Marty and Karla Grant

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James Hensley (c1804-1866) and Eleanor Peters of Washington and Scott Co., VA

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James Hensley is my 1^st cousin, 6 times removed. His father, Fielding, is a proven brother of my ancestor Larkin Hensley.

James Hensley was born ca 1803/04 per his ages on the 1850 census (46) and 1860 census (56). One would assume he was born in Washington (now Scott) Co., VA like his siblings. His 1850 census entry supports this. However, in 1860 his birth place is listed as Kentucky. He died prior to the 1870 census, so those two are the only primary sources we have on the subject. Some of his children were listed on the 1880 census where they listed their father’s place of birth. Those were also conflicting: 2 listed Virginia and 6 listed Kentucky. If we go by those numbers, then Kentucky wins. That raises an obvious question: where in Kentucky? It should be noted that Scott Co., VA doesn’t border Kentucky, but it isn’t far at all from the state line. Did Fielding and family move into Kentucky very briefly around ca 1804? Based on the Washington Co., VA tax lists, it doesn’t seem so. However, it’s entirely possible that Nancy, James’s mother, did go to Kentucky to visit her family members who were indeed in Kentucky at that time. Perhaps she was there visiting when James was born?

James Hensley is a proven son of Fielding Hensley and Nancy Cornett as named in a 1833 court case (see Fielding’s page for more on that.)

I don’t really know who James Hensley might have been named for. There were some much older James Hensleys in Virginia before him, though their connection to this branch of Hensleys in unknown. However, it could be that he wasn’t named for a Hensley relative at all. James’s mother Nancy did have a brother-in-law named James Thomas. It’s certainly possible James Hensley was named for him, for he would be his uncle. I’m just speculating of course.

Fielding Hensley had two boys aged “under 10” (born ca 1800/1810) with him on the 1810 census. Those are probably James (c1804) and John (c1805).

James Hensley would have turned 16 around 1820. It’s interesting that he appears on the Scott Co., VA tax list for the first time that year in his own name, meaning he had his own property (1 horse in this case). It wouldn’t necessarily mean he was living on his own. However, he was also listed on the 1820 census as a head of household meaning he was indeed living on his own! That’s unusual considering his age. Unfortunately, this census is alphabetical so we can’t determine who his neighbors were.

1820 Census, Scott Co., VA p. 192/429, James Hensley age 16-17 (1802/1804)

000100-00000-0-0

James Hensley was listed on the 1821 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse.

James Hensley was listed on the 1822 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse.

James Hensley was listed on the 1823 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse.

James Hensley was listed on the 1824 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse.

James Hensley was listed on the 1825 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse.

On 11 Jan 1825 James Hensley was brought into court and charged with fathering a male bastard child with Anny Peters a single woman “about three months ago.” He was ordered to support the child until age 7. Security was James Head and Wood Osborn. (Scott Co., VA Minute Book 3 page 96).

Anna Peters (1800-1855) is a daughter of John and Catherine (---) Peters. Anna Peters apparently had several children out of wedlock and never married. I believe this child is John Hensley. Anna had a child, William K. Hensley, ten years earlier by Ichabod C. Hensley (c1794-1845), who was James Hensley’s first cousin. I mention that, because William is the key to why I believe John is the child Anna had with James Hensley. John and William both moved to Decatur Co., IA together and were neighbors there awhile. Makes sense if they were half brothers, same mother, different fathers. More on that in the children’s section below.

James Hensley “Jr” was listed on the 1826 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse. Why was he listed as "Jr" on this list? Who was the "Sr" he was "Jr" to? No other James was listed this time, though obviously an older James Hensley was in the area or the tax collector wouldn't have listed him this way. I believe it’s entirely possible he wasn’t listed as “Jr” but as “Sr” instead, meaning another James had just turned 16 in the county, though wasn’t listed by name on the tax list. I’ll have to confirm/refute this theory by looking at the original tax list which I have not done yet. ******

On 13 Sep 1826 James Hensley was appointed a constable for Scott Co., VA.

James Hensley was listed on the 1827 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and 1 horse. No "Jr" this time.

On 15 Mar 1827 James Hensley and Ichabod Hensley (his brother) were charged with burning the woods.

On 25 Apr 1827 James Hensley married Eleanor Peters in Scott Co., VA. They were married by Samuel Helton.

