got some saltpeter for my ham brine. George came with me and spent the evening. JANUARY 04 - SATURDAY - A very cold morning and cold all day. I have worked in the shop. In the evening, I carried a pot of brine over to Abel’s to put on my hams which are in the same barrel as his. There not being enough brine to cover them, I went into the street for more salt and saltpeter to make more. I got my skates at Peter Starr’s news office (George having left them there) and went up to the bridge and skated a little for the first time this evening. I made my brine after I came home. JANUARY 05 – SUNDAY – Still very cold. George called in the morning and we went over to the Love Feast at 9 o’clock. It was a good meeting. A deep feeling seemed to pervade the assembly. Preaching began as usual at 10 ½ o’clock. Brother Pegg preached from 2nd Corinthians 5:17. At the Sunday School, Mary Rockwell, having brought the largest number of new scholars into the school during the last year, received the watch which was promised a year ago by Brother Pegg. Lucy Widman, having brought in the next largest number, was presented with a silver cup by the Superintendent, Brother George Starr. Juliette Ives, standing next in line in number of scholars, received also a silver cup from Brother Starr, but smaller than the one presented to Lucy. Curtis Hoyt, being next, received a gold dollar. The presentation was quite impressive and in Brother Pegg’s remarks to Mary, he commended her very highly for her conduct in the past year for being so active and unremitting in her efforts to bring children who did not attend Sabbath School at all into the school. After Sunday School, I came home to take care of Eddie so that Gussie could attend in the PM. George came home with Gussie to tea. Father, Mother and Bell came down just before evening church time. Mother went with us to meeting and Father and Bell stayed with Eliza who had come over to take care of the baby so that Gussie and I could attend church to hear Elder Hoyt preach. He preached from 1st Corinthians, first chapter, the last clause of the 19th and 20th verse. It was a good sermon. JANUARY 06 – MONDAY – Though it was unusually pleasant last night, it was snowing very hard this morning and has continued all day. The snow is now about a foot deep on a level. George came over this afternoon and he and Gussie, together with Cousin Mary Purdy made some molasses candy. When I came from the shop, I swept out the paths again which I swept in the morning. It snowed but little in the evening. George came in after the arrival of the train and spent the remainder of the evening. I received a letter from Cousin Phebe Palmer. JANUARY 07 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have about a half day’s work in the shop. In the evening, I attended the Annual Meeting of the Hat Finishers Association. Officers were elected as follows: for president, Victor Benedict; for vice-president, Oscar Serine; secretary, William Witherspoon; treasurer, Calvin Dunning. JANUARY 08 – WEDNESDAY – Very cold in the morning, but the weather moderated during the day so that it was a great deal warmer at night. No work in the shop. Mother came and spent the day. I saw George down at Peter’s news office and I had him come home with me to dinner. He stayed the remainder of the day and we helped Abel raise Father Griswold’s barn. I attended class in the evening. JANUARY 09 – THURSDAY – A little rain last night. It has been thawing very fast all day. There has been no work in the shop. I attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. JANUARY 10 – FRIDAY – Foggy. Misty and warm. The snow has wasted very fast. I have been at the shop, but did not get my work in time to do much of it. I just got it well commenced for tomorrow. Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank spent the PM and evening with Gussie. John came in the evening and so did Cousins Mary and Anna. We popped corn and ate apples and thus spent the evening pleasantly together. JANUARY 11 – SATURDAY – Sick today from the effects of the physic taken last night and this morning. I went down to the shop in the PM, but did not do anything. George tells me that Mother is sick. It is her old spinal difficulty. JANUARY 12 – SUNDAY – A little snow last night. Warm and foggy in the morning with rain in the PM. Gussie went to church in the morning and stayed to the school prayer meeting, after which she came home and I expected to go but it being pretty late and I feeling strangely indisposed and the rain together with all the other obstacles, kept me home. The two latter excuses kept me home in the evening also. It was about 8 o’clock when I went up home to see Mother who is sick. It was bedtime when I returned. JANUARY 13 – MONDAY – It froze but little last night, but it has grown cold all day. I have worked nearly all day in the shop. I went before the Board of relief and had $400 of my place transferred to Alfred Gregory, who has the mortgage on it of that amount. I went to our Sunday School Teachers meeting in the evening at which we did away with our present mode of changing books in the school and adopting the old plan of carrying them around in the boxes prepared for that purpose. JANUARY 14 – TUESDAY - A very cold day. I have worked in the