John William Sterling Journal: July-December 1859

July 1 Quite cool and pleasant.

July 2 Today is Saturday. I have been very busy all day. In the morning I assisted in Uncle David’s cellar (for Uncle David granted this to them for fair purposes.) Mr. Strong and others of the Committee. In the afternoon I squeezed lemons and worked like a horse. Mr. Beardsley said I was the only one of all the boys who worked willingly while George Strong was hollowing with his thundering voice and Henry Booth was too much afraid of soiling.

3 o’clock There had been a Committee appointed for cleaning out the church but it was very insufficient for the work: accordingly I put my hand to the plough since I had finished my lemon squeezing, and I assure you I sweat amid the lime dust and heat.

4 o’clock – At this period of the afternoon I was summoned in my sphere of duty to go to Bridgeport with Mr. Swan and Mr. Mitchell in order to buy stationary etc. for the fair which of course we bargained for at wholesale price. We returned home about ¼ of 7 when we were accosted by George who was picking cherries for Cousin Nancy in the following imprudent manner. “John I want you to put that horse out just as soon as you can.” Well I want to relate an incident here. Pa received some time since, a letter from Uncle David in Georgia with some directions for George Trigger, an Englishman who takes care of his horse. In this letter we had a permit from Uncle David to use his horse whenever we liked. Pa carelessly read this to him which happened to be placed at the end of the directions. When George muttered over something but Pa did not say much.

July 4 happened this year to be on Monday. We were all up very early. The Ladies as I have already stated had designed to have a Fair on this cool day. They had decided on this method of raising money for the furnishing of the church but 1 month ago. Well to return to the day – As I was one of the Committee to collect things in our district accordingly I went with my colleague Henry Booth. It took us a great while to collect all the things. They were all brought to Uncle David’s cellar which I assure you looked very nice – About a dozen of women (I do not know but 2 doz slipping off the cake, cutting up meat, transferring the things from the house to the church. Hulling strawberries, labeling dishes, arranging the flowers and tables. And I do not know what not. And I assure you I was not one of the lazy ones. I sold lemonade although not appointed for the purpose all day and night and only think I sold over 500 glasses at .03 per glass!!!! My table did better in proportion than any other one. The sum taken was $800.50: About $100 of which must be deducted for expenses.

July 5th I helped Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Ely & Mr. Beers in counting the money received for the fair.

July 8th We were agreeably surprised this evening by seeing Uncle Henry, Aunt Mary and little Henry who have come to make us a visit from the West.

July 10th Uncle Henry sat in the gallery as he was accustomed to do and the singing went much better.

July 12th Very pleasant day.

July 13th A very curious phenomenon occurred today – a hurricane almost as we (Jimmie Mitchell and I) were going swimming. We noticed it lightened very severely and a wind was arising: and as the facts were indicative of a storm we postponed our exercise until another time. But as we reached our home, the wind was arising, the dust was blowing, and all nature seemed to be convulsed: this was not the worst by any means.

13th Now the dust was carried up 50 feet by two opposite courses of wind. The one from the East the other from the West. You can picture the rest of storm in your own mind: it was very terrific. It did more damage in neighboring cities and places than it did here.

July 15 Mr. & Mrs. Swan drank tea with us besides a Miss Vale. Cordelia & I froze the cream and it was very good. Uncle Henry and Miss Vale sung in the evening.

July 20 Uncle Henry, Aunt Mary, Pa & Mother besides Kate were invited to Mrs. Russell’s to tea.

July 21th I took all the folks to Bridgeport today.

July 25th Today is Monday. I went to New Haven with Jimmie Mitchell this evening in order to witness his examination on the morrow. Uncle Ogden was very happy to see me. Staid at Mr. Ives’.

July 26 Went with Jimmie and David to the room in which they examine students and heard the whole of the examination which occupied some 3 hours: but it was very easy. I could have answered all the questions myself. I am prepared in everything with the exception of the Anabasis and part of Greek Reader. But I have forgotten a pleasing part of my tour – when we arrived at the New Haven Depot. As soon as we landed we were bothered with the cry. Are you going to college? Are you a Brother? Are you a Sinonian? It took us about 5 minutes to get through this throng and I really thought that Jimmie would have the same fate as a Freshman did in the morning having his coat pulled off & rent in twain.

Dave, Jim & I went up to the Brother’s Hall and Jim & I were very much pleased with the beauty of color and richness of style. It surpasses the Sinonian Hall altogether. In the evening we went to an oration.

27th Splendid day and the refulgent sun again finds me in New Haven. Aunt Amanda had company last night who probably will stay through the morning. Jimmy, Dave and I went to a meeting of the Alumni of College. In the afternoon we had a fine talk.

