Benjamin Ensley was born on April 16, 1830 in Harmony Township, Warren County New Jersey. His father, also Benjamin Ensley, may or may not have been a Revolutionary War soldier. There is a D.A.R. Patriots List certification for Benjamin Ensley (1757- March 1823) in New Jersey. It states that his wife's name was Prudence. Records are very scarce for that time period.

Benjamin Ensley found gold on his claim near Placerville (Old Hangtown), California in 1852. After working his claim, he brought his newly found fortune to Michigan where government land was being sold. Learning that the state was going to build a stage coach line between Grand Rapids and Big Rapids, he purchased land which was exactly half way and a day’s journey from either town on each of what would be four corners. (Newcosta and 104th Street) An inn would be needed there.

Although the State Road (which was to be Newcosta Ave and Cedar Springs Ave) was not yet constructed, Ben built - first a log house and then, about two years later, an inn which he called the Half Way House.

Stage Picture:

Fred Lindberry (left) Frank Lindberry (on right) and Frank K. Richter (in stage on right). This stage coach is the original stage that ran from Kalamazoo to Big Rapids pictured here at Ben Ensley's Farm. This stage

coach is in pieces and is being stored at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing Michigan.

(Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Library)

(Photo Colorized by Verduin Webs)

 

 

"Four Corners" in 1868

On left is Ben Ensley's Log Cabin

(Photo courtesy of the White Cloud Public Library)

The amount of the “comfortable little fortune” mentioned in the townships tribute to Benjamin Ensley (Click Here) is not certain. According to family tradition, that first summer after he had “staked his claim” Ben was working part time for Fred Benham in Courtland Township (Kent County), and fell in love with the daughter, Mary. When he asked for her hand in marriage, her father demanded to know how Ben expected to support a wife. Thereupon, Ben opened his shirt revealing a leather pouch which he opened. It was filled with gold. They were married in 1855.

The Half Way House also served as a meeting place for the first pioneers. On October 18, 1858, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a township. Ben offered $100.00 to pay all the costs of organization plus an amount to cover the beginning operating expenses of the young township providing that it be named for him. His offer was accepted and Congressional Township 11 North, Range 11 West became, and still is today, Ensley Township.

(Photo taken by Verduin Webs)

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