shop. Mother Griswold came over a little while in the evening. JANUARY 15 – WEDNESDAY – It snowed last night and this morning, but it finally turned to rain and continued all day which has made it very bad walking. I have worked in the shop. Gussie spent the day over at Father Griswold’s and in the PM visited with Brother Pegg and wife, Mrs. Theo Barnum and Mrs. White and Horton and Abel and Harriet. I went over when I came from work and took tea with them. In the evening, Gussie attended Mr. Stone’s lecture on the Army of the Potomac. Mary Purdy came over to take care of the baby so that I could go, but I concluded not to. JANUARY 16 – THURSDAY – Pleasant. I have worked in the shop, but as usual, have accomplished but little. The work is very hard and slow to get up and the price for doing it exceedingly small. Gussie was over home to tea, Brother George Starr and wife being there together with Mrs. Hiram Cole. I picked up my supper at home, doing so from choice. George came in before meeting time and I helped him write up his Sunday School report preparatory to commencing the old plan of distributing the library books. The road and walks being very icy, I put on my skates and went down to the Post Office for the evening mail. JANUARY 17 – FRIDAY - I have earned about one dollar in the shop. Gussie and Harriet went up to Mr. Bartram’s to visit. Abel and I went up to tea and stayed the evening. A part of the choir met there. The evening was spent in singing. Brother Bartram brought us home, babies and all. JANUARY 18 – SATURDAY – Warm and rainy. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. Susan Watson came to Father Griswold’s last evening from New York. Gussie has been over there this afternoon to visit with her. George came down this afternoon and borrowed come Aconite pills (Homeopathy) to try and break up a hard cold which he has by sweating. Bell came down in a while and borrowed six cents to buy a blister plaster for Mother who is sick with her old complaint – spinal trouble. I went to the Post Office in the evening and to the store and bought a Cape Cod turkey. JANUARY 19 – SUNDAY – Rain and very icy. The trees are loaded with ice. It rained so hard in the forenoon that I did not attend church. I went down in time for Sunday School and stayed in the PM. Gussie did not attend at all. Brother Pegg preached from Matthew 13:45-46. After tea, I went up home to see Mother and George who are sick. Mother was confine to her bed, but George was so much better that he had gone to the 5 o’clock prayer meeting. It was so very icy that it was not only difficult but also dangerous walking. We stayed at home in the evening. JANUARY 20 – MONDAY – It is still stormy, commencing to rain again this morning and continuing all the forenoon. The rain has not frozen as it came as it did yesterday, although the trees are loaded with ice, so much so that limbs have broken off from some trees on account of the weight upon them. I went to the shop on skates this morning. Our foreman (Theodore Fowler) is unable to be at the shop, he being, like Job, afflicted with sore boils. He sent word what work he wanted us to do. Mine lasted until noon. I ate my dinner and waited until nearly night for some money. We finally got the whole $3.00 and then I came home. I took care of Eddie in the evening so that Gussie could go over home and visit with her friend, Susan Watson. JANUARY 21 – TUESDAY – The trees are still loaded with ice. It began to grow cold early in the morning and was quite cold before night with some considerable wind. No work at the shop. I cleaned 15 bottles in the PM and went over home and bottled Mother Griswold’s cider for her and filled my own for pay. The papers today give an account of a hard battle in Kentucky in which the rebel general Zollicoffer was killed. The loss being heavy on both sides, it resulted in a heavy defeat of the rebels. We captured all of their cannon and many wagons loaded with valuables related to the army. George called here just before meeting time and put on the skates and skated downtown as the walks are a complete glade of ice. I went to market in the evening. JANUARY 22 WEDNESDAY – No work in the shop. Uncle Jacob Fry let us take his horse and sleigh and Joseph Kyle, John Brush, Charles Small and myself went over to Kenosha to fish. We only caught two and gave these to Mr. Fry. The Ladies’ Sewing Society met at Father Griswold’s in the afternoon and evening. I went there to tea and stayed in the evening. Mrs. Hanford was taken with a paralytic stroke last night and died. JANUARY 23 – THURSDAY – Pleasant this morning. I have worked in the shop. Major Stone and Captain Betts of the 5th Regiment came last evening. They have a furlough of a few days. Henry Hitchcock, the Captain’s servant, came this morning. He stopped in Norwalk last night. JANUARY 24 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. I went over to George Starr’s shop and made a spit box for George designed for Father’s use. I had the headache in the afternoon. I went down to the Post Office in the evening to get the news but there was none of importance. It has been a cloudy, raw, cold day. JANUARY 25 – SATURDAY – It was snowing this morning when I rose, but it turned to rain before noon. I have worked nearly all day in the