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 30, 1879 Stranger to John Benjamin-1823

Chicago City
June 30, 1879
Dear Sir, Mr. Benjamin
I am a stranger to you but I feel it my duty to write a few lines in behalf of your sister, Mrs.  Jones.  You have heard of the death of her dear daughter, Lizza, who was their standby, their only help.  Mrs. Jones has not good health and cannot earn what she could if not in good health.   Mr. Jones is doing nothing and all comes on her.  They have been in the house with me at a very low rent.  I have paid all rent hoping as the month come around she could their little.  I am a widow and sew for a living and I have not much to give.
I hope this letter will give no offense.  Mrs. Jones has often spoken of you and when she could see you.  Now Mr. Benjamin could you help them?  Their funeral expenses have been pretty high for poor people.  If you would send your dear sister some money to defray the great expense she would be very thankful to you I know.  For what they are to do I cannot see with her failing health as now all comes on her to pay rent and feed the four.  If her husband could only get something to do and only earn a few dollars a week it would be something.   Her son Richard has just gone to work.  She has had him to feed all winter with the rest.  With washing it does seem too hard for her to have all to work for at the wash tub.  Now can you not send her some help?  Money is what they most need.   
Hoping you will excuse this long letter from a stranger.  Hoping to hear her say soon “I have a letter from my brother”.
Yours truly,
A Stranger
PS – Please address Mrs. Jones with a $25 draft, 42 Cottage Grove Ave.

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