Charles Hensley (c1796) and Rhoda --- of Buncombe, Yancey and Madison Co, NC

I (Marty Grant) am not related to the Charles B. Hensley family as far as I know, but I am very interested in him though.

Charles Hensley was born ca 1795/96 in Buncombe Co, NC, presumably in the section that later became Yancey County (in 1833), and finally became Madison County (in 1851). I've seen others list Charles with a middle initial of "B", but I have not seen this included on any original source document, so I'm considering it suspect until I do see some evidence for it.

Charles Hensley is a proven child of John Hensley Sr. The proof of Charles being a son of John was shared with me by Benny E. Hensley. I haven't seen the original records yet, but apparently in January 1833 Charles was involved in a Buncombe County Court action against his step-mother Martha Hensley. Benny sent me this: Buncombe Co, NC Deed Book 19, page 17, "Charles Hensley, Polly Hensley, Peggy Hensley received from widow Martha Hensley, their stepmother, full satisfaction paid in full for all parts of lands our father John Hensley, died seized, we relinquish all rights, etc", 23 Sep 1815.

The above record strongly suggests that those three (Charles, Polly, and Peggy) were the only children John had with his first wife. The census seems to show a lot of other children, so the rest were probably all Martha's.

Charles was apparently home with his parents for the 1800 census, in the "under 10" category, or born ca 1790/1800. He was also apparently with his parents in 1810, in the age 10-15 category, or born ca 1794/1800.

John Hensley Sr died sometime between 1810 and ca 1815. I did not find Charles on the 1820 census. He would have been approximately 24 years old then. Since his father was dead, and Charles was still unmarried then, perhaps he was residing with siblings, or other relatives in 1820.

Charles married Rhoda --- circa 1820/22, presumably in Buncombe Co, NC. Many old Hensley charts show her maiden name as either "Barrett" or "Barnett". However, data shared with me by Benny E. Hensley shows she was most likely a "Franklin".

Charles Hensley was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe Co, NC. He wasn't listed very close to any other Hensley families, but it is clear (based on his neighbors) that he was already in the area that later became Madison County (in 1851). His neighbors on either side were Littleton Byers and George Franklin.

On 20 Sep 1831, Charles Hensley (spelled "Hensly") witnessed a deed between John G. Blount to John Stanton for 150 acres on Big Creek of Laurel. (Yancey Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 2 from "Index and Abstract of Deeds of Yancey Co., NC Deed Book 1" by Sally Williams, 1985).

On the same date (20 Sep 1831), Charles Hensly also witnessed another deed from John G. Blount to William Jordan, for 100 acres on Big Creek of Laurel. (Yancey Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 340 from "Index and Abstract of Deeds of Yancey Co., NC Deed Book 1" by Sally Williams, 1985).

In 1833 Yancey County was formed from the section of Buncombe County where Charles Hensley lived.

On 19 Jul 1836 Charles Hensley (spelled "Hensly") and Neely Tweed (his son-in-law) witnessed a deed between William Shelton to John Shelton for land on waters of Laurel. (Yancey Co, NC Deed Book 1 page 231 from "Index and Abstract of Deeds of Yancey Co., NC Deed Book 1" by Sally Williams, 1985).

Charles was listed on the 1840 census in Yancey Co, NC, clearly still in the part that later became Madison County. Several other Hensley families were close by and on the same page, including: Bannister Hensley, William A. Hensley, and Amos Hensley. Charles' neighbors on either side were John McElroy and David Presley. Charles seemed to have two "extra" daughters with him in 1840. His only daughter from 1830 (Lucinda) was married already, but there was someone her age with Charles in 1840. This might be a niece or boarder of some kind. There was also another girl (c1825/30) with him in 1840, but no one this age had been with him in 1830.

Charles and family were listed on the 1850 census in Yancey Co, NC. Their neighbors were all known Madison County families. The nearest Hensley family was Elias Hensley, only 8 households away. Next to Charles was Presley Blankenship on one side, and John George on the other.

Madison County was formed from part of Yancey County in 1851, including where several of the Hensley families resided.

Charles died ca 1858 in Madison County, NC. I'm not sure of the source for this date, but I believe it is based on an estate date, or the appointment of an administrator.

