John William Sterling Journal: January-July 1860
January 1860.
“We have experienced the past, but it like the future, is enrapt in obscurity.
January 1st – Sunday, but although the date looks as if I were desecrating the holy time, never the less do not suppose so, for the evening on which I write this bears the date of January 14th 1860, so hurried have I been. For on the last day of the old year (I call it the old because it is past, but it really seems as if I were but entering its months), our girl, Ann went to New York too visit some friends, expecting to stay till Tuesday. Uncle William had come a day previous. I have cooked so far.
January 2nd – Very cold. There will be a lecture tonight concerning the first settlement of Stratford by Mr. Swan. In the forenoon, I, for the novelty of the thing, went into the church to study my Green and Geometry. I sat half of the morning over the register with a full blast of hot air arising, but was unable to keep but half of my body warm while the other part fairly shivered. When I came out, I met Mr. McEwen, the sexton, whom I asked how much my Greek Lexicon cost. He, with his natural lump of knowledge, took it, read a few definitions, spit with his air of pomposity, looked up into my face, and replyed [sic] about 16 Dollars.” This anecdote will but illustrate his character. He was as certain that that book cost that amount till his mind was awakened by the fact that I purchased it for $4.25.
Mr. Swan’s lecture drew a large congregation. His lecture was very interesting indeed, and was universally liked. He felt a little bashful in delivering, for fear it would not be liked by the people. I took notes of all that was said, and if time permitted would transcribe them here.
Mary went away today. We were very glad to get rid of her. Mary Moore, character. Uncle Wm’s visit. Dr Gouldings death and burial. Oak desk. She was so very selfish. She concealed it admirably most of the time. I would give several illustrations here unless unpleasant reminiscence may be retained when I may, again, survey these pages. She is old indeed (21) to commence school, but young in experience. She has yet a great deal to learn.
Wednesday, 4th – Ann arrived last night, having had a jolly time in New York. She brought Cordelia and myself, each, an orange. Uncle William Plant went this morning at 6 o’clock, having had a pleasant time. He left 4 large cakes of maple sugar, and some apples as specimens of his growing. His wife had gone to visit his son in Michigan when he started, unbeknown to her, to come here. He came with his second best clothes, only a few collars, &c. &c.
7th – Today, I have taken it into my head to make me a desk like Pa’s which stands upon the table. They have all discouraged me excepting Kate. But I intend if possible to have a nice one.
10th – Doctor Goulding has been sick with the gout, but had been better. He died tonight when he was considerably better. He uttered but two sentences, the one “I am dying;” the other, “Lord, have mercy on my soul.”
13th – The Doctor was buried at 2 o’clock today, at the Episcopal Church. There was a service. The masons, of whom he was Master, went in file and said their peculiar service at the grave. It was funny to see Semour Whiting carrying the old dingy Bible. Pa fell down Thursday on a slippery stone while carrying water to the barn. He did not hurt himself any, but strained his back slightly. He also has a cold. I fodder for him.
14th – It snowed last night, but hails now. I am reading Livingston’s travels in Africa, it is very interesting. I am constructing a desk of oak. I glued a part of it today.
17th - I am very busy now constructing a desk. Pa commences to be quite astonished, for he never supposed I could make one decent.
Jan 21st – Today is Saturday. During the week, have had very pleasant times in sliding the girls down hill on the Academy. Cordelia and I attended singing school by one Miss Brown. We expect to attend regularly. Terms: $1.00
Jan 26th – We went, I mean… I went with the School boys down to Fresh Pond to skate. It was very good about the edges, but very rough in the middle. There were a number of girls also, which made the party very pleasant. Mr. Sedgwick was down, Susan Beers, Wendy Gilbert, Louisa & Callie Wilmot, Anna Plant, etc. When we came up, we had a delicious time talking.
John Wallace and I walked up with Susan Beers and Wendy Gilbert. I would have kissed her later had not her character been so ugly. I was sorry afterwards I did not, for she was in just the right mood. But as for Susan Beers, I had a most sweet kiss when I left her across the street. I told Pa and the rest I had had a very fine time and to have experienced a most delicious kiss, which so excited their feelings, that that had been the principal topic of conversation when I have been disengaged. They will not find out who it is though.
Jan 27th – Very pleasant weather. Howard Russell and I chose in Speaking for tonight. My piece is “Scotland.” Just before the speaking commenced, it was about 5 minutes of 7 pm, when all the girls of the Sewing Society came to hear us. We tell the rate of speaking by marks, of which 25 is the highest. I was thought to be the best, I suppose.
[Written sideways in the left-hand margin:] My side excelled his by 60, a large number.
But when this was finished, we, some of us, were invited to their Sewing Society where we went and had a pretty jolly time, cutting locks of each other’s hair and kissing, etc. John Wallace and I went home with Alice, not because we fancied her particularly, but on account of the kissing. I, at least took half a dozen. Then John ran home as fast as possible, fearing lest Mr. Sedgwick should give him a scolding. I went down the Academy Hill, where I found the other party waiting for me behind the church. Walked up with them as far as the Post Office, where I left them with a “Good Night” thinking it was too much tonight for sleeting to walk a mile or two for kisses when I had been so abundantly blessed before this evening.
Feb 1st – Today is Wednesday. Thermometer down to -10°. Very cold. Coldest this season. Where Uncle John is at, St. Anthony’s Minnesota, the cold was marked - 43°.
4th – Snows slightly.
