Horace Purdy Journal, January 1860 Entry
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JANUARY 01 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late in the morning for the commencement of a New Year. We commenced sitting downstairs in church today for the first time. We have concluded to leave the choir and take seats below hereafter. Preaching all day by Brother Miley. Text in the morning – 2nd Corinthians, verse 4 and the last clause of verse 18. “For the things that are seen are temporal; the things that are not seen are eternal.” The text in the PM was Romans, 9:3. “For I could wish for myself to be accursed (and separated) from Christ for (the sake of) my brethren; my kinsmen according to the flesh.” We went over home after tea. Frank Boughton and Mary Purdy called for Mrs. Crofut and Augusta to go to the Baptist church before evening meeting to see Anna Tobias married to a Mr. Williams. I did not go, but met them at our church in the evening. JANUARY 02 – MONDAY – The mercury stood at 4 degrees below zero this morning. Paid my interest money at the savings bank before I went to the shop - $21.00. Sent $40.00 for the Juvenile Missionary Society by J. A. Lovejoy for two certificates of Life Membership of the Parent Society, they being for Fanny Griswold and Frances Lovejoy. I wrote a letter to Mr. Lovejoy in the evening about changing Fanny Griswold’s name from Frances to Fanny, as I had by mistake given him the wrong name. JANUARY 03 – TUESDAY – Very cold in the morning, but the weather moderated before night so that it snowed a little in the evening. I worked in the shop all day and was very tired at night. I went to market in the evening, but did not attend class, which was to be a short sermon and a speaking meeting. We have commenced this week to have some extra meetings preparatory, as we trust, to a revival of religion among us. JANUARY 04 – WEDNESDAY – Went to Thomas Barnum’s in the morning for an old box wood stove and to George Hull’s for some old pipe, which made it about 10 o’clock before I arrived at the shop. I put up the stove down in the cellar when I came home from work to keep out the frost. I went to market in the evening after which it was too late to attend class. Augusta being unwell did not attend either. JANUARY 05 – THURSDAY – I worked all day in the shop. We attended meeting in the evening. Father Griswold preached from Ephesians 2:20-22. After the sermon, the quarterly conference was held. JANUARY 06 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. Theodore Fowler (our foreman) of the Pahquioque Finishing Shop gave his men an oyster dinner at Mr. Philander Ferry’s eating saloon. It was one of the pleasantest occasions of the kind that I have ever enjoyed. The dinner was made up of oysters, pickles, hot coffee, mince and apple pies, and fried cakes with ale beer for those who wished and ended with the best cigars that the establishment could afford. The whole was interspersed with suitable and appropriate toasts and compliments to Mr. Fowler and to the proprietor of the establishment, the speeches being considerably witty and some of them quite eloquent. A committee was appointed (while we were leisurely enjoying our cigars) to see that the doings at the dinner were properly inserted in the Danbury Times, tendering to Mr. Fowler and Mr. Ferry our thanks and compliments for their liberality and the manner in which the dinner was prepared. I received the two certificates of life membership in the Missionary Society for Fanny Griswold and Frances Lovejoy by J. A. Lovejoy from New York together with a ___ for myself. I attended the drill of the Wooster Light Guards in the evening. JANUARY 07 – SATURDAY – I did not go to the shop this morning, on account of gong to Ridgefield in the PM with Father Griswold. We started at 2 o’clock, Father, Augusta and myself, with Mr. MacDonald’s horse and sleigh. We arrive at Ridgefield between 4 and 5 o’clock. It commenced raining in the evening. JANUARY 08 – SUNDAY – It was pleasant in the morning, but the snow was mostly gone. We attended church. Sacrament in the AM. Father Griswold preached in the PM. Text was John 4:24. – “God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” We were invited to take seats in the choir and did so. The singing was excellent. It had been warm and pleasant during the day, so that it was very wet and muddy. It did not freeze any in the evening, so that we did not go to church. JANUARY 09 – MONDAY – We are at Uncle Joel’s yet. We went up on the hill before breakfast to see Long Island Sound. We saw it very plainly. After breakfast, I harnessed the horse and we started for Danbury with the sleigh mostly on bare ground. We did not put on the bells, thinking that they would not be very appropriate since the sleighing was so poor. Father Griswold went home by the cars to diminish the weight on the sleigh. We started about 9 o’clock and arrive in Danbury about 11 0’clock, before Father Griswold came Father, Mother, and Fanny. I went to the shop in the PM and earned $.75. Went to market in the evening. JANUARY 10 – TUESDAY - I helped Augusta about her washing in the morning. I went to the shop and worked all day. Foggy and the appearance of rain in the AM. The sun shone a little in the PM. No rain during the day as I expected. I worked in the shop for as long as I could see. Frances Boughton was with us to tea. John came in the evening. Mrs. Crofut came downstairs and sat with us in the evening. I spent most of the evening in writing notifications for the members of the Military Company. JANUARY 11 – WEDNESDAY – Foggy and cloudy. A little rain in the evening. I had work in the shop all day. I worked as long as I could see. Having a new ledger to make out for the Military Company, and it being so dark and muddy, I did not go to class. My writing kept me busy until 9 o’clock. JANUARY 12 – THURSDAY – I awoke and found that it had been snowing during the night and it continued to do so. It cleared off in the PM. I had full work again in the shop. When I came home from work, I found the house empty of all except for Prince (the cat) and a note left for me by Augusta to come over to Harriet’s to tea. I went over and found Brother and Sister Miley and Mr. Patterson together with Father and Mother Griswold. They had about finished their tea, so I took possession of the second table. After tea, Brother Miley prayed with us and then Clark Hoyt came in to give them a sleigh ride home. We attended meeting in the evening, which was a sermon by Brother Miley and a prayer meeting. Being obliged to go to market, I did not get in soon enough to hear the text. Mother Purdy called just as I was going to tea. She would not go with me, so I left her in the house, but when we came home, she had gone. JANUARY 13 – FRIDAY – I had full work in the shop and earned $2.50. When I came home from work, I found that Gussie had gone up home to Mother Purdy’s. She came home in time to get my tea. After tea, I went to market and to drill. It was a quarterly meeting. It was previously announced that we should elect some officers, but the whole business was laid over for next week. After drill, I came home and copied the minutes, wrote in my journal and went to bed. JANUARY 14 – SATURDAY – I awoke and found the earth nearly clad with a fresh layer of snow. It continued to snow for a while in the morning, but it soon became misty and some rain during the day and evening. I bought some writing paper for the Military Company on my way home from the shop. Mr. R. Smith came to look at my rooms in the evening and about concluded to take them about the first of April. I went to market in the evening, returned home and did some writing (ruling and preparing a ledger for entering some accounts for my own use) and then retired. JANUARY 15 – SUNDAY – Very icy this morning, but it being a warm and pleasant day, the ice soon disappeared. We had oysters for breakfast and chicken pie for supper. We attended church. Brother Miley preached. Text in the AM – John 15:25, the latter clause: “They hated me without a cause.” George assisted me in the library this noon for the first time. Text in the PM - Ezekiel 33:7, “So thou, son of man. I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel. Therefore, thou shall hear the word of my mouth and warn them from me.” The preaching was excellent. We went over home for a short time after supper. We attended prayer meeting in the evening, but we were both so tired and sleepy that the meeting did us but a little good. The meetings continue very good, but there are no seekers to my knowledge. JANUARY 16 – MONDAY – Gussie and Mrs. Knapp were on a strife to see who would get their washing hung first. Gussie beat her a little. We have all the work we can do now in the shop. William Wheeler was at the shop again today. I took him on turn. He was shopped. Warm and pleasant overhead; rather sloppy underfoot. The sleighing has about left us today, I paid six months dues to Alfred heath in the evening, being July 10th to January 10th – 60 cents. I sold a roll of salve to John Armstrong in the evening. We attended Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. I was elected one of a committee to procure some new library books for the Sabbath School, but do not think that I shall act. JANUARY 17 – TUESDAY – I worked hard and as long as I could see in the shop today. Cloudy and had the appearance of a storm in the morning, but before night, the sun shone and it was pleasant in the evening. Eli Hoyt’s mother died today. I went to market in the evening, but did not stay to church, was too tired. While I was in the street, I had a conversation with Milo Dickens about the Military Company. Mr. And Mrs. Crofut came down for a while in the evening. We ate some apples together. JANUARY 18 – WEDNESDAY – We are very much hurried in the shop. I have been on drab work today. I worked as long as I could see again today. On my way home from work, I found George by Montgomery’s Shop. He went home with me and carried some apples home with him. He expected company to help him eat them in the evening. Gussie and myself attended class in the evening. Charles Stevens’ class met with ours. Both leaders being absent, George Starr came in and led. We had a good meeting. After the meeting, Mr. Clark (the leader of the band) and myself had a talk about the writing on the floor of the Military Hall. JANUARY 19 – THURSDAY – The weather is moderate, thawing some during the day. I bought a small piece of beefsteak on my way to work in the morning to cook for my dinner in the shop. I stopped work a little sooner than usual and went to Charles Hull’s and bought an iron, came back to the shop and put a holder on it which took me until dark. After tea, I went down to see Alfred Heath, the secretary of the Hatters’ Society to exchange a card for a check, but he was in New York, so I left the card for him until tomorrow night when I was told he would return. The card belonged to William Wheeler. I attended church in the evening, but did not get in soon enough to hear the text. David Osbourne of Bethel preached an excellent sermon in which he earnestly exhorted the sinner to repent and seek the Savior. One person rose for prayers (a man). JANUARY 20 – FRIDAY – We arose in good season. I worked all day in the shop. I attended drill in the evening. We have news to day of another death in our military company - Robert Dikeman. He died in Memphis, Tennessee. The company voted to attend his funeral if his body is brought home, as we expect it will be next week, his friends having sent telegraphic dispatch to send his remains as soon as possible. JANUARY 21 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop as usual. We had garnish money to send out today which was spent on ale beer, cider, crackers and cheese. I partook of one glass of cider and did justice to the crackers and cheese, so much so that I did not touch my own dinner, but brought it home just as it was put up in the morning. William Wheeler’s check was put in my box at the Post Office as I directed the secretary to do for Mr. Wheeler as I promised him I would be responsible for it considering that I took him on turn. I went to market in the evening. Bought a new chimney for our camp (stove). Went down to Martin Clark’s in the evening and made an explanation about the writing on the floor of the drill room and to invite the band to turn out with us at the funeral of Robert Dikeman next week. JANUARY 22 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very muddy. Brother Miley preached. Text in the AM – 1st Peter 1:8. “Whom having not seen, ye love, in whom though ye now see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” The Sabbath School was attended as usual; George still assists me at the Library. I think he will make a very good assistant. Text in the PM – Mark 10:17. “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running and kneeled to him and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life.” Mother Griswold called in while we were eating supper. In the evening, I mailed Gussie’s picture and a letter to Cornelia Post in Essex for her. We both feeling tired and the walking being bad, we did not attend church. We went over to Harriet’s and sang a short time and then came home and retired. JANUARY 23 – MONDAY – Pleasant and very much like spring, thawing a good deal during the day. I was nearly all day finishing up my last week’s work. We were paid off as usual this afternoon. I drew $14.00, the largest week’s work I have made in more than a year. On my way home from work I called and paid to Gould Disbrow $5.00 on a coal debt, also to Charles Hull for a finishing iron, $2.75. Mailed a Danbury Times for Mother Griswold to Mary Burr at Bloomfield. The body of Robert Dikeman did not come on the evening train as some of friend expected. There was a special meeting of the Guards in the evening to make arrangements for the funeral, but as his remains did not come, we drilled for a time and dismissed. I went to the market and then came home. JANUARY 24 – TUESDAY – The weather continues about the same. I worked as usual in the shop. The apprentices of the Finishing Shop (Pahquioque) were all drunk today (with the exception of Edward Stevens), viz., George Loomis, Thomas Maddon, Miles Doran, and Theodore Flagler. The Make Shop apprentices joined them. They came in about noon and nearly turned the shop inside out. They then went away and stayed all the PM. The bell tolled this afternoon for Hiram Wildman. The body of Robert Dikeman did not come on the evening train as we expected. One of his friends arrived on the 11 o’clock train, saying that he would in all probability arrive tomorrow. We repaired to the hall to do some business and then adjourned. George Allen walked up with me. He being in very poor circumstances, I gave him 50 cents. Gussie commenced today to make a pair of slippers for her Father. She designs to make a pair for her Mother also. JANUARY 25 - WEDNESDAY – It did not freeze any last night, warm all day. The wind commenced to blow in the PM and began to freeze in the evening. I came home from the shop and drank my tea alone. Gussie had taken hers over to Cousin Frank’s. I was at the depot when the train arrived in the evening. The remains of Robert Dikeman did not arrive as expected. We went to the Drill Room and drilled in slow time by music, “The Dead March” to prepare ourselves for the funeral on Friday if the body arrives. After the drill, I walked up West Street with Cyrus Benedict and had a conversation about the feelings existing between the Military Company and the Brass Band. Father Griswold presented us a frame for Gussie’s record of her father’s family. The Catholic church caught fire yesterday. I did not attend call this evening on account of the special drill. Charles Maddon lost a child