Dr. Truman Warner Interview: World War II Reminiscences
90 minute cassette
Dr. Truman Warner was an Anthropology Professor at Western at the time of the interview. Warner attended and graduated from the High School in what is now White Hall, He attended and graduated Danbury State Teachers College. When the war began, Warner was teaching at his first assignment, having just graduated from DTC in June of '41. The interview was recorded in the EI Gross library
in the basement of White Hall. The interview was a class assignment (Introduction to Historical Research).
1989-05
Marker, Christopher W.
Warner, Truman
Side A
0-10min: His graduation and subsequent employment at Center Elementary School in Brookfield
Center.11 December 7 , 1941 II Rebuked at school by administration for allowing students to listen to the radio about news of the war; Civilian Defence duty - appointed as an Air Raid Warden in Danbury; discusses
the silly rules and regulations of the CD - "people having a sense of duty";
11-20min: Drafted into the Army (given notice) in early 1942; the feeling that "not whether but when" the U.S. would win the war; Travels to Fort Devens, Massachusetts along with a number of local men in Nov. '42; Processes into the Army, then travels by train to Boot camp; Recalls his train derailing in Indiana ;
21-30min: Arrives at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma (Grapes of Wrath country); Begins training, eventually ending up as a Medic; Division unique in that all men will stay together during and after training, as opposed to being sent as replacements to already existing units - his unit known as the 88th - the Blue Devils; Unit moves to Louisiana for further training in the summer of '43. Transfer and promotion to corporal in 3rd Battalion, 350th Regiment Aid station; Describes the function of the station(triage center, primary care); Describes typical Army Ineptness of command : troops not given adequate water supply, many experience heat exhaustion on long, hot marches; Tells story about commanders looking for their missing troops.
31-40min: Transferred to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas; Sightseeing in San Antonio further training: Takes his first and only leave; 3 days by train through New Orleans ending up in New York; only a week at home and then back to San Antonio; Receives word to prepare for debarkation in Fall of '43; unit transfers to
Norfolk, Virginia (staging area); Screens troops for final processing to ship out at Dispensary; reprimanded by
officer for giving out immunizations, but is exonerated by realistic officer who understands the difficulties; Travels in a giant flotilla known as a convoy in Nov. '43 across Atlantic. recalls that the journey was long and crowded, not breaking any records for crossing the Ocean - over 3 weeks.
41-46: Arrives at Casablanca, Morocco. II story about curious medics who drink strange brew that has "fallen off the back of a donkey cart." - turns out to contain some hallucinogenic compound which causes medics to experience horrible visual illusions; Troops board trains heading north, then east across North Africa. "Lister bags and K-rations" - crowded as usual.; Recalls being fascinated by journey: Turns south towards the Atlas mountains arriving at Magenta, Algeria?; Cold
desert nights - only officers have sleeping bags - little food, as the majority of supply trains are attacked by nomadic Arabs, cargoes pillaged.
Side B
0-10min: Officers get guns and Jeeps and hunt gazelles - which become "gazelleburgers"; Wanders around local country during free time exploring; credits these times as
crucial to developing his interest in Anthropology.
Goes to city of Bellabes - the headquarters of the French Foreign Legion; vivid memories: bazaars, unique architecture and a real meal at a French restaurant
11-20min: Given orders to prepare, once again, for journey to points unknown; Arrives in Italy after many harrowing accounts crossing the Mediterranean; Describes the Screaming Mimi shells that the Germans used in the war.; Recalls his duties as medic during the fighting that his unit was involved with;
21-30min: retrieving the dead and wounded in the middle of the night; Use of sulfa drugs and the importance of such drugs in fighting infection. Discusses the May push - U.S. troops drive north in May '44 - unit reaches: the Arno river in late May; Transfers to Anti-aircraft batteries unit II All-Black troops, highly decorated but commanded by white officers, causing a degree of tension;
31-40min: Told by Warrant Officer that he is accepted by the troops; Recalls watching hordes of aircraft flying overhead on their way to France, during early June '44; Given a commission as Medical Administration Officer; Transferred to France in middle of Summer of '44; in charge of a medical supply unit preparing items for the South Pacific; Gets appendicitis; Takes a recuperative leave on the French Riviera, at Cannes;
41-46min: Finds unit gone after he returns from leave; Relocates to Lyon, where he stays until the end of the war and when he finally returns to the States and separates from the military.
Summary version 2:
00 MIN | Graduation from Danbury State Teachers College| First Teaching Position, Center School –
Brookfield, CT| Pearl Harbor – Tony Palermo (DSTC classmate) field trip with archeological students |
Palermo died in the War| Warner told students about the war and let them listen to Roosevelt’s speech|
Criticized for playing speech |
10 MIN | School became involved with sugar rationing| Civil Defense| Air Raid Warden| training in first aid|
questioning the practicality of home front preparations| drafted in 1942, not “gun-ho”| Not whether U.S.
would win, but when”| called into the army with other Danburians | sent to fort Devens, MA| Derailment of
train taking them west in Indiana – no one hurt | Ended up in Fort Bragg, not Bragg, Camp Gruber| trained as
a division 88th Division |
20 MIN| was assigned to medics | First “All Draft” unit sent overseas | Moved to Louisiana and Texas for
maneuvers | made corporal of sergeant | soldiers sent out in heat with one canteen for training | a large number
dehydrated and suffering heat exhaustion | example of unwise training | sent to Fort Sam Houston in Texas |
annoyed with policies which excluded enlisted men | Pleasant city – Alamo | Got leave home for week|
30 MIN | 3 days to get home | in the fall, prepared to deploy | went east to Norfolk, VA | put in charge of
dispensary at Norfolk | check for diabetes, etc. | went in a convoy across the Atlantic in November 1943 |
crept across | 2 weeks to cross, didn’t know destination | disembarked in Casablanca |
40 MIN | a barrel spilled off the ship and some soldiers partook of the contents which was wine likely
containing hashish – soldiers out of their heads | got on a train across Morocco in 40 or 8 boxcars | got to
Algeria, went south | arrived Magenta(?) | short of food | END OF SIDE A
00 MIN | Africa | wandering during free time | eating at French Restaurant | Got aboard ship with nothing in
dispensary | obtained supplies from a warehouse| someone had an appendicitis | went in a harbor Azerte? to operate | crossed the Mediterranean by themselves | Sicily to Naples | Casino was still in contention |
Sometimes medics went into combat, sometimes way up front |
10 MIN | Went in with British helmets to deceive Germans | Germans used screaming mimis | stretcher
bearers would bring the wounded out of combat back to a village where the medics could take care of the
wounded at an aid station established by the British | were stationary for a period | hung burlap over one
intersection so that the German machine gunners couldn't hit them |
20 MIN | Big push northward | Germans weren't expecting the amount of firepower Americans amassed |
Pushing, attacking, unpacking, packing | May 1944 | Connected up with Anzio troops | by August had pushed
through Rome, Florence, Pisa | transferred to anti-aircraft battalion | All the troops were African American,
officers were white | all lieutenants were black – higher officers were white | there may have been shots fired
between whites and blacks | Became assistant battalion surgeon | accepted by the African American soldiers |
30 MIN | the anti-aircraft battalion broke up because there was little need | invasion of southern France |
turned into a transportation unit | attached to medical base depot company – preparing for Asian theater | only
officer | ordered to establish the medical base depot and didn't know what to do – took command of an outfit
for 2 or 3 days | moved to Marseilles | had German prisoners working for them | supposed to be in charge of
the prophylactic distribution | had an appendicitis | requested leave for the Riviera | spent several days and had a great time | went to Nice | dated nurses |
40 MIN | Men from the front lines were streaming in | got back to Marseilles and the entire outfit was gone |
went up to Leon | Involved with rearming the French army | 1945 | All the gold for fillings was stolen from
the dental truck | END
Horace Purdy Journal, June 1870 Entry
3pgs
6/1 Hoed garden before breakfast. After breakfast, I borrowed Platt Abrams horse and William A. Bedient rode with me up to Father Griswold's for a pair of old bar posts and one bar for Bedient to arrange for taking rustic pictures. After getting the post and rail down to the gallery, I helped H. Osborne move an ice box from [Thos] Beers store to his own. In the PM I took Charles H. Winton's application for a $1,000 20 year endowment. Jerome Bishop who promised to meet me this evening to be examined came to see me but some of his friends have frightened him and he refused to be examined. Said he would let the thing go. 6/2 After breakfast I brought water from Father Griswold's cistern for Gussie to wash with. After going to my office in the morning I went down to the Carriage Blacksmith in Center St. to see Jerome Bishop about his application. He wants to consult his folks about it. After the mail came in I had a talk with William Montgomery [Len] about life insurance, the comparative merit of the Mutual Benefit of New Haven and my company and others. He stopped me and introduced the subject. After dinner I took an armful of brush to my office for Bedient to construct an apparatus for taking rustic photos. This afternoon I Had Charles H. Winton examined by Dr. Bulkely Jr. He applies for a 20 year endowment. I mailed it this evening. 6/3 In the AM I went on Town Hill and took Rev. W. G. Haskells order for a spring bed. After dinner young Mr. Chapman and I let William A. Bedient take us for an experiment in his new style of rustic pictures. Towards night I went over to the sewing machine factory and had some conversation with Gen. James Ryder about a policy of insurance on his life. I returned in the street in time to see the Fire Department out for inspection. In the evening I received a note from Frank B. Mayhew of the Home Office saying that my proposition to take a note for 30-60 or 40 days in payment for premiums now while business is bull would be carefully considered by Mr. Marshall, the President, and I would be informed of his decision. I received by the morning mail a letter from French acknowledging receipt of the draft. This evening I wrote to Mr. French telling him of my correspondence with the Home Office about the note business. I brought home a ham from Randall & Bradley's store. 6/4 I received by mail an endowment policy for Charles H. Winton. I talked this morning with Mr. Pond about his children striking and throwing stones at Georgie. I spent the PM making over 2 spring beds for William Signor. He bought them of Mr. Guthrie. I spent the evening as usual at my office in the street. Charlie Hayes paid up in full for board tonight, $33.25. 6/5 Gussie took Georgie down to Sunday School at noon. After dinner (which we had about 4 o'clock) Georgie and I took a walk into Division St. thence to Wooster, Deer Hill, West St. and home. I attended church in the evening. Bro. Hatfield preached. 6/6 I cleaned the rainwater hogshed and hoed the garden a little before breakfast. In the forenoon I went up to Balmforth Ave. and took an order for bed springs of Peter Robinson. I bought an 1/8 bushel bag of flour of Gould S. Disbrow. In the PM I dressed in my summer clothes and canvassed a little for spring beds. I took an order from J. H. Hornblower for another one. After tea I went on River St. to John Waits to see about a spring bed, but they concluded to wait until I send again. I received by the morning mail a letter from William H. Hayes from Chicago. In it he tell me that he is the father of a fine boy at 415 Hudson St. in NY. 6/7 I weeded out my strawberries this morning. In the PM I wrote to E. Twitchell, New Haven ordering 8 spring beds and 2 slats for Mr. Hubbell in Bethel. In the evening I wrote again to have him put Hubbell's slats in E. F. Judd's bed. I brought home from Beers store a small kitten. About 6 o'clock we had a heavy shower. The ground being very dry it will do a great deal of good. After the rain in the evening I went to the post office. 6/8 Charles E. Hayes took the train this morning for New York. I took the same train to Georgetown to visit Gilbert Bennett's [Seive] factory and talk life insurance a little. This is my first attempt at Georgetown. I have prepared the way I think for a little business. I retuned by the 3 PM train. I went to my office as usual in the evening and had a talk with Henry Stevens about life insurance. Baptist Sunday School Convention here today and a union of all the Village Sunday Schools at their Church this evening.
