Ensign Family Kettle

Contributed By Donise Price · 20 January 2014 · 

Tale of the Ensigns’ Kettle

This black kettle would have many a story to tell if it could, because it swung beneath the wagon of the Ensigns’ as they made their way across the plains from Nauvoo to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. It belonged to Horace Datus and Mary Bronson Ensign. They acquired it as they made preparations to join the Saints of 1844. The kettle was used extensively in the making of soups, stews, buffalo roasts, baking biscuits and sour dough bread. No doubt this kettle played a big part on their journey as they circled their wagons for the night and prepared their food over the camp fires. This kettle, among other relics, was kept in the family by their son, Luman Ashley Ensign. It’s next home was in Luman’s daughter’s, Mary Emma Ensign. She married Joseph Mahonri Cahoon. The kettle then found a home in Miriam Cahoon’s home, their daughter. From there it was given to their son and daughter, Gordon and Ilene Pyper, children of Marian Cahoon Pyper. Later Ilene gave complete rights to her brother, Gordon. After a time it became excess and he sold it to a friend, Robert Sheldon for $20.00. Robert Sheldon was the ward custodian in Parley’s 3rd Ward, Parley’s Stake. I was living in that same ward, and knowing I was an Ensign, and knowing it was an heirloom, wanted to know if I would like to buy it. Mother and especially Dad, were very excited about acquiring it. They suggested I pay $20.00 or more if it became necessary. The deal of $20.00 was made, and now this Ensign pioneer cast iron kettle is back in the Ensign family where it belongs. I received it 134 years after it entered the Valley. Patricia Ensign Richards.