Horace Purdy Journal August 1869 Entry
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AUGUST 01 SUNDAY - Pleasant and not very warm. I took Georgie down to church in time for Sunday School. After school, I came home with him. After dinner, I took him for a walk over into Division Street. We stopped to see Mary, the first time we have called on her since her marriage. From there, we went over to Horace Cable's in Spring Street. Horace gave me a letter which he got from the Office last evening from D. R. French in which he acknowledged the receipt of the draft for $100.00 from Hill & Purdy. He wants money as fast as we can remit to him to pay for a large lot of slats lately received from Vermont. AUGUST 02 MONDAY - Pleasant. In the forenoon, I collected a little on our spring beds from Albert Scott, R. W. Holmes, and George L. Smith. After dinner we went up to the bogs to see a man about spring beds, but he being away from home, we did not see him. It was about 6 P.M. when we returned. After tea, Horace Cable came over to see me. We went into the street together. We received by the evening mail a bill for Lot No. 4, our last one for springs from D. R. French. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station today to introduce our spring bed bottoms. We spent about a half day there showing it up and took 3 positive orders besides preparing the way for a goodly number of sales some other day. We started for home about sundown arriving here about 8:30. AUGUST 04 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I collected from Mr. Decklyn $18.50 for 3 spring bed bottoms. I turned it over to Horace Cable and he with other money got a draft for $100.00, which I this evening mailed to D. R. French with a duplicate of 6 beds ordered from Twitchell. I at the same time sent the order to Mr. Twitchell. In it were two for H. Fairchild which he is in a great hurry for to commence housekeeping. We expected a lot of beds on the freight train, but they did not come. AUGUST 05 THURSDAY - Showery with some indications of rain but only now and then a little sprinkle. It cleared off in the evening. Horace Cable and I with his horse rode over to Sturdivant's to canvass the factory for our spring bed bottoms. In the P.M., 10 beds came by the freight train. We put up a part of them, including 3 we took to Bethel for Farnum Greenwood and Thomas Wheeler. AUGUST 06 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool in the morning. We rode up to New Milford in the morning to put up spring beds at Lanesville and the Iron Works. But found the beds had not come as we expected. We fed ourselves and the horse at Nelson Knowles in Lanesville. We came home by way of the steam excavator. George Bradley paid me $6.75 for his spring bed. I also in New Milford collected $6.00 from Michael McNiff. In the evening, I went over to Horace's but not finding him home, I went to the Post Office where I found him. AUGUST 07 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still cool. I mowed my dooryard and raked it off this forenoon. After dinner I went to the depot where I met Horace Cable with his horse. We had 6 beds come on the freight train. We put up 2 for Hanford Fairchild, one for Philo Knapp and the two which came last week for William Bailey. An eclipse of the sun this P.M. from 5:15 until about sundown. In the evening, I went to market with Gussie. We bought a toy small gun for Georgie. Two letters - one from Twitchell and one from French. AUGUST 08 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warmer. We did not get up this morning until about 8 o'clock. Gussie went to the Baptist church this morning to hear their old minister, Mr. Stone. Father came in just before dinner to have me cut his hair. I did it and then took Georgie down to Sunday School. After school, I came home again. We had dinner about 3 o'clock, after which I took Georgie with me for a walk. We went into River Street where we stopped to see E. E. Wildman about sending me word from New Milford if my spring beds were at the depot there. He is going up there tomorrow. From there I walked around to Horace Cable's and their home, stopping at Ambrose Hill's a moment to see Philo Bennett. AUGUST 09 MONDAY - Pleasant. I hoed up a few weeds in my garden before breakfast. After breakfast, I went over to Horace Cable's and we with his horse took Henry Willis' and Mrs. Lewis Bennett's bed springs and went over to Sandy Hook and put them in. I went to look at J. H. Warner's springs that Ambrose Hill put in one of the slats of which is broken. I concluded to write to D. R. French and have him take back the bed and send another in its place which will be alright. We came home by way of Bethel where I collected for Hill & Purdy $6.50 from George Osborne for a spring bed. We arrived home about 2 P.M. I tried to collect a little in the P.M. In the evening, I attended teachers' meeting. I offered my resignation, but they refused to accept it, deferring action for one month. Before I retired, I wrote to D. R. French about exchanging J. H. Warner's bed (at Sandy Hook) for a good one, one slat being broken, and several others are defective. AUGUST 10 TUESDAY - Hot. Horace Cable and I went to New Milford for 6 bed springs and brought them to Lanesville. I put up 4 of the 5 at this place, the 5h being for Nelson Knowles. I did not go there on account of his son having the smallpox. Horace not feeling very well and fearing the smallpox, he took the train at Lanesville and started for home, leaving me to take care of the beds. After putting up John and James Knowles, Perry Chase's and Willis' and leaving Nelson Knowles' at his son's place, I then started for the Iron Works and put up one for Lewis Ives after which I drove home. Before doing so, I was obliged to go to the blacksmith's and got a new shoe put on the horse's foot. AUGUST 11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and hot. We delivered and put up John Corning's springs in Mill Plain, Hiram Paddock's and Samuel Dank's at Little Sodom in New York State. We took dinner at Mr. Paddock's. We spent the remainder of the day canvassing towards home arriving about 7 o'clock. Received a bill today from Thomas Sproule for 5 tons of coal at $10.00 per ton. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 12 THURSDAY - Pleasant and hot. We went to Bethel this forenoon to canvass a little for our spring beds and measure Henry Tinmann's bed for a set of springs. After dinner, I prepared a set of crossbars for A. W. Bailey's bed to put into Miss L. Farnum's. Harmon Knapp, professing not to like the springs (this is the first out of a hundred where dissatisfaction has occurred), we took them out and took them in the wagon and with the one for Miss Farnum, we went down to Bethel about 6 P.M. and put it in for Tinmann. AUGUST 13 FRIDAY - before breakfast, I wrote to Henry Day, telling him that I must have some money on the notes that were due April 1st and May 1st last. I sent it to the Office for the morning mail by Charles Short. I canvassed in the forenoon for our spring beds. In the P.M., I went over to Horace Cable's and spent the greater part of the afternoon on the door sill of his barn talking over business, the bed and free trade, etc. I went to Tweedy's Wool Hat Shop and collected from Willis Gunn $6.75 for a set of box springs we put in for him last Tuesday up to Lanesville. From there, I called at Ely & Young's shop under the hill by Lacey & Davis' forming factory. I then went to Mallory's shop to see Ed Dunning. Before we left there, a shower came up and we walked to his house (Horace Cable's) in the rain. There was, however, but little rain fell. I played my first game of croquet this noon over to Mr. Pond's. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from William Hayes. AUGUST 14 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I went over to Lake Kenosha with Horace Cable blackberrying. Elmer Cable, Charles Hill and Willis Graham were over there and rode home with us. We all filled our baskets and pails. I got over a peck myself. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then went into the street to see if I could see someone who owes Cable & Purdy for spring beds. I did not collect any. I went into the street again in the evening. Edwin's wife Anne is sick with dysentery. AUGUST 15 SUNDAY - Showery during the day. I went down to Sunday School at noon. On account of the frequent showers, the attendance was small. The time was spent in singing and the Superintendent spoke to the school. I came home in the P.M. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed at home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to William Hayes' letter received on Friday. It rained hard in the evening with thunder showers. AUGUST 16 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I mailed a letter to William Hayes. I went down to the Pahquioque Shop (where I still hold a position) just to see the men. From there, I went over to the Sewing Machine Factory to collect $6.50 from Col. James Ryder but did not get it. As I went to the Pahquioque, I took my clock to Fanton's where it was recently repaired to fix the hands so that they can be moved. They left it before so that I could not move them either forward or backwards. I called uptown to see Mrs. E. S. Davis about springs for her bed which she had engaged some time ago. She had found by examining her other springs that they could unexpectedly use them on her new bedstead and therefore did not need new ones. She would nevertheless have taken them, but I released her from the agreement, not wishing to oblige her to take them if she did not really want them. From there, I called to measure Edmund Dunning's bed but his baby being asleep, I would not disturb the child. I then called at Horace Cable's and came home to dinner. After dinner, I spaded over a place for a strawberry bed and went over to Cable's and got 50 Green Prolific Plants and laid them out, after which Horace and I went into the street to collect. I saw Mrs. Burch, but they would have no money for me until next month. Horace went to see Mrs. W. Bailey and I to see George Raymond. He got nothing but was promised tomorrow morning. I got my pay from Raymond. In the evening, I went up and measured Dunning's bedstead. While standing near the Post Office, Charles Griffing asked me for the balance of my account or a note for the amount. I went up to his office to look over the account but would not give a note. While there, I talked with John Rowan about