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I (Marty Grant) am not related to James Hensley as far as I know.
James Hensley was born ca 1799/1800 (age "50" in 1850 census) or ca 1794/95 (age "65" in 1860 census). For various reasons, I think the ca 1794/95 birth year is the most accurate. He was born in TN, possibly Washington or Sullivan County.
James Hensley is most likely a son of Colbert Hensley and Elizabeth Shelton, but I have no direct proof of that connection, however, circumstantial evidence supports it.
Presumably, James would have been at home with his parents for the 1800, 1810 and 1820 census.
In 1800, James Hensley would have been approximately 5 years old, so he would have been enumerated in the "Under 10" age group (born ca 1790/1800). The 1800 Buncombe Co, NC census shows a total of six Hensley households, with five of them having a male his age, including: Colbert Hensley (1760/65), Henry Hensley (bef 1755), Hickman Hensley (1759), John Hensley (1765/74), and Washington Hensley (1774/84). This does support him possibly being Colbert's son, but does not prove it by any means.
In 1810, James Hensley would have been approximately 15 years old, so presumably enumerated in the 10-15 age group (c1794/1800). There were several Hensley households in 1810 Buncombe County with a male this age, including: Henry Hensley (bef 1755), John Hensley (1765/74), Washington Hensley (1774/84), and Colbert Hensley (1760/65). This further allows for Colbert to be James' father.
Colbert Hensley moved to nearby Greene Co, TN in the 1810-1820 timeframe, and apparently James did as well, so that is further evidence that they might be father and son.
Unfortunately, the 1820 census is lost for eastern TN, including Greene County. Colbert was not listed in 1820 Buncombe Co, NC census, as I believe he was living in Greene Co, TN at that time. However, considering the possibility that James was not a son of Colbert, there were a few Hensley's in Buncombe that had children James' age in 1820. For that year, James would have been approximately 25 years old, so should be enumerated in the 16-25 age group (born ca 1794/1804). In 1820 Buncombe, only Henry Hensley Sr had an apparent son age 16-25. For various reasons, I think I already know who that child was, and that it was not James.
James Hensley obtained a marriage bond on 3 Oct 1822 in Roane Co, Tennessee to marry Anna Erwin (Mary Ann Erwin). Bondsmen were John Melton and Meshack Green. Her name might be "Ervin" instead. Her parents were Francis and Polly Erwin as proven by an 1859 deed pertaining to their estate. (See below).
James and Mary Ann apparently remained in TN briefly, though I don't know if they remained in Roane County, or Greene County. However, they were back in Buncombe Co, NC by the time of the 1830 census.
In 1830, James Hensley was listed in Buncombe County, NC. He was listed next door to his (suspected) brother Amos Hensley on one side, and Solomon Stanton on the other side. Their father Colbert Hensley was about 19 houses away.
1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1830 Buncombe County, NC pg 304 James Hensely 1100010000000-1100010000000 Analysis: 1 Male(s) 30-39 (1790-1800) James HENSLEY (1795/1800) s/o Colbert 1 Male(s) 5-9 (1820-1825) Son? (1820/25) --> gone by 1840 1 Male(s) 0-4 (1825-1830) Son? (1825/30) 1 Female(s) 30-39 (1790-1800) Mary Ann ERVIN Hensley (1801/02) wife m 1822 1 Female(s) 5-9 (1820-1825) Daughter? (1820/25) 1 Female(s) 0-4 (1825-1830) Rebecca P. HENSLEY (1824/25) daughter
Yancey County was formed in 1833 from part of Buncombe, including where the Hensleys lived.
James Hensley was in Yancey Co, NC for the 1840 census. He was listed in the area that later became Madison County, NC (in 1851). He was listed between Peter Norton and James Norton. Berry Hensley was just a few houses away. No other Hensleys were nearby.