6th – Rains very hard. The water standing in pools, as it does, makes the walking very bad. I think Mr. Olney should, some noon, be rolled over and over in his path for having such a poor one. When he built his house, he, for the purpose of saving a little, made his path of dirt, (or rather, something that has a property peculiar to rough) and covered it barely with shells. The path is raised, and therefore, we sink into about 3 inches. We do not walk in the path, but upon the green bordering upon the path. Most all of the paths are in the same condition, with the exception they are not as bad, but bad enough. I am reading the Anabasis, taking one page, and over, a day as my inclination moves.
7th – Cordelia went to Bridgeport with her father and very muddy. The great subject of agitation about town now, is in what manner we shall light our church.
10th – Today is Friday. I chose sides with John Wallace in Speaking. We speak tonight. My side stood about even with his. The way we mark is this: 25 marks for perfection and numbers descending for poorer speaking. No one ever gets 25. I got 23, and no one else, but 22, and only one, that. A great many got 18 or so, and some 5 or 6. My peace [sic] was entitled “Scotland.” Splendid. I feel much flattered. No one knows it though. Sewing Society of the girls here, tonight; very pleasant and useful. We have much fun in cutting locks of each other’s hair.
Feb 18th – I hardly remember what has taken place, day by day for the last week, and therefore, I am obliged to finish the business under one date. But I believe it was last Sunday evening, that I attend the Children’s Concert in the New Church. Twas lighted by means of the generosity of the people in bringing lamps. Twas a fine concert on the whole. Mr. Swan is very witty on all such occasions. He said, “A boy asked his father,” (taking the old question of a model, which would weigh the most: a pound of lead, or a pound of feathers), “which would weigh the most: a quart of rum or a quart of water?” The father answered “Why, my son, do you ask me that question? I suppose they’d weigh the same.” “Oh no, no,” cried the boy. “A man could carry 2 or 3 pails of water without staggering, but he can’t carry a pint of Rum without reeling like a ship.” During the past week, I have been employed in making a brass cornice for the top of my writing desk, which, if my journal lives and my desk lives, I wish you (qui es)[?], would compare. Mr. Sheldon’s made one; he soldered it. I am making another and it has cost me at least 4 hours work, and it is not done yet. I attended singing school this afternoon in the Conference Room. I go regularly with Cordelia.
The great matter now discussed is concerning lightening the church in the best manner. There are many women of many minds. Samuel Booth is quite obstinate in giving up the money deposited in his wife’s name by the Sewing Society. He wants to obtain the lamps himself, so as to make money out of it. He is considered very mean by all the people. Mary Sandy is a subject of much discussion, now-a-days. Through the rainiest day, she was seen going up to Doctor Schroder’s; she goes up every day to visit him. He has a wife whom he oft threats to shoot. She gets so frightened that she runs over to Mr. Charley Peck’s. Her sister is staying with her, and she so talked to her, that she wrote a letter to Mr. Russell, but he told Mr. (I should say Reverend) Stearn, who thought little about it, until he saw her proceeding through the rain to the depot, where he procured a carriage, placed Mrs. Sandy within it, rode up to the Depot while cars were in sight, and rescued Miss Sandy. He then telegraphed for Ms. Harriett Sandy and John D. Samuel. They have come. So goes one story; there are several. Another: this Mary Sandy walked up to Mrs. Schroder’s but found not her husband home. She remained there 2 hours, and came down in the rain and was wet through. The boys, John and Sam, say they will shoot him if he comes down there. He is a scamp; I hope the people will drum him out of town.
[Mar] 2nd – I have not done much about my desk lately, having been occupied in cutting wood. I have finished one load of oak, and have 3 of hickory left. I attended Preparatory Lecture this afternoon; very full attendance.
6th – Sarah came from York today to obtain some dresses at Mrs. Wetmore’s house, which she would need before Spring. Her baby is well and nearly a year old.
I have appended here, a list of the ages of the Scholars of last quarter, and their studies with their characters. So that I may know in what manner they turn out from their doings at School.
List of the Scholars in the Stratford Academy – October 1859
Transcriber Note: Although the list of students was provided, it appears that Sterling did not complete the listing of their characters]
1 Hines Trulock 10
2 Susan Beers 16
3 Chester Gorman 14
4 James Swan 15
5 Joseph Staples 13
6 Marchall Trulock 12
7 William Austin 15
8 Leonard Austin 13
9 Dewitt Swan 13
10 John Wallace 17
11 Alice Curtis 17
12 Clarance Swan 12
13 Anna Beers 13
14 Carla Wells 10
15 Henry B Wells 14
16 John Wells 10
17 Emma Stagg 15
18 Hartwell Chapman 14
19 Mary Olney 10
20 Morton Bearsley 16
21 Hartriet Lewis 15
22 Emily Coe 16
23 Frank Austin 13
24 Fred Dayton 14
25 Cordelia Sterling 13
26 George Allen 14
27 J. W. Sterling 15
28 Fred Curtis 15
29 Hanford Curtis 16
30 Mary Baldwin 14
31 Jsaphine Youngs 14
32 Howard Russell 15
33 John Park 14
34 May Gilbert 12
35 Maria S Peck 13
36 Mary L Strong 13
37 Septimus Austin 6
38 Abram L Peck 16
39 Martha Tark 13
40 Julia Fairchild 12
41 James Austin 16
42 Henry Roberts 15
43 Timothy Chapman 12
44 Geo Nash 14
45 Mary Louisa Gilbert 16
46 Emma J Curtis 14
47 Robert Sedgwick 14
48 Elisabeth Curtis 16
49 Edward B. Coe 14
50 Caroline Stagg 16
51 Geo L. Strong 15
52 Louisa Wilmot 15
53 Caroline Wilmot 16
54 Frank Keeler 15
55 Helena Barton 14
56 Julius Staples 13
57 Moses Knapp 15
58 Julia Curtis 13
59 Lucius Wilcoxson 12
60 Sarah Barritt 16
