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. 18, 1891 Mary Anne Benjamin McKenzie-1852 to Family


Holmes City, Minn.

Jan. 18, 1891

Dear Ones at Home

Ma, we received your ever welcome letter last Monday & sorry to hear that Louisa has the la grippe.  I hope she may be better by this time.  I haven’t heard from them since ___ death, only a card of the health of George & me.   Also got a picture of Robbie’s little pet. Oh, I think he looks so nice.  Tell Robbie & Mattie that I send many thanks & I should so liked to have heard from them. 

I wrote a few lines tonight. Jennie will mail this in Kensington.  She is going in the morning to meet Robert McKenzie.  He was to be in Minneapolis last week and William went to Minneapolis to see him.  Mrs. DeLong wrote to us saying he would be there & so he went down last Friday.

We got a letter from Robert today.  He wrote in Barret & handed it to one that was out.  They’re coming to Holmes City & luck would have it that the girls went down & got it.  Just think we ought to have got it Friday.  William wouldn’t have gone if he had known he could have come to see him.  He has been in Cal for some time & he wants to see him so much.  I wish Arthur could see him. 

Don’t you think Lizzie does well for the time she has gone to school?   She has only been three months to school.  

I must close for the baby is getting cross & sleepy & I have to go to bed for we have to get up at half past three for we have to meet Robert at five in the morning.  So good night.  Love to all. 

From your daughter,

Anna McKenzie

Tell Arthur many thanks, but I want a large one.


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