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 9, 1875 Richard Garner-1838 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830


Islington, Liverpool

May 9, 1875

My dear sister,

I have got all your letters safe, also three newspapers.  My wife is going to write you this time.  I send you a carte of Joseph and his two eldest sons taken at the Isle of Man.

I am afraid I will not be able to come join you this year.  I have got a lease on my house and the landlord will not let me go till the term expires which will be on the 25th March, 1876, that is ten months to come.  I have tried but he will not let me off.  But if I liked I could defy him but it is best to be honorable for so short a time.  But in the meanwhile I can be preparing, that is if nothing else happens to us.  I have gone back to my old situation that I was at for thirteen years before I was manager at my last place.   When I left I was presented with a handsome time piece as a testimonial by the employer, the inscription on which is as following:

“Presented to Mr. R Garner as a token of respect by the employees at Messrs. E. R. & Co. upon his leaving the establishment – Liverpool __ 19th/74.”

I have not heard from Joseph since I wrote you then; he said that he had written to you.  Sarah Newhall ___ was that used to live opposite to us at Flint lives here.  Her name is Mrs. Williams now.  Mr. W. is a builder.  They are doing well and reside at 228 Netherfield Road North.   Mrs. W. wished to be remembered to you and Mr. B.  You might remember the Newhall’s used to go to the English chapel at Flint.  Mr. W. tells me that Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd are neighbors at Flint are dead, also Elizabeth their daughter. Robert Dawson is somewhere in Canada but I do not know what he is doing but I will make every enquiry before I come out.

Joseph has three sons and one daughter named Walter, Joseph, Alfred (sons) Maggie, the daughter.  Is that name that I see Winifred of you a son or daughter? 

Do not think that I have altered my mind about coming out.  I see that paper you sent last gives a very glorious description of Hutchinson.  Mary A is a little afraid but you must write to her encouragingly,  dear sister, as you know the nature of your sex better than I and can tell her more plainly and of experience.

Dear sister, I hope I have not upset you in any way by not coming out at once.  You see I have a lease from March 25th 1869 to March 25th 1876.  I have let the store part of the building and live in the house two years ago.  I thought I would be free if I found a tenant for rest of term but landlord will not accept anyone as time is short to stay, and I am bound to put property right.  But in the future let us keep up a correspondence till we join you.  Let me know if I shall see any of Mr. B’s family if still in Bagillt, also any other information you would like.  Enclosed are a few seeds from brother Joseph’s cottage on Penyball ___. I do not know what they are, M A plucked last year. 

With kind love to you, dear sister, from M A and children to all,

I am your brother, Richard


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