61 Rans Barritt 15
62 Charles Judson 15
63 Fannie Dibble 12
64 Samuel Seamen 14
65 Richard “ 12
66 Mary McEwen 14
67 Clarissa Keeler 14
68 Mary Curtis 14
69 Margaret Stratton 15
70 Edward Allen 10
71 Wm. H. Lewis 15
72 Geo Sands 9
73 W Thompson 14
74 Isabella Mallet 15
75 Agusta Curtis 16
76 David Judson 14
77 Frank Layfield 14
78 Elisabeth Caden 11
79 Emma Penton 5
80 Adele “ 7
81 Alma Curtis 13
82 Joseph Jamison 15
83 Sophia Phelps 11
84 Anna Plumb 14
85 Saml Beardsley 18
86 Charles Wilcoxson 18
March 17 – Nothing very busy going on. I, yesterday after school, helped Mr. Sedgwick fix the lamps, but was unable to help him today on account of Dannie and Aunt Catharine Holden coming up, with the remains of Uncle David’s child, Willie, who died by [illegible] on account of brain fever. Same disease his predecessor had. Dannie is all fitted for College, as I am, but is very small. Went in to see Miss Polly Tomlinson. Elliot Marshal is home now, but is drunk all the time. They say that he supplies the table for Mrs. Poldring, who, I suppose, is [in] rather needed circumstances. Her daughter, Caroline, has had the brain fever. On the ….. Uncle John Plant died on account of suppressed hemorrhage. He would have bled to death if he had gone out of doors. As is, his nose commenced whenever he stepped to the door. He suffered awful pains in his head. He was delirious; his wife could not fix his attention on anything particular, for he was wandering back to the days of his childhood: What his mother said to him was clearly in his thoughts; also, the songs Uncle Henry and he were accustomed to sing in New York. Besides this, he was constantly talking about Jesus; he was a most lovely Christian. Capt. Dayton cut down the supports of his pole to the well and substituted a new one in the place. (I forgot to state that Aunt Eudocia was sick most all the time, and was hardly able to stay in the room, he suffered and groaned so much.) I write this down so that in the future time, I may look back to this date. For the same reason, I write that Pa has had his stone fence, adjacent to his barn, fixed by a man by name of Black. I also forgot to state that Uncle John was 37 yrs. old, and that his 2 children were great comforters. Dan and Aunt Catherine returned to New York in the 5 o’clock train.
Mrs. Stan Beech in Bridgeport has married Frances, a nigger, her husband having been dead but 5 mos. They have moved to New York where he keeps a restaurant. People are dreadfully down upon him; they would tar and feather him if he came to Bridgeport. They think she poisoned her husband, he died so suddenly. They expect to take him up and have an investigation. I have sent to New York, after hinges to my desk, by Mr. Robert McEwen. Mr Alijah McEwen went into the Kitchen today. He had a donation and had $50 in money besides other things.
March 26 – Nothing has occurred worthy of notice in town. At school, I was never so busy in my life. I was obligated to partake in all the Dialogues, but one, on account of a want of good speakers. Bill Austin and I walked over to Bridgeport this afternoon to obtain programmes [sic] for the Exhibition; he and I arranged them. It was the first time I either walked over or back. We, of course, obtained a large stock of provisions in Bridgeport which kept us eating all the time. I was obliged to go to the Academy this evening to rehearse for Exhibition. The Republicans are assembled at the market listening to the drum, and Semour Curtis with his flute. They are going to shell all Mr Stagg’s corn up in the upper story, that they may have it for a Hall, since the Town Hall has been hired by the Democrats. The Democrats have hired the Halls in Bridgeport, and the Republicans are building a log cabin, as they term it, out of boards for $700, raised by contribution. It will seat 2500. They were obliged to do the same thing in New Haven, only a larger one; they built one which would hold 5000. We engaged 2.50 worth of programmes.
Wednesday – I went over after my coat today which had been promised to be sent by mail train on Tuesday morning. But on account of the remissness of the clerk, Ed Allis, was hanging up in the store, while he had forgotten all about, having been so busily engaged in nailing boards for the log cabin. My coat is made of broadcloth, the cost was $12.00. I obtained a proof sheet of the programmes and corrected it, and had 320 struck off while I was there. I went to see Curtis Thompson too.
March 29th – Today is the Examination. None of my lessons recite today, but I have studied most of the time except ¾ of an hour when I played ball.
March 30th – AM – Came my geometry. I passed a firstrate [sic] exam in it. I did the 5th in 1st book, and 4th in II. In the afternoon I, together with Bill Austin and John Wallace, was examined in Greek Reader by Dr. Judson and Mr. Mitchell. I received some compliments from the former. In the Anabasis, I passed grandly. Dr. Judson praised me up to the skies, both before the audience, and to Pa. Then came B Austin in Livy; pretty poor, not much credit to his father.
The Exhibition went off finely. Only one boy failed, Saml Seaman. I had two pieces – “Discoveries of Galileo” and original “Valedictory.” I had two pieces in the paper, an editorial in poetry, and a composition: “Sculpture”. I suppose I was considered the best speaker. I would tell no one else so, but I have as much confidence in the one that reads my journal, as I have in myself. I had the pleasure of escorting Mary Caroline Wells home and took.[Transcriber Note: "and took" crossed out] I did the same thing one year ago tonight, implanting, each time, a sweet kiss upon her colorless check. I would do so again, not only to her, but even to you, who have come so much into my esteem and love as to read my thoughts in the preceding pages, as well as this sentence, recalling my delightful walk and pleasant conversation on the evening of the last Exhibition, which is probably the last in which I shall ever participate.