Rhoda Hensley, widow of Charles, was listed on the 1860 census in Madison Co, NC. Beverly Hensley, a suspected son of Charles and Rhoda, was next door, and Hickman Hensley was just six houses away.

I do not yet have Rhoda in 1870, but presumably, she was still in Madison County.

In 1880, Rhoda was in Madison Co, NC census with a grandson, Thompson Hensley. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

I have no data on the family beyond this point. Research in Buncombe, Yancey and Madison County records may reveal much more about them.

Children

Charles and Rhoda had several children, many proven by the 1850 and 1860 and later census records. The estate record of Charles Hensley also proves the children's names. (Thanks to Benny E. Hensley for information from the Estate records).

Lucinda Hensley was born 8 Jul 1822 in Buncombe (now Madison) Co, NC. (Thanks to Benny E. Hensley for date).

I didn't know about this child until Benny E. Hensley gave her name and info to me. The census records showed a daughter this age in 1830 and 1840, but I didn't know who she was.

Lucinda was apparently home with her parents for the 1830 census. She married Nealy Tweed ca 1838 in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC.

They were listed on the 1840 census in Yancey, just a few houses from her parents, and just a few from James Tweed, his possible father. They were listed next door to Reuben Tweed (Neely's brother?) and Isaac Rice Sr.

They were listed on the 1850 census in Yancey Co, NC next to James and Rachel Tweed, possibly Neely's parents. On the other side was Absalom Holland. Amos Hensley was just three houses away.

She was named in the estate records of her father Charles as one of his heirs. (Thanks to Benny Hensley for that info).

He married Minerva Jane Haire ca 1845 in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC. I didn't realize that Beverly was a child of Charles B. Hensley until Benny E. Hensley shared that information with me.

Beverly Hensley was listed on the 1850 Yancey Co, NC census (no where near his parents), but still in the Madison County area, apparently. He was listed on 1860 census in Madison Co, NC.

Beverly was killed in the Civil War, and he was mentioned in the estate records of Charles Hensley as "Heirs of Beverly Richard Hensley" showing he was deceased.

John Hensley was born 17 Sep 1826 in Buncombe (now Madison) Co, NC. (Thanks to Benny E. Hensley for date).

John was apparently home with his parents for the 1830 and 1840 census. He was with them in 1850 and 1860 as well.

He married on 10 Nov 1867 in Madison Co, NC to Matilda Shelton (widow of Robert Haire).

They were in Madison in 1880 in Shelton Laurel Township. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

George Hensley was born ca 1826/27 in Buncombe (now Madison) Co, NC. George was residing with Charles Hensley family in 1850, but he probably died shortly after that, as he did not appear on the 1860 census, nor was he named in the Estate records of Charles Hensley.

Benny E. Hensley has suggested that this George Hensley may not be a child of Charles and Rhoda, but was just residing with them in 1850, and may actually be a child of Amos Hensley and Arty Norton. This is a distinct possibility, but I'm not ready to remove George as a child of Charles and Rhoda yet until more evidence is found one way or the other. However, if this is correct, then that would explain George's apparent absence from Charles' household on the 1840 census, and Amos did have an apparent son that age.

It is entirely possible that George went "back and forth" between Charles and Amos for some reason. In 1830, Charles had two apparent son George's age (one being John), whereas Amos had only one (his son Jacob). In 1840, Charles only had one apparent son George's age with him (probably John, instead of George), whereas Amos now had two sons that age (George and Jacob?). This is highly speculative, but it could certainly explain the situation.

Since George was not named in Charles' estate records, it could mean he was dead with no heirs, or that he wasn't Charles' son. If we can determine that George was still living after 1850, then that would help sort this out somewhat, but unfortunately, the 1850 census record is the last we have for George.