1870-06
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1870 Entry
9pgs
5/1 Gussie attended church in the morning. Father called before noon and brought me a letter which he took from the post office last evening by mistake. It was from William H. Hayes from Chicago. After tea, Robert Cocking called a few minutes. I took Georgie and walked over home with him to see his garden. I attended church in the evening. Brother Hatfield preached from Matthew, 22nd chap., 42nd verse, What Think You of Christ, an excellent sermon. 5/2 I have worked all day till just at night painting the stoop etc to my house. I then went down to my office where I saw Luman Hubbell who paid me the renewal on Joseph L. Bates policy, $12.84. I bought ' gal. of kerosene oil and came home. I went into the street again in the evening. A canvasser for the Life of John B. Gough came into my office this evening soliciting my name for the book, but I did not subscribe. 5/3 I went down to A. Knox this morning and with his horse came home for my house blinds and took them down to his shop to be painted. In the PM I hired Mr. Judd's horse and took 6 spring beds from the depot (which came up by freight train) and delivered them. I worked until after 7 o'clock putting them in. I received pay for them all but William Barlow's and Mrs. Alice P. Ford. I had 1 ' dozen no. 2 bill hooks come in also for Mrs. Fords, Charles Hull, Harvey Osborne, and O. H. Swifts beds, 6 for each. I went down to my office after tea. I received a letter from J. H. Swertfager regarding a bill I owe him and he wants the money badly but at present there is nothing I can do for him. It commenced raining a I walked up home from my office. I walked up with Charles T. Stevens. He talked with me about attending class. Charles E. Hayes gave Gussie $10 towards his board. 5/4 I took the morning train to Bethel to put in a spring bed for Saul Ambler and for William Lawrence. Ambler is to try his before paying for it. I took 3 orders more before leaving Bethel. I walked up as far as Giles M. Hoyt's Shop and got my pay from William Lawrence, then rode from there home with Thomas Wheeler. I put in a new slat in place of a broken one for Mrs. Ford. After tea I commenced spading the garden and worked until dark. I wrote to Twitchell enclosing a check for $34.87, amount of last bill for bed springs. I also wrote to George inquiring about his going to New London to sell bed springs. Our military company went to New Haven today to participate in the inauguration of Gov. English. 5/5 I have spent the day spading my garden, getting out manure etc., except for a few minutes at noon that I spent going for seed and to deposit $34.87 in Danbury Bank to meet a check for that amount that I sent to T. E. Twichell. I planted 2 kinds of peas, [Champin] of English and the 'Advanced' , a new kind. After tea I went to the post office and to my office for a short time. 5/6 I have worked all day in my garden , planted early Rose potatoes, [Bok] seed and potato onions. In the evening I took the half of door blind (which I kept back to repair) down to A. Knox. I returned for our folks a half bushel basket to Charles Andrews, brought home ' peck of found clams. Received by the morning mail the bill receipted from T. E. Twitchell. By evening mail, received one from George regarding the spring bed business. Before retiring I wrote a reply to it. 5/7 In the morning I called at A. Knox paint shop to see about painting my blinds. I found them working at them. I then called at Pahquioque Shop to talk life insurance with William Signor and John Morris. In the PM I went up to Mallory's, to Tweedy's and to other shops. Mr. Pond and Mr. Barry commenced this PM to mover the evergreen trees in my yard onto Mr. Pond's new made building on the old lime stone ledge. They moved one of them. In the evening I met George B. Bell at my office where he paid me $6.30, the balance of the $20 for his policy and took the policy. 5/8 Gussie attended church all day. I stayed home. After supper, Father came down and stayed a short time. Georgie and I took a walk over to Robert Cocking's with Father as he went home. 5/9 I planted more potatoes, cucumbers, radishes and set out some lettuce plants which Robert Cocking gave me. I finished spading my garden and about half of the flower garden. Mr. Pond and Mr. Barry took the remaining 2 evergreen trees from my yard. In the evening I went into the street and bought a paper of Beet seed. After I returned from the street I went over to Robert Cocking's and got some string bean seed. 5/10 I finished digging the flower borders in my garden. I planted string beans and beets, also squash and radishes. I trimmed 4 of my apple trees then commenced spading the flower beds in front of the house but it began raining so hard I was compelled to stop for the day it being nearly 4 PM. 5/11 In the forenoon Gussie and Georgie went into the street to see French's Circus come in. They went into my office in Bedient's Photograph Gallery, but because of the storm they did not parade in the street. After dinner I went into the street again and talked life insurance a little. In the evening I went over to Horace C. Cables to look over our old spring bed accounts. We finally straightened up the books by his paying me $4.47 to balance accounts. 5/12 I spent most of the day talking life insurance. Sold 24 lbs of [Be] plant to J. W. Jennings. Rheumatism had troubled me towards night and this evening. 5/13 I suffered last night with rheumatic pains and have been troubled with it today. This PM I called at the Wooster House to consult the agent for Flaggs Instant Relief. He applied it to me but I can see as yet no benefit from it. 5/14 Very lame this morning with my rheumatism. I spent the great part of the day talking life insurance at Foster Bros. Shop, Rail Road shop and Sewing Machine factory. In the evening William Barlow paid me in my office $6.50 for a spring bed I put in for him last week. I talked with Mr. Morris, the music teacher about life insurance in the evening at Mr. Hamlin's store. He then walked up home with me, it being about 11 o'clock. The evening was pleasant and the air fragrant with apple and other blossoms. I felt better of my rheumatism before night. Georgie went home with Bell this PM to stay until tomorrow. Pond brought turf for the door yard. 5/15 Our folk went to church in the forenoon. I stayed home and went over to see John Bouton who yesterday cut his hand badly. Father came from church at noon to have me cut his hair. I did it. He stayed to supper. Bell came also from afternoon meeting and stayed to supper. After supper, Gussie, Georgie and I took a walk over to Horace Cable. I attended church in the evening. Bro. Hatfield preached to the young men. Gussie attended also. Louisa stayed with Georgie. 5/16 I brought my house blinds from Knox's paint shop and hung them. I put the new lattice over a part and spaded the remainder of the flower bed adjoining. I commenced to mak a circular mound on the grass where I took away the 3 evergreens but had to leave it over until some other time to get a load of soil to put in it. In the evening I commenced to take Charles A. Lyons application for a life insurance policy, but in order for him to get some facts about his family history, we deferred it to be finished tomorrow evening. I bought a bottle of Potters Catarah and Headache [Stuff] of an agent on the street and a wash boiler of Charles Hull on credit and then came home. 5/17 I completed making a mound in the yard the morning. Mr. Barry sent me a load of soil with which to fill it. I went out to the sewing machine factory this forenoon to talk life insurance. I talked also with Victor Morrell. He thinks of taking a policy for $5000. While at my office this evening I wrote to the Homeo. Ins. Co. asking about dividends on a 'paid up' policy. 5/18 I have spent the day working life insurance. In the evening Charles A. Lyon called at my office and I made out his application and Dr. Bulkely examined him for the policy. Before tea I set my bean poles for Limas which I shall plant loose. This morning I took 8 lbs. of pie plant down to Ike (Isaac) Jennings. He not being in, I left it on his desk. 5/19 Went to Bethel, rode down with Joe Day on his bakers wagon, rode back at night with Charles Disbrow. I went to see Thomas Wheeler about another spring bed and to canvas a little. After taking the measure of Wheelers bed he refused to take one because the price was more than his other bought last fall, it being a larger bed. I talked life insurance a little with several parties with ta prospect of success. I did not get an order for spring beds. I received by the evening mail a letter from A. Halsey Plummer, Secretary of the Homeopathic Life Insurance Co. in reply to one written a few days ago about changing the payment of premiums from quarterly to annual. 5/20 I have spent the day working life insurance. After dinner I planted lima beans and sweet corn. In the PM I mailed Charles A. Lyons application for a $1,000 life insurance policy. As I came to tea I bought a broad brimmed straw hat to wear in the garden. I spent a part of the evening at my office. 5/21 In the forenoon I took Hawley Bradley's application for a $3,000 life insurance policy, had him examined by old Dr. Bulkely and in the PM I mailed it to the company with a letter enclosed. A thunder storm about 6 PM. Before that I went over to Robert Cockings for 6 tomato plants and set them out. In the evening I went into the street as usual to my office. 5/22 Gussie attended church in the day time. After tea, Georgie and I took a walk u to Isaac Jennings new house. I attended church in the evening. Brother Hatfield preached an excellent sermon from Jeremiah 12-15. I wrote to George and to William H. Hayes and mailed them in the evening . 5/23 In the morning I bushed my peas. I commenced painting the eave trough to my house, but not having enough paint went down to Mr. Knox for more. I received by the morning mail a policy for Charles A. Lyon. After dinner I took Frederick Bradley's application for a $2,000 life policy. I had him examined this evening and mailed it to the company. 5/24 By the morning mail I received a policy for Hawley Bradley for $3,000. After dinner I carried it to him and received the first semi- annual payment of $40.05. I then went over to the sewing machine factory to tell [Col.] Ryder about what I heard of the Ex,Methodist preacher, Mr. Stebbins, agent for the Singer Sewing Machine say about infringement. This morning I had a talk with Allen McDonald about insurance of $2,000 on his life. This evening I saw Theodore in the street and talked to him about it. I did a little marketing or rather Gussie did and I bought some sugar and then came home 5/25 In the forenoon I took George Raymond's measure of bedstead for a set of springs. It's a round rail bedstead. By the morning mail I received 2 policies for Fred Bradley, $1,000 for the benefit of his wife and $1,000 for the benefit of his children. The the PM I delivered them to him and received the premiums, $45.00. I planted radishes and parsnips. 5/26 I mowed my dooryard in the morning and carried off the grass. Adams Express's man brought me a package of blotters from the home office of the Homeo. Mutual Life Ins. Co. In the PM I canvassed for the spring bed. I went into the street as usual in the evening. 5/27 In the morning I trimmed out the walks in my yard. I then took my paint pot and went down to Knox's for a pint of paint to finish painting the underpinning to my house. I received by morning mail a letter from George stating that the curling of straw hats was now for a short time good, and until it was dull again he should not come home to sell spring beds. I also received one from D. R. French saying that upon further thinking it over, that we had better not leave life insurance for selling 'New Oil of Gladness'. I got a draft from the Danbury Bank for $102.64 and enclosed it with my report to D. R. French, which is the amount due the company for all I have collected. I also wrote to George in reply to his letter telling him to make the most of his work while he has it. I also wrote to Twitchell telling him of George not being able to go to New London at present. 5/28 It has been cold and cloudy. I rode to Bethel this forenoon on a load of lumber with Frank Agnew. I found that Mr. Terry from Bridgeport, agent for the Aetna, had insured several that I had been talking to on life insurance. I collected $7.00 from Saul Ambler for a spring bed I sold him on the 4th of the month. I then took the 3 PM train for Danbury. I came home and ate my dinner about 4 PM then went up to Hurlburt or Lacey & Downs Factory and talked with a Mr. Addis and Potter on life insurance. In the evening I went into the street to my office as usual. 5/29 I stayed at home all day as usual since my clothes have been too poor to attend church. After supper Georgie and I took a walk during which I endeavored to train him to turn out his toes while walking. I attended church in the evening to hear Bro. Hatfield preach as usual. I have felt low spirited all day, brooding over my financial affairs. I sometimes think I am nearly insane or shall be. 5/30 Decoration Day. Our Brass Band and No. 1 Humane Horse (Grand Army of the Republic) went to Bethel by special train at 9 AM to join in the Bethel procession and to decorate with flowers the soldiers graves there at 12 o'clock. They returned, the Grassy Plain Fire Co. coming with them, and at 1 o'clock the grand procession formed and proceeded first to the Catholic Cemetery then to the old burying ground up town. After which they proceeded to our large and beautiful cemetery to complete the ceremony of strewing soldiers graves with flowers. I went to Bethel in the morning and after seeing their processions form I took the train home again. I went to my office where with the time I spent in the street seeing the processions I stayed until nearly 6 PM without any dinner. I received notice from the Internal Revenue collector from Bridgeport that my license for a life insurance agency was ready for me in the hands of J. Amsbury, our Dept. Collector. A large number of people were in the street, and much driving which made it very dusty. I spent the evening at my office as usual. 5/31 In the morning I took my shoes (kid) down to Daragan's to be soled. I had a little talk with George Hull about insuring. I called a few minutes at the sewing machine factory and then at the Pahquioque Hat Factory to see George P. Foot about his policy which I am still holding for him. He cannot take it until work comes up again. Just before dinner I went up to Lacey and Downs to see a Mr. Addis again about insuring his wife's life. She objects therefore I shall not insure her. After dinner I wrote to the Home Office to see about insuring people and waiting one, two or three months for payment. I also wrote concerning the same thing to D. R. French, my General Agent. I then went out on town hill and measured for Mr. Grant's bedstead for a set o springs. I then took Center St. back, stopping at Mortimer Jennings Carriage shop. I there arranged with his blacksmith, Jerome Bishop, to come to my office this evening and have an application made out for a 20 year endowment policy on his life, which he did. This afternoon I went to Danbury Bank to J. Amsbury, the Dept. Collector, and got my license (cost $10.00) for doing life insurance business. After tea I went to my office where I met Mr. Bishop and made out an application for him.
