John William Sterling Journal: January-December 1858
1858
Jan 1, 1858 Cordelia and I went down to meet the Bunnell children. They came.
Jan 2, 1858 We all went down to sail my boat. (We all went to Mr. Sedgwick’s house last night. I was a waiter, an honorable post. We raised 53.50 to go to the poor children of New York. We got home about 11 o’clock. For particulars go to Kate’s journal)
Jan 5, 1858 Today is Mother’s birthday.
Jan 6, 1858 Mother and the two Mrs. Walker went to Miss Bowden’s to tea. Had a very pleasant time. I have just brought my sled home. It cost in the first place $2.00 and the painting $1.25, whole cost $3.25. I could not have bought it anywhere for less than $5.00. Charley Goulding painted a portrait of Washington on it. It is beautiful. The sled is about ___ long ____high and ____wide [Transcriber Note: Sterling did not fill in the dimensions]
Jan 8, 1858 Cordelia had the sewing society here today. It snows like everything.
Jan 9, 1858 Today is Sunday. I went over to the meeting house between the ringing of the bells and distributed Child’s Papers. Sunday School Concert tonight. Mr. Hamilton is going to address us.
Jan 11, 1858 Today is Monday, rainy as it can be. The rain has taken all the snow off. A very fine lecture from Mr. Hamilton. Week A great revival have [incomplete]
Jan 19, 1858 Aunt Cornelia came up here today. What a nice woman she is. The other night Mr. [name illegible] was chasing some boys who pulled his pockets off and fell down and broke his nose, a fact though funny.
Jan 23, 1858 The thermometer is down to [illegible], the lowest it has been this year. Have got a beautiful sled. Have just got some shafts done for my sled. My dog has just been carrying me about in hay wagon.
Jan 26, 1858 I have to study very hard, take 60 lines in Virgil. I am going to finish the first book of Aenid next week. I am going to leave off chemistry.
Jan 28, 1858 Mr. Sedgwick sent me at half past eleven o’clock AM to watch when the man should go over to take the rooster off from the episcopal Church. So when I saw the man go up, I told him and he let us all out. We then run down the hill as fast as our legs would carry us, which I assure you was fast running. Henry Wells was in such a hurry that he forgot his hat. The way the men got up to the rooster was this: they projected a pole from the door in the steeple and then made it fast by ropes to the inside. It looked like this: When he put the rooster on the ground, it would measure I should think 3 feet high and the same length from tip to tail. Mr. Lessy[?], the contractor of the Episcopal Church, offered $15.00 for anyone who would take the rooster down, so John Wheeler, one of his workmen, did it.
Jan 30, 1858 I have so much to do I can not write this week, but will next.
Feb 1, 1858 What a day!!!! It has been hailing, raining, snowing without any blowing and it has not stopped yet. The boys are skating to school.
Feb 4-5, 1858 Fine days.
Feb 6, 1858 Today is Saturday. I am really thankful for that. I have left off Chemistry. I liked it. Mr. Sedgwick said that he had no objection of my leaving it off except the class would suffer -- quite a compliment, but it is not true.
Feb 10, 1858 As I was in my class of Algebra, Mr. Sedgwick called over the number of the scholars and how many sums each had done. When he came to my number 27, said: 27 - 5 Why! Is twentyseven going to do more sums than those who have been through the book once? I don’t know, but is wrong for me to take up all the time about myself: {Latin phrase here]
Feb 14, 1858 Today is Sunday. I have got a influenza accompanied with a bad headache. This is first Sunday I have staid home in a year and a half or more.
Feb 15, 1858 Well enough to go to school.
Feb 16, 1858 My cold is so bad, I had to stay home. First time in a year.
Feb 17, 1858 I staid home.
Feb 18, 1858 Mr. S. asked Kate today how I was. He said he didn’t believe I was sick as him.
Feb 19, 1858 I staid home.
Feb 20, 1858 Although there is no school, I cannot go out.
Feb 21, 1858 Sunday, but I am absent from church.
Feb 22, 1858 First time I have been to school in a week.
Feb 27, 1858 Have been out doors and chopped up a large pile of wood in 2 hours for exercise. Nothing has been stirring of any importance since I wrote last. Pa just came in with no letters. He does not seem to get near enough to the fire. He is so cold.
Feb 28 Today is Sunday. Pa is sick in bed. I have been over to Mr. Dayton’s to see if he can go to Bridgeport after Doctor Horton for Pa is very sick indeed. He said that he came very near dying last night and he looks as if he would. I never was more frightened in my life, I believe.
