Silas B. Ensign, M. D. Biography


	This biography appears on pages 242-245 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				SILAS B. ENSIGN, M. D. 

	Dr. Silas B. Ensign, of Lake Preston, South Dakota, enjoyed a 
large practice while living in Iowa but since coming to South Dakota 
has devoted his attention largely to farming interests. He is now, 
however, living retired. He was born in Delaware county, New York, 
September 25, 1839, a son of Elias and Clara Ensign, the former a well 
known farmer. Both are now deceased. 

	Dr. Ensign gained his knowledge of the fundamental branches of 
learning in the public schools and obtained his knowledge of medicine 
largely by private study. He was given a diploma by the Cedar Valley 
Medical Association, which credential was accepted by the state 
authorities, and he practiced in Butler and Grundy counties, Iowa, for 
thirty-five years. He gained an enviable reputation for success in his 
chosen profession but because of failing health left that state and 
removed to South Dakota, locating upon a homestead. He also took up a 
desert claim, upon which he now makes his home and which is situated 
just outside the town of Lake Preston. That town was not in existence 
at the time that he came to this state. Upon his arrival here he turned 
his attention to farming and in the course of time his health improved, 
but he did not give up his agricultural pursuits. At the time of his 
arrival the section of the state in which he lives abounded with game 
and conditions were those of a pioneer section. 

	Dr. Ensign was married on the 23d of October, 1879, to Miss 
Hattie H. Strout, a daughter of Benjamin B. Strout. The Doctor and his 
wife have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, 
Hattie R. Whiteman, who is a resident of Iowa. Dr. Ensign is a 
Christadelphian in his religious belief and in politics is an advocate 
of reform movements. He owns one hundred and forty acres of good land, 
is a stockholder in the Cooperative Company and the Lake Preston 
Milling Company. He finds his chief delight in study and reading and 
has written quite extensively, especially upon religious subjects. He 
has read widely and thought deeply along those lines and as he 
possesses a clear, forceful style, his writings are favorably received. 
He was at one time quite prominent in the populist party in his 
section, being chairman of the county committee, and was asked to run 
for senator but declined the nomination. All who have been admitted 
into the circle of his friendship are proud of being numbered among his 
friends and esteem him highly, knowing him to be a man of strong 
mentality, upright character and attractive personality.