Benjamin Hensley (c1805), Mary Hensley Capps (c1809) and Frances Hensley Copp (c1816) of Washington, Monroe and Bradley Co., TN

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The author (Marty Grant) is not related to Benjamin, Mary or Frances Hensley as far as can be determined. They did live in the same county (Monroe Co, TN) as my ancestor Samuel Hensley (1801-1852).

Special thanks to Neil O'Hara and Linda Clark for data shared on this family.

It isn't totally proven that Benjamin, Mary and Frances were siblings, but it seems highly likely that they are closely related. In 1850, Benjamin Hensley was residing with Mary Hensley and her husband John Capps. John Capps' brother Jonathan Copp (Capps) was married to a Frances Hensley. These facts strongly suggest that these three were siblings, but don't prove it completely.

Neil O'Hara wrote me and suggested that these three were siblings, and Linda Clark wrote me and suggested that Benjamin and Mary were siblings. I agree with their conclusions, but like them I have no absolute proof of this relationship but it does seem highly likely.

That leaves the important question of who their parents were. I have no direct proof of their parentage, but I have three prime suspects based entirely on circumstantial evidence and speculation. More evidence is needed to prove or disprove these theories.

First of all, some criteria is needed. Assuming that we are correct about Benjamin (c1805), Mary (c1809) and Frances (c1816) being siblings, then their parents would have been married before 1805, and still living as late as ca 1816. Since Benjamin was born in Tennessee (per his 1850 census entry), then his parents would have been in Tennessee at that time (ca 1805). This narrows down the list of suspects considerably, as most of the Eastern Tennessee Hensleys arrived from North Carolina and Virginia after this date, but there were a few in Eastern Tennessee already by 1805. Another assumption to make is that they were, in fact, in eastern Tennessee, and not middle or western Tennessee. Although it is possible, it seems highly unlikely that their parents were from somewhere other than Eastern Tennessee since that is where Benjamin et al were living later on. Typical migration in Tennessee was east to west, not the other way around.

There are some other facts to consider for identifying their possible parents. These three Hensleys were found in Washington, Monroe and Bradley County, Tennessee. This places them in proximity to several other Hensleys. There were only a few Hensleys in those areas (or in other nearby counties) who were old enough, and in Tennessee early enough, to be considered strong candidates for the parents of these three Hensleys.

It would have been very helpful to have access to the 1790-1820 Federal Census records. Unfortunately these records are lost for Eastern Tennessee. The 1830 census is the first one that is extant for the region. Unfortunately, by this time, both Benjamin and Mary had married, so were no longer with their parents. However, sister Frances Hensley (c1816) was not married until 1843, so, presumably, she was still with her parents in both 1830 and 1840 census. Since she married in 1843 in Washington County, it would seem that is the first place to look for her. However, since both of her known siblings were in Monroe County by 1830, it seems possible that her parents might have been there instead of Washington, or perhaps had connections in both counties.

I started with the census closest to Frances' 1843 wedding date, which was the 1840 census. In Washington County that year, there were 8 Hensley households. Of those 8 households, only one of them had an apparent daughter Frances' age residing with them. That was an apparent widow Elizabeth Hensley (c1783). She had had several children with her in 1840 (this census did not give names of family members), including one girl age 20-29, or born ca 1810/20, which fits with Frances' birth of ca 1816. Elizabeth Hensley was still in Washington Co, TN for the 1850 census, but had no daughter this age with her any longer, so her daughter born ca 1810/20 was probably married in the 1840-50 timeframe. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Frances and her husband were only a few pages away from Elizabeth Hensley in the 1850 census. In fact, Elizabeth was the only Hensley listed anywhere near Frances and her family. This does not prove anything, but it is good circumstantial evidence. Both Mary and Frances named their oldest daughters "Elizabeth" so that is another clue.

Frances Hensley Copp's 1880 census entry listed both her parents as born in Tennessee. That may or may not be accurate.

Backing up to the 1830 census I did not find Elizabeth Hensley listed anywhere, so presumably, her husband (who is unidentified) was still alive then, and listed as head of household. There were no entries in Washington County, TN in 1830 who match Elizabeth's known family, so this tells me she was not in Washington County in that year. Since two of her potential children (Benjamin and Mary) were in Monroe Co, TN in 1830, perhaps Elizabeth and her husband were also. There were 8 Hensley households in Monroe County in 1830.  For this analysis, I looked for one of them that had:

• An apparent daughter Frances Hensley's age (born ca 1816),
• An apparent wife the same age as Elizabeth Hensley (c1783).