[Transcriber Note: It appears from the preceding entry that Sterling was sweet on someone, and permitted them to read a portion of his Journal. Also, noted at the bottom of the page:] “John W Sterling’s blood real human blood”
[Transcriber Note: There follows in the journal a table of dates and bible citations indicating sermons and the preacher of those sermons for the period from January 11, 1857 through February 28, 1858.]
Text of Sermons Jan 11th Psalms 89:30-35 Ephesians 1st : 14th By Rev Mr. Page 18th Genesis 28:16 Psalms 63:8 “ “ “ “ 25th Acts 25:11 2nd Cor 4:8 “ “ “ “ Feb 1st Phil 4:22 Genesis 6:22 “ “ “ “ 8th Psalms 63: (part) 3d Hebews 6: next to last clause 18. Thursday Gen 18:23-33 15th Ephesians 4:11 !st Cor 9: last clause 24. Rev Mr. Page 22 Eqphesiance 4:11 2nd Timonth 4:13 “ “ “ “ March 1st Gen 6:3 Heb 12:2nd “ “ “ “ 8th 1 Peter 1:12 Romans 12:19 “ “ “ “ 15th John 4: 13 & 14 Heb 7:25 By Mr Eddy from Birmingham 22nd Prov 11:30 1John 5:19 Rev Mr. Page 29th 2 Cor 4:18 Mark 16: 13 & 16 “ “ “ “ April 5th 2 Samuel 24:24 Ephesians 4:5 “ “ “ “ 12th Eph 4:11&12 Eph 4:11 & 12 Evening – no service 19th Numb 13.3 & 30 By Mr. Schefield 26th Acts John 21:22 Friday preparatory lecture May 3rd Psalms 84: 1, 2, 3 & 4th verses Isaiah 53: 1st (Corr (Month of Concert( Thurs Eph 10th 1 Cor 15:58 2ne Tim 1:12 Rev Mr. Page 17th 1 Ghiss 4:3 1 Tim 2:11,, 12, 13 “ “ “ “ 24th Dut 29:29 Gen 2:15 Rev Mr. Tern `31st Psalms 4:7 L Rev Mr. Page June 7th Deut 32: [indecipherable] “ “ “ “ 14th Matt 18:10 Deut 32:48: 49 & 50 “ “ “ “ 21st Psalms 135:5 &6 Malachi 3:8 by Mr. Thatcher Mr. Page 28th Psalms 119: part 58 Psalms 119: part 58 Rev Mr. Page July 5th “ “ “ “ 12th Isaiah 6: last clause of 3rd verse Thermb 10 Part 29 verse (We are journeying) Mr. McSain 19th Gen 2:15 Romans 12:1 Rev Mr. Page 26th “ “ “ “ Aug 2nd 1 Timothy 3, part 16, 1st clause Job 1:1 “ “ “ “ 9th Acts 17:11 Isaia 11:9 Rev Mr. Braco 16th Rev Mr. Page August 23 Rev Mr. Page 30 1 John 5 part 4 1st clause Matt 6:10 Last clause “ “ “ Guan September 6 Romans 5:12 Romans 2:6 “ “ “ Page 13 Genesis 3:15 Exodus with Jame 1:13 “ “ “ “ 20 Colossians 1:27 Isaiah 1:2 James Dwight 27 [Indecipherable. Could be ink smears from the facing page.] Rev Mr. Page October 4 [Indecipherable, as above.] “ “ Page 11 “ “ Page 18 “ “ Page 25 John 17:17 Hosea 13:9 “ “ Page Nov 1 1st Peter 2:9 Acts 5:5 “ “ Page 8 Romans 14:3 1xst Corinthians 7:14 “ “ Page 15 Genesis 22:2 Acts 19:28 g By Mr. Dudley 22 1st Corinthians 10:23 Rev 3:11 “ “ Page 29 Ephesians 4:13 2nd Corinthians 1:12 g Rev Mr. Hamilton December 6 Gallatians 2:10 Lamentations 5:16 g “ “ Page 13 Zechariah 4:165 Habakuk 3:2 “ “ Kinney 20 Rev 3:20 “ “ Page 29 1Thessalonians 1:10 “ “ Page
Texts of Sermons in the Year 1858 Jan 3 Psalms 126:6 & 5 Romans 8: 7 “ “ Page 10 Judges 5:23 Acts 15:17 17 Jeremiah 22:24 Luke 10:25 24 Luke 15:32 Acts 16:30 31 Ger 6:5 Feb 7 Luke 10:441:42 Rmoans 9:20 14 21 28
[Transcriber Note: There follows now pages beginning April 1860 which appear to have been in other book. The edges of these pages are ragged down one side and appear to have been ripped out of another book, and re-inserted in this journal. This may indicate that Sterling had started another journal, after, for whatever reason, maybe misplacing, lending it to someone to read, or losing this one. Once this original journal was found, someone ripped out the completed pages from the other journal and inserted them here.]
Journal of John Wm Sterling Junior commenced April in the year of our Lord 1860 being at this time 15 years, 11 mos. 2 days old, having kept a Journal from the first day of the year 1853.
Journal April 1860 AD
With the beginning of this Journal commences a new era in my history. At the time I wrote the first sentence in my last Diary, I was a school boy – one who, not for love of study, learned, but because it was study or be whipped. For the last three years, I have not been actuated by any such motive, not for love of study, either, but for a reason which I cannot distinctly define, a reason made up partly of duty and partly from a sense I am not the sole worker of 60 scholars, and partly from ambition which, last of all, I consider to be not a small incentive to the steep [?] of knowledge. I am not, here, going to write a history of my life, but a few things I will relate to show my habits and character.