shop to earn 62 cents. There has been quite a sensation in town today over the drafting for the state militia. The law has been pronounced by all as far as I have heard without a single exception to be unjust. It gives the rich the chance to buy themselves off and the military duty to fall upon the poor. A meeting of the returned volunteers was held this evening at Military Hall to make arrangements to attend the funeral of Henry Taylor, a soldier from the 8th Regiment of this state who died at Annapolis, Maryland of Typhoid fever when his remains shall come which is expected in a few days. JANUARY 26 – SUNDAY – Pleasant, it having cleared off last night. I attended church in the morning. I came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the PM. The walking being bad and consequently the attendance being small, the preaching in the morning was in the basement. Brother Pegg preached from St. John, 19th chapter, last clause of the 5th verse. After tea, we took the baby over to other Griswold’s and then we went over home to see Mother. She dressed herself today. In the evening, I went to prayer meeting. It was a good meeting. JANUARY 27 – MONDAY – I have worked nearly all day in the shop and earned only 60 cents. The drafting of men for the state militia last Saturday not being done right, it was done again today and I was drafted. I went downtown in the evening to see and hear the result of the drafting. It is the all prevailing topic. Some are frightened and some care little or nothing about it. I received my notification while I was downtown. JANUARY 28 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. I moved my box of charcoal from Father Griswold’s barn to my cellar as it has become dry since I laid in my new drains. I went into the street in the evening. The paper gave reliable information of the Burnside Expedition. It is congregating at Pamlico Sound on the North Carolina coast. I saw Captain J. A. Betts on my way downtown. He is home on a furlough. I enquired after Cousin David Mills who is in his company. He says that he is well and is the Adjutant’s orderly. JANUARY 29 – WEDNESDAY – I waited nearly all day in the shop for work and then came home without any. It has been misty all day with some rain and it has frozen as fast as it came, which made it very slippery. I did not go to class in the evening on account of writing a letter to Cousin David Mills to send by his captain, James Betts tomorrow. Eddie is five months old today. JANUARY 30 – THURSDAY – Warmer today. It has snowed a little and rained some. The ice has all disappeared and not only the snow that fell in the forenoon, but also the old body of snow has wasted very much. I have had work to last me all day in the shop. I stayed home and took care of Eddie in the evening, so that Gussie could spend the evening over home. JANUARY 31 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I have worked in the shop. On my way home from the shop in the evening, I stopped at the Post Office and paid my tax for the hydrant near my house - $1.25.
1862-01
Horace Purdy Journal, December 1861 Entry
9pgs
DECEMBER 01 – SUNDAY – Cloudy. A little snow in the morning. I attended church in the forenoon. Brother Pegg preached from John 6:12. After the Sabbath School, I came home and Gussie went in the PM. We intended to go up home for tea and I got the baby in his carriage already to start when it commenced storming and were obliged to give it up. In the evening we wrote letters. Gussie wrote one to her cousin, Eliza, in California and I wrote to Phebe Palmer in Stamford. DECEMBER 02 – MONDAY – Cool but pleasant. I have had work in the shop. Gussie did her washing today for the first time since the birth of our baby, a little more than three months. Sarah Keeler, one of our good Sunday School teachers, was married to day to Harris Eames this morning at 10 o’clock in the church. While we were at tea, Mrs. Warren came down in our room to enquire of me if I had said that she had stolen from me, she having been told by some meddlesome person that I had said so. I assured her that it was all false and she appeared satisfied. I walked downtown in the evening to hear the news but there was nothing of importance. DECEMBER 03 – TUESDAY – My fourth wedding anniversary. The coldest morning of the season. I went to the shop, but there being no work ready for me, it being all taken by others who were first at the shop, and the prospect that there would be nine ready today, I came home. I went to work and dug a new cellar for our private outbuilding. I stoned it and moved the building upon it. I went to market in the evening. It was very cold. DECEMBER 04 – WEDNESDAY – It was very cold last night. I worked in the shop until noon. I waited for a while after dinner, when there being no more work, I came home. Gussie having gone up home with the baby, I went up to and stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening and to class. DECEMBER 05 – THURSDAY – Pleasant and not so cold as yesterday. I had part of a day’s work in the shop. Mrs. Vintz died this morning. Gussie and Harriet went down in the evening to see her corpse and to go to Prayer Meeting. I stayed at home to take care of Eddie. DECEMBER 06 – FRIDAY – Cloudy all day, but no storm. I waited for work at