1870-05
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1870 Entry
9pgs
4/1 I have sent the day mostly in running errands pertaining to Mother Griswold's sickness and watching railroad trains for Edwin who finally came by the Brewster Stage. Letter from George to Father in the evening mail asking for roots bark to cure jaundice. 4/2 I went over to the sewing machine factory in the forenoon to see James Ryder but he was not there. In the PM I answered George's letter to father about roots for medicine, also told him that Mother Griswold is yet living. 4/3 Mother Griswold died this morning at 2:20. She suffered intensely during her sickness until within 5 minutes of her death when pain seemed to cease and she died as if falling asleep. Mrs. [Reseleer] and Mrs. Amos Purdy laid her out. I wrote to George telling him of Mother Griswold's death and mailed it in the evening. 4/4 After breakfast, Father Griswold, Edwin and I went to the undertakers to select a coffin, then went to the cemetery to mark the place to have the grave dug. Before coming home I went down and voted (it being our state elections). About noon when Mr. Hawley came with the coffin, I borrowed their horse and went up for Father and Mother and brought them down to attend the funeral which was held at 2 ' o'clock at the house and 3 o'clock at the church. Mrs. Pond cooked dinner at her house for us all at Father Griswold's . She sent it all smoking hot at 5 o'clock. It was unusually kind of her to do so. 4/5 In the morning I took Elias B. Stevens hat to the Pahquioque Shop to be rebound and curled. Edwin went with me and from there we went up to Lacey's shop where he bought a Pearl Soft Hat for $1.75. We then met Father Griswold and Mr. Stevens at D. B. Booth's office where they were having some papers made out relative to Josie's pension. We also had a document drawn up giving Father Griswold power of attorney to manage and if necessary sell a parcel of land, 3 acres more or less, which is situated in Bloomfield and belonging to the old Webster farm now used by Uncle Lorenzo Burr. It belonged to Mother and now belonging to the children - Edwin, Fanny, Harriet and Gussie. We all signed the document making Father Griswold our attorney. Elias B. Stevens, Harriet's husband took the noon train for New Haven. After dinner, Mr. Pond took Edwin, Charlie Hayes and myself into the new school house and showed Edwin the rooms and explained the workings of the institution. It was very interesting to us all. We all contributed to purchase a book of poems called Yesterday, Today and Forever to present to Mr. and Mrs. Pond as a token of friendship for kindness rendered by cooking our dinner on the day Mother Griswold was buried. The book has not yet been presented. In the evening I went to market and then to the post office. I received a letter from George and one from T. E. Twitchell. I came home and spent the evening with Edwin up to Father Griswold's where we ate walnuts, apples etc. Edwin gave me a stopover check from Brewster Station to New York, which he had left when he came home. It will carry me to NY from Brewster station. Before retiring I wrote to T. E. Twitchell. 4/6 I rose early and wrote a letter to D. R. French at Bridgeport. Father Griswold, Edwin and Harriet took the morning train. Father Griswold for a conference at 7th St, NY, Edwin for Hartford, and Harriet for New Haven. I went to the depot with them and mailed the 2 letters I wrote. I carried to the news office a notice of the death of Mother Griswold to be inserted in that paper. In the forenoon I took George P. Foots application for life insurance. I paid Father Griswold's bill for burying his wife. After dinner I took hams to Mr. Olmstead's to be smoked for Father Griswold. I also paid William Day for digging the grave. I mailed George Foot's application in the PM. In the evening I went to the post office and got a for Charlie Hayes from his brother William. 4/7 I rose with a headache. Having the stopover check from Edwin and wishing to go to New York, Charlie and I took the stage for Brewster at 9 o'clock. At 12 ' o'clock we took the Harlem train for the City. We arrived there between 3 and 4 o'clock after a long and tiresome ride. I was very sick when I arrived. I called at Conference at the 7th St. Curch to give Father Griswold his pen which he left at home. I gave it to Brother Burch who I found standing on the corner of 7th St. and Bowery. Charlie Hayes and I went directly to his brother William's house at 415 Hudson St. where I took to a lounge feeling very sick. [Wife] Coburn gave me a dose of salt & water which enabled me to vomit. I then took a [Ledlitze] Powder which settled my stomach. Feeling better in the evening, Charlie and I went over to Conference. When we returned about 10 o'clock we found William at home. He had just arrived from Portland CT where he had been to look after shipping goods to Chicago IL where he is going next week to open a branch store for his employer, Heath & Smith. They made a bed for us on the floor of the parlor where we retired for the night. WIlilam H. Hayes and I went over to Newark in the forenoon to see Henry M. Day. We found him in his store at no. 6 Bank St. I endeavored to get some money from him but only got $4.00, but with articles I took from his store I made it $16.50. We returned to NY and went to the offices of the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co., 201 Beroadway, where I insured William's life for $1,500 with payments to be made quarterly. It was late when we returned to his home for dinner. After dinner I wnet over to Brooklyn to see George but found he had gone to New York for Conference. I waited for his return and took tea with him at his boarding place, after which he went back with me to NY to Conference where we stayed a short time and then he walked over to Hudson St. with me where we separated. 4/9 In the forenoon I visited the home office of the Ins. Co. again and got an additional supply of documents for prosecuting the life insurance business. After dinner, I called on J. E. Chapman, 177 Grand St., the Empire Spring Bed maker. Charlie Hayes went with me to the depot for the 4 ' PM train to start for home. I there met Father Griswold whose company I had home. After arriving home I stopped at my office and left a portion of my insurance documents. After tea I returned to the office with the remainder of them. George P. Foots policy was at the house. Gussie took it from the office while I was away. 4/10 I did not attend church during the day. Gussie went down with Georgie to Sunday School and stayed in the PM. At noon I took a walk up home to see how Bell was getting along. She is gaining very fast in health. I stayed about an hour. After supper, Gussie and Hattie Mills went up to the cemetery and Georgie and I took a walk around the square via Division St. I went to church in the evening. Victor W. Bedient preached, Brother Burch being gone and our new preacher not yet come, Conference being still in session. This was the first time I heard Victor. I think he did well. 4/11 I commenced painting on my house again this morning but the rain soon drove me off. I went down to the Pahquioque shop to notify George P. Foot that his life insurance policy had come all right. He expected to be able to take and pay for it next Saturday. I then went up to Mr. Rogers jewelry store to get a top mended for Georgie. Ireceived by the morning mail a paper 'The Liberal Christian' from the President of the Homeo. Mut. Ins. Co. in which was an advertisement of the company. Also a letter from Charles Gordon of Norwich, N.Y asking about the Connecticut spring bed. He wants to sell them. I wrote in reply referring him to J. E. Chapman of 177 Grand St. After dinner I took my invoice book and T. E. Twitchell's old spring bed bills down to my office and stuck them in for preservation and reference. I dug my vegitable oysters this noon. I gave Mrs. Pond a mess of them. After tea I went to the post office to mail my letter to Charles Gordon and one to Fanny. 4/12 Before breakfast I began to rake the leaves off my door yard. After breakfast I did some insurance writing then went up town to canvas a little for life insurance. On my way home to dinner I talked with George F. Larkin on life insurance. After dinner I went down to my office then went over to see Mr. Stevens, the gardener, about coming to help Father Griswold. I found him sick with a hard cold and a boil on his neck. I took an order for a spring bed this AM from William Barlow. Paid Theodore B. Bradley, Secretary of our Sunday School $18.89, balance due the leasing of the school since I vacated the position of Secretary and Treasurer last fall. I went to A. Knox for some putty, then came home, and used some of it preparatory to painting my house. In the evening I went down to my office. Received by the evening mail a letter from D. R. French from Derby CT relative to the Brooklyn Life Ins. Co. 4/13 I watched last night with Mr. Garrison. Came home about 5 o'clock this morning and rested for an hour then I got up to breakfast. After, I commenced painting my house again. I painted until noon then went up to measure R. B. Glover's beadstead for a set of springs. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and talked life insurance a little. Horace Cable came this morning to tell me that W. J. Dick of Newtown had written to him about spring beds. 4/14 I finished off this morning the raking of my south front yard. Went up to Tweedy's in the forenoon and took a mess of vegetable oysters to Charles Gunn and took his order for a spring bed. After dinner I went up town again and took an order from Walter Fairweather for his second spring bed. Bell has been down to see us for the first time since her recent sickness. This evening I wrote to W. J. Dick concerning spring beds. 4/15 Fast Day. In the morning I finished raking off my door yard. I went down to my office before dinner. In the PM while at my office, I wrote to George about selling spring beds in Brooklyn for Mr. Chapman. I then took a walk up Spring St., then on Dr. Bennet's hill, past O. H. Swift's house and then home. After tea I went down to my office for a short time. Hattie Mills brought up from Bethel this evening some horse radish which I grated before retiring. 4/16 I rode to Bethel this morning with Mr. Hopkins, spent the day there canvasing for spring beds and for life insurance. I took George S. Ferry's application for life insurance. I took dinner with Aunt Harriet and came up on the evening train. I received a letter by the evening mail from T. E. Twitchell with a letter enclosed from Charles A. Gordon to him about spring beds. I wrote a reply and mailed it before leaving my office. While in Bethel I took Saul Ambler's order for a spring bed. 4/17 Gussie having a sore throat and some indications of a fever , did not go to church. None of us attended. In the afternoon I went down to consult Dr. Bulkely about Gussie but the medicines we were giving her were correct and he ordered us to continue them. Father Griswold is to preach this evening but on account of the rain I did not go out. 4/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's factory. In the afternoon mail, I mailed George P. Foot's policy back to the home office to get 'Connecticut' inserted as it was omitted on the blank requiring Town, County State to be named as the residence of the applicant. In the evening I mailed to D.R. French a report but no money being collected I of course had none to include. 4/19 I walked to Bethel in the morning to canvas for spring beds and for life insurance. I stopped as I went at G. M. Hoyt's and at Orin Benedicts. I spent the day in Bethel. I had George S. Ferry examined for a life insurance policy by Dr. [ Mather]. I took William Lawrence's order for a spring bed. I came home from Bethel on the evening train and after going home to tea I returned again to my business office and finished up the application I took today and mailed it. 4/20 In the forenoon I talked with Edmund Allen about life insurance. Received by the morning mail George P. Foots policy which I had sent back to be corrected. I went to Bethel by the noon train to talk life insurance with the people down there. I collected from John Mead $10.00 for William A. Bedient. I took a work train up from Bethel about 6 ' o'clock. I rode on the engine and it cost me nothing. I called to see Henry Berry in the evening about life insurance and to compare notes with the Asbury Life Ins. Co. 4/21 I received George S. Ferry's policy by the morning mail. After dinner, John Crosier drove his horses with me over to Newtown for me to see W. J. Dick, landlord of the hotel, about spring beds. He had gone to New Jersey so we drove back home again by way of Bethel and was caught in a hard shower which was part hail. I received by the evening mail a letter from William H. Hayes from Chicago, his first letter to me since he went out there. Before coming home I answered it at my office and mailed it as I came home. 4/22 I took two hats for Father Griswold to the Pahquioque hat shop to be repaired. I took me all forenoon between Mallory's shop, the Pahquioque and David Manley's little shop at his house. The Drab [Cossinere] I finished over at Pahquioque Shop and had it curled by David Manley. The other being a wire brim, I took it to Mallory's . In the PM I took Georgie to walk with me and took Father Griswold's old silk hat to Manley to be renovated. With passing Walter Fairweather's house, his wife called me to take the measure of a larger bed than the one I measured last week and bring it instead. I called at A. Knox to see if his new lot of paint had arrived. I had. I stopped at my office a few minutes with Georgie and then we came home. In the evening I wrote to J. H.Swertfager and to George Purdy. 4/23 I had Andrew Knox bring me this AM 5 gallons of paint. I put in for Charles Gunn a spring bed this forenoon. At Tweedy's factory, while taking payment for the bed, I met Mr. Hoag, agent for the Brooklyn Life Ins. Co. After dinner I went down to Crofut's shop to see George P. Foot about taking his policy. I then ordered from George Bell the ' ton of coal towards payment of Life Ins. premium. I then came home and painted on my house the rest of the day. In the evening I went down to the office. I received in the evening mail a letter from George. 4/24 Fanny called me up early this morning to go for the doctor for Louisa who was taken sick last night with the pleurisy. Our new pastor, William Hatfield preached for the first time today. Gussie went today and I in the evening. After supper I went up home for Georgie. Bell took him home with her yesterday to stay overnight. I wrote and mailed a letter to George in reply to his. I enclosed to him one of my spring bed circulars. 4/25 I painted all the PM on my house. Received in the morning mail from D. R. French the receipt for Joseph T. Bates 2nd quarter premium. There was a mistake in the figures. It was filled out for $18.84 when it should have been only $12.84. I immediately re-mailed it to him to be corrected. In the evening I went to my office where I saw George B. Bell who gave me $5.00 on his policy, making now $15.00 he has paid in cash which with the ' ton of coal he brought me for $5.37 makes a total now paid of $20.50. 4/26 After breakfast I went down to Andrew Knox to see about getting my house blinds to him to be painted. From there I went to the Pahquioque shop and talked life insurance a little. Victor W. Bedient promised to insure with me pretty soon. From there I went home and resumed painting my house. I worked at it until 7 o'clock and then took tea, after which I went down to my office. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal today from a peddler for $1.00. 4/27 I stayed home all day and painted on my house. Completed the second coat. In the evening I went down to my office. Our military company paraded today and had a [Lesget] practice. 4/28 In the morning I painted the stoop at our south door and Father Griswold's privy seats and the west end of his wood house. I then called a few minutes at Paul Manley's shop and put up one of my spring bed circulars, and called a few minutes at Mallory's Shop, and also on Charles Green at Tweedy's Wool Shop to see how he liked the spring bed I sold to him. I received from the home office of Homeo. Ins. Co. the corrected receipt for Joseph L. Bates premium. I took the noon train for Bethel and delivered George L. Ferry's policy and received the money for it. I took the work train home and arrived about ' hour ahead of time of the regular passenger train. After tea I went down to my office for the evening. I mailed to Joseph T. Bates a notification of his premium being due. 4/29 Friday. In the forenoon I made a new piece of lattice work to place under the side of my piazza. After dinner I painted it with a prime coat preparatory to having it painted green with my blinds. I did a little painting for Fanny also. Before night I went into the street and cleaned the spittoon etc. in my office, talked life insurance with 2 parties. Louisa is better today. She had been very sick since last Saturday with pleurisy. Fanny took tea with us. I went to my office in the evening and wrote to T. E. Twitchell ordering 6 spring beds for Danbury and 2 for Bethel. 4/30 A white frost this morning, cool and pleasant during the day. Before dinner I took the little paint I had left down to Knox to be colored for trimming window cases and cornice. I worked late and then was unable to finish my work as expected. In the evening I went down to my office for a while.