today. JANUARY 26 – THURSDAY – Cooler today, but little sunshine. Abraham Wildman was buried today. Gussie was up home to tea. It commenced snowing in the evening. A telegraphic dispatch that the remains of Robert Dikeman would arrive tomorrow. I went up to the Hall a short time and then came home. JANUARY 27 – FRIDAY – The ground was covered with snow this morning, but clear and pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. The remains of Robert Dikeman, which we have expected since Monday last, came this evening by Adams Express. The members of our company, The Wooster Guards, carried him to the undertaker’s shop (our Captain George Southmayd) and examined the corpse. It came in a metallic coffin and was in an excellent state to be seen. He was laid out in his clothes and looked very natural. It was a heart rending scene to see his father when he first looked upon the lifeless form of his only son. After he had been seen until all present were satisfied, we carried our brother soldier to the residence of his sister, Mrs. Theodore Sanford. After which, we returned to the Drill Room to make further arrangements for the funeral. After the business was completed, I walked home in the company of George Allen. JANUARY 28 – SATURDAY - I went to the shop in the morning and worked until nearly 11 o’clock. I then came home to dinner and equipped myself in uniform for the funeral of Robert Dikeman. It was attended at 1 o’clock. Our Company marched to the home of Theodore Sanford near the cemetery and took possession of the corpse and escorted it in military style to the Disciples’ Church, where a sermon was preached from Job 14:14 – “If a man die, shall he live again?” After the services, his remains were again placed in the hearse of our Captain, George Southmayd and our Company took their position at the head of the line with the left of the Company in front and proceeded to the cemetery by martial music (The Dead March) through a hard snow storm. When the services were over at the grave, The Company formed on each side of the grave and fired two volleys over the last resting place of Robert Dikeman and returned by quick step to the Armory. George called in the evening for a roll of salve for father. JANUARY 29 – SUNDAY – We rose rather late, about 8 o’clock. The day is pleasant, but rather a cool air. There was a prayer meeting instead of a sermon in the morning. We did not get ready in time to attend, so we waited until noon. Preaching in the PM by Brother Miley. Text – Hebrews 10, latter clause of the 23rd verse- “For he is faithful that promised.” We have a new chorister and the singing improves. The sermon did me but little good, I was so sleepy. A representative of a colored church in Bridgeport was here this PM for money to aid his church, but I guess he did not succeed very well. Father called while we were drinking tea and stayed until nearly dark. Mother Griswold called also. We did not attend church in the evening. JANUARY 30 – MONDAY – I woke with the headache and had it all day. I left my work at 1 ½ o’clock and went to the church to buy a seat (as it was the day appointed for renting them). I rented No. 30 – price $16.00. I went back again to the shop and went to work. We took tea and spent the evening over home. The Elder had quite a tea party, the persons present were as follows: Brother Miley and mother-in-law, his wife being sick, she could not attend, Charles Stevens and wife, William Scofield and wife, Fred Starr and wife, George Starr and wife, James Nichols and wife, Able and Harriet, and ourselves. We sang a hymn and closed with a prayer by Brother Miley. JANUARY 31 – TUESDAY- Have felt more like myself today. I have worked all day as usual. Mr. Crofut was to New York yesterday and in consequence, we did not get our pay. He was at the shop today, but for some reason or other, he did not pay us off. It thawed considerably but grew colder towards night and froze. It commenced snowing in the evening and the wind blew furiously. We did not attend the meeting in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny were invited out to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Miley at Isaac Smith’s.
1860-01-01
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1861 Entry
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FEBRUARY 01 – FRIDAY – Pleasant during most of the day. It clouded over just at night and began to snow a little about dark. I went to the shop in the morning and ha one dozen hats. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 02 – SATURDAY – Abel and Harriet were run away with last night on their way to New Fairfield with David Cosier’s horse. Rain and fog today. The snow was wasted away very fast. The roads and walks are very slippery. I have worked in the shop. We took tea over to Mother Griswold’s I went to the Express Office when the evening train came in for a package of books for the Sunday School. They did not come as I expected. I came home and helped Mother Griswold bottle up some cider. Then we came home and retired. FEBRARY 03 – SUNDAY – Pleasant but very icy. I attended church all day. Gussie did not attend in the morning but came in the PM. We sat in our new seat (No. 31) for the first time with Brother William B. Bradley and wife. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Job 26:9. A Mr. Griswold from Hartford, a local preacher, preached in the PM from 1st Corinthians 3:16. I wrote a letter after tea to Brother Goodenough ordering some books for the Sunday School. Mother Griswold called for a short time after tea. We both attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Rev. Griswold prayed, sang and talked during the meeting. FEBRARY 04 – MONDAY – Cloudy in the morning. Clear and pleasant in the PM. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. The Pictorial Catechisms, presents for the Sabbath School scholars, came to us by express today. I went to the store in the evening. FEBRUARY 05 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. Charles Bennett’s store caught fire inside last night about 12 o’clock. It damaged his goods considerably (dry goods), burning many of them and injuring others. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Mother Griswold’s wash woman, Irish Mary, washed for us today. After Gussie had paid her for her work, she filled a basket with vegetables and gave them to her to carry home, for she is very poor. Jonas Giddings lectured here before the Young Men’s Christian Association, subject, John Q. Adams. The rowdies and roughs of the Democratic Party threaten to give him the smell of rotten eggs. I attended drill and on my way home stopped a few minutes outside the hall to see what was going on, but the crowd was made up of such a class and so obscene and disgusting was the conversation that I thought to do justice to myself, I had better leave, and did so forthwith. FEBRARY 06 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. I went to the shop and waited all day for work and finally came home without getting any. Mr. Crofut paid us some money. I drew $10.00. A package came for me by express from Mr. Goodenough in New York containing catechisms, Sunday School Almanacs and a catalog of Carlton & Porter’s publications which I ordered for our Sabbath School. Mother Griswold, being alone, we took tea over there. I did not attend class in the evening, but went around doing trading a little and paying some debts. FEBRUARY 07 – THURSDAY – Ran in the forenoon. Sunshine and snow with a high wind in the PM and evening. I went to the shop in the morning and worked a little and then gave up and came home. I felt too sick to work. I have had a bad cold which has settled in my bones accompanied with a bad headache. Gussie was over home and took dinner there. I ate a little myself. We did not attend class in the evening, but stayed at home by a warm fire. FEBRUARY 08 – FRIDAY – We rose rather late. It was a severe cold night last. Some of our choicest plants were frozen and all were chilled. Not feeling very well, I did not go to the shop. I made some molasses candy. Mother Griswold found the molasses and I made it, then we divided the candy. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 09 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop and worked all day on four hats. They are some which Mr. Crofut is trying to make imitate the imported French hats. It is hard, slow and very particular work. I went into the street in the evening to buy something for breakfast and got into a political discussion with Edgar Wildman which detained me longer than I intended. FEBRUARY 10 – SUNDAY – Warmer today. Misty in the morning. Pleasant at noon and in the PM. Brother preached. Text in the morning, Psalms 73:25. Thirty Three Pictorial Catechisms were given out in the Sunday School to those scholars who had committed the catechism to memory. Text in the PM, Deuteronomy 3:25. Prayer Meeting in the evening, but we did not attend. Uriel Cosie was buried this afternoon after meeting. FEBRUARY 11 – MONDAY – Warm and foggy in the morning. A little sunshine in the PM. I worked all day in the shop on those imitations of French hats, 14/ per dozen. I finished only seven hats. George called in the PM and stayed until I finished my work and then came home with me to tea, after which I cut his hair for him. We called over to other Griswold’s before he went home and stayed a short time, when he went home and I came home with Gussie who had been there all evening. Father Griswold came home on the evening train. FEBRUARY 12 – TUESDAY – Warm and some rain in the forenoon. It rained all last night. It came off clear after dinner and was warm and pleasant, but very muddy. I came home from the shop before night with a sick headache. I stayed away from drill in the evening on that account. Fanny came in about 9 o’clock with her list of books which she is going to have me send for to New York for the Infant School Library. My head feeling a good bit better, I wrote the letter ordering them before I retired. FEBRUARY 13 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very muddy. I worked all day in the shop. I sent a check by John Rooney to the Pahquioque Bank at noon. He drew it for me and brought it to the shop when he came from dinner. It was money belonging to our Sunday School which I mailed this evening to Edward Goodenough in New York to pay a bill for books. Today, Abraham Lincoln has undoubtedly been declared President of these United States in the Halls of Congress in Washington, DC. FEBRUARY 14 – THURSDAY – Pleasant, warm and muddy still. St. Valentine’s Day. I waited for work in the shop from noon until 3 o’clock and then worked as long as I could see. We did not attend Prayer Meeting in the evening. FEBRUARY 15 – FRIDAY – Rainy. A little hail just before night. I waited all day in the shop for work and then came home without doing anything. I received a letter from James Maynard from East Haddam. I brought home Father Griswold’s clock from Mr. Woodford’s when I came home from the shop. I went to drill in the evening. While there, an alarm of fire was raised. It soon became quiet and we supposed it was a false alarm, but on my way home from drill, I found out that it was a reality. It was McDonald & Ford’s Dry Goods Store. It was soon extinguished, but not before it sis a great deal of damage. FEBRUARY 16 – SATURDAY – The fire at McDonald & Ford’s store last night was caused by a leakage of gas until it became so dense that it ignited from the stove. Pleasant and warm, but very muddy still I received another express package with the books and papers for the Infant Class that I ordered. I received a letter from Uncle Chauncey Griswold. I went to market in the evening. Father, Mother and Bell came down and spent the evening with us. Mother Griswold came too. Just after they went away and perhaps before they got home, it commenced raining very hard. FEBRARY 17 – SUNDAY – Pleasant during the day, but windy and muddy. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from John 20:13. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon; Sacrament in the PM. After tea, I wrote a letter to James Maynard in North Lyme, Connecticut. We went to church in the evening. Brother Pegg preached from John 5, last of the 4th verse. Mr. Vintz, a German, died this afternoon. He was a member of our church. His family has been sorely afflicted as of late. He has lost several children within the last four years and last fall, his wife had her foot amputated and is only able now to hobble around the house with the aid of a crutch and now he is taken away and the poor family will suffer unless, as I hope they will be, cared for by kind friends and the church. FEBRUARY 18 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I had only one dozen hats at 12/ today. Mr. Vintz was buried at 2 ½ o’clock today. I went down to the church in the evening for my certificate of life membership in the Missionary Society which was in the library. FEBRUARY 19 – TUESDAY – Warm for the season. Cloudy part of the day. I have had work in the shop. Martha Case, from Essex, came to Father Griswold’s on the evening train. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 20 – WEDNESDAY – It snowed last night and continued until noon when it cleared off warm. I worked as usual in the shop. I went to class in the evening. Peter, Brother Cosier and myself stayed a little while after class and talked. FEBRUARY 21 – THURSDAY – The wind began to blow towards noon and it grew colder. I have had work in the shop. I went to market in the evening, after which it was rather late, so instead of going to class, I came home. FEBRUARY 22 – FRIDAY – The anniversary of Washington’s Birthday. The Wooster Guards (or a portion of them) assembled voluntarily to fire a national salute. At the second volley, a horse became frightened, threw the driver out and broke the wagon at which we stopped and closed the windows to the Hall (for we were firing from the windows). I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 23 - SATURDAY – Warm and muddy. I have had plenty of work in the shop. Cloudy in the evening with a few drops of rain. I went into the street for a few articles at the grocery. The news tonight by the New York Evening Post was that Abraham Lincoln, the president-elect, was to be assassinated at Baltimore on his way to Washington and that he escaped by disguising himself. He intended to arrive there today and undoubtedly did. FEBRUARY 24 – SUNDAY – Warm and cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant about church time. It has been windy and very muddy. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Luke 4:4. In the PM, from Jeremiah 8:22. After tea, I spent the time until evening meeting writing up a list of all the Scholars in our Sabbath School. We went to the Prayer Meeting in the evening. FEBRUARY 25 – MONDAY – Pleasant. Have had work all day in the shop. George and David Mills called at the shop to see me. I spent the evening in writing for the Sabbath School. FEBRUARY 26 – TUESDAY – Cloudy in the forenoon, but the sun shone bright and pleasantly just before night. I have had work in the shop. I worked as long as I could see. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 27 – WEDNESDAY- Pleasant and warm. I worked as usual in the shop. McDonald & Ford sold off a large amount of goods today damaged by fire and water. Gussie went down and made some purchases. When she came home, she was taken with a severe sick headache. I did not go to class on that account. FEBRUARY 28 – THURSDAY – The last day of winter. Warm and pleasant. I have worked in the shop as usual. We were paid a little more money today. I received $8.00. I wanted $35.00, but it was of no use. I received a letter from Harriet. I went to the store in the evening and went into Prayer Meeting rather late.
