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…………

May 1, 1867 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin-1823

Memphis, Tenn
May 1st, 1867
Dear John,
Frances starts for Chicago in about three hours and says that she will write to you when she gets there.  I have been expecting to go too for the last two months but am necessarily obliged to stay for a while in order to get my money, etc.   I am about start a shingle mill here within the city in a few days.  If not, I will start it in the fall.  It is very hard to get hold of any money just now.  But if don’t succeed in in getting the mill started within the next ten days, I will be up to see you this summer sure, say in July.  
Write to Frances at Belvidere and she will know where to send it to me. 
I have not done anything for two months but to settle up my old business.   About $200 more will settle up my old debts that Tourtettole left me to pay, so on the whole I have done well.
Edwin
In haste
We are all well and hoping this will find you the same.




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