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. 12, 1889 Arthur Benjamin-1868 to Mother


Minneapolis, Minn.

Dec. 10, 1889

Dear Mother,

I have not received a letter from any of my relatives since I have been ___ this time.  Why don‘t some of you write?  I wrote nearly a week ago and have had no reply. 

I have changed places into Healy.  I room with Cotton at __ and will work for my board where he was staying.  Farncine (guess that is the way they spell their name) is where I am.  The reason we changed was because on account of a few petty ___ they found in Healy and they said they liked me better. 

There is quite a lot of work to do here.  Two furnaces to take care of, taking an hour in the morning and same at night.   Also wood to split for one cook stove and __ 800 ft. of sidewalks and paths to keep clean.  Also errands and other odd jobs to see to.  I have to do more than work to do all the work and do justice to my studies, yet I get first class board & a good room.   The people are well off.  Live in a very large stone house, but are too caring. 

I will not be able to come home during Christmas so I think I best put in what time I can at dissecting so as to get through as soon as possible.  I will have to have a skull cap and a thick linen duster or a rubber coat would be best.  I will also have to pay $10.53 for a part and $2.50 for a dissecting case. 


I got the money from Bain for the tow tubs of butter and after paying $9 for my instruments and $1.00 for room rent at Bains I have left now $.50, enough for case.  If there is any rubber coat or thick linen duster that will fit me and a skull cap send them by mail.  The coat or duster should fit and not be too big.  What will I do for the $10.00?  I have had no time to go downtown for anything.  Am busy every moment.  Had to study most of Sunday.   I have a final exam in skeletons next week.  Haven’t time to write more – write soon.
With love,
Arthur

Address:

726 2nd Ave., So. Minneapolis
Bain says he wants the butter right along.
 

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