Monday -- Doctor Horton has just come. He says, “he is very sick, a very sick man.”
March 2, 1858 Pa has a lame foot.
March 3, 1858 Sewing Society here. Miss Anna Hawes, Alida and Mary Booth admitted to see Pa.
March 4, 1858 Pa’s foot better.
March 18, 1858 Never such a time for I have to learn pieces, dialogues and what not. We are learning Virgil, 45 lines per day. Pa’s foot is getting better. I am so glad. Was there ever such a patient man? Today is Cordelia’s birthday.
March 20, 1858 For particulars of Pa’s sickness, refer to Kate’s, which of course has it in. Pa rode out today for the first time. He walks with a cane.
April 1, 1858 The reason I have not written is because I have not had time. My time is spent for exam, exams.
My examination is done. I have passed a good one. I examined one of the Latin classes. Evening: I have sold 43 tickets for Exhibition. I spoke 2 pieces, one, Village Schoolmaster -- humorous, other, One Country in 3 dialogues. We sold tickets at 10 cents apiece in order to buy circulars.
April 2, 1858 Fast Day. Men and boys playing ball down to Mr. William Booth’s. 21 on each side.
April 5, 1858 Election Day. Republicans have beaten here. A great game of ball of which I am a player.
April 6, 1858 A beautiful day. They all went over to Bridgeport.
April 8, 1858 Jimmie Mitchell has just come over for me to play a game of chess.
April 9, 1858 Jimmie beat me last night, but are even now. Noon-- I have just come from Jimmie Mitchell, triumphing on the games I have beaten, viz, 4 games of Backgammon (one of which I gammoned him), 1 of Pyramids, and 1 of “giveaway” and 1 of checkers.
April 10, 1858 Great game of ball. I have knocked a number of times.
April 12, 1858 Today is Monday. Playing ball and reading.
April 13, 1858 Playing ball.
April 18, 1858 School begins today. Not very pleasant.
April 19, 1858 I study Virgil, Begin 4th book, spelling, reading, Greenleaf’s National Arithmetic, algebra, Greenleaf’s Most Through [Thorough?] Algebra.
April 23, 1858 Studying away hard. I have always wanted Mr. Sedgwick to give us longer lessons in Virgil, but he has not because the girls did not like it. But now he has told we may. Good!! Good!!!
May 1, 1858 Today is Saturday and with it work and play. I have been doing chores around the house &c beside writing a composition, “The Necessity of Fixed Principles.” Have made quite a good “compo” Have been playing ball around at Mr. Sedgwick’s house. I drew my side in 6 times. I can play first rate. How nice it is to be “jack at all trades” and “master of all”. I set my steel trap over to Mr. Mitchell’s day before yesterday and caught a cat. It is most supper time. I must leave off. We now take 82 lines in the 4th book of Virgil, 83 tomorrow, 84 next.
May 2, 1858 Mr. Swan preached for us today. What a splendid preacher he is!
May 7, 1858 Still increasing in Latin.
May 12, 1858 Today I am 14 years old. I am too sorry to say anything about it.
May 14, 1858 Today is Friday and for Monday’s lesson we take 93 lines. I am getting along in National Arithmetic finely. I spoke today.
May 15, 1858 Night -- “After mail” I was caught up by some girls so that I was compelled to walk with them. George Strong accompanied. After we had walked once or twice up and down street we went Carrie Wilmot’s house and there had a pleasant “chat.” The names of the girls were these: Julia and Clara Wells, Carrie and Louisa Wilmot. I had a first rate time and all of us enjoyed it well. But while I was delighting myself and those around me all of them here at home were anxious about me. Cordelia was crying. Pa was trying to comfort the rest but her own heart was almost broken by thinking I should be brought in dead!!!!!
May 22, 1858 Rain, Rain, Rain.
May 26, 1858 Charles Talbot gets most awfully scolded in Latin, but he says “I can’t remember the gender of nouns.” Then that makes him worse. It is the same in Arithmetic, but I tell him, “Charley, much learning has made thee mad.”
June 3, 1858 Nothing particular is going on. Captain Dayton is getting well. He can get along quite easily on his foot without crutches.
June 6, 1858 We had Mr. Strong’s nephew to preach for us today, who is called quite smart, but on account of an anecdote he told, the people did not like him.
June 8, 1858 This afternoon I staid home from school. I had such a headache.
