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…………









Feb 12, 1888 Elizabeth Benjamin-1830 to John Benjamin-1823


Fairy Glen Farm

Hutchinson, Minn.

Feb. 12, 1888

My Dearest Husband,

As Frank was writing to you I thought I could drop a few lines to you hoping to find you in the enjoyment of good health.  Frank has been feeling quite sick at times; spells would come over him all at once, his face would be as red as could be and would last above an hour or so.  I think he took cold in the woods.  He went after some dry wood.  We have splendid wood now.  It makes quite a difference in the house. 

I see by the paper that you did not leave Chicago until Saturday morning.  I hope you had a nice visit with Uncle Edwin and that he went with you.  I hope that you will take care of your leg and that it will be most well when you come home. 

Oh! You don’t know how lonesome I have been.  It seems as though you had gone a month. I try to keep up all I can but I can’t help it.  It seems as all was gone, but I know what you will say (how silly) but I can’t help it – so there. 

Mr. Packer told me today that he had been to LA [Louisiana?] the time of the war.  He was there two or three weeks.   I asked him how he liked it, he said he did not like it atall.  This was in the summer, it was so hot he could hardly endure it. He said the figs were ripe there.  He would not live there for anything , so be cautions what you do .

Got your letter about chickens .  Got them off Saturday morning.  Was busy until 11 o’clock at night.  Between Louise and I we will get a case of eggs off Tuesday or Wednesday when we shall send a sis for case of butter.  The butter is splendid.  Got 26 lb. Saturday and a large churning tomorrow.   I had to put warm water in the west tanks to raise the cream but it was fine.   Winfred does well.  He has got ahead of me every time yet in washing the tanks.  I got to churning;  I had hardly commenced when he came in and would not let me touch it till I took the butter.  Oh it did look so nice. 

The sick cow is gaining nicely.  They save her milk now.  The boys have told you about the steer how he is.   We all, that is O.S., Winfred and I, went to church and S.S. had 100, 5 in S. ____ over a dollar.   Mattie had a large glass. 

Oh! How I wish you were here tonight.  ___ and all going to meeting but Winfred and I.  The paper has come from __ and the one from Silver Lake.  They ought to be sent before March!  I am going to get Olive to write to the Pra. Farmer.   Mary has no account of your renewal.  They are most ready to go to. 

I know I have written this in a hurry .  Everything is all right but your own dear self not here.   Expected a letter from you today but was disappointed .  All yours send love to you.  Good night and may God bless you is the prayer of your affectionate wife,

E. G. Benjamin
Write as often as you can.  




No comments:

Post a Comment