From the moment I could handle a jackknife till the present time, I have been steadily and constantly displaying my ingenuity. I can remember the time when I attempted to fit up a reel into a workbench, and constructed a little nail box about 4 inches long and two broad. It was not made as usual nail boxes are, but it consisted of a piece of board of the above dimensions gouged out in about 8 places, each cavity holding about 5 or 6 mails. Thus was I furnished with a nail box, which served less for use, than it has since, for a curiosity.
At a later period in my experience, I was famous for making boats, and for my ingenuity in this line. I suffered considerably in that I was obliged to make all the time, in order to satisfy the demand, which was so pressing, that I was forced to give many a negative response to their affectionate and earnest offers. I sold but two – one to Henry Booth for a Portmonie, in which I have kept my money ever since; and the other, to Fred Talbot for $ .50. I have one now in my possession, which has sailed across the river and back again, with the help of no guiding string, but assisted, alone, by wind and rudder.
As without a ship carpenter, a vessel often puts into a harbor sprung with a leak or suffering from like causes, so I think that thus would our house have been destitute of all those little conveniences which alone make a home comfortable and pleasant, had not I been born into the world.
Lately, I have been busy in constructing a desk out of oak of the doors of the new church. This comes more under the head of cabinetmaking than carpentry. This is my first attempt at dovetailing, and I had no instructions, but was obliged to think it all out as well I might. I shall sell it, in a few days, to Mother who will give it to Kate. At shoemaking, I am quite an adept. In my life, I have made a last, and upon it, a morocco shoe for Cordelia’s doll. I mend my own suspenders and all such things. And I need not mention other things to convince one that I can make anything, if I try. So much for my ingenuity – I can now turn to my diary.
Apr 2d, Mon – Today is our Election; Father is Moderator. There is a great deal of excitement on both sides. Horses are trotting as fast as possible obtaining voters. The Democrats are hunting up all the old drunkards in town. Mr. Mitchell is the Democratic candidate for Representative. He never was on that side, before, in politics; neither is he entirely so now. But the views of that party he takes, are much more satisfactory to him than those of the other division, Republicanism, which latter he is dead set against on account of abolition, which he hates as much as the Devil. The Republicans began the day with less ardor than their opponents, but the afternoon quickly swelled their number as the issued proved, having beaten the Democrats in all the ticket, except Representative.
Apr 3d, Tuesday – As there was a tie yesterday in the tickets for Mr. Dikeman and Mitchell, the contest was tried again today. The issue being the same as yesterday.
Apr 4th Weds – As the Democrats had found last evening that five of their number must be necessarily absent, determined not to vote at all today but contest the Election on account of two men voting illegally as they supposed. The names of the men were Alonzo Beardsley and Edward Wells, the latter because he moved away Monday, and the former because he had done the same thing, having sold his house but not, as then, given up the deed. The Republicans voted all day, with but one Democratic vote to contend with – Henry Lundy’s, being drunk as a fool. Monday, he was so intoxicated, his party got him [Here at the top of the page in his journal, Sterling inserts a date in the margin of April 3rd Wednes and a notation “Election. Enlargement of Latter. Mr. {indecipherable name} Menagerie] from his bed and dressed him. When he came from the carriage to vote, he was held up by two men.
edited to this point...
14th – Today, I washed the carriage and greased the wheels earning .18. Saturday, I fixed the gutter laying 3 layers of brick, (each layer being a little farther back) with cement. I made it wider; formerly, it was of but one, and now it is much stronger.
16th – Today school commenced. I wrote off the numbers and names of the scholars, as usual.
17th – Today, took my first lesson in Homer, 15th book. I drew lots to see at what one I should commence; I find it much easier than the passages in the grammar. Mr. Sedgwick has got a very sore finger of a very large felon. He has not a book either, so I read my lesson to him listening.
20th – Today, I went to school as usual, but the boys desired Mr. Sedgwick to let out school so much, he consented, and so they and he went to Bridgeport to see the entry of the menagerie. Jimmy Mitchell and I went over in the cars at 10:15, reaching the city just in time to see the train, which consisted first of a splendid gilded chariot, drawn by 5 span of beautiful grayish horses. The chariot was filled with the best band in the state. Afterward, came the carriages drawn by 4, 3, and 2 spans of horses
[At the top of Sterling’s journal page:] Description of Van Amburg’s Menagerie
Then came a huge elephant, continually goaded by a man on horseback with a hickory cudgel about as long as a policeman’s guard. This animal was followed by by [sic] numerous wagons all handsomely painted.
The whole train went around several streets. We accompanied them till they reached the tent. We then went to Aunt Corneilia’s to dinner, and in the afternoon, returned to the menagerie. I had great difficulty in procuring tickets for myself and Jimmie. There was such a crowd around the end of the wagon, that I took Jimmie’s money and my own and procured one for both of us. The people were crowding so, that there was a circle of about 20 feet in diameter, each line being a radium directing its way to the central point. It was much more work to get from the ticket office, to the outside through the people, than it was to get in. We finally reached the tent. Throughout the length of the tent, were rows of seats, one above the other. The animals were splendid. There were two lionesses which were continually fighting. Also, these two bears continually dancing. The birds were splendid, of all colors, the most beautiful I ever saw either in nature or in art. The leopard, I think, had the handsomest skin of any. The zebra was very fine looking.