Eleanor was born ca 1810/11 in Washington (now Scott) Co., VA, a daughter of John Peters and Catherine (---). She is the younger sister of Anna Peters who James fathered an out of wedlock child with just a few years earlier. I wonder how they all got along? Another sister, Susannah Peters, was married to Jesse Hensley (1786-1858), whose relationship to James isn’t known, though there is no doubt they are related.

On 10 May 1827 James Hensley was ordered by the Scott County Court to support his child by Anny Head. Securities for James were Stephen Mac---, Samuel Benham, Isaac Hensley, Benjamin Smith, Samuel Davison and John Hensley. How do we reconcile this one? First, Anna Head is not the same person as Anna Peters. Anna Head is a daughter of James and Mary (—) Head. Did James cheat on his new wife so soon after marrying her? No, it appears that the child he had with Miss Head was born ca 1826/27 (born before May 10^th, obviously), so that relationship pre-dated his marriage to Eleanor Peters, though not by much. I believe the child in question is Milton R. Hensley (c1827-aft 1870). More on him in the children’s section below.

John Hensley, one of the securities for James in his bastardy case, is his younger brother John A. Hensley (c1805). Isaac Hensley (1803-aft 1827) is his cousin, alias Isaac Lowe, a grandson of Samuel Hensley (1754-1841). Samuel Benham (c1804-1840s) is also a grandson of Samuel Hensley. The other three securities (bondsmen) are not related as far as I’m aware.

James Hensley was listed on the 1828 tax list in Scott with 1 white male over 16 and no horses.

On 8 Jan 1828 James Hensley was brought into Scott County court and charged with stabbing Reuben Hickman in the lower part of his body on the night of 25 Dec 1827. Hickman died, so this was a murder case.

The trial was held over a period of several days and James Hensley was finally acquitted of murder on 13 Jun 1828. (Scott Co., VA Law Order Book 1-A 1815-1831 pp. 48-50 and Scott Co., VA Court Minute Book 3 page 544).

In 1829 there were two James Hensleys listed on the Scott Co., VA tax list. Both had just one male over 16, no horses. This other James would be born ca 1814 or earlier in order to be listed. I don’t know who he is. This could be James S. Hensley (1813) son of Thomas Hensley (son of Samuel), but I don’t know if they were still in the area as late as 1829 for they were in Rush Co., IN by 1830. As of now I have no other suspects for this “extra” James. It’s certainly possible it was just a duplicate entry and not actually a second man.

For the 1830 census, James Hensley was listed as head of household in Scott County. Only one James was listed, and it is clearly this James (c1804). The other James, if still in the county, was probably living with his parents and not listed by name. This census was alphabetical so there’s no way to tell who James’s neighbors were.

1830 Census, Scott Co., VA p. 15, James Hensley age 20-29 (1800/1810)

10001-1001-0-0

On 8 Mar 1831 the Overseers of the Poor of Scott County brought a court petition against James Hensley & Others. The case was settled amongst them and dismissed. (Scott Co., VA Court Minutes page 348).

For some reason there was no listing for James Hensley on the 1831 or 1832 tax lists in Scott County. Either he was exempted those years, or had left the county temporarily?

The 1833 Scott Co., VA tax lists shows a James Hensley Senr and a James Hensley. Both had one male over 16 and no horses. I suspect our James (1804) is Senior, and the other may be the younger James who was listed briefly back in 1829, or perhaps a different James entirely. To be listed on this tax list, he would have been born ca 1817 or earlier. I really don’t know who this might be.

The 1834 Scott Co., VA tax lists also shows James Hensley Senr and a James Hensley. Both had one male over 16 and no horses.

James Hensley and James Hensley were both listed on the 1835 tax list in Scott, both with one male over 16, no horses. There were no Sr or Jr suffixes this time.

James Hensley and James Hensley were both listed on the 1836 tax list in Scott, one with one male over 16, and no horses, the other with one male over 16 and 1 horse. No way to know which was which though I think the one with the horse is our James, but can’t be certain.

James Hensley was listed on the 1837 tax list in Scott, the only one, taxed with one male over 16 and 1 horse. The other James must have moved away during this period.

James Hensley was listed on the 1838 tax list with one male over 16 and two horses.

In 1839 the other James was back, or else a new James Hensley came of age around then. Both were listed with one male over 16, while one had 1 horse, the other none. I believe the one with the horse is this James (c1804). The other one could be James M. Hensley (c1821) of neighboring Hawkins Co., TN. He did live in Scott Co., VA in 1850.