1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)
1840 Yancey County, NC pg 270 James Hensley 1110001000000-2023010000000 1 Male(s) 40-49 (1790-1800) James HENSLEY (1794/95) s/o Colbert 1 Male(s) 10-14 (1825-1830) Son? (1825/30) 1 Male(s) 5-9 (1830-1835) Francis J. E. HENSLEY (1830/31) son 1 Male(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Amos HENSLEY (1835/36) son 1 Female(s) 30-39 (1800-1810) Mary Ann ERWIN Hensley (1801/02) wife 3 Female(s) 15-19 (1820-1825) Daughter? (1820/25) > gone by 1850 Rebecca P. HENSLEY (1824/25) daughter Daughter? (1820/25) * Not in 1830 --> gone by 1850 2 Female(s) 10-14 (1825-1830) Daughter? (1825/30) * Not in 1830 Catherine (1829/30) Daughter? (1825/30) * Not in 1830 Delilah (1829/30) 2 Female(s) 0-4 (1835-1840) Ledella Matilda HENSLEY (1833/34) daughter Louisa H. HENSLEY (1837/38) daughter
Sometime between ca 1845 and 1850, James moved his family over into nearby Greene County, Tennessee.
James Hensley and family were listed on the 1850 census in Greene Co, TN. There were other Hensleys in the county, but none listed close by. They were listed next door to James Hise and Jonathan Millar. I get the impression that the census taker didn't get first hand information for this entry. The ages and some of the names are slightly off, and everyone was listed as born in Tennessee, yet much of the family was born in North Carolina.
Page 229B House/Family # 1352/1352 - 9th Division Twp HENSLY JAMES 50 M W RENTER TN 1799/1800 HENSLY MARY A 48 F W TN 1801/1802 HENSLY REBECCA P 22 F W TN 1827/1828 HENSLY FRANCIS J 19 M W LABORER TN 1830/1831 HENSLY LEDELLA M 16 F W TN 1833/1834 HENSLY AMOS 14 M W TN 1835/1836 HENSLY LOUIZA H 12 F W TN 1837/1838 HENSLY MATILDA A 9 F W TN 1840/1841 HENSLY ANNA M 7 F W TN 1842/1843 HENSLY JAMES W H 5 M W TN 1844/1845
On 15 Mar 1859, James and Mary Ann made a power of Attorney in Roane County for settlement of the estate of her parents. The deed gave Mary Ann's maiden name as "Irvin" and her parents as Francis and Polly or Mary Irvin, deceased. (Roane Co, TN Deed Book N1 page 327 shared by Ruth Muench)
Mary Ann Erwin Hensley died in the 1859/1860 timeframe, presumably in Greene Co, TN.
James may have remarried to someone named Loretta --- ca 1850/60. She was with him in 1860. It is possible this was Mary Ann, but the name and age are off.
They were on the 1860 census in Greene Co, TN in District 22. No other Hensleys were in that District that year.
1860 GREENE CO, TN Page 408 House/Family # 303/ 277 -- DISTRICT 22 HENSLEY JAMES 65 M W DAY LABOUR 75 NC 1794/1795 HENSLEY LORETTA 50 F W NC 1809/1810 HENSLEY REBECCA 35 F W TN 1824/1825 HENSLEY DELILAH 30 F W TN 1829/1830 HENSLEY MATILDA 25 F W TN 1834/1835 HENSLEY MALINDA 20 F W TN 1839/1840 HENSLEY FREDERICK 14 M W TN 1845/1846
James was not listed on the 1870 census, so apparently he died (or moved away) in the 1860/1870 timeframe, presumably in Greene Co, TN.
I have no data on the family beyond this point.
James and Mary Ann had numerous children per the 1830, 1840, 1850 and 1860 census.
Ledella Matilda Hensley (c1834/35)
James Frederick Hensley (c1845)
Unknown Son (c1820/25). James Hensley had an apparent son this age with him for the 1830 census, but he was gone by 1840, nor with him in 1850. I don't know who this was, but he may have died young.
Rebecca P. Hensley was born ca 1824/25 (or ca 1827/28) in Tennessee, either Roane or Greene County. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1830 and 1840 census, and was home with them in 1850 and 1860.
In 1870, she was listed as head of household in Greene Co, TN, unmarried, with sister Ledella residing with her.
