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. 15, 1875 John Benjamin-1823 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830

Minneapolis, Minn
Dec. 15, 1875
Dear Elizabeth,
I arrived here last evening at 6 PM.  Today attending the meeting of the Grange & have been highly placed with the meeting, more especially this evening when our state Master delivered a most excellent address after which the meeting adjourned to 9 o’clock tomorrow AM. 
The butter I have had no time to sell to it as yet, but expect to sell at the Nicholet House. I shall try to come home on Friday along with Sam Stocking.   At any rate do not make any other arrangements until you hear from me.  Hoping that Bryon [son Albert Byron] is much better & that all the rest is well.  Shall have no time to write to Ried.  10 PM.
Most truly yours,
John
Dec. 15, 1875
Dear Elizabeth,
I expect to leave here on Friday AM for Glencoe & shall come home along with S. Stocking.  I have a very interesting time of it until this evening when I could not be admitted into the hall to receive the 5th degree which was to have been conferred, only Masters & past Masters being admitted. 
Minneapolis is full of butter, almost impossible to dispose of butter at any price.  I have not been able to sell mine as yet but shall once more by Mr. Field tomorrow.   I wish I could hear from Edwin whether he can do anything with it or not.   However I must do something with it tomorrow at some price. 
The Stall Grange received a very cordial invitation this afternoon to visit the State University tomorrow which they accepted. 
Tell the boys to get ready for butchering the hogs on Saturday.  Pork is from 6-8 cents per pound, beef from 4-6 cents & butter from 25 to 40 cents, & city full of it & a very ___ sale.
There is quite a number ready to take hold of our hay operation & will handle it for us without any trouble.  It can be sold in this city for a good price & leave us a good margin of profit. 
Hoping that all are well & that I shall meet you on Friday evening all right.  I have had no time to write to Richard as yet – shall write to him when I get home. 
Mr. Field is not very well this evening. 
Most truly yours,
John


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