Sandford Fleming knew fame and many honours later in life, but the path was not always an easy one. His beginnings are revealed in these early diaries (1845-53) that record his thoughts as an 18-year-old leaving his family home in Scotland for Canada, and his experience as he struggled to get established in his rewarding career as a railway builder and innovator. After unsuccessful attempts to get work as a surveyor in Peterborough, Cobourg , and Hamilton, he finally made important contacts in Toronto, established an office there, and through involvement with the Mechanics Institute became connected to the leading architects and engineers in the community. His work on major projects, including an ambitious plan for the Toronto Harbour and the Esplanade , ultimately led to his first big railway appointment in 18532.

Best known for his major railway building accomplishment, he designed Canada's first adhesive postage stamp, (the three-penny Beaver), was an early promoter of the Pacific cable, and is recognized around the world as the inventor of Standard Time. The recipient of many honours, he was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1897, and served as Chancellor of Queen's University for 35 years.