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…………









June 11, 1876 Edwin Benjamin-1833 to John Benjamin1823

Minneapolis, Minn.
June 11th, 1876
Dear Brother & Sister,
I was pleased to hear from you last evening and I am sorry to tell you that I had a letter from home last night and she was down sick again and, of course, I am obliged to make my stay rather short and go home although I ought to stay two or three days longer to finish up what I had started to do.  One of my machines got here Saturday and was very busy setting it up.  I will get it running on tomorrow and I will go home in the evening if possible. 
I went to church this morning and went to class meeting before church and it was very interesting indeed. 
I was very glad that you had such a good time on Monday evening.  19 years last Thursday we were married. 
I am of the notion of coming back here in a few weeks and I will have Frances come with me but I have got to get someone to stay in the house if I do, and I don’t know who to get just now, but maybe someone will turn up in time.   I sent a dispatch to Frances last night that I would start for home in the evening of Monday and, of course, I am going if nothing prevents me.
My love to all, hoping that this will find you all in good health as this leaves me alright so far. 
Yours truly,
Edwin

No comments:

Post a Comment