Rebecca's age varied from census to census, so I'm not sure which of the 1830 and 1840 enumerations apply to her. In 1850 she was 22 (born ca 1827/28). In 1860, she was 35 (c1824/25) and in 1870 only 38 (c1831/32).
Unknown Daughter (c1820/25). James Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1830 and 1840 census, but she was gone by 1850.
Unknown Daughter (c1820/25). James Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1840 census, but she was not with him back in 1830 (he had one daughter that age in 1830, but three that age in 1840, so two "new" ones in 1840 that should have been there in 1830, if his daughters).
Unknown Son (c1825/30). James Hensley had an apparent son this age with him for the 1830 and 1840 census, but he was gone by 1850.
This was either an unknown son of James, or else it might be Cornelius Hensley (c1829/30) who was not listed anywhere in 1850 (as far as I've found), but who was in Greene Co, TN for the 1860 and 1870 census. According to the research of Sharon Stephenson, Cornelius was a cousin to Francis Hensley, whom we believe was James' son. The parents of Cornelius are unknown, but he was associated with the James Hensley family. See Cornelius' own page for more on him.
Unknown Daughter (c1825/30). James Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1840 census, but she was not with him back in 1830 (he had one daughter that age in 1830, but three that age in 1840, so two "new" ones in 1840 that should have been there in 1830, if his daughters).
This might be Catherine Hensley (c1829/30) who married Andrew Cutshall in 1846.
On 18 Sep 1846, Andrew Cutshall obtained a marriage bond in Greene Co, TN to marry Catherine Hensley. They were married on 1 Oct 1846.
They were listed on the 1850 census in Greene Co, TN on page 204B near several other Cutshalls.
1850 GREENE CO, TN Page 204B House/Family # 1192/1192 - 9th Division Twp CUTSHALL ANDREW 24 M W TENANT TN 1825/1826 CUTSHALL CATHERINE 20 F W NC 1829/1830 CUTSHALL ELVIRA 2 F W TN 1847/1848 CUTSHALL MARGARET E 0 F W 7/12 TN 1849/1850
I don't yet have them in 1860 or 1870 census.
They were still in Greene County for the 1880 census, in District 2. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Unknown Daughter (c1825/30). James Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him for the 1840 census, but she was not with him back in 1830 (he had one daughter that age in 1830, but two that age in 1840, so one "new" one in 1840 that should have been there in 1830, if his daughters).
This might be "Delilah Hensley" born ca 1829/30 who was with James in 1860 (but not with him in 1850). If she was his daughter, then she must have been residing elsewhere in 1850, though not listed in Greene Co, TN as far as I can see.
If she was born in the year "1830", then that could explain her apparent absence from the 1830 census, as she might have been born just after the census taker came around that year. I can't explain her absence for 1850, but she was about 20 years old then, so could be in school, or in another household as domestic help, but not listed on the census.
Francis J. Hensley was born ca 1830/31 in Greene Co, TN or in Buncombe (now Madison) Co, NC. Teresa Helton Garcia shared with me the info that his full name was "Francis Jefferson Elijah Hensley". In some records he is referred to also as "Franklin" Hensley. (A common occurrence for the name "Francis").
He was with his parents for the 1840 census (age 5-9, born ca 1830/35), and with them in 1850, listed as "Francis J. Hensly" age 19.
On 19 Jan 1855 "Franklin Hensley" obtained a marriage bond in Greene Co, TN to marry Catherine Cutshall. They were married on 1 Mar 1855.
In checking the 1850 census, I found Catherine at home with her parents Christopher and Mary Cutshall in Greene Co, TN. Catherine was born ca 1832/33 in TN, possibly in Greene County.
Francis and Catherine and family were listed on the 1860 census in Greene Co, TN in 2nd District only about 2 pages from cousin Cornelius Hensley (c1830).
1860 GREENE CO, TN Page 212B House/Family # 192/ 192 -- 2nd DISTRICT HENSLY FRANCIS E 26 M W FARM LABORER 50 NC 1833/1834 HENSLY CATHRINE 25 F W TN 1834/1835 HENSLY JOSEPH M 4 M W TN 1855/1856 HENSLY CHRISTO 2 M W TN 1857/1858 HENSLY MARY A 0 F W 1/12 TN 1859/1860
They were still in Greene Co, TN for the 1870 census, and listed on page 184: Franklin Hensly-33, Catharine-30, Joseph-13, Christopher-11, Mary A-10, Delila-8, James-3, Francis-1. (From "Hensley Households" by Laura Schreibman).