About 4 o’clock, [It appears in this journal, Sterling has elected to title each page as to what is described thereon. Here he titles the following page:] Description of Van Amburg’s Menagerie
a rope was placed around a large circular spot in which a horse, or rather. small pony, was brought, which danced and so forth. Then, another pony. Then, a mule about 3 feet hight, which no one could ride; two boys tried, but they could not stay on anyway. It was amusing to see them.
At this time, being tired of standing, we removed to the first seat, of which I have spoken, that being about 1 foot above the ground. We saw Mr. Sedgwick perched upon the uppermost seat. There was a woman by my side with her two (I believe three). She kept crowding me all the time. She continually was saying how mean her husband was to go off and leave her with these encumbrances. It made me sick of such kind of matrimony. She had, at one time, vacated her seat for a few moments. Hartie Chapman was passing, and I showed him this empty place. He immediately took it and was very much engaged in looking at the horses in the ring. But in a moment or two, the woman came, taking him by the coat, hurled him 2, 3, or 4 feet, saying it was her seat.
We visited another tent in which there were very large snakes; a man that played on 7 instruments at a time; and a deformed boy, 22 years old. He was clothed with thin cotton knit pants and coat; he had one arm, at the extremity of which, were two fingers. In the place of the other arm, there was an apology for one, about 3 inches long, having no fingers. His head was very wide, his ears being nearly at the top. We came home on the 6:15 train, having spent a very pleasant and instructive day.
14th – Today, Jimmie Mitchell and I went to see old Aunt Milly Beardslee, who lives in Rings Street; his errand was for eggs. She continually kept shaking us by the hand, continually talking all the while of Heaven. She said many a cold night had found her on her knees praying for Dae Grace and John. Her son, David, has married their housekeeper about twenty years older than he. She has no teeth, no flesh, and nothing maiden like about her. She looks more like going to the grave, than one just married.
19th – The funeral of Mrs. Milly Beardslee took place today. During the past week, she had felt so well she had gone visiting, and took cold which settled on her lungs, and then died.
20th – Today I went to the Menagerie, which being uppermost in my mind at the time, I wrote the preceding, caused me to put it in head foremost and thus etc. etc. etc., and please excuse me if I write for one more date out of place.
12th – Today, Jimmie Mitchell and I took our old “Whitey” to go after evergreens, or more properly, cedars. We obtained 7 beautiful ones which completely filled up our wagon. Every hole we dug we carefully replaced the dirt so that we should do no injury. Of all the roads I was ever on, never did I have so many stones to contend with. Stony Brook was one complete marsh, deep as the hubs of the wagon. We had a delightful ride; the horse stumbling very badly. We hope to have another soon.
20th – Today, Mrs. Rosell Judson was buried. A few days ago while Cousin Nancy and Mary were away, she went down cellar and fell the last step, breaking her hip. The doctors did not assay to set it, and thus, she died.
23rd – Father, some days ago, had spoken to Mr. Geo. Hubbell in Bridgeport to procure for him a horse. So today Mr. Bennett and he rode up with the horse, with whom, we were much pleased. This Mr. Bennett does not own the horse; he belongs to his brother-in-law, who desired to have it sold. He believes in Preston, is very gentle but with one trick – it is difficult for one unaccustomed with him to bridle him, his ears being very tender.
24th – Today Pa went to Bridgeport to see if he could obtain the horse for a week to try him. He succeeded, and lent the man his.
26th – We liked the horse so well we decided to take him.
28th – Pa rode over with the horse and paid the cash.
April 30 – Today, Julia and Miss Sarah Calhoun came to see Kate, preparatory to their going back to school at Mrs. Robert’s. The older and last mentioned, is an assistant for Mrs. Robert’s, very slender, black eyes. Julia, about 16 yrs, is not very talkative, quite reserved, but good company. We played a number of games, being about equal.
May 1st – This evening, I played with Julia Calhoun, 3 games; I being the conqueror in the first two.
2nd – Today, Jimmie Mitchell, Mr Bliss, and the Calhouns, returned to college New Haven; the former to college, and the latter to Boarding School. This Mr. Bliss’ father is an Indian Missionary on the shores of Lake Ontario. About 21 yrs old, he is trying to earn his way through college by selling books, and having an agency for Knickerbody’s [Knickerbocker’s?] Magazine and Peale’s Court of Death. He has a good deal of dry Indian wit.
4 – I have sawn three loads of hickory, and one of oak, besides splitting, this winter at .12 ½ per cut of the former, and .10 for the latter, with half for splitting, which makes $4.27, besides .75 more for piling, which remains to be done. I earned $12.00 for making a writing desk for Kate, and what I earned in the vacation makes 4.00, all together making $20.27. I am not sure but that I may earn some more. Sometime ago, Mother promised me she would double my money when I went to college, not thinking I would have such a sum.
[Across the top of this journal page, ,Sterling has inscribed:] May May May May May May.
May 8 – Tonight Mr. Mitchell brought me my 2nd-handed copy of Homer’s Illiad from New Haven, price .50. Also, some books for Wm Austin – Liddell and Scotts’ Greek English Lexicon, Owen’s Anabasis, Arnold’s Latin Prose Composition.
May 9 – Last night was the first in 6 months that I was absent from the Tuesday night Prayer Meeting. I was kept so late talking with Mr. Mitchell; I could not very well go. Today, I gave Copy [of Homer’s Illiad??] to Mr. Sedgwick (for whose immediate use I bought it) for one quarter till I go to College. Today also is Kate’s birthday; she is 19 yrs old. It seems very old to me.