1861-02-01
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1861 Entry
9pgs
MARCH 01 – FRIDAY – Warm and pleasant in the morning and in fact, continued so all day with the exception of a high wind which died away as the sun set. Martha Case went away on the morning train in company with Father Griswold. I worked in the shop as long as I could see. I went to drill in the evening. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Henry Ely’s in the evening. MARCH 02 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening. I waited on Fred Starr to see if he would take command of the Wooster Guards. He consented on certain conditions. I called at the Singing Society for a short time. When I came home, I found Trip on Father Griswold’s stoop almost dead. He had fallen in with some ugly dogs and they had almost killed him. I brought him over home and nursed him as well as I could and made a bed for him for the night. MARCH 03 - SUNDAY – Pleasant and very warm for the season. Trip died this morning just before church time. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from 2nd Kings 2:14. The Sabbath School was largely attended at noon. Text in the PM, Hebrews 7, last of the 16th verse. Mother, George and Bell came home with us to see Trip before we buried him. George helped me dig the grave in the garden under the east dwarf pear tree in the north side of the alley. Mother Griswold, Frank, Mother, George, Bell, Gussie and myself attended and assisted in the burial. Mother stayed to tea. Bell came down again after tea to attend church with us in the evening. Clark Beers called while we were drinking tea and stayed until nearly meeting time. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. MARCH 04 – MONDAY – Abraham Lincoln, commonly called “Honest Old Abe”, has undoubtedly today been inaugurated President of the United States, if the Southerners have not murdered him as some have believed they would. It was cloudy thus morning, but before noon, it came off pleasant and proved to be a beautiful day. It has been a little cooler than it was yesterday, but not cold. I felt almost sick in the afternoon, headache and pain across me. MARCH 05 – TUESDAY – Windy and colder. Today’s paper gives us an account of yesterday’s inauguration at Washington which was peaceable and without disturbance. I have worked all day in the shop although I have not felt well. I attended drill in the evening. MARCH 06 – WEDNESDAY – Cooler still today and windy. I have had a pain in my side again today, though I have kept at work. I attended class in the evening. During the meeting, there was a snow squall which made the ground look quite white when we came out. The meeting was a good one. Brother Peter Starr, our leader, took a different course than he usually does by asking each member how long it was since they were converted and if their conversion was clear and unmistakable and instantaneous or otherwise. It was interesting and I think profitable. MARCH 07 – THURSDAY – Cold. I have been in the shop all day. I changed the brine in my beef in the evening. I did not go to meeting but went into the street for some lamp wicks and to find the right kind of a person if I could rent my rooms for another year, but I did not succeed. MARCH 08 – FRIDAY – Pleasant, not quite as cool as yesterday. I have worked as usual in the shop. Gussie told me at the tea table that George was converted at class meeting on Wednesday evening. I attended drill in the evening. MARCH 09 – SATURDAY – It commenced about 9 o’clock and rained hard all day with a high wind. It partly broke away about sundown and had the appearance of clearing off right away, but it rained again in the evening. Were it not so early, I would think that it was the Equinoctial Storm. I was at the shop all day and earned 50 cents. I had to wait a great deal besides having a headache. George called on his way from the shop and wanted me to go to the tailor’s with him in the evening. He did not come, so I spent the evening at home. I carried a head of cabbage to Burr Bradley this morning as a present. MARCH 10 – SUNDAY – Muddy on account of the storm yesterday, but pleasant overhead. Text in the morning, Acts 14:10; in the PM, Psalm 119-129, both by Brother Pegg. We attended the Prayer Meeting in the evening. Three of the Sunday School Scholars were forward for prayers, viz, Mary Vintz and Brother Bartram’s two girls. MARCH 11 – MONDAY – Cool but pleasant. I worked in the shop. Dr. Bennet has eight cases of small pox in the town. Widow Wilcox’ youngest boy has it just out on the corner. After I finished my work in the shop, I went up to the Tweedy Brothers shop to see Lieutenant John Bussing about electing Frederick Starr Captain of the Guards. George stayed with us to tea after which I went up with him to Charles Stevens’ to get a pair of pants. Gussie went with us and did some shopping also. Father Griswold came home on the freight train. While we were drinking tea, Thaddeus Feeks (?) and wife called to look at our house before building one for themselves. MARCH 12 – TUESDAY – Pleasant until just at night when it began to rain. I have had no work in the shop. I went to Andrew Knox’ and got a little paint tout on my rooms upstairs before renting them. Dr. Bulkley came up in the PM and Fanny, Abel, Harriet, Gussie and myself were vaccinated up to Father Griswold’s. I painted upstairs all afternoon. MARCH 13 - WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. Misty in the morning. I finished painting the front room upstairs before breakfast. I have had work all day in the shop. Just before tea, Mr. Warren came in to get an answer from me about my rooms which he wants to rent. I agreed to rent them to him. It was late before I was ready to go to class, but I went nevertheless. We had a good meeting. Two were present seeking religion. Brother Peter Starr paid me $1.55 which he owed to the Sunday School. MARCH 14 – THURSDAY – It has been snowing all day. Went to the store, but did not get to the Prayer Meeting in the evening. MARCH 15 – FRIDAY – There was about four inches of snow on the ground this morning. Philander Betts, having had the varioloid in his family, he came to the shop for the first time since. The men, thinking him to be a dangerous person to be in the shop, called the men together and, by a unanimous vote, requested him to leave the shop and stay away until it was safe for him to go out from his family without exposing other people. Gussie went up to Brother Bartram’s to spend the afternoon. From there, she went to the Sewing Society at Noah Hoyt’s in the evening. I attended drill in the evening. On my way home, it snowed and blew very hard. MARCH 16 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. We rose rather late this morning and consequently, I was late for my work. I finished a wool hat over and had it trimmed for George. Zerah Hoyt was shopped at our shop (the Pahquioque) in the PM. When I came home from work, I found the house locked up and Gussie gone up home. I went up to tea and spent the evening. After I came home, I wrote in the Infant Class library books for Fanny, which took me until after 11 o’clock. MARCH 17 – SUNDAY – St. Patrick’s Day. Pleasant, but there being snow on the ground, it was wet and muddy. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Matthew 26, the middle clause of the 28th verse. We had a very interesting Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon. Ten or twelve of the scholars rose for prayers, mostly females. Saul Burch from Albany, formerly from here, was present. He talked to the school and prayed. Sacrament I the PM. We had tea over to Mother Griswold’s. There was a meeting at 5 o’clock for the young people and those who were seeking religion. The class room was too small, so they occupied the lecture room and filled it, or nearly so. There were a large number of Sunday School Scholars present. I was not present, but was told so. I attended in the evening. Brother Pegg preached from Matthew 22:12. Subject, “The Wedding Garment.” After preaching, there was a prayer meeting and a sight which was we never before beheld. There were about 20 Sunday School Scholars forward for prayer. MARCH 18 – MONDAY – Pleasant most of the day and cold. But a little sunshine in the PM. It commenced snowing about 9 o’clock in the evening. Mr. Betts came to the shop again this morning and wanted to go to work, but the men, being yet afraid to work with him on account of the varioloid which he had himself and his family, voted unanimously to request him to stay away another week, but he still hung around the shop, seemingly intent on exposing every man in the factory if it was possible. There was a meeting in the evening for those seeking religion. There were about 25 of the Scholars of the Sabbath School forward for prayer. MARCH 19 – TUESDAY – It has been snowing all day. It cleared off just at night. I have worked all day in the shop as usual. I bottled some cider in the evening. MARCH 20 – WEDNESDAY – It was very cold for the season last night. It was pleasant today and a good deal warmer. I finished my work in the shop a little before night and came home and painted upstairs until tea time. We attended class in the evening. Our room was full. There were three young ladies, the same scholars in the Sabbath School who were here last week seeking religion. We had a good meeting. MARCH 21 – THURSDAY – It has snowed heavy and hard all day. There has been more snow falling than at any other time in all of last winter. I have worked all day in the shop. I did not go to meeting in the evening on account of the storm, but stayed home and bottled some cider. MARCH 22 – FRIDAY – When I rose in the morning, I found it was still snowing and drifting a great deal. A hard snow storm for the equinoctial. It cleared off about 10 o’clock and I shoveled snow nearly all the forenoon. I went to the shop in the PM and worked until night. It has been warm since it cleared off. I attended drill in the evening. MARCH 23 – SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has wasted very fast today. I have worked on Nutrias again today, the finest work in the shop - $2.00 per dozen. MARCH 24 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and warm, but the melting snow makes it very wet and muddy. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Genesis 32:26 and in the PM, form Luke 4:34. The attendance in the Sabbath School was not quite so large today, probably on account of the walking. Quite a number of the Scholars manifested their desire for religion by rising. I took a nap after tea. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. About 20 of the Sabbath School Scholars were forward for prayer. MARCH 25 – MONDAY – Pleasant and warm. I have worked all day in the shop. When I came home from the shop, I found Mother there. She waited there until church time when we both went to the church for a special Prayer Meeting for the Sunday School Scholars who are seeking religion. Father Griswold came home from one of his trips as Presiding Elder of the New Haven District by the evening train. Ten bushels of charcoal I engaged last week came today. MARCH 26 – TUESDAY – Warm and pleasant. The snow is disappearing very fast. Anna Beers died this morning at 4 o’clock. On my way home from the shop, I took a letter from the Office for Father Griswold from his brother (Uncle Dwight) bearing the intelligence of the death of Aunt Kate. She jumped from her chamber window. In a short time after, she died. She was deranged. I painted a little upstairs in the evening. MARCH 27 – WEDNESDAY – Warm and rainy. The sun has disappeared very fast and the frost is rapidly leaving the ground. It was so late before I got ready for class that I did not attend. It cleared off in the evening. Gussie spent the evening in writing to Eliza in California. I mailed a letter to the Book Room in New York. MARCH 28 – THURSDAY – A beautiful day. There is but a little snow left. The ground is becoming settled. I have worked all day in the shop. I attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. After its close, I stopped at Concert hall for a short time to listen to O. S. Ferry addressing the Republicans previous to the State Election Monday night. Anna Beers was buried at 1 o’clock in the PM. MARCH 29 – FRIDAY – Fast Day. The shop closed. I spent the day around home trimming my tress and cutting up four peaches which I made into stove wood and pea brush. I put fasteners on the windows upstairs. I went to the drill room in the evening, but there being only four members present, we adjourned and went home. A Mr. Perrin who is speaking to the Democrats of Danbury this evening at Concert hall is undoubtedly the case of the vacant drill room. MARCH 30 – SATURDAY – Cloudy in the morning with prospects of rain, but a beautiful afternoon. I have worked all day in the shop. Cyrus Northrop of Norwalk spoke the Republicans in the evening at Concert Hall. I went and heard him. Our Brass band was there, also the Bethel Glee Club. MARCH 31 – SUNDAY – Cooler today, though pleasant. Mr. Stone, the Baptist preacher, preached for us this morning. Text, Romans 9:1-4. Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon in place of Missionary. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from Job 4th chapter, last clause of the 14th verse. After meeting, I went with Gussie to the dentist to have a tooth extracted, but Dr. St. John not being home, it was not done. We took tea at Mother Griswold’s. Bell came down after tea, and went with us to prayer meeting in the evening.
