John Benjamin was born in England in 1823. In 1849, at the age of 26, he immigrated to America with the goal of seeking opportunities in the new world and improving the life of his family. During his immigration and eventual settlement in Hutchinson, Minnesota, John saved many personal letters that were written by and to him. These letters, the subject of this web site, bring to life his immigration and the life of others during this courageous adventure. The most recent letters posted on this sight are on this front page. To see all the earlier letters, keep pressing the “Older Posts” button on the bottom of this page. The earliest letter recorded here is June 20, 1849. The letters…………

Feb. 14,1854 Horace Greeley to John Benjamin-1823

New York
Feb. 14, 1854
Gentlemen:
I think you’ll find Illinois the best point in the west for such a business as yours; but perhaps Chicago may be better.  There are beautiful offerings all through northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  I would say stop at Rockford or Beloit (nearby) and look about.  Chicago is less healthy and less favorable for children but grows up fastest of all.
Yours,
Horace Greeley
John Benjamin, Esq.
Dedham Mass

1 comment:

  1. UnknownSeptember 7, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    Horace Greeley actually responded to John's letter and told him to go.............west! Be sure to read Greeley's original..........I don't think it was his penmanship that landed him the editor's job

    ReplyDelete

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