Ensign, Eben 1847-1933

ENSIGN, BENNETT

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-Volunteer
Date: 5/27/2012 at 12:00:47

Hawarden Indepenendent (29 Apr 1933)

Eben Ensign, a long time resident of this community, passed away at the Hawarden hospital about 3 o’clock last Thursday morning at the advanced age of 86 years. He had been in gradually falling health for several years and had been quite poorly the past winter and was removed to the hospital a few days before his death.

Eben Ensign was born at Pontiac, Mich., March 25, 1847. His mother passed away at the time of his birth. There were two older sisters in the family and his father later married again, two sons being born to his second union. Both of the sisters and half brothers preceded Mr. Ensign in dearth and he was the last reaming member of the family. He spent most of his youth in Battle Creek Mich., but came west in an early day with his uncle the late R. H. Bennett and farmed with him for a number of years in Plymouth county near Le Mars. Forty two years ago he came to Calliope and has been a continuous resident of this community ever since. Early in life he learned the trade of lather and for many years followed this vocation here. He was small in stature but exceedingly wiry and active and was long regarded as one of the most expert lathers engaged in the trade. He never married and for many years made his home with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. After their death, however, being of an independent nature he preferred to live alone. For a period of six year or seven years, up until a couple of years ago, he lived the year around at John Conrad’s camp in the J.A. Armstrong pasture, northwest of town. About two years ago he built a small house on the bank of the Sioux river at the site of the old Calliope Bridge, where he spent his final years. During recent months as he became too feeble to care for himself, his physical wants were largely looked after by his good neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. A.G Ensign, who though bearing the same name, were not related to him. It was finally through their insistence that he consented to be removed to the hospital. Mr. Ensign was a man of kindly generous nature and a friend to all who knew him.

Funeral services were held at the Ross Funeral Home last Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Robt. H. Forrester, pastor of the Methodist church. Interment was made in the R.H. Bennett lot in Grace Hill cemetery