July 28th Today is Commencement. After breakfast Jimmy, David and I went in swimming and on our return stopped to hear the Orations and Disputations. We, after two hours had thus been occupied, went to dinner and came down in the afternoon but could not get in on account of the multitude.

I wrote a letter home yesterday and I assure you I was very much gratified to learn when I reached home that Pa was so pleased with it.

July 29th Returned home last night after a very pleasant visit. Mr. Sedgwick returned home from St. Paul a few days since and has decided to let us have a week more as vacation. Capt. Sands sent to London some time since to obtain a register for Mr. Sedgwick and me to fill up with the state of the weather.

July 31st Mr. McLean of Fairfield preached for us today: it was a beautiful sermon: he is the man whom the people called but he preferred Fairfield to which place he had a call at the same time.

August 1 Jimmie Mitchell and I go down to the shore and with a boat cross over to Nell’s Island where we go in a swimming. Very pleasant day.

August 7th Today we were all invited to Mr. Sedgwick’s to tea, even little Henry. Mr. Charley Tomlinson and wife are at Mr. Mitchell’s. Uncle Henry has had the store open every week where we all have a pretty nice talk and chat.

August 8th Today is Monday and our school commences. We had a children’s concert last night when Uncle Henry spoke. Uncle Henry expects to go home tomorrow.

August 9th Yesterday Mr. Wilson took down the old bell and carried it into the new church. We are enjoying beautiful weather now. School commenced yesterday. I was called up to Mr. Sedgwick’s desk as usual at the beginning of the quarter and had to write down in his book the names of the scholars who number 76 - a large number for 1st day.

August 10th Today has been very pleasant, the wind SE. The vane for the steeple came today. Jimmie Mitchell and I helped John Mitchell get the true points of the compass on those cardinal points. There was a good deal of measuring to do and he said that some people had a bump [?] for surveying and that I possessed it while Jimmy is so awkward could do nothing with it.

Pa, Mother, Kate & Cordelia went over to Bridgeport to attend Aunt Ann’s funeral. She died very suddenly. Dewitt Swan, Jimmie & I went in swimming.

August 11th Aunt Mary, Hennie & Uncle Henry went away today. They expect to go to Marcellus and visit there about a week and then go home to Rockford.

Mother has given me the North chamber for my room. It looks very nice. I have put up in the cupboard a neat little enclosed shelf or two. I expect to put up a large shelf.

August 13th It rains like everything.

August 16th I go over to the church. I stay home from school every afternoon but study up in my room just the same.

August 17th Jimmie Mitchell and father went to Boston today so John & I do go across the river.

August 18th Went swimming today.

August 19th (ditto marks under above)

August 20th (ditto marks under above) and also a crabbing with Dewitt Swan. I will never go again with him such a discontented, fretted, uncomfortable fellow.

August 22nd I think my room is splendid: my desk is so complete. I forgot to put down for the 20th we as usual had a nice entertainment. I made splendid cream. Robert & Sarah helped partake.

August 24th It rains very hard indeed. Very seldom we have such a steady rain. I have been negligent of my journal for some time past and have omitted many important events. One of which is as follows. At Aunt Ann’s death (who being Pa’s sister lived in Bridgeport near the Bakery) which occurred the 8th. Helen, Mary & Annette were all divided and knew not what to do. Pa asked Mary to come live with him but she could not at first for she had set her mind on going to Boston with the rest to her Uncle Martin Moore. But in a day or two she came here while the other two went to Boston. She appears to be very sensible. We have some nice talks together. Today is Friday. We are busy with preparations for another festival to sell off the old things and make some money to help furnish the establishment. Uncle David’s cellar is the receptacle of all uncleanings The folks kept running to Mother all the time for advice. I kept a lemonade table and had company a good part of the evening – Carrie Wilmot, “Weedy” Gilbert, and Mag Stagg. I made about $9.50 at 3 pr glass. Together they made about 100.

Sept. 2nd Chet Dorman with “Fils” Osborn’s horse run over Jesse Stagg.

Sept. 10th Jimmie Mitchell played chess with Kate last evening. David Ogden returned here from Mount Vernon this evening. We have expected him for some time. I mean to find out all I can about College during his stay.

Sept. 11th Aunt Amanda came this evening. She expects to take her share of the things this time.

Sept. 12th David, Mary Moore, Kate and I have been over to Grandma’s burning up some of the things. She is as fidgety as ever. It makes us laugh so when she eats.

Sept. 13th Jimmie went off yesterday to his 4 years course. I am afraid his health will give out. He has had a hacking cough since January.

Sept. 17th David went home Wednesday to his last year in College.

Sept. 19th Today is Saturday. It rains very hard. Kate is going to Mrs. Robert’s Wednesday to school.

