Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

CHRISTIAN ENSFIELD

Christian Ensfield and his wife Mary were both natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1838 and in 1850 became residents of Saugatuck, Michigan.

The trip across the ocean was a hard rough one and covered many weeks.

Mr. Ensfield had learned the tanner's trade in the old country and continued the same work here, working at Plummerville and at Wallin's tannery also at South Haven. After many years of tannery work he purchased a farm in Saugatuck township and later bought eighty acres in Ganges, making a success of the undertaking and spending the remainder of their lives there respected and beloved citizens.

Mrs. Ensfield died in 1883 and Mr. Ensfield in 1902.

In their family were eleven children, ten reached years of maturity, one passing in infancy. They were, Catherine, deceased; Susan, and Caroline, twins, deceased; Christopher, deceased; Louise and Gilbert, deceased; Alfredina, Jennie, Henry, who owns the old homestead, and Annie, (Mrs. Will Lamb).