Of those two criteria, the first was most important since I have no absolute proof that Elizabeth was her mother, however, as it turns out, only one of the Hensleys in Monroe had an apparent daughter Frances' age, and another one was a very close (but not perfect) match. Both of them also had an apparent wife Elizabeth's age, so that helps my theory that Elizabeth was her mother. These two Hensleys were: Trent Hensley (1770/80) (perfect match) and Temple Hensley (1760/70) (almost perfect match).

I know very little about these two Hensleys but I've always been of the opinion that they were brothers to each other. Of these, Temple Hensley fails the criteria somewhat, as he was known to be in Washington County Virginia and Scott County Virginia in the 1813-1816 timeframe. However, since those were Tennessee border counties, it is possible he was in Tennessee ca 1805, ca 1809 and perhaps later (or earlier) in 1816 for the births of the children. This does not totally disqualify him from consideration. Further evidence against Temple is that the 1830 census entry for him shows two daughters born ca 1810/15, which is not a perfect match for Frances, born ca 1816, but close enough, considering typical census errors.

Trent Hensley was in Hawkins Co, TN in 1812, so it is reasonable to assume he was also there earlier than that. I'm considering these two men, Temple and Trent Hensley as the two prime candidates to be father to Benjamin, Mary and Frances Hensley, with Trent Hensley being the more likely one. Further, I'm considering that one of these two men were married to Elizabeth (---) Hensley (c1783).

I should make it very clear that all of the above is speculation based entirely on circumstantial evidence, so take it for what it is worth. There may be records available that will prove this, or shed more light on it, or totally refute it. Until then though, this is my working theory, that they are children of Elizabeth Hensley, widow of either Temple or Trent Hensley.

See the pages for Temple Hensley (1760/70), Trent Hensley (1770/80) and Elizabeth (---) Hensley (c1783) for more on them. If anyone has any proof tying all these together please let me know.

I should also add Randal Hensley (1807) to this list since he was living next door to Benjamin (1805) in 1830. However, since he was born in NC (per 1860 census) he might not be a sibling to Benjamin, though probably related. I feel rather confidant that Randal is a son of Benjamin Hensley (c1776) and Elizabeth (---) Hensley. Benjamin (1776) lived in Monroe in 1830 and moved to Union Co., GA just after that. His early census records show several unidentified children including ones that match Benjamin (c1805), Mary (c1809) and Frances (c1816) age-wise. The only problem was that Benjamin (1776) was in NC at the time these kids were born in TN (though perhaps he moved around a bit between census years.)

Children of Mr. and Mrs. Hensley. At present, I have Benjamin Hensley, Mary A. Hensley and Frances Hensley as probable siblings.

One other possible child of this unknown Hensley couple is Catherine Hensley who married John Britton (Brittain) on 22 Sep 1822 in Washington Co., TN. She was born ca 1800/10 per her 1830 census entry. They moved to McMinn Co., TN before 1830, and to Greene Co., MO in the 1830's where Catherine died ca 1837, and John ca 1840.  I have no real proof connecting Catherine to these others but she was of the same age group and was in Washington County early on. McMinn County borders both Bradley and Monroe where these others lived. (Thanks to Jonathan Brown for information on the Brittain family. He is of the opinion that this Catherine is the same as Catherine Hensley, proven daughter of Larkin and Sarah Hensley, my ancestors, and that might be correct but solid proof is lacking.)

Benjamin Hensley (c1805)

Mary A. Hensley (c1809)

Frances Hensley (c1816)

Benjamin Hensley was born ca 1804/05 per his age of 45 on the 1850 census. He was born somewhere in Tennessee (per 1850 census). I don't know what county he was born in, but the best guess I have now is either Hawkins or Washington County. Other places are possible as well, but those two top the list.

Presumably he was home with his parents for the 1810 and 1820 census, both of which were lost for all of Eastern Tennessee.

Benjamin Hensley apparently married someone between ca 1820 and 1825. I don't know who his wife was, nor where they married. No marriage record has been found. There is a marriage for "Benjamin Hinkle" and Lucinda Terry on 9 Mar 1825 in Washington Co., TN. "Hinkle" is rarely confused for "Hensley" but this was the closest I could find. Whoever this couple is they were not listed on the 1830 census in Washington County. There was an older Benjamin Hensley (c1793) in Washington in 1830 but he moved there in the 1820's from Buncombe Co., NC.