Sept. 21st Kate went to New Haven this morning in good spirits. She will study Italian & French, etc. Her school mates say she is the best scholar in the whole school. She is surprising smart girl. She has a very powerful mind. I wish I had it.

Sept. 26th Mary returned to Bridgeport to go to House Keeping with her sisters until they can clear out the house. She is very fickle.

Oct. 1st Today is Saturday. I raked leaves this morning and earned .25. The carpenters are progressing fast with the church. They have all the seats in. Mother is sick with a headache on account of excessive fatigue. She has not had as many as she used to. She is the only one who can plan concerning carpets without making mistakes.

Wrote a letter to Jimmie Mitchell today.

Oct. 2 Today is Sunday. We had a fine sermon from Mr. Swan.

Oct. 9 Today is Saturday. Very rainy. We have had a beautiful week - no rain but pleasant weather. During the past week we received the wedding card from Miss Anna Hawes who soon will be married.

Oct. 12 Miss Anna Hawes was united to her husband Mr. (blank) through the instrumentality of Mr. Swan. She was married in the old church in full dress in a very handsome manner. There were several coaches. Miss Alida Booth stood Brides Maid and which is curious. The one who stood with Alida had a grand (?) who stood at Alida’s mother’s wedding.

13th Today Miss Fannie Wells was married to Mr. (blank) of Westport. I attended both. Churches each time being very full.

Oct. 20th Mother and Cordelia went to New Haven to see Kate and brought me home a beautiful Atlas Ancient and an Anabasis.

Elisabeth Fairchild was married to Mr. Fellows the Foreman of our new church. We have had a large number of marriages in a short time. It makes me think of my [indecipherable] congregation.

Oct. 20th Yesterday Mother bought me a new overcoat in Bridgeport for $9. Also a long tail coat for 6.25. I had another but as it was too large I exchanged it. I had also my teeth filled which took about 21/4 hours and was very painful.

Oct. 21 School closed today. I throughout the whole quarter have staid home in the afternoon and studied just the same as if I were in the schoolroom. Vacation one week only. This week a man was killed in the railroad by curve.

Oct. 23 We had a beautiful sermon from Mr. Swan today: it was a fare Well sermon. Very fine.

Oct. 24th This day commences the working days of the week as also our vacation. We hired Mr. Charles Bengamin to help put down carpets. I worked with him and as was as smart as he confessed. He told Mother I was a real mechanic. In the afternoon some of the Ladies assembled and sewed while we cut and tacked.

Oct. 25th Today we hired Mr. Alizah McEwon to aid us in tacking. Mr. Benjamin gave it to me to cut ground so I was the only one who could fit them neatly. I fitted all but one.

Oct. 26th I continued to help today. There were about 25 women in the church busy and talking and tacking and ripping and sewing.

Tonight we finished carpeting the church and if it had not been for me the people on Dedication day (tomorrow) would have felt the bare floor. I have had a good deal of praise for my labor. Mother made me a present of 3 Dollars for my services.

Oct. 27th This day is Dedication day – The house was crowded. Rev. Dr. Storrs of Brooklyn preached a very fine sermon. The Bridgeport Choir aided ours in singing which sounded beautifully. Some complained of not being able to hear.

We had 6 of Uncle Sherwood’s family to dine with us. We had a beautiful dinner. It snowed this morning and for this reason Aunt Catharine was unable to attend. The snow was all off by 11 o’clock.

Oct. 29 The last day of Vacation. I raked leaves 2 hours and ½ at 12 and a half per hour. Intended to go to shoot ducks at twilight with Mr. McEwen but was prevented by his being suddenly called away to help erect the frame of Mr. Crofut’s house. However we will go next week. Mother gave her consent but with reluctance.

October 28th Went shooting with Mr. Alijah McEwen but was too frightened when I got a site, lest I should lose it. I did not fire at all. We were down by Prescott’s creek in the marsh.

November 4 Went duck shooting with Mr McEwen. Shot once but got nothing. Neither did he.

November 19 Today is Saturday. Went with Mr. McEwen shooting. He had good shots, 3, but missed them. I shot only once but my gun did not go off on account of the powder not being into the nipple for Mother does not wish a loaded gun in the house.

November 21 Go to school every day: am compelled to study very hard preparing for Yale examination. Oliver Beardslee’s funeral was attended today by the largest throng I ever witnessed in Stratford. He was 23 or 24 years old. He had been out West teaching school: was unwell when he started and returned with a slight derangement in his stomach. Was doctored by Doctor Nash of Bridgeport who almost killed Pa with pain.

November 23 Kate returned this afternoon from New Haven from Boarding School.

November 24 We had a very find sermon from Mr. Swan. Yesterday Kate was rejoiced to see us and we likewise. How much she loves her home. We had an enormous turkey.

November 25 Holyday.