June 9, 1858 Today [ditto marks]
June 10, 1858 This afternoon [ditto marks] Last week we had our posts taken out in the parlor and had Mr. Stratton to plaster it round. So when he got through, I made some plaster of paris and with it a most beautiful image of a man’s head. I then painted it and it still remains upon the chimney in the shop.
June 24, 1858 Mother has finally been persuaded upon to let Jimmie Mitchell go in a swimming with me.
June 25, 1858 Jimmie and I went in swimming again today.
June 26, 1858 Jimmie and I went in swimming again today at 11 o’clock and staid till 1. The water is very cold, so much so that we were compelled to rub ourselves with our towels, but finding that was not going to pay, we got on a boat and warmed ourselves in the noonday sun. We first leaping on the boat, then into the water, passed two hours as pleasantly as possible. Evening -- Got a very severe headache indeed. I can hardly hold it up.
June 24, 1858 Sunday-- I slept downstairs last night, I was so sick. I shall not go to church. Evening -- I have just showed Mother my back. It is a sight worth seeing.
June 28, 1858 I am going to stay home from school today.
June 30, 1858 Ditto, ditto, ditto
July 1-2, 1858 I am going to stay home the rest of this week.
July 2, Afternoon -- I think as I feel better I shall go to school, just to see how things get along. Night -- While I was sitting up in my seat, Mr. Sedgwick came along and wrote on my slate: “Quam est dorsum?” to which I replied, “id est valescere et deprivare me pelle.” Applause.
July 3, 1858 Preparing for the 5th
July 5, 1858 Capt Sands some time ago gave the town a cannon which the boys have fired up and for which a subscription of 26 or 30 dollars has been raised. And the boys have placed the cannon between Mr. Booth’s and Johnson’s and are firing all the time. There are two fairs, Meth and Episcopalian. I have been to the Methodist, for they need it more than the Episcopalians do. Jimmie Mitchell has been with me. The Methodists have hired a band of music which draws away many from the Episcopalians, but it did not cost them anything for it was taken up by subscription. They have the tent owned by the Fairfield Co. which is far more commodious than the one owned by the Gale Coley’s, which the Episcopalians have.
July 6, 1858 Jimmie and I again have been to the Methodists. Both are free. Night -- George Strong and I have been to the Episcopal. I got home at 10:45
July 7, 1858 Nearly used up
July 8, 1858 Getting better.
July 10, 1858 Have taken a nap every day since the 5th
July 14, 1858 Mother trusted Jimmie and I to cross the river after Jimmie has most skinned his throat in arguing, but now has obtained the blessing.
July 16, 1858 We crossed the river today.
July 17, 1858 It is clouding up.
July 18, 1858 Sunday unpleasant
July 19, 1858 I picked currents today for sweetmeats.
July 20, 1858 I picked currents today for Wine. It took 8 qts. of currents to make two gallons. I earned .75 doing it.
July 24, 1858 It is a beautiful day today
July 25, 1858 Mr. Swan preached for us yesterday. We think of giving him a call, for Mr. Page is going away.
July 31, 1858 Trade this week has been rather dull for me. I have earned hardly any money. Next week I must go to school and study like anything and everything. I have been swimming several times this week.
The Bible Record on the next two pages will last for any number of years. [Two pages of a suggested daily/weekly schedule for Bible readings]
Aug 2, 1858 Today school commences at the Academy. Cordelia and I go. Mr. Sedgwick has no assistant as yet.
Aug 3, 1858 I study Latin -- Virgil (and am the only one in it). Greek with Curtis Thompson, who is 23 years old and is fitting for college. Greenleaf’s Algebra (which I am reviewing), spelling, besides reading and Parsing.
Aug 4, 1858 It seems hard to study after such a long vacation as we have
Aug 6, 1858 It is rumored that the Telegraph fleet has succeeded. Mr Sam’l Jackson, who is very headstrong in everything, has said that it would never succeed, but now he uses the strong epithet, “It is a d___ned humbug. We are near enough our Mother Country.”
Aug 7, 1858 (Transcriber Note: Sterling writes very large here and includes a drawing.]Today is one of great rejoicing throughout the Union or rather in those states who are not to distant but can be reached by the Telegraph -- The first message to be sent by the company is from the Queen to the President. The second from the latter to the former.
The price is $1.00 per word.