By 1830, Benjamin Hensley (c1805) was in Monroe Co, TN. He was listed next door to Randal Hensley (1807) who must be a close relative, though he was born in North Carolina, whereas Benjamin was born in TN. This might indicate they are cousins instead of brothers. Benjamin's neighbor on the other side was John Carden (c1800/10). Benjamin's sister Mary Hensley Capps was also in Monroe that year, but not listed nearby. Other than Randal, no other Hensleys were in close proximity. It is very possible that this is not the same Benjamin Hensley, but someone else instead.

Joe Henslee, a descendant of old Benjamin Hensley (1776) believes that this younger Benjamin of 1830 Monroe County is a son of that older Benjamin since he was living next to Randal who is a son of old Benjamin. Joe may be correct. If so then does that mean the Benjamin Hensley of 1850 Bradley County is a different man, or does it mean that Benjamin of Bradley is the same man? More research is needed to be sure either way. See the page for Benjamin Hensley (1800/10).

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Monroe Co, TN pg 140 Benjamin Hensley 2000100000000-0000100000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)	Benjamin HENSLEY (1804/05)
2 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)	Son? (1825/30)
					Son? (1825/30)
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Wife?  (1800/10)
 

There is a marriage bond dated 1 Nov 1832, marriage on 9 Jan 1833 in McMinn Co., TN for a Benjamin Hensley and Catherine Aiken (or Aiker). I've never been able to identify this couple. Since McMinn was between Monroe and Bradley Counties, perhaps this is the same Benjamin we are studying here. If so that would probably be his second marriage.

I did not find Benjamin Hensley on the 1840 census in Monroe County. His sister Mary Hensley Capps had moved back to Washington Co, TN by then, and Elizabeth, his suspected mother, was also back in Washington County. This could mean that Benjamin had also gone back there, but he was not listed on the census in that county. Since he was in Bradley County by 1850, it is possible he had moved into that area in the 1830's, though it was still Indian Lands until 1836, however he could have been there right after it was opened up. He was not listed in Bradley County on the 1840 census, nor in McMinn County, which was between Monroe and Bradley County. There were six listings for men named Benjamin Hensley (or similar) on the 1840 census in Tennessee. None of them appear to be this same Benjamin:

1. Benjamin Hensley (c1795) in Greene Co., TN.
2. Benjamin Hensley (Hinesley) (c1771) in Dekalb Co., TN.
3. Benjamin Hensley (c1797) in Roane Co, TN.
4. Benjamin Hensley (c1793) in Washington Co., TN.
5. Benjamin Hinkly in Smith Co., TN. Born 1790's, wife also. Two boys 1825/30; two girls 1820/25. The boys match the 1830 entry for our Benjamin, but the girls don't, and the husband and wife don't. Smith County is north central Tennessee.
6. Benjamin Hencly in Tipton Co., TN. This man was age 30-39 (c1800/10), no sons, apparent wife aged 20-29 (1810/20), and apparent daughters born ca 1835/40, 1830/35 (2), and 1825/30. This is not a good match at all for our Benjamin though his age is right. Tipton County is western Tennessee on the Mississippi River.

Since none of the listings above are for this Benjamin Hensley (c1805), then he must have either been missed in 1840 or was living with another family so that he wasn't head of household.

It seems that something happened to Benjamin's family for by 1850 he had no wife or children with him, and was living with his sister Mary in Bradley County, Tennessee. It is possible that his wife and children all died, or perhaps just his wife, and the children were farmed out to other relatives to be raised. It is also possible that the 1830 Monroe County Benjamin Hensley was a different person or that the other members of that household were not his wife and kids. Joe Henslee points out the fact that Benjamin Hensley (1776) had two apparent grandchildren with him on the 1850 census in Union Co., GA: Hiram Hensley (c1829) and William Hensley (1832). Were these boys sons of Benjamin (1805)? If his wife died in childbirth with William in 1832, the boys could have wound up with grandparents since Benjamin (1805) might not have been able to handle them by himself. If he remarried in 1833 (if that is him marrying that year in McMinn), then it also makes sense that his new wife might not have wanted to raise his young children from a previous marriage. Or on the other hand perhaps she died soon after too, so the kids went back to the grandparents. If all of this is true then that means that Benjamin (1805) is a son of Benjamin (1776). This theory works except for one thing, all of old Benjamin's known children were born in Burke County, North Carolina, none of them in Tennessee. The only census record we have for Benjamin (1805) shows him born in TN. That could be a mistake of course. More research is needed. Old Benjamin did have an unidentified son born 1800/10. He also had an unidentified daughter in that same age group who could be Mary Hensley Capps. He had two unidentified daughters born 1810/20, one of which could be Frances Hensley Copp.