spring beds. I think I will sell him one. AUGUST 17 TUESDAY - After breakfast, I went down to William Bailey's and collected from his wife $12.00 for two spring beds. I went over to Horace Cable's but on account of the rain, we did not go as we intended to Brewster Station to canvass for spring beds. We spent the forenoon in talking over and arranging our partnership in the tree agency. After dinner, I had a set of half circles sawed out by Daniel Starr with which to fit the springs to Edmund Dunning's bed. Horace Cable measured Charles Griffing's bed for a set of springs. I added it to an order I was about to send to New Haven and mailed it by the P.M. train. The order was for six beds. I went into the street in the evening and got our clock from Fanton's Store. AUGUST 18 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning, but before noon it cleared off. Horace Cable and I went to Brewster Station. We sold a spring bed to H. M. Senior at Mill Plain. We did a little at selling trees as well as spring beds. We stopped at the Brewster House. In the evening, I made arrangements for Mr. Doty, the new hotel keeper to try one of our beds with the view of putting in several of them if he is satisfied with it. AUGUST 19 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very hot. We canvassed at the Station today for both trees and beds. I came away this evening with 7 more names added to my list. On our way home just about dusk, we saw a woodchuck just this side of the New York state line. I took my pistol and had 5 shots at him but did not touch him. AUGUST 20 FRIDAY - Very hot. Lowery in the morning. Horace Cable and I went to Milltown by way of Joe Hill's. We came home by way of the bogs arriving about dark. Josie Wheeler took Georgie and Willie Griswold away in the broiling sun in the middle of the day up on Highland Avenue (or so he says). Josie is a bad boy learning Georgie and Willie all manner of obscene and wicked language and running away. John Brayman came home this evening. He had words with E. James who lives over him. James assaulted and knocked him down. AUGUST 21 SATURDAY - Hotter than yesterday. About 8 A.M., I went over to Cable's. From there I went to the Post Office. I saw H. B. Fairchild about what he owes me for 2 spring beds. He promised to send me a check next Monday from New York for the amount $13.50. I took a letter from the Office from T. Twitchell saying that he yesterday shipped Order No. 6 of spring beds, six in number. As I was going to Cable's to carry the letter, I overtook Sidney Thompson who was too drunk to walk straight. I took him to his home and left him flat on the floor. Ezra Malloy's house was struck by lightning. After dinner, it commenced a thunder shower. I went between showers to the depot on the arrival of the freight train and found that our 6 beds had arrived. I went up to Cable's where I was compelled to stay until nearly night on account of several hard thunder showers. On that account I did not want to get the beds from the depot. I went into the street in the evening and brought home a pair of pants to keep in they fit me. AUGUST 22 SUNDAY - Lowery but no rain. We rose rather late. I went down to Sunday School with Georgie at noon. After school, we came home again. Gussie stayed to prayer meeting. After dinner, I took Georgie for a walk over to Horace Cable’s. On our way near Lockwood Olmstead's on Stevens Street, I found an ivory billiard ball. We returned a little before dark. Hattie Mills and I stayed at home in the evening. Gussie went to prayer meeting. AUGUST 23 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mr. Cable and I went to the depot this morning and got 6 beds and delivered them. Charles Griffing, Saul Rundle, Alice B. Ford, and Edmund Dunning. The one for J. H. Warner at Newtown and one for William Fowler over the New York state line near Brewster Station, we put into Cable's barn until we go over that way with them. In the P.M., I took Ambrose Hill's fruit plate book and went down to the Pahquioque shop and commenced canvassing a little for trees. I took 4 small orders. After tea, I wrote to Henry Day, ordering 8 pictures frames, oval gold, 4 rose and ribbon 8x10, 2 scale and ribbon, 8x10 and 2 rose and ribbon 10x12, the last two with square rabbets. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Horace Cable and I left home this morning for New York state to canvass for the fruit trees. We took H. M. Senior's bed springs over to him as we went over to Mill Plain and put them in, changing the slats first with Mrs. Corning's, she not thinking hers to be long enough. I ordered $3.00 of Senior's pay in sugar - 18 lbs. - and coffee. We took dinner with Mr. Havilland, just beyond Milltown. After dinner, we started along passing near Dikeman's Station on the Harlem Railroad. Also, near Doansburg, thence to Towner's Station and put up for the night just beyond about 2 miles at George Robinson's. AUGUST 25 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast with Mr. Robinson's folks, we tried to repair his son Peter's copper strip hay cutter. We then commenced canvassing; stopped at Samuel Terry's to dinner. After dinner, we drove on to David Kent's, the old millionaire and put new cylinders in his hay cutter. We then went on through Luddingtonville and put up for the night with Clark Lewis, another old friend of Mr. Cable's. AUGUST 26 THURSDAY - Pleasant again. Before breakfast, I shot my pistol at a woodcock and missed it. After breakfast I shot Mr. Lewis' rifle at one and missed him also. We then all shot at a mark with my pistol. We then soon left Mr. Lewis and started for Patterson. Before getting there, Mr. Cable was bit by Willis Read's dog. We took dinner at the American Hotel at Patterson Station. Here we took quarters for the night. Our canvassing for trees has not been very successful thus far. AUGUST 27 FRIDAY - After breakfast at the hotel at Patterson, Mr. Cable and I rode up to Willis Read's Mill to shoot the dog which bit him yesterday. He stated the case to Mr. Read, junior, who agreed with us that the dog ought to be killed. Mr. Cable shot one bullet into him when he his somewhere around the mill. We then left after Mr. Read promising that if the dog did not die, he would see that he was killed. It now being about noon, we started for Brewster Station to see if the beds we ordered for that place had come but found them not there. Before going to the station, we went to ____, where we took dinner on Tuesday to get a halter which we had then left there. We arrive home at 3:30 P.M. I went into the street in the evening. I received from Hanford B. Fairchild, $13.50 for two spring beds, put up for him on the 7th inst. by Cable & Purdy I received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French stating that he has given up the spring bed agency and desires a settlement with us as soon as we can do so. He sent a statement of Hill & Purdy, also of Cable & Purdy accounts which agrees with our accounts. George came home this evening by the cars (so I am told) to attend the reunion tomorrow. AUGUST 28 SATURDAY - Pleasant. A reunion of the 17th Regiment here today. In the morning, I went over to Mr. Cable's and changed the size of J. H. Warner's bed and used it for Mr. H. Griffing, after which I came home and dressed a little and went into the street to see the assembly of the 17th Regiment just as the procession was forming. I came home and did a little writing. Gussie came home also and dressed Georgie to take him to see the procession. We went into the street again and saw the procession and went to the dinner tent down to the Turner House where they had an excellent dinner for free. The procession consisted of our Military Company, the veterans of the old 17th Regiment, the Fire department, and the Brass Bands, our own and the Wheeler & Wilson's from Bridgeport. I made out a receipted bill of the two spring beds Hanford B. Fairchild paid me for last evening and gave it to him this P.M. AUGUST 29 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took Georgie down to Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with him. After the session, the teachers had an interview by request of the Superintendent and voted to have a picnic one week from next Wednesday (the 8th inst.) if the day is fine. It is to be in a grove at the junction of the White Plains and Housatonic railroad near Brookfield. A committee was appointed to make arrangements and procure transportation. After dinner, I took a walk over to Horace Cable's. George came home last Friday evening to attend the reunion of his old regiment which took place yesterday. I have not seen him today. AUGUST 30 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went into the street and over to the Sewing Machine factory and collected from James Ryder $6.50 for one spring bed from Hill & Purdy. I then waited for the arrival of the train at 10:15 to see the 8th Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard. The regiment formed just above the bridge and with Wheeler & Wilson's band marched out to Lake Kenosha where they are to encamp for the week. I commenced picking my crab apples at noon. After dinner, I went into the street again and collected from D. Osborne $6.00 bed money from Hill & Purdy. Edmund Dunning paid me $6.00 for a bed this A. M. Before night, I went to Rundle & White's and collected from Mr. Rundle $6.75 for a spring bed. This was for Cable & Purdy. I went from there over to Horace Cable's. He came home with me and got some crab apples. Also, Charles Hill came for some. I wrote to D. R. French asking for the address of the New York Expansion Spring Bed Company so that I can write and secure for Mr. Cable or us both the County of Putnam in New York adjoining Fairfield in this state. I went into the street and mailed it. I bought some pistol balls - one pound. I bought ## dozen teacups for Harriet Mills for crab apple jelly. George returned to Brooklyn this morning. AUGUST 31 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I went over to Horace Cable's in the morning to go to Brewster Station to put up spring beds, but his horse having a sore back, we concluded to wait over until tomorrow. In the P.M., I went down to the shop and arranged a little to work next week. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to hear a phrenological lecture in the evening. After they went Charles Hayes came by the evening train. Louise and I got him some tea. I then went down to market. I put in 10 bushels of charcoal today.
