Horace Purdy Journal September 1869 Entry
10pgs
SEPTEMBER 01 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. More like November than September. Horace Cable and I went with his horse to Brewster Station to take from the Harlem Railroad depot at that location, 7 spring beds to put up in that place. As we went, we took from here two beds which we put up for William Fowler just beyond the state line and for E. C. Clark at Sodom. We got pay for 6 beds and 3 we did not collect, viz., George Hall, John Doty at the hotel, and William Orman. We took dinner at Doty's Hotel, called the Southeast House. On our way home, we stopped at William Storm's and brought into town a copper strip cutting machine. We came by the 8th Regiment encampment at Lake Kenosha at sundown just as they were on dress parade. It was about dark when we got home. SEPTEMBER 02 THURSDAY - Horace Cable came over in the morning for crab apples. He helped me pick what remained on the tree. When we had done picking, I filled his basket and then Charles Hayes and I rode over home with him. I then went down to the Danbury Bank with him and we had a draft made out for D. R. French for the balance of what we owe him - $154.54. I went over to Swift's and wrote a note to French and enclosed the draft and mailed it. In the P.M., I went over to Cable's and got some safety bars and the tools and came home and put one in our bedstead. After putting it in, I took Willie Griswold and threw him on the bed quite hard and broke a slat. I then had to go over to Mr. Cable's again for a slat and came home and put it in in place of the broken one. In the evening, I went to market and Gussie went to Professor John Logan's' lecture on Physiognomy. The day has been pleasant except an occasional cloud, which in passing over, would give us a little sprinkle. SEPTEMBER 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. In the morning, I went over to Horace Cable's and went down into Main Street with him at mail tine. We saw Governor Jewell and staff at the depot just arrived with horses and equipage for reviewing the 8th Regiment in the P.M. at Lake Kenosha. I received a letter from Sigler Brothers, 131-133 Mercer Street, New York, requesting me to send the amount of my indebtedness which I owed when I sold out in New York and cannot pay because Henry Day, who took my business, has not paid me. In the P.M., Gussie, Louise and I went onto the street designing to take one of the omnibuses and ride out to camp and see Gov. Jewell review the regiment, but all the conveyances were overloaded and we gave up the idea of going. I came home and pulled weeds in my garden. Gussie went to the phrenological lecture in the evening. I went to market and down to the Turner House to see Gov. Jewell who with his staff holds a reception. SEPTEMBER 04 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to Bethel by the morning train to collect from Thomas Wheeler $6.00 for a spring bed but did not get it. I took an order from Mr. Agnew for a spring bed. I came home by the A. M. train and saw Mr. Henry Day but could get no encouragement from him regarding the payment of his notes. The 8th Regiment marched in from the lake about 3 P.M. and broke up at the depot. They started for home on the 4:15 train. I received a letter from Mr. J. E. Chapman from New York concerning the Empire Spring Bed. Henry Cable wants Putnam County in which to sell them. I also received a note from Mr. French acknowledging receipt of $154.54 to balance Cable & Purdy's account. I did some marketing and then came home. SEPTEMBER 05 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I went with Georgie down to Sunday school at noon. We came home again after school. After dinner, which we had about 4 P.M., Gussie and I walked over to Ambrose Hill's, but Ambrose had started for New York before we got there. He went to Brookfield intending to take a train this evening from there to Bridgeport and then a night boat to New York so as to get to Brooklyn for breakfast tomorrow morning. Gussie went to church this evening. I stayed at home. SEPTEMBER 06 MONDAY - Hot. In the forenoon, I helped Robert Cocking clean out and repair his cistern. In the P.M., I went over to F. H. Austin's and took a measurement of his bedstead for a set of springs. From there, I went over to Sturdivant's factory. From there, I came to the lower end of town and then up home to see mother. I wrote three letters - one to J. E. Chapman, giving Twitchell's prices for spring beds, one to Twitchell about New London and Windham Counties, and one to D. R. French with a draft for $60.00 enclosed. Mrs. Sweetland and daughter came by the P.M. train from Hartford to see Edwin's wife at Mother Griswold's. Their baggage was left behind today, and I went to the depot this evening on the arrival of the train to get it for them, a black traveling bag. Late in the evening, I went over to Horace Cable's and gave him the tree and bed orders I had on my book from New York State. SEPTEMBER 07 TUESDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning, but before noon it came off pleasant. Just at night it clouded over again and rained in showers all evening. I have been to Bethel and stayed all day. I took tea with Mrs. Dare. I sold 7 beds. I took another tea after I came home and then went up to see Charles Bradley about a spring bed but did not find him at home. I then came down to John Bouton's for the measurement of his bed, but they having company in the bed, I did not measure the bedstead. From there, I went over to Horace Cable's to get some names for spring beds which he had got for me. I then came home feeling about used up. Before retiring, I helped Gussie seal up some of her cups of crab apple jelly. SEPTEMBER 08 WEDNESDAY - The day has been broken. A considerable rain has fallen and yet the sun has shone a little. I canvassed in the forenoon for my spring beds. After dinner, I went again and after 4 o'clock, I sold 4 beds, two to Mrs. William Bennett, one to Mrs. Charles Bradley, and one to John Bouton. I received by the morning mail a letter from D. R. French saying that I must hereafter deal with Mr. Twitchell as he has given up the General Agency. In the evening, I wrote an order for 14 spring beds, eight for Bethel and six for Danbury, the first lot for myself since giving up my partner, Cable. I also wrote to William Hayes for Stark's address that I might write and if possible, collect the $20.00 he owes me. I also wrote to George to have him collect the $7.50 owing me in Yonkers. Before retiring, I helped seal up and mark crab apple and blackberry jelly. SEPTEMBER 09 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. Our Sunday School and the Baptist School held a picnic at the junction of the New York Northern and Housatonic railroads near Brookfield. Anne, Edwin's wife, and her two children, Fanny and Willie started for Ohio. They took the 11A.M. train to Brookfield. AT 12 noon, Mr. & Mrs. Sweetland and daughter Martha started for home in Hartford. I went over to Crofut's Mill in the A. M. to try and sell Mr. Crofut a spring bed. I did not succeed but sold one to his miller, Jack Wolf. I came home by way of Horace Cable's and got a set of springs. From there and before dinner, I put them in one of the beds I yesterday measured for Mrs. William Bennett. In the P.M., I went up to Tweedy's Factory with my bed model. I sold three before I got home Turner Stevens, George F. Larkin, and George Swords. Gussie being detained at the picnic, Hattie Mills and I got our tea and ate it before she got home. In the evening, I went to market and then to the barber's to get my hair cut. SEPTEMBER 10 FRIDAY - Cold in the morning but a pleasant day and warm in the middle of the day. I went to the shop in the morning and stretched Georgie's straw hat and had one blocked (a fur one) preparatory to finishing it. Before dinner, I took an order from Joel Foster for a spring bed. Received by morning mail a letter from T. E. Twitchell that he had shipped yesterday 6 beds to me. After dinner, I hired Mr. Bouton's horse and went to the depot for my spring beds. I took Mr. Austin's over to him and put it in. I also put in one for John W. Bouton and one for Mrs. Charles Bradley. Horace Cable came over to see me about dark. After tea, I went to market. SEPTEMBER 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I spent a part of the afternoon in finishing a hat for Georgie. I carried Hattie Mill's dinner to her at noon at the Mallory Shop. I took a letter from the Office this forenoon for Horace Cable from J. E. Chapman & Co., New York (the Empire Spring Bed maker). In the evening, I went to market and took home from the Office a bill from Twitchell for 8 beds shipped today for Bethel. SEPTEMBER 12 SUNDAY - Pleasant. About meeting time this morning, Father came down to see me. I went down to Sunday School at noon and home again after the session. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. SEPTEMBER 13 MONDAY - Pleasant and warmer than for some days past. I have been to Bethel today. I went by train this morning and returned by same in the evening. I had 8 beds come by freight to Bethel where I met them and delivered and put them up which took me until dark. I took dinner with Aunt Harriet Mills. In the A.M., I put a safety bar in Mr. Dare's bed. Gussie met me this evening at the depot with the Sunday School books. I took them and attended the Teachers' Meeting without returning home. My resignation as secretary & treasurer was accepted and Thomas Bradley was elected. SEPTEMBER 14 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I spent a portion of the day selling my spring beds. Just at night, I went down to Dr. Benedict's and put in a set of springs for Anna Eastwood. While we were at tea, Hannah Gregory came in to countermand an order Mrs. Rowan gave me today for a spring bed. I went to market in the evening with Gussie. I mailed this P.M. a check to Mr. Twitchell for $54.72, amount due him for my first set