I did not find them in 1880.
Ledella Matilda Hensley was born ca 1833/34 in Greene Co, TN or in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC.
She was with his parents for the 1840 census (age 0-4, born ca 1835/40), and with them in 1850 and 1860. Her name in 1850 was "Ledella M.", and in 1860 "Matilda", and in 1870 (with sister Rebecca) "Fidella". I'm not sure what her actual name was.
In 1880, she was still in Greene County, listed as "Dillie", still single, and living with Catherine Hale (c1850) and Mary Hale (c1830). All three ladies were listed as being single. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Amos Hensley was born ca 1835/36 in Greene Co, TN or in Yancey (now Madison) Co, NC.
He was with his parents for the 1840 census (age 0-4, born ca 1835/40), and with them in 1850.
Amos Hensley obtained a marriage bond on 18 Jul 1857 in Greene Co, TN to marry Eliza Abigail Fann. They were married on 26 Jul 1857.
I don't have them on the 1860 census.
Apparently Amos died in the ca 1862/1870 timeframe (perhaps in the Civil War), as his widow is listed as head of household on the 1870 census in Greene Co, TN, page 184: Eliza Hensly-44, Mary E-15, Sarah-12, Francis J-10, James A-8. All born TN. (From "Hensley Households" by Laura Schreibman).
Abigail is listed on the 1880 census in Greene County with daughter Mary and her husband William Aldridge. ** I don't have this entry typed up yet.
Louisa Huldah Hensley was born ca 1837/38 in Greene Co, TN. She was home with her parents for the 1840 census (age 0-4, born ca 1835/40) and with them for the 1850 census, listed as "Louisa H. Hensly" age 12.
Seth Rollins obtained a marriage bond on 13 Aug 1856 in Greene Co, TN to marry "Louisa Huldah Hensley". They were married on 14 Aug 1856.
I found a Seth Rollins (c1836) on the 1850 census, living with Nancy Rollins (c1778), probably his widowed mother.
I have no record of them after this point.
Malinda A. Hensley was born ca 1840/41 in Greene Co, TN. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census, listed as "Matilda A. Hensly" age 9. She was still home in 1860, as "Malinda" age 20. There was also a Matilda in the family (see above), so this is somewhat confusing as to who was who.
I have no record of her after 1860.
Anna M. Hensley was born ca 1842/43 in Greene Co, TN. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census.
I found a marriage record dated 18 Aug 1859 in Greene Co, TN between Anderson Carter and "Mary Ann Hensley". After finding this couple on later census records, I'm fairly sure it is not the same person as Anna M. Hensley, as Mary much much older
James Frederick Hensley was born ca 1844/45 in Greene Co, TN. He was home with his parents for the 1850 census, listed as "James W. H. Hensly" age 5. He was with them in 1860 as "Frederick" age 14. Based only on the age, and lack of anything else, I've assumed they are one and the same person, but I could be wrong about that. One of the two census records is probably in error regarding his name.
I found no record of him after 1860.
Persons researching this family (click here for data on how to get on or off of this list):
1. James1
Hensley , born 1794/95 in TN;
died 1860/70 in Greene Co, TN, son of Colbert Hensley
and Elizabeth Stanton .
He married on 3 Oct 1822 in Roane Co, TN Mary Ann Erwin , born
1801/02 in TN; died 1850/60 in Greene Co, TN, daughter of Francis Erwin
and Mary "Polly" (---) .
Children
of James Hensley and Mary Ann Erwin were as follows:
2
i
Rebecca P2
Hensley , born 1824/25 in Greene
Co, TN.
+
3
ii
Catherine2
Hensley , born
1829/30 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Greene Co,
TN. She married Andrew
Cutshall .
4
iii
Delilah2
Hensley , born 1829/30 in
Buncombe Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).