1870-04
Horace Purdy Journal, March 1870 Entry
9pgs
3/1 I spent the forenoon in the street working insurance. In the morning I received a letter from my Ins. Co. saying I might forward the application for Mrs. Disbrow but would not make it payable to her husband unless he insured also. I answered by the PM mail saying that he now had $2,000 on his life. I urged the company to issue the policy as this was the only condition on which he will take the policy. Just at night I took John H. White to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. Filled out the certificate there and in the evening mailed it to the company. In the street this evening I saw Peter Robinson and took him into Dr. Bulkely's to be examined, leaving the other part of the application to be filled out tomorrow. 3/2 I delivered Charles H. Wilcox's policy for $500 and received the premium of $9.73. In the forenoon went down to the sewing machine factory and talked life insurance with Col. James Ryder explaining the plan and the strong points and advantages of the company. I gained his favor and acknowledgement that it was a superior company. I then called at the Pahquioque shop for a few minutes and from there to the post office and received the 3 policies, and also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with bill enclosed for 5 spring beds, my first lot sold since coming from New London last Christmas. In the PM I got Charlie Disbrow to deliver my spring beds which came by freight, to Hawley, May, Ryder, Beers and Griswold. During the afternoon and evening I put them all in. It was about 9 o'clock in the evening when I put the last one in for Henry Ryder on Montgomery St. in Granville Hoyt's house. About 5 this evening Dr. Bulkely examined George Bell's wife for a joint policy with her husband. Gussie went this evening to a surprise party at H. E. Comes on Rabbit Hill. 3/3 In the forenoon I went up to Peter Robinson's on Balmforth Ave. and took Mrs. Robinson's application for a joint life ins. policy with her husband. I received by the morning mail the policy for John H. White and a letter from D. R. French, General Agent, with enclosed permit for the State Insurance Commissioner for me to act as agent for the Homeopathic Mutual Life Ins. Company of NY. After dinner I went up to Gould S. Disbrow and took Mrs. Disbrow's application for a policy payable to her husband. I called at Mrs. E. M. Jones and got her signature to the friends certificate on Mrs. Robinson's application. Having felt sick with a headache all day and after dinner feeling worse, I kept quiet the remainder of the PM. After tea I felt better and went into the street to see George Bell about being examined tomorrow. Gussie went this evening to the auction sale of Fanton's fire damaged shirts and bought me 6 shirts nearly perfect for $3.50. 3/4 It tried to snow in the forenoon but was too cold. It moderated in the PM so that it snowed a little. Henry M. Day came in town this forenoon. I saw and had a talk with him about the money he owes me but could not get anything definite from him. In the PM I went up to Young and Ely's shop, to Mallory's . After tea I went into the street expecting to have George Bell examined but I could not find him. I deposited $18.60 in Danbury Bank for a check I sent by this PM mail to L. E. Twitchell. 3/5 I talked life insurance in Charles Chapman's shoe store in the forenoon. Young Dr. William Bulkely went up and examined Mrs. Disbrow this morning but omitted to have her sign the document so I went up before going to dinner and had her sign it. In the PM old Dr. Bulkely went up and examined Peter Robinson's wife. I mailed the joint applications by the afternoon mail. I put in a door spring for William Bedient Jr. , the artist. I did it to test it beside another kind he was using. In the evening I went in the street and did some marketing with Gussie and came home. Joseph Bates paid me today $6.84, he balance of his first quarterly payment on his 15 yr. endowment policy. 3/6 Gussie and Hattie Mills attended church while Georgie and I stayed home. After tea Georgie and I took a walk around the square to West St. by way of George and Orchard Streets. I wrote to George concerning his voting here this spring and also offered him New London and Wyndham counties for the sale of the Connecticut Spring Bed. 3/7 It has snowed all day. I received from the Homeo. Ins. Co. an extra from the Insurance Times, a statement of business of all companies doing business in NY for the year ending December 31, 1869. In the PM I mailed a letter to D.R. French at Seymour CT. I went to Concert Hall in the evening to hear Dr. Pond lecture on Temperance. It was acknowledged by those present to be the best lecture yet delivered and the audience voted unanimously to invite him to repeat it at some future time. 3/8 Sleighs tried to run but made sorry work of it. In the forenoon I went to the Sewing Machine factory to see James Olmstead to get the $27.00 left by Charles Hayes for me to draw. I got $20.00 and then came home, stopping as I got to the post office and got Mrs. Disbrow's policy from the Ins. Co. Received also a letter from L. E. Twitchell with receipted bill enclosed for the last lot of spring beds. After dinner I wrote to Mr. Twitchell and also to Starr & Farnham printers, cor. State and Main Streets, New London for the bed cut I had them use in printing my circulars. I want them to send it to Mr. Twitchell at New Haven. I also wrote to A. Stanley Smith. I then went into the street and mailed the letters I wrote and took Mr. Disbrow and his son Charlie's policy to them. Later in the PM I saw John White and gave his to him. They all paid me but Gould Disbrow who wants me to wait a day or two. Dr. Bulkely received a letter from the Ins. Office in NY to see Peter Robinson again about his pulse. So in the evening I went with him to the Doctor's office, and his pulse instead of being over 80 was 72, and expansion of chest instead of being 37' to 38' was 35' to 37'. 3/9 I went to Bethel on the noon train to talk life insurance and returned by the evening train. Received a letter in the evening mail from George answering mine about voting here in the spring, also telling me he was now at work at Straw Hat Curling. 3/10 I received a joint policy for George B. Bell and wife. I took the noon train for Bethel. Sidney Smith came up with me on the evening train. He came home with me and talked about taking the New London and Wyndham counties to sell the Connecticut Spring Bed. He left about 10 o'clock to walk back to Bethel. I bought of George Osborne in Bethel a smoked beef tongue. 3/11 I went up to the boot and shoe factory and to the Chase Carriage factory in the forenoon and talked life insurance. Rec'd by the morning mail a joint policy for Peter Robinson and wife. In the PM I delivered it and got a check for the amount of the premium, $109.40. Gould S. Disbrow also paid me the premium for his, $31.60 less $3.13 for a 1/22 [Bbl] flour. I talked life insurance with H. E Comes and Robert Sayers. George Dickens wife died this morning about 5 o'clock. 3/12 In the forenoon I rode with Peter Robinson over to Sturdevant's to talk life insurance a little with the shop hands. I rode back about noon with William A. Bouton who drives George Starrs' team. Before going to dinner I took Peter Robinson's check to the Danbury Bank. I made out my report to D.R. French and went again to the bank and got a draft for $135.88, which with my commission, examinations, balanced accounts for all premiums collected up to date. I mailed the report and draft by the PM mail. I brought home a cat just at night from Gould S. Disbrow's feed store. 3/13 Cold, blustery and snowy all day. The funeral of George Dickens' wife was to be attended this PM immediately after sacrament service at the church. But on account of the severe weather it was postponed until tomorrow. Gussie went over to Mr. Dickens in the forenoon to help arrange flowers for the funeral but returned about noon because it was postponed. I stayed at home all day and took medicine, feeling about sick myself. First appearance of whooping cough with Georgie. 3/14 There has been some sleighing today. George Dickens buried his wife from the church this PM. After the funeral I went up to Charles Chase Carriage Shop to talk life insurance. From there I stopped at the Union Hat Shop and talked with Cyrus Raymond and think I shall finally insure him. In the evening I went to market and then over to John Bouton's and made a call. 3/15 I went over to Mr. Richards in the morning and had him cut from an old pair of slipper uppers a pair of small ones for Georgie. I then brought them home for Gussie to sew together and bind. I then went down to the Pahquioque Shop and called for a few minutes also at the Railroad Repair shop and then at William A. Bedient's picture gallery. I lent Bedient $25.00. He returned it to me again this evening. After dinner I commenced paining my home again. I finished the north side and commenced on the West end. In the evening I went to the post office and received a letter from D. R. French acknowledging the receipt of my report and the draft for $135.88 which I sent on Saturday. 3/16 I started snowing very had this morning, then turned to rain. I received by the morning mail a letter from Starr & Farnham saying that they had sent by express to Mr. Twitchell in New Haven the bed cut they used in printing my circulars last fall, also giving me Mr. Crockers name and address who keeps the Pequot House in New London. I wrote to Mr. H. S. Crocker about spring beds for the hotel. I also wrote to Mr. Twitchell that if he wrote to him concerning them, to refer him to me. I then wrote another letter to George in Brooklyn. After dinner it cleared and was warm, but splashy ' the snow being soft and full of water. Before night the wind got into the north and it grew cold. Mr. Richards had one of Georgie's slippers done but it being too large he had to rip it again and make it over smaller. Mr. Pond came in about 9 o'clock in the evening to get me to go over to Mr. Warner's on West St. and sit with Marshall West who is sick until a young man named Trowbridge should come about 11 o'clock to watch with him for the night. I did so and returned about 11'. 3/17 Henry Ryder paid me $7.20 for a spring bed. I called at the County House to see Albert Sherwood on life insurance but he was not at home. Mr. Richards finished Georgie's slippers today. I brought them home before tea. After tea I gave Georgie an injection to move his bowels, they have not moved for 3 or 4 days. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. 3/18 I called at the Pahquioque shop in the forenoon where we had a good deal of talk about the school and its principal, Mr. Pond. In the PM I went up to the Mallory Shop and talked life insurance a little. In the evening I went to the school meeting in Borough Hall, but the hall not being big enough the meeting was adjourned until next Monday at Concert Hall. Consulted Dr. Bulkely about whooping cough with Georgie. 3/19 Was around town talking life insurance. In the evening was at Randall & Bradley's and talked with 2 or 3 on life insurance. 3/20 Sunday. I stayed t home. After tea Father called with a letter written by Bell to George and wished me to mail it for her. Bell is very much worse and father feels too poor to pay for a doctor. So I went for young Dr. Bulkely and sent him up there at my expense. I went up home and was there when he called. He ordered with other things Sherry wine sweetened with loaf sugar. I went to the druggist and bought a little for 23 cents. She being much reduced and debilitated requires this as a mild stimulus and tonic. 3/21 I watched with Bell last night and came home to bed at 5 o'clock. I rose about 8 o'clock and took breakfast. I then went up to Tweedy's factory and talked life insurance. After dinner, wrote to the home office of the Homeo. Ins. Co. ordering more rate books. In the evening the adjourned school meeting met at Concert Hall. James S. Taylor and his crew who has tried to make a disturbance and break up the school was totally defeated and Mr. Pond (the principle) was completely vindicated and sustained. 3/22 In the forenoon I went up town to Tweedy's factory to see some parties about life insurance. Received by morning mail a letter from George F. Howard with George W. [Kris] at Norwich stating that there is some dissatisfaction with the spring bed I sold there last fall and on that account did not wish to engage in the business. Also a letter from William H. Hayes inquiring about business for Charlie, if work had commenced. Consulted Andrew Knox about a sign for my contemplated insurance office. Called over at the sewing machine factory to ascertain about work for Charlie Hayes. In the evening I went into the street to the post office and to see what I could strike in the way of life insurance as usual. 3/23 After breakfast I went up home to see Bell. In some respects she was better, in others she was worse. From there I went down to the County House and talked with Albert Sherwood about insuring his life. He concluded to do so the first week in April if money he is expecting from the State comes. From there I went to Dr. Bulkely's office and consulted him about Bell. I got some more medicine which with his visit on Sunday I paid him $1.25. After dinner I went up home with the medicine and gave instructions about it. In the PM I called to see John Starr about a writing desk for my office. In the evening I received a letter from Mr. Twitchell about spring beds. 3/24 After breakfast I went up into the street to send Dr. Bulkely up to see Mother Griswold. I then went up home to see how Bell was. I think she is slowly gaining. I went before dinner over to the sewing machine factory to arrange with James Olmstead about sending for Charlie Hayes to be made a freeman and vote. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes to send Charlie up after arranging with D. P. Nichols to pay his fare up and return. Before night I moved the desk I bought of John Starr from Scofield's old store in Pahquioque block to Bedient's Photographic Gallery where I have established my office for life insurance. I came home and took a bundle of life insurance documents to the office and arranged them in my desk. I went into the street in the evening. After taking the desk I paid John Starr $8.00 for it. 3/25 Friday. Bought both red and black ink for my office. In the PM I visited Rundle & White's, also [Samuel] Holley' s wool had factory to talk life insurance. Charlie Hayes returned from New York by the evening train. A sociable at the church in the evening. The Sunday School children met and had their gathering in the PM. 3/26 In the morning I went with Charlie Hayes to the Court House to be made a freeman. In the PM I went up home to see Bell. She is getting better. I received by the morning mail two copies of agreement between D. R. French and myself. I signed them both and returned one to him. 3/27 Commenced snowing about 9 AM but soon turned to rain. Gussie had the neuralgia last night and this morning. After supper I went up home to see Bell. When I returned I went up to see Mother Griswold who is very feeble, and there is a prospect of her never being any better. 3/28 I went down to my office in the forenoon and did some writing. After dinner I wrote to William H. Hayes about an agency for new patent oil cloth. I mailed at the same time in the afternoon mail a letter to George which I wrote yesterday. After I went down to the Pahquioque shop. Business is very dull there again. I brought from the office my large bottle of ink to fill my small ink stand at home. I went to market in the evening. 3/29 I was up to Rundle & White's and Mallory hat shops in the forenoon talking life insurance a little. In the PM helped William Bedient paint his Photograph rooms where I have my office. I was at the office in the evening. 3/30 I got a pint of French brandy at Wooster House of Smith Turrell to give to Mother Griswold. Dr. Bulkely recommended us to go there in order to get a good article. It cost 81 cents. I went to Bethel on the noon train to see Sidney Smith about going to New London to sell spring beds. I did not see him as he was away from home. I came up on the 3 PM train. Father Griswold was on the same train. Dr. Bulkely came to see Mother Griswold again about 5 PM and says she may not live longer than tomorrow. Father Griswold immediately telegraphed for Edwin and for Harriet. After tea I went to the Depot to meet Harriet from New Haven, but she did not come. Received a letter in the evening from George about the spring bed business in New London and Windham Counties. Work is getting dull and he thinks he may be glad of it soon. I went to my office and wrote a reply before coming home. I also got one from William H. Hayes at Heath and Smith, 44 Murray St., New York regarding a new patent oil cloth which I requested an agency for if it could be obtained. 3/31 We were up all of last night expecting every hour that Mother Griswold would die. She had a sinking turn at 2 o'clock but she rallied and is still living now at 4 PM. Father Griswold sent me this morning to the telegraph office with a dispatch for Uncle Lorenzo Burr at Bloomfield saying that she was only just alive. Harriet Stevens came by the morning train from New Haven. I met her at the Depot. After breakfast, I went up home to see Bell. I found her sitting up and doing well. She has discontinued the medicine almost entirely, not now needing it. William A. Bedient took my picture this morning for his own use. A telegram this PM from Edwin at Erie PA. He is on his way home and will be home tomorrow afternoon. Sidney Smith from Bethel called at my office to see me about selling beds in New London County. On account of giving up the territory to George as I contemplate, I refused to send Mr. Smith.
