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. 11, 1889 Olive Benjamin Bacon-1864 to Family


Nov 11, 1889

Dear Mama and Family,

No one wrote yesterday, just why we do not know. Only father, George and Wesie went riding round the country to look at lots and Howard stayed home to take care of his wife as she did not feel well and could not go with the rest.  It was quite a chilly day and father rather thought of starting for Minn.  In the sun it was nice and warm, but cold in the house.   Today father was going to write, but had to attend to some men from the north, so said we could write and excuse him. 

We were glad to have such good letters from home again last week.  Hope you have overcome the financial difficulty.  How strange it seems to think of having snow and today has been so nice and warm.   Doors open even now at 6 o’clock p.m. 

Last week was fair week and Friday we went all day.   It was quite tiresome and no more like our fair than black is like white.  The fair opened Monday morning and lasted till Saturday night.   The ladies had a booth for fancy work and they fixed it up beautifully on Monday so that the Amite ladies got awfully jealous and they kept bringing in their fancy work all the rest of the week.  The most was brought in on Friday.  There was no exhibit of stock whatever.  Neither horse, cow, sheep, pigs or anything, only a few chickens, and there were no displays of different stores, not even one.   One druggist advertised Diamond Dyes by having about a dog in little chickens painted in all colors in an open box.  They were little beauties.  Louise & I took quite a number of things down.  Louise took first premium on her dog’s head.  Mrs. Rankin (lives in Wilson house) took first premium on animals (full figure) & landscape, but she is so conceited it takes all the glory away. Father was one of the judges on vegetables but had only a few to judge.  Had lots of horse racing.  That is the main feature of their fairs. 

We are in a hurry to get this into tonight’s mail so will finish this up. Hoping you are all well, comfortable & that baby will prove a blessing to Fairy Glen as well as the octagon home. 

With lots of love from all to all,

Olive

Dear Ma and all the rest at home,

As I have but a few minutes to write, I hope all is well & that Frank has been able to meet the interest on those notes as it is impossible for me to do anything yet.  I sent 20 dollars last week which I hope you received. I addressed to W Benjamin so that he would get on his way from school.

I hope that you do not feel so blue or __ as you did when you wrote me.  My health is getting much better every day.  I hope that you are all well too.  Am little tired tonight; walked too much. 

My love to all, from
Father

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