James Hensley was listed on the 1840 census in Scott Co., VA, the only James listed there that year. He wasn't listed near any other Hensley households.

1840 Census, Scott Co., VA p. 16/294, James Hensley

221011-101001

They were listed on the 1850 census in Scott Co., VA far away from the other Hensleys except for Wilborn and Lilborn, their sons.

1850 census, Scott Co., VA, Western District, p. 378B, house 382, family 382

On 1 Oct 1850 James Hensley received a land grant of 61 acres on both sides of the North Fork of Holston River in Scott Co., VA. (Land Office Grants No. 103, 1850, p. 762 (Reel 169))

On 16 Oct 1856 James Hensley and Ellen his wife, brought a suit against Michael Gabbard and others, pertaining to the Peters estate (her parents.). Heirs were named as: James Hensley and wife Ellen; Polly Gabbard; Susanah Hensley; Ann Peters; Rebecca Burgess; Sally Gabbard; Viney Milton; Catharine Ryan; Jesse Peters; Alfred and Matilda Childres and heirs at law of Jacob Peters, deceased. (Scott Co., VA Chancery Orders Book 2 page 31.)

On 26 May 1858 the name John Peters (Jr) was added to the list of heirs in the above court case, having been initially omitted by mistake (Scott Co., VA Chancery Orders Book 2 page 52.)

On 27 May 1859 James Hensley and wife brought a suit against Michael Gabbard and wife and others. Though it isn't specified, this appears to be regarding the Peters estate. (Scott Co., VA Chancery Orders Book 2 page 85.)

James and family were listed on the 1860 census in Scott Co., VA. Son Wilborn was next door. Two of their grandchildren are residing with them as their mother had just died earlier in 1860 and their father a few years earlier.

1860 Census, Scott Co., VA, Estillville PO, p. 255, House 161, Family 161

James Hensley died on 15 Jun 1866 in Scott Co., VA. (** source? **).

Eleanor Peters Hensley and one son and two grandkids were listed on the 1870 census in Scott County. There is an Elijah Hensley aged 8 months who died in Feb 1870 listed with this household on the mortality schedule. I don't know who he belongs to exactly, but almost has to be a grandchild.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 539, house 242, family 242

Eleanor was with her son Elbert on the 1880 census in Scott County.

1880 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 213, House 20, Family 20

I didn't find Eleanor on the 1900 census in Scott Co., VA or elsewhere. She must have died sometime between 1880 and 1900.

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Children

James and Eleanor had 11 known children born between ca 1828 and 1853. James also fathered at least two children out of wedlock with other women prior to his marriage to Eleanor. That makes 13 known children.

 

1.         John Hensley (1824-1902)

2.         Milton R. Hensley (c1827-aft 1870)

3.         Wilburn J. Hensley (1828)

4.         Lilborn H. Hensley (1832-1904)

5.         Martin Van Buren Hensley (1835-1904)

6.         Finetta Jane Hensley (c1836-1860)

7.         Emanuel Hilburn Hensley (1837-1920)

8.         William P. Hensley (1840-1914)

9.         Isaac Hensley (1841-aft 1926)

10.       John W. Hensley (c1846-aft 1880)

11.       Richard Anderson Hensley (1849-1916)

12.       Elbert Hensley (1851-1938)

13.       Catherine Hensley (c1853-aft 1860)

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John Hensley was born 16 Oct 1824 in Scott Co., VA. I have no absolute proof of it, but I believe he is the child born to Anna Peters out of wedlock with James Hensley as reported in court in January 1825. That record says he was born “about three months ago.” Oct 1824 to Jan 1825 is about three months so that fits. Also, John Hensley was associated with William K. Hensley (1815-1898) who is also Anna Peters son (via Ichabod C. Hensley) so that’s further evidence supporting John as a son of Anna. The only problem with including him in James’s family is that James and his wife, Eleanor, named one of their sons John Hensley born ca 1846. This isn’t unheard of when the “other” one was born out of wedlock and perhaps not associated with his father’s family in any way, so it’s not an automatic disqualification for John (1824) being James’s son. It’s also interesting that the year the younger John was born seems to be the same year the older John moved away. Was the timing significant or a coincidence? It’s also within reason to think that perhaps James didn’t even know the name of his son by Anna Peters, though that is hard to imagine.

