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…………









April 26, 1871 Charlotte Benjamin Jones-1829 to John Benjamin-1823


Kings Arms Inn

Bagillt, Gt. Britain

April 26, 1971

Dear Brother,

I am taking the present opportunity to drop a few lines to you as per bearer.  This from your sister Charlotte. 

I think you will be glad to hear some account of us, as sisters, and I have taken the present to give you a little of our account.  I have to inform you that I married a man from Bagillt whose name is Humphrey Jones, bricklayer by trade, who has proved to be a good husband and kind father to the children.   I suppose you will have understood that our oldest and only son Richard is with our brother Edwin this 7 years last August.   We also have 5 girls that who have grown up nice girls and are our pride.  Our sister Louisa & her husband live at Mostyn.  He still works on the railway and they do very well.  They have two daughters married; one about 14 years at home and a son who is working.  Our sister Sophia is still a widow in Bagillt.  She was left a widow with 6 children but now she only has two to maintain and poor enough they are.

I hope my daughters will be able to answer your future letters.

I leave it for father to mention Harriet and her husband and child. We have nothing particular to inform you, only that all are well but father, and join in love to yourself and family.  If you will be so kind to reply to this, Humphrey and I will be glad to correspond once more. 

We now beg to remain with love your, affectionate brother and sister,

Humphrey & Charlotte Jones

PS – We   would be glad to know how many children you have now.





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