Horace Purdy Journal August 1866 Entry
14pgs
AUGUST 01 WEDNESDAY - The day has been made up of sunshine, cloudy, windy and a very little rain. I worked hard all day until 7 o’clock again. The new hands shopped yesterday commenced work today in the other shop. Hattie Mills was with us to tea. I stayed at home with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go into the street with Hattie. Before they went, however, I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen for gratuitous use in the Sunday School and enclosed $6.00 for the same. Gussie mailed it for me. It rained again in the evening, it having rained a little in the middle of the day. Our neighbor John Greene lost his son Samuel about sundown; difficulty was tubercles on the brain. He was sick a little over two weeks. AUGUST 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant. It was nearly 7 o’clock when we rose this morning. The funeral of Sammy Greene was attended this this P.M. at 3 o’clock. Tomorrow morning, he will be taken to New Rochelle for burial. Received a letter from George by the evening mail in which he acknowledged the receipt of my last two letters and proposed having Mrs. Jones come to Danbury for a week. Her health being poor, the doctor has recommended coming to the country. Robert came home from church in the evening with his wife. I made some lemonade and they drank with me before he and Charlie (who came with them) went back to Mr. Lynes’. I bought a dozen lemons in the evening for 50 cents. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Before going to the shop this morning, I began to construct a leader from the rain water hogshead. Gussie went up home today to see about having Mrs. Jones come to Danbury for a week. She is George’s boarding mistress and he wants us to try and accommodate her. When I returned from work at night and before I went over to Mr. Leason’s to get him to come tomorrow morning to lay up a little brick work at the corner of my house. I received a notification from H. T. Hoyt, Internal Revenue Collector, to pay for my income tax -$18.63. I came home from work with a headache and on that account, I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 04 SATURDAY - I rose this morning at 4 ½ o’clock. Mr. Leason came over and before breakfast laid over anew the brick foundation under the Southwest corner of my house which was washed loose by the waste water from the rain water hogshead. As it was threatening rain, I left my work at the shop when I got my pay and came home to complete the work of a leader for the waste water from the rain water hogshead, but I was compelled to leave it unfinished on account of a hard thundershower. I went to market in the evening. As I came from the shop, I paid my income tax - $18.63. AUGUST 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning after the shower last evening. Gussie went to church in the A.M. and I commenced a letter to George while staying with Georgie. It was in reply to one received on the 2nd inst. about Mrs. Jones coming to Danbury to stay with us for a week. I went to Sunday School at noon and brought Mr. Lockwood home with me to supper. After supper, he and I went over to Mr. McDonald’s and borrowed his horse which I harnessed before my wagon and took Susan and Gussie with their babies up to the cemetery. I supposed Mr. Lockwood would go with us but he preferred to go up to Ed Allen’s to stay until church time which he did. When we returned, I finished the letter which I began this morning to George and mailed it as I went to church. Mr. Hare preached. Robert Cocking was immersed at the Baptist Church after the morning service. Gussie attended that church this morning to witness the baptism. AUGUST 06 MONDAY - Pleasant and cool. I went down before breakfast and mailed another letter to George telling him that Mr. Fanton would carry the yeast cakes to his store in New York where he could call and get them. As I went for milk this morning, I tried to pay Mr. McDonald for his horse yesterday, but he would take nothing. He not having any whip for his wagon, I gave him mine as I now have no use for it. I ordered another small piece of tin leader as I went to work this morning and called for it as I came from work to tea. I also stopped on my way home from work at Charles T. Stevens’ store and paid him $4.40 towards my church pew. The foreman over the trimming department at the factory ( E.E. Wildman) to tell Widow Mrs. Burr Bradley to come to the shop as he had a vacant place and would now give her work. She being away from home for a week, he promised to reserve the situation for her. I worked hard and late at the shop today. John Brayman called while I was getting my tea and gave me $5.00 towards what he owes me. I went to market in the evening and called at Mr. Henry Fanton’s office with a small package of yeast cakes which he will carry to his store in new York to be called for by George who wants the for his boarding mistress Mrs. Jones. Timothy Foster saw me in the street and enquired about my wagon. He thinks he will buy it. AUGUST 07 TUESDAY - Pleasant still and cool for August. I have worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went in the P.M. up to Eben Barnum’s and drew Georgie in his carriage. Bell was here while I was getting my tea and told us that Harriet had been writing to Mrs. Jones where George was boarding and pleading poverty trying to prevent Mrs. Jones coming to Danbury for a visit to our house for her health as she has been contemplating. She and George having arranged the matter, George having made arrangements for our folks to trade on his account for whatever should be wanting to set a grand table and make it comfortable and pleasant for Mrs. Jones. He having a high regard for her, had invited her to come and Father and Mother had both consented to it and seemed pleased that Mrs. Jones was coming, but Harriet had seemed determined to prevent it if possible and spoil the pleasure anticipated by our folks. It seems as if Satan himself at times had complete possession of her. After tea, I wrote to George telling him all about it, how Harriet had written to Mrs. Jones not to come and told him to tell her how Harriet had acted and that Father and Mother and all of us wanted her to come and to urge her by all means to come regardless of what Harriet had written. I mailed it as I went to the Annual School Meeting for the election of a new committee. The meeting was held in Military hall. I walked home from the meeting with Mr. Pond, the principal of our school and my nearest neighbor. He is agent with two or three insurance companies and he had some conversation on the way with me about insuring my life. Our newly elected district officers were as follows: for committee – J. Amsbury, Ammon T. Peck and David P. Nichols, for clerk – David B. Booth, for Treasurer – Harvey Williams, for Collector – Ephraim Gregory. AUGUST 08 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful day, but a little warmer towards night. As I went to work in the morning, I took a piece of tin pipe which I had made for a leader for waste water from my rainwater hogshead back to Charles Hull’s to be made as I wanted it, they not having made it rightly the first time. My butter maker not having brought my butter as I expected, I bought a little as I came home from work. After tea, I attached the leader to my hogshead and completed the drain from waste water and then went to market. Smith Pulling, who furnished us with butter this summer, told me today that his wife was offended because I found fault with her butter the last time she came with it. The butter not keeping good, I only asked her if any of her other customers found fault. She said not, and I told her that it was without doubt our fault then that made it spoil by not keeping it in a good place. It seemed that she took offense at it and determined not to bring us anymore. I tried to have him promise to furnish us still, but he said he would leave it all to his wife as she had the managing of the butter business. He is to let me know in a few days what he is to do. Another quarrel across the street tonight – old Mr. Baxter having used violence on Elisha Serine’s little boy George. AUGUST 09 THURSDAY - Stormy, We woke up at three o’clock this morning by Georgie who was vomiting. He was very sick. Yesterday he was troubled by diarrhea and when he woke us had a high fever also. I gave him an injection of tepid water which gave relief. He slept well the remainder of the night and today was comparatively well. Booth Trowbridge this afternoon threw himself head long into the stream by the shop and then tried to butt his brains out against a stone work and by striking himself in the head with a stone. It created quite an excitement at the factory. I went to market in the evening and took a letter at the Office from George in which was enclosed what he received from Harriet. AUGUST 10 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I worked as usual in the shop. When I came home from work, I found John Brayman’s and Thomas Purdy’s wives at the house. They stayed to tea. John came over and took tea with us. After tea, I pulled up pea vines and prepared to set out strawberry plants. Just at dusk, Tim Foster came to look at my wagon, bringing another man with him. I went to the Post Office in the evening and walked up home with Mr. Pond who stopped at my gate and talked about life insurance. The trial of ___ Darling for rape on the person of Lucy Bennett commenced today and adjourned over to the next session of court. AUGUST 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work in the morning, I called at Foster’s Carpenter Shop to get a reply from Timothy Foster about my wagon. He was not willing to give over $60.00 for it. I went to work and when I came home, I went to see him again and sold it to him for $65.00. He is to take it away the first opportunity he has and agrees to pay me in two weeks. I left the shop earlier than usual and came home to set out strawberry plants. John Brayman helped me after tea. Henry, having come from Norwalk today to stay over Sunday with John, he came with him. They came over in the evening while Gussie was downtown to market and stayed until she returned. I gave John a piece of pork to take home with him. Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkely today concerning Georgie. He has a bad diarrhea and we fear the dysentery. AUGUST 12 SUNDAY - We rose late. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went to Sunday School at noon and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. Mr. Hare administered it as assisted by Brother Webb. After tea, I took a nap. After the nap Father came in to see how Georgie was. He stayed about an hour in which we talked about the expected visit of Mrs. Jones this week. I wrote to George by request of Father requesting him not to tell Harriet when Mrs. Jones is coming. We did not go to church in the evening. I went to the Office and mailed the letter I wrote and returned. We retired about 9 o’clock. Before putting Georgie to bed, we gave him an injection of warm water to soothe and cleanse his bowels, they being in a very bad state. AUGUST 13 MONDAY - I worked in the shop as usual. Gussie went to see the doctor again about Georgie. He changed his medicine. After tea, I set out another run of Russell strawberry plants. I attended Sunday school teachers’ meeting in the evening. As I came from the meeting, I took a letter from the Office from George with $12.25 enclosed: ten dollars for Mr. Harris towards clothes, two dollars for me towards the ten dollars he owes me and 25 cents for Mother for yeast cakes for Mrs. Jones. I went to market and came home. Father Griswold came on the evening train from an appointment on his district and Mother Griswold from a visit to Bloomfield. When I returned from the street, I copied the minutes of the Sunday School meeting and then went up to the other house to see the folks and was introduced to Miss Ferry from Middletown who is visiting at Father Griswold’s. Before retiring, I wrote to George acknowledging the receipt of the money by letter. AUGUST 14 TUESDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. Sunshine a part of the time, but the wind not being right, it has not entirely cleared off. As I went for milk this morning, I saw Mr. McDonald going downtown and I sent the letter to the Office which I wrote last night to George. I set out another row of strawberry plants before breakfast. We can earn but little in the shop now, for since Monday morning things have been in an uproar. The work all at once did not suit Mr. Crofut and he has tried to exact more than is possible to be given in the way of work on hats. I went to the Post Office in the evening and called at Harris’ Clothing Store and paid him another $10.00 which makes $20.00 for George towards his suit of clothes costing $45.00. Gussie washed today. Bell came down this afternoon and Gussie gave her the 25 cents which George sent to Mother for yeast cakes. She also gave her the letter I received yesterday from George speaking of the contemplated visit of Mrs. Jones to Danbury to take home for Mother to read. Before retiring, I wrote to Alfred Humphrey, notifying him that if he wanted strawberry plants, I would send him some in a week or a little more. I enclosed $5.00, the balance of my indebtedness to him for salve bought nearly a year ago – one gross $20.00. AUGUST 15 WEDNESDAY - It was raining very hard this morning and continued nearly all the forenoon. On my way to work, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and took out the advertisement of wagon and paid for two weeks insertion – 75 cents. After work, William Carlson came up with 27 Wilson strawberry plants and exchanged with me for some Russells. I went to the Post Office this evening and mailed the letter to Alfred Humphrey which I wrote last evening and enclosed the 5.00. I brought home a pair of shears to sharpen for John McNamee, a shopmate. Harriet Mills came home from the shop to Mrs. Cocking’s to tea and to stay all night. AUGUST 16 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop and worked until nearly noon to finish off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then came home nearly sick. I have taken cold and feel used up. I came home by way of Alden G. Crosby’s Coal yard and arrange to have my coal got in this P.M. He sent three tons of it and left the other ton to be delivered tomorrow. I transplanted the Wilson Strawberry plants which William Carlson gave me last evening (or rather exchanged for Russells). I took a nap on the lounge for about an hour. Philo Wildman came to Father Griswold’s this P.M. and was married to Mrs. Merriam. Gussie went up and witnessed the ceremony. After it was over, they got into his carriage and rode back home as happy as a bride and groom of 20 years. She was a widow and he a widower. He is a man of about 70 years. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. The fourth and last ton of my coal came this morning while we were eating breakfast which was about 8 o’clock. I was not feeling well and concluded not to go to the shop and on that account, we took our time over breakfast. I finished preparing the ground and putting out strawberry plants. The last was enough of the Wilsons for another row which I got from Mr. Carlson about 6 o’clock this evening. I am to let him have some Russells in exchange. In the P.M., Gussie went with me into the street, drawing Georgie in his carriage. I took from the Office a circular from Washington for George relating to collection of soldiers’ bounties; also a letter from D. H. Johnson from Newtown inquiring why the sifters which he ordered did not come. I went to market in the evening. The fireman on the locomotive attached to the up freight train today while oiling the engine just before coming up to the Ridgefield Station fell in front of the engine and had one leg cut off and one hand badly hurt, cutting off one or two of the fingers and badly hurting the others. I learn this evening that he died this afternoon about 4 o’clock. Before retiring, I answered D. H. Johnson’s letter to George and offered to sell the rights to him. AUGUST 18 SATURDAY - As I went to work this morning, I mailed a letter to D. H. Johnson in Newtown in reply to one received yesterday. I carried a pair of shoes to Benedict’s Shoe Store to be mended and went to the shop via the depot. I worked until about 3 o’clock and then came home. I weeded out my strawberry bed and the helped Mr. Pond set out a bed of strawberry plants. Dark came on before we finished the job, so we took a lamp and my lantern and completed the work by lamplight. While I was helping Mr. Pond, Gussie went to market and bought supplies for over Sunday. Timothy Foster sent George Wood for the wagon he bought of me. AUGUST 19 SUNDAY - Lowery; a little sunshine and a little rain during the day. On account of rain at morning church time, Gussie concluded not to go, so I went myself for a wonder in the forenoon. I generally go in the P.M. and to Sunday School and she goes in the morning. I came home after Sunday School . Just before I left to come home, I had a talk with Mrs. Sylvester Harris about Bell leaving Sunday School and church to go to the Baptists. Mrs. Harris was Bell’s Sunday School teacher. She feels badly about Bell’s conduct and has talked with her and wept over it. A letter which I wrote to bell on the subject 12 days ago, but hesitated to send, I have about concluded to send and made additions to it this evening for the purpose. I also this evening wrote to George on the subject. Georgie has been very cross today and has tried our patience severely. Mother Griswold came in a while in the evening. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Hare preached. It rained hard when meeting was out. Before retiring, Gussie wrote to her friend, Mrs. Nelson G. Post in Essex. AUGUST 20 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I went to William Carlson’s and got 41 Wilson strawberry plants and brought home for Mr. Pond. He is to exchange them for other varieties. After tea, I spaded up a place to transplant some agriculturist plants which Mr. Pond has given me. It was dark when I finished spading, so I left the plants to be set out tomorrow morning. As I came from work, I took a letter from the office with $1.25 enclosed for a sifter for Mrs. Platt of Ridgefield. George sold it to her a long time ago and trusted her for the pay, telling her to send it when it was convenient for her to pay it. Before retiring, I wrote a note in reply, acknowledging the receipt of the money. AUGUST 21 TUESDAY - I rose at three o’clock this morning and Mr. Pond helped me transplant some agriculturist strawberry plants before breakfast. I worked as usual in the shop came home about 5 o’clock and went down to Town Mountain for some moss in which to pack strawberry plant s tomorrow evening to send to Alfred Humphrey. I took my gun with me, but I found nothing to shoot. I wrote a note in the evening to Alfred telling him when to look for the plants. As I went to the Office to mail it, I got a letter from George W. Oakley saying that George came home from the shop yesterday very sick and requested him to write me asking for $2.00 until next Sunday when he would write and repay. I went into Randall & Bradley’s store and enclosed the $2.00 to George. I also got a letter from D.H. Johnson of Newtown saying he did not wish to purchase the rights for “Tilden’s Universal Flour Sifters”, but wished one dozen of them as soon as possible. As I came from the street, I was caught in a thunder shower and got so wet that I changed my clothes when I get home. I wrote to Johnson before retiring saying that he might expect the sifters or hear from me in a few days. Also to Everett C. Andrews, sifter manufacturer in New Haven to know whether he or the man to whom he sold could fill the order immediately or not. AUGUST 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, except in the P.M. when we had two small showers. Before breakfast, I went down to the Post Office and mailed two letters: to D. H. Johnson in Newtown and E. C. Andrews in new Haven. I worked as usual in the shop. I quit a little earlier and came home to put up strawberry plants to send to Alfred Humphrey. I got them put up and carried them to the express office before I ate my supper. I sent about 350 plants. AUGUST 23 THURSDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. A considerable excitement today about a rape case perpetrated by ___ West on a daughter of Peter Rowan about __ years of age. It happened this last Tuesday. After tea, I wrote to George and enclosed a circular sent by parties in Washington who collect claims for soldiers, soliciting the collection of bounty which is due George from government. I also ordered of Carlton & Porter for Fanny to use in the infant class eight packages of illustrated books for children – 25 cents per package. I enclosed $2.00 for the same. I went to the Office and mailed them. After I returned home I went up to Father Griswold’s to help him take a fish hook from Fido’s ear which he got in some way tonight. He would not hold still to let us take it out, so we concluded to wait until morning. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cool for August. We had two showers with a rainbow about 6 P.M. I came home from work about 5 o’clock with a headache. Bell, having taken Georgie up home to stay all night and Gussie being away when I came home, I started for the Baseball Grounds on Deer Hill to watch the Waverly Club play, but just as I arrived near our folks, they stopped playing and I went into the house to see Georgie. While there, the shower spoken of came up so I stayed until it was over as I thought and started fir home but it began to rain again and wet me considerably ere I got home. After tea, I went to the Great American Tea Company (ordering 30 lbs. Of coffee and 13 lbs. of tea; 10 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for Nathan Pond; 5 lbs. coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for John McNamee; 5 lbs. of coffee for Charles Hoyt; and 10 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for myself. The coffee to be burned and ground for 30 cents per pound. The tea to be $1.00 per pound. I went into the street in the evening to mail the order and to buy our breakfast. AUGUST 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I called on Tim Foster for the pay for the wagon I sold him. I did not get the money, but next Tuesday or Wednesday, he will give me a note on which I can get the money at the bank provided he does not have the money himself. Gussie went up to my folks on Deer Hill this P.M. and stayed to tea. Bell came home with her to stay all night. We somewhat expected George by the evening train and Gussie and I went to market, also to the depot, but he did not come. AUGUST 26 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but still very cool for August. Bell stayed with us last night and went home after breakfast. Gussie attended church this forenoon. In the meantime, I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals for the school. She came home after the sermon and I went to Sunday School after which I came home. After supper, Gussie took Georgie up to Mother Griswold’s and went with Susan Brayman and Mrs. Aikin up to the cemetery and I walked over to Mr. Lynes with Robert Cocking. As I returned, I stopped at John Bouton’s a few moments and then came home. I went to the Baptist Church I the evening with Robert and Maria. AUGUST 27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went over to Cousin Frank Bouton’s and stayed to tea. I pulled weeds in the garden from the time I came from work until Gussie came and got tea for me. I went into the street in the evening to see if the tea and coffee which I ordered last Friday came; it did not. By the evening mail, I got a letter from George with $15.00 enclosed and he spoke of $3.00 more for me in a letter to Harriet. Ten dollars of it was for Mr. Harris, the tailor towards a suit of clothes which he bought when he was home on the 4th of July. Before coming from the street, I paid Harris the $10.00 and wrote an acknowledgement to George of the money and enclosed a letter which I took from the Office for him today from St. Augustine, Florida. The small picture books which I ordered last week for Fanny to use in the Sunday School Infant Class came via Swift’s today and I brought them to her this evening. I overtook her coming home from the street and she came in with me to have me write a card with her name to tack on her trunk to take with her to Camp Meeting at Milford tomorrow morning. AUGUST 28 TUESDAY - Warmer today than it has been for some time past. As I went to work this morning, I left a bottle at Widow Clark Hoyt’s for a pint of wine to put spices into to give to Georgie for medicinal purposes. As I came from work, I called at Foster brothers and got a note for $65.00 payable at the Danbury Bank, the same being for the wagon they bought of me. As I came home, I stopped at Mrs. Hoyt’s for the wine. After tea, I went to the depot to see if the tea and coffee I ordered in New York should come by the evening express. I received a letter from Everett C. Andrews (George’s sifter manufacturer in New Haven) saying that he would send the sifters to Mr. Johnson in Newtown this week. AUGUST 29 WEDNESDAY - Muggy and warm – real dog days weather, I have not felt well today. I have a sore throat, the result of a cold. I carried in Foster Brothers note to the Danbury Bank and drew the amount - $65.00, less the discount which was 52 cents – the note I took in pay for the wagon I sold him. The Bank not being open until 10 o’clock, I gave it to the cashier (J. Amsbury) in the morning who presented it to the Board of Officers and after dinner as I returned to the shop, stopped and drew the money. Bell came down this forenoon and took Georgie up home with her. She returned with him before tea, and as Gussie wanted to go over to Harriet Ely’s in the evening, she arranged with her to stay all night s as to be with Georgie in the evening. We not hearing anything of the order I sent to New York to the Great American Tea Company for tea and coffee, I wrote again this evening and repeated the order. After the arrival of the train, I waited for the mail to open and then rode into West Street with Robert Cocking. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. AUGUST 30 THURSDAY - I went to the shop as usual. On my way in the morning, I met Robert Dunning, who told me that his little boy Fred was taken last night with cholera; was taken at tea time about 6 o’clock and at 9 o’clock, his feet and legs were cold as death and no pulse was perceptible. They all expected that surely he would die, but it finally turned favorable. The doctor (Bennett) was with him all night. He is now considered out of danger of the cholera, but is very feeble after such a severe illness. I called over to see them this evening after tea. I went to the depot this evening to see if the tea and coffee came from the Great American Tea Company, but it did not. I waited for the mail and then walked up home with John Brayman. I spoke with him about the debt he owes Mr. Harris, the tailor for an overcoat bought last winter. Before retiring, I wrote more in a letter I commenced last night to George. AUGUST 31 FRIDAY - A little splatter of rain this morning about 6 o’clock. I worked as usual in the shop. I carried two large tomatoes to the shop with me to exhibit. George Benjamin and I ate one of them with our dinners at noon and he took the other home with him. Georgie went up home with bell yesterday morning and stayed until about 7 o’clock this evening when bell came down with him, drawing him in his carriage. Gussie called on Mrs. Jesse Stevens, Mrs. McNeil, Nelson Nickerson and Harriet Ely today. After tea, Hanson Smith came over to borrow my gun to use tomorrow, but I refused him on the grounds that I never lent it and did not want to now begin. I went to the depot upon arrival of the train to see if my tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company. And Lo! And Behold! It came after a delay of a week. The bill was $24.00 for 30 pounds of coffee at 30 cents per pound and 15 pounds of tea at $1.00; collections by express man - 60 cents, expressage - 75 cents making a bill complete of $25.35, which I paid at the express office to E. M. Barnum with the understanding that it should be delivered tomorrow morning early.