1870-03
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1870 Entry
9pgs
2/1 Tuesday. I talked in William A. Bedient's rooms on life insurance. As I started home, I saw Joseph T. Bates ath te crossing of Main St. by the post office. He wanted me to make out an application for a life insurance policy or him. Instead of going to dinner I immediately went with him to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined. I then filled out the application and received the first quartely premiun, $4.89, to cover risk from present time provided the application is accepted and gave him his receipt. After dinner I went to see Lewis A. Ward, the friend he referred to me. I mailed the application to the company by the afternoon mail. I called on Stephen L. Beers expecting to get from him the premium due on his policy but he can't pay until Thursday. In the evening I went into the street and saw Oscar Levine and gave him a written statement of what I knew about his farm in Iowa or what I had heard other say about it. He wished me to do this in order to use as evidence on behalf of the farm is he should have occasion to do so. Mr. Levine came home with me and stopped a few minutes in which I showed him something pertaining to life insurance. 2/2 In the morning I took a coffee and a tea pot to Charles Hull's to be soldered and then went down to the Pahquioque Hat Shop and talked with Victor W. Bedient and George Foot abou life insurance. I called in at William A. Bedient's Photgraphic Gallery. He told me he would have the application made out for him and his wife. I this evening I went over to his house on Steven Street and filled out an application blanks for he and his wife . I spoke this PM in Swift's stoe with Fed Benedict of Miry Brook about his taking out a policy. He made some inquiries into the matter and spoke about $5,000. I am to see him again. 2/3 Between 8 and 9 this morning Dr. William Bulkely and I went over to William A. Bedient's and examined his wife. We then came back to his office and there examined William Bulkely himself. It is a joint policy. After dinner I went up to Victor Morrell's to get his sister, Mrs. Miller to sign the friend certificate for Mrs. Bedient. I mailed the applications by the 4 o'clock mail. I then went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and talked insurance with Charles Bradley, Nathaniel Barnum, and others. Received a letter in the evening from Homeo. Ins. Co. saying the Joseph T. Bates application was rejected for anything except a 15 yr. endowment. That is all they would grant. 2/4 After breakfast I walked down to see Joseph T. Bates to tell him that his application for a life insurance policy was rejected. I did not find him at home. On my return I called at L. L. [Houtbell's] office and left word with him that I wanted to see Mr. Bates. After dinner I called at the Rail Road Paint shop and then went to the Pahquioque shop and spent the remainder of the day talking life insurance with Seth Downs and Mr. Belltare. Gussie went in the evening to H. B. Fanton's to the Church Sociable or the Sewing Society. Louise Vintz stayed with Georgie for me to go into the street. I spent a part of the evening with A. E. Fuller at Sherwood's Store talking with him about insuring his life. 2/5 In the AM I put at door spring in Swift & Cowan's store door to let them try it. While at Swift's I saw Joe Bates about his rejected application for a life policy. He preferred not to take the 15 yr. endowment and wanted a 10 yr. annual life if they would grant it. I think it exceedingly doubtful but I wrote by the afternoon mail to the Company about it. I received by evening mail a joint policy for William A. Bedient and wife. Amos Stebbins died today. 2/6 I stayed at home all day. Gussie went down to church at noon and in the PM and again in the evening. While at tea Father came down and stayed for an hour. After tea we went over to Robert Cocking's and made a call. I wrote to William H. Hayes, 415 Hudson St,, NY and Gussie mailed it as she went to evening meeting. 2/7 I put 2 door springs on the Billiard and Bar Room doors for Nathan Turrell. I broke one putting it on, there being a flaw in it. I left them on trial for a few days. If they suit him he will pay me for them. After dinner I took my spring bed model down to Beer's store to show Elijah Beers and Albert Miller. I then came home and wrote to Homeo. Ins. Co. for information concerning William A. Bedient's policy, the premiums being more than I expected. I mailed the letter in the PM and called in Randall & Bradley's store and talked life insurance a little. After tea I went into the street for the mail. 2/8 Commenced snowing early and continued all day. I went into the street in the forenoon and stayed until nearly noon at Randall & Bradley's store talking life insurance. I took a letter from the Post Office from David R. French from Dover Plains. He is there working life insurance and expects during this week to come my way and call on me. After dinner I wrote to Eva B. Filed and addressed Station G. I wrote in answer to one received about a week ago inquiring about some engravings she left with me to be framed when I was in NY. I went to the post office and mailed it and then wnet up to Burr Rolands and spent the remainder of the PM talking life insurance with Henry Perry, Jabez [Amiston], Alfred Heath. I went into the street again in the evening to the post office. I brought a letter for Charles Hayes from his brother William. 2/9 Heaviest snow we have had yet. I rose early and commenced digging paths at 5 ' o'clock and worked at it til the middle of the forenoon, then went down to the post office and received a letter from Homeo. Ins. stating that the premium on William Bedients policyno. 2099 was correct , $27.09. After dinner I wrote to T. E . Twitchell a friendly letter telling him how business was here, but not ordering anything. I called on George Starr before coming home to tea. After tea I went into the street and mailed the letter I wrote to Mr. Twitchell. I called at Beers store and then walked up West St. with Aug. [Kiessier]. 2/10 After breakfast I wrote to George in Brooklyn, Houston Street, 3 doors down from DeKalb Ave. I wrote speaking of the deaths of Abel Parsons' wife, Mrs. Stewart and Amos Stebbins. I also requested some money if he could let me have some. I went up to Harris L. Crofut's Carpenter Shop (in the rear of Bradley and Mansifield's Stables) to see George Barnum about life insurance. After dinner I took Gussie and Georgie up to William Bedient's Photograph Gallery to get Georgie's picture taken. After which I mailed my letter to George. Bedient this forenoon paid me the $27.09 premium on his joint policy. As Georgie and I were walking up West St., Robert Cocking and wife with some of Mr. Crofut's family were sleigh riding and Robert took Georgie up with them and gave him a fine sleigh ride about town and then drove home with him. In the evening I went to the post office and then home. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel today. 2/11 I spent a part of the forenoon in Charles Hull's tin shop talking life insurance with Peter Ambler. After dinner I called at Wooster House to see how the door springs worked which I had put on and then I went to [Frey Hoyt Ives] shop to talk insurance a little with Albert A. Stone. From there I called a few minutes on David Cosier by the Bridge and then went to William Bedient's Gallery and took 2 proofs of Georgie's picture to show Gussie how they looked. After tea I went again into the street. 2/12 I went into the street and returned the 2 proof pictures of Georgie to William Bedient to mount and finish up. I paid him for 4, $1.00, and brought home the 2 and am to wait until next week for the remaining 2. I saw Theo Lyon at Victor Morrell's blacksmith shop and talked with him until noon and then came home to dinner. After dinner I went again into the street and collected from J. C. Beers $32.80, the balance due me from Stephen L. Beers first premium of life ins. policy,. $40.17 was the premium but I traded $7.07 of it. I expected Mr. French would be here today from Dover Plains on his way home to Bridgeport but he did not come. I called on David Cosier this PM and I offered him $1 for every man he could send me that I would insure. In the evening I went to Frederick Starr's with Gussie to do some marketing. 2/13 Gussie and Hattie Mills went to 'love feast' this morning and Gussie came home after to finish her work. At noon she returned again to church and stayed in the PM. I did not go, but just before noon took Georgie up home to see my folks. We returned home about 2 o'clock. Mother and Bell are both sick but not dangerous. They have taken cold and are not able to go out, though not confined to their beds. 2/14 Monday. I went in the morning to Benedict Bros. Shoe Store and had my boot repaired. From there I went down to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and then to Pahquioque Hat Shop a few moments and then home to dinner. After dinner I went to Fred Starrs market and ordered half a hog sent to Father Griswolds. I then started to go up to Tweedy's factories but the rain drove me home. I bought 5 bushels of charcoal of a peddler. I wrote to D. S. Lessington, 88 South Halsted St., Chicago Ill. in answer to an advertisement in Harpers Weekly to send sample of goods free to any good energetic canvasser. I also wrote to D. R. French. Gussie and I went into the street together in the evening. I mailed my 2 letters, bought 50 cents worth of buckwheat flour and came home leaving her to do some other marketing. Henry Crofut's wife gave birth to a son about 2 o'clock Sunday morning when she went into a fit and has lain insensible since then. They have hope of her recovery. Before retiring I wrote a receipt for $40.17 for Stephen L. Beers, the first premium of his policy. 2/15 Henry Crofut's wife died last night. I went down to his factory this morning but found all the men about to go home and the shop to be closed. There was black crape on the factory and office door. I went from there up to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop to give Harry Davis a role of Griswold's salve which he engaged a few days ago. From there I went over to the Rail Road Paint shop and talked with William H. Warren about life insurance. I called a moment at Charles Griffins Coal Office to solicit life insurance from him, but he already has a much life insurance as he wants to pay at present. I then came down to Parmalee & Sherman's store and talked ins. with Mr. Parmalee, In the meantime Spencer the druggist came in and of course the drug seller must oppose Homeopathy so I had quite a dispute as to the merits of Homeopathy and Alopathy. Benjamin White who was there took sides against me and I fought the whole crew of them. After dinner Father called, also Horace Cable. They staid nearly all PM. After they went away I went over to Abbotts [Ban] Box Shop and talked with Ed Targett on insurance. I then called n Turner Stevens and had some encouraging talk with him on the subject, and then called on E. P. Davis at his shop. I then came home, it being about 6 o'clock. Before tea, I emptied my port cask to the the salt for Father Griswold to use in packing his pork. In the evening I went to market and to the post office and got a valentine for Georgie from Elyria Ohio. 2/16 In the forenoon I went into the street, called and talked insurance with Russell Hoyt, from there called on Saul Hawley's hat shop and talked with John Beard about ins. until about noon then went to Dr. Bulkely's office and paid him $8 for Homeop. Ins. for the 4 examinations ' Beers, Bates, Bedient and wife. I then went to the post office and got a letter from T. E. Twitchell speaking of the spring bed business in general and hoping that I will work the bed again in the spring. In the PM I took some sausage meat to Fred Starr for E. E. Griswold to be ground . I talked insurance a little in Avery Raymond's store with Albert Blissard and Rusell Bevans. I then called a few moments on Bedients Photograph Gallery and then went to Mortimer Jennings Carriage Shop and talked with him and Mr. Barber who works there. I called again at Bedients and then walked up West St. with him as I came to tea. Before coming home I went up to F. Starrs and got the sausage meat I took there and brought it home to Mother Griswold. After tea I went to the post office and to the store for coffee. I called on Dr. Bulkely and got a partial list of Homeopathists from whom to solicit ins. Henry Crofut's wife was buried this PM at 1 o'clock. Gussie went to a surprise party in the evening at Henry Tobias'. 2/17 In the forenoon called at John Meeker's Hat Shop and talked life insurance a little. Received a letter from D. R. French in the morning, he having gone home from Dove Plains by way of New York instead of coming through Danbury. In the PM I went to the Danbury Bank and got a draft which I mailed to him with my report of my two first policies issued for the Homeopathic Mutual. I went to Wooster House and collected from Mr. Turrell $3.00 for door springs on put on the Billiard and Bar room doors on the 7th. Went to William A. Bedient's Photograph Rooms and got 4 more carte de visite of Georgie and came home and painted a little on my house until night. After tea I wrote to D. R. French and that I this PM mailed him a report and draft for $42.34. I went into the street in the eve and mailed the letter. Before going into the street, as Gussie was putting Georgie to bed she had to whip him severely for disobedience through the day and sauciness at the time. 2/18 Rained hard all day. In the forenoon went into the street and took the door springs off at Swift's Store, he not caring to buy them. In the PM I called at Henry Ryder's, the Assistant Assessor's Office, to see about furnishing him a spring bed. I bought a Valentine for 5 cents for Georgie to send to his cousin, Willie S. Griswold in Elyria, Ohio in return for one received. In the eve I went into the street and mailed it. I called at Gould S. Disbrow's feed store and had a talk with him on life insurance. He liked the appearance of the Homeopathic Company very well. 2/19 Only a little snow left in place. I spent nearly all the forenoon in Disbrow's Feed Store talking life insurance with Charles Wilcox. I received by the morning mail a letter for W. H. Hayes. When I came to dinner I found Joseph T. Bates at the house waiting for me. He decided he would take the 15 yr. endowment on the stock plan. He paid me $6.00 for the first quarter premium payment and wishes to pay quarterly. I wrote to the company saying he would accept the endowment. In the PM I spent some time talking with Dwight Rogers in his store. I received by the evening mail a letter from C. M. Linington, 88 South Halstead St., Chicago with a paper of needles enclosed as one of the article for which he is soliciting agents. Also received a letter from D.R. French acknowledging receipt of report and draft for amount due his company. 2/20 I did not go to church at all. Gussie went down to Sunday School at noon with Georgie and stayed until after the afternoon service. Just at night Theodore B. Bradley came over and stayed until evening meeting time when he and Charles E. Hayes went together. In the evening Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 2/21 It grew very cold and blustery today, like March. In the forenoon I went to see Elijah Beers to get him to insure his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. He had pretty much decided to insure with Charles H. Crosby in the Connecticut Mutual of Hartford. In the PM I called to see Edmund Allen and Joseph Ives. I called a short time at the Pahquioque shop and then came home. In the evening I went into the street to hear Mr. Lord lecture on temperance at the Concert Hall. The weather being so cold and blustery few came, so the lecture was postponed for 2 weeks. While in the Hall, L. L. Hubbell handed me the receipt I gave to Joseph L. Bates on Feb. 1st for payment of the premium on the life insurance policy, which he had sent to me by Hubbell. 2/22 I talked life insurance up to Mallory's shop this forenoon. In the PM I went up to Tweedy's shop and introduced my insurance there also. After tea I went to the post office and then up to Rose Hill to see and talk life insurance with Little Ed Duning. I filled out and application for him but he does not want the policy quite yet. I arrived home around 10 o'clcock. 2/23 I spent part of the AM in the street. In the forenoon I painted on the North side of my house. Charles Hayes paid Gussie $17.00 for board at noon, leaving a balance of $27.00 yet to be collected from his employer, James Olmstead, on March 1st. This he has made payable to me and I am to call for it. In the evening I went to the post office and then to Burr Roland's Shoe Store where I sat until time to close and then came up with Mr. Haviland. I today paid $2.50 for a life insurance agent license until May 1st. 2/24 Called to see George Bell at A. Anderson's coal yard. I agreed to call tomorrow evening at his home to talk life insurance. I also called to see John White at his home on River St. but he was just getting his breakfast so I postponed business until some other time. I received the 15 yr. nonparticipating endowment for Joseph L. Bates from Charles G. Wightman, General Agent at Bristol Connecticut. After dinner I took the policy down to him. When I returned I called at George Starr's Shop and then ordered a ' cord of wood for Mother Griswold of John Wildman. I wrote and mailed a letter to Mr. Wightman acknowledging receipt of the policy and letter enclosed. In the evening I received a list of prominent policy holders in the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. 2/25 Took order from Henry Ryder for a spring bed. Took George Bell and wife's application for a joint policy. Also Charles Wilcox on his life alone. 2/26 H. B. Fanton's shirt factory has burned last night, at 2 o'clock this morning. The alarm woke me about 2 ' o'clock. Charles E. Hayes and I went down and returned about 4 o'clock. I snowed just enough to whiten the ground. On account of having been up at the fire I suppose, I have had a sick headache all day. Have one a good day's work . Took an order for a spring bed from Elijah M. Beers and had 3 men examined for life insurance policies ' Charles E. Dunning, Charles H. Wilcox, and Charles E. Disbrow. In the evening I received by mail a package from Charles G. Wightman, Gen. Agent in Bristol, a package of blotters with my name on them but with a mistake in printing. Hartford is on them instead of Danbury and vicinity and Putnam County, NY. Charlie Hayes took the train to NY for spend a short time while work is dull. 2/27 Felt poorly this morning from headache yesterday and last night. Gussie and Hattie Mills went to church but I stayed home. In the evening Gussie and I went to church to hear Brother Burch preach a sermon on 'Women's Rights' 2/28 After breakfast I went up to Maple Ave. to get James M. Bailey to sign the friends certificate for Charles H. Wilcox application. Then went up to Mallory's Shop to see Ed Dunning's hair and eye color which was omitted on Dr. Bulkely's examination of him on Saturday evening. I stayed there until nearly noon. I then called on E. M. Jones at White's factory and talked life insurance with him a little and then came to dinner. I put in the Post Office for the PM mail the 3 applications. I then went down to the Pahquioque shop. Henry Reed called me into his room over Mr. Crofut's office to see about insuring James Fenning's life for our year or Seven for security. I called at Foster Bros. Shop and got 25 cents from Harry Davis for a roll of salve I sold to him a while ago. I then called at the Rail Road paint shop to talk with William Warren. He has pretty much concluded to take out a policy on his wife for $500. In the evening I mailed an order to Twitchell for spring beds for Griswold, Hawley, May, Beers and Ryder.