1861-03-01
Horace Purdy Journal, October 1861 Entry
7pgs
OCTOBER 01 – TUESDAY – I stayed at home and helped Mary clean the parlor and the bedroom. In the evening, I carried my Bull Run pistol down to Charles Hull’s to trade with him. He not being in the store, I left it with his salesman until tomorrow for him to look at and then I went over to the basement of Concert Hall for a regular meeting of the Hatters’ Association. OCTOBER 02 – WEDNESDAY – Earned $1.50 in the shop. Drew $5.00. Charles Hull would not allow me enough for my pistol, so I brought it home again. Baby sick. OCTOBER 03 - THURSDAY – I shot a cat for Mother Griswold this morning, one that had been prowling around here for some time and who had been trying to catch her birds. Earned $1.25. Mr. Witherspoon and myself gave 50 cents each to treat the shop hands on account of our new babies. Our baby is no better. The doctor came to see him at noon. I mailed Gussie’s letter to California in the evening. OCTOBER 04 – FRIDAY – No work in the shop. George Morgan and I took a walk with John Pollett up to his home on Town Hill Avenue to see his plants, flowers, etc. in the morning. I spent the remainder of the day in potting our own plants and in getting my potatoes into the cellar at Father Griswold’s. The baby is still sick. Mrs. Vintz came up in in the AM. OCTOBER 05 – SATURDAY – Earned $1.87. Very warm for the season. Mother came down and spent the afternoon with Gussie and stayed to tea. The baby being worse, I went for the doctor after I finished my tea. I traded hats with George at Singing School as his was not nice enough to wear at church. I went to Singing School expressly to see him for that purpose. OCTOBER 06 – SUNDAY – Very warm. I attended church in the morning. Brother Pegg preached from Luke 24:32. I met my Sunday School class at noon after which I came home and stayed with Gussie in the afternoon and evening. Father called before church in the morning and he and mother again before evening meeting. The baby is better today. OCTOBER 07 – MONDAY – I went to the shop and finished three hats which were left from yesterday’s work and then came home sick. I was taken with chills just before night. Horace Waters with his singing children are to be here tonight. OCTOBER 08 – TUESDAY – I went to bed last night and took a sweat. I have been quite sick today, a severe headache and very weak. I have been obliged to keep to my bed a part of the day. I drank a cup of tea at night and felt better after it. Mr. Waters and pupils sang again tonight. OCTOBER 09 – WEDNESDAY – I am better today, but not able to go to the shop. I took a walk downtown in the afternoon. George went to the shop and got $5.00 for me. I paid Mary $3.00, the remainder of her month’s wages, they being $4.00 for the month. I stayed at home during the evening and wrote up my journal from my diary or nearly so. OCTOBER 10 – THURSDAY – The appearance of rain in the morning. I went to the shop but came home tired before night and went to bed. I stayed at home during the evening and finished copying my back diary into my journal. OCTOBER 11 – FRIDAY – Cloudy again in the morning, it having rained last night. I have worked all day in the shop. David Lanigan brought a barrel of new cider to the shop at the request of some of the men. The weather is still warm. OCTOBER 12 – SATURDAY – Rainy in the morning. It was pretty late when we rose in the morning and consequently, I was late to the shop. Gussie walked downtown this morning for the first time since her sickness. OCTOBER 13 – SUNFDAY – Rain in the morning. It cleared off clean before church time. Gussie attended church in the morning for the first time since her confinement. Abel went down and got Brother Bartram’s team and carried her and Harriet. I attended Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon. Brother Starr asked me to talk a little to the school, but he took me so completely by surprise that I refused. Communion in the PM, but I did not attend. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Galatians 2:20. We had several showers between the afternoon and evening meetings. OCTOBER 14- MONDAY – Abel helped me bring my stove downstairs this morning and I put it up in the parlor before I went to the shop. The annual Society’s meeting at the church in the evening. I attended. OCTOBER 15 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. We took dinner over home. I went up home after dinner to go for some chestnuts with George, but he not being at home, I returned. OCTOER 16 – WEDNESDAY – Gussie has been up home today with the baby for the first time. After work, I went up to tea and drew the baby home. I went to class in the evening. OCTOBER 17 – THURSDAY – Worked pretty late in the shop. Harriet and Carline Mills called and spent the evening with us. I dressed up in my military suit with the knapsack, haversack and canteen for their amusement. I went over to Father Griswold’s before I took them off. I took my old gun with me and went through with some of the Manual Drill for their benefit. OCTOBER 18 – FRIDAY – Stormy in the morning. It cleared away about noon. It has been warm for the season. Very oppressive in the shop. Our girl being gone, Gussie got the breakfast this morning herself. OCTOBER 19 – SATURDAY – Stormy. Thunder and lightning in the evening. I have worked as usual in the shop. Brought home a new black hat, 3 ½ inches deep- $2.00. OCTOBER 20 – SUNDAY – Pleasant and cooler. I attended church in the morning. Brother Pegg preached from Mark 16:3. Samuel Raymond of the Baptist church came into our Sunday School and, at the request of Brother Starr, talked a little to the school. I came home after school and Gussie attended in the PM while I took care of the baby. Mother came home with her to tea after which we borrowed Mr. Crofut’s carriage and drew the baby up to Aunt Louise’s to see Mary who has been sick but is nearly well now, and Hart who has broken his arm. We returned home in time for me to go to Prayer meeting in the evening. OCTOBER 21 - MONDAY – Still cooler today, but pleasant. I worked in the shop as long as I could see. I went to market in the evening and attended our Sunday School Teachers’ meeting, the only one I have attended since last April on account of being away to the war. OCTOBER 22 – TUESDAY – Nothing of special interest today. I have worked as usual in the shop. Lent $2.00 to Mary Vintz, the balance due her. OCTOBER 23 – WEDNESDAY - Rain last night and this morning. It cleared off in the afternoon. George called while we were at tea and wanted me to write a dunning letter for him to Benjamin Cable for money which is due to him for digging potatoes. Mr. cable works in Norwalk and he is to send the letter by Clark Hoyt. I attended class in the evening. I was the only man present except for our leader, Brother Peter Starr. OCTOBER 24 – THURSDAY – Still colder today. I did not attend Prayer Meeting in the evening. Before retiring for the night, we moved the plants into the house from the stoop. OCTOBER 25 - FRIDAY – A very heavy frost this morning. I took my kerosene lamp to Andrews & Ives to have a new top set on, the old one being out of repair. Noah Hoyt brought me a barrel of apples. I went out in the evening to Lyman Keeler’s to select a barrel of apples. I carried my list of taxable property to Mr. Morse. OCTOBER 26 – SATURDAY – I have not felt very ambitious today. Mr. Lovejoy brought my pot of butter this afternoon. Lyman Keeler brought me a barrel of apples also. Rain in the PM and evening. I went down to market and George came home with me and spent the evening. He helped me sort my apples and put them in the bin, after which we sang until about half past 10 o’clock. OCTOBER 27 – SUNDAY – I attended church in the morning. The Redding minister preached for us. Mr. Hearn. Text was Hebrews 3:12. After Sunday School, I came home to take care of the baby so that Gussie could attend in the PM. After tea, we took the baby and went over to Mr. Richard’s for a short time. Mother came down just before evening meeting and Gussie went with her. OCTOBER 28 – MONDAY – Windy and cold. I have worked as usual in the shop. I went into the street in the evening and paid Lovejoy & White for my butter – 20 lbs. at 19 cents per lb. for $3.60. Sunday School Teachers’ Prayer meeting in the evening, but I did not attend. Mr. Crofut paid us $5.00. OCTOBER 29 – TUESDAY – Nothing special during the day, except that I had the blues a little in the forenoon. I attended a meeting of our old military company, the Wooster Guards to settle up the financial affairs of the company. We adjourned to the residence of E. S. Davis in compliance with an invitation from him. He gave us some very good cider. We did what business we could, but not being able to finish, we adjourned until next Monday evening to meet at the same place. On our way home, Captain Wildman, Sgt. Knox and myself stopped at the Hall and presented our bill for debt to the Band. OCTOBER 30 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy in the forenoon and pleasant in the PM. A shower in the evening. I went to market, but was too late to attend class. It was cool this morning, there being a heavy white frost, but warmer in the Pm and in the evening. OCTOBER 31 – THURSDAY – I worked pretty late in the shop until I could see no longer. I carried an order to Stevens & Hoyt’s form Mr. Crofut to pay a small bill which I owed them of $5.13. After tea, I went to market, but it was too late to go to Prayer Meeting.
