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…………









April 3, 1890 John Benjamin-1823 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830


Roseland, La

April 3, 1890

Dear Ma & Winfred,

As I think that this will only find you two now at Fairy Glen, that is near and dear to one, with the exception of course of Robbie & Mattie, who still occupy a part of the old homestead, as all have gone to prayer meeting and I am left alone, I thought that I would busy myself for a short time penning a few thoughts to my dear ones at home.  As I wrote you yesterday that I was not able to state as to when I was able to come home, I hope that you will not in any way be disappointed in this respect.   Of course, if I could live there during the winter & enjoy the climate as I do here, I would not think of making a change.   We have no blizzards or snow storms here at all, but here we can have green vegetables all through the winter, also strawberries most of the time.   At present we have on the table green onions, radishes too, of the best quality.  Something grows here the year round.

Am sorry that Winfred was obliged to absent himself from school the past week.  I hope that Arthur has got home before Frank left as he would be very apt to look out for Frank for a certain extent I think, so that if Frank undertook to carry off the farm, Arthur would put his foot down, and this far and no further should strength go.  If Arthur is very anxious to go back to Mr. Brins, do not stop him if by any possible means you can do or get along without him as he is very anxious to help himself through his school, for which I commend him most highly. 

I wrote Mr. W. W. Pendergast today at St. Anthony Park .  I wrote to Mr. Jos. Richardson last week at Bird Island as uncle samp Reed is very sick, not expected to live.   I hope, however, for the best. 

I got so far last night, had to quit.   Was sick of my stomach.  Had to stop to heave up Jonah, which relieved me, only a little headache today.   George is framing the foundation for his house today.  Howard is fixing up the machinery in the sash & door factory.  I think I told you before that he has been put in as foreman of this shop.   I hope that he will succeed all right when the shop starts up.   There were other men after the position , but I put in what I could for Howard and he got it.   It is such a large airy room to work in, very pleasant indeed. 

The girls and Mr. Shmitts are to work on a program for an Easter Sunday school entertainment next Sunday. 

George just came in with letters from home.  I am glad to hear you, Ma and Arthur too.  Am glad Arthur intends to teach near home this spring so that he will be home nights and Sunday to help take care of things. 

I have written Thompson some time since about the land but heard nothing from him as yet. 

Love to all from all,

Father


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