1870-02
Horace Purdy Journal, January 1870 Entry
11pgs
1/1 Mr. French stayed with me last night. In the morning we went over to see Ambrose Hill. We called on Dr. Bulkely to solicit his aid in soliciting applications from the friends of Homeopathy. He then came home with me to dinner, after which I went to the Depot with him. He took the 12 o'clock train home to Bridgeport. Ambrose Hill took the same train on his way back to business in Brooklyn. I came directly home and wrote to Henry A. Ellis relinquishing my agency for the New Jersey Mutual in order to take up the Homeopathic Mutual of N.Y. Hattie Mills having gone home last evening with Emily Anderson, Gussie, Georgie and I went by invitation of Mrs. Bradley over to Andrew Williams to tea. We stayed and spent the evening. 1/2 Severe rain storm and high wind. I did not go out. Anne Heinman is only just alive, she has typhoid fever. Amos Purdy called just at night for a few minutes to see me. Father came down to see me and to see how Anne is doing. 1/3 Belle's birthday, she is 18 years old. I spent part of the day in the street principally at Noah Hoyt's store talking life insurance. In the evening I called for a few minutes on Dr. Bulkely and talked about the merits of Homeopathic Ins. Co. I did some marketing and came home. Before tea I wrote to D. R. French asking about a paid up policy on the regular plan. I mailed it in the evening and received by evening mail a statement of account from T. E. Twitchell. 1/4 After breakfast I took over and put in for Mr. Fuller a spring bed. Anna Heinman died last night a little after 11 o'clock. Gussie was there with others and helped lay her out. I was in Main St. before dinner. I received by morning mail a bill from Sigler Bros. 131 & 133 Mercer St. N.Y. requesting immediate payment. I answered by PM mail that it was impossible at present without neglecting my family. This PM I went into the street again and called at Lacey Hoyt & Co. Hat Shop. I there talked life insurance with Zerah Hoyt. From there I went to A. Knox paint shop and talked with him. I took tea with Loiuse up to Father Griswold's . I went to Hatters meeting in the evening and stayed for roll call and was excused. Went to post office and came home. Charlie Hayes and Theo Bradley came from N.Y. on the evening train. 1/5 I went over to the school house with Mr. Pond and put a door spring on one of the back doors. Ann Heinman was buried from the Church at 2 PM. Father Griswold made a prayer at the house before going to the Church. Brother Burch attended the funeral at the Church. Roxanna Hall and George, her son, came over to the funeral and took tea with us before returning to [Lodam]. In the evening Gussie and I went up town to look after a pair of black glovers Andrew Williams sister lent to Mrs. Barnum, sister of Henry Heinman. By evening mail I received a letter from H. A. Ellis, Norwich, General Agent for New Jersey Mutual Life Ins. Co. in reply to mine about giving up the agency of said company for Homeopathic of N.Y. He was very surprised and disappointed. By same mail received one from D. R. French of Bridgeport answering mine regarding a paid up policy as regular life in Homeopathic. Before retiring I wrote to the Homeopathic of N.Y. to ascertain some facts concerning the Company, to French also to know if its commissions he offers are the same on all forms of policies. 1/6 Talked life insurance today. I was at the Pahquioque shop in the PM. Joe White asked me about the $60 I borrowed from Mr. Crofut, Dec. 4, 1868. He said it was $80 I owed. The amount was originally $80, but I paid $20 in Feb. 8, 1869 to Mr. Crofut and they had neglected to give me credit. In the evening I called at Charles Andrews and Charles Hull to look for a sheet iron air tight wood stove for Mother Griswold. I called into Randall's & Bradley and walked up with Egbert Gilbert, Orin Bronson, and Fred Bradley after Fred closed the store. Received by mail another letter form H. A. Ellis extorting me to stick with New Jersey Mutual and trying to convince me it was the best company. 1/7 Harry Buckely called at 8 A.M. for my harness blacking. I received 3 letters in the morning mail., from Homeopathic Ins. Co. in NY, D. R. French in Bridgeport, and H. A. Elllis, Norwich. Father came down in the forenoon and stayed till noon but would not stay to dinner. In the PM When I came home to tea I found Carrie Mills at the house. She came from Bethel to see Hattie and to stay all night. I called on Harry Bulkely in the PM and pretty much presuaded him to take a policy on his life. After tea I called to see Hattie Taylor about rebinding my overcoat and repairing it generally. 1/8 Solicited for life insurance again today. I saw [James] Selleck at Clark Beers Grocery. He has pretty much concluded to insure his life with me. I am to see him again. I called at the Jeffersonian office to see Mr. Swertfazer,the editor. I have not seen him since I came home . He lost his wife while I was away. I called on Deacon Stone about a spring bed. I am to see him again next week. Carrie Mills, from Bethel up to see Hattie, took the train for home this PM. My bundle of Life Ins. documents came by express prepaid this evening. I emptied the drawer to my secretary to put them in. Preparing a place for them took me until 11 o'clock. 1/9 Pleasant but cold. We all went down in time for Sunday School. I took Georgie after school and came home with him. It was the monthly concert, an interesting time. My first attendance since coming home from New London County on Christmas Eve. The Sundays since my coming home have been stormy. We had a trukey for supper. After supper Louise and Minnie Vintz came down for a short time. Minnie is stopping for a few days with Louise. Gussie went to church in the evening and I stayed home with Georgie. 1/10 It snowed nearly all day. In the forenoon I went to George Hull's and to Charles Andrews to get a sheet iron air tight stove for Mother Griswold. I finally selected one of Charles Andrews. After dinner I went down and arranged to have it brought up. Benjamin Rolf came up with it and I rode up with him. He and I put it up and he took her old stove in exchange. I wrote to H. A. Ellis and mailed it in the PM, renewing my invitation to leave the New Jersey Mutual and go in for the Homeopathic Mutual of NY. I made of some old stocking legs some leggings for Georgie to reach above his boots and with elastic fastened them above his knees. 1/11 Snow has melted fast. I called at the shop in the forenoon and talked with Elbert Marsh about life insurance. After dinner I took Georgie on his sled and drew him int the street and down to the Pahquioque Shop, up the R. Road and then home. I sledded down Father Griswold's lane with him twice after returning from the street. I then went into the street and took an order from Abel S. Hawley for a spring bed. I called at Lacey Hoyt & Co. to see Zerah Hoyt. The drop letter I took for George yesterday I remailed to Brooklyn. Father Griswold offered to pay for paint for my house if I will apply it. The evening he gave me an orderon A. Knox for paint. I called in the evening to see how Dr. Bulkely who is sick with the fever is. His son William is here to attend to his patients. 1/12 I mended Georgie's crib by gluing up joints in the PM. I went down to the post office and then to Pahquioque shop to give Joe White, the bookkeeper, the date when I paid Mr. Crofut the $20 toward the $80 I borrowed of him. From the shop I went to Foster Bros. Carpenter Shop and paid for Father Griswold a bill of $1.90. After dinner I went down town again and called to see George Stratton at Tweedy's [Foul] Shop about a spring bed. On my way back I stopped at Geroge Starr's Shop to see Lee Daniel Starr about insuring his life. In the evening I went into the street again. I called to see Dr. Bulkely, he is worse with the fever. 1/13 In the forenoon went down to Andrew Knox with an order from Father Griswold for paint, enough to cover my house. About noon I talked with Andrew Bedient at his Daguerreian rooms about life insurance. in the PM I borrowed O. H. Swifts horse and wagon and took 6 gals. of chemical paint up home with which to paint my house. 1/14 I commenced painting my house. I worked until noon and painted on the south side . In the PM I went into the street. I talked life insurance in Saul Hawley's Hat Factory to Saul Petit, Timothy Rose and a man living on Great Plain. I called a few minutes at Andrew Williams Machine Shop and then walked over home with him. His father is not expected to live long. In the evening Gussie went up to E. S. Davis to the Sewing Society gathering, the first time it has met at Mr. Davis' new house. I went to market in the evening. 1/15 We had snow and the fine misty rain which makes it icy. I went into the street this forenoon and before coming home called in and talked with William Warren about life insurance in the R. R. paint shop. After dinner I wrote to A. Stanley Smith, New London; George W. Kies, Norwich, Latham & Owens, Noank; and G. J. Stevens at Stonington, and also Watsons & Bidwell at Mystic River to find out how the demand for spring beds is since I came home. The above 5 places are the headquarters for the bed in the several towns. I mailed these letters in the PM and called a few minutes at William Bedient's Picture Gallery to see how he still feels about insuring his life in the Homeopathic Mutual. From there I went up to John Cosier's office on White St. and talked with him about the Homeopathic Mutual Ins. Co. I enlisted his sympathy in the matter so that his influence for the company is gained along with a desire to assist me. Then bought a little cheese for tea and came home. Gussie went to maket in the evening while I stayed at home. Louise Vintz has a party of young folks this evening. Before retiring I completed a letter to Henry A. Ellis, General Agent for the New Jersey Mutual Life Ins. Co., Norwich Conn. That with other writing kept me up until 2 o'clock. 1/16 Went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I returned with Georgie. Father came down to see us just before night. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to church 1/17 In the forenoon I talked life insurance with Almon Hickok in his shop . I went into the street again in the PM and talked insurance with George Ryder and Michael Daragan in their store. When I came to tea I found Bell at the house waiting for me to cut her hair, which I did before tea. After tea I went into the street again. Our preacher Thomas H. Burch lectured this evening in Concert Hall on temperance. 1/18 In the forenoon I took my model and went up to Saul Hawley's shop to show it to John Way. I took his order for a spring bed. In the PM I painted on the south side of my house. After tea Charles E. Hayes who boards with us paid me $25.00 on the amount he owes us for board. I mailed a letter in the evening to H. A. Ellis and enclosed $6.00 to balance the account between us, this with spring beds and door springs pays the commission I was to have on the policy on my own life which if I had stayed with New Jersey Mutual I would have had. I pay the amount of my commission to him as being his just dues. I went with Gussie in the evening to F. Starr's market to have my acccount looked up and paid him $10.00 and then took out a pass book and had $6.25, the amount of our indebtedness entered and we commence to use the pass book there after. 1/19 After breakfast, I took the 1/2 gal. oil can down to Fred Starr's store for some kerosene. From there I went to Clark Beer's store and took Stephen L. Beers application for a 12 payment life policy. In the PM I went up to Saul Hawley's shop to see Lee, George and the block makers in the rear of the factory about life insurance. In the evening I went with Beers to Dr. Bulkely's office and had him examined, After which I mailed his application to D. R. French in Bridgeport, he being the general agent I work for. I wrote this PM to the Home Office of the company, 231 Broadway, NY, asking about a 10 year paid up policy whether thereafter the dividends may be drawn in cash annually if desired. Also what a 10 yr. life policy is worth in cash paid by the company to the policy holder after the payment of the annual premium. Also what an endowment will cost for a boy 5 yrs old, payable at 21 years of age. 1/20 I went down to the Pahquioque Shop in the forenoon, called at Andrew Knox paint shop for a little putty to use while painting my house and came home. In the PM I painted my paizza except the railing and floor. In the [evening] I went into the street and mailed the letter to the Homeopathic Ins. Co. asking whether a policy on 2 joint lives will be givent for a man and wife and also about the dividends on a paid up policy. I called at Clark Beers and arranged for 4 gals. of oil. After coming home I went up to Mother Griswold's for a while to cheer her up as she is not feeling well. 1/21 Worked until noon painting the railing and finishing on my piazza. After dinner I went into the street . On my way home just at night I went to Hattie Taylor's for my overcoat which she has been binding, working button holes and putting in new pockets. By the morning mail I received a letter from H. A. Ellis, Norwhich, acknowledging the receipt of $6.00 to bring him to balance of account on my policy. I the evening I went to the post office, Gussie having gone to sewing society at Walker Bartrams. Louise stayed with Georgie while I was in the street. Before coming home I went with William Bedient up into his Deguerreian rooms for a few minutes to compare Phoenix Life Ins. tables with a copy I had. Ifound them alike and he gave me his to take home. 1/22 Saturday. After breakfast I went over to the ledge to see Charles Short and his men quarry out the stone, getting the old ledge leveled down for Mr. Pond who is contemplating building a house the next season. From there I went over to John Bouton's to see his new baby, a fine boy from last Thursday night, the 20th. From there I went over to George Crofut's mill and talked life insurance to the miller. Returning, I passed over Gallows Hill around by Tweedy's factories talking insurance when I had the opportunity. I went to the post office to get a letter from the Homeopathic Mutual in reply to quesitons asked. It then being noon I came home. Before we were through with dinner, D. R. French came in from a train on the line of the Harlem Rail Road. He took dinner with us, after which we talked over many things pertaining to life insurance. I got from him some very desirable information regarding note companies. I went with him to the depot to see him off to Bridgeport on the 4 1/4 PM train. After the train left I went over to Lacey - Hoyt Hat Shop and talked with Zerah Hoyt more about insurance on his life. I am gaining ground with him and shall take an application from him before long. I came home to tea, after which I returned again to the street, Louise came to stay with Hattie Mills all night. 