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1872 journal on Missouri Pacific Railroad

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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 2, 2007 1:50 PM
That's an interesting story and I really like that era, but that photo is way later than 1872, probably 1900-1910.
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Posted by Kevin C. Smith on Friday, March 2, 2007 12:58 PM
 Datafever wrote:

Lake Sun Leader - Missouri / March 1, 2007

Train ride, trip to state capitol in 1872 detailed in journal


The first and last portion lists his expenses. He gave 5 cents to the Catholic Church in Jefferson City and 10 cents to the Methodist Church...

Sorry for the OT comment-but at least some things don't seem to change...

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1872 journal on Missouri Pacific Railroad
Posted by Datafever on Friday, March 2, 2007 9:49 AM

Lake Sun Leader - Missouri / March 1, 2007

Train ride, trip to state capitol in 1872 detailed in journal

Within the archives of the Camden County Museum is the notebook diary account of W. E. Sharp. It is a daily account of his first train ride from Richland to Jefferson City and his week's stay for his appearance before a grand jury in 1872 investigating William Pennington for counts of mail fraud.

The first and last portion lists his expenses. His railroad ticket from Richland to Franklin cost $6.95. He spent 25 cents in Franklin. He spent 10 cents in Herman. His notebook cost 15 cents. He gave 5 cents to the Catholic Church in Jefferson City and 10 cents to the Methodist Church while in Jefferson City. He bought a box of pills for 25 cents and gave 5 cents to a blind man.

8:19 p.m., Monday, Mar. 4, 1872, finds me for the first time in life on a R.R. train ready for a ride. I had scarcely seated myself when the train was under motion. I had thought I would be at a loss how to act or behave myself in this new situation. But knowing that when we are in Rome we must do as the Romans so I soon decided how to conduct myself. I had a strong desire to look around but seeing the others sitting lazily around I dropped into my seat and did likewise. About 4 a.m. March 5, 1872 found me at Franklin 127 miles from Richland the place at which I first entrusted my mortal frame to a R.R. train.

Full story here 

 

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