of beds. In the evening, Mr. Pond came in to pay me $10.00 borrowed last Saturday. He drew his check on Pahquioque Bank for $50.00. I am to draw it for him tomorrow and from it take my $10.00. SEPTEMBER 15 WEDNESDAY - A little lowery in the morning but it came off pleasant and warm. I rode down to Grassy Hill in the morning on a load of hat cases with William Bouton. I canvassed there and at Oren Benedict's shop until the freight train came when I took it and came home to Danbury. After I arrived, I went to the Pahquoique Bank with Mr. Pond's check for 50.00. I got the money and, in the evening, returned $40.00 to Mr. Pond. In the P.M., I called at the parsonage and Mrs. Burch paid me $5.00 for a bed purchased in July. A bed order from W. H. Barnum. SEPTEMBER 16 THURSDAY - I canvassed a little at home for my spring beds. After dinner, I went on Highland Avenue to sell beds. After tea, I went into the street and arranged with Harry Buckley to go tomorrow morning with me to Newtown to take a bed spring to H. D. Warner in place of one broken which he has. Also, to collect from Henry Willis $6.00 for one I sold him in July. SEPTEMBER 17 FRIDAY - About 6:30 this morning, Harry Buckley drove around for me to go to Newtown per arrangement. I took over the springs for J. Warner and put them in and collected $6.00 from Henry Willis for a bed. I took another order of two from W. J. Dick (hotel), also an order for another from J. B. Wheeler. We came home by way of the Steam Excavator arriving about noon. A little fine rain on our way over in the morning. I had 6 more beds (also 2 slats and a frame for George Andrews) come on the freight train. I hired Mr. Judd's horse to deliver them. I put up Turner Stevens', Jacob Wolff's, George Larkin's, Mr. Pond’s, and George Sword's, leaving Joel Foster's and the slats for George Andrews until tomorrow. In the evening, I took an order for one from Fred Hull. Received by the evening mail two letters from T. E. Twitchell with bills of beds to Danbury and Bethel. SEPTEMBER 18 SATURDAY - Gussie's birthday. She is 33 years old. I started this morning to get a new lid made for the box containing my spring bed model. Before I could get back, it commenced raining. I went over to Joel Foster's about 8 A.M. and put in his spring bed. From there I went over to George Andrew's and made over his old one which he has used for 3 years or more. I added two new slats and a new frame making a 9 slatter instead of 7 slats. I went to Bethel by the 4 P.M. train and brought in a bed for C.H. Benedict. From there I went over to W.H. Barnum's to put in one for him, but his wife having company, I deferred it until next week. I then rode up home with B. F. Bailey. SEPTEMBER 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning to hear our old pastor, Brother William Hill, preach. We have no pastor now. He (Burch) is only a preacher. I stayed to Sunday School to see how Theo Bradley, the new secretary and treasurer, got along with his new duties. This is his first Sunday in the new position and the first since I was relieved. In the P.M., Gussie went to the Universalist to hear Mr. Haskell preach a memorial sermon for the late General John Rawlins, Secretary of War, who died in Washington, D. C. on September 6th. His wife, daughter of Stephen Hurlburt, is here at home with her father. SEPTEMBER 20 MONDAY - Hot, very hot. I went to Bethel by the train in the morning and put in a set of bed springs for S.H. Barnum. I spent my time in Bethel until the freight train came in and then came home. Mary Mills came on the same train. Four more beds came on the train, 2 for Dick's hotel, 1 for J.B. Wheeler, and 1 for myself. I did not take them from the depot as three of them I will take to Newtown tomorrow morning. Just at night, I made arrangements with Harry Buckley for his horse tomorrow to go to Newtown. After tea, I went over to Division Street and measured a bed for A. Kenner. I then went down to Blackman's to get a crystal put in my watch. I received by the evening mail a bill from T. E. Twitchell for the four beds shipped on Saturday and received today. I came home and filled out a check for the same - $32.68, to mail to him tomorrow morning. SEPTEMBER 21 TUESDAY - I have had Harry Buckley's horse to go to Newtown. I put in 2 spring beds for Dick's hotel and one more for J. B. Wheeler. I intended to canvass Newtown and perhaps stay overnight but the rain commencing about 1 o'clock, I started for home expecting a hard storm. But it stopped and rained no more during the P.M. I got home about 6 P.M. SEPTEMBER 22 WEDNESDAY - In the morning, I made 2 cross bars for a 51 inch bed to use with Turner Stevens bed for Fred Hull. At 10 o'clock, I went to the Danbury Bank and deposited $32.62 for a check sent to T.E. Twitchell for bed springs. From there, I went up to Turner Stevens and took out the springs I put in for him. I am going to put them in for Fred Hull. Cloudy. Rain about 2 P.M. About 4 o'clock, I got Luther Patton to drive over to