August 9, 1858 No more news as yet about the telegraph cable. None in the paper, but the Mormons and their hostility. [Transcriber Note: Sterling backtracks]
--
July 29, 1858 Today I beg pardon for not writing before about this important thing: the Consecration of the Episcopal Church takes place. Elizabeth and Susan Sterling, Cousin John William, wife and sister dined with us, and beside them Kate and Julia Bunnell.
July 30, 1858 Jimmie Bunnell and his sisters went home today.
--
Aug 13, 1858 Dog days are very oppressive, especially today.
Aug 14, 1858 Today Mr. Robert Booth preached for us. He has greatly improved since we last heard him.
Aug 16, 1858 No news as yet concerning the Queen’s Message. It is high time for it to come.
August 17 Last night at 12:30 news was received at Washington that the Queen’s Message had come. The people have been firing all the night in Bridgeport and in New York and New Haven and all the other cities of the Union. The news has been received with excessive joy. Afternoon -- We went to school this morning, but Mr. Sedgwick let us out this afternoon. When we came out of school this morning, we gave a tremendous yell so that the hills and valleys resounded. I have just come from Mr. Thomas Fairchild’s and have been filling the cartridges which hold 1 lb of powder apiece.
4 o’clock -- Jimmie Mitchell and I have just arrived upon the Academy Hill (where they are going to fire the cannon) after having a beautiful bath over to Nell’s Island -- a beautiful place to swim -- excepting only the mosquitoes when one is undressing or dressing then Oh! how they bite! The cannon is now going off and all the bells ringing and I am sitting on the Academy steps with few other boys listening to the concussion of the atmosphere.
I shall try in the future to be more regular in my writing and shall now say what papers Pa takes &c
The Daily Times, the only daily paper we take is published every morning, Sunday excepted. Price two cents, served at 12 1/2 per week and six dollars a year.
The French paper “Courier des Etas-Unis” comes weekly -- Pa and Kate read it. The price is four dollars per year.
The “Observer” comes weekly also. It is published every Thursday, but we always read the Religious Department Sunday. We pay $2.50 in advance.
Then the “Child’s Paper” comes at .10 per year in this way. Mr. Geo T. Judson brings about 200 “Child’s Papers” and Messengers and I have to write names on each one. Only think on 200 and then besides all that have to distribute them and Oh! what a job!!!!! I have done this now for nearly a year and when the year expires how happy I shall be. The facts are these: about 11 months ago Mother, who is President of most every society, had called a meeting for seeing about some business. After they were done talking about their money affairs, Miss Alida Booth said she could not take them any more, and so Miss Elizabeth Curtis put me in. Then Miss A. Booth said I was a good writer &c and she would second the motion.
Aug 21, 1858 Today is Saturday and I am trying to write a composition.
Aug 22, 1858 Last Sunday Mr. Robert Booth preached for us. He has greatly improved since we last heard him.
Aug 23, 1858 I rise every morning as early as I can see and get my Greek and Latin. We take very long lessons in Greek. Curtis Thompson, who is about 23 yrs old, is the only one who studies this with me. He was converted this last winter and is now studying for college. He has just entered the second book of Virgil and I am half through the eleventh. He wears a beard and looks funny in our seat.
Aug 24, 1858 Up at light studying Greek.
Aug 27, 1858 I forgot to tell one anecdote about Mrs. Lindsley. The night the Queen’s Message was received, she illuminated her house by putting one tallow candle to a window.
Aug 28, 1858 I neglected to write on the 20th, but I will now. I froze the ice cream and with Kate’s help set the table. It looked beautifully. Then the whole family were invited into the front room and we had a jolly time. We expect Mr. Swan to preach for us tomorrow.
Aug 29, 1858 Yesterday Mr. Swan preached for us. We like him very much.
Aug 30, 1858 Beautiful Day, like October.
Sept 1, 1858 Today will be a day to be remembered in days to come. The celebration of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable. In New York, great preparations have been made and also in most the cities of the Union. But nothing in Old Stratford.
Sept 2, 1858 We have just learned from the paper that the quarantine has been burned down by 30 or 40 men and all the patients were turned out upon the grass, even those who were in the last stages of the disease -- yellow fever.
Sept 3, 1858 Today Mother had a little tea party. Mrs. William Booth, Page, Dougherty, Walker, Ezra Wheeler and Mr. Mitchell. They had a first rate time. I froze some first-rate cream.
Sept 4, 1858 The end of dog days, but the last is muggy enough. Everything so sticky.
