Biographical / Historical Notes
Augustus S. Ensworth was born in Connecticut around 1810 and moved to San Diego as a teamster. He was elected as the Justice of Peace in 1856 and consequently began the study of law. In 1859, Judge Ensworth was elected as Assemblyman. In September 1860, Ensworth started handling Thomas Whaley’s business activities in San Diego, while Whaley was working as a Commissary Storekeeper for the U.S. Army under Captain M. D. L. Simpson. Ensworth lived in the Whaley House, recorded financial transactions, served as an accountant for taxes, and completed repairs on the building. In a letter to Thomas Whaley on February 21, 1865, A.S. Ensworth admitted having a broken leg. He was hospitalized at the Sisters of Charity Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. On September 13, 1865, Augustus S. Ensworth died from an infection. Judge Benjamin Hayes informed Thomas Whaley of Ensworth’s death.
From the guide to the Augustus S. Ensworth Ledger, 1860 September-1865 January, (San Diego History Center Document Collection)