1869-08
Horace Purdy Journal May 1869 Entry
12pgs
MAY 01 SATURDAY - Stormy, rain. I had one dozen hats to finish today, which I did before 11 o'clock. I then drew my pay with Edward Stevens' (which I gave him in the P.M. at Concert Hall at the Postmasters caucus) and came home. After dinner, I helped Mr. Pond paint his sitting room until 3 o'clock when we both went down to the Concert Hall to the Postmaster's Nominating Caucus. It was the most spirited affair of the kind I ever attended. The place was crowded, notwithstanding it rained hard. There were 586 votes cast and after three ballots, Dr. Brown was nominated by a majority of 25 over P. D. Crosby who was the only opposing candidate on the third ballot. The candidates who ran on the first ballot were Brown, Crosby, Christian Quien, O. H. Swift, Allison Smith, S. G. Bailey, William Montgomery, Theo Dibble, Erastus Stevens, E. E. Wildman, and for a joke I suppose, Homer Peters got one vote. I went to market in the evening and mailed a reply to Sigler Brothers which I received a few days ago with my bill enclosed. I received a letter by the evening mail from George stating that he had moved and giving us his address, which is now Houston Street three doors from DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn. MAY 02 SUNDAY - The storm still continues, and it is cold. Fruit buds are in danger. I went down to the church at noon, but on account of the storm, there was no Sunday School. I stayed until about 1 o'clock talking with Brother Burch, Scofield and Donnelly in the Sunday School Room and then came home. This cold rainstorm compels us to keep about as much fire as in winter to keep us comfortable. We did not go out in the evening. Before we retired, it cleared off. MAY 03 MONDAY - The day may perhaps be called pleasant on account of the cold rainstorm being broken up, but it has been showery at times during the day. I went to the shop and had a dozen hats to finish, No. 6 Pearl S. Brim, 4 and a half Round Brown. I finished them at noon and then came home. I spent a part of the P.M. in digging around my trees in the front yard and digging up a Catalpa tree. I went down to the Post Office on the evening. MAY 04 TUESDAY - More clouds than sunshine, the same as yesterday. Cold enough for overcoats. I went to the shop in the morning, not expecting work, but found enough to last until about 2 o'clock. So instead of coming home in the morning to finish cleaning the small bedroom, I was obliged to defer it until tomorrow. I came home from the shop feeling about used up with rheumatism. I got a little mortar and stopped broken places in the wall upstairs, preparatory to whitewashing tomorrow. In the evening, Gussie went to market with Susan Brayman and I, not feeling able to go, stayed home. While they were gone, John Brayman came in and spent the evening. Charles Hayes went to the depot this morning with Charles Purdy and concluded after getting there to go to New York which he did, taking Ira Odell with him. He returned by the evening train. I received a letter by the evening mail from Sigler in reply to one written a few days ago in regard to my indebtedness to him. MAY 05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. Just at night, there was a little sun shower which produced a rainbow. I finished cleaning the small upstairs bedroom and appointed the tin roof on my piazza. I worked a part of the P.M. and evening for Mr. Pond, tearing off paper in the parlor in the afternoon, sandpapering the walls and painting in the evening. When Charles Hayes came home to tea, He paid Gussie $20.00 for board and me $2.00 which he borrowed from me two weeks ago or more. The paint I used on my tin roof was colored remnants Mr. Pond had which when mixed made a good color for a roof. MAY 06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work I came home and Gussie and I cleaned the pantry. Besides this I grafted some strawberry apples (sent from Canton) into Father Griswold's trees, also ones in my own as well as one for Mr. Pond. I also spaded a piece of my garden. I ordered half ton of coal of Thomas Sproule which came just after dinner. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond put up his gilt molding in his parlor. I spent the evening holding lamp for him to paint his parlor. MAY 07 FRIDAY - Pleasant. There not being much prospect of work in the shop, I gave the day to Mr. Pond by helping him clean house. He offered me $3.00 for the day. I feeling pretty tired, did not go to market in the evening, but let Gussie go instead. MAY 08 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I went to the shop this morning. There being no work, the foreman, Victor Benedict, cashed my account and I came home and spent the day working in my garden. In the P.M., Father called for some potatoes for seed which was promised him by Mother Griswold. I planted some Early Rose potatoes, some sweet corn, and some Prince Albert potatoes. MAY 09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took Georgie with me just before close of morning service to attend the Sunday School Gussie arrived soon after. When I returned from Sunday School, I made out my report for the Annual Sunday School meeting tomorrow evening. When Gussie was getting dinner, I had to take Georgie in the bedroom and punish him for being saucy to his mother. After dinner, which was about 4 P.M., I took the Sunday School report I made out over to George Starr, I spent about an hour over there talking to him. As I came home, I saw James Wood at his house. He walked over home with me, took a look at my garden, and then came I the house. Gussie having started for church while we were in the yard, he stayed a short time with me in the house. Before he left, John Brayman came in and spent about half the evening with me. Gussie attended the Baptist church this evening. MAY 10 MONDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until 3 P.M. I came home by way of Bartram & Fanton's Sewing Machine Factory to get $5.00 which George Brockett owed me and gave me an order on Col. Ryder, the paymaster, to get. They had no money. I went to Andrew Knox for a little patent dryer for some paint at home to paint the wall in the pantry. After coming home, I went down to the jail to see the keeper and got $17.00 from him (Sherwood) which he owed Henry Day and he hands over to me to collect, in payment part of what he owes me. He promises it to me the last of the week. He told me how to plant Black Seed onions I came home and planted them as an experiment. I attended Sunday School Meeting in the evening. It being the annual meeting, officers were elected. I was reelected Secretary-Treasurer. Before retiring, I painted in the pantry and copied minutes of the last meeting which kept me up until 1 o'clock. MAY 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. I have worked all day in the garden. Came near being sun stroke this P.M. from working in the sun. I had a severe headache to retire with. MAY 12 WEDNESDAY - Still pleasant and hot. Before breakfast, I wrote two letters to New York, one to William Hayes about collecting for me, the other to Henry Day who bought me out, about making a looking glass frame for Clark Beers, also about letting me have some money. I sent them to the Office for the morning mail by Mr. Short. I have worked hard again all day in my garden and have finished spading all except a part of the borders. I have not been away from the premises for two days. Today, Mr. Pond and Mr. Barry bought the land situated within George Street and Cherry (Ed. Note: Cherry Street is now Aaron B. Samuels Boulevard) except for the Rider place and one lot on Cherry Street. It extends east as far as William Street including the limestone ledge. They bought it in order to control it and keep Irish shanties off it. A little more breeze this P.M. and the evening is delightful. MAY 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Showery in the P.M. and in the evening. I had one dozen hats to finish at the shop. I came from work about two o'clock, stopping for lima and bush beans and Champion of England peas to pant over where the first planting failed. I came home and planted cucumbers and squash, bush and pole beans, and Champion of England peas. I also worked at digging flower borders after tea. A shower caught me before I finished the job. I went to the Post Office and to market in the evening. Fuller and Betts today bought out Osborne's Market & Grocery. Swift told me late this evening that George came home by the evening train; he is sick. MAY 14 FRIDAY - It rained hard last night. Pleasant today. I have been to New York trying to collect bills. I drew $12.00 (and interest for nearly two years on the amount) from the Manhattan Gas Company which was deposited as security for gas when I took the store in New York. I called on William Hayes at 15th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues at Heath & Smith's. Also, on Taintor's at Sugar House opposite for a bill of $4.00 He promises to send it next week by mail. I brought home an arch top gold looking glass frame for Clark Beers, also 10 yards of cord and 4 nails for him. I have not yet seen George on account of leaving early for New York and home late. I found Gussie sick in bed when I got home with a terrible sick headache. Set out early cabbage plants this morning. MAY 15 SATURDAY - It has been showery at times during the day. I had part of a day's work in the shop. As I came from work, Edmund Allen came up with me to see my house. Robert Cocking yesterday left with Gussie five nice tomato plants, a present for me. I set them out this morning. I bought at the shop today three of “Tilden's Perforated Tomato Plants” of John McNamee, some of John Canfield's raising. I paid 5 cents each. I set them out this evening. I went over to Clark Beers after tea with the looking glass I brought for him from New York. The frame was $10.00. A smaller one in oak delivered April 23rd, $2.00, 10 yards of cord, $1.00 and 4 nails, 40 cents. Total, $13.40 which he paid me. The plates were old ones which he had, and I made the frames. The money being due to Henry Day, by arrangement with him I kept and endorsed on his note of $300.00 which was due on May 8th. While in the street in the evening, I saw Albert Sherwood (Jailer). He paid me $17.00 on order from Day which I also endorsed on the note. We had a hard thunder shower about 6 P.M. accompanied with hail. MAY 16 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but while we were at Sunday School, it commenced to be showery. I came home with Georgie in the rain. I went down at 8 o'clock to the church with an umbrella and waterproof cloak for Fanny, Gussie and Louise having got home before I started. While Fanny and I were coming home, it stopped raining. The sun shone before we were through tea. Another thunder shower with hail about 5 o'clock. George came down this morning about 11 o'clock to see us. I left him to go to Sunday School with Georgie. MAY 17 MONDAY - Pleasant but cooler after yesterday and the day before. Thunder and hail. I worked until breakfast time sharpening pea bush. I went to the shop in the morning expecting to find but little work but was surprised to have enough to last me all day. I earned $5.87. After tea, I bushed my Daniel O'Rourke peas. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie got into the street to do some marketing, etc. I today received another circular from William Chichester, 266 Broadway. He wants agents to sell different articles for him - patent bluing, starch polish, the American pocket timekeeper, and many others. MAY 18 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work in the shop until noon. After dinner, I planted radishes, Tom Thumb peas, and a second crop of sweet corn. I finished out the afternoon by spading out the flower border next to the grass flat. George, still being home sick with jaundice, was with us to dinner. He stayed with me in the garden part of the P.M. and then went up home. Charles Hayes, our boarder, went to Redding this P.M. with James Olmstead, his employer to take a colt. He did not get home in time for our tea, so we ate alone. He came later in the evening. I went to market in the evening. Before coming home, I called at Charles Crosby's and paid my taxes. It was $17.10 and 1% additional since May 1st, making $17.27. MAY 19 WEDNESDAY - No shop work. Before breakfast, I wrote to William Hayes directing him to call on Saturday on Joseph Wheeler (painter) on Carmine Street between Bedford and Bleeker Streets and collect for me $8.00. I went down and mailed it. I bought some whitewash lime and came home to breakfast. Susan Brayman came over to clean house. She worked with us all day and we cleaned and put in order again the parlor and bedroom. It commenced raining about 9 o'clock and continued all day. We shook and whipped the carpet just in time to escape the rain. George came down in the forenoon. He did intend to return to Brooklyn this P.M., but he is not feeling well enough. I persuaded him not to go back until he feels able to work. He has concluded not to go before Saturday and will perhaps wait until next week. I allowed Susan $1.50 for her day's work to stand against what John owes me. She came over again in the evening and helped Gussie cut out garments for Georgie. I did not go out this evening but sent to the Post Office by Charles Hayes who brought a letter for George from Brooklyn. MAY 20 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, William Hutchings and I took a walk up to the shoe factory where we saw the working of a pegging machine for pegging boots and shoes. It is a curiosity. On our way up there, we