the shop until 2 PM. Mrs. Vintz was buried this afternoon at 2 o’clock. I went up home in the evening to carry a hat to Father and found Bell sick with a fever. I returned home immediately and secured some Aconite and Belladonna and prepared it for her to try, if possible, to break up her fever. I borrowed the medicine of Mother Griswold. After I came home, I went to market. I learned while in the street that Jack Rolfe, Captain Skinner’s cook, with his assistant Charles Duffy, a Negro, and Charles Allen, the Captain’s waiter, had just arrived in town from Port Royal, South Carolina. Also, that Lieutenant Daniels of Captain Stone’s company, Colonel Ferry, 5th Regiment from Edward’s Ferry on the Potomac in Maryland, had returned. DECEMBER 07 – SATURDAY – Pleasant and warm. My work in the shop lasted until about 2 ½ o’clock. I went up home early this morning before breakfast to see how Bell was. She appeared a little better, although they did not succeed in getting her into a sweat. I went up again before tea. In the evening, we went to market and to Dr. Bulkley’s to get some medicine for Bell and then we went up with it and stayed all the evening. Fanny took care of Eddie while we were gone. DECEMBER 08 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm again today. I walked up home this morning just before church. She is real smart (?) this morning. I went to church in the morning and came home after Sunday School to let Gussie go. Our Sunday School Prayer Meeting was one of the best I have ever attended. The room was full and the exercises were uncommon good and interesting. Sacrament in the afternoon. Brother Pegg preached in the AM from Matthew 7:20. After tea, we took Eddie out to ride. Gussie stayed at home with him in the evening and I attended church. Brother Pegg preached from Genesis 47:8. He preached rather better than he has done of late, too. The day has been more like summer than it has been like December. DECEMBER 09 – MONDAY – Pleasant and very warm for the time of the year. I went to the shop, but the work not being ready for us, I came home again and worked around home, removing my old fence west of the garden between my lot and Father Griswold’s, etc. Father butchered his hog today. He sent word to me to come up in the evening and get a spare rib. I did so and brought down one for Aunt Louisa and one for Father Griswold. DECEMBER 10 – TUESDAY – Warm. Cloudy and foggy all day. Misty but no rain. I have worked all day in the shop. I came home rather late from my work. I broke a pickle pot from Mrs. Warren yesterday afternoon and brought her a new one. this morning she brought it downstairs saying that she would not take it saying that the one which I broke was a damaged one and in fact of little worth. She said that it was of no account whatever. DECEMBER 11 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy still with some rain in the PM. It cleared off cold in the PM. I went to the shop and finished off my work which took me until just after dinner. There being no more work, I came home and finished pulling my down my west fence next to the garden. I then bottled up a gallon of currant wine. I attended class in the evening. At its close, we got into conversation about the faith and piety of the church. Brother Peter, the leader, claimed that it was just as eminent now as it was in the early days of Methodism. I took the ground that it was not. DECEMBER 12 – THURSDAY – Pleasant and cold. I went to the shop and waited until nearly night and got in time to earn one shilling. Gussie went up home to spend the day and I went up to tea. Aunt Louisa was there with Gussie. DECEMBER 13 – FRIDAY – Cool and pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. When I came home from my work, I found Gussie and the baby over to Abel’s. I stayed with them to tea an d spent the evening. Mrs. Gibbs was there to tea, after which she went home. DECEMBER 14 – SATURDAY – I was rather late in getting away to work this morning. I had all I could do in the shop. I had bad luck in my work through carelessness. I so damaged a hat by burning that it will be what we call a “knock down”, in other words, I shall have to pay for it. As I had no occasion to go into the street in the evening. I stayed at home and read. DECEMBER 15 – SUNDAY – A horrible murder was committed last night at the old Saddle Factory as it is called, an old tenement building occupied by the Irish. There was an Irish dance at the place. The party was drunk or had imbibed too freely of liquor and while raffling for a watch, a quarrel ensued and Miles Doran was stabbed so that he died immediately. His brother, John, was stabbed also and it is feared that it will prove fatal. I have been told today that last night’s paper gives an account of a slave insurrection in Charleston, South Carolina and that the city is in flames. I attended church this morning. Brother Pegg preached from Matthew 25:25. The children in Sunday School recited passages from Scripture which they had selected in which there appeared the word “love”. After Sunday School, I came home to take care of Eddie and Gussie went in the PM and evening. DECEMBER 16 – MONDAY – Clear, windy and not very cold. The murder has been the topic of conversation today. England is pretty strongly threatening