Turner Stevens and bring away a bed for me and take to Fred Hull which I put up for him before night. In the evening, I went into the street. SEPTEMBER 23 THURSDAY - Lowery in the morning. I went down to Col. Chichester and to George Benedict and took an order from each for spring beds and returned home to dinner. Received by the morning mail a receipt from T. E. Twitchell for the last check I sent him - $32.68. It cleared off in the P.M. I canvassed in Maple Avenue until teatime and came home. In the evening, I mailed a check to T.E. Twitchell for $14.450 in full for beds to date. SEPTEMBER 24 FRIDAY - I hired Harry Buckley's team and went to canvassing towards Newtown for my bed springs. I sold three to Eugene Jennings, Jabez Peck and Reuben Blackman. The last one was on the hill overlooking Newtown. It then being night, I turned and drove home. SEPTEMBER 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant. In the morning, I went down to Foster Brothers Carpenter Shop to collect $7.25 for spring beds from Joel Foster. He paid me $5.00 of it. I then went up to Samuel Holby's shop to see George Sword. He could not pay me today. He has just buried his baby. At 10 o'clock, I went to the Danbury Bank and deposited $14.50 for a check I sent to T.E. Twitchell in New Haven. Reunion of the 23rd Regiment. Many of the veterans of the Bethel Military Company and the City Band from Bridgeport came on the 10:15 train. They formed and marched to Concert Hall where officers of the Regimental Association were elected for the coming year. After which the line again formed, and the grand parade commenced. The parade ended by marching into the Wooster House yard where an abundant dinner was served up free of charge. All appeared to enjoy it. D.R. French, one of the veterans of the 23rd was here also. I found him and we had a little visit together by ourselves. I went with him to try and find George Ambler, but we could not. SEPTEMBER 26 SUNDAY - Stormy. It has rained hard all day. None of us has been out to church. This is the first Sunday in a long time that I have remained indoors all day. Harry Buckley called about dusk. I brought some of my 'Louise Bond de Jersey' pears. He ate a number and took several to his wife. SEPTEMBER 27 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. It rained hard during last night but came off clear this morning. I rode to Bethel this P.M. with Harry Buckley to try to collect $6.50 at Luby's shop from A. C. Williams but he was not there. When I returned, I called to see Mr. Ferrell about bedsprings but he concluded to defer the thing until next spring. In the evening, I ordered (and mailed the same) seven more beds from Twitchell. SEPTEMBER 28 TUESDAY - A heavy white frost this morning, the first of the season. In the forenoon, I prepared a place for 2 rows of 'Jacunda Strawberry' plants and got in 12 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar. I killed and we had for dinner one of the three chickens that has been living with us all summer. In the P.M., I had a sick headache, but I went over to Ambrose Hill's for the plants and set them out just at night. After putting out the plants, I was so sick that I could hardly hold up my head. I took but a mouthful for tea and retired early. SEPTEMBER 29 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold with another white frost. My head ached all night. I feel bad today. I cleaned up my pistol in the morning. I went into the street before dinner. On the arrival of the freight train, I went to the depot to see if 7 spring beds which I have ordered came, but they did not. I then got Harry Buckley to drive his horse with me and one spring bed down to George Benedict's. Mrs. Benedict not being home, I left it and returned home without putting it in. Wrote to George and mailed in the evening about not receiving money the 27th inst., also about being in New York next week to see him. I received a receipted bill by evening mail from T. E. Twitchell for $14.49, also notice that today he shipped me 7 beds. SEPTEMBER 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer. After breakfast, I went down to the lower end of Main Street to George V. Benedict's and put in the spring bed I left down there yesterday P.M. I then came uptown and called on Mrs. Anna Eastwood to see about pay for spring beds I put in for her on the 14th. From there, I went to Randall & Bradley's Store and 'altered a cat' for them. I bought a mixed colored coat (of sack) of B. C. Sherwood, the pawnbroker, for $7.00. In the P.M., I hired Almon Judd's horse to get some bed springs from the depot. I put in one for Abram Chichester and two for Mrs. Alice Ford. I delivered one to Mrs. Keynes on Division Street, but they being away, I could not put it in. I have three more to put in tomorrow, one to Beaverbrook at Eugene Jennings', and two just this side of Newtown for John Peck and Reuben Blackman. I went up to Kenner's in the evening to put in his bed, but they still being away, I could not.