1861-10-01
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1863 Entry
6pgs
4/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop for the first (time) in over a week. Mr. Swift moved this P.M. John Cosier came home from the city today. He called about six o'clock this evening to see the books which are now in my parlor. Mr. Brady from New York speaks for the administration and the Union and for our candidate for Governor, Buckingham. I went to the Post Office and mailed two Danbury Times to George. 4/2 THURSDAY ' worked in the shop. Went to the Jeffersonian office and got 1,200 labels for Sunday School books. John Cosier and wife, Fanny and Harriet came in and helped about pasting them in the books and numbering them. Bell came down and helped take care of Eddie. She stayed all night. Tomorrow being fast day and no work, we were paid off today. 4/3 FRIDAY - Fast day. I finished labeling the Infant Class books this morning. I have been sick with a headache. John Cosier came in the evening and helped pack the books to take to church tomorrow. David Bradley came home this evening on a furlough from the 17th Reg't. 4/4 SATURDAY - Mr. Cosier came with a team this morning and we carried the new library books down to the church and brought the old ones away to be looked over and reserve the best to be put back again into the library. I did not feel well enough to go to the shop and work. Mr. Swift paid me my rent today. I put a new lock on the door at the head of the stairs for Mr. Cocking. Gussie went into the street in the evening while Fanny and I looked over the old library books and discarded such as we thought best. It began to rain about 8 o'clock and I bundled up and went into the street with rubbers and umbrella for Gussie. I found her at Mr. Swift's office waiting for the mail, as the cars had not arrived. [???] Stone fell dead in Raymond's Fish Market this evening. Heart disease was the difficulty. 4/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy with a little snow and rain during the day. Father Griswold having come home last night, the Conference being adjourned in order to let the Connecticut preachers to come home to vote, he preached for us this morning. There being no Librarian present at noon to give out the new books, Edward Barnum acted as librarians and gave out the new books for the first time. They gave good satisfaction to the school. In the P.M., I stayed home and looked up my Sunday School accounts preparatory to my Annual Report as Secretary and Treasurer. I wrote a letter to George and one to Henry Mead in Brooklyn to let them know that we would be at their house tomorrow on a visit. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Isabella took care of Eddie so that we could both go. She is to stay all night with us. (Ed. Note: No diary entries from April 6 through April 12 because of trip to New York). 4/13 MONDAY - Returned home from New York this P.M. on the freight train. We left Henry Mead's house on the corner of Classon and Greene Avenues, Brooklyn at 7 o'clock this morning. It is just a week ago today since we left home to go to New York. My journal is blank for one week back. Gussie was very sick with sick headache a week ago tonight when we arrived in Brooklyn. One Tuesday morning, we went to Williamsburg to Conference. Judge Belto of U. S. Court was there, also Gen Wood [?] by request of the Conference to administer the Oath of Allegiance to the members of the Conference. The time was occupied with patriotic addresses and altogether, it was one of the most interesting occasions that I was ever present at. We came home to Mr. Mead's to dinner and in the afternoon we went down to Clermont Ave. to Mr. Boyles and spent a part of the P.M. From there, we went to Myrtle Ave. between Bridge and Duffield Streets to Mr. Matthew's dry goods store and did some shopping. We came back to Mr. Mead's to tea and stayed all night. Wednesday morning - After breakfast, we called at Mr. Powel's for the first in Carleton Ave. near Fulton No. 368. From there, we called on Mrs. Watson, 319 Gold Street. She went out shopping with us. Gussie bought a shawl, after which we went over to New York and took dinner at Taylor's on Broadway and then went to the museum. After which, we went up to Fourth Street, No. 654, and called on Mr. Davis. They were not in. We then took a walk up as far as Ninth Street by the church and parsonage. Took the 1st and2nd Ave. cars down to Peck Slip, walked to Fulton Street, took tea at a restaurant near Fulton Market, across the way, and then we crossed the ferry and went up to the Mead's for the night. Thursday - we visited the Navy Yard, took Mrs. Johnson with us. Called on the Whalen girls in Nassau Street and went down near the City Hall and got our dinners after which, we went up to Mr. Boyle's in Clermont Ave. near DeKalb and spent P.M. with Harriet, took tea and stayed awhile in the evening and then went to Mr. Powel's 368 Carleton Ave. near Fulton and stayed all night. Friday - After breakfast I went over to New York with Mr. Powel to his place of business. On the way, we stopped in Nassau Street at Mr. Tibbals [?] and I bought an Album for Harriet Wheeler - $3.00. I went to the store with Mr. Powel and then went to Barclay Street, No. 88 and called on Mr. Boyle at his place of business. From there, I went into Maiden Lane to price some carpet bags and then went to 97 Pine Street and called on Mr. Mead at his place of business, and then crossed the ferry and went up to Mr. Powel's residence where I left Gussie, and took dinner there. After dinner, Mrs. Johnson went with us to Greenwood. On our return, we called on Miss[?] Stewart in Clinton Street No. 82, after which, we returned to the Powel's again for the night. Gussie, having a severe sick headache, she retired without eating a bite. Saturday morning we called on Miss [?] Jones, 256 Shermerhorn Street and then went over to New York to 69 Murray Street, Mr. Powel's store and bought some shoes. We then went up to Fourth Street again and called at Mr. Davis' again. We found them at home and stayed to dinner. After dinner, we went to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and then down to Bro. Pegg's, Fourth Street, and spent the remainder of the P.M. and took tea. We went over to Brooklyn and stayed all night again with Mr. Powel. Sunday - After breakfast, went up to Mr. Mead's and prepared for church and went to Williamsburg, South 5th Street and heard Mr. Foss preach. Came back to Mr. Mead's to dinner and went down to see Harriet in the P.M. Came back to Mr. Mead's to tea. We intended to go to Hanson Place in the evening to hear Mr. Woodruff preach, but a shower interfered with our plans and stayed at home. Monday - Left Mr. Mead's residence and started for home at 7 o'clock A.M. Took the 9 ' o'clock train from 27th Street and connected with the Danbury, ct. train at Norwalk. It was about 3 o'clock P.M. when we arrived in Danbury. 4/14 TUESDAY - Went to the shop today. Came home early and made a fire in my garden to burn up the rubbish. Answered George's letter and procured most of the things to be sent to him in a box. 4/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning. I came home about 3 P.M. to pack a box for George by Express. I brought home the box with some maple sugar and oranges to put in. I carried it to the Express Office and wrote a letter to him, and enclosed the receipt. By his request, I consigned the box to the Surgeon of the Hospital, Col. L. Wilson. Gussie went up to Brother Bartram's and took tea and spent the evening. Bell was here to take care of Eddie and get my tea. 4/16 THURSDAY - Stormy. I took George's bank book and drew $8 before I went to the shop to defray the expense of sending his box of good things and pay his paper bill at Swift's and the dollar I sent to him by mail a few weeks before. I worked in the shop until after 4 o'clock. I then felt tired and went home. I balanced the Treasurer's Account with the Sunday School and carried the books and papers pertaining to it and the Secretary over to Mr. B. Bradley in the evening who is the Secretary and Treasure elect. I then went down to Hanford's Shoe Store and exchanged a pair of shoes for Bell which I got for her in New York and was too small. I went to market and came home. 4/17 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty all day. I worked in the shop as usual, but not feeling very strong, I stopped work about 4 o'clock and came home. I received a letter by the morning mail from Surgeon William C. Bennett stating that he could do nothing for George in the way of a transfer or furlough as he was out from under his jurisdiction. As I came home from work, I brought the Librarian's Book from the Library and drew it up anew. I received a letter from George (No. 3) asking for $5.00. I answered it in a few words added to a letter already written and enclosed the $2.00 as he requested. I borrowed it from Mr. Swift and am to draw it from the bank tomorrow and pay him. Gussie went over to Mrs. Cyrus White's and spent the P.M. and evening. She left Eddie with Fanny and I went up there and took tea. 4/18 SATURDAY - The sun shone bright and warm in the middle of the day. I dug my parsnips this morning. I came home to dinner; on the way I went to the Savings Bank and drew $5 of George's money to make up the $5.00 I sent to him last evening. After tea, I dug around and cut up a plum tree in the garden which was about dead and very much in the way. I set out our cabbage stumps. Clark Hoyt came up to borrow a small piece of grafting wax. I gave it to him and then rode down to the Post Office with him and brought home a letter for Father Griswold from Uncle Chauncy. Mr. Cocking butchered a pig today and spent the evening cutting it up in the cellar. 4/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm ' I attended church in the morning ' I being elected Librarian again acted for the first this noon. Mr. B. Bradley taking my place for Secy and Treas. ' After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. The funeral of old Col. Moss White was attended at 3 o'clock immediately after the afternoon service at the 1st Congregational Church. I went to meeting in the evening and mailed two letters as I went which I had written, one to Harriet and one to George. Our presiding elder, Mr. C. Hoyt preached for us in the evening. I sat with choir. 2nd anniversary of the Wooster Guards leaving Danbury for three months service. 4/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and beautiful in the morning. It clouded over before noon and the wind changed to Northeast. I have felt better today than in a long time before. I came home to my dinner. Before tea I braided a Flowering Almond into a Plum tree for Mother Griswold. I went to the Post Office in the evening. A person who had received a letter from David Knowles told me while I was in the Post Office that George was in Washington and doing well. 4/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After dinner, the fires being low and the men not being able to get hot irons, we adjourned until tomorrow. Burr Bradley came along with me as far as Fred S. Wildman's to see if he had yet received the money from Capt. Moore's Company to be given by him to whomsoever it was consigned. It had not yet arrived. I came home and worked around the yard the remainder of the P.M. I finished labeling the Sunday School Library books in the evening. 4/22 WEDNESDAY - I buried my Dahlia roots for sprouting this morning. After work at night, I set out some asparagus roots for a bed. I went to the Post Office in the evening. I bought a picture of the Patriotism of New Fairfield to send to Henry Mead, Brooklyn. Bought a shad, ordered some sugar, and came home. 4/23 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked hard all day and was very tired. Mr. Cocking commenced to make his flower borders after tea. John Cosier and wife called in the evening and took away some old library books rejected by our school to be given away to some poor school. I received a letter from George in the evening, the first since his transfer to Washington from Brooks Station Hospital. I finished labeling the old library books before we retired. 4/24 FRIDAY - Raining. On my way home from the shop, I found Theodore Lyon in the street and borrowed his horse to take the library books from my house down to the church. After tea, I set out some young lilac bushes Father brought down today. I then wrote a letter to George and put up and directed to Henry Mead a picture of the Patriotism of New Fairfield. I then went down and mailed the above with a Jeffersonian to George also. 4/25 SATURDAY - Cool and windy. On my way home from work at night, I stopped at the Town Clerk's Office George W. Hamilton's and got my quit claim deed from Alfred Gregory which I left then to be recorded. Gussie went up home this P.M. with Aunt Louise and Aunt Pasia Hall. She went into the street in the evening and I stayed at home. 4/26 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy as yesterday. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. Aunt Pasia Hall, Aunt Louisa and Mother came home with her to tea. Bell came down after tea. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Gussie stayed at home and we all went to meeting in the evening. 4/27 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. James Sherwood, who for a long time has worked in the Times Office for Osborne was buried in the P.M. on my way home from work at night, I engaged ' ton of coal of Mr. Disbrow to be delivered tomorrow. Bell was down just at night and stayed to tea. While she was playing with Eddie after tea, he fell and hurt his lip badly. I went to the Post Office and to [??] for a lamp chimney in the evening. Mailed a letter for Gussie to Libby Mead in Brooklyn. 4/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. After tea, I went up home to see Father about making my garden. I brought home a pail of milk and then went to market. The coal I engaged yesterday to come today did not come. 4/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, though in the morning, it appeared like a storm. Sherman Disbrow brought my coal this afternoon. I worked rather late at night. I went to class. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George and received by the evening mail a letter from him. 4/30 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a little sprinkling after dinner. National Fast Day ' the shop closed. Services at our Church. Father Griswold preached. I made a flower bed by the piazza for Gussie and built a pair of steps up the stonework going to Father Griswold's. I answered George's letter and mailed in the evening
1863-04
Horace Purdy Journal April 1868 Entry
9pgs