1866-08
Horace Purdy Journal June 1866 Entry
13pgs
JUNE 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I cut some grass in Mr. Pond’s yard for my horse. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go into the street and to Singing School in company with Cousin Wells Webster and daughter, Helen. When we returned, we went up to the house and stayed about an hour to visit with them, as they intend to start for home in the morning. In the P.M., Father Griswold hired Mr. Beatty’s double team with his large carriage and took a load with Cousin Wells and daughter to the cemetery and out to Beaver Brook to see the new railroad as they are at work on it. Bell is to stay with us all night. JUNE 02 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I harnessed the horse this morning and carried Helen Webster to the depot. Her father and Father Griswold walked after putting their carpet bags in the wagon. As I returned, I bought a bushel of oats at Crofut’s Feed Store. I put the horse in the stable, ate my breakfast, and went to the shop. We had only a half a day’s work. I left my check with the foreman (V. W. Benedict) to have him draw my money and leave it at Judd’s store. In the evening, I prepared my pea brush and stuck them to my peas. Hoed a portion of my garden. Mowed some grass in my dooryard, also some in Mr. Pond’s to feed the horse over Sunday. While I was at work at my pea brush, Seth Downs came in according to arrangements made this forenoon at the shop to borrow my gun to shoot a robin for his child, who is convalescing from lung fever. Gussie went to market in the evening and left me to hoe garden which I did until after dark. I went down about nine o’clock to see if my clock at the jeweler’s was repaired. It was not, and as I left the house open with no one in it but the sleeping baby, I hurried back and arrive d home before Gussie returned. Josie Wheeler stole Jesse Pond’s little cart from their barn and pulled up a bed of onions for an Irishman which cost Harriet 50 cents damages. JUNE 03 SUNDAY - Stormy all day. I went down to Sunday School at noon. There were but few there. The usual exercises were set aside and the time spent in singing. In the afternoon, Joseph W. Allen, William S. White and myself (a committee appointed at the last teachers’ meeting) went into the Bible classroom and with the help of a map of the borough laid it out into districts and appointed Sunday School teachers (females) to canvass there this summer and bring children who do not attend any place into the Sunday School. After tea, Susan Brayman came in and Gussie went over to Aunt Louisa’s with her. While she was gone, I wrote to George. JUNE 04 MONDAY - Cloudy all day with the appearance of rain each moment though I believe little came. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Bell had the horse this forenoon to carry Julia Squires home who had been staying with her over Sunday. When she returned, Mother Griswold wanted to take a ride but found the harness was broken and did not go. After tea, Mr. Pond helped me grind his scythe and I finished mowing his dooryard. In the evening, I helped him make a small box and dovetailed it together. JUNE 05 TUESDAY - Cloudy and a little rain about 4 P.M. The sun shone before it went down. I had work all day in the shop. I came home to dinner for the first time this season. I felt so poorly that I stopped at Parmalee’s on my way home and took a glass of ale which gave me an appetite for my dinner. I felt like a different man in the afternoon. All hands have been on black hats today. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned tins for Gussie today. Bell came down this P.M. and is to stay with us tonight. She is helping Gussie make a shell frame this evening. I went to market and by the evening mail received a letter from George. He wants to borrow two dollars. Before retiring, I answered the letter and enclosed the money ($2.00). I mended the harness before retiring. It broke yesterday just as Bell returned from Bethel with the horse. JUNE 06 WEDNESDAY - I have worked as usual in the shop. The sun shone in the P.M. and before night it gave promise of fair weather. It has been very sultry and hot today. After tea, I harnessed Jim and drove up to Mr. Hamilton’s, just on the edge of New Fairfield to try and sell George Hamilton my horse. I left there just as a heavy shower was coming up. I drove as far as Elijah Gilbert’s store and there stopped to get a shelter from the rain. I finally came home before it entirely stopped. Mrs. Cocking came to the house this P.M. and began to get things right preparatory to moving. She gave me $3.00 from Robert to pay the rent. JUNE 07 THURSDAY - I commenced this morning and mowed a little grass for the horse in Father Griswold’s door yard. Bell stayed all of last night with us and drew Georgie up home after breakfast. Mr. Edwin C. Sears, one of our shop men, who lives out to Mill Plain died last night in a fit near Lake Kenosha where he went after his tea with some of his grandchildren to catch some fish. I had work in the shop until after 3 o’clock when I came home and harnessed old Jim and went over to the bridge this side of Crofut’s Mill and washed the wagon. After tea, I bushed my Tom Thumb peas which I had heretofore thought would not require it. I got a dozen of the early Cabbage plants and three large double Sunflower plants of Seth Downs. JUNE 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant until 5 P.M. when there came up a shower. Edwin Sears, 58 years old, was buried today. The men in the shop attended in a body. Borough meeting in the P.M. at Concert Hall. E. S. Davis was elected warden by a 7 majority. I came home and went to work in the garden, but a hard shower soon came up and interfered somewhat with my work. JUNE 09 SATURDAY - Sunshine and cloudy at times during the day. I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and then went with George Quien up to his finishing shop and bought 3 pounds of Maple sugar at 2 cents per pound. Victor W. Benedict (our Foreman) drew my money for me and I went for it in the afternoon and then went to George Quien’s and bought 5 pounds more of Maple sugar for Mr. Pond and one pound for Robert Cocking. I had words with Mr. Baxter about corn planted too near the stable door; also about me filling the gutter in front of my house. I paid George Crofut & Son $15 for a barrel of Flour bought a week ago or more. I mowed my dooryard just at tonight to get the fine grass to put around my strawberry plants. Mr. Cocking returned again today from Mr. Lynes’ to live in our rooms upstairs for the summer. Received a letter from George. JUNE 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Bell came down this morning for the horse to carry Mother to meeting. I harnessed and she took Georgie in and gave him a ride up to get Mother. Gussie attended church in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. The sacrament service being omitted on account of the inability of Brother Hill to attend to it on account of sickness, a Mr. Webb from Minnesota who came on here with Fanny Holmes (and it is reported that she is intending to marry him) preached for us. He, not being ordained, could not administer the sacrament, but superintended the prayer meeting which was held instead. After tea, Father came down with the horse. Gussie went with Susan Brayman downtown to see Thomas Purdy’s wife who is very sick. She was so late that neither of us went to meeting in the evening. I wrote to George and Gussie mailed it as she went to see Thomas’ wife. JUNE 11 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I had but just got well at work this morning in the shop when the Reverend Mr. Gannon called to see me about the horse which he had before spoken about buying. I put on my coat and vest, leaving my white shirt hanging on a nail, also my watch and went home. He helped me grease the wagon and then I harnessed to drive a short distance and show him how the horse could travel. I went over to Beaverbrook with him as that was his way home and he was intending to walk to Sandy Hook, about 12 miles. I then thought that I ought to go to Sandy Hook and see if George A. Beers (a merchant there) had sold the 6 sifters which had been left there on commission. I concluded to go and did so and carried Mr. Gannon to his house and took dinner with him. Mr. Beers had sold the sifters. I collected the pay for them - $5.75. The amount was $6.00 but as I had not the receipt which he gave for the sifters when he took them, he hesitated about paying me but finally he said he would pay me and run the risk if I would throw off 25 cents. I concluded to do so rather than come home without the money. Mr. Gannon likes the horse and is satisfied with the price; he also needs a horse very much but does not feel able to buy one. He is very much in doubt about what to do. He offered me a dollar for carrying him home, but as I went mostly only on business for myself, I took only 50 cents. I started for home about 4 o’clock and arrived here about 6 o’clock. I drove to the shop to get my shirt and watch and found the watch had disappeared. Sunday School Teachers’ Business Meeting in the evening. I attended. Before returning, I tried to copy the minutes of the meeting but fell asleep three times and then gave it up. JUNE 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant; I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I worked until dark in my garden and then went to the Post Office to mail a letter to George with one enclosed from St. Augustine. I mailed one this morning to George A. Beers in Sandy Hook with the receipt for the sifters which he gave when he took six of them on commission which he sold and paid me for last Monday. JUNE 13 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day. I had work until noon in the shop. I then came home and sawed and piled wood in the woodhouse. I got some petunias over to Seth Downs’ and set them out just at night. I gave some to Mr. Pond, also to Fanny. Daniel Baxter had a cinch with his son Moses this morning. He threw him down and kicked him. Moses, I think, submitted to it rather than strike his father. I went to the market in the evening and mailed a letter for Bell to George. I paid Charles Reed $3.50 for shoes for wife and baby bought last Saturday. Bell came down just at nigh to help Gussie work at putting shells on a box. She is to stay all night. While in the street, I got the Sunday School Journals for June and marked them off before retiring. Captain B. F. Skinner was buried today from the Universalist Church. The Bethel Military Company came up and buried him with the honors of a soldier. JUNE 14 THURSDAY - The storm is not yet over, though it has rained but little today. Bell stayed with us last night and will do so again tonight. She rubbed sprouts off my potatoes this forenoon and at noon I harnessed the horse and in the P.M., she with Gussie and the baby went up home. She took a basket of potatoes I gave her for sprouting mine. They then left Georgie there and rode up to the cemetery. When they returned, Bell unharnessed and put Jim in the stable. I went to market in the evening and Gussie worked at covering a box with shells. JUNE 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I had all the work in the shop that I could do today. Bell stayed with us last night and took Georgie up home with her today and kept him until night. I harnessed the horse before tea and let Harriet and Louise go up to the cemetery. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe. Took a paper from the Office today for George from his lady correspondent while he was in the army and this evening, I remailed it to him. By the evening mail, I received a letter from him. Nathan Miller called to look at my horse as he came from work tonight. JUNE 16 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. Commenced cutting the grass in Father Griswold’s dooryard for my horse. Gussie took Georgie up home to Father Purdy’s this P.M. in order that she could do some shopping and get her new summer hat. She stayed away until about 8 o’clock in the evening leaving me to get my own supper as best as I could. I was very tired and was much provoked. JUNE 17 SUNDAY - A beautiful morning. It became cloudy about noon and at 3 o’clock, it began to rain. Bell came down in the morning for the horse to carry Mother to church. She gave Georgie a ride up home as she went for Mother and took him again at noon when she carried her home. She left the horse up there in the P.M. and came down with him bringing Georgie in the rain about 3 P.M. I then too the horse and while it was raining in torrents drove over to Mr. Lynes’ to tell him that Mr. Cocking is very sick. He has had the doctor (Bennett) who thinks it is congestion of the lungs. He is very sick and is troubled extremely to breathe. It has rained so hard through the evening that Bell has concluded to stay all night. Gussie went to church in the morning and I went down to Sunday School. I came home when school was out for fear of the rain. JUNE 18 MONDAY - Rain in the morning; it came off pleasant at noon. Bell stayed with us last night. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock. When I came home, I found John Brayman waiting to see me. He paid me 50 cents of the balance of $2.00 borrowed and $5.00 on an old bank account. After tea, I went into Mr. Pond’s garden to look at his strawberries with him and he gave me a handful of very fine ones. I went to market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from George with $11.60 enclosed, $1.25 of it to me for borrowed money which I let him have, $1.35 to pay his taxes, and the remaining $9.00 towards a debt he owes Joseph W. Ives. Mr. Cocking is no better today but the doctor thinks he will be better tomorrow. Before retiring, I added to the letter received this evening in the one I commenced to him last evening. JUNE 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. As I came from work, I called at Joseph W. Ives and paid George’s account there - $5.97- and took a receipt for the same. Bell was with us to tea. After tea, I borrowed rigging from Seth Downs and Mr. McDonald and commenced with Father Griswold to run his cultivator through his potatoes. We got at it and dark came on so quickly that we were obliged to leave it until morning. I wrote a short letter for Mr. Cocking to John Courtney informing him of the illness of Mr. Cocking and mailed it for them as I went to market. Gussie had a severe attack of sick headache in the evening. JUNE 20 WEDNESDAY - A lovely day. I worked as usual in the shop. A strawberry festival of our ladies of the church in the evening in Concert Hall. I was doorkeeper. JUNE 21 THURSDAY - Very warm. Bell, who stayed with Georgie last evening while we went to the festival, stayed all night. Charles Hull watched with Mr. Cocking last night. Mrs. Cocking took our bed upstairs. Bell slept with Gussie and I slept on the lounge. I rose at 4 ½ o’clock this morning and cleaned and greased the wagon. Before going to work, I shaved Robert. Gussie went with Mother and Bell this afternoon to Grassy Plain and stayed to tea with Mrs. Squires. I harnessed the horse at noon for them. Mr. Pond gave me a dish of strawberries for my tea. I received a letter from George by the evening mail. I wrote a letter from Robert to John Courtney at Fort Hamilton. James Osborne is to watch with Robert tonight. JUNE 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I rode to Grassy Plain before breakfast to David Squires for the martingales that Bell left there yesterday. She forgot them when she harnessed the horse to come home. I did not go to the shop but worked around the house hoeing the garden, etc. I drove the horse down to the shop at noon to let John Morris use him to plow out a piece of potatoes. A letter from George in the evening asking for what money was left after paying his debts from money he sent home. I paid Parmalee & Howe $4.21 that George owed them which left a balance of $3.62 to send to him. JUNE 23 SATURDAY - Very warm again today. I did not work in the shop in the P.M. but finished and got trimmed a hat for myself. Before coming home, I went to the barber’s and got my hair cut. We picked 1 ½ quarts of strawberries for our tea. We gave Mrs. Cocking a pint of them. Robert has not been so well today. I went for the doctor as soon as I was dressed. I harnessed the horse after tea and went to the Wooster House for some ice for Robert to use over Sunday, the ice dealer having failed to drive this way today. As I came home with the horse, I had to whip him to make him stand while I shut the gates. While I was getting the ice, I also got 4 oranges for Robert. JUNE 24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I watched with Robert Cocking last night. Mrs. Cocking got up at 3 o’clock and I came downstairs and retired. After breakfast, I shave him. He is better today. He rested well last night. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School. When it closed, I came home feeling too tired to stay to meeting in the P.M. Fred Shears had my horse and harness with Edgar Benedict’s wagon to take his mother to the cemetery in the P.M. Mr. Pond found tracks in his strawberry bed today where some person had been picking his berries last night. We have suspicions of the person, but are not certain. I wrote after tea for Robert to his brother-in-law John Courtney in Fort Hamilton, Long Island., telling him how Robert is getting along with his sickness. I also wrote to George (or finished a letter commenced last Friday) and enclosed $4.80 of his money in my hands, he wishing me to send it as he will need it before he gets paid off again. I also wrote to the Sunday School to Carlton & Porter ordering 1 dozen of No. 1 Catechisms and enclosed $.48, the price of the same. About 6 o’clock, I harnessed the horse and took Louise, Gussie and the baby up to the cemetery. We rode up Balmforth Avenue, down Main Street to Franklin, passed Mallory’s Shop, down Spring Street to the Post Office, mailed letters and came home. John Brayman then took the horse and gave his wife a ride. When John returned, I stayed awhile and talked. JUNE 25 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. It has seemed to me to be the hottest day yet. We took off our featherbed and filled a tick with straw and put it in its place. Negotiations have been going on today between the journeymen and Mr. Crofut to reduce the price of the coarse work so that thereby we may retain it and prevent his starting a foul shop. We deferred final action on it on account of the absence of several of the journeymen. We are to get on it tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock. After tea, I harnessed the horse and Gussie and Georgie rode with me up to Middle River to see Smith Pulling about butter. We went to notify him that our winter butter was gone and to have him commence bringing it to us for the summer according to previous agreement. When we returned, Mr. Pond and myself rode over to Oil Mill Pond (which was about 9 o’clock) and took a bath. Mr. Cocking is quite well today. He was able to dress himself and go to the table for his tea. A small shower with considerable thunder just at bedtime. JUNE 26 TUESDAY - Very warm but not quite so oppressive, I think, as yesterday. We accepted a reduction on our bill of prices today of 2% on 6-5-4-4x and 1% on 4xa. (?) hats to be the same as soft hats. The new arrangement will take effect July 1st. Smith Pulling brought us 2 lbs. of butter for the first. I harnessed the horse in the evening and went to market. I took a shopmate William H. Hutching and drove up town and down Balmforth Avenue. I carried a notice to the Times Office in the evening for Father Griswold advertising his carpet bag which he lost in the depot yesterday. It was probably stolen. Bell came down just at night and stayed to tea and finally concluded to stay all night. JUNE 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and still very warm. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I hurried to get home before the shower as a heavy one came up and commenced raining soon after I got home. George Foot had a bad gash cut in his head from the heel of a shoe thrown by John Grey this noon at the shop. The whole affair was in sport. It commenced by throwing leaves (?). Mr. Cocking’s brother-in-law, John Courtney from Fort Hamilton, came to see him today. He came on the 3 o’clock train and returned on the regular passenger train. It rained hard all evening with sharp lightning and heavy thunder. I went to the Post Office in the evening, expecting a letter from George, but got none. Bell took Georgie up home this P.M. and has not yet returned and will probably not on account of the rain. JUNE 28 THURSDAY - Stormy this forenoon; it cleared away in part just before night. Bell came home with Georgie in the afternoon, he having stayed up there all night. She harnessed Old Jim and carried Mother over to Aunt Louise’s to spend the P.M. As I came from work, she had just carried Mother home. I let Hiram Hadden take the horse to go up to the Boggs in the evening. He returned about 9 ½ o’clock. I picked a few cherries before dark and then went to market. JUNE 29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cool after the rain. I had only a half-day’s work in the shop. Mr. Cocking took a ride with me downtown in the P.M. I paid George Starr $25.00 which I borrowed of him April 1st. I made arrangements in the P.M. with Mr. McDonald about repairing my wagon. I picked what few cherries we had. Our folks expected somewhat that Edwin would come on the evening train. I harnessed Old Jim and went to the depot, but we were disappointed for they did not come. JUNE 30 SATURDAY - I harnessed the horse after breakfast and carried Mr. Cocking over to Mr. Lynes’, the first time that he has been over there since he has been taken sick which was two weeks ago tomorrow. He is not able to walk and he rode back about noon with George Lynes when he came into the street for the mail. When I returned from Mr. Lynes’ I the morning, I left the wagon at Mr. McDonald’s to be repaired. I had the horse shod also before going over with Robert. I carried my dinner at the shop, it being 9 o’clock when I went to work. We were told last night not to come until that time. Hard thunder shower about 4 P.M. with hail. George came home from Brooklyn by the evening train, also Edwin Griswold and little Eddie, Jr. from Elyria, Ohio. I borrowed Mr. McDonald’s wagon and went to the depot for them. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie go to the depot to meet Edwin. George came home this way and I drove home with them. After caring for the horse, I borrowed Seth Downs’ saddle for George who wants to take a ride before breakfast tomorrow morning. As I came from work this P.M., I called at Benedict & Nichols’ and paid then $25.00 on my account of $44.66.