1869-09-01
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1870 Entry
9pgs
2/1 Tuesday. I talked in William A. Bedient's rooms on life insurance. As I started home, I saw Joseph T. Bates ath te crossing of Main St. by the post office. He wanted me to make out an application for a life insurance policy or him. Instead of going to dinner I immediately went with him to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. I then filled out the application and received the first quartely premiun, $4.89, to cover risk from present time provided the application is accepted and gave him his receipt. After dinner I went to see Lewis A. Ward, the friend he referred to me. I mailed the application to the company by the afternoon mail. I called on Stephen L. Beers expecting to get from him the premium due on his policy but he can't pay until Thursday. In the evening I went into the street and saw Oscar Levine and gave him a written statement of what I knew about his farm in Iowa or what I had heard other say about it. He wished me to do this in order to use as evidence on behalf of the farm is he should have occasion to do so. Mr. Levine came home with me and stopped a few minutes in which I showed him something pertaining to life insurance. 2/2 In the morning I took a coffee and a tea pot to Charles Hull's to be soldered and then went down to the Pahquioque Hat Shop and talked with Victor W. Bedient and George Foot abou life insurance. I called in at William A. Bedient's Photgraphic Gallery. He told me he would have the application made out for him and his wife. I this evening I went over to his house on Steven Street and filled out an application blanks for he and his wife . I spoke this PM in Swift's stoe with Fed Benedict of Miry Brook about his taking out a policy. He made some inquiries into the matter and spoke about $5,000. I am to see him again. 2/3 Between 8 and 9 this morning Dr. William Bulkely and I went over to William A. Bedient's and examined his wife. We then came back to his office and there examined William Bulkely himself. It is a joint policy. After dinner I went up to Victor Morrell's to get his sister, Mrs. Miller to sign the friend certificate for Mrs. Bedient. I mailed the applications by the 4 o'clock mail. I then went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and talked insurance with Charles Bradley, Nathaniel Barnum, and others. Received a letter in the evening from Homeo. Ins. Co. saying the Joseph T. Bates application was rejected for anything except a 15 yr. endowment. That is all they would grant. 2/4 After breakfast I walked down to see Joseph T. Bates to tell him that his application for a life insurance policy was rejected. I did not find him at home. On my return I called at L. L. [Houtbell's] office and left word with him that I wanted to see Mr. Bates. After dinner I called at the Rail Road Paint shop and then went to the Pahquioque shop and spent the remainder of the day talking life insurance with Seth Downs and Mr. Belltare. Gussie went in the evening to H. B. Fanton's to the Church Sociable or the Sewing Society. Louise Vintz stayed with Georgie for me to go into the street. I spent a part of the evening with A. E. Fuller at Sherwood's Store talking with him about insuring his life. 2/5 In the AM I put at door spring in Swift & Cowan's store door to let them try it. While at Swift's I saw Joe Bates about his rejected application for a life policy. He preferred not to take the 15 yr. endowment and wanted a 10 yr. annual life if they would grant it. I think it exceedingly doubtful but I wrote by the afternoon mail to the Company about it. I received by evening mail a joint policy for William A. Bedient and wife. Amos Stebbins died today. 2/6 I stayed at home all day. Gussie went down to church at noon and in the PM and again in the evening. While at tea Father came down and stayed for an hour. After tea we went over to Robert Cocking's and made a call. I wrote to William H. Hayes, 415 Hudson St,, NY and Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. 2/7 I put 2 door springs on the Billiard and Bar Room doors for Nathan Turrell. I broke one putting it on, there being a flaw in it. I left them on trial for a few days. If they suit him he will pay me for them. After dinner I took my spring bed model down to Beer's store to show Elijah Beers and Albert Miller. I then came home and wrote to Homeo. Ins. Co. for information concerning William A. Bedient's policy, the premiums being more than I expected. I mailed the letter in the PM and called in Randall & Bradley's store and talked life insurance a little. After tea I went into the street for the mail. 2/8 Commenced snowing early and continued all day. I went into the street in the forenoon and stayed until nearly noon at Randall & Bradley's store talking life insurance. I took a letter from the Post Office from David R. French from Dover Plains. He is there working life insurance and expects during this week to come my way and call on me. After dinner I wrote to Eva B. Filed and addressed Station G. I wrote in answer to one received about a week ago inquiring about some engravings she left with me to be framed when I was in NY. I went to the post office and mailed it and then wnet up to Burr Rolands and spent the remainder of the PM talking life insurance with Henry Perry, Jabez [Amiston], Alfred Heath. I went into the street again in the evening to the post office. I brought a letter for Charles Hayes from his brother William. 