Between the Covers

Unbound. A collection of 91 letters from 1909 to 1910 (with a few later) by a few correspondents, but predominately letters from Lewis W. Gillilan to Miss Ellen Benson of Utah during Gillilan’s trip to Yellowstone, Wyoming. All items are very good with folds from mailing, and light wear with clear handwritten text.

Handwritten love letters, mostly from Gillilan to his wife to be, Ellen Benson, with a few in return from her. Neither Gillilan's or Benson’s parents approved of their relationship and Gillilan was cut off from his allowance. Rather than giving up, Gillilan traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah from Yellowstone, Wyoming to find enough work to finance their marriage. The first letter written about his trip is from Benson explaining how much she loves and misses him, “Oh dear I wish we had a little home of our own and just you and I, how I’d love you and try to make you happy… I just love you so much that I can’t find words to express my feelings.” Gillilan had first worked on ships but quickly switched to a job as a stagecoach driver, “I have a job that I like now and have always been crazy for.” The letters from this time talk about how much Gillilan misses his true love and that no matter what others say, he still loves her, “Even if nobody likes it, it’s alright as long as you and I are satisfied with each other.” Later in the letters, Gillilan asks Benson to come to Butte, Montana to be married, “Dearie, do you know what I’d rather do? I’d like to have you come up to Butte and get – you know… .” Benson complies and travels to Butte where the couple was married and spent their honeymoon.


In an article we found (not in this archive), it was revealed that after the couple got married their parents forgave them and were reconciled.

Also included is some later correspondence including letters from 1939 from their daughter Lois relating to her trip to Banchory and Aberdeen in Scotland. She writes to her parents, now living in Summit, New Jersey, that she is doing well in Scotland and provides details about her work as a bacteriologist. Sadly, Lewis dies just three years later on April 20, 1942 at the age of 51, leaving behind his wife, three daughters, and a son.

An extensive look into a man’s life and family commencing with his adventures in the West.

Item #413908