Sherley Ensign was born about 1828 in Ohio. It is unclear when Mr. Ensign arrived in the Pacific Northwest. However, he had established a ferry across the Columbia River by about 1852 when Ezra Meeker was traveling to the area. When the first territorial Governor of Washington, Isaac I. Stevens, arrived in Olympia, WA in November 1853, many leading citizens were there to welcome him. Mr. Ensign is listed along with many familiar pioneer family names. About Aug. 19, 1854 Mr. Ensign and a few other men returned from a prospecting tour of the Cascade Mountains. They were convinced that gold existed but doubted there were large quantities. During 1852-1857, treaties and campaigns against the Pacific Northwest Native Americans were ongoing. In 1856, Col. B. F. Shaw led a campaign east of the Cascade Mountains at the Grand Ronde River. Private Sherley Ensign was part of this battle and was injured. This battle was the last action of the volunteers before their final disbanding in 1856. About January of 1855, Mr. Ensign was named the County Sheriff for the year. He was also a plaintiff in a civil action for the collection of an account. It appears that this power of attorney may be related to the civil action. Mr. Ensign names his old commander, B.F. Shaw, in the 1857 power of attorney. In 1860, Mr. Ensign is listed in the U.S. Federal Census as a miner and living in Thurston County, WA. It can't be determined at this time if Mr. Ensign ever married or the date of his death.
From the description of Sherley [sic] Ensign's power of attorney to B.F. Shaw, 1857 May 7. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 192175404
