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…………









Jan. 15, 1890 Sarah Louise Benjamin Cook-1862 to Elizabeth Benjamin-1830

ROSELAND COLONY COMPANY
Dr. John Benjamin – Local Manager
Roseland, LA
1890
Dear Mother & All,
Seems as if time goes so fast that we don’t get as many letters scattered in as we ought.  Received a letter from Robbie yesterday, or H did.  We are very glad to hear you are so much better.  Hope you will still improve and you must not worry about anything for you know it never does any good and only makes you feel worse.   Hope that by this time next year you will be in the “sunny south” although it has not been so sunny for a week.  We had such a heavy frost the first part of last week it did a great deal of damage even as far as Florida.  Such a frost has not been known for years but you don’t have so much as north for you can plant again.
Have 46 little chickens.  Eight of the eggs hatched that we got from South Carolina  We let the little hen that Mrs. Payson gave Olive take care of them in a yard George made.  She had set three times and we took pity on her.  Have sold 4 ½ dozen and am saving another to sell.  No one grumbles at the price, 50 cts.  If my thoroughbreds do well may raise the price next year.   So many lost young chics during the cold snap but ours are doing well so far. 
The boys are at work at Mr. Chapins again.  They have a farm to build for a new comer & a store for Mr. Isands.  Guess our house will have to wait a little longer. 
Mattie should like a long letter from thee.  Tell us all about that precious toy.  He must be growing.  Wonder if we should know him.  I dreamt of him the other night.  Could see him just as plain running his horses about the house & having a great time.  Does his grandma see him often?  Glad he was home to cheer her up while she was sick. 
Father has to go down town…says he hasn’t time to write this time.   Must bring this to a close for he wants to take it to the office.
Trusting you are all well, with much love from,
Louisa
Winfred, we want a letter from you.  I am so glad you have been such a help to mother.  A good son & brother is such a comfort.

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