stopped at the Sewing Machine Factory for me to see Charles Hayes about collecting for me from their paymaster $5.00. He had not yet got it. While waiting for the morning mail, we stopped a short time at the selectmen's office and listened to a trial that was going on before Philander Comstock - a case of assault and battery between Tom Kenny and another Irishman. After dinner, I let Georgie walk down to Main Street with me to get a piece of Walnut molding 2 porcelain knobs and a cornice hook for putting up Mother Griswold's looking glass. I whitewashed Mother Griswold's kitchen. I then with Georgie and his hoop went over to Mr. Henry Crofut's and got some lettuce plants from Robert Cocking. After tea, Charles Hayes and I went up and moved Mother Griswold's stove from her kitchen to the wood house. I then went into the street and paid E. Allen for the 2 porcelain knobs I got there. After returning from the street between 9 and 10 o'clock, I set out my lettuce plants by moonlight. MAY 21 FRIDAY - I have been to New York. I went down to Murray Street and bought one dozen geographies for Mr. Pond. I also called at No. 6 Warren Street (Mr. Gideon Powell's Store) and left a package from Gussie for him to take to his wife containing a baby suit which she lent to Gussie for Georgie to wear while he was a baby. I took dinner at No. 14 Cortlandt Street. I then called on James Wood at No. 5 Cortlandt Street. From there, I went to the lower end of Vesey Street near Washington Market and bought a bunch of bananas containing 46 for 50 cents, such as retail for 8 cents each. I bought a 16X20 oval rose and gilt for Swift, which I left at his store as I came home from the depot. This morning was one of the pleasantest, but between 1 and 2, it commenced raining and continued all the remainder of the day. Susan Brayman and Louise Vintz were in while I was getting my tea. We ate bananas together. I carried some over to Mr. Pond one for he and his wife. We ate bananas and talked for a while when I came home and made ready to retire. Gussie today bought material for pants for a nice new suit for Georgie. MAY 22 SATURDAY - Cold and still raining in the morning. I went down to the factory but there was no work. Our foreman, V. W. Benedict, cashed my account for $9.00 and I started for home. I stopped for a few minutes at John Cosier's office in White Street. From there, I called at Swift's and arranged to go to New York by the noon train. I came home, got an early dinner, and returned to Swift's store. I got a pattern for a gold square spindle with the top light arched and took it to New York with me and ordered my successor, Mr. Day, to make it. I expected a half dozen 8x10 oval gold scale and ribbed frames to be done for Swift, but they were not. I called on Jo Wheeler for $8.00 which he owes me and promised to pay today but could not get it. A plumber from Bleeker Street came into the store while I was there with a bill for $1.00 against me for plumbing. I was not aware that I owed it but suppose that I do. I was too short of money then and postponed payment. On the train coming home, I fell in with a brother of Dr. Kendrick who was in a New York regiment in the same brigade with George's regiment (the 17th Connecticut) down south during the rebellion. He was a surgeon and amputated a foot for one of the 17th's boys on Folly Island, South Carolina. After I got home this evening, George and Bell called. George borrowed of me a shirt to wear tomorrow, he not having brought an extra one from Brooklyn, he not expecting to stay but a few days, but not fully able to work, he concluded to stay until he feels better. MAY 23 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I took Georgie with me to Sunday School, Gussie coming soon after. Gussie stayed to the P.M. prayer meeting. After meeting, she made fish chowder from halibut, the first chowder she ever made. It was very good. After dinner, she took a walk with Susan Brayman and I with Georgie up to Oscar Serine's and around in Division Street, through George Street and home. MAY 24 MONDAY - A beautiful day. I not having any shop work, I took Georgie to New York on a pleasure trip for his benefit. This was his first railroad ride and his first visit to New York. He was highly pleased, though it made him very tired. I took the 12:15 express from New York and arrive home at 3:15. I bought 29 yellow bananas for 52 cents on the corner of Bleeker and Carmine Streets. I went to the Sugar House on 15th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue and saw Mr. Tator again about the $4.00 he owes me for frames. He wants to turn the account with George, who he claims owes him. I am not willing, and George is to see him as soon as he can and settle affairs after which he promises to pay me. I mended Georgie's broken hoop and worked in my garden, and also put up patent clothesline fixtures after I got home in the P.M. The Wooster Guards had a target practice and parade today. MAY 25 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have had work in the shop today ' 2 dozen full stiff 'Jack-Ups'- $5.50 which is probably all I shall get this week. I finished my work about 3 P.M. and came home. I fastened Mother Griswold's sink to the floor before tea. After tea, Mr. Barry, John Brayman and Mr. James with me moved Father Griswold's furnace stove from the sitting room to the lower room. John and Mr. James helped me move our sitting room stove up to Father Griswold's barn. I then went down to market. I there dressed 3 porgies for John Bouton for 10 cents. I then dressed 3 for myself after which John and I walked up West Street together. MAY 26 WEDNESDAY - Hot. We have cleaned the sink room and sitting room today with the help of Susan Brayman. There came up a hard thunder shower about 4 o'clock which interfered somewhat with getting things put away in their places again before breakfast, I wrote and mailed a letter to Crowell and Powell speaking of my indebtedness to them and giving reasons for not paying them. George is sick in bed. He has been draining a blister in his side for jaundice of which he is suffering. In the evening, I went into the street. I walked up to John Cosier's to see him (by request of him today) on some business of which I was ignorant of, he not mentioning what the business was. He not being home, but having gone to class meeting, I waited outside the church for him. He wants to sell out his leather cutting business and will give me the chance if I want it. I brought home a little brimstone for Mr. Pond to smoke out some currant worms. I went over before retiring to John Brayman's to see Mr. James about some clothing which he wants to trade with me for a peddling box formerly made for sifters. It being so late and he being in bed, I did not disturb him. MAY 27 THURSDAY - Cooler this morning and cloudy with some indications of rain. I went to New York for a half dozen gold 8x10 oval frames for Swift which Day has been making for him, 3 of them scale and ribbon and 3 of them rose and ribbon. I went in the morning to Fulton Market with Stephen Holmes. There I looked for a bunch of bananas I found plenty of them, but the price was too high. I went from there over to Vesey Street near Washington market and finally bought a bunch of 44 for $1.50. This was higher than I expected to pay but could do no better. Mr. Pond is to take half of them. It came off pleasant at noon. I came home on the Boston Express 12:15 from New York; arrived home at 3:15. I saw Fred Shears in Norwalk and spoke with him about seeing some of seeing some of Adam's Brothers journeymen to see if there was a chance for George there in their new factory which they are soon to commence in. After arriving from New York, I took Georgie up home to see George. He is able to be dressed today. While up home, I gave Father $5.00 towards the $15.00 I owe him. When Georgie and I returned from Father's I commenced mowing my door yard for the first time this season. Before tea, I took my bunch of bananas over to Mr. Pond's and divided them. He took half and added 20 cents extra for my trouble. I worked late in my yard and let Gussie go to market in the evening. MAY 28 FRIDAY - Cold and cloudy. I went to New York today. I called at William Hayes 31 Downing Street about my account books but concluded not to take them today. I called on Joe Wheeler about $8.00 he owes me but did not get it. I went to Charles Hayes' old boarding house in Hudson Street for his old straw hat and brought it to him. I went down to 98 Chamber Street and bought 1/2 gross small flags, 4x6 for Swift at $1.45 per gross. I bought a French loaf of bread nearly a yard long and brought it home as a curiosity. I bought an arch top gold spindle for Swift which Day has been making for him. Warren Bouton and wife were on the train from Cannon's. They had moved from Beaver Brook, he to turn the mill at that place. Smith Barnum's remains were brought up on the train form Norwalk arriving here at 3:15 (this was the train that I came on). It rained on my way to New York this morning but stopped before I got there and just as we arrive here in the P.M. it commenced again, this being a hard thunder shower. I waited awhile at Swift's store for the shower to be over and then I went to John Cosier's leather cutting shop in White Street to see him about buying out his half of that business. It was nearly 6 o'clock before I came home. After tea, I wrote to William Hayes about collecting bills from John Carr and Joseph Wheeler. I went into the street and mailed it. I called at Swift's and the walked up West Street with him. MAY 29 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning. It cleared away about 11 o'clock. I went down to the factory in the morning; there being no work, I had my account cashed by V. W. Benedict for $6.00 and then went up to John Cosier's office and talked more with him and George Barnum, his partner about buying out Cosier's interest in the business. I came home before dinner and finished cutting the grass in my door yard. While in the street, I saw Col. Ryder, treasurer of the Sewing Machine Company and got the $5.00 he owed me by transfer from George Brockett's account. I saw him as he came from the Danbury Bank with money in his hand. After dinner, I took Georgie into the street to see the procession formed at Military Hall to parade the street and visit the soldiers' graves in several burying grounds and the cemetery to decorate their graves with flowers. While in the street, I called at Swift's and collected pay for frames I had made for him at Day's in New York to the amount of $10.75. I came and raked off my door yard and carried the grass to the compost heap. I then set a new clothesline post north of the house near the cesspool. After tea, I hoed in my garden until dark. Gussie went into the street and I stayed at home. Before retiring, I oiled my walnut picture frames. MAY 30 SUNDAY - A southeast wind and rain by showers all day. I went down to Sunday School at noon and returned after the session. We had dinner at 3 P.M. after which Charles Hayes (our boarder) and myself walked over to the new town poor house. We heard that Mr. Pond was to conduct religious service there at 4 o'clock, but after getting over there, we were in doubt as to he being there, so we returned without going in. We had a drizzling rain on our return. I did not go out in the evening. MAY 31 MONDAY - Thunder shower about 6 o'clock this morning. I have been to New York today, the last on my commutation ticket, it having expired today. The day came off very hot. I have done a great deal of running in the city. I called on Sigler, also on Ferguson & Walker and explained how I cannot until Day pays me for my store, pay them. I made it all satisfactory with them. In the morning, I called on William at Heath & Smith, 400 West 18th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues and arranged with him to collect and finish up about business I could not do today. I intended to bring home my ledger and daybook and bundle of bills and receipts, but when I called in the P.M., Mrs. Hayes was out so I came home without them. I went to Tibbels' and also at the Book Room and bought for the Sunday School, Judd's Lesson and catechisms. Also, a set of 4 picture lessons for the infant class. I bought of Philip Phillips one “Singing Pilgrim & Leaves”, also for sample one of his new books just published, “The Standard Singer”. John Cave paid me $4.05 which he owed me. I went into Nassau Street, also at 18 Wall Street at A. N. Lancaster to see if I could find a customer for Oscar Serine's farm in Jasper County, Iowa. I could accomplish nothing for him. I wore thick clothing and got about overdone with the heat. Coming from the depot this evening, I met George and Fred Shears. I spoke with them about a shop for George at Adams in Norwalk. Fred promised to do all he can for George through a friend who works there. I received by the evening mail another bill from. P. Nicols & Company of $24.61 which I have owed him about a year but cannot pay him until I get my money from the sale of the store in New York. I called in the morning at 232 West 18th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue at the residence of George Talmadge to see where I could find him. I got the desired information and found him and cart standing at No. 4 Murray Street. He could pay me nothing. I tried to get his note for the amount, $63.00, but he did not want to now. He promised to pay as soon as he could pay very soon, would give me a note. Before retiring, I wrote to William about leaving my account books at the store at 61 Carmine Street for Mr. H. B. Benjamin to call for next Saturday and bring to me.