I have a strong suspicion that this is the same George who, on 6 Jun 1856 obtained a marriage bond in Greene Co, TN to marry Martha Adaline Hair (Haire), and married her on 14 Jun 1856, presumably in Greene County. Martha was a sister to Minerva Jane Haire who had previously married George's brother Beverly, so despite the different locations, it seems to be the same set of people. Martha was born ca 1827/28 in Tennessee, daughter of Abraham Haire and Sarah R. ---

I did not find George and Martha in 1860, which may be due to George having died before then (and also why he was not named in the Charles Hensley estate records). Martha was still living, but I did not find her in Tennessee or North Carolina that year, nor in 1870.

However, in 1880, Martha was in Madison Co, NC, listed as "Martha A. Hensley", age 52, a widow, residing with her widowed sister Minerva Hensley, and also with their widowed mother Sarah.

So, apparently, Martha was widowed by 1880, but I don't know where she was in 1860 and 1870.

Wesley Hensley was born ca 1830/31 in Buncombe (now Madison) Co, NC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 census.

By 1860 he was residing in Madison Co, NC as head of household, with the Nancy Riddle family living with him, relationship unknown.

Apparently Wesley was divorced before 1880, for on that census, Wesley was living with a Haire family and his marital status was listed as divorced. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

William Hensley was born ca 1832/33 in Buncombe (now Madison) Co, NC. Benny E. Hensley gives 15 Sep 1830 as his birth date. This year doesn't work with his two census entries that I have (1850 and 1860), but the year and month could be correct (or it could all be correct).

He married Mary "Polly" Dudley on 9 Jan 1853 in Madison Co, NC. Mary was born ca 1832/33 in Tennessee. I don't know who her parents were.

They were listed in Madison Co, NC for the 1860 census next door to Jacob Hensley, son of Amos Hensley, a distant cousin.

Margaret Hensley was born ca 1840/41 in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census.

Ephraim M. Hensley was born ca 1844/45 in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC. Benny E. Hensley gives his birth date as 1 Oct 1841. This year disagrees with his 1850 and 1860 census entries, but the day and month could be correct (or it could all be correct).

They were in Madison in 1880 in Shelton Laurel Township. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.

Lena Hensley was born ca 1850 in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC. She was not listed on the 1850 census, but she was residing with Rhoda Hensley and family in 1860 in Madison Co, NC. She may be a granddaughter instead of a daughter. She was not named as an heir in the Charles Hensley estate records. She could have died by then, or else been a grandchild instead.

Researcher List

1. Charles¹ Hensley , born 1795/96 in Buncombe Co, NC; died abt 1858 in Madison Co, NC, son of John Hensley and ? (---) . He married in 1820/22 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC) Rhoda (---) , born 1797/98 in Buncombe Co, NC; died aft 1880 in Madison Co, NC.

Children of Charles Hensley and Rhoda (---) were as follows:

+ 2 i Lucinda² Hensley , born 8 Jul 1822 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 31 May 1914 in Madison Co, NC. She married Nealey Tweed .

+ 3 ii Beverly² Hensley , born 1824/25 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died abt 1864 in Civil War. He married Minerva Jane Haire .

+ 4 iii John² Hensley , born 17 Sep 1826 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 8 May 1900 in Madison Co, NC. He married Matilda Shelton .

5 iv George² Hensley , born 1826/27 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died bef 1880 in Madison Co, NC. He married on 14 Jun 1856 in Greene Co, TN Martha Adeline Haire , born 1827/28 in TN, daughter of Abraham Haire and Sarah R (---) .

6 v Wesley² Hensley , born 1830/31 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

+ 7 vi William² Hensley , born 1832/33 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 30 Jan 1925 in Greene Co, TN. He married Mary "Polly" Dudley .

8 vii Margaret² Hensley , born 1840/41 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC). She married on 16 Oct 1855 in Madison Co, NC Alexander Shelton .

+ 9 viii Ephraim M² Hensley , born 1844/45 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 5 Jul 1916 in Madison Co, NC. He married Ailsey Shelton .

10 ix Lena² Hensley , born 1850 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

Generation 2

2. Lucinda² Hensley (Charles¹), born 8 Jul 1822 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 31 May 1914 in Madison Co, NC. She married in 1835/40 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC) Nealey Tweed , born 1815/16 in NC.

