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…………









Nov. 13, 1876 Mary Garner-1826 to M A Garner-1838

Holywell
November 15th, 1876
My Dear Sister,
We were very pleased to hear of your safe arrival at Fairy Glenn & finding mom oh so comfortable.   Sincerely hoping you are still well & comfortable. 
Maggie often speaks of Marian & wishing she was here for Christmas.  She has been dressed today in the blue silk that Marian was dressed & she was wondering what Marian was doing then.   She goes to school every day. 
Business is very quiet with us now, the Yanky that we have in business here being a very strong opposition.   Really making one at times wishing ourselves with you out there.  The table came from Liverpool quite safe as also the gasolier, board for the marble piece, all of which we are making use of.   The board & gasolier are in the coffee room.   We have improved the room very much.  The table in the drawing room where it looks very pretty, for all of which accept our very best thanks for the present.  The glass was damaged a little in bringing over, just the very top ornament chipped a little, nothing to harm it.   
Mrs. Powell has had a sale on her furniture, a very pool sale, & has let her house to Mr. Williams, the curate late Miss Winter, her shop to Mrs. Faulks ____’s son .   She is going to live in a little house in a chapel. 
The children have promised to post papers for Marian, hoping they will not forget.  Would you like to  have the ___?  We could send it every month if we thought you would like it.  Will you ask sister Elizabeth’s pardon for me, really I am ashamed  to write her now but when I received her letter my only sister was on her death bed & I put the letter somewhere .   I think she must be the one that was with her in school as all those were there that she named when she was there, but they had left when I went there.  Jane Elija Jones Coedonne,  Anne & Jane Bibby, Mrs. Dawson’s little boys, Martha Hall & Priscilla Garrett were there when I went .   I remember seeing Miss Garner calling to see Miss Inglby when I was there but cannot recall her features.  
Mr. Garner often talks of his__ __ out enough of money for him to come and see you all.   He will come but it does not look likely now as trades is so bad.
I conclude with kind love from Mr. Garner, Maggie & myself to all at Fairy Glen & believe me to remain yours affectionately,
Sister Mary [Garner, Joseph’s wife]

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