1869-05
Horace Purdy Journal April 1867 Entry
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APRIL 01 MONDAY - Showery during the day. State election. I did not go into the shop. I went into the street about 8:30 o'clock and got $4.00 towards the $5.00 I sent George to come home and vote. I then went down to the courthouse and voted as soon as the polls were opened. I returned home and soon George went down. I went with him to Mr. Harris' to pay him $10.00 which he did. I then went into Burritt & Stone's with him where he bought muslin and bosoms for two shirts. He then went down and voted. I went with him. After dinner, he came down and I went over to Mr. Warren's to help William put up stoves and curtain fixtures. He commences housekeeping today. After this we went into the street where I bought a dozen tumblers and 10 cents worth of nuts for our rag bee tonight. He went home to dress for the evening and I went home and cracked the nuts. I paid Father Griswold my interest money at noon - $14.22. George went over and took tea with William Warren and came from there with Lottie Keeler, Warren and wife to our house. Carrie Hoyt (formerly Francis) and Sister Sarah, John Bouton and Frank, Fanny, Harriet and Louise were present. Just before 9 o'clock, we went down to Military Hall where the Republicans were gathered to hear the returns from the election by telegraph. We could learn nothing definite and we soon came home. It was about 11 o'clock when our party broke up. We had two kinds of cake, six kinds of nuts for refreshments after sewing the rags. APRIL 02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop all day. The democrats claim the election. As I came from work, I went to Brush & Griffith's and got a calves' liver. After tea, I went to Hatters' Meeting and paid fines and dues up to April 10th amounting to $1.45. The Copperheads have been firing their cannon and are having a glorification this evening at Concert Hall over their success at the polls ' the first Democratic victory here for 14 years. APRIL 03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I saw two robins this morning for the first time. George returned to Brooklyn this morning. He came this way and called as he went to the depot. I gave him some apples to put in his bag. Mrs. Cocking came here today and paid their rent. She also brought a present to Georgie from her sister, Mrs. Courtney from Fort Hamilton, Long Island ' material for a dress and sack, very pretty. Anniversary of General Grant's entry into Richmond, the advance column commanded by General Weitzel. I bought a half dozen oranges from a wagon in the street for 18 cents. John Freeland sent his boy for 2 lbs. more of coffee today. Gussie let them have only one pound as we could spare no more. I stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 04 THURSDAY - A lovely day. I worked as usual in the shop. When I came from work at night, I found Uncle Jesse and Harriet Mills here to tea. Bell was with us too. Uncle went up home with Bell to stay all night. The passenger trains of cars which should have arrived last evening at 8 o'clock did not get in until nearly 3 o'clock this morning. They ran off the track at Ridgefield Station. Received a bill of Sunday School Journals for 6 months of Carlton & Porter. I sent the money for one year from last October, but they could not supply the back numbers so they returned half the money, 17 cents of which was enclosed. APRIL 05 FRIDAY - Showery in the morning. The sun shone but little until just at night. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went to market in the evening. I helped Mr. Pond in his barn repair a clock. APRIL 06 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. I bought a dozen oranges of a peddler at the shop. I borrowed some blocking cord at the shop and brought home to put through the pulley in Father Griswold's flag staff and with it to pull through the pulley a larger rope as a fixture to the staff with which to run up the flag when occasion may require. I have in view (as a reason for putting it in order) the running up of the flag next Tuesday the 9th inst., it being the second anniversary of the surrender of General Lee to Grant which closed the fighting of the Great Rebellion. Mr. Pond assisted me in doing it. I dug some horseradish this morning. Gussie grated a part of it; the remainder I carried over to Mr. Pond this evening. Gussie went into the street this evening while I stayed at home. Mrs. Powell from Brooklyn came by this evening to Father Griswold's. APRIL 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant but rather windy. After breakfast, I went down to the church and brought home one of the Sunday School Librarian's books which I had to write up anew before it could be used this noon. I did it while Gussie was at church this forenoon. Brother Crawford preached, we having no preacher today, it being Conference Sunday. Gussie came home at noon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. Bell came here to tea and went to the 'Band of Hope' at 8 o'clock. After tea, Gussie took Georgie and went up to Mother Griswold's to visit with Mrs. Powell. Susan Brayman called, but finding her gone, went away again. Father called also and stayed a little time with me. Gussie stayed home in the evening and I went to church. Brother Crawford preached. APRIL 08 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked as usual in the shop. About 6 o'clock this evening, we had a little shower. I bought 38 feet of small rope and brought home to rig as halyards on Father Griswold's flag staff, preparatory to running up the flag tomorrow. I did it before tea. I attended Teacher's Meeting in the evening at the church. After the meeting, I recorded the minutes of the meeting and went up to Mother Griswold's to visit with Mrs. Powell before retiring. As I came home from work this evening, I paid David Chichester $3.00 for eight months' expressage for the Sunday School during the year, the other four months being payable to O. H. Swift who had the news business a part of the time. I intend to pay him $1.50 tomorrow. APRIL 09 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. The second anniversary of the surrender of the rebel General Lee and his army to General U. S. Grant. I ran up Father Griswold's flag this morning in honor of the day and kept it flying all day. I had a hard headache last night and this morning. I went to the shop, but my head ached so hard that I came home again without doing any work. I paid O.H. Swift for four months' expressage on Sunday School papers, etc. I felt better in the P.M. and raked the covering off my strawberry plants. Georgie has had a good time out of doors today and it has done him good, I believe. I went into the street in the evening and did some marketing, but was too late to go to class. Mrs. Powell and Harriet came in late in the evening, Mrs. Powell wishing to give us a call before she returns home. She starts tomorrow morning. I moved my vinegar barrel from the cellar to the wood house. Got the last of my 30 lbs. of butter from Mr. Pond's this today. Paid my taxes to collector A. G. Crosby by giving him the town order which William Peck gave me when I paid him the money on March 2nd. I wrote to the Book Room ordering for the Sunday School another copy of the Sunday School Journal for Harriet E. Mills. APRIL 10 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day with fine rain in the P.M. and evening. I worked in the shop as usual. I did not go out in the evening but stayed at home and wrote to Edwin to see what butter will cost in Elyria this summer. Gussie bought some salve of a no-armed man today to assist him. His arms were torn off in a woolen factory. APRIL 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant. As I went to my work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote to Edwin last evening. There was a small allowance of work today; I finished mine about 3 P.M. and I came home and trimmed some of my apple trees and got the grapevine Father Griswold gave me last season (Concord) and divided it making two vines and set them out. After tea, I dug the few parsnips I had in the ground and gave Mr. Pond a part of them. Gussie went out in the street in the evening and I stayed home with Georgie. APRIL 12 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop feeling badly from a headache and a disordered state of the stomach. I had to wait until about 10 o'clock for my work and then felt so badly that I stopped about 3 P.M. and went over to Sheather & Lacy's to get a new hatters' check from William Witherspoon, the trade secretary. As I left this place, I met Brother Webb on the walk going over to Bartram & Fanton's Sewing Machine Manufactory and I went over with him and was showed with him around the factory. It was quite interesting and I felt repaid for my visit there. Nellie Freeland sent down for a pound of tea today. After tea I helped Mr. Pond hoop a tub in his barn. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. Before retiring, I marked off the Sunday School papers which I today brought from the Express Office. Lent my map of New York City to Mr. Pond. Mother Griswold had a crazy turn last night. She was a raving maniac for a short time. APRIL 13 - As I went to work this morning, I went to Foster's Carpenter Shop to see if John Brayman could let me have some money on what he owes me. He promised to get some for me by Monday evening if he could. In case I could do no better, Mr. Crofut promised today to the $100 which I am to pay Mr. Pond for George next week. I came from work early and went over to see Mr. Cocking about letting me have the money I am in want of next week; he will do so if I can do no better. I went with him to look at his hot beds. He gave me three heads of lettuce which I divided with Father Griswold and Mr. Pond. Mrs. Cocking sent a nice bouquet to Gussie. Mother Purdy was with us to tea. Mother Griswold came in also. Bell came down after tea to go home with Mother. I went into the street in the evening to see D. B. Booth about George's bounty money. He offered to loan George $50 towards the bounty. Father Griswold came home in the evening. APRIL 14 SUNDAY - On account of Gussie wanting to take Georgie to church this P.M. to be baptized, I went to church in the morning and heard Brother Birch preach for the first time as our new preacher. I stayed to Sunday School which was a Sunday School prayer meeting after which Gussie made her appearance with Georgie. We tried to get him into the church in the afternoon, but he insisted upon going out in the open air to walk. As we could not get him in quietly, we gave it up and I came home with him while Gussie stayed to communion. Bell came in to tea and stayed with Georgie afterward to let Gussie and me walk over to Mr. Cocking's on Mr. Lynes' farm. When we returned from the walk, I wrote a short letter to George stating that I was obliged to pay Mr. Pond $100 on next Tuesday towards the Two Hundred he owes him. I mailed it as I went to evening meeting. Brother Birch preached again. Clark Beers and wife sat with me in my seat. APRIL 15 MONDAY - Warm, smoky and dusty. As I went to work this morning, I called on D. B. Booth about the $50 he promised to advance on the bounty due George. He cannot let me have it as he has not received certain money which he expected. We were limited in our work at the shop today, though mine lasted me nearly all day. I went to Father Griswold before tea about getting the hundred dollars and he promised to endorse for me to get it at the Danbury Bank. In the evening, I went to Fanton's Shirt Factory and got a blank note and filled it out and Father Griswold endorsed it and tomorrow either he or I is to get the money. This morning, I carried a half bushel of apples over to Mr. Pond for Mother Griswold and this evening, he paid me $1.00 for them. Bell came down today and took Georgie up home with her until night when she returned with him. Father came down this evening and borrowed our syringe to give Deacon Ambler an injection. He is not expected to live. George F. Bailey's Circus showed here today previous to starting on their tour for the season. APRIL 16 TUESDAY - It has rained all day and very hard a part of the time. I called to see John Brayman as I went to work this morning to see if he had secured any money for me. He said that he had $10 partly promised to him to let me have but it was very uncertain about it. He was to bring it to me this evening if he got it but he did not come. I came home for dinner and took a note with Father Griswold to the bank as I returned (Danbury Bank) and got $100 for three months I paid it to Mr. Pond this evening on my note of $200 for George and paid interest on the same up to April 5th. From this date, the note stands against me for $100. The rate of 8% on the $200 for three months was $4.00 which I paid and charged the same to George's account. I went into the street in the evening and got a letter from George in which he stated that this evening he would take his washing over to the Express Office and tomorrow I would receive it. Enclosed was 75 cents, 50 cents for Bell and 25 cents for me to pay for expressage home. The expressage, I intend to pay myself so I gave George credit for the 25 cents on his book account. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. APRIL 17 WEDNESDAY - It rained this morning but before night it cleared off and this evening has been lovely. I worked late in the shop. As I came from work, I went to the Express Office for George's bag of washing, but it had not come. I went again this evening upon arrival of the train and got it. It had in it a large bundle from Harriet for our folks and his shawl. A letter also was enclosed to me speaking of work, money matters, etc. Lottie Keeler has been here all day dressmaking for Gussie. I finished the letter I had commenced to George and enclosed the 25 cents which he had sent me to pay expressage, he requesting me to do so that he may use the same to pay for the return of the bag. As I had given him credit for it, I charged it to him as I enclosed it. Bell came down today and took Georgie home with her to get him out of the way of Gussie while she had so much work to do with Lottie. Deacon Benjamin Ambler died last night about 12 o'clock. I mailed the letter to George before retiring. APRIL 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked as usual in the shop. Mr. Ambler was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. Gussie has been up home today and stayed until 7 P.M. She left Georgie up there for another night. I helped Mr. Pond build a mound in his yard this evening. I went to bed feeling about sick. APRIL 19 FRIDAY - Fast day. No work in the shop. I have had the headache badly today. I forked over my asparagus bed this morning. After dinner, I grafted some cherry trees for Mr. Smith across the way. This was all I felt able to do. I gave Mr. Alban Hurd some Russell Strawberry plants. Georgie has been up home for two nights. Bell brought him home this P.M. while Gussie was away at the cemetery. I have not been away from home today except across to Mr. Hurd's garden. Horace Crofut's daughter ran away from home yesterday (it is said on account of abuse from her stepmother). Her father and neighbors were looking for her nearly all of last night and this forenoon and finally found her at her aunt's in Bethel. APRIL 20 SATURDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. As I went in the morning, I left a pair of old shoes at Charles Reed's to be half-soled. As usual on Saturday, we were paid off. I received from the Great American tea Company several of their adverts printed by themselves. A shower in the evening accompanied by thunder and lightning. I stayed at home and Gussie went to market in the evening accompanied by Louise. APRIL 21 SUNDAY - I went to church and carried the Sunday School papers and returned to let Gussie attend the morning service. She came home about noon and as usual I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. After supper we dressed Georgie and let him take a walk with us around into Spring Street, up on Mechanic's Avenue (Dr. Bennett's Hill) and then home. When we arrived, we found our wash woman's two children waiting to get the clothes to wash tomorrow. As I went to church in the evening, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Brother Birch preached a good sermon. After meeting, I took the lantern and went with Louise to the barn and killed their old hen turkey, as Father Griswold's folks are to make a dinner on the occasion of Harriet's wedding. APRIL 22 MONDAY - Cloudy and rain about 9 A.M. The sun, however, came out and after dinner it was pleasant and warm until about 4 o'clock when a tremendous thunder shower came up. I came home at noon (bringing as I came my old garden shoes from the shoe makers), there being no shop work in the P.M.I did some apple grafting for Father Griswold until the shower drove me off. Then I wrote to George saying that his clothes would be sent tomorrow. Bell came down with them this P.M. I took them to the Merchants Union Express Office in the evening; as I went, I mailed the letter. I put a few apples in the bag for him. Elias Stevens came today from New Haven. He and Harriet have been busy packing her things for moving to New Haven. They expect to be married on Wednesday morning and then off on the train. I walked from the post office this evening up Main Street with William and Louise Blair. APRIL 23 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked late in the shop. When I came home, I found that, unknown to me, Harriet had been married. The affair was all over and I was invited to partake of the leavings for tea. They made a party and I was not only not invited but was not told that the wedding was to come off today. May Joy Go With Them. I went to market in the evening. Gussie went to bed sick. Georgie went up home today to stay overnight. APRIL 24 WEDNESDAY - Cold with rain and snow during the day. Elias Stevens and wife left for new haven this morning to spend their honeymoon and go to housekeeping on May 1st. I had work all day in the shop. I set out some lettuce plants before breakfast which Mr. Pond brought from Robert Cocking's last evening. Deacon Benjamin Ambler's widow died last night, surviving her late husband only a week and three hours. Edgar Wildman's remains (son of Saul Wildman) arrive today from near Savannah, Georgia where he was accidentally drowned. The funeral was attended this P.M. at 2 o'clock. In the evening, I took the picture of General U. S. Grant down to Mr. Swift's and got it framed. It was presented to Georgie by his new uncle Elias Stevens. The price of frame was $2.50. Gussie went over to John Bouton's in the evening and John came home with her. APRIL 25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. Gussie went up home with Aunt Louise this forenoon and brought Georgie home after tea. I was very tired and did not go out in the evening. I wrote the marriage of Elias Stevens' and Harriet for publication in the Jeffersonian and sent this evening by Gussie to the office. When she returned, she brought a letter for me from George saying he could not find anything of bag of clothing at the Express Office in New York. I immediately went into the street to see Crosby, the express agent about it. He sent it all right on Tuesday morning. I wrote (in D. M. Benedict's Shoe store) to George about it telling when it was sent, how directed, etc. and enclosed 25 cents which I thought I did in my last letter, but he says not. APRIL 26 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I bought an extra Jeffersonian in which was the marriage of Elias B. Stevens and Hattie W. Wheeler to send to Eliza in California. Bought ## ton of coal of Thomas Sproule. I brought home the Sunday School papers from the news office. After tea, I finished grafting an apple tree for Father Griswold. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Henry B. Fanton's in the evening. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go to the post Office. John Bouton came in about 10 o'clock to wait for his wife to return with Gussie from the Sewing Society. Before retiring, I took three of Soule's pills for headache. APRIL 27 SATURDAY - I have felt rather bad today from taking the pills last night. I have, however, worked nearly all day in the shop. The 'Great European ____ Circus 'came into town this forenoon. They made the greatest demonstration of any circus troop that I ever saw in this place. A large lion rode on top of one of the wagons or cars in the procession. This was something that was never before seen in Danbury. The troop was a large one. All the actors rode on splendid horses and richly caparisoned. All hands left the shop and went up to Main Street for a few minutes to see them. I finished my work in the shop about 3 o'clock ad then came home by way of Tom Sproule's and paid for the 1/2 ton of coal he brought me yesterday - $5.50. I also called at O.H. Swift's and paid for framing picture of General Grant - $2.70, including cord to hang it. I then went over to Benedict & Nichols' and bought a half box of J. M. Littel's bar soap ' 40 lbs. at 13 cents - $5.30 which was delivered before night. When I got home, Gussie was away up home with Georgie where she took him in the morning that she might go and see the circus troop parade the street. It rained nearly all the P.M. and cleared off just at night at which time she came home with Georgie. After tea, I commenced smoothing over the ground under the trees in my garden preparatory to seeding down the same. While we were at breakfast this morning, Mrs. Smith came in to beg some canned fruit for Betsy Roseborne who is nearly gone with consumption. We gave her a jar of quinces. APRIL 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. It froze the ground quite hard last night. Gussie went to church as usual this morning. I went to Sunday School at noon and stayed to prayer meeting.in the P.M. After tea, we put Georgie in his carriage and went over to Robert Cocking's to give Georgie a little outdoor exercise. As we came back, we called a few minutes at John Bouton's. I wrote a short letter to George and as I went to meeting in the evening, I mailed it and a Jeffersonian to him. Also a letter to Cousin Eliza in California. Harriet's marriage was in the paper. Brother Woodruff has been with us today. He preached in the morning and this evening. APRIL 29 MONDAY - Pleasant this morning but cold. It became cloudy before noon and in the P.M., it rained a little. I felt about sick this morning with my cold. I however worked until about 3 o'clock then came home and finished preparing the ground for grass seed under the apple trees on the north side of my garden and sowed the seed. I feel better this evening than I did this morning. Bell was here to tea, and Gussie went with her to the depot to meet Harriet Purdy who came up for a visit from Brooklyn. I went to the Post Office, but did not go to the depot. Today commences the Teachers' Convention to be held for one week in this place. APRIL 30 TUESDAY - Cloudy again this morning and rain in the afternoon and evening. I worked all day in the shop. Susan Brayman was here today and Gussie made arrangements with her to get some soda ash at Norwalk, as she intends to go down in a few days. After tea, Moses Baxter gave me a species of pie plant called the 'Wine Plant' which I divided and made six plants of and set them out. He also gave me some for Mr. Pond which I took over to him. Gussie went to market in the evening and bought some dye stuff for coloring carpet rags. When she returned, I went to the 1st church to hear a lecture on the interior of Africa by Professor Gilman. The lecture was one connected with the Teachers' Convention being held here. Joseph Furbush died this evening.