John Hensley (1824) was in Putnam Co., IN by 1846 when he married Amanda Cuthbert there. They were on the 1850 census in Putnam. By 1856 they’d moved to Decatur Co., IA and were listed on the state census there that year just two houses from his half brother William K. Hensley. They were back in Putnam Co., IN by 1860. By 1870 they’d moved to Indianapolis in Marion Co., IN and remained there through the 1880 census. Amanda died there in 1885. In 1891 John Hensley took a trip to Berlin, Germany for some reason. I don’t know when he returned to Indianapolis, but that’s where he died in 1902.

See his own page for more information on him.

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Milton R. Hensley was born ca 1828/29 per his age on the 1850 census (21) and 1860 census (31). In 1870 he was 50, or born ca 1819/20 which is way off from the others. I’m reasonably sure Milton is a son of Anna Head as named in the 1827 court record mentioned earlier. However, his age on the 1850 and 1860 census putting him born ca 1829 don’t work. His 1870 age putting him born ca 1820 does work, though is probably off a bit.

I don’t have absolute proof that Milton is Anna’s son, but they did go to Lawrence Co., IN at the same time and are there on the 1850 census, though not near each other. By 1870 they’d all moved to McLean Co., IL and were just two or three houses apart on the 1870 census.

Milton did name his oldest son “Christopher” which would seem to be in honor of his step-father, so that works also.

Milton married twice, first to Nancy Dixon, who might be his 1^st cousin, though I’m not sure. He married 2^nd to Lucy Goodman.

See their own page for more information.

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Wilburn Jackson Hensley was born 13 Feb 1828 (source?). That agrees with his ages on the census records: 1850 census (22), 1860 census (32) and 1870 census (42), which is surprisingly consistent. He was born in Scott Co., VA. I don’t have any actual proof that he is a child of James and Eleanor, but it seems almost certain that he is their child. They did have an otherwise unidentified son that age with them in 1830 and 1840. They had rhyming sons, Lilborn and Hilburn, which can’t be a coincidence. Wilburn also lived very close to James and Eleanor.

Wilburn married Martha A. Smith before ca 1849, presumably in Scott Co., VA. I didn’t find a marriage record for them. Martha was born 16 Nov 1830 in Scott Co., VA, a daughter of Benjamin Smith and Rachel (—) Smith.

They are on the 1850 census in Scott, next door to John and Mary Myers family. One of the Myers daughters later married one of Wilburn’s younger brothers. Wilburn’s parents were about three households away.

1850 census, Scott Co., VA, Western District, p. 378, house 378, family 378

They are on the 1860 census in Scott, next to his parents, and also next to Jesse and Rinda Peters, two of whose daughters married Wilburn’s brothers.

1860 Census, Scott Co., VA, Estillville PO, pp. 24-25, house 160, family 160

They are on the 1870 census in Scott.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, pp. 26-27, house 184, family 183

Wilburn J. Hensley died on 28 May 1880 in Richmond, Virginia. He is also listed on the 1880 census mortality schedule, which confirms he died in May 1880 in Richmond. However, that record also lists his place of residence as the Virginia Penitentiary! He died of consumption.

Why was he in prison? I don’t know the answer.

That same year, for the 1880 census, dated about a month after his death, his now widowed wife Martha and the children were all in Marion Co., IN which is where Indianapolis is located. Daughter Rachel was next door.

What drew them to the Indianapolis area? Wilburn’s older half-brother John Hensley had moved there earlier. He could be the reason. Or, perhaps, Martha herself had family there.

1880 Census, Marion Co., IN, Wayne Township, p. 451, house 268, family 282

I was unable to find Martha on the 1900 census. She didn’t seem to be with any of her children that year. Perhaps she was alternating between two or more of them and got missed by the census taker that way. However, she was listed on a city directory in Indianapolis in 1900 as Martha A. Hensley, widow of Wilburn J, residing at 551 N. Tremont Av.

Martha A. Smith Hensley died on 15 Dec 1905 in Marion Co., IN. She is buried at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. Her tombstone has “Martha Hensley 1830-1905.”

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Lilborn H. Hensley was born Mar 1832 (per 1900 census), which agrees with his ages on the other census records, 18 in 1850, 28 in 1860, 38 in 1870 and 48 in 1880, which is consistent, a rarity for census records. His brother Wilburn (see above) had the same consistent aging.