2/9 Heaviest snow we have had yet. I rose early and commenced digging paths at 5 ' o'clock and worked at it til the middle of the forenoon, then went down to the post office and received a letter from Homeo. Ins. stating that the premium on William Bedients policyno. 2099 was correct , $27.09. After dinner I wrote to T. E . Twitchell a friendly letter telling him how business was here, but not ordering anything. I called on George Starr before coming home to tea. After tea I went into the street and mailed the letter I wrote to Mr. Twitchell. I called at Beers store and then walked up West St. with Aug. [Kiessier]. 2/10 After breakfast I wrote to George in Brooklyn, Houston Street, 3 doors down from DeKalb Ave. I wrote speaking of the deaths of Abel Parsons' wife, Mrs. Stewart and Amos Stebbins. I also requested some money if he could let me have some. I went up to Harris L. Crofut's Carpenter Shop (in the rear of Bradley and Mansifield's Stables) to see George Barnum about life insurance. After dinner I took Gussie and Georgie up to William Bedient's Photograph Gallery to get Georgie's picture taken. After which I mailed my letter to George. Bedient this forenoon paid me the $27.09 premium on his joint policy. As Georgie and I were walking up West St., Robert Cocking and wife with some of Mr. Crofut's family were sleigh riding and Robert took Georgie up with them and gave him a fine sleigh ride about town and then drove home with him. In the evening I went to the post office and then home. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel today. 2/11 I spent a part of the forenoon in Charles Hull's tin shop talking life insurance with Peter Ambler. After dinner I called at Wooster House to see how the door springs worked which I had put on and then I went to [Frey Hoyt Ives] shop to talk insurance a little with Albert A. Stone. From there I called a few minutes on David Cosier by the Bridge and then went to William Bedient's Gallery and took 2 proofs of Georgie's picture to show Gussie how they looked. After tea I went again into the street. 2/12 I went into the street and returned the 2 proof pictures of Georgie to William Bedient to mount and finish up. I paid him for 4, $1.00, and brought home the 2 and am to wait until next week for the remaining 2. I saw Theo Lyon at Victor Morrell's blacksmith shop and talked with him until noon and then came home to dinner. After dinner I went again into the street and collected from J. C. Beers $32.80, the balance due me from Stephen L. Beers first premium of life ins. policy,. $40.17 was the premium but I traded $7.07 of it. I expected Mr. French would be here today from Dover Plains on his way home to Bridgeport but he did not come. I called on David Cosier this PM and I offered him $1 for every man he could send me that I would insure. In the evening I went to Frederick Starr's with Gussie to do some marketing. 2/13 Gussie and Hattie Mills went to 'love feast' this morning and Gussie came home after to finish her work. At noon she returned again to church and stayed in the PM. I did not go, but just before noon took Georgie up home to see my folks. We returned home about 2 o'clock. Mother and Bell are both sick but not dangerous. They have taken cold and are not able to go out, though not confined to their beds. 2/14 Monday. I went in the morning to Benedict Bros. Shoe Store and had my boot repaired. From there I went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and then to Pahquioque Hat Shop a few moments and then home to dinner. After dinner I went to Fred Starrs market and ordered half a hog sent to Father Griswolds. I then started to go up to Tweedy's factories but the rain drove me home. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal of a peddler. I wrote to D. S. Lessington, 88 South Halsted St., Chicago Ill. in answer to an advertisement in Harpers Weekly to send sample of goods free to any good energetic canvasser. I also wrote to D. R. French. Gussie and I went into the street together in the evening. I mailed my 2 letters, bought 50 cents worth of buckwheat flour and came home leaving her to do some other marketing. Henry Crofut's wife gave birth to a son about 2 o'clock Sunday morning when she went into a fit and has lain insensible since then. They have hope of her recovery. Before retiring I wrote a receipt for $40.17 for Stephen L. Beers, the first premium of his policy. 