us with war unless we make satisfactory acknowledgement and amends for the seizure of the rebel ministers Mason and Slidell from the on board the British “Trent”. That too is creating a considerable excitement. I have worked all day in the shop. I have spent the evening at home. DECEMBER 17 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. I came home with a severe headache. DECEMBER 18 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. I went to the shop and finished off a dozen of hats that I had out There being no more to do, I came home. I worked around the house in the PM. I went up to Norris’ in the evening to engage some pork. It was rather late and I did not go to class. DECEMBER 19 – THURSDAY – I have had no work in the shop. I gave Disbrow & Crosier my note for $28.00 to balance our book account. In the afternoon, George helped me take up Father Griswold’s rain water hogshead and put in the place of mine which is rotted out. After we had finished, we took hold and helped Abel stone a new cellar for his privy and move it over it. George took dinner and teas with me. I went into the street with him in the evening to get some groceries. He went to meeting and I went home. Gussie spent the afternoon over to Aunt Louisa’s. DECEMBER – 20 - FRIDAY – I worked in the shop in the forenoon. There being no more to do, I came home. George came in the evening to get some stovepipe. He bought 2 lengths of Mrs. White. Afterwards, Gussie and I went into the street and called at Brother Pegg’s to get the baby chair that Mrs. Pegg promised her. Mary Purdy stayed with Eddie while we were gone. DECEMBER 21 – SATURDAY - Very cold last night. It has not thawed any today. No work in the shop. Bell came down and took care of the baby for Gussie to do her work in the forenoon. Mother came down in the afternoon. I bought a pork cast of Moses Baxter for $1.50. I had the headache in the PM and evening. DECEMBER 22 – SUNDAY – Cold We lay in bed so late this morning that I did not get to church. I went down in time for Sunday School and attended in the PM. Brother Pegg preached a Christmas sermon from Luke 2:10. The singing was better than usual, a larger number of singers and a new player (a clerk at Clark & Ford’s). Children at the Sunday School who had not an opportunity last Sunday to recite their passage of scripture recited them today. Gussie attended church in the evening while I stayed at home to take care of Eddie. DECEMBER 23 – MONDAY – Raining and freezing as fast as it comes. I have had work until noon at the shop. It commenced snowing at 5 o’clock and continued all evening. DECEMBER 24 – TUESDAY – Pleasant and cold with quite a body of snow on the ground. No work in the shop. I got some paint of Andrew Knox and painted my pork cask. Aunt Louisa came over and stayed with Eddie for us to go down to the stores and to visit the toy shop, etc. The papers today state that Prince Albert of England is dead (the husband of Queen Victoria). DECEMBER 25 – WEDNESDAY – Christmas Day. Very cold. Theodore Fowler, our foreman, brought two bushels of oysters in the shop and we had an oyster roast. I took out one dozen hats and finished three of them. We spent the evening over to Father Griswold’s He sold his place today to Mr. Valentine. DECEMBER 26 - THURSDAY – Very cold in the morning, but it grew warmer during the day. It was quite comfortable but cloudy with a fair prospect of another storm in the evening. George came in while we were drinking tea. He wrote a letter while I was getting ready for meeting and then we went together. DECEMBER 27 – FRIDAY – Rainy in the morning. It cleared off before noon and grew cold and very windy. It was frozen very hard when I went home from work. DECEMBER 28 – SATURDAY – Cold. The soft snow and rain of yesterday morning having frozen, the roads and walks are very rough. I went to work on black hats this afternoon as there will be no more drab work until the last of next week. I was particularly favored in having black work given me while the other fancy finishers will have to wait until there is more drab work. Mother came down and spent the evening and George came from Singing School and went home with her. DECEMBER 29 –SUNDAY – Cold in the morning. I attended church in the morning. Brother Coe preached from 1st Chronicles 11:17-19. A Sabbath School Missionary Meeting with a collection taken up for the Sunday School Union. Passages of Scripture were recited by the children in which were the words “Give, Giveth, Giveth or Giving.” After school, I came home to let Gussie attend in the PM. Mother Griswold came over in the evening and stayed with Eddie so that Gussie and I could attend Prayer Meeting. DECEMBER 30 – MONDAY – I have worked in the shop as usual excepting that I have been on black hats, the same as on Saturday, instead of drab hats as heretofore. After tea, I went up to Mr. McDonald’s and paid my milk bill which was $1.50. I then went down to Benedict & Nichols and made arrangements to have my pork come tomorrow. DECEMBER 31 – TUESDAY – I have worked in the shop. My pork came in the afternoon and we spent the evening in putting it into the barrel, cutting up lard and getting out sausage meat. There was a watch meeting at the church, but on account of our pork, we could not attend.