Sept 6, 1858 We have beautiful mornings now, but no one up to enjoy them but myself. We take very long lessons in Greek now. I have been Mr. Sedgwick’s assistant for this quarter, now about 6 weeks. In the morning I would hear Geography, Spelling, Reading and hear the little boys (Jimmie Billins, Oliver Talbot, Fred Sedgwick) read or rather show them their letters. In the afternoon after I have recited my Greek, I hear Arithmetic, Philosophy, United States History, and the little boys read. I go home at 3 PM.
Sept 7, 1858 Mr. Billins, whose mind is greatly affected, got lost last night. The facts are these: Mr. Dunbar had taken Mr. Billins to Bridgeport and they had just returned, it being 9 o’clock then. Mr. Dunbar went into the house and supposed Mr. Billins was behind him, but about 10 o’clock they missed him and were up till 2 this morning. All the neighborhood having been called up. Finally Howard Russell found him coming home and he asked him where he had been and he said, “to take a walk.” har, har, har.
Sept 8, 1858 Mrs Dunbar will have a great party tonight. Pa and Mother have just sent in their refusal.
Sept 9, 1858 Mr. Sedgwick has hired Curtis Thompson to teach, who will give his whole time to it. Thereby will get his schooling for nothing.
Sept 10, 1858 It was reported that a man by the name of Prince, who lives the other side of the bridge, tried to commit a highway robbery but got nicely fixed -- most killed.
Sept 11, 1858 Today it is very close indeed, but I think it will be hotter by and bye. We crossed the river yesterday. By we I mean Jimmy and myself and went in swimming. I can swim about a rod or two. Jimmie Mitchell and I wrote the names on the Child’s Papers last night and shall distribute them this morning. There is quite a wind blowing up.
Sept 13, 1858 Pa took a cold tonight and we hope it will be nothing serious for Kate must go to New Haven day after tomorrow to boarding school.
Sept 14, 1858 Pa is sick in bed, quite sick. I shall go after the Doctor if he is worse. But I must return to yesterday’s date again. One or two men have a paper on which there are twenty shares for the old Episcopal Church, that is, each man who pays $5.00 has one twentieth of the Church, but is compelled, after he has sent his man or himself to pull it down, to grade his part of ground -- I guess they will get it graded!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, yesterday they commenced at the old steeple. In the first place they put a strong rope through the highest trap door and made it fast to one of the large timbers. They then haul the other end through a pulley which is fastened around one of Mr. Johnson’s elm trees with a rope. And now they are ready to pull it down but the fates have ordained that one man should be hurt -- namely Geo Hubbell, who lives down in that old black hut by “Grannie Fairchild’s” who has such a lazy streak running through him he can hardly live and support his numerous family. The way he was hurt was thus: he was standing on the side of the rope that lies towards the street and pulling with all his strength when the rope that was fastened around the tree gave way and the block struck him square in the mouth. Fortunately, Dr. John McEwen was there, who removed him in his carriage to his wife and family. Three times they tried to pull it over, but it fell not until the men had cut some of the posts entirely through, then it came, but not with as much of a crash as we thought it would. It looks like this: The very end went into the ground five feet!! This took till 11 o’clock when our old bell at the Academy let forth its peal into the dusty air and we were called to school. We are most through Sophocles Greek Grammar now. Tonight I went down after Doctor Schroder for Pa.
Sept 15, 1858 Pa is a little better this morning, but not well enough to go to New Haven today. Mother and I will go to New Haven if it clears off, but there is no probability of that. Oh! how it does rain!! Kate feels quite back as she can not go to New Haven.
Sept 16, 1858 We got Mr. Allis, our man, to take Kate, Mother and myself down to the depot where we embarked for New Haven. We started at the hour of 7 AM and reached New Haven at 7:30. I then procured a carman to take Kate’s trunk up to Mr. Robert’s, while we walked. Finally we reached the house and found Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. We staid about 5 or ten minutes when we started for Uncle Ogden’s, whom we found engaged with a minister, but his interview was broken by our reception. I saw David and had quite an interview with him. We talked about college matters, of course. We staid about 1 hour and Uncle Ogden accompanying us, we removed down to the principal hat store in the city and I bought me a cap which I like very much. We then entered a book store where I bought my “Anthon’s Jacobs Greek Reader” which I shall begin Monday. Sept 17, 1858 Today is Saturday and we are all sitting by the fire. Pa is better but will not be able to go to Church tomorrow.