1/23 Sunday. I have stayed at home all day. Bell came down jsut at night and went to church in the evening with Hattie Mills and Gussie. Fanny brought from Sunday School a picture of the National Lincoln Monument for which I subscribed a few years ago, 50 cents towards exacting it. This being the price of shares which were taken all over the country for which every shareholder was promised a picture of the same. The monument is now completed and is erected in Springfield Illinois, the home of Lincoln. Many in our Sunday School subscribed to it and each received a picture. I not being at School today, Fanny brought me mine. 1/24 In the forenoon I repaired my bedstead by putting in 2 new sockets, fasteners, in place of 2 broken. I received by morning mail from the Return Letter Office, the letter I wrote from Mystic River to Henry M. Day on Nov. 24th, notiflying him when the premium came due on his life insurance policy which I hold as security for notes given in payment for store business in NY which I sold to him March 22, 1869. I bought the 2 pairs of bed fastenings of Guthrie for 10 cents. In the PM I painted the front of my house. I went to the post office in the evening and took out a letter for Bell and brought it home. 1/25 In the forenoon I called on Lockwood Olmstead's carriage shop and talked with his 2 sons, William and John, about insuring their lives. From there I went to see John W. Bussing at his Beer and Pie shop near Tweedy's factories. After dinner I wrote to the Home Ins. Office, NY, in reply to one received in the morning mail, sending me 2 blank policies for reference and complaining about my wanting more supplies for working Insurance. I received at the same time one from Mr. French in New Haven. He is just bound from there to NY and will call at the home office. In the PM I went to Bedient's Photograph Gallery, then to John Bussing again, and then to see the block makers at Paul Newley's Shop. Received [Barnes] report by evening mail, also another letter from Mr. French from NY saying that I must not be scared by what Mr. Plummer says about more documents. 1/26 Spent the day talking life insurance at the Pahquioque Shop with Victor W. Benedict and Edwin Harris, at Wooster House Stable with George Bell in the forenoon. I called to see Harry Bulkely but he was not at home. I then called on George Starr and talked a long time with him and made some progress toward insuring him for $5,000. I am to see him again. I then went down to Sherwood's store and collected $6.5o for a spring bed from Fuller. I came home to tea with a severe headache, felt better after tea. After Gussie and Hattie Mills went over to Mrs. Bradley's to attend with her a Wooden Wedding at William Porter's on River St. nearly opposite Saul Hawley's Wool Hat shop, and Louise Vintz came to stay with Georgie. I went to the post office and took a letter from the Homeopathic Life. I called at Beers Store and showed the policy to him, Stephen L. Beers, and then went up to Dr. Bulkely's office to have him take the number of the policy. I found the young Dr. out, but his father in the office for the first time since his severe sickness.He is just able to crawl about. I came home suffering extremely with headache and retired as soon as I got home. 1/27 Had the headache all night and was late in consequence. About 9 AM the express man came with 2 sings and a policy register and those books for an agent from the Homeo. Ins. Co. Annals, Annecdotes and Legends of Life Insurance, Life Agents Manual, Life Agents Vade Mecum. Before dinner I called at Dr. Bulkely's office and left the number of the Beer's policy and then delivered it to him. He will pay the money by the 1st of Feb. if not before. In the PM I took my oil can down to Beer's store for 4 gallons of kerosene oil to come out of $5.00 I am to trade out of the premium on Stephen L. Beers policy.which will have $35.17 which he is to pay in cash. I had some conversation with Henry Barry about a policy, also William Siguor and Zerah Hoyt. I called on Andrew Knox and congratulated him upon having taken out a policy on his life though he did it with Mutual Life of New York. I saw the new iron bridge on White St. which was today completed so that teams drove over it. I came home by way of New Street to pay Harriet Taylor $1.25 for repairing my overcoat. She was not in so I left $1 with her mother who could not make change and I could not pay her the whole amount. I then went again into the street and saw Harry Bulkely and tried to persuade him to take a life policy now but he wants to postpone it for a while. In the evening I called on Mr. Barry to see how his little boy is, they are afraid of scarlet fever. Mr. Barry and I went into the street together, he to Dr. Bulkely's for medicine while I tried to persuade him to be examined for an application for life insurance but he has not yet fully decided. After dinner I put one of the tin insurance signs on the front of my house. 1/28 Another splendid day, more like May than January. I worked on painting my house all day. I finished the front and made a good start on the north side. We had 2 rabbits for dinner which Gussie bought last evening. I went to the post office in the evening and called at Mr. Barry's to see how his little boy was. 1/29 It was snowing when I arose. Around 9 o'clock I went over to Hattie Taylor's to pay her the 25 cents I owed. From there I called on George Starrs shop and had quite a spirited talk with Daniel Starr and William Bouton on life insurance. I then went to the post office and got a commission from Homeo Ins Co. for William Bulkely making hime examing physician for the company. I called on William Bedient at his photographic rooms, explaining to him the joint policy for man and wife. I then called on Victor Morrell at his blacksmith shop and talked life insurance and coming home to dinner walked up West St. with him. I spent the greater part of the PM at William Bedient's rooms. He pretty much concluded to take out a policy. I went for the doctor just at night for Father Griswold, he is severely afflicted with rheumatism. 1/30 About 2 in. of snow on the ground, neither good sleighing or wheeling. I went to Sunday School at noon with Georgie. Came home with him after and left Gussie at the afternoon prayer meetingg. I attended preaching in the evening. Our female Sunday School Supt and assistant, Mrs. Bartram and Mrs. Holmes are very sick. Mrs. Bartram has the typhoid fever. 1/31 Snowed most of the time all day. In the forenoon I rode down to Bethel with William A. Bouton on a load of hat boxes. I did it in order to talk to him about insuring his life. After dinner I went into the street and called on William A. Bedient at this photograph rooms and filled out an application for a life ins. policy all except the date and signatures. I am waiting to see about his wife going in with him on a joint policy. I then went up to George Starr's shop and had a long talk with him about a librarian in the Sunday School and a little on life insurance. From their went up to see John W. Bussing, had quite a talk with him on life insurance. I went over and spent the evening with William A. Bouton and spoke with him and his wife on life insurance.
1870-01
Horace Purdy Journal, June 1863 Entry
3pgs
6/1 MONDAY - Pleasant. But little work in the shop though it took nearly all day to do it on account of waiting for the Facers. Gussie did her washing today for the first time since last fall. George came to the shop in the P.M. just before I finished work. We were paid off today. We had not received any pay before in 4 weeks. I came home by way of Joseph Ives store and paid him for my range and I brought home a spider (Ed note: a kitchen utensil ' a basket with a long handle). After tea, I hoed garden for Harriet. Went into the street in the evening and exchanged the spider for a longer one and brought back a fish line to use on tomorrow. Henry Rider, the enrolling officer, took my mark preparatory to a draft. 6/2 TUESDAY - An eclipse of the moon last evening. Pleasant today. I hoed in my garden before breakfast. George and myself got Mr. McDonald's horse and went on Thomas Mountain and dug some sarsaparilla roots to send to Harewood Hospital, Washington D.C. (where George came from) to a friend. We fired at a mark with my revolver and then went over to Mill Plain Pond fishing in the P.M. We fished off the bridge and had very good luck. We each had a good mess besides giving Mr. McDonald a mess. After tea, I dressed nicer and went to the Post Office. I then went to Joseph Ives and arranged for a new bottom to our new Prizer range which has broken. 6/3 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but cool. We had our fish for breakfast. I had the headache in the P.M. George went to Bridgeport this morning. I went to the depot in the evening to meet him, but he did not come. I stopped at the Office and got a letter from Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. Ford and child (preacher in Ridgefield) spent the day at Father Griswold's. 6/4 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. I worked as usual in the shop. George came home on the morning train. He got left in Norwalk last night and stayed with John Brayman. I worked late in the shop. I hoed in my garden after tea. Did not go into the street in the evening. Was very tired. 6/5 FRIDAY - Cloudy and cool in the morning. Pleasant in the middle of the day and cloudy again in the evening with the appearance of rain. When I came home from the shop, I borrowed Mr. Cocking's scythe and mowed my door yard. Gussie went into the street in the evening and George came home with her. 6/6 SATURDAY - A little rain in the morning. Sunshine and cloudy at times during the day. Gussie went up home in the P.M. When I came home from work, I raked up my door yard grass which I mowed yesterday and got my own supper. Gussie, George and Bell came down after 7 o'clock. Bell stayed with Eddie while we all went to Concert Hall to hear Mr. Montgomery from Vicksburg, Miss. speak. It was free lecture and a collection taken. It was very interesting. 6/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Gussie, not having her new hat stayed at home and I attended church all day. Brother Crawford preached as usual. Text in the morning - Psalm 18-35, in the P.M. Philippians 3-8. George sat in the gallery in the morning and with me in my seat in the P.M. I have had a headache all day. I wrote to Cousin David Mills in Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. and sent it to the Office by Gussie in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to prayer meeting. She scalded her arm at the tea table by turning over the tea pot. 6/8 MONDAY - Prospects of rain a part of the day and sunshine the remainder. I got my grass in with the wheelbarrow and piled it up to rot for manure. I then took the grass hook and trimmed up after the scythe. Consequently, I was late to the shop. I did not feel very well and left my work before the night. I got my stove, the Paige Range changed for the Opal. I gave a dollar in exchange. George went into the woods in the P.M. with the girls. When he returned, he brought down the 3 dozen yeast cakes to be sent to Mrs. Boyle in Brooklyn and the Sarsaparilla roots to be sent to Harewood Hospital in Washington tomorrow morning by John Grannis who returns to his Reg't ( the 17t)h ). I hoed in the garden after tea and went to the market in the evening and brought home a loaf of bread and a 4 lb. shad. George came from his Lodge here to pack the Sarsaparilla. He is to stay all night. Before he retired, he wrote a letter to his friend, Baker in Harewood Hospital, the one he sends the sarsaparilla to. 6/9 TUESDAY - a little rain this morning, but it was so very little that it did no good. Pleasant during the day and another little spatter just a t night. I went to the depot in the morning with George to give his sarsaparilla to John Grannis who started for the Reg't. George went to the shop with me and stayed a short time. After tea, I commenced bushing my peas. 6/10 WEDNESDAY - Warmer again. We are still limited in our work at the shop. Albert Benedict was married today at 1 o'clock to Miss Sturdevant at the 1st Congregational Church. It was a grand affair. They left on their bridal trip by the 4 ' train. Gussie went to see them married. I took a nap after dinner to refresh myself and then went to the shop. After tea, I finished bushing my peas. And clearing off the ground next of the woodhouse where the brush lay to make room for Mr. Cocking to pile up wood. I went rather late to class. I did some marketing before going in. I got a letter from David Mills form Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia. 6/11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I finished my work at noon. After dinner, I took a nap and finished digging up Plantains in my yard. I the cut up the coarsest of my old pea brush and burnt the finest. I hoed over the vacant space in my garden reserved for cabbage. Put a wooden bottom in my coal hod and helped Mr. Cocking get his wood near to the woodhouse and pile it up. It began to rain while we were doing this. When we finished, we took a seat on my front Piazza and talked while he smoked his pipe. Gussie being over to Mrs. Davis' making a blouse with Mrs. Davis' help. Thomas Stone and Hull's wife have eloped. Just heard of it today. 6/12 FRIDAY - A little rain last night. Very warm. George called at the shop and gave me a check to endorse to draw his bounty money. I left it at the Danbury Bank to be collected. The corpse of Charles L. Benedict came on last evening's train from Harewood Hospital, Washington D.C. He was one on George's old comrades in his company (Co. C) 17th Reg't. The funeral was attended at 1 o'clock this P.M. at his home over to Stony Hill. I finished my work about 4 o'clock and went up to Robert Lewe's for some pepper plants. On my way back I stopped a few minutes to see Nelson. Nickerson who has just returned home from Long Island. We had a fine mess of strawberries from my garden for tea. I then fired off my pistol at a mark and drove some stakes to my Dahlias. George then came along on his way downtown and I went with him. I left him at the Post Office waiting for meeting to be out to come home with Mother. I went to market; bought two small lobsters, two fresh mackerel and a bunch of radishes and walked up home with Mr. Francis. 6/13 SATURDAY - Gussie went up home in the forenoon and stayed all day. I came home and got my own dinner. I finished my work about 3 o'clock. On my way home, I borrowed 2 dollars of O.H. Swift and paid my taxes which was $4.95. It began to rain before I got home. George came home with Gussie and Eddy. Fanny came down in the evening and stayed with Eddy Gussie brought home her new summer hat. 6/14 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. George came down before church time and we both went to the 1st Congregational Church to hear Mr. Coe. I left George at our Sunday School and came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. George came home with her to tea after which we put Eddy in his carriage and all went up to the cemetery. George went over to Mrs. White's to see Harriet Mills and we came home. Mother and Bell were there having stopped on their way to evening meeting. We being tired did not go out in the evening. 6/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. Unwell with Diarrhea. Did not work in the shop. Went over to Oil Mill Pond with George in the P.M. We fished a little and took a bathe. He took dinner and tea with us. We went downtown in the evening to make some arrangements for a picnic on Thursday. It is reported that Maryland is invaded again by the rebels. Moved my stove up to Father Griswold' house 6/16 TUESDAY - PLEASANT. Considerable air shining and cooler than yesterday. Not feeling well yet; I have not been to the shop. I carried the yeast cakes down to Charles Reed's store to be sent to Harriet for Mrs. Boyle by him. I have worked in my garden, some weeding and hoeing. The rebels are invading Pennsylvania. The evening papers say that they are within 15 miles of Harrisburg, the capital.