Children of Lucinda Hensley and Nealey Tweed were as follows:

11 i Elisha J³ Tweed , born 1839/40 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

12 ii Emily³ Tweed , born 1840/41 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

13 iii Martha J³ Tweed , born 1842/43 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

14 iv Albert L³ Tweed , born 1844/45 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

15 v Joshua S³ Tweed , born 1846/47 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

16 vi John W³ Tweed , born 1850 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

3. Beverly² Hensley (Charles¹), born 1824/25 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died abt 1864 in Civil War. He married in 1840/45 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC) Minerva Jane Haire , born 1820/21 in NC; died aft 1880 in Madison Co, NC, daughter of Abraham Haire and Sarah R (---) .

Children of Beverly Hensley and Minerva Jane Haire were as follows:

17 i Isabel S³ Hensley , born 1844/45 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

18 ii Zachary T³ Hensley , born 1847/48 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

19 iii Lucinda³ Hensley , born 1850 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).

+ 20 iv Burgess G³ Hensley , born 1852/53 in Madison Co, NC. He married Ursula (---) .

21 v Abraham³ Hensley , born 1855/56 in Madison Co, NC.

22 vi Reuben³ Hensley , born 1857/58 in Madison Co, NC.

4. John² Hensley (Charles¹), born 17 Sep 1826 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 8 May 1900 in Madison Co, NC. He married on 10 Nov 1867 in Madison Co, NC Matilda Shelton , born 1830/31 in NC.

Children of John Hensley and Matilda Shelton were as follows:

23 i Averenza³ Hensley , born 1866/67 in Madison Co, NC.

24 ii George³ Hensley , born 1869/70 in Madison Co, NC.

25 iii Emily³ Hensley , born 1876/77 in Madison Co, NC.

7. William² Hensley (Charles¹), born 1832/33 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 30 Jan 1925 in Greene Co, TN. He married on 9 Jan 1853 in Madison Co, NC, divorced Mary "Polly" Dudley , born 1832/33 in TN.

Children of William Hensley and Mary "Polly" Dudley were as follows:

26 i Nealy³ Hensley , born 1853/54 in Madison Co, NC.

27 ii Henry³ Hensley , born 1855/56 in Madison Co, NC.

+ 28 iii Thompson³ Hensley , born 1857/58 in Madison Co, NC. He married Mahulda (---) .

29 iv Rhoda³ Hensley , born 1860 in Madison Co, NC.

30 v Solomon³ Hensley , born 1863 in Madison Co, NC; died 1920 in Greene Co, TN.

9. Ephraim M² Hensley (Charles¹), born 1844/45 in Yancey Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died 5 Jul 1916 in Madison Co, NC. He married on 12 Oct 1864 in Madison Co, NC Ailsey Shelton , born 1844/45.

Children of Ephraim M Hensley and Ailsey Shelton were as follows:

31 i Ann Eliza³ Hensley , born 1864/65 in Madison Co, NC.

32 ii Charles³ Hensley , born 1866/67 in Madison Co, NC.

33 iii Solomon³ Hensley , born 1870/71 in Madison Co, NC.

34 iv Ursula³ Hensley , born 1872/73 in Madison Co, NC.

35 v Daisy³ Hensley , born 1875/76 in Madison Co, NC.

36 vi Ruhama³ Hensley , born 1877/78 in Madison Co, NC.

Generation 3

20. Burgess G³ Hensley (Beverly², Charles¹), born 1852/53 in Madison Co, NC. He married in 1870/74 in Madison Co, NC Ursula (---) , born 1851/52 in Madison Co, NC.

Children of Burgess G Hensley and Ursula (---) were as follows:

37 i Henry C⁴ Hensley , born 1873/74 in Madison Co, NC.

38 ii Minnie⁴ Hensley , born 1875/76 in Madison Co, NC.

39 iii Joseph W⁴ Hensley , born 1877/78 in Madison Co, NC.

28. Thompson³ Hensley (William², Charles¹), born 1857/58 in Madison Co, NC. He married in 1870/78 in Madison Co, NC Mahulda (---) , born 1855/56 in Madison Co, NC.

Children of Thompson Hensley and Mahulda (---) were as follows:

40 i Avarenza⁴ Hensley , born 1877/78 in Madison Co, NC.