Sept 19, 1858 Today is Monday and I have learned my Greek lesson -- 3 lines. Curt Thompson studies with me. They are working at the church again today. Smash is written on everything and destruction of every board. Sep 19 -- Afternoon -- We had first rate lessons in Greek, but it is hard. Last Friday I commenced reviewing the last 8 books in Virgil, leaving the first 4 books because I had read them before.
Sept 20, 1858 I take 6 lines per day -- a pretty good lot with Greek too
Sept 22, 1858 We collect all Grandma’s children up here tomorrow to see about dividing &c
Sept 23, 1858 Today’s cars have brought all the folks.
Sept 24, 1858 They all are busy about dividing.
Sept 25, 1858 9 o’clock -- I am over to Grandma’s helping them pack or rather tie up a looking glass. Uncle Holden is as mad as possible at Aunt Amanda for delaying. I fear he will swear -- he in such a frenzy.
Sept 26, 1858 Aunt Julia and I went to Bridgeport. I did some money business for Uncle David and then drove her around to make some calls. Then I came home all alone. I had a nice ride eating dates.
Sept 29, 1858 We are getting along nicely in Greek. It is pretty hard.
Oct 1, 1858 I have just finished reviewing my Virgil, that is the last 8 books, taking 600 lines per day. Monday I shall commence Sallust.
Oct 2, 1858 Today is Saturday. I have just finished writing my composition. I expect to go to Bridgeport this morning and bring Uncle David home. Afternoon -- I took Jimmie Mitchell over to Bridgeport and left him there. I got a pair of pants cut and had a nice ride till 4 o’clock with Aunt Eliz
Oct 3, 1858 What an awful preacher -- Mr. Dudley
Oct 4, 1858 Today I commence Sallust all alone. We are getting along finely in Greek.
Oct 6, 1858 A beautiful day.
Oct 7, 1858 The folks expect to go to New Haven today, but will be disappointed. I am afraid for it is clouding up. Cordelia’s heart is most broken because she can not go to New Haven.
Oct 8, 1858 I woke them all up this morning and I guess they will go at 10 o’clock. Noon -- I find myself all alone eating dinner and some candy and peanuts in the sugar bowl, so I conclude they have gone. Afternoon -- I shall go to the cars at 5
Oct 9, 1858 Today the comet reaches its perehelion: how bright it will be!!! Yesterday I went to school as usual and was quite disappointed in not finding the folks in the 5 o’clock train.
Oct 14, 1858 The quarter is most ended.
Oct 15, 1858 Today is Friday. Our school closes today. I never knew a quarter pass before with so little anticipation of the end. During the quarter I with Curtis Tompson have learned Sophocles’ Greek Grammar besides reading 5 pages and one half in Anthon’s Jacobs Greek Reader. I reviewed Greenleaf’s Algebra to Annuitys, read 3 or 4 books in the Aenid, then reviewing the last 8 and the quarter being not yet ended I read 17 sections in Sallust and besides all these my principal studies, I had Parsing, Reading, Spelling, and 4 classes to hear regularly and more at the beginning of the quarter.
Oct 15 & 17, 1858 I took some of Uncle David’s folks to Bridgeport. I also helped Mr. Sedgwick and Uncle David to measure a place for the church.
Oct 18, 1858 I did not have time yesterday to write the news, but I will strive to now. Yesterday Mr. McEwen got his ladder ready and with the aid of Mr. Gypson ascended the inside of the steeple up to a little door when a ladder was erected bound around the spire with cords. Then another was raised and bound around in the same manner. Finally Mr. McEwen rose triumphantly above the feet and minds of men and beasts and yet condescended to place his nose beneath or rather under the rooster tail. He then, as if disgusted with the perfume, quickly knocked the rooster above him when he fell into my hands, the first to receive him. Immediately I untied the rope and carried him into Uncle David’s cellar kitchen. Today I took Uncle David to Bridgeport.
Oct 19, 1858 Today I took Uncle David to Bridgeport.
Oct 20, 1858 I go a riding every day. I like to drive Uncle David’s horse.
Oct 21, 1858 Mr Tailor’s raft is not around here yet.
Oct 22, 1858 Great tide in the river, a vessel run aground.
Oct 23, 1858 How quick the vacation passes.
Oct 24, 1858 Mr. Northrup preached for us today. He is quite a smart young man, but a good deal of brass about him.
Oct 25, 1858 Today is Monday. Very cold.
