John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, Page 62

[John Milton Binckley, June 1859 Travel Diary, page 62. Many thanks to William Myers, Mary Davy, Sally Young and Sue Davis for their ongoing research collaboration; specifically to William for providing scans of the original document, and in turn many thanks to Peter Johnston Binckley and Patricia D'Arcy "Trish" Binckley (1951-2007), at the source. This is my rough transcription. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

old man at Ease. Speculated a while on what relations he was going to see, or if not what at his late age could take him out, when it was plain he was not used to going. Inquired if he would smoke. He thought I was conductor, & was much alarmed fearing he had done something wrong, being deaf & not having heard what I said. Repeated louder, with a cigar in mouth. Said he never smoked cigars, but when at home had his pipe, asked why he didn't bring it, timidly produced it. Told him to light, grin even half an acre of wrinkled cheek. Dug down deep in pocket & filled pipe. Smoked with him, talked, got him perfectly happy. Told how scared he was. No fire in any but our car. Old man most frozen, made him come forw back to our car & sit by fire, etc. He was going to Pana to visit his son. Since I had set him right, was delighted with his journey.

In Every village & country store here, as in Indiana & Ohio, I see the [to be continued.]   

[John Milton Binckley (1831-1878).
Mother = Charlotte Stocker Binckley (1788-1877).]