1867-04
Horace Purdy Journal June 1865 Entry
11pgs
06/01 THURSDAY - Pleasant and very warm. National Fast appointed by President Johnson to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer. The factory has been closed on that account. The first thing I did this morning was to mow the grass in front of the house in the street. After breakfast I went down to Stebbins's Lumberyard and bought a piece of studding for Father Griswold 16 feet long to make a flag staff on his house, the old one being too short. I spiced on the new piece after which the flag was run up at half-mast in observance of the national fast. Just before dinner Mr. Cocking came home and helped me clean up the front walk and straighten the edges after which we both took a walk up to James Scaitlin's to look at his strawberry beds. I called to for our folks at the same time. They were cleaning house. I brought home the scythe which I lent him last night. The religious services were held in our church at 11 o'clock. Sermon by Mr. Dunham a Congregational preacher. I did not attend. We sent for Dr. Bulkeley about noon and he came to see Georgie. He had a swelling near the left ear which we feel some concern about. Wrote to Carleton & Porter requesting the S.S. Advocates be sent in one package instead of two. Gussie and Sarah Purdy went up to the cemetery and did not return until about 9 o'clock. 06/02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but not quite so warm as yesterday. On my way to the shop in the morning ordered 6 lbs. of Potash to be sent up to Mother Griswold's. She is going to make soft soap. I found Potash and she the grease and I am to have a share in the soap. I worked until 7 o'clock before stopping at night. 06/03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I hoed out my Trompe de Gard strawberry bed. I spent a part of the forenoon in finishing over my old Nutria hat making it into a Spring Brim, the latest style. I should have finished over Father Griswold's old block soft hat which I have in the shop to make over into the same style if the new block which has been ordered had come but it did not. It is to be on the 5 deep 7 size. Gussie bought a new dress and shoes this P.M. After tea, I worked in my garden spading between rows of potatoes until 8 o'clock and then went to the Post Office and market. While I was at work in the garden Cousin Mary Purdy and David Bradley's wife called to see Gussie. Before retiring, I drew some beer and Mr. Cocking and I drank some together. 06/04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. Mary Purdy came and stayed with baby and let us both go in the P.M. The first Sunday of David Bradley acting as Assistant Librarian, James Parmalee not being there. I was obliged to help distribute Library books in addition to performing the Secretary and Treasurer duties. After supper, we went up home and drew Georgie. Mr. Charles Starr was up there and sat in the yard with us and talked. Mr. Squires and wife were there also. I went to Baptist Prayer meeting in the evening with Mr. Cocking. Gussie stayed at home with Georgie. When we returned we drank a glass of ale together. The wife of Truman Trowbridge died at 8 o'clock on Saturday (last) evening. The bell tolled this noon. A heavy shower passed around us by the North at about 10 o'clock, but we got no rain from it. 06/05 MONDAY - Sunshine in the morning and very warm, but the wind passed around into the east and soon clouded over so that before noon there was a great change in the atmosphere. I finished over Father Griswold's old high crown black soft hat on a 6 deep Spring Brim style. I felt nearly sick in the A.M. and came home to dinner thinking I would not return to the factory but after dinner I felt so very much better that I went back and worked until night. When I came home and after tea, I helped William Carlson clean out his rain water hogshead and then he helped me clean out mine as both of them were nearly dry and there being a prospect of rain. Mr. ____, Father Griswold's German neighbor joining on the west, mowed his yard today and Father Griswold gave me a little of the grass to put around my strawberry hills which I did just before dark. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and brought her little girl with her. Mrs. McDonald and Elisha Serrine's wife called in the P.M. and in the evening Mr. Swift's wife and mother called. It rained a little this P.M. Truman Trowbridge's wife was buried this P.M. Captain Morris Krasynski of Co. A, 11th Regiment, C.V. arrives home this evening by train having left the service. He declares that he ready to continue in the army when they want him. 06/06 TUESDAY - There have been indications of a storm all day though the sun shone some in the PM. David Scribner's wife who is crazy came into the shop at noon and said she was going to have a donation party this evening down at the County House after which there would be a dance. She went on with her crazy slang until our Foreman V. W. Benedict ordered out at the same time hurrying her by putting his hand on her shoulder and pushing her. After tea, I forked over the ground between my potatoes in the garden and then went to market. There is a meeting this evening at Concert Hall to make some arrangements for a 4th of July celebration. As I came home, the Brass Band was playing on the steps of the hall to draw the people together. Cousin Frank Bouton received a letter today from John mailed at Jacksonville, Florida stating that the regiment was on the way to Tallahassee to do garrison duty. Mother is not so well today. Bell came down this evening with a bottle to get some ale for her. I being away to market, Gussie could not draw it so she returned home and left the bottle. Before retiring, I put some insoles in my new patent leather boots. 06/07 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy but no rain. Edward P. Stevens, an old shop mate had a watch stolen from his home just before noon. I bought home Father Griswold's hat which I have been finishing off for him. I have intended to go to class this evening, but I am very tired so I stayed with the baby to let Gussie go to the milliner's to get a cap trimmed for Georgie. The thief who stole Edward Stevens' watch was caught by Charles Crosby over to Stony Hill. He denied having stolen the watch but upon being taken to the jail confessed it and told where he would find it. Abel Wheeler's father from New Fairfield is at Father Griswold's on a visit and is staying all night. A new railing in the Post Office to prevent crowding. 06/08 THURSDAY - pleasant and very warm. Have not felt very well today. The watch that was stolen from Edward P. Stevens yesterday was found by Charles H. Crosby where the thief told him it was under a stone near where he arrested him. After tea, I went up on the top of Father Griswold's house and with a pole placed the halyards on the pulley of the flagstaff which was off when the staff was erected. I also spliced the halyards to make them reach the window of the observatory. I stayed with the bay in the evening to let Gussie go to the milliner's for Georgie's cap. In the meantime Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank called. 06/09 FRIDAY - Very warm. I was changed from Drab Hats to Black just before dinner. It was so very warm after dinner that I stopped work between 3 and 4 o'clock and came home. A hard shower came up just as I left the shop and I got wet before I reached home. I went to market in the evening and brought home a blue fish and fixtures for a lamp. It is what is termed the 'Tom Thumb' arrangement. While fixing the flagstaff on Father Griswold's house last night, I left my pocketknife on top of the cupola. I went up for it tonight. We had a fine mess of strawberries for tea tonight. Mary Cable brought the baby's cap up which Gussie went for last night and found it not trimmed. 66 S.S. Advocates came today. 06/10 SATURDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and worked about 2 hours and I then quit as I did not feel able to work. I have a cold and have worked very hard for about a month which I suppose is the reason for my indisposition. After dinner I lay down and slept for about 2 hours and then I went downtown with Gussie. I bought a Weekly Tribune for Mrs. Hancock to send to her husband in the army, and then went with Gussie to Benedict's Shoe Store to exchange a pair of baby shoes for one size larger. I then went to the Danbury Bank and found it closed. I intended to take a hundred dollar U.S. 7 # 30 Loan but was too late as banking hours were past. I intended to take money from the Savings Bank to invest in the U.S. Loan as named. I then went to Joseph Ives and talked with Edmund Allen about a new tin roof on the wing of my house. I came home and worked off the S.S. Advocates and carried them down to the church before tea. A heavy thunder shower came up just after dinner and it was showery the remainder of the P.M. and evening. Mr. Cocking came with team to meet Mrs. Lynes at the depot. I rode down with him. Mrs. Cocking bought some beer in the evening for Robert and he brought down a glass for me before we retired. Mrs. Hancock was taken unexpectedly sick yesterday and today she has had the Doctor and is not able to sit up. She is a new wife and we suspect she has a miscarriage. Thomas Sproul brought another 1/4 ton of coal today for $2.75. I mean to pay him next Monday. Before retiring, I wrote again to Carlton & Porter about the S.S. Advocates to send them in one package. 06/11 SUNDAY - A little cooler after the rain but pleasant. Gussie went to church in the morning while I stayed with Georgie. I went to Sunday School and in the P.M., Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon at which a collection for the Lincoln Monument was taken - $10.62. Sacrament in the P.M. We had lobster for supper after which we drew the baby and went up home to see Mother. John Cosier called to see her while we were there. We sang and he prayed before we left. He walked down with us when we came home. I went to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street in the evening to hear Brother Hill preach his sermon on Methodism. Wrote to Carlton & Porter to send our S.S. Advocates in one package. This is the second time I have written about it. 06/12 MONDAY - I worked in the forenoon and finished off a dozen hats I had out. I went back to the shop after dinner but did not work. I stayed until they paid off and then went up to Joseph Ives to see about a getting a tin roof for the wing of my house. I came home by way of E. Whaley to see his strawberries and to see him about sending S. Barnum to New York for fire crackers for the 4th of July. They will cost us more than we expected and I am in favor of not sending. I went over to David Bradley's to see about his doing the carpentry work to my roof. He was not home so I left word to have him call and see after which he did. He will not be able to do the work before Friday. While he was here Ed Whaley came along and I drew some ale for them. I went to teacher's Meeting in the evening and was made Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School. I had a severe headache in the evening and I retired as soon as I came from the Teacher's meeting. It is now Tuesday morning that I am writing this. I was not able to do it last night. 06/13 TUESDAY - Not feeling very well, I rose late. After breakfast I cut a little grass in my yard and put around my strawberry plants to keep the berries clean. Went down to the Post Office and to the Savings Bank to draw out $100 with which to take a $100 7-30 U.S. Loan but concluded not to do so as I would thereby lose the interest in the Savings bank from April until the present time and besides the Savings bank pays 6 % instead of 5% as I supposed and furthermore I shall probably pay the $100 on my place next April and unless Mr. Mallett was willing to take the 7-30 Loan, I would be obliged to sell it before I could pay him. So I came home without making the changes. After dinner I took a nap on the bed with Georgie and slept until nearly 3 o'clock. I then picked what strawberries there were ripe and rode downtown with Mr. Cocking and bought a gallon of molasses and 1 # lbs. of sugar at B&N and sent it up home. I then went over to the church and looked over the Sunday School classes on the Librarian's books and arranged them on the Secretary's book which I now have the charge of. David Lanigan was married at the Baptist Church in the P.M just before the cars went out and took the train for a wedding tour. He married Miss ___ Comstock from the Boggs District. While downtown this morning, I saw Charles Fowler and paid him $1.75 due him up to date for butter. After tea, I went over to Seth Downs and Dr. Bulkeley to see their strawberries. I came home by way of the Post Office and got a letter from George written at St. Augustine, Florida June 3rd and Jacksonville June 7th. They were waiting transportation to come home. 06/14 Wednesday - Pleasant but a little cooler. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get some dressmaking done and I carried my dinner at the shop. I worked all day though I have not been in a condition to do so. I feel nearly sick with my cold and also I have a sore mouth. On my way home from work, I overtook Father and he came around home to get a glass of beer. It has been reported today that David Mansfield has been found dead in a lumberyard in Norwalk. I went to market in the evening but was too tire to stay down to class. The 2nd Congregational Church is holding a strawberry festival this evening in Concert Hall. 06/15 THURSDAY - Cloudy and cool but no rain. The body of David Mansfield came last evening on the train. I have felt better today than for many days past. I worked all day in the shop. I went in the evening to Joseph Ives to see about having my tin roof put on tomorrow. They are to put it on if the day is pleasant. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. She went home after doing some shopping and I waited for the mail. I received a letter from Carleton Porter explaining about the extra packages of the S.S. Advocates sent to us. I answered it in Parmalee & Bradley's store and mailed it ordering 8 extra copies before I went home. 06/16 FRIDAY - Some appearance of rain in the morning, but at times during the day, the sun shone. I stayed home and with David Bradley ripped off the old shingle roof on the wing and put on new roof boards for a tin roof. After dinner, Mr. James Turner and Mr. William Allen came with the Irishman Mike and succeeded in putting on the tin roof by working until 7 o'clock. David came over after tea and helped me put on the strips of siding which we took off that the Turner's might work. We then went downtown together. I reported to Joseph Ives about the new roof, but they were just closing the store and desired me to call at some other time. I got a $10 bill changed to pat David what I owed him. 06/17 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I went to the shop in the morning, but feeling rather sore and stiff from yesterday's work, I concluded not to work. I went up to Joseph Ives' store and paid $20 on the bill of ___ for my tin roof. I took a nap after dinner and the Gussie and I took the baby up to the cemetery. While coming home in the morning, I met Louise Jones; she had just been to the house to see Gussie. In the evening, I went downtown and bought a thin vest and coat. Went to the barber's and got my hair cut and then came home. 06/18 SUNDAY - Very warm in the forenoon. A shower came up about noon and rained a little cooling the air very much. The sun was hid from view nearly all the remainder of the day. I stayed with Gussie in the forenoon to let Gussie go to church. She came home after the morning sermon to let me go to Sunday School and in the P.M. Dr. Holdrich preached in the A.M. He is Secretary of the Bible Society. F. W. Jackson preached in the P.M. from the last clause of the tenth verse of the 12th chapter of 2nd Corinthians. We continued the subscriptions in Sunday School for the Lincoln Monument Fund. After tea, I did my writing for the Sunday School and then we put Georgie in his carriage and went over to Aunt Louisa's. I also carried David Bradley's pipe to him which he left here last Friday while at work. I went to hear Dr. Holdrich on the Bible Cause at our church. Rev. Mr. Shepard preached at the West Street 2nd Congregational Church in the evening on Universalism. I walked from the church in the evening with Widow William Bradley as far as the corner of New Street. John Cosier's class met at 5 o'clock up home with Mother. 06/19 MONDAY - Cloudy all day; misty at times but no rain. I worked all day in the shop. When I came to dinner, I ran up Father Griswold's flag as I promised him I would as he wanted to make a little sport with Aunt Ruth and Anna Eliza when he should come with them on the freight train. They came with him as expected. When I came home, I found the flag caught on the point of the lightning rod. I went to the top of the house as soon as I could and took it down. While doing so, Anna Eliza came up to see me. She had changed so much that I should not have known her if I had seen her anywhere else. When I came down, I went into the sitting room where they had just finished tea to see Aunt Ruth. I stayed there to tea. Anna came down with Gussie and stayed while I went to market. While down to the Post Office, I saw Henry Hoyt who is to be gatekeeper at the Fair tomorrow and the next day and he wanted some of our Sunday School Festival tickets for the Committee at the Fair to use while running out and in. We went over to the church together and I went to the Library and got them for him; he took 35 of them. I took from the Post Office some King of Swedes Turnip Seed sent by Congressman J. H. Hubbard or at least the envelope had his frank upon it. 06/20 TUESDAY - Cloudy but no rain. The wind went around from East to Southwest and our threatened storm will I think prove a dry one. Before breakfast I stuck down some of the vining plants to my Russell Strawberries. I am trying to force a few plants to put out early. The Ladies' Sewing Society Fair of our church commenced today in Concert Hall. Bell came down in the P.M. to take care of Georgie so that Gussie could attend the Fair with Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza Mills. I worked hard all day and until after 6 o'clock at night. In the evening, Gussie went to the Fair again with Anna and Eliza Vintz. I walked down with them; as they went into the Hall, I went to the Post Office and to market. I then came home without going into the Hall. When I came home, I took care of Georgie and let Bell go home. There was a Hatters' Meeting which I did not attend to take into consideration an invitation from the Town Committee to participate in a body by joining the procession on the 4th of July. I was notified before leaving the street that I was Chairman of an Auditing Committee, consisting of C. H. Hoyt, Nathaniel Cable and myself to audit the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer of the Association. 06/21 WEDNESDAY - Foggy, misty and some rain in the morning, but before noon the sun came out warm and pleasant. I was very tired when I stopped work. Gussie and Anna Mills went to the Fair again in the evening. I went to the Post Office and found a letter from the Post Office in Washington, D.C. It was one that Gussie wrote to Emmaline Francis in Leavenworth, Kansas and it never reached its destination and it came back to her by way of Washington. I went into the Fair to carry the letter to her and while there, I bought three dishes of ice cream for Gussie, her cousin Anna and myself. I then came home to relieve Cousin Mary Purdy who was taking care of baby for us. I gave her 25 cents and sent her to the Fair. 06/22 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Being tired out from hard work, I stayed out of the shop. I called at Sheather & Lacy's shop and went from there down to where I work at the Pahquioque Shop, It being then about noon, I walked up with Edwin Whaley. After dinner I took a nap and woke up and found a hard shower coming up. The thunder was heavy, also considerable wind. It rained hard and cleared off between 5 and 6 o'clock. Aunt Ruth, Cousin Anna Eliza, Mother Griswold and Harriet Wheeler spent the afternoon with us. Father Griswold came down and took tea with us while Harriet went home with Josie. After tea, we all took a walk around the corner by Mr. Pond's place and upon the lime rocks. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. While down there I found that there was a meeting of the Union League called to vote the use of the cannon to the citizens' celebration on the coming 4th of July. I attended before going home. 06/23 FRIDAY - The day has been pleasant. Last night's shower having cooled the air so that it has been a comfortable day to work. I carried my dinner today in order that Gussie might have more time to visit with her Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza. Father Griswold got Beatty's double team and took his company out to ride this evening. When I came home to tea, I found a letter from George which Gussie had taken from the Office. He sent his last bounty check and over $6 in Confederate money for preservation as a relic. After tea, I worked until about dark starting the new plants in my Russell Strawberry bed. Gussie and Anna Eliza went downtown in the evening, while I stayed with Georgie. 06/24 SATURDAY - A beautiful day. I came home to dinner after which I went with Gussie and Cousin Anna Eliza to Mr. Crofut's Forming Shop in West Street and then down where I work at the Pahquioque Shop to show them the way hats are manufactured. From there we went up into Main Street and found Fanny, Harriet and Aunt Ruth. Aunt Ruth went to Dr. Ryder's and had a tooth extracted and then they did some shopping. In the meantime I talked with O. H. Swift about the paper business for George when he should arrive home. After tea (Bell came in and stayed to tea), we all went downtown to show Eliza where General Wooster died. We went by the way of Deer Hill and I called at Father's a few minutes. The Sunday School Advocates came today and before tea I marked them off and carried them downtown with us and came up Main Street when we came home and left them at the church. Mr. Cocking came down stairs and drank a glass of beer with me in the evening. 06/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning; I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon. I went down to Sunday School and to preaching in the P.M. Asa Hill preached for us today. I had the headache in the afternoon. We had our first mess of peas for supper, from our dwarf vines. Mr. Mackey, a son-in-law of Joseph Foot, the hatter formerly of this town, who has been lately converted was in our Sunday School and made the opening prayer. He also made some remarks to the school before it closed. I felt so poorly after tea that I lay down until nearly evening meeting time. I did not go to prayer meeting; neither did Gussie, but we spent a part of the evening up home with Aunt Ruth. I felt better before retiring. 06/26 MONDAY - It rained in showers all day and very hard in the afternoon. I carried my dinner to the shop. We were paid off in the P.M. On my way home from work at night I took from the Office a letter from Cyrus Benjamin, giving the intelligence of the death of his youngest brother Joel. He died of consumption. The letter was written yesterday. The funeral will be attended tomorrow. The letter was written to Father, but I opened it to see who was dead. After tea, I went up home and carried the letter. I gave Father $1.00 with which to attend the funeral as I could not go myself. From there I went into the street to pay the balance of my bill for tin roof to Joseph W. Ives for $8.41. I then went to the depot to see Mr. Beatty about coming for Aunt Ruth and Cousin Anna Eliza as they want to start for Canton tomorrow morning. I did some marketing and then came home while it was raining in torrents. Before we retired, it was starlight. While in the street, I called on O. H. Swift to see if he had done anything more about the newspaper business from George. He told me that he had about settled the matter and thought he would be able to let George have the business when he came home. Fred Brinker's wife was buried this morning. 06/27 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool after the rain. Father took the train for Ridgefield this morning to attend Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral and Aunt Ruth Griswold and Anna Eliza Mills took the train also for Canton. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe and sickle. I ground our scythe also. I went to the Post Office in the evening but got nothing. Father returned from Ridgefield by the evening train. 06/28 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool for June. I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle, Ed Whaley and William Norman were off from the shop this morning. After tea, I hoed some corn in the garden and propped up tomato vines. I then went down to the Post Office and to see Dr. Bulkeley about Georgie who is sick from continued constipation. He was not at his office, so I walked around to his residence in Spring Street. He prescribed for him. I came by way of Oscar Serrine's to borrow his syringe, but it was broken so I went to Dr. Baldwin's Drug Store and bought one of Loewe's pattern for $1.50. I came home and gave the baby an injection and the medicine Dr. Bulkeley prescribed. 06/29 THURSDAY - Prospects of a storm in the morning and did rain a little about 6 o'clock, but it finally came off pleasant and warmer than yesterday. There has been considerable wind; otherwise it would have been very warm. The baby is better today. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Joseph W. Ives to see about the gutter in my new tin roof. He (Mr. Allen) promised to call in a day or two and look at it. Mr. Cocking brought me some cabbage and cauliflower plants this morning; I set the out after supper. I gave what cauliflower plants I had left to Mr. Pond. I set out some cabbage for Father Griswold. Gussie went to the market in the evening while I worked in the garden. 06/30 FRIDAY - Very warm; I worked as usual in the shop. Uncle Joe Rotier, who lives just below Father's at the lower end of Deer Hill Avenue fell dead I Ed Tweedy's shop while drinking some ice water. It is supposed that he was overheated and the ice water caused his death. There is quite a stir in the community about the affair of Orange Beebe and John Rowan's widow. It seems that On Monday evening, June 19th, Beebe committed or attempted to commit a rape upon her. They were riding together. She resisted ad in consequence received such personal injuries that it is feared she will not recover. Beebe is under ____ bonds. When I came from work, I found Georgie sick. After tea, I went to see Dr. Bulkely and he pronounced it mumps and prescribed accordingly. I went to Raymond's and ordered a lobster for Mother Griswold and peck of clams for myself tomorrow. A thunder shower came up in the evening about 9 o'clock
1865-06
Western Connecticut State University