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. 30, 1889 John Benjamin-1823 to Family


Roseland, LA

Dec. 30, 1889

Dear Ones At Home,

Your letters came to hand on Friday last.  We were glad to find that all were well at home at the time. 

You wrote:  we received a letter from Arthur __ at some time informing us of his inability to get home to spend Xmas with you, as much as he wished to do so.  He gave very good reason, however, for his absence from home at this festive time of the year.   I, too, would of been glad to be with all my family to partake of Xmas tidings, although I would much rather have you all here were it possible, for I think we all could enjoy it much better here rather than there, as far as the climate is concerned at least.  We have been having most beautiful weather until today or last night.  It rained nearly all night.  This morning it is still raining hard.  This is the only rain to amount to anything since we came here and it was very much needed as the ground was very dry, but now vegetation will take a jump right along. 

I must impress upon Ma’s mind not to worry on my account, for the girls are doing all in their power to make it comfortable for me.  As a matter of course the girls would write should there be anything serious the matter with me, or any of us in fact.   I have no doubt but Xmas looked lonesome to you all with so many away from home, the only Christmas I have been away from my family, whom I love so well too, since I have been married.   I hope it will be the last and we will all be together next Xmas in this land of sunshine, where there are no blizzards but a continual summer from one end of the year to another. 

My health is improving right along.   My left hip pains me the worst, but not one half as much as it did before I came here.  I really do not expect to get rid of this hip trouble entirely at this time of life, but being here in this warm climate will add a few years to my life, whether useful or not remains to be seen. 

Yesterday morning we received a most excellent sermon from the Rev. Tradler, an episcopal minister from New Orleans.  He expects to be here one or two weeks.  Mr. & Mrs. Pazson came to dinner with us from the meeting.  We had a very pleasant visit with them until the evening.  Olive played on the piano.  Louise, Howard & George did the singing.  It seemed like old times when we were all at Fairy Glen.   I have no doubt but what you too would of enjoyed it.


I am glad that Winfred is so thoughtful about you, Ma.   May he continue in the good work, for a boy that takes care of his Ma will in the end reap his reward, if not in this world, in that which is to come, most assuredly.    Am glad to hear of Robbie’s kindness in coming after you to go to church as it is not always convenient for you to go by any other means .   Does Winfred hitch up little Prince now or not?

All were glad to get a letter from Minnie.  Tell her to write often as her letters are welcome writing to us all.  I was glad to find that Mr. Cutter made you a visit while attending the horticulture meeting at the H.   Also that Robbie visited with the Society.   I shall try to write to Mr. Smith soon,  also to uncle Bonniwell . Give my  kind regards to them and to all enquiring friends.   We have more cousins coming into the colony almost daily.  They come from all points of the compass too.  More from Nebraska than any other state. 

The girls will make out a list of articles they want to put into store barrels of millet.  Ship by the Milwaukee RR to Arcola, Louisiana , via Foreston junction. 

My best regards and love to all.  Shall write to Arthur soon,
Father 
 
I don’t like the idea of Frank killing any of the steers for they will be wanted for tax paying next month .
 
 

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