The 1850 census records shows Benjamin with his sister's family in the 26th Subdivision in Bradley County. He was the only Hensley in that county that year. Benjamin was listed as a Blacksmith.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1850 BRADLEY CO, TN Page 259   House/Family # 1703/1703  - 26th Subdivision

COPP JOHN             56 M W FARMER                     TN                   1793/1794
COPP MARY             41 F W                            TN                   1808/1809
COPP ELIZABETH        23 F W                            TN                   1826/1827
COPP MARTHA           20 F W                            TN                   1829/1830
COPP BENJAMIN         18 M W                            TN                   1831/1832
COPP JOHN             16 M W                            TN                   1833/1834
COPP FRANCIS          13 F W                            TN                   1836/1837
COPP JOHNATHAN        10 M W                            TN                   1839/1840
COPP MARY              7 F W                            TN                   1842/1843
COPP ANDREW            5 M W                            TN                   1844/1845
COPP LOUISIA           2 F W                            TN                   1847/1848
COPP JACOB             0 M W 1/12                       TN                   1849/1850
HENSLY BENJAMIN       45 M W BLACKSMITH                 TN                   1804/1805
 

According to Linda Clark's research, John and Mary (Hensley) Capps moved to Franklin Co, IL before 1854. It is not known if Benjamin Hensley went with them, but we have not found him after 1850. He was not listed on the 1860 census as far as I could find.

Mary A. Hensley was born ca 1808/09 (per 1850 census) somewhere in Tennessee (per 1850 census). I don't know what county she was born in, but the best guess I have now is either Hawkins or Washington County.

Presumably she was home with her parents for the 1810 and 1820 census, both of which were lost for all of Eastern Tennessee.

Mary A. Hensley married John Capps before ca 1827, presumably in Washington or Monroe County, Tennessee. The spelling of his surname varies from record to record. No marriage record was found for John and Mary, but Linda Clark informs me that a marriage record for their son Jonathan gives his parents as "John Capps" and "Mary A. Hensley", thus proving she was a Hensley. John Capps was born ca 1793/94 in Tennessee. Neil O'Hara stated that John was a son of Michael Capp and Catherine Link (and therefore a brother to Jonathan Copp (Capps) who married Frances Hensley in 1843).

John and Mary were in Monroe Co, TN for the 1830 census. They were not near any Hensleys, but Mary's brother Benjamin Hensley (see above) was also in Monroe County that year.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Monroe Co, TN pg 120 John Capp 0010100000000-2000100000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)	John CAPPS (1793/94)
1 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Brother? Brother-in-law? Nephew?
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)	Mary A. HENSLEY Capps (1808/09) wife
2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Elizabeth CAPPS (1826/27) daughter
					Martha CAPPS (1829/30) daughter

John and Mary had moved (back?) to Washington Co, TN by 1840 and were listed there on that census. They were not listed near Elizabeth Hensley (c1783) who was several pages away. There were three Henly families next door to the Capps family: Catherine, Henderson and Joshua Henly. Henly is occasionally a misspelled Hensley, but probably not so in this case. They were listed in the 6th Regiment.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Washington Co, TN pg 247 John Capp 0200001000000-1110001000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)	John Capps (c1794)
2 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)	Benjamin Capps (c1832) son
					John Capps (c1834) son
1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)	Mary Hensley Capps (c1809) wife
1 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)	Elizabeth Capps (c1827) daughter
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Martha Capps (c1830) daughter
1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)	Frances Capps (c1837) daughter

By 1850, they had moved south again, and were in Bradley County, Tennessee, with Mary's apparent brother Benjamin Hensley residing with them.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1850 BRADLEY CO, TN Page 259   House/Family # 1703/1703  - 26th Subdivision

COPP JOHN             56 M W FARMER                     TN                   1793/1794
COPP MARY             41 F W                            TN                   1808/1809
COPP ELIZABETH        23 F W                            TN                   1826/1827
COPP MARTHA           20 F W                            TN                   1829/1830
COPP BENJAMIN         18 M W                            TN                   1831/1832
COPP JOHN             16 M W                            TN                   1833/1834
COPP FRANCIS          13 F W                            TN                   1836/1837
COPP JOHNATHAN        10 M W                            TN                   1839/1840
COPP MARY              7 F W                            TN                   1842/1843
COPP ANDREW            5 M W                            TN                   1844/1845
COPP LOUISIA           2 F W                            TN                   1847/1848
COPP JACOB             0 M W 1/12                       TN                   1849/1850
HENSLY BENJAMIN       45 M W BLACKSMITH                 TN                   1804/1805
 

According to Linda Clark's research, John and Mary (Hensley) Capps moved to Franklin Co, IL before 1854. According to Linda, John Capps died on 12 Oct 1854, as stated in her Pension application for a son's Civil War service. Linda believes John died in Illinois, rather than Tennessee, since a son married in Franklin Co, IL that same year (1854), but a few months earlier. This seems reasonable.