Oct 26, 1858 The pulling down of the steeple is the talk. Evening -- Early this morning they commenced sawing off the kingsposts. About 11 o’clock this morning they commenced pulling on the rope, but without any avail. But finally it settles, takes the bell frame and lets the bell fall 2 feet upon the hole by which you ascend the belfry. And now it totters and at last brakes its bonds and falls upon its side and brakes everything all to pieces. It fell differently from the Episcopal steeple. This morning the Association of Fairfield East met at the Conference Room but adjourned long enough to witness the downfall of the steeple. It was our lot to entertain 2 ministers, or rather one minister and one deacon. The former’s name was Mr. Coe, and the latter’s Deacon Baird. I have as relics one of the posts around the bell and an ornament under the dead lights. They are trying to fix the bell, but it will not be ready for installation. Today has been very cold.
Oct 27, 1858 Never was a more beautiful day for Installation. Not quite so cold as it was yesterday. But they can not ring the bell for its frame is all broken. Mr. Sedgwick and two of Mr. Charles Curtis’ men are working at it. Cordelia sat up gallery. And I think she must have been much elated. This afternoon I harnessed Uncle David’s horse and went up town to the cellar upon which Mr. Lewis' house is to be raised next week.
Oct 28, 1858 Today I made two rulers out of the church and expect to make more tomorrow.
Oct 29, 1858 Very pleasant day. I made two more rulers today. The longest is about 2 1/2 feet long while the smallest is only 1 1/2 feet long and the other two between. I have oiled them and they look quite pretty. I shall varnish them.
Oct 30, 1858 Today is Saturday. Mr. Tailor (the man who is to move the church) has brought all his ways but they are not under the building. But today has been so rainy, they have not been able to work upon it. The stone steps to the steeple door have been removed. The ways lie all along the sides of the church and also near the ends, so there is no way of access, only in a round about manner. This afternoon I went down to Mr. Robert Dayton’s to mend my suspender. I also made a box with 14 partitions so as to hold every sort of nails. This is the last day of vacation. How quickly it passes!! I shall endeavor next quarter to study as hard as I did last.
Nov 1, 1858 Today school commences. Mr. Sedgwick has me up in his chair writing off the names of the scholars.
Nov 2, 1858 Some of Mr. Tailor’s timber has come.
Nov 3, 1858 The men are getting away the under priming in some places so as to set the screws. The sills of the church are completely rotten that have to put large blocks in their place.
Nov 4, 1858 The church men are setting screws. Uncle Beach and Aunt Sarah came today.
Nov 5, 1858 The church men are setting screws under the middle of the church. They are also placing long timbers under the church so as to hold up the floor.
Nov 6, 1858 Mr. James Booth is bringing stones for the new church.
Nov 7, 1858 Mr. Swan’s first sermon! What a contrast between his and Mr. Page’s. We had a paper from Mr. Page some time ago containing his first sermon at Perry, which was full of boasting and pride and of course flocks of people wanted to read it. So it had to go, but when it came Mr. Talbot’s turn to have it, it was destroyed in this manner: Mr. T. went down to New York and forgot to send the paper home as he promised, but immediately he wrote to [name illegible] to bring it up to us, which he did, but could not get in, so he folded it up nicely and laid it upon the mantel piece and the next morning the servant used it to kindle her fire!!
Nov 9, 1858 Uncle Beach and Aunt Sarah and Mother went to New Haven to see Kate, who was very glad to see them.
Nov 10, 1858 Last night I went to the cars after Mother and Aunt Sarah, who came without Uncle Beach, who went up to Cheshire to see his folks.
Nov 11, 1858 Uncle Beach came from New Haven today.
Nov 14, 1858 Uncle Beach and Aunt Sarah have heard Mr. Swan twice and they like his preaching very much. We all attended the funeral of Mr. Brook Bur.
Nov 15, 1858 Today Uncle Beach and wife went home having made a very pleasant visit. They remained with us 11 days.
Nov 16-17, 1858 The men are working at the church, but it is not moved yet.
Nov 19, 1858 Mother and Pa went to Bridgeport today and the former bought a new hat
Nov 21, 1858 Mr. Swan preached today.
Nov 22, 1858 It rained all day.
Nov 23, 1858 The rain washed away all the snow that was left.
Nov 24, 1858 Morning -- We expect Kate tonight. I rose as usual and studied an hour by candlelight.