+
5
iv
Francis Jefferson Elijah2
Hensley , born 1830/31 in Greene
Co, TN. He married Catherine
Cutshall .
6
v
Ledella Matilda2
Hensley , born 1833/34 in Greene
Co, TN.
+
7
vi
Amos2
Hensley , born 1835/36 in Greene
Co, TN; died 1862/70. He married
Eliza Abigail Fann .
8
vii
Louisa Huldah2
Hensley , born
1837/38 in Greene Co, TN. She
married on 14 Aug 1856 in Greene Co, TN Seth Rollins , born 1833/34 in TN,
son of (---) Rollins
and Nancy (---) .
9
viii
Malinda A2
Hensley , born 1840/41 in Yancey
Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC).
10
ix
Anna M2
Hensley , born 1842/43 in Greene
Co, TN.
11
x
James Frederick2
Hensley , born 1844/45 in Greene
Co, TN.
Generation 2
3. Catherine2
Hensley
(James1), born 1829/30 in Buncombe
Co, NC (now Madison Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Greene Co, TN.
She married on 1 Oct 1846 in Greene Co, TN Andrew Cutshall , born 1825/26 in TN.
Children
of Catherine Hensley and Andrew Cutshall were as follows:
12
i
Elvira3
Cutshall , born 1847/48 in Greene
Co, TN.
13
ii
Margaret E3
Cutshall , born 1849 in Greene
Co, TN.
14
iii
Orpha3
Cutshall , born 1853/54 in Greene
Co, TN.
15
iv
Andrew J3
Cutshall , born 1860/61 in Greene
Co, TN.
16
v
Elbert D3
Cutshall , born 1865/66 in Greene
Co, TN.
17
vi
Julia E3
Cutshall , born 1869/70 in Greene
Co, TN.
18
vii
Thomas3
Cutshall , born 1871/72 in Greene
Co, TN.
5. Francis Jefferson Elijah2
Hensley
(James1),
born 1830/31 in Greene Co, TN. He
married on 1 Mar 1855 in Greene Co, TN Catherine Cutshall , born
1832/33 in TN, daughter of Christopher Cutshall
and Mary (---) .
Children
of Francis Jefferson Elijah Hensley and Catherine Cutshall were as follows:
19
i
Joseph M3
Hensley , born 1855/56 in Greene
Co, TN.
20
ii
Christopher3
Hensley , born 1857/58 in Greene
Co, TN.
21
iii
Mary A3
Hensley , born 1860 in Greene
Co, TN.
22
iv
Delila3
Hensley , born 1861/62 in Greene
Co, TN.
23
v
James3
Hensley , born 1866/67 in Greene
Co, TN.
24
vi
Francis3
Hensley , born 1868/69 in Greene
Co, TN.
7. Amos2
Hensley
(James1),
born 1835/36 in Greene Co, TN; died 1862/70.
He married on 26 Jul 1857 in Greene Co, TN Eliza Abigail Fann , born
1825/26 in TN; died aft 1880 in Greene Co, TN.
Children
of Amos Hensley and Eliza Abigail Fann were as follows:
+
25
i
Mary E3
Hensley , born
1854/55 in Greene Co, TN. She
married William Aldridge .
26
ii
Sarah3
Hensley , born 1857/58 in Greene
Co, TN.
27
iii
Francis J3
Hensley , born 1859/60 in Greene
Co, TN.
28
iv
James A3
Hensley , born 1861/62 in Greene
Co, TN.
Generation 3
25. Mary E3
Hensley
(Amos2,
James1),
born 1854/55 in Greene Co, TN.
She married in 1870/71 in Greene Co, TN William Aldridge , born 1846/47 in NC.
Children
of Mary E Hensley and William Aldridge were as follows:
29
i
James M4
Aldridge , born 1870/71 in Greene
Co, TN.
30
ii
Ira F4
Aldridge , born 1872/73 in Greene
Co, TN.
31
iii
Elizabeth4
Aldridge , born 1873/74 in Greene
Co, TN.
32
iv
Mary4
Aldridge , born 1876/77 in Greene
Co, TN.
33 v Henry4 Aldridge , born 1880 in Greene Co, TN.
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