May 10 – Today, I went down to Charles Curtis’ to see how near done our wagon was. I found him in a great bustle, striving to finish our wagon and another man’s carriage by Saturday night. He asked me if I knew how to stripe, to which I replied that I never had tried, but thought I could. He asked me then if I would try. I assented and after having given me a pattern, I put on the black stripes on the body part much to his and my satisfaction. Pa went to New Haven.
May 11 – Today, I painted the white stripes on the border of the black. Mr. Curtis says that out of one hundred that would take a hold of it for the first time, not one could excel me. He offered to pay me, but I refused all charges. He said I was much better than many professional painters, citing Fred Sillingston for an example.
May 12th – Today, I went down to Charles Curtis’ and striped the seat, he, having before I arrived, striped the remaining part, which was a small part of the job. After I was through with this, I went below, made up a fire, and made two hooks for our grindstone, but being dissatisfied on account of the poorness of the iron, took a nice piece, making two hooks: one at each end of the rod, while before, I was intending to have them screw upon a wooden rod I had on already. He charged me nothing, but indeed, he offered to pay me in addition, telling me to do some more work whenever I pleased.
But today is my birthday also. It does not seem possible that I am 16 yrs old. In a few weeks I must be examined for college.
May 15 – Pa went to New Haven today to be a witness in the contested election on the number of votes. He thinks they did not need him.
Kate, Callie and Louisa Wilmot walked over to Bridgeport this morning and returned in the evening in the Wilmot’s Uncle’s carriage in time for the Prayer Meeting, which I regularly attend with much pleasure and profit.
May 16 – Mrs. Edward Shelton stopped to see Mother while returning from Fairfield, having there attended a funeral. She wished very much to see all of the children when we were obliged to go in. She was very much surprised that I had growned [sic] so much. She had driven down with her husband from Birmingham, and now, was on her way back. She begged us all to come and see her, but she said to me, “If we have no boys, we have plenty of girls to entertain you.” I have been to Briss’ today to buy a suit of clothes.
May 17 – Every day I got out with the horse, in our newly painted wagon, so that we may exercise him.
May 19 – Last night, Mother paid me $17 for my work; 12 for the desk, and the remainder for odds and ends. I shall put it in the Savings Bank in a few days.
May 23 – This morning, I took Father, Mother, and Cordelia to Bridgeport from which they will take the cars up to Albany, and from there, to Marcellus. I brought the carriage home, took out the seats, and carried it to Chas Curtis’ to have it painted. I am to have the overseeing of it while they are gone.
May 24 – We are getting along very well. I took Kate riding in the newly painted wagon with the new horse. He goes splendidly.
May 25 – I rode to Bridgeport today with two seats in my wagon, and brought up three girls, Mag Stagg, Callie and Louisa Wilmot. Last night, Cal staid [sic] with Kate all night and I kissed her good night after a little squirming on her part. To tea, the three above mentioned girls staid, and we had a nice time. Lester Youngs, Dewitt Swan, and I had a nice time: We distributed Maltoes pretty freely and quite a kissing scrape took place. Last night, it rained and I went home with Louisa Wilmot and Mag Stagg, having a delicious kiss from the latter, but did not venture to ask or take one from the former. Tonight, I went home with Mag.
May 26 – Went riding with Lester. Kate made some fine lemon pies.
May 28 – Went riding with Lester. There was a glass blowing concert in the town hall, admission 15 cts. I took Mag Stagg, and Lester, Callie Wilmot. He and I bought a pound of Maltoe candy and had a pleasant time in distributing them. I went home with Mag Stagg and Clara Wells. When we reached the gate of the former, we shook hands and kissed one another, when Clara broke out with an exclamation “Why, Mag” “But thinking I within is myself, you will have to take the same thing if you did but know it.” So we walked home together, and sure enough, she was as willing to kiss me as Mag. Our tickets received no prizes as they should have done, according to the programme.
May 30th – Go riding every day to exercise our horse, make him go like split. It is a week today since Father and Mother went to Marcellus. We see Sarah very day, who boards down to Mrs. Wetmore’s. Kate makes firstrate lemon pies, mock cream and etc.
May 31st – We are having beautiful weather. Since their departure, I have met with two accidents: first, breaking my traces, and secondly, the wheel coming off by Uncle David’s corner, where I was compelled to pull it on, walk the horse to the post, then, after having put in a wrought nail, walked the horse down to Chas Curtis’ who was absent. Then I walked him around to Dorman’s. Mr. Dorman was away and Mel was abed, whom his mother woke up and he made the linchpin. In both these accidents the horse behaved finely.
June 1st – This evening, they came, very glad to see us. They brought Kate a very handsome set of ear rings and pin; and myself, a set of buttons studs, gold, and sleeve links, price $6.50, also a very large piece of maple sugar from Uncle Beach. Sarah came up tonight to see them.
June 3rd – Pa has found everything to suit him; not one thing out of the way. Many things were done, unexpected or unlooked for by him. Miss Polly Tomlinson is very low, not expected to live from day to day. Inflammation of the bowels is her complaint.
June 7th – John Mitchell has just arrived from Rallstin [sic] near Niagara, having traveled night and morning, he is very tired. I was pushing the wagon out of the barn when he came along from the depot, where the first question he asked was, “Johnnie, is Miss Polly dead?”
June 8th – Today telegraphic intelligence came to Mr. Isaac Brooks of the drowning of his son. It is very melancholy; he was very smart in business.
June 11th – Monday night. A letter has just come to Mr. Brooks stating they were unable to find the body of their son, Edward. Very aggravating; from Friday afternoon till this Monday night, they have been in suspense. Jimmie M went to college and John back to his school today. Jimmie has been out 2 weeks.