APRIL 01 WEDNESDAY - A lovely warm Spring day. I have been to New York and for the first time without an overcoat. Fanny went down with me to attend Conference in Brooklyn. She went to the store with me, her first visit at the place. I bought a few more card photos at Meeker's, 106 Nassau Street to sell in the shop. Also, a few of Longfellow at Anthony's, 501 Broadway. I had a lady put in my charge at 27th Street to go to Mr. Fanton's Shirt Factory. When we arrived, I showed her into his office. He then paid me $5.50 for pictures bought at the Oyster Supper of the Sunday School. I stopped at J. W. Ives and paid it over towards what we owe him for furnishing the Library Room. APRIL 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but showery in the P.M. The first thunder shower of the season. I have worked in the shop. I was very tired and stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 03 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler. I have worked in the shop. I expect to go to New York tomorrow and William Carlton cashed my account today and will draw it tomorrow. As I came from work, I called on Swertfager, editor of the Jeffersonian, to see about my indebtedness to him and the letter I wrote to him with $3.00 enclosed for the first quarter of advertisement. Ex-Vice President Hannibal Hamlin spoke this evening for the Republicans at Concert Hall on the issues of the day. I went in for a few minutes to look at the man and then came home. APRIL 04 SATURDAY - A little cool this morning. Pleasant during the day. I have been to New York. Difficulty with the gas pipes at the store so that they could not light up last evening. I had plumbers work at it today who made things all right again. Father Griswold, who has been this week at Conference in Brooklyn, started with me from New York this P.M. to come home to vote on Monday and by leaving the train a few minutes at Norwalk got left. I took charge of his satchel and umbrella and brought them home. I brought a picture I framed for George Fenner, also my discharge papers in a frame and some picture cards for George. I stopped at Kern's Clothing Store and brought home a coat which if I like by daylight, I shall keep. It commenced snowing a little in the evening. I brought a letter for Mother Griswold from Fanny given me on the train by George Starr. APRIL 05 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Though last night it snowed so that this morning it was 3 inches on a level. Gussie attended church this morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon after which George came home with me to tea and went with me to meeting with me in the evening. He returned with me and found Bell waiting who had come from the Baptist church. I persuaded him to take three pictures belonging to him which he sent home from war and which I framed and have hung in our sitting room. I want the room for others. Brother Burch in his sermon this evening made an appeal to the people upon the use of the ballot tomorrow at our state election. He advocated no party but exhorted us to vote as our consciences dictated, to act as Christians for right and justice and not for party ends merely or for any selfish motive. APRIL 06 MONDAY - State election. Pleasant but cold in the morning. I voted in the morning and then worked the remainder of the day. While at the courthouse today, I paid my taxes to Charles H. Crosby - $4.00. Later in the evening - the votes are counted and the Republican majority is one more than last year, it being then 50; this year it stands 51. Last year, we elected but one representative; this year we have both. The news from the surrounding towns is not very encouraging, our majorities being less than last year. Letter from William in the evening. APRIL 07 TUESDAY - The ground is white with snow this morning. It snowed in the morning but soon turned to rain and continued all day until evening when it cleared away. I went to Hatters' Meeting in the evening and called at the Wooster House to see Smith Ferrell about the style of frame for his wreath and cross I am preparing. Another letter this evening from William. He wants me to assist him to borrow $200.00 on mortgage valued at $200.00. After returning from the street, I went over to John Bouton's for Gussie who went over to John's tin wedding. On account of the stormy weather, the party was postponed until tomorrow evening. APRIL 08 WEDNESDAY - Cold this morning with some snow on the ground. I have been to New York. I brought home a picture frame and two looking glasses for Mr. Samuel Dare in Bethel. John Bouton had his tin wedding this evening. We stayed until after midnight and the came home. APRIL 09 THURSDAY - Anniversary of the surrender of General Lee to General Grant. I have worked hard today in the shop. I took the P.M. train to Bethel and carried 2 looking glasses and one picture frame to Mr. Dare and took an order for small looking glasses to the amount of $6.00. I took tea with them and returned on the evening train. APRIL 10 FRIDAY - Fast day. Snow this morning. I went to New York. Mrs. Carlson was in my charge to New York on her way to New Jersey. The storm turned to rain in the middle of the day and continued all day. Father Griswold and Fanny came home from conference on the evening train. At Norwalk Bridge, one of the axles to the locomotive broke, and in consequence, we were until after 10 o'clock getting to Danbury. APRIL 11 SATURDAY - The snow is sufficient for sleighs to run this morning. The day has been pleasant and the snow has disappeared very fast. I have worked in the shop. Gussie took the looking glass over to John Bouton's (which I brought from New York) this evening. I saw John in the street and he paid me for it, 85 cents. Paid Father Griswold $10.00 towards interest I owe him. APRIL 12 SUNDAY - The day has been blustering. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and returned when it was over. After tea, we went up home on Deer Hill and left Georgie to stay overnight. APRIL 13 MONDAY - Cold as winter; I have worked in the shop. Oscar Serine gave me a picture to take to New York next time I go and frame for him. The widow Caleb Benedict (Mother to Harriet Phillips) was buried this P.M. I attended Sunday School Teachers' Meeting in the evening at the church. I received a letter from William H. Hayes this evening, stating that the money he was expecting from his intended wife had failed to come. I wrote a reply and mailed it. APRIL 14 THURSDAY - I have worked in the shop. A beautiful morning; in fact, pleasant until towards night when it commenced raining about 5:30 o'clock. I brought from the shop a cup of shellac for Father Griswold to cover where he sawed limbs from his trees. I went to market in the evening and got at Barnum's Saloon, opposite the Danbury Bank, my Testimonial awarded by the legislature of 1867 to soldiers who served during the War to Suppress Rebellion and Traitors and Maintain Constitutional Liberty. APRIL 15 WEDNESDAY - I have been to New York today; exchanged tea for the second time at the Great American Tea Company and got a better quality this time. I tried to borrow for William Hayes of Gideon Powell $250.00, but could not. William delivered two wreaths today and got for them over $50.00. William is near crazy over his disappointment in not getting the money he expected to get married with. It rained last night but none today, though it has been cloudy until late in the P.M. Cloudy and windy again this evening. I framed a picture today for Oscar Serine and delivered it this evening. Rev. Mr. Powers is to be installed pastor this evening of the West Street Congregational Church. APRIL 16 THURSDAY - A thunder shower this morning between 6 and 7 o'clock. Showery all day. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I went up to Father Griswold's and paid him the balance of the interest which was due April 1st. I paid $10 on the 11th inst. and $30.00 this evening. The amount was $45.00, but he gave off $5.00. After making the payment, I went down to the Post Office. APRIL 17 FRIDAY - I have worked in the shop. Tomorrow being payday, and as I shall be in New York, William Carlson cashed my account - $11.00. I took our wash boiler to Charles Hull's in the evening to be mended. . While in the street, I paid O. H. Swift $4.50 for expressage for one year on Sunday School papers, etc., the year ending April 1st, 1868. Mr. Pond being afflicted with a boil and wanting the plans of the new school house, I went for them for him over to John Stevens on Stevens Street. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Russell Wildman's. APRIL 18 SATURDAY - Pleasant though cool in the P.M. and this evening. I have been to New York. I escorted Isaac Smith's wife to the city this morning. Father Griswold started this morning on his first trip to his new district on Long Island. I brought home my Soldiers' Testimonial in a frame which I have made this P.M. APRIL 19 SUNDAY - Pleasant until just at night when it clouded over and now has the appearance of storm. The presiding elder, Mead, has been here today. There was a love feast at 9 o'clock which Gussie attended. She returned to let me attend preaching at 10:30 o'clock. Brother Mead preached. Gussie came down at noon with Georgie to attend Sunday School. I came home with him after leaving her at the prayer meeting in the P.M. Having the headache, I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to church. Just seven years ago today, I left home for the war with my old company, the Wooster Light Guards. We went to New Haven. We were the first company on the ground, being the first to respond to Governor Buckingham's call for troops in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers for three months. APRIL 20 MONDAY - Rain all day. I have worked in the shop. Have scarcely felt able to work from headache. George R. Tremaine, lecturer and exhibitor of paintings of the Holy Land, came to see me at the shop about an exhibition which he designs giving under the auspices of our Sunday School next week. After work, I helped Mother Griswold put up a bedstead in her garret. We then stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. APRIL 21 TUESDAY - It gave promise of a fine day in the morning, but it finally clouded over again and continued so during the day. I have worked in the shop. Bell was with us to tea and to stay overnight. I got another $1.10 worth of sugar (7 lbs.) of Mr. Pond again this evening. After tea, I went to market and to the Wooster House to see Smith Ferrell about a card picture of his mother to put in the center of the wreath I am preparing for him. Gussie also went down to Mrs. Bradley's. and Mrs. B's sister, Mrs. Williams, came home with her. APRIL 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have been to New York. Josephine Dare came with me from New York to Bethel. Fuller came to the store this P.M. and we walked up 6th Avenue to 23rd Street and then to the 5th Avenue Hotel and across Madison Square to the depot where I met Josephine Dare. I brought 8 small looking glasses for Mr. Dare. Josephine and a friend took them at Bethel to take to Mr. Dare. When I arrived home, I met Gussie and we went to the market where I bought my first shad of the season. APRIL 23 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower of wind and rain about 4 o'clock, P.M. I have worked in the shop. After tea, I grafted some apple trees for Father Griswold. I went to the grocery in the evening and called at the Wooster House for a picture of Mrs. Ferrell to set in the center of a wreath (which was on her coffin) that I am preserving, but I did not get it. From there, I went to prayer meeting at church. APRIL 24 FRIDAY - Cold. I have worked in the shop. I finished my work early and went down to Bethel to see Mr. Dare about looking glasses. He paid me $2.40 for what I sent him on Wednesday. I took the freight train from Bethel to Georgetown and met the passenger train and came home. Gussie went to the Sewing Society up to Thomas Fanton's. Father came down in the evening and borrowed our syringe, Bell being sick and requiring its use. Bought a cake of Lewis' Tar Soap. APRIL 25 SATURDAY - I have been to New York. The day has been stormy. It commenced snowing about 5 o'clock this morning and continued more or less all day. The ground is well covered here in Danbury, although none is to be seen in New York. I was I company with a lady to New York who has been staying at Mr. Dare's in Bethel. George was at the store this morning before I arrived, but left before I came. I joined him at Norwalk on my way home this evening. He came home with me to tea. I framed my soldier picture in a carved rustic to match my discharge. APRIL 26 SUNDAY - The ground was covered with snow this morning, but the day being pleasant. It soon disappeared. Gussie attended church in the morning. She returned at noon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went down to see Widow Bradley, leaving Georgie and myself at home. I went to church in the evening. Brother Burch preached. I arranged with George after meeting to help me pay my seat rent by assuming half of it. I had thought about giving up the seat on account of the hard times, but shall now keep it. I arranged with Benjamin Bailey this noon to take my place in giving the Sunday School Children's tickets to dispose of for the entertainment to come off on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings ' 28th and 29th. The same being scenes and views of the Holy Land as shown at the Heliographorama. One half of the proceeds to be for the benefit of our Sunday School. APRIL 27 MONDAY - Cool in the morning so that I wore an overcoat to New York, but the day has been warm. I got for our Sunday School Infant Class, the Apostles' Creed from the Episcopal Book Room at the Bible House. I also brought a small package for Mr. Dare and left at the Bethel Depot this evening. I bought one dozen 'Laughing Cats' at Meeker & Pickford's in Nassau Street and let Joe Kyle have a half dozen of them at the depot this evening. Mrs. Bradley called this evening while I was taking my tea. My chief man at the store, William Hayes, is to be married this evening at his new residence, No. 16 Bedford Street. APRIL 28 TUESDAY - I slept but little last night on account of my business affairs weighing so heavily on my mind. It looked like storm early this morning, but the day finally proved beautiful and warm. I have worked in the shop. I bought a 3 and a half pound shad of a peddler at the shop and came home to dinner expressly to bring it home. I was doorkeeper this evening at the church for a heliographic exhibition of scenes and pictures of the Holy Land, one half the profits of which go to our Sunday School. Lucy Purdy took care of Georgie in the evening to let Gussie attend. When we returned, I gave Lucy three tickets so that she and others of her family who feel too poor to buy them can go tomorrow evening. I sent a note this P.M. to Mr. Dare in Bethel stating that last evening, I left a package for him at the depot. APRIL 29 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and in the evening, rain. I have worked in the shop. Had my boots mended at M. Daragan's. Sewed up for nothing where previous mending had ripped. I attended the exhibition again this evening of the heliographic views, a very good house for a rainy night. The Sunday School realized $31.00 from the affair, the proprietor giving us half after paying expenses. APRIL 30 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have worked in the shop. George has helped Gussie clean the pantry today. He stayed to tea, after which he helped me graft for Father Griswold. We then went to market. I called at the Wooster House and got Mrs. Ferrell's card picture to set in a wreath for them. After returning home, I wrote to William and enclosed the picture and then went to the Post Office with it. Went to the barber's for a haircut and then returned home again.