Nov 25, 1858 Last night Kate came and how glad she was to see us and we her. She looks as red and as large as ever. Today is Thanksgiving and what an elegant sermon! Its subject was principally on the power of the silences. It was beautiful. There was more thought in it than in all of Mr. Pages put together. It was grand. One wanted to think of it a week before he could penetrate all the deep thoughts. We all went to church, which was not moved at all. How slow and lazy are the men. One of whom is 6 feet 4 inches in height, but is as indolent as any of them and they all swear dreadfully. Ed Tailor is the best of all. He is good natured and has a fancy mustache and his upper lip and a little bunch or two under his whiskers are slightly yellow, his teeth white. John, the Irish carpenter, keeps to his work all the time. Wyley is a long haired fellow full of wind. Mr. Taylor, the head workman or contractor rather is quite an easy man. Milton, the tall one, and Ed are both cousins and nephew of the contractor. Now for our dinner. What a splendid goose. It weighed 14 lbs!! We had 3 kinds of pie, yes one other kind too. And so many other things which I cannot now mention.
Nov 26, 1858 Pa and I took a walk up to Mr. Carter’s house where was an auction. We bid for nothing, but came home just in time to witness the first moving of the church. The church looks on the floor just like this with one exception, it looks a great deal better, but anyway, you can get a little knowledge of it by it. The two outside lines are the ways on which the building is placed. The timbers running parallel with the width of the church are placed underneath the building so as to keep the floor up which is very rotten. Underneath these cross timbers shoes as they call it are put, which are graced on the under side. Then two jackscrews one at one corner and the other one on the other and then they screw. The building moves quarter of an inch at a time. Today I did not go to school. Hardly anyone went, it being the day after Thanksgiving.
Nov 27, 1858 How the church moves! You can see all of Mr. David Dayton’s shop now.
Nov 28, 1858 Today is Sunday. It snows quite hard. If it continues, Kate will not go to New Haven tomorrow.
Nov 29, 1858 I am up this morning as usual and the snow is a foot deep in some places and more shallow in others. I have been around to the depot to see about the trains. Kate is determined to go and I suppose she will. I have made all the paths and Pa and Kate have just started for the depot. And while I am writing this, which was before sunrise, my pen slipped out of mouth and made all these little blots while I was pulling the window shade down.
Dec 1, 1858 I took my new large sled on which a portrait of Washington is painted to school and it went ahead of any on the hill.
Dec 3, 1858 They are moving the church quite fast.
Dec 4, 1858 They are moving the church quite fast and have now got it almost to the destined place.
Dec 5, 1858 Today is Sunday
Dec 6, 1858 Mr. Wm Peck and James Booth with help are digging the cellar of the new church. What a beautiful green it would make
Dec 9, 1858 Cordelia and I took our dinner to school today. It was very rainy.
Dec 10, 1858 Today it continues raining. I have just come in from the shop, having been busily engaged in mending Cordelia’s basket through which a mouse made its way to the bread and butter.
Dec 18, 1858 Pa and I arrived at the depot in time to witness the arrival of our Dear Sister Kate’s return to Stratford. She was just in time to shake the “doughnut pot”
Dec 24, 1858 The Methodists hold a Fair in the basement of their church. All was confusion, uproar and tumult. The young men threw fried chicken, cake upon the wall, floor and seats. I was disgusted and after I had bought some little trinkets and candy started for my home. Kate was beaued home by Robert Sedgwick accompanied by his sister.
Dec 25, 1858 Today is Christmas!! What a happy day!! Rose late this morning, it being about 5:30 AM when I came downstairs, but I did not look into my stocking or any of the rest’s till the whole family was assembled. The presents were as follows:
Kate had: An album -- from Cordelia and myself A pair of worsted undersleeves from Cordelia A very handsome bracelet from Mother
Cordelia had: A very handsome locket from Mother A book “Richard the Third” from Kate A handsome gold stud from myself (and a lot of candy)
Mother had: A very beautiful tidy from Kate A very beautiful cord and tassel from Cordelia and JWS
Pa had: A very beautiful set of studs from his three dear children
I received: Splendid gold sleeve buttons from Mother A book entitled “Diary and Correspondence of Amos Lawrence” from Pa A handsome pair of worked slippers from Kate A handsome Congress knife from Kate and Cordelia
After breakfast, I went over to Miss Polly’s and showed her and the folks my things. Methodist Fair continued this night. Some fighting and need of a Constable. Carrie Sedgwick came this morning to practice on our melodeon preparatory to playing on that instrument in church, Miss Anna and Eliza Hawes being on a visit in New York. Charley Booth has spent this week at Mrs. Walker’s. Thus passes the old year. May the new year increase my knowledge, my formation of good habits, and make me better in every possible manner!!!!!! <comments />