November 26 Mr. Fairchild’s men are fast pulling down the old church. Mr. Fairchild’s men are trying to get ready to pull down the steeple. They have cut down now all the braces of the upper half of the tower which was put up in two sections and they divide the upper section by sawing into the 4 upper girts. They pulled several times quite hard but the ropes broke and finally they were forced to leave it for Monday. The stick through which the pulley was fastened was planted in our lot and a coil taken around the small apple tree.

Pa has been quite sick and laid in bed till 4 o’clock. The difficulty was that when he arose he could not stand up without being dizzy for indeed he could not stand up at all. He could not be persuaded to let Mother call the Doctor till late in the afternoon.

We have had two days of Indian Summer in addition to the fine one we have experienced lately. Mary Moore is staying here now but she says she is going to school at West Haven. She says that when I get married she will give my wife a very handsome present. I mean to remember this. Today has been very cold and chilly and it hails this evening. I attended Mr. Robert Day’s wife’s funeral. All her relatives were present and had very fine faces. I wrote a Composition today (as is usual once in two weeks) upon Ancient Ships.

I have worked this week considerable in raking leaves, one shilling per hour. In this way I shall make enough money to buy Christmas Presents. I have already earned 2.7 in this way.

December 4 We have had beautiful weather till today and yesterday. It is a very disagreeable Sunday. It hailed last night and makes walking very slippery. Yesterday I mean Saturday Mr. Fairchild’s men tried very hard to pull over the church tower. But did not succeed. Pa is but little better. I fodder every night and morning now.

December 6 Pa is little better can walk a little, not much.

December 8 Pa is little better can walk a little out of doors: is in fine spirits.

He made an offer to me which was very acceptable though not the least expected: viz that for every day I had foddered he would give me 10 cts and until he was perfectly well he would do the same. So I have earned .60 and hope to have the pleasure of doing it for 4 more days though by no means would I wish him sick.

December 10 Today is Saturday. A pleasant day. Yesterday we all went to Bridgeport. I bought a napkin ring for $2.50 and had inscribed upon it “Mother” which we three children expect to give to her as a Christmas Present. She does not know it.

We also have a napkin ring for Pa inscribed with “Father”.

I have bought a book price $1.00 which I expect to give to Kate. Its title is “Conquest of Grenada” by Washington Irving who died a few days ago. Pa and I took a very long walk today. I shall finish my Anthon’s Jacob’s Greek Reader Wednesday.

Yesterday they pulled down the tower while we were in Bridgeport. It did no damage.

December 16 Today I commenced the Anabasis: was obliged to borrow Mr. Sedgwick’s Dictionary: I have sent for one in New Haven. On the 13th it snowed.

December 17th Today I rode up with Pa and Cordelia as far as Frog Pond when I went a skating. Very good, but there was a little snow on it. It looks very much like snow this afternoon.

December 18th Today is Sunday, quite cold but pleasant. Mary Moore attended Church with us. She is a High Church woman. We have a great many disputes about almost every topic.

December 20 Jimmie Mitchell came home from College today. He has a vacation now for two weeks. He brought me a Greek Dictionary. Liddells and Scotts. The price of this was $5.00 but David Ogden got it for me from the Students Book Store. It cost me but $4.00.

December 24 Today is very pleasant but rather blustering. Yesterday Pa bought Cordelia a new pair of Ladies Skates priced $2.00. We then went to Ash Pond and had quite a pleasant time. Mr. Alfred Beach came for Cordelia to go up to Stag Pond to skate with his daughter, son and neighbor’s children. Kate came home today.

December 26th As usual once a year were scarcely kept in bed till the clock struck 6. We had hung our stockings upon a string suspended from the extremities of the mantle-piece as is customary for us. We were each rejoiced at our presents which I will mention. Pa received a napkin ring $2.50 from us children and he is highly delighted. Mother the same from the same. On both were inscribed “Father,” “Mother”. Kate received from Mother “Charles V”. “Corrine” from Pa in French from Cordelia. “Young’s Night Thoughts” from myself. “Irving’s Conquest of Grenada” Cordelia received a pair of skates from Pa but they came a few days beforehand only. From mother “Tales of My Grand Father” by Scott: from Kate. “Milton’s Works”. From myself a pair of beautiful vases. I received from Mother “Livingstone’s Travels in Africa,” from Kate “Ossian’s Poems” from Cordelia “Life of Nelson”. These constituted our presents. But I have omitted Ann’s & Mary Moore’s. The former received an umbrella from Mother. Mary received from Mother “Milton’s Works.” We each besides these found .25 in the toes of our stockings. I bought mixed candy with all of mine and eat most of it up during the day. Went skating down on “Silvey’s”. A great thing there. As a Greek Poet was asked if there were many men bathing replied no: but when he was asked if there were much throng responded in the affirmative.