1861-12-01
Horace Purdy Journal, October 1860 Entry
5pgs
OCTOBER 01 – MONDAY – A heavy frost last night. It commenced raining about 9 o’clock and continued stormy all day. I have worked in the shop all day as usual. My trade is good just now; we are very much hurried. Father Griswold returned this evening from a nine day tour of his district (the New Haven of which he is the presiding elder). Our society meeting was held at the church this evening, but few being present, the meeting was adjourned. I did not attend. OCTOBER 02 – TUESDAY – Cloudy most of the time during the day. A hard shower just at night about dark, and for about a half an hour, I never saw it train so hard. It poured down in torrents. After tea, I put on some old clothes with my rubber boots and attended Hatters’ Meeting under Concert Hall. OCTOBER 03 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. Our company of Wide-Awakes went to New York today for a Grand National Torch Light Procession this evening. In the evening, I took Brother McDonald’s horse and carried Brother Pegg over to Great Plain School House to preach. His text was Hebrews, the 11th chapter, the last part of the 27th verse. I received a letter from D. F. Taylor in Bethel with a dollar enclosed to replace the one he gave me for blacking which was not good. OCTOBER 04 - THURSDAY - Cloudy and foggy in the morning, sunshine in the forenoon, and rain in the afternoon. I have worked very hard today. I rose home with Jacob Fry and then I lent him an umbrella to walk home with. Gussie attended a lecture with Abel and Harriet in the evening on “Physiology and Anatomy” by John Collet, MD. I was too tired to go myself and enjoy it so I went to market and returned home, after which I helped Father Griswold put up his kitchen stove. OCTOBER 05 – FRIDAY – Cloudy and some rain during the day. It cleared off in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold, Abel and Harriet all started for Hartford this afternoon. I attended drill in the evening. Susan Watson came in the evening after Gussie had gone to the Physiological Lecture by Dr. Collett at Concert Hall. When we returned, she had taken possession of the house. OCTOBER 06 – SATURDAY – Clear and cool. We prepared our breakfast over home and ate it with Miss Watson and Fanny. They both came over and took tea with us. Gussie attended the lecture in the evening and I went to market. I called a short time in Singing School and then went over to the lecture to walk home with Gussie. We carried our house plants in the parlor this morning. Before I went to bed, I went over and helped fanny take in her plants. OCTOBER 07 – SUNDAY – Cool in the morning. The day has been pleasant. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Isaiah, the 63rd chapter, the last three words of the 1st verse, viz., “Mighty to save”. Our presiding elder, William Hoyt, preached in the evening from Matthew 25:23. A good sermon. Noah Hoyt called while we were at super. We attended prayer meeting in the evening. The wife of Seely hull was found dead this morning. The cause was drunkenness. OCTOBER 08 – MONDAY - Rain in the morning. Clouds and some sunshine during the day. Pleasant in the evening. I went to market and attended Dr. Collett’s lecture with Gussie in the evening. Before we went I mailed to papers (The Jeffersonian) to Edwin in Ohio. OCTOBER 09 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have worked as usual in the shop. Augusta and myself attended Collett’s lecture again in the evening. Subject, “The Brain”. It was very interesting. OCTOBER 10 – WEDNESDAY – We had to wait considerable for work in the shop today. Gussie attended Dr. Collett’s private lecture to the ladies this afternoon. I attended the one to gentle =men in the evening. OCTOBER 11 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop and finished off a dozen hats which I had out. There not being any more ready, I came home and stayed until noon when I returned and worked all the PM. In the meantime, William Keeler brought my keg of cider for vinegar which I put in the cellar when I came home. Gussie spent the day up home. I bought a barrel of Mainsworth Pippins of Noah Hoyt in the evening. I paid one dollar for them. OCTOBER 12 – FRIDAY – I worked as usual in the shop. David Lonagan brought a barrel of cider to the shop today. We paid him for it, giving him 6 cents apiece. Noah Hoyt sent my apples to me today – one barrel. I attended military meeting in the evening. When I came home, I found Father and Mother and Aunt Mary there. They had spent the evening with Gussie. OCTOBER 13 – SATURDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. Fanny