1868-04
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 June 1869 Entry
12pgs
JUNE 01 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. After breakfast, I hoed out the oats in four rows of potatoes for Father Griswold. I then took the lesson books, catechisms, etc. which I bought yesterday in New York for the Sunday School down to the church and a “Singing Pilgrim and Leaves” down to Mrs. Horace Crofut at the foot of Liberty Street. I got my clock at T. B. Fanton's (where it has been to be cleaned) and the papers at Swift's and then came home. In the P.M., I went into the street to engage Mr. Sayers to plow out potatoes for Father Griswold tomorrow and to Knox's paint shop to make arrangements for graining my sitting room. I then came home and commenced scraping off the old graining preparatory to putting on the new. After tea, I planted over parsnips, also some corn. I then went into the street and engaged some butter at Holmes' to come tomorrow. I mailed a letter this morning to William Hayes. At tea time, Charles Hayes paid Gussie $24.00 for board. JUNE 02 WEDNESDAY - After breakfast, I went with Charley to his shop (The Sewing Machine Factory) and borrowed of him a scraper to scrape off the old graining in my sitting room. I worked at it until the middle of the P.M. when I went up to Knox's for paint for priming preparatory to graining. I worked until 11 o'clock at night in order to finish putting on the first coat of paint. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. Louise held lamp for me a part of the evening. It has been showery today. George came in the morning and borrowed my fish lines to go fishing. The New York circus which travels by railroad has showed here today. JUNE 03 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. Charles Hayes (our boarder) last night thought he would change his boarding place. He arranged for a place in Montgomery Street and paid a week's board in advance. He came back while I was painting and after further consideration, concluded to stay with us. He however, stayed at the new place last night. He went to Bridgeport on a trip today and returned after tea this evening. Mr. Pond and I ground the scythe, sickle and two carvers after breakfast this morning. I worked for Father Griswold this forenoon, hoeing out his corn and potatoes. After dinner, I took a nap and then took Georgie with his straw hat down to the shop and pressed it over for him making it good as new. From there, we walked up to John Cosier's office where I had a little more talk with him about buying his business and then Georgie and I came home. After tea, while it was cool and pleasant, I worked in my garden until it was dark. Gussie and Louise went up to Mrs. McNeil's this P.M. to see about some dress making. They called a few minutes at the cemetery before returning. JUNE 04 FRIDAY - After breakfast, I wrote two letters - to William Hayes, 31 Downing Street, and Hiram Benjamin, 151 Fulton Street. I sent them to the Office in time for the morning mail by William Blissard. I helped Father Griswold hoe his garden for a while in the morning until the sun became hot about 10 o'clock when I came in and commenced putting on our sitting room, the second coat of paint for graining. Bell took Georgie up to Mallory's Shop with her but returned in time for dinner. I did not finish painting until 6 o'clock. I have to go for more paint before I can finish. I went to market in the evening. It clouded over in the P.M. and before night it rained a little. Father Griswold talked with John Cosier about me buying his leather cutting business. I wished him to see him and give his opinion concerning it that I might have the benefit of his counsel, to say nothing of his approval which is very desirable. He does not object to the movement. While in his study this evening, I signed a certificate on the back of my note of $1,200.00 to the Savings Bank stating that he (E.E.G.) had paid such note and acknowledging my indebtedness to him for said amount. JUNE 05 SATURDAY - Muggy in the morning. Sunshine and two hard thunder showers in the P.M. I went down to see John Cosier in the forenoon and pretty much concluded to buy out his share of his business. Mr. Sherman, the grocer, came up about 11 o'clock for some pie plant. I let him have 7 lbs. and Mr. Pond 10 lbs. at 3 cents per pound. After dinner, I took a short nap and then took Georgie for a walk with me into the street, to John Cosier's office, to the depot at the arrival of the 3:15 train, expecting H. B. Benjamin from New York who promised to bring my old account books, etc. from my old store. He did not however come. I then walked down to the shop and then home again just in time to escape a hard shower. In the evening, I went again to do some marketing and to see if H. B. Benjamin came on the train. George and Bell went to New York this morning. JUNE 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I attended church in the forenoon. Gussie came down to Sunday School with Georgie. After school, I came home with him. After supper, we all took a walk up to E. S. Davis' new house on Rose Hill. We met Henry Ely's wife and child up there. We came home by Mallory's shop and Elm Street. We called on Robert and Maria Cocking before coming home. I went to church in the evening and slept during most of the sermon. Put on underclothes. JUNE 07 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool. I put on my underclothes again yesterday morning and I find them quite comfortable. I went down to the shop this morning and got my pocketknife which I left there one day last week. I saw Mr. Crofut and told him that I was sorry that I could not pay him the $60.00 I owe him but promised to pay as soon as I received my money from the sale of the New York business. He expressed himself satisfied. I also saw D. P. Nichols and told him the same regarding $24.61 which I owe him. I spent most of the day with George Barnum (John Cosier's partner) helping him. When I came home, I went over to Ed. James to look at some clothing which he wants to sell me. I saw nothing that suited me. After tea, I transplanted dahlias and one tomato plant from a pot. Gussie has been growing this plant all last winter. At noon, I wrote to Carlton & Lenahan ordering half dozen Vol. 1 of “Two Years with Jesus”. Dr. Thompson's son Thomas was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. I have felt cold today and have the headache. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. JUNE 08 TUESDAY - I have worked in the shop today. There was shower of rain (but no thunder) about 7 o'clock this morning. Another with thunder as I was returning to the shop after dinner. After work I selected a hat for Mr. Pond and brought home to him. On my way home, I left a copy of “Outlines of the U. S. Government” with David Hoyt at the Railroad Repair shop. He promises to pay next Tuesday, a week from today. Kit is $2.00. I called at John Cosier's office also as I came home. I am yet undecided about buying him out. After tea, I spaded the ground over (or rather forked it over) between my potatoes and early cabbages. Gussie went to market in the evening with Susan Brayman and I stayed at home. I directed an envelope for Susan to send to John at Walpole, Mass. in care of Gill & Sons. The hat for Mr. Pond was $3.00. I charged it to him as I am owing to him on a book account. JUNE 09 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than it has been since last Saturday's thunder showers. I went to the shop this morning for my pocket rule which I left there yesterday. I called at Cosier's office and came home and worked in the garden until noon. After dinner, I wrote Henry Day at 61 Carmine Street, New York about sending a package to me which was last Saturday left there for me by William Hayes. It is my old account books, papers, etc. pertaining to my business in New York at 68 1/2 Carmine Street. I went into the street, mailed the letter, and left a copy of Philip Phillips new singing book, “The Standard Singer” at Ed. Allen's to send to B. Lockwood in Bethel. I called again on John Cosier and told him that I would not buy him out after considering the matter as I have done. I pulled weeds in my garden before tea. In the evening, I went to the church to vote on the question of Lay representation. I voted against it. There were 85 votes cast, 65 for and 20 against it. Gussie attended also. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie to let us attend. JUNE 10 THURSDAY - A little sunshine in the morning but it soon clouded over and before noon commenced to rain. I began in the morning to mow the grass in front of my place, Father Griswold’s, and N. C. Ponds, also to trim out, draw a line, cut a straight edge, and repair the walk. Mr. Pond offered me $3.00 a day to do his front walk. I worked until 4 P.M. when the rain stopped me. This morning, while over to Mr. McDonald's for milk, he (Mr. McDonald) spoke to me about not paying my church seat rent. I think he is meddling with what is none of his business. If he has been directed by the Leaders and Stewards to speak to me about it, I think that they treat me unkindly at least for I am as well aware as they that I owe for the seat and have not been able to pay but will as soon as I am able and they ought to know me well enough for that. I have had the headache nearly all day but have worked out, nevertheless. I did not feel able to go into the street in the evening, so Gussie went and did the marketing. George Stevens' son, Frank, who has not long been out of the penitentiary yesterday stole $200.00 from Graham, the carpenter and this morning, Officer Crosby arrested him. After tea, I wrote to my successor in New York, Henry Day, to see if he can send me some money soon. I am owing Mr. Pond, $100.00. He has a note to meet on the 15th inst. And I would like very much to pay him and thereby help him on the note as he spoke to me about it this morning. He is a kind good fellow and will not force me at all if I do not get the money for him, but he ought to have it and I very much want to pay it for it is a long time past due. Gussie mailed the letter for me this evening. JUNE 11 FRIDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a little splatter of a shower in the P.M. and again in the evening. I finished working on Mr. Pond's sidewalk this morning. I spent the rest of the day drawing with Alfred Gregory's horse and wagon and wheeling on a barrow sand for Father Griswold's and my sidewalk. I spent a short time while waiting for the horse in hoeing my garden. I was very tired at night. Father has gone to Ridgefield and Mother has come over today to stay overnight with Frank Bouton. Tomorrow she will return as far as here and spend the day. JUNE 12 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until noon. I came home to dinner and while eating it, Ambrose Hill came in with his spring bed model. I had a talk with him about canvassing New London and Windham Counties. I went over home with him and examined one in use on his bed. We had some talk about working the thing together, canvassing this county and then going to New London and Windham. I took the model home with me thinking to operate a little with it. On my way home, I stopped to see George Starr about what Mr. McDonald told me was said derogatory to my character and good name in a meeting of the church officials about my unpaid seat rent. He disbelieves McDonald's story and promises to set matters right next meeting of the Leaders and Stewards. I cashed Oscar Serine's account this morning. It was $4.00. We could not make change, so I gave him a $5.00 bill. This evening, he saw me and paid me the dollar. I went into the street this evening and got a letter from George in Brooklyn. He is yet very weak from his sickness (the Jaundice). He has but little work and is anxious to get out of Brooklyn. Mother has not been here today as expected; for what reason we know not. As I came home this evening, I called at Mrs. Wilcox's on Deer Hill to see if Mr. H. B. Benjamin had come from New York and if he brought my package of account books from the Carmine Street store. I saw him but he forgot my parcel. JUNE 13 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I went down to Sunday School at noon. It being our Concert Sunday, I distributed my papers before the exercises commenced. I delivered to L. W. Bartram the half dozen “Two Years with Jesus”, 1st Series which he ordered last Sunday. The $1.50 for these, he could not pay, having no money with him. After school, I came home with Georgie. After dinner, Charlie took a walk with Theo. Bradley. Gussie went to the Band of Hope (Ed. Note: The Band of Hope was a temperance organization for working-class children, founded in Leeds, England in 1847.) and I walked over to John Bouton's and to John Morris' new house with Georgie. JUNE 14 MONDAY - Rain most of the time until after dinner when it finally came off pleasant and hot. I had work in the shop until noon. I started out about 3 P.M. with the model to canvass for the Connecticut Spring Bed Bottom. I sold one to Henry Barry the first call I made. Almon Hickok, I think, will take one also. Several others spoke favorably and may buy. Before returning home, I called to see Alvin Hurd, who is very feeble and will not probably be any better. He is I think about 74 years old. I received by this evening's mail a letter from Yonkers, New York from George Hendrickson with $2.60 enclosed, the amount of his bill for picture frames I made for him before selling out in New York. Before retiring, I made out a