1866-06
Horace Purdy Journal September 1866 Entry
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SEPT 01 SATURDAY - Very warm. The express box containing tea and coffee was delivered this morning before I went to work. I opened it and carried Mr. Pond’s portion – 10 lbs. coffee and 15 lbs. tea over to him and then took 5 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea to John McNamee and 5 lbs. of coffee to Charles Hoyt at the shop. I took my time at may work today and finished only one dozen at $2.00 which took me nearly all day. As I came home from work, I stopped at Tim Foster’s Carpenter Shop and he paid me the discount on the note which he gave me for the wagon and $1.00 for the bridle. I came home and put away in cans and jars the tea and coffee which came in the morning. Mr. Clark who is from Hartford and visiting at Father Griswold’s came down this P.M. and took tea with us. A slack rope performance between Concert Hall and Hull’s block across Main Street came off this evening by a performer who shows this evening in the Hall. I did not see it however. Fanny came from Camp Meeting by the evening train. I received a letter from George in the evening. I walked up from the office with Samuel Barnum and had conversation with him about a lamp post on the corner of West and William Street. SEPT 02 SUNDAY - A shower this morning about 9 o’clock. It rained very hard for a few minutes. As I came from getting my milk, Joe ___ came home with me to get some tomatoes. Gussie went to church in the morning and at the same time, I drew up the Sunday School classes anew for one half of the school in Edward Barnum’s Librarians Book. It kept me nearly all the forenoon. Gussie came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. After school, I went down to see Harmon Ellis who lives at the lower end of the town near the Episcopal Burying Grounds. I went to carry to him a letter from George telling him that he could have work with him at Prentice in Brooklyn. I walked down with David Bradley who went with me to show me where he lived. I waited to have him write a note in reply to enclose in a letter which I mailed to George in the evening. I went from there up home on Deer Hill to get a melodeon instructor which George sent for. I could not find it so Father came down with it after tea. I gave him some tomatoes to take home with him. I finished my letter to George and put up a Singing Book (Nightingale), the Melodeon instructor and a pile of sheet music called “Tis Finished” or “Sing Hallelujah” in a small package and carried it over to Lorenzo B. Sage in Spring Street to have him take it to George when he returns on the morrow. From there I went to the Post Office and mailed my letter to George and came home to let Gussie go to church but found her gone and Louise there staying with Georgie Gussie went to Baptist Church to see Thomas Purdy’s wife and Mary Hickok baptized. SEPT 03 MONDAY - Warm again today. I do not feel well. I had the headache this morning and my throat has been very sore this afternoon. I did but little work. I came home from the shop about 3 o’clock and went over to Spring Street to see L. B. Sage about saving the position in Brooklyn for George’s friend, Harmon Ellis. I did not find him at home, he having gone to the depot to see about the shipment of furniture which he is moving to Brooklyn. I returned to the depot and saw him. He promised to reserve the place for Ellis for one week. I came home feeling about sick. While at tea, Mr. Pond came over and paid me for his tea and coffee - $8.00. Gussie went over to see Mrs. Stone about washing and to Dr. Bulkely for some medicine for me in the evening while I stayed at home with Georgie. Before retiring, I looked up Fred Jennings' old account for rent with the design of taking legal steps to collect it. Gussie brought a letter from the Office for her folks from Canton stating that Aunt Ruth, Alfred and Lydia were intending to come to Danbury for a visit. SEPT 04 TUESDAY - It rained hard during last night. It has been lowery all day with some rain. It rained very hard about 9 o’clock. Not feeling well, I did not go to the shop, but with Mr. Pond’s help, I ground his scythe and mowed my door yard. It was nearly night when I finished carrying off the grass. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Harriet Wheeler started this morning for Camp Meeting at Plainville at which her father presides. From there, she intends going to Canton. I paid Granville Ambler $.30 for pasturing horse May 25 and 26. I went into the street in the evening and exchanged my broken gold pen for a dollar box of Easterbrook’s containing 144 pens for $.75, $.25 being allowed for the old gold one. SEPT 05 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant about 9 o’clock. I have felt about sick again today – very lame. I think I took more cold yesterday. I did not intend to go to the shop in the morning, but I became so uneasy, thinking of my liabilities and payments coming due that I started for the shop despite my feelings. I accomplished but little, but that little is better than nothing. After tea, I picked some Citron melons in Father Griswold’s melon patch and after returning from market, we invited Mrs. Cocking downstairs. She came and ate of the items with us. The down passenger train this P.M. ran off the track just this side of the Georgetown Station. The engine lies on its back, so say reports. The particulars we will get tomorrow. Caroline Hull died about 1 o’clock of consumption. SEPT 06 THURSDAY - The cause of the passenger train running off the track last evening was that a hand car was coming up at the same time. A curve in the track prevented one from seeing the other. The locomotive lies on its side instead of its back as reported last night. It ran into a stream of water nearby before it could be stopped where it now lies. Fortunately, no one was hurt. It was 6 o’clock this morning before a train came in here through from Norwalk. We got an advance on our bill of prices at the shop today. It was only the course qualities and they were put back again (with the exception of No. 5, they lack 1 % (??)only) to where they were before the last deduction was made. In the evening, I cleaned my gun and repaired one of the locks. Gussie went to evening prayer meeting. SEPT 07 FRIDAY - Cloudy all day. Orin Benedict’s Hat factories at Grassy Plain were destroyed by fire about 4 o’clock this morning. T. & E. Tweedy’s finishing shop which has for the past year been foul is to commence again fair next Monday morning. Zerah Hoyt is hired as foreman. This report comes well authenticated and is doubtless true. Caroline Hull was buried this P.M. at 1 ½ o’clock. Gussie attended the funeral. Bell took Georgie up home yesterday morning and kept him until about 5 o’clock this afternoon when she brought him home and stayed to tea. Rev. Mr. Stone (the Baptist preacher) was taken last night with spitting blood and is today quite feeble with its effects. Baptist Peach Festival this evening at Concert hall. I went to market this evening and got caught in a shower on my return. Gussie bought some coarse cotton yarn today from which to knit sock for me and sent it up to Mother who is to knit them for me. SEPT 08 SATURDAY - Pleasant and cooler towards night. I worked as usual in the shop except that I worked later, it being nearly 7 o’clock when I left the shop. Rollo Nichols brought some lemonade into the shop today in a wash tub. We all drank of it and then he passed a hat and took a collection for the benefit of the Baptist Bible Class Library, the lemonade being some which was left over from their Peach Festival last night. I went to market in the evening and walked up home with Robert Cocking. The trial of the Adams Express robbers which has been on for about two weeks was ended today and the case submitted to the jury. Whether jurymen have been able to agree yet or not, I have not heard. SEPT 09 SUNDAY - A pleasant September day. Robert Dunning called in the yard this morning a few minutes and ate some pears which had fallen from one of my dwarf trees and pronounced them excellent. Gussie attended church in the morning. Brother Webb preached. I went to Sunday School at noon. I came home after the session with the collection money and then went down home for George’s stencil plate which he wants sent to him. From there, I went down to William H. Taylor’s to see Harmon Ellis (who I expected would go to Brooklyn tomorrow to work with George) to send the stencil plate to George by him but did not find him at home. I reached home again about 3 o’clock just in time for dinner. Before dark, I wrote to George and enclosed a letter for Willie Franklin. Gussie, Georgie and myself took a walk before dark around the square by Mr. McDonald’s I attended church in the evening. Gussie stayed with Georgie. As I went, I mailed my letter to George. Mr. See (?), a Dutch reform preacher from New York, preached from Phil 1-21. It was an excellent sermon, the best I have heard in a long time. While I was at church, Gussie commenced a letter to Cousin Eliza in California. SEPT 10 MONDAY - Pleasant. Before going to the shop, I killed a fowl for Mother Griswold. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock this evening. After tea, I went up to see Father Griswold about sending in a club (which is being made up by Ben Roff) to New York for coffee. He wants 3 lbs. He gave me the money - $3.00-which pays for the coffee and $.10 for Roff for trouble and expressage. I went into the street to the Post Office, but got no mail. I walked up with John Cable. Father Griswold came from camp meeting today. SEPT 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning but it soon began to cloud over and in the P.M., it commenced raining. Before breakfast, I saw Mr. Pond and we arranged to send to Ohio for our winter butter. I immediately wrote an order and mailed it to Edwin as I went to work for 100 lbs. I gave the money to Ben Roff this forenoon which Father Griswold gave me last evening for 3 lbs. coffee. I worked until 6 o’clock in the shop this evening and came home in the rain. On my way, I stopped at the Post Office and got a bill for 1 dozen sifters from Everett C. Andrews of New Haven which he has sent to D. H. Johnson of Newtown, an order which George had for the same some time since. Milo Clark from Hartford, who has been visiting Father Griswold the past two weeks left here by the noon train. Before retiring, I wrote to D. H. Johnson concerning the sifter and enclosed a bill of the same. SEPT 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant this morning and through the day, but in the evening it was cloudy again. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to Johnson which I wrote last evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Harriet and Louise Jones and Mrs. Jabine called here today. Louise brought me a letter from George with $13.75 enclosed - $10.00 to pay Mr. Harris towards clothes and $3.75 to me to balance borrowed money. I wrote a reply to George acknowledging receipt of the money and mailed it to him this evening. I sent his stencil plate, ink, etc. by young Jabine to Louise who is at Mr. Jabine’s to take to George on her return. Mrs. Craig, formerly Hattie Gregory, died last evening with consumption at the residence of Walter F. Olmstead. Before I retired, I helped Gussie seal up jelly (crab apple) in cups. SEPT 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, we changed the bedstead from our bedroom with the one upstairs in the small room, it being smaller and in consequence would give us more room. I filled a tick for it before making the bed from oat straw which I had from Father Griswold’s barn. I worked until 7 o’clock which was as long as I could see. Merritt ____ who committed rape on Peter Rowan’s daughter was tried this P.M. ad was sentenced to State Prison for life. I came from work with the headache, but after tea felt better and went down to market. SEPT 14 FRIDAY - Bell came down this morning while we were at breakfast to take Georgie up home for the day and to stay overnight. Gussie went down to court at 9 o’clock with Frank Bouton and Lucy Bennett, but Lucy’s case did not come before the court as expected, so they returned. Gussie went up to Mr. Craig’s after dinner to attend the funeral of young Craig’s wife (the former Hattie Gregory). She, while up there, went across the way and called on Anna Hinman. I had a headache all night and woke with it this morning. I went to the shop, but did not feel able to work and returned. On my way home, I stopped at the church and emptied the Infant Class money box and took from it $4.92, all pennies, except a 5 cent stamp. I took them over to Scofield’s Dry Goods store and exchanged them for bills and when I came home deposited it in the Sunday School treasury. I then knowing that I should feel better out of doors took my gun and started for a walk. I finally got as far as Mill Plain Swamp where I shot a pigeon. I returned home about 3 o’clock, not having eaten anything since breakfast, abstaining by choice to drive away any headache which it did effectually before I returned. A fellow by name of Reed, a member of our church, came to me early in the evening to borrow my gun. I went into the street and borrowed Parmalee’s for him rather than lend mine. Before I came from the street John Bouton wanted to borrow it. Not wanting to refuse him, I let him take it. He came home with me and got it. Gussie went in the evening in company with Louise to the tableaux in Concert Hall, the proceeds to be given to the Female Guardian Society. A hard thunder shower about 6 P.M. SEPT 15 SATURDAY - Pleasant and cool. I worked in the shop as usual. The three pounds of coffee that Father Griswold sent for to New York by Ben Roff came today to the shop and I brought it home. After tea, we went up home to get Georgie and to see George. Bell and George came home with us. Just as we got home, John and Frank Bouton came with the gun I let him have yesterday to hunt with today. We all went into the street to do marketing leaving bell with Gussie. I bought my first scallops of the season this evening. When we returned from market, we found Louise Vintz and Clarissa Smith with Bell. George came on the morning train form Brooklyn. SEPT 16 SUNDAY - Cold this morning. They say there was frost, but I did not see any. The day has been pleasant. George came down to breakfast this morning and ate scallops according to promise last night. He went back home and came this way with Bell to church. Gussie went with them. She returned at noon. I went to Sunday School, after which George returned home with me. We took Georgie and went up home to supper and had apple dumplings. After supper, we (George, Gussie, Bell and myself) went up to the cemetery, leaving Georgie up home to stay overnight with Bell. When we came from the cemetery, it was evening meeting time, so we went directly to the church. A Mr. Sanford preached for us. George and Bell came by way of our house from meeting. They stopped and we ate melons and pears. We sent a pail of milk by them up to Georgie. SEPT 17 MONDAY - Pleasant. George came this way as he went to the depot this morning and put some pears and tomatoes in his carpet bag. While making the fire this morning, I broke the grate to the stove. I worked as usual in the shop. I felt nearly sick towards night and stopped work a little earlier than usual. Gussie attended the trial of Nathan Darling for the attempted rape of Lucy Bennett. She stayed until the court adjourned which was about 6 o’clock. Louise came down while we were at tea and helped Gussie clear away the dishes, she being lame with her carbuncle. After the table was cleared away, she went over to John Brayman’s awhile, leaving me with Louise. Louise mended my pocketbook and I gave her $.50 for it to help her get one of the Centenary Medals. The Norwalk Brass band are here this evening giving a concert to be followed by a hop at Concert Hall. SEPT 18 TUESDAY - Warmer today. I went over to Robert Dunning’s before breakfast and engaged his wife to wash for us tomorrow. I worked until dark at the shop. On the Darling rape case, the jury today brought in a verdict of guilty. When I came home from work, I found Aunt Mary Hoyt with her two step children (twin boys) at our house to tea. After tea, Louise came down to let Gussie and I go up to our folks with them, where we found Uncle Cyrus. They, with Bell, went up to the cemetery in the P.M. and stopped at our house to tea. Uncle Cyrus being lame, he could not go with them. Just after we returned home in the evening, there came up a shower. SEPT 19 WEDNESDAY - Gussie being too lame to do her washing, I took the clothes over to Mrs. Dunning, who consented to wash them for us. This I did before breakfast. There has been but little sunshine today, it being lowery most of the time and a little rain in the P.M. Robert Cocking came to the factory with their boy Charlie to get a hat and came up to the finishing room to see me. I was too tired to go into the street in the evening so I stayed home. Gussie canned the remainder of her pears today. Crofut’s second daughter Mary was married today at 9 o’clock to Joe White, a new partner in the firm. SEPT 20 THURSDAY - Stormy. I worked as usual in the shop. Nathan Darling was today sentenced to the State Prison for 6 years for attempted rape on Lucy Bennett. Before tea, I went over to Mrs. Dunning’s for the clothes which I took there yesterday morning to be washed and ironed. Gussie’s arm is worse today. SEPT 21 FRIDAY - Lowery in the morning with an East wind. It finally changed to the South and broke away, giving some sunshine. About 5 o’clock, there came u a shower. A little after 9 o’clock in the evening, it rained. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie’s arm has given her so much pain today that she let Bell take Georgie home with her to stay overnight. I went into the street in the evening and got the Sunday School papers at Swift’ store, consulted Dr. Bulkley about Gussie’s swelling under her arm and came home. Before retiring I marked off the Sunday School papers for distribution next Sunday. SEPT 22 SATURDAY - The morning broke with a cloudless sky. It has been pleasant but cool. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I took the Sunday School papers down to the church. I waited for the train and then walked up with John Brayman, Bob and Edward Dunning. Bell came down with Georgie just before night. Louise stayed with Gussie in the evening. While in the street, I paid Robert Cocking $1.12 for pears – ½ bushel for myself and a peck and a half for Mother Griswold. SEPT 23 SUNDAY - Cold; a frost this morning. I went to church this morning in order to be present at Sunday School as we begin today to organize the school for collecting funds for the centenary cause or rather to procure funds to advance the cause of Methodism and education through the church in this our centenary year. We took the names of scholars who desired cards with which to take the subscription. After church, I filled out cards for those who applied and will deliver them next Sunday. I also took a list of the names and numbered them to correspond with the cards for the purpose of receiving the money when it shall be paid in to the treasurer who is myself. After tea, father came in and stayed a short time. Before evening meeting, John Brayman came in to ask my advice about building as he has an opportunity to do so; the lot and money to be furnished on bond and mortgage. He came to see me this evening on account of being obliged to give an answer to the parties tomorrow morning. I advised him to do it. Mr. Sanford preached for us again today. He preached a powerful sermon this morning on “The Faith of Moses”. Gussie, not having attended church during the day, she went in the evening and I stayed at home with Georgie. SEPT 24 MONDAY - Pleasant this morning with a heavier frost than yesterday morning. I carried our clothes over to Mrs. Dunning’s before breakfast for her to wash them, Gussie being yet too lame to do it herself. It is reported today that Zopher Keeler’s house was entered yesterday while they were at church and robbed of $240. I worked as usual in the shop’ it began to cloud over in the forenoon and finally became thickly clouded and in the evening about 8 ½ o’clock began to mist. Gussie bought me 20 bushels of charcoal today at $.20 - $4.00. I went to market in the evening and bought a pair of pants of Mr. Harris - $8.00. I got a letter by the evening mail from George with $10.00 enclosed, five of it to balance his account with Harris for clothes and five to pay me what he borrowed a week ago to return to Brooklyn. Before retiring, I answered George’s letter and done up 4 Sunday School Advocates to mail to Mrs. Turner in Jacksonville, Florida. SEPT 25 TUESDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning, but before night it came off pleasant and warm. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I came home from work rather late this evening, it being nearly 7 o’clock. Before we sat down to tea, Harriet and Mr. Jabine came in to spend the evening. We passed the evening very pleasantly. Mr. Jabine and I went up to Father Griswold’s a few moments and while there ate grapes with the elder and brought home a bunch for Harriet. Before going up there, we had been eating pears. Mrs. Jabine has gone to Brooklyn and Harriet is staying there in her place. They left for home about 8 ½ o’clock. SEPT 26 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day; it rained very hard in the P.M. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. Harriet Wheeler and Josie came home from Essex today, arriving about 2 o’clock P.M. on the freight train. It being raining in the evening, I did not go out but spent most of the evening in cleaning my gun and pistol. Those prisoners sentenced by the court recently held here were started this morning for Wethersfield. Among them were three of them for life for rape and one (Darling) for six years for the attempted rape of Lucy Bennett. SEPT 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant this morning again. I went to the shop as usual, but came home at noon with the headache. A letter from D. H. Johnson from Newtown with a check on Pahquioque bank for $11.50 for sifters. I went to the bank and drew it in the P.M. They charged me $.10 for discount making it $11.40 received. I sent enclosed in a letter $6.85 to E.C. Andrews in New Haven for the sifters sent to Johnson. I also wrote to Johnson acknowledging the receipt of the check. Mother came down in the fore noon and stayed all day. Bell came just at night and took Georgie home with her to stay the night. I took my gun and went over towards Mr. Lynes’ and shot at a mark with coarse shot. I ate no dinner or supper on account of headache. I retired about 7 o’clock. Gussie went into the street in the evening and bought a dress for herself and one for Bell – a present – and other articles – Canton Flannels, Seidlitz powders, dress trimmings, etc. SEPT 28 FRIDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but not feeling very well, did not go to work but returned home and helped Gussie take up some house plants and put them in pots preparatory to housing them when the weather becomes colder. After dinner, I took my guns and went over to Mill Pain Swamp to look for pigeons but found none. I found a flock of quails in Ferry’s Woods and shot two of them. I then fell in with a fellow named Knox. He shot one also. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. I bought the sheet music which George ordered – “Sherman’s March Through Georgia” and mailed it to him this evening. I called to see Hanford Fairchild to see if he would endorse a note for $200 for me at the Danbury Bank. He preferred not to endorse but thought he would let me have the money. Before coming home, we went down to Andrew Williams to borrow a carpet bag of Mrs. Bradley for Gussie to carry to Norwalk with her next week. When we returned I went up to let Father Griswold have $30 toward the debt I am to pay him next Monday, as he wanted some to use before that time. SEPT 29 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. and evening with the appearance of a storm. I went to the Danbury Bank between 9 and 10 o’clock and withdrew the note of $200 which I had left there yesterday to be presented to the board today. My reason for withdrawing it was that Hanford Fairchild has promised to let me have the amount. I went to the shop about 10 o’clock and finished off a dozen hats and commenced another and about 2 P.M. went up to the baseball Grounds to see a game played between the Columbia and Waverly clubs. The game lasted from 1 ½ and 5 ½ o’clock. Gussie went up home this P.M. and carried Bell’s new dress which she is making her a present of and to bring Georgie home. Bell came down to stay all night as Gussie has been sent for to go up to Henry Hinman’s to be with Anna who is confined with child birth. I received a letter in the evening from George. I carried our clock back to S. G. Bailey this morning; it was worse than before he cleaned it. I saw Sealy Harris at caucus this evening and paid him $4.00 for Father Griswold, the same being for cider bought last year. SEPT 30 SUNDAY - A little rain last night; pleasant and mild today. Bell stayed with us last night and went home after breakfast. Gussie went to church this morning. I went to Sunday School and prayer meeting in the P.M. I distributed t cards to the Sunday School scholars to collect money for the Sunday School Centenary Fund. After tea, Father came down and he took a little walk with Georgie and me. In the meantime, Gussie and Susan Brayman went uptown to see Anna Hinman. When Father left, I went over to John Brayman’s and Robert Dunning’s a few minutes, more to walk with Georgie than anything else. Robert walked back home with me and ate some pears. Gussie returned a little before evening meeting time and I finished a letter to George which I began last evening. I attended church in the evening and as I went mailed the letter to George. A young man from New York preached for us today. He is an Irishman, a graduate from Dublin University in Ireland.
1866-09