and Susan Watson took tea with us. I went to a special Hatters’ Meeting in the evening, called to consider the case of Edward Corvain, who for misconduct was discharged some time ago from Tweedy’s Shop and who now wishes to go back again when there is a full complement of apprentices. There being but one signer for the call of the meeting present, the meeting, by a vote, was adjourned. I went to market and on my way home, stopped at Dr. Riders’ and engaged two barrels of winter apples. Four varieties, one half barrel of each- Fall Pippins, Greenings, Sweet Yancey and Vanderbeers at one dollar a barrel. After I came home, I drew some cider for the benefit of Miss Watson and myself. Gussie drank a little, but Fanny, as usual, refused. I paid my tax while I was in the street to Dr. Brown, $1.09, Dog Tax, 50 cents. I paid Fanny $5.00 for Gussie, the ones that Mother Griswold had and sold to Gussie before she went away. OCTOBER 14 - SUNDAY – Cloudy all day. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Luke 5:18-26. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon. Caroline Francis’ uncle from Newark, New Jersey, was there and opened the meeting and talked some. Sacrament at noon. Aunt Harriet and Cyrus came up last night to Father’s. She came to meeting with Mother and came home with us to tea. Cyrus and George went to Bethel to church. It was so stormy in the evening that we did not attend church. I wrote a letter to Uncle Chauncey and Aunt Ruth and sent her the double variegated poppy seed which I promised her when I visited there. Gussie wrote one to Eliza in California. OCTOBER 15 – MONDAY - A little snow last night. It was seen on the mountains, but it soon disappeared. It cleared away this morning and was pleasant. Fanny being away from home, Gussie went over and got tea for Miss Watson and I went over and took tea with them. I went to market in the evening. I called at Mr. Woodford’s store and got Fanny’s premium of W. Olmstead for her painting which she had in the Fair. It was only 50 cents. I went to the Society’s meeting at the church also. I mailed a letter to Uncle Chauncey Griswold. OCTOBER 16 – TUESDAY – Dr. Rider sent my apples to me this morning before I went to the shop. Theodore Fowler, our foreman was married today and started on the afternoon train for Pennsylvania. OCTOBER 17 – WEDNESDAY - The Wide-Awakes went to bethel last night and were addressed by Cyrus Northup, Crofut of the Jeffersonian, and William Judd of that place. I paid Dr. Rider for my barrels of apples, delivered yesterday and bought last Saturday. Gussie wrote a letter to her Father and Mother in Bloomfield. We attended class in the evening. OCTOBER 18 – THURSDAY – I have worked in the shop as usual today. We have had quite a Republican demonstration this evening. The Ridgefield and Bethel Wide-Awakes have been with us. They made an appearance in the street. After the parade they and the citizens were addressed by C. Ferry in Concert Hall. Gussie and myself witnessed the parade and then came home. Gussie received a letter from Anne and enclosed was one from Edwin. OCTOBER 19 FRIDAY – George called this morning while we were at breakfast. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Susan Watson went away this afternoon on the train. I mailed a Jeffersonian to Eliza in California. I went to drill in the evening. George went with me. He is going to drill with us so as to turn out for our target practice on the 31st. We are going over to Father Griswold’s to sleep tonight as Fanny is alone in the house. OCTOBER 20 – SATURDAY – It commenced raining about 5 o’clock this morning. I have had work all day with the other Drab finishers finishing off a lot of Pecunia Colored Brush Hats for California. The Black finishers have had no work. After tea, I went downtown to engage Mrs. Beach to help us clean next week. OCTOBER 21 – SUNDAY – Rain in the morning and cloudy all day. .Brother preached in the morning from Amos 6:12. In the PM, from Isaiah 64:6. Subject “Fading Leaves”. Mother told me today that Henry Brayman drove up from Norwalk with two passengers which were left by the cars. They arrived at Father’s about 12 o’clock. He called them up and talked about a half an hour and then started back for Norwalk. George Washington, “The Colored Preacher”, preached at 4 ½ o’clock at our church, his object being to solicit aid to build a church for the colored people in ____. We did not attend. We stayed at home in the evening. We paid a short call on Horace Crofut, our old tenant after tea. OCTOBER 22 – MONDAY – No work in the shop today. I carried a coat up to Louis Moegling this morning to be dyed; also two