1863-06
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1863 Entry
6pgs
5/1 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have had a slight headache all day. I borrowed $15.00 of George Fenner until next Monday and paid Mr. Harris for my overdraft $14.00 in the evening. I went to the market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from Harriet. 5/2 SATURDAY - destroyed worms' nest . On my way to the shop after dinner, I stopped to Mr. Hanford's for my shop shoes which he has been mending. Stinted in my work for the first and came home about 3 o'clock. I took the leader which carries water from the roof into our hogshead down and had it soldered together as it given way. I went to the choir rehearsal in the evening. The Evening Post states that Fighting Joe Hooker has captured Fredericksburg and taken prisoners. 5/3 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. Came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the P.M. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 5/4 MONDAY - Showery during the day. Mrs. Stone came to the house and washed today. I did not have work enough to last all day. Sherman Disbrow brought me ' ton of better coal, it being softer and burns more fierce than did the last ' ton he brought. I bought a two inch chestnut plank at G. W. Ives to make a platform for my pump. It cost 68 cents. Just after tea, Eddie had a fall from a chair and made two very bad bruises on his head. I went to the Post Office in the evening, but got no letters. Before retiring, I wrote to Harriet. 5/5 TUESDAY - Showery all day. Good news from General Hooker's army. He has occupied Fredericksburg and turned the left of the rebels and is still driving them. I sowed some grass seed I the bare places in my yard. Received a letter from George in the evening (No. 7). He is gaining his health quite fast and will soon be able to come home on a furlough as he expects in ten or fifteen days. I wrote an answer to him before I retired. When I went to the Office, I mailed one to Harriet. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00, one month rent. 5/6 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day. Only 1 dozen hats at 2/ (?) to finish today. I finished about 11 o'clock and came home. I received a letter from George in the evening with his picture enclosed. I wrote a reply to it in Swift's office and mailed it immediately. The news from Hooker's army continues good. Gussie went up home this afternoon while Eddy and I went to bed and took a nap. 5/7 THURSDAY - Cold and stormy. The work not being ready, the men adjourned until tomorrow. By the request of the foreman, I finished 10 hats for trial to see how they looked, so that the facers could go on and have work ready for us tomorrow. In the P.M., I took a nap and spent the remainder of the afternoon in reading while Gussie went to the store and up home to Mother Purdy's. In the evening, I went to market and to the Post Office and got a paper from George, the National Republican from Washington D.C. The news from General Hooker's army was rather unfavorable in the morning papers, but the Evening Post gives us good news again. Hooker was not driven back across the Rappahannock, but withdrew of choice on account of the storm and the rising of the river. General Stoneman's cavalry expedition to the rear of the rebels is a complete success. He has cut the line of rebel communication by telegraph and railroad between Fredericksburg and Richmond. Hooker has been strongly reinforced also. 5/8 FRIDAY - Cloudy until near night when it cleared off or rather the sun came out, but the wind still continues easterly. I had enough work to last all day. My truss being out of order, I went down to Dr. Thompson's after I finished my work to get it repaired. The news by the evening papers are good considering all things. The complete success of Stoneman's Cavalry said cutting off the rebels' line of communication is confirmed. Hooker has been reinforced and is ready to resume the offensive again and take advantage of the rebels before they can repair damages done by Stoneman. News by telegraph this evening that the first calls for troops under the Conscription Act has been made. Number not named. I went down to the Post Office before breakfast this morning and mailed a letter to George. I wrote another to him in the evening. I expect to mail it tomorrow morning early in time for the mail. John B. Gough lectured here this evening, but I did not attend. Subject ' Lights and Shadows of London Life. 5/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Bell came down and spent the day and is staying all night with us. News by telegraph this P.M. that Richmond is captured. Joy beams forth from the countenance of every loyal man, a good feeling is pervading the people. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. 5/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church in the morning. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon after which I came home and Gussie went in the afternoon. I wrote two letters in the P.M., one to George and to David Mills who is in hospital in Washington. Was wounded in the late battle between Hooker and Lee on the Rappahannock. The last night's news of the capture of Richmond is confirmed by telegraph. After tea, we put Eddy in his carriage and went up home. Preaching in the evening. I attended. On to the church, I mailed my letters to George and David. 5/11 MONDAY - Very warm, like midsummer. The evening papers do not credit the rumor that Richmond is captured. Fighting Joe Hooker is across the river again and after the flying rebels. I went to Teachers' meeting in the evening. Frank Boughton received a letter from John( Boughton?) this evening. He was in the late battle and escaped without a scratch. David Bradley joined the Reg't. in time to be in the battle also. He is uninjured also. 5/12 TUESDAY - Very warm again today. I cleaned out my cesspool before breakfast and carried the contents to my garden. Father commenced making my garden this P.M. I spaded between the hills of strawberries after tea. Went with Gussie to the depot to see if George came. On our way home, called at the Post Office and got two letters from George. He expects to be home by the 20th. I hung the sage (?) down cellar before retiring. 5/13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and smoky in the morning. Sunshine in the middle of the day. Cloudy again in the P.M. and terminated with a shower. Limited in our work at the shop. Father has been to work in my garden for me today. Before going to the shop in the morning, I finished setting out my strawberry plants. As I came home from the shop in the P.M., I came by the way of J. W. Ives' lumber yard. And bought 24 feet of studding for a framework to nail the planks to in building my platform for the pump. The shower came up before I finished it but by Father's help and making some in the rain we finished it before we stopped by working a little late. I wrote to George after tea in answer to his letter received last evening. 5/14 THURSDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being but little work, I chose to come home and work with Father in my garden and yard and have two days allowance to do tomorrow and make out a day's work. It rained a little in the P.M., but we worked until night. I have finished the platform to my pump and repaired my walks in the yard. I went up to Mother Griswold's to tea as they have company. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt, and daughter from Norwalk, Ohio. Miss Hack. Mr. and Mrs. [ Seafield ?] and Mrs. Blissard. The rain increased in the evening. And got a letter from George, No.11. 5/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. Father finished spading garden for me today. 3 ' days' work. Per day $4.37. I got him a bbl. of flour from Mr. Crofut (my boss) and his work went toward it. He paid me the difference to make $11.00. I left the shop early on account of the headache. I tried to plant in my garden when I came home. I put in my best seed and was too sick to do more. 5/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but cool for the season. A slight frost last night. Father came this way going over to Cousin Frank Boughton's to make garden. He borrowed my spading fork and garden line. Uncle Edwin Mills came down for Mother, Eddy and Gussie this afternoon and carried them down to his house to stay over Sunday. I came home and planted potatoes, corn and carrots in my garden. I worked until dark and then came in and got my own supper, after which I went to the Post Office and to singing school a short time. I got a letter from David Mills at noon and one from George in the evening. 5/17 SUNDAY - The sun shone early in the morning but it soon clouded over and began to rain with the prospects of a wet day. It cleared off again about noon and was warmer. I got up and got my own breakfast as Gussie is down to Starr's Plain at Uncle Edwin's. I melted the solder around the coffee pot spout so that it will require mending. Trying to warm the coffee by putting it on a hot coal fire. I then gave it up and made tea. I went to church in the morning. Bro. Crawford preached as usual. The congregation was small on account of the weather. The Sunday School was small also. A Union Sunday School meeting in the P.M. at the Congregational church. A lecture to the school and illustrated with paintings by Mrs. Long. After tea (which I took up to Mother Griswold's), I wrote a letter to Georg and one to David Mills. Mrs. Long gave another lecture in the evening to both children and adults. I attended. It was at the1st Congregational. The other churches were not opened. I mailed my letters as I went. A shower during the service. 5/18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool this morning. I went up to Mother Griswold's to breakfast. I took our washing over to Mrs. Stone and then went to the shop. Not having but little work, I finished before dinner. I came home and found Gussie there and dinner ready. I planted in my garden and set out my dahlia's in the P.M. I went to market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from Harriet. It being still clear and cool, OI covered my tomato plants before retiring. 5/19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work enough in the shop to last all day. I put out the second tuft (?) of myrtle in my grass flat after tea. I then went downtown with Gussie. I received a letter from George stating with other things that he should doubtless be home before next Sunday. I bought 8 more bushels of charcoal today which filled my box where I keep it. 5/20 WEDNESDAY - Warmer today. Henry Ledger, who has been to England for his health and been absent nearly a year, arrived home on the morning train. I received a letter from Cousin Phoebe Palmer from Mount Hol(yoke) Fe(male) Seminary in Mass. with one enclosed for me to direct to Harriet. Gussie walked with me down to the store and Post Office in the evening. I returned without going to class. 5/21 THURSDAY - Very warm. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house ' the parlor, sitting room and bedroom. No work in the shop and I have helped. Gussie and I went to the depot I the evening, but he did not come. Mrs. Richards called in the evening. 5/21 FRIDAY - Very warm. The thermometer standing at 90 degrees in the shade. Gussie and Mary Purdy went up to John Polletts and spent the day. I came home and got my own dinner. On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Mr. Wright's and bought 5 gallons of kerosene oil at 54 cents - $2.70. I am to pay him when I get paid off at the shop. I planted my squash seed at night. I cleaned out the hogshead with Mrs. Cocking's help. Gussie came home in time to put Eddie to bed and go to the depot to meet George. He did not come. David Stillson came on the train from the same hospital. He said that George was waiting for his furlough and would be home in a day or two. 5/23 SATURDAY - Very warm again today. I had work enough in the shop to last me nearly all day. I planted some bush beans and a [???] of peas in addition to what I had previously planted. I also put some dust around my strawberry hills. Gussie and I went to the depot again to meet George. He did not come. It was about 11 o'clock when the cars came in. A thunder storm came up and rained nearly all the time we were waiting at the depot. Gussie went home before the cars came. 5/24 SUNDAY - Cloudy but no rain. I attended church in the morning, came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the P.M. After tea, we went over to Harriet's a short time. Before evening meeting I wrote to Harriet. As I went to the Office to mail my letter on my way to prayer meeting, I found a letter in my box from George, which I did not see as it was just [edge nice] close against the side. It was written on Friday. As his furlough had been delayed, he concluded not to start for home until Monday (tomorrow). He expects to arrive in New York on Tuesday, spend one day there and see Harriet, arriving home Wednesday probably arriving in the evening. As my letter to Harriet was not sealed, I added this news before mailing it. 5/25 MONDAY - Cloudy all day and some rain. I received a dispatch from George in New York on his way home saying that he would be home on the evening train. We went to the depot and I brought him home with us to stay. We retired about 11 o'clock. 5/26 TUESDAY - I stayed away from work and spent the day at home visiting with George. After tea, George came down home with us and went to the Sleight of Hand performance with Gussie while I stayed at home with Eddie. I have not felt very well today, which was one cause of me not working. When we went up home this morning with George, we took Mother completely by surprise. 5/27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went up home to see George. He was away over to Aunt Louisa's. On my return, I stopped to see Thomas Barnum. I then went over to Aunt Louisa's and went with George downtown. Thos. Kyle carried us down to Blackman's Store so that George could get his watch. George came home with me to stay all night. 5/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went with George before breakfast down to the depot to see Kellogg and Charles Wilcox leave to rejoin their Reg't. We then returned home to breakfast. Gussie and Eddie went up home in the P.M. to visit with George. He and Bell came home with them after tea and we all went to prayer meeting together. 5/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. George came to the shop in the forenoon. He came to my house and took dinner with me. He came down after tea, but I worked until after 7 o'clock and he went to his Lodge before I came home. Mrs. Allen (our neighbor) died this evening about 7 ' o'clock. Gussie went into the street with me and went to the Milliner's with Bell's hat. I saw David Knowles at the Post Office. We called at Joseph Ives and looked at his ranges and came home. 5/30 SATURDAY - Appearance of a storm in the morning, but it cleared away and was pleasant and very hot. A thunder shower in the P.M., but little rain fell here. Sold my stove (Peyton Airtight) to Daniel Manly for $8. Bought a range at Joseph Ives' for $13 and put it up and made fire for tea. Louisa stayed with Eddie while we went into the street. We found George and Bell; we all went to Sunday School. 5/31 SUNDAY - Had to punish Eddie this morning to make him mind. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and preaching in the P.M. A Mr. Breckinridge from Bethel preached for us all day. A young man and smart. Mrs. Allen's funeral was attended at 3 o' clock at the house. Gussie went. George came home with me to tea and on account of a thunder shower which came up after, he stayed and went to prayer meeting with us in the evening.
1863-05
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