June 12th – A letter came today to them with the news they had found his body and it would be on by Friday or Saturday. Also, a letter from the mayor of Stubensville. He states he was conversing with two young ladies upon a steamboat, with his back towards the river, leaning against the railing, which breaking, precipitated him into the river.
June 16th – Today the body arrived. I went to the funeral, quite large. While Jimmie Mitchell was here two weeks ago, we went out riding almost every day. Miss Polly is in a critical position continually.
June 20th – During the past week, I have been very busy in painting doors; whole of kitchen, which has been papered; 3 fireplaces; whole of hall, etc. etc. I approve of being paid instead of Abigail.
June 21st – Today, I painted kitchen floor from half past 3 to 7 o’clock, then attended lecture.
June 23rd – Today, I painted two cupboard floors, besides the two walls in them, and whole of South stoop. I mix my own paint and have used about 35 lbs white lead. I am about to take Sarah and baby a-riding, besides Cordelia. It is the first ride I have given Sarah since her marriage. I drove Mother and Kate to Bridgeport yesterday. Mother had always been afraid to ride with me; but now, she says she feels as much safety as when Pa is at the fore.
June 25th – Today, before school, I painted —I mean varnished— the oilcloth in the hall. Miss Mary Burton was here today, helping mother.
June 29th – Today, at 12 o’clock, our school ended, having at 8 o’clock commenced. Wm. Austin and I took, each of us, our books home, never probably to resume our seats there again. We wrote a letter and put it into John Wallace’s Virgil, giving him some good advice about his future ministry studies, warning him against using too freely his notes.
July 3rd – Father and I rode to Bridgeport and he bought me a mahogany board, 11 ft sq at 20 cts per foot, amounting to $2.20, of which I purpose to make myself a mahogany desk, much handsomer than the oak one which Kate now owns.
July 4th – Today was very still in Stratford. All the life had emigrated to Bridgeport, which was the emporium in which all the Fire Companies in the state were collected to gain noises and exhibit themselves. I bought 8 packs of Firing Crackers at .04 cts per pack, wholesale price, from Lester Youngs, who then sold them to me on account of past favors received in riding and so forth. I sold Cordelia a pack and a half for 9 cts. In the evening, we all went down to the festival at Mrs. Ely’s, the money arising from which, is to be given to the Sunday School.
July 5th – It rained today.
July 7th – Uncle David came today. His wife has been here a week, cleaning up. He looks very well. Pa and I had a very interesting conversation with him; he kept continually saying how much I look like Uncle John Plant. Sister and Robert were here Fourth of July. Robert eat [sic] about as many cherries as he could very well eat in half an hour. Today, Robert took two of my gold pens to be mended in New York. I have great difficulty in planing my board of mahogany as the grains run so contrarily. Sarah and Sidney come up here every day.
July 11th – Today, Pa went to New Haven to see about a boarding place for me in New Haven and a teacher in Greek.
July 12th – The amount of yesterday’s proceeding is as follows: Pa went to see Dr. Dwight and he was absent. Then to Mr. Wilcox, who is Jimmies tutor, but he was unable to do so, because he was about to learn Theology. He recommended Mr. Brewer as a very estimable and conscientious man able who does nothing but fit young men for college. I go Mondays.
July 14th – Today is Saturday. I work in the shop about half a day, generally upon my desk. I now hallve it all glued – the three parts. The fancy work remains to be done. Monday, I shall go to New Haven.
July 16th – Fresh and bright, I started this morning for New Haven; arrived there at 10:15 a.m. After I had had my trunk placed within my room, Father and I went to Mr. Brewer’s room and he gave me a passage from the first chapter of the II book, the same place which I had at our Examination.
3 p.m. – This afternoon I recited my Greek in the Anabasis before my Father. He told me I need pay no attention to the reading, but to accent, and the Latin synonyms, which before I had not studied. He is a person who knows something I can tell you. I have a room and board at Mrs. Leavenworth’s firstrate accommodations, setting a fine table.
July 17th – I recited again this morning in Mathematics and Cicero. —Like the gentleman very much. I have just written two letters, one to my Father, and the other to Lester Youngs. Jim and I go to the gymnasium across the way from his boarding house every day. We play 10 pen pins, I love it dearly. He goes all around with me.
July 18th - I received a very long letter from home, I can assure you it was very acceptable indeed.
July 18th – I recited twice today in the Anabasis, Geometry, Algebra and Arithmetic. I have not been homesick since I arrived. I enjoy myself very much; I am not obliged to study very hard. Yesterday evening, I went up to Uncle Ogden’s with Jimmie. Aunt Amanda kissed us both. David Ogden will arrive upon Saturday. He made me promise that this year I would give him the pleasure of making me a Brother of Unity. Jimmie will sleep with me tonight for fun.
July 19th – I am very well acquainted with a fellow by the name of Nelson from Ohio. His father is a Universalist, and he too is of rather loose principles concerning religion. He is a nice clever fellow though. Jimmie and I like him very much. He is in Jim’s class, they call one another Sapps.
[At this point in the journal, there is a printed program from the 11th Annual Exhibition of the Stratford Academy for Thursday Evening, April 1st 1858. Said program has been mentioned earlier in this journal and was probably inserted by Sterling. Here Sterling’s journal ends, not to be taken up again until October of the following year. We can only surmise that Sterling became caught up in the scholastic and social life of Yale and that he experienced a period where he was too busy to keep a journal. The other possibility is that the journal for that period has been lost or misplaced. The latter possibility is strengthened by the fact that the last pages above were torn out of another journal and inserted, loose, in this folder. – Transcriber] <comments />