receipt for the amount and enclosed with a note to him. I also wrote to George and enclosed 50 cents for him to go over to New York at 10 Grove Street and collect a bill for me from Mr. Tater. I wrote to Daniel Minnerly, my old gilder, for $1.90 he owes me for a frame he made for a friend. He is with my successor, Henry Day at 61 Carmine Street. Knox sent a man today to grain our sitting room. JUNE 15 THURSDAY - Muggy with a little rain, also warm sunshine. I had a half dozen hats to finish at the shop this morning. I took the model for the spring bed with me to the shop thinking I might canvass a little when I finished my work. I talked a little with Mr. Mansfield about laying in my winter's supply of coal. I being out, ordered a half ton of Carmel Ridge which came in the afternoon. Just at night, I canvassed a little for the spring bed. I took an order for one from Frank Larson. I went over to the depot this evening, expecting that my account books would be sent by someone from New York, by H. B. Benjamin, but saw nothing. The bill I sent yesterday to Carlton & Lenahan to be receipted was returned this evening all right by mail. David Hoyt this evening paid me $2.00 for “Outline of U. S. Government” which I a week ago delivered. Temperance Strawberry Festival this evening at Concert Hall. Gussie attended. WEDNESDAY JUNE 16 - Pleasant. I went down to Andrew Knox's in the forenoon and got a 1/2 pint of varnish. In the afternoon, I varnished the sitting room which was grained the day before yesterday. I also varnished my secretary and the parlor chairs. Gussie has had Susan Brayman helping her clean the stairway, wash blinds, scour tin ware and can 5 pineapples. She and Gussie made chowder for dinner. I went to the depot in the evening to see if H.B. Benjamin sent my package of account books which William said he would leave at the store (61 Carmine Street) to be sent to me and which Mr. Benjamin promised to send or bring to me. They were not sent. Louise brought a letter to me from the evening mail which was sent to me for New York purporting to come from Gumbridge & Company, 69 Wall Street. I doubt such a name could be found if one tried to do so. The thing was offering counterfeit U. S. Treasury Notes - $200 for $15, $1,000 for $50, and $2,000 for $80. Who the man can be who presume to draw me into such unlawful business, I cannot tell. I spoke of it to Ambrose Hill when I went in the evening to talk about the Connecticut Spring Bed business. We have pretty much made up our minds to take New London and Windham Counties and go on there to canvass for them. Before retiring, I showed the New York communication to Father Griswold. I think tomorrow, I shall put it into Officer Crosby's hands. JUNE 17 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have canvassed all day for the spring bed. It pleases all who have seen it. Nelson Nickerson's child was brought here this P.M. from Stratford for burial. This evening, I put the counterfeiter's letter into Charles Crosby's hands. I went to the depot this evening but saw no one from New York with my store account books. I returned home and took my spring bed model and called in West Street to see Mr. Coe and Robert Redfield. Coe thinks he will take one. JUNE 18 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have spent today in canvassing for the spring bed. I sold one to James Olmstead at the Sewing Machine Factory. I went up to E. S. Davis to sell him some of them. They have not yet completed their house and cannot yet fit up their beds but there is a good prospect of selling them some, I think. Father and Mother were here to tea. After tea, I went over to Olmstead's in River Street and measured his bedstead for his spring bed. About 10:30 this evening, Saul Flieg and Theo. Bradley drove up for Charlie Hayes to go and ride with them. Charles was in his room partly undressed to retire. He came down and went with them. JUNE 19 SATURDAY - Pleasant and hot. Charlie Hayes went to work without his breakfast because we did not get it in time. I carried it to him. I have canvassed all day for the spring bed. Received a letter from George stating that he went to see Tator about my bill and gave him my receipt for the amount ($4.00) to bill an account which he owed to Tator and he will pay me. I went to market in the evening with Gussie. I came home with the things and then went over to see Ambrose Hill about the spring bed affair where I stayed and talked until nearly 11 o'clock. Hiram B. Benjamin brought my old account books from New York this evening. I met him coming from the depot and took the books from him. Bell took Georgie up home with her to stay all night. JUNE 20 SUNDAY - Warm but showery. A hard thundershower about 6 o'clock. Bell came down with Georgie in time to dress him for Sunday School. I did not go down until noon. Brother Burch preached to the Sunday School children this morning and took a collection for the school amounting to $8.45. I let Theo Bradley count the school, etc. for me to see if he could do it for me as I am intending to be away over a few Sundays soon. Bell came home with Gussie to supper. Gussie went to church in the evening while I stayed home. I took a letter from the Office last evening for William Franklin. This evening I mailed it to George. JUNE 21 MONDAY - I grafted Fannie's lemon tree with orange this morning, also Gussie's. I met Ambrose Hill at the Jeffersonian Office this morning at 8 o'clock to arrange for some printing on the bottom of posters advertising our 'Connecticut Spring Beds'. It was putting our names on the bottom of them as agents for the same. Joe Ives and his salesman Ed Allen tried to run down the beds to me claiming that they were good for nothing. They either lied or the beds they had were a condemned lot for the Connecticut Spring bed is a success, in fact, superior to any other kind. This is my opinion, as it is of all who have used them except Allen and Ives, and they having other kinds to sell, of course say all they can against ours. Almon Judd wants me to put one in his bedstead in competition with John Raymond's. Ambrose received a dispatch from D. R. French, the general agent in Bridgeport, and this P.M., took the 4:15 train for Bridgeport to see what he wants. It commenced raining about 5 P.M. and continued through the evening. I went to market this evening and before coming home, I went to Homer Peters and had my hair cut. Charles Hayes received a dispatch from New York this morning on business. He took the noon train for the city. JUNE 22 TUESDAY - Stormy. I worked in the shop until about 3 P.M. I then on my way home from the shop met Ambrose Hill and we went to see David Osborne and took an order for a spring bed. He (Hill) came home with me and we made out my first order of 7 and in the evening, I mailed it to the manufacturer, T. G. Twitchell in New Haven. I went over home before tea with Hill and got my new model, leaving the old one with him to put in a new spring. Our church having a Strawberry & Cream Festival this evening, I acted as one of the doorkeepers. After it was over, I went home with Florence Polly up to William Scofield's. JUNE 23 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop about noon. A part of the P.M., I canvassed for our spring bed. I sold to H. B. Fanton (1), Hanford Fairchild (3), and Daniel Starr (1). In the evening, I went to our festival. I attended door a part of the time. I guessed on the weight of the cake. Seven of us guessed the same. JUNE 24 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked a part of the A. M. in the shop. I finished mowing my dooryard this morning. When I came from work, I raked it up and carried it off. I met Ambrose Hill at the Depot on the arrival of the freight train. We expected 19 spring beds from New Haven, but they did not come. I canvassed a little for the remainder of the P.M. and then worked until dark hoeing in my garden. Charlie Hayes came from New York by the 3:15 train. Louise M. Jones called here about noon just after Gussie went up home. Bell came down just at night with Georgie. He has been staying up there for the last two days. JUNE 25 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I hoed in my garden in the morning. In the forenoon, I went over to E. W. Benedict's at Beaver Brook to sell him some spring beds. He did not order today, but I think he will. I took an order from William Jabine at the Danbury Savings Bank. I went in the P.M. and measured his bed. Henry Day was in town today. I saw him at the depot this P.M. as he was going away. His business is improving and will try to get some money for me soon. After tea, I went over to Robert Cocking for some cabbage plants and sent them out. I wrote a duplicate of our last order for beds of T. E. Twitchell in New Haven and mailed it to D. R. French at Derby. He is the general agent and the one we deal with and by his consent, we order direct of Twitchell the manufacturer and then send duplicates of all orders to French. I went into the street in the evening and mailed it. I took a walk to Ambrose Hill's house about 9 o'clock, but he had not returned from Newtown, so I came home again. JUNE 26 SATURDAY - I went over to Ambrose Hill's in the morning after hoeing a little in my garden, but not finding him at home, I went to Andrew William's machine shop to get a thumb screw put in a brace which I want to take with me to New London County next week to use in putting in spring bed bottoms. I went from there to the shop to see about my pay. Joe White (one of the firm) asked me about some money I borrowed from them last December 4th. I told him that as soon as I got money from the sale of the New York store, I would settle it. This seemed satisfactory. I went over to T. R. Hoyt's and measured his bed for spring bottom. I canvassed a little and went back to the shop to get my pay -$4.81. I then came home. Gussie received a paper from Eliza in California. We expected 18 beds this evening by freight but did not receive them, so Ambrose and I canvassed a little in the P.M. We sent off another order for 6 by the afternoon mail. I went into the street in the evening and bought a pair of low cloth patent leather tipped shoes for $2.00. I called a few minutes at the Wooster Guard Festival at Concert Hall and then came home. Gussie went into the street also in the evening. JUNE 27 SUNDAY - Muggy in the morning. A little sunshine in the middle of the day. From 3 to 7 P.M., we had three thunder showers, a hard rain with each. I went to church in time for Sunday School at noon. After school, I came home with Georgie, leaving Gussie at the church. I bought of our Superintendent, B. F. Bailey, a “Fresh Laurels” (Ed. Note, a Sunday School hymnal) for Gussie. JUNE 28 MONDAY - Thunder showers this morning. The sun finally came out scalding hot. I went over to see Ambrose Hill in the forenoon. We went downtown together. We took an order of bed springs of Noah T. Hoyt. After dinner, we went to the depot. Our bed springs came, 18 of them. Six of them go to Newtown; The other twelve we delivered and put up as follows: Peter Starr, David Osborne, Swertfager, (editor of the Jeffersonian), W. G. Randall, John Cosier, S. C. Holley, James O. Olmstead (he being away when we went there to put it up, we left it for tomorrow), J. W. Jennings, Frank Leason, Henry Barry, Noah T. Hoyt, and one for myself. It was 10:30 at night before we finished our work of putting up. We had a little trouble with Barry's and Leason's. At the factory where they are made, they got the names exchanged, Barry's name on Leason's and Leason's on Barry's. The trouble was not serious however, as they lived as near neighbors. We took an order of James Ryder's wife while putting up Peter Starr's. We used one ordered for Henry Stevens for Noah T. Hoyt's bed, so before retiring, we ordered one for Noah T. Hoyt's in place of one ordered for him and one for Mrs. James Ryder. JUNE 29 TUESDAY - Pleasant and hot. I slept on our new spring bed last night for the first time. We like it very much. Ambrose Hill called before breakfast to read a letter to me which he received last evening from T. E. Twitchell, our spring bed manufacturer in New Haven. He states that the last lot we ordered and expected today he cannot send until the last of the week for want of slats. He has 5,000 which he expects this week and there will be no delay hereafter about filling our orders. I fitted some bits and a screwdriver to our brace this morning. After breakfast, James Olmstead drove up here and took me in and afterword, Ambrose and we went over to his house and put in his spring bed bottom for him. He paid me as soon as the work was done. From there, we went down to Noah T. Hoyt's and finished putting in his which we did not complete last night. Ambrose went to Newtown this P.M. with six beds. I canvassed a little this P.M. I took an order this morning from Mr. Pond for a set of springs. Being very tired this evening, I stayed at home and let Gussie do the marketing. JUNE 30 WEDNESDAY - Muggy. Some sunshine and showers during the day. Ambrose came home from Newtown this noon. In the P.M., we finished fastening in their bedstead springs for P. Starr and David Osborne. While at David's he gave us another bed order. We made new crossbars for David Osborne's bed. The trouble was owing to wrong measurements done by himself. I had 5 tons of coal put in today ' Council Ridge. Ambrose took tea with us. I wrote another order for 6 spring bed bottoms, a duplicate of the same I sent to D. R. French, the general agent. I shall mail them tomorrow morning.
1869-06