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…………

June 18,1853 Joseph Garner-1826 to Elizabeth Garner

Holywell
June 18, 1853
My Dear Brother & Sister,
I suppose you take it strange that I should be so long without writing to you.  I should have got one to write for me but I have left it while my first grief was abated so as to write to you myself.  I have need to inform you that my dearest Mary is no more.  She died of brain fever of only three days duration.  The little girl has been sent a few days previous to be weaned, and three days before her death she appeared as well as usual.  She died on the 3rd of June and we buried her at Northop in grand token of Northop Hales grave.  Ellie ___ is now out in this country nursing having lost her mother at the tender age of ten months. 
I hope this well find you all quite well.  We are all quite well in health although this has been a great shock to bear.  I have one thing to cheer me and that is she as [sic] gone to a far better place.  We lived happy for the short time we were together & that make me feel the loss greater. 
This from your affectionate brother,
James Garner

1 comment:

  1. UnknownSeptember 6, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    You can see why health is the first thing people commented on when they wrote to each other.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)