I was unable to find Mary or the children on the 1860 census.

Frances Hensley was born ca 1815/16 (per 1850 census) somewhere in Tennessee (per 1850 census). I don't know what county she was born in, but the best guess I have now is either Hawkins or Washington County.

Presumably she was home with her parents for the 1820 census, which was lost for all of Eastern Tennessee.

Frances was presumably home with her parents for the 1830 and 1840 census, but since her parents are unproven, I can say no more.

On 19 Oct 1843 "J. Capp" (Jonathan Copp) obtained a marriage bond to marry "F. Hensley" (Frances) in Washington County, Tennessee. They were married the same day. Jonathan was born ca 1816/17 (per 1850 census) in Tennessee. Neil O'Hara gives Michael Capp and Catherine Link as his parents, thus making him a brother to John Capps who married Mary Hensley at least 16 years earlier.

Jonathan and "Franky" were listed on the 1850 census in Washington Co, TN. The nearest Hensley was widow Elizabeth Hensley (c1783) just three pages away, and as mentioned earlier, she is a prime suspect to be Frances' mother.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

1850 WASHINGTON CO, TN Page 211B  House/Family # 1521/1554  - 4th Subdivision

COPP JONA.            33 M W                            TN                   1816/1817
COPP FRANKY           34 F W                            TN                   1815/1816
COPP ELIZABETH         5 F W                            TN                   1844/1845
COPP MICHAEL           5 M W                            TN                   1844/1845
COPP CATHERINE         3 F W                            TN                   1846/1847
COPP GEORGE W          2 M W                            TN                   1847/1848
COPP AMANDA            0 F W 2/12                       TN                   1849/1850

According to Neil O'Hara's research, Jonathan Copp died in Washington County in 1859, and Frances many years later in 1893 in the same place.

Frances and children were listed on the 1860 census in Washington County. No Hensleys were nearby.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

WASHINGTON CO, TN Page 135   House/Family #   70/  70 -- DISTRICT NO 1 Twp  BROYLESVILLE P.O.

COPP FRANCES          43 F W FARMER            3000   500 TN                 1816/1817
COPP ELIZABETH J      16 F W                              TN                 1843/1844
COPP MICHAEL          15 M W                              TN                 1844/1845
COPP CATHERINE        14 F W                              TN                 1845/1846
COPP GEORGE W         13 M W                              TN                 1846/1847
COPP AMANDA           10 F W                              TN                 1849/1850

Frances was still in the 1st District for the 1870 census. No Hensleys were listed in that district.

1870 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

WASHINGTON CO, TN Page 174   House/Family #   84/  82--1st DISTRICT Twp HORSE CREEK P.O.

COPP FRANCES          54 F W KEEPING HOUSE         1000   200 TN              1815/1816
COPP CATHERINE        21 F W                                  TN              1848/1849
COPP AMANDA           18 F W                                  TN              1851/1852

Frances was still in District 1 for the 1880 census, living with daughter Amanda.  They were just two houses from William Hensley (c1834 NC) William was from Madison Co., NC. It may be coincidence that he wound up so close to Frances, but maybe not. I have no clue how they might be related. I'm not sure which Hensley family he belongs to. He was listed in Madison Co., NC for the 1870 census, and in Washington Co., TN in 1880, Greene Co., TN in 1900, back in Washington in 1910, and back in Greene in 1920.

Madison Co., NC and Washington Co., TN bordered each other, so they may have lived fairly close together even before 1880, but on opposite sides of the mountain. This might be the same William Hensley who is a son of Charles and Rhoda Hensley.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

WASHINGTON CO, TN Page 436B  House/Family #   157/ 160 -- CIVIL DIST NO 1 Twp

MATHES AMANDA C                W F  29    M KEEPING HOUSE        TN  TN  TN  1850/1851
MATHES SARAH M                 W F   7 D  S                      TN  TN  TN  1872/1873
COPP FRANCES                   W F  58 MO W                      TN  TN  TN  1821/1822

Frances Hensley Copp died 25 Oct 1893 in Washington Co., TN. (Date per Neil O'Hara.)

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (Contact me to add, change or delete your listing here):

• Linda Clark = (Mary Hensley marr. John Capps)
• Neil O'Hara =  (Frances Hensley marr. Jonathan Copp)

Register Report