umbrellas to Comstock to be mended. At the same time, I mailed two letters for Gussie and two papers to Edwin – the Jeffersonian and the Hartford Daily Courant. I came home and drew the tacks from the sitting room and bedroom carpets preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. In the evening, I hired a horse and carriage and took Gussie up to Mr. Wise’s to get her Calceolaria, but Mr. Wise was not home. From there we rode up to the Water Works reservoir. On our return, I carried my apples into the cellar after getting a half barrel of Greenings from Thomas Barnum. Just before tea, I went down to B. Bradley’s to get my money which he drew for me at the shop - $15.00. Fanny came in and took tea with us. We went to market and then attended Quaker Meeting at Concert Hall in the evening. OCTOBER 23 – TUESDAY – Mrs. Beach has been cleaning for us today. I have been home all day to help them. There has been no work in the shop. Fanny took dinner and tea with us. I received a letter from Father Griswold requesting me to carry in his list for taxation as he will not be home in time. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 24 – WEDNESDAY- We slept over home last night and got our breakfast there this morning. I cleaned my stove pipe and got a new set of bricks to line the stove with. I spent the day at home. We finished nailing down carpets and got things in their place again. I commenced putting another coat of paint on my front fence in the PM. I went to class in the evening. A good meeting. Brother McDonald led. OCTOBER 25 – THURSDAY – I have had work in the shop today. I bought 1o bushels of charcoal at 10 cents a bushel at noon and came home with the man to see about putting it in my cellar. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Harriet and Abel came home by the evening train from their visit in Hartford County. OCTOBER 26 – FRIDAY – Bailey’s Circus is here today. They stop here for the winter. I finished my work in the shop at noon, after which I went to Oliver Stone’s office and handed in Father Griswold’s tax list and my own. I then came home and painted on my fence. In the meantime, Gussie went up home to see and help Mother who is sick. I went to drill in the evening. OCTOBER 27 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but the work not being ready, I came home. John Raymond came home with me. After he went away, I commenced painting my fence again. After dinner, I banked up around my house. Theodore Fowler, our foreman, came home on the morning train from his wedding tour. I had the headache in the evening. OCTOBER 28 – SUNDAY – A heavy frost this morning. Cooler and cloudy. Jacob Shaw from Redding preached for us. Text in the morning – Psalms 50:2. In the PM, Habakkuk 1:13. He is a dull preacher when compared with Brother Pegg. He is very easy in his manner of preaching, although his reasoning is very good. Brother Pegg is in Hartford today, his last appointment before coming here. After the afternoon service, the funeral of Walter Smith, son-in-law of Mr. Nichols, was attended at the home of Mr. Nichols. They being Presbyterian people, Mr. Coe attended the funeral. After tea, we went up home to see Mother who has been sick. We spent nearly the whole evening there. We did not attend the Prayer Meeting. OCTOBER 29 – MONDAY – Cloudy all day. A very little rain. I worked in the shop all day. I lent $15.00 to Nelson Nickerson until we get our pay which we did not get today on account of Mr. Crofut being in New York. Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Gussie attended, but I went to extra drill at the Military Hall. OCTOBER 30 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. Fanny sewed a new sweat (band) in a military hat for George to wear on the target Excursion tomorrow. Father Griswold came home on the morning train. In the PM, he went to the 1st Congregational Church to preside at the Sabbath School Convention which is to last two days, commencing today. He went to organize the convention before dinner. In the PM, I went up to Louis Moegling’s with Gussie and carried a shawl to be dyed. I got my coat which had been dyed and carried it to Stevens & Hoyt’s to be made over. While there, I selected a pattern and ordered a vest, after which, I went over to the Convention. At 8 o’clock in the evening, we went to the church to see Brother Pegg marry Susan Holmes to Dwight Baldwin. The knot was splendidly tied with a crowded house. He is a habitual drinker and is often intoxicated. Her friends prophesy trouble for her. OCTOBER 31 – WEDNESDAY – It rained very hard in the forenoon. I went up to Military Hall to see about the
1860-10-01