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…………









Dec. 11, 1869 Mrs Edwin Benjamin to John Benjamin-1823

Dec. 11, 1869
Chicago
Dear Brother & Sister,
It has been a long time since I received a letter from you.  I have thought a great many times that I would certainly write this week but every week brings so much to do that there is very little time that I have to write.  We are all very well at present and hope that you are enjoying the same blessing.  
Richard has just received a letter from father and mother Benjamin.  They are in very poor health.  It makes me very sad indeed to think of their destitute circumstances and not able to help them anymore.  We are trying to get us our home paid for and it will be very hard for us to help them anymore this fall. 
I do not know whether Edwin has written to you or not since he commenced to build.  He has bought two city lots in the suburbs of the city and is building a very nice house.  The first story is ready for the plaster now.  That is all that we expect to finish this fall. There will be twelve rooms when it is all finished.  I like it very much and then we shall have a nice yard for the children. 
You asked if I had a sewing machine.  I have a very nice one that I can sew anything and everything on.   I cut and make everything we have, even to Edwin’s pants and he thinks better than anyone else could do it.  It is a Heeds Machine that I have known most all of the different machines and I like this one the best of any.   Pa and Mother was here and made me a skirt that week.  They made a good many purchase for Jennie in silk ___ and ___ gloves.  I believe she talks of getting married. 
Richard stays with us now.  Winnie thinks that he is the best friend she has got.  Hattie goes to school so that I get very little help from here now.  She sews and knits very nicely.   Do they have music in your peoples’ schools?  Hattie can read music as well as anybody. 
I think that Edwin intends writing some so I will close with love to you all.
Mrs. E. Benjamin
PS - Write soon.
 
Chicago   Nov. 8th, 1869
Dear Brother & Sister,
I am very sorry to say that I could not come to see you this fall.  But you will excuse me when I come to tell you the reason.   I bought me two city lots last month and have got a home almost completed and I expect move about the twenty fifth of this month. 
Richard got a letter from father last week and I will enclose it so you can see for yourself what they have to say.   Don’t think I will be able to send them any money at present and I gave Willie Wait eleven dollars for you, and if you can send it to father you will confer a favor on us and I am sure a great one for them.  Willie Wait is in St. Louis and says he was advised by a friend of his to go there while at Clinton, Iowa, and says he wrote to you to that effect. 
Richard wants to know why you don’t write to him.
Edwin

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