2/15 Henry Crofut's wife died last night. I went down to his factory this morning but found all the men about to go home and the shop to be closed. There was black crape on the factory and office door. I went from there up to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop to give Harry Davis a role of Griswold's salve which he engaged a few days ago. From there I went over to the Rail Road Paint shop and talked with William H. Warren about life insurance. I called a moment at Charles Griffins Coal Office to solicit life insurance from him, but he already has a much life insurance as he wants to pay at present. I then came down to Parmalee & Sherman's store and talked ins. with Mr. Parmalee, In the meantime Spencer the druggist came in and of course the drug seller must oppose Homeopathy so I had quite a dispute as to the merits of Homeopathy and Alopathy. Benjamin White who was there took sides against me and I fought the whole crew of them. After dinner Father called, also Horace Cable. They staid nearly all PM. After they went away I went over to Abbotts [Ban] Box Shop and talked with Ed Targett on insurance. I then called n Turner Stevens and had some encouraging talk with him on the subject, and then called on E. P. Davis at his shop. I then came home, it being about 6 o'clock. Before tea, I emptied my port cask to the the salt for Father Griswold to use in packing his pork. In the evening I went to market and to the post office and got a valentine for Georgie from Elyria Ohio. 2/16 In the forenoon I went into the street, called and talked insurance with Russell Hoyt, from there called on Saul Hawley's hat shop and talked with John Beard about ins. until about noon then went to Dr. Bulkely's office and paid him $8 for Homeop. Ins. for the 4 examinations ' Beers, Bates, Bedient and wife. I then went to the post office and got a letter from T. E. Twitchell speaking of the spring bed business in general and hoping that I will work the bed again in the spring. In the PM I took some sausage meat to Fred Starr for E. E. Griswold to be ground . I talked insurance a little in Avery Raymond's store with Albert Blissard and Rusell Bevans. I then called a few moments on Bedients Photograph Gallery and then went to Mortimer Jennings Carriage Shop and talked with him and Mr. Barber who works there. I called again at Bedients and then walked up West St. with him as I came to tea. Before coming home I went up to F. Starrs and got the sausage meat I took there and brought it home to Mother Griswold. After tea I went to the post office and to the store for coffee. I called on Dr. Bulkely and got a partial list of Homeopathists from whom to solicit ins. Henry Crofut's wife was buried this PM at 1 o'clock. Gussie went to a surprise party in the evening at Henry Tobias'. 2/17 In the forenoon called at John Meeker's Hat Shop and talked life insurance a little. Received a letter from D. R. French in the morning, he having gone home from Dove Plains by way of New York instead of coming through Danbury. In the PM I went to the Danbury Bank and got a draft which I mailed to him with my report of my two first policies issued for the Homeopathic Mutual. I went to Wooster House and collected from Mr. Turrell $3.00 for door springs on put on the Billiard and Bar room doors on the 7th. Went to William A. Bedient's Photograph Rooms and got 4 more carte de visite of Georgie and came home and painted a little on my house until night. After tea I wrote to D. R. French and that I this PM mailed him a report and draft for $42.34. I went into the street in the eve and mailed the letter. Before going into the street, as Gussie was putting Georgie to bed she had to whip him severely for disobedience through the day and sauciness at the time. 2/18 Rained hard all day. In the forenoon went into the street and took the door springs off at Swift's Store, he not caring to buy them. In the PM I called at Henry Ryder's, the Assistant Assessor's Office, to see about furnishing him a spring bed. I bought a Valentine for 5 cents for Georgie to send to his cousin, Willie S. Griswold in Elyria, Ohio in return for one received. In the eve I went into the street and mailed it. I called at Gould S. Disbrow's feed store and had a talk with him on life insurance. He liked the appearance of the Homeopathic Company very well. 2/19 Only a little snow left in place. I spent nearly all the forenoon in Disbrow's Feed Store talking life insurance with Charles Wilcox. I received by the morning mail a letter for W. H. Hayes. When I came to dinner I found Joseph T. Bates at the house waiting for me. He decided he would take the 15 yr. endowment on the stock plan. He paid me $6.00 for the first quarter premium payment and wishes to pay quarterly. I wrote to the company saying he would accept the endowment. In the PM I spent some time talking with Dwight Rogers in his store. I received by the evening mail a letter from C. M. Linington, 88 South Halstead St., Chicago with a paper of needles enclosed as one of the article for which he is soliciting agents. Also received a letter from D.R. French acknowledging receipt of report and draft for amount due his company. 2/20 I did not go to church at all. Gussie went down to Sunday School at noon with Georgie and stayed until after the afternoon service. Just at night Theodore B. Bradley came over and stayed until evening meeting time when he and Charles E. Hayes went together. In the evening Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 2/21 It grew very cold and blustery today, like March. In the forenoon I went to see Elijah Beers to get him to insure his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. He had pretty much decided to insure with Charles H. Crosby in the Connecticut Mutual of Hartford. In the PM I called to see Edmund Allen and Joseph Ives. I called a short time at the Pahquioque shop and then came home. In the evening I went into the street to hear Mr. Lord lecture on temperance at the Concert Hall. The weather being so cold and blustery few came, so the lecture was postponed for 2 weeks. While in the Hall, L. L. Hubbell handed me the receipt I gave to Joseph L. Bates on Feb. 1st for payment of the premium on the life insurance policy, which he had sent to me by Hubbell. 2/22 I talked life insurance up to Mallory's shop this forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and introduced my insurance there also. After tea I went to the post office and then up to Rose Hill to see and talk life insurance with Little Ed Duning. I filled out and application for him but he does not want the policy quite yet. I arrived home around 10 o'clcock. 2/23 I spent part of the AM in the street. In the forenoon I painted on the North side of my house. Charles Hayes paid Gussie $17.00 for board at noon, leaving a balance of $27.00 yet to be collected from his employer, James Olmstead, on March 1st. This he has made payable to me and I am to call for it. In the evening I went to the post office and then to Burr Roland's Shoe Store where I sat until time to close and then came up with Mr. Haviland. I today paid $2.50 for a life insurance agent license until May 1st. 2/24 Called to see George Bell at A. Anderson's coal yard. I agreed to call tomorrow evening at his home to talk life insurance. I also called to see John White at his home on River St. but he was just getting his breakfast so I postponed business until some other time. I received the 15 yr. nonparticipating endowment for Joseph L. Bates from Charles G. Wightman, General Agent at Bristol Connecticut. After dinner I took the policy down to him. When I returned I called at George Starr's Shop and then ordered a ' cord of wood for Mother Griswold of John Wildman. I wrote and mailed a letter to Mr. Wightman acknowledging receipt of the policy and letter enclosed. In the evening I received a list of prominent policy holders in the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. 2/25 Took order from Henry Ryder for a spring bed. Took George Bell and wife's application for a joint policy. Also Charles Wilcox on his life alone. 2/26 H. B. Fanton's shirt factory has burned last night, at 2 o'clock this morning. The alarm woke me about 2 ' o'clock. Charles E. Hayes and I went down and returned about 4 o'clock. I snowed just enough to whiten the ground. On account of having been up at the fire I suppose, I have had a sick headache all day. Have one a good day's work . Took an order for a spring bed from Elijah M. Beers and had 3 men examined for life insurance policies ' Charles E. Dunning, Charles H. Wilcox, and Charles E. Disbrow. In the evening I received by mail a package from Charles G. Wightman, Gen. Agent in Bristol, a package of blotters with my name on them but with a mistake in printing. Hartford is on them instead of Danbury and vicinity and Putnam County, NY. Charlie Hayes took the train to NY for spend a short time while work is dull. 2/27 Felt poorly this morning from headache yesterday and last night. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to church but I stayed home. In the evening Gussie and I went to church to hear Brother Burch preach a sermon on 'Women's Rights' 2/28 After breakfast I went up to Maple Ave. to get James M. Bailey to sign the friends certificate for Charles H. Wilcox application. Then went up to Mallory's Shop to see Ed Dunning's hair and eye color which was omitted on Dr. Bulkely's examination of him on Saturday evening. I stayed there until nearly noon. I then called on E. M. Jones at White's factory and talked life insurance with him a little and then came to dinner. I put in the Post Office for the PM mail the 3 applications. I then went down to the Pahquioque shop. Henry Reed called me into his room over Mr. Crofut's office to see about insuring James Fenning's life for our year or Seven for security. I called at Foster Bros. Shop and got 25 cents from Harry Davis for a roll of salve I sold to him a while ago. I then called at the Rail Road paint shop to talk with William Warren. He has pretty much concluded to take out a policy on his wife for $500. In the evening I mailed an order to Twitchell for spring beds for Griswold, Hawley, May, Beers and Ryder.
1870-02