Lilborn Hensley married Mary Good before ca 1855, presumably in Scott Co., VA, or perhaps in Sullivan Co., TN. I didn’t find a marriage record for them in either place. However, I think the marriage records for Sullivan are lost for the 1850s. Mary was born ca 1832/33 in Sullivan Co., TN, a child of Spencer and Ann (—) Good. She was with her parents on the 1850 census in Sullivan Co., TN.

They are on the 1860 census in Scott Co., VA. Her sister Lucinda and her children were living with them.

1860 Census, Scott Co., VA, Estillville PO, p. 249, house 127, family 127

They are on the 1870 census in Scott. Mary’s sister Lucinda is next door to them.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 535, house 187, family 186

Mary Good Hensley died sometime between ca 1874 and 1880, for Lilborn is on the 1880 census listed as a widower, and their youngest child at home was born ca 1873/74. One of Lucinda Good’s, children, Brownlow, was living with them listed as a servant, though technically he would have been a nephew.

1880 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 212B, house 15, family 15

Lilborn Hensley married Nancy Carter Bays ca 1883/84 (per being married 16 years according to the 1900 census). Nancy Carter was born Jan 1837 in Scott Co., VA, a child of Dulaney Carter and Rebecca Smith. She was first married to William Bays on 6 Mar 1856. According to some sources she is the grandmother of A. P. Carter of The Carter Family. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but it could be.

Lilborn and Nancy are on the 1900 census in Scott.

1900 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Magisterial District, p. 312B, house 32, family 32

Lilborn H. Hensley died on 15 Sep 1904 and is buried at the Spurrier Cemetery in Scott Co., VA.

Nancy died not long after, in Jul 1906 and is buried at the same place.

Lilborn and Mary had eight known children. It doesn’t seem he and second wife Nancy Carter Bays had any children together.

Tradition says that several of Lucinda Good’s children (all born out of wedlock) were Lilborn’s, but I don’t know if there is any proof of that.

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Martin Van Buren Hensley was born June 1835 (per 1900 census), in Scott Co., VA. He was certainly named for Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), who in 1835 was the Vice President of the United States, soon to become President in 1837.

Martin is on the 1850 census in Scott Co., VA with his parents age 17, which doesn’t match his 1835 birth year.

On 15 May 1855, Martin Hensley, age 20, born Scott, son of James and Nelly, married Amanda Godsey, 20, born TN, daughter of Samuel and Catherine. (All information from marriage record.)

Amanda Godsey was born 13 Aug 1835 (per tombstone) in Tennessee, probably Sullivan County, a daughter of Samuel Godsey and Catherine Carmack. I don’t think this is the same Samuel Godsey who is a son of William Godsey and Agnes Hensley, but probably closely related to that one.

They are on the 1860 census in Scott Co., VA. They had Martin Harkleroad age 90 (born ca 1770 in Pennsylvania) residing with them. Who was he to them? He resided in Sullivan Co., TN in 1840 next to Samuel Godsey, so perhaps he’s closely related to the Godsey or Carmack families. That could make him Amanda’s grandfather or great grandfather or an uncle at least.

1860 Census, Scott Co., VA, Estillville PO, p. 18, house 118, family 118

The Martin Hensley family moved to Owen Co., IN by 1870 where they were listed on that census next door to John Hensley (1824-1888). They are undoubtedly cousins, but how isn’t yet known. John is a son of Jesse Hensley (c1786-1858) and Susannah Peters.

1870 Census, Owen Co., IN, Taylor Township, Quincy PO, p. 12, house 101, family 101

By 1880 they’d moved two counties the north east into Marion County (where Indianapolis is).

1880 Census, Marion Co., IN, Washington Township, p. 385, house 170, family 170

They are still in Marion Co., IN for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Marion Co., IN, Wayne Township, p. 309, house 144, family 144

Martin Van Buren Hensley died on 5 Apr 1904 and is buried at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. However, he doesn’t seem to have a marker for his grave.

Amanda is listed on the 1910 census in Marion Co., IN with her youngest son, Earnest.

1910 Census, Marion Co., IN, Wayne Township, Precinct 1, p. 136, house 2, family 1*

* Every family number on the page was listed as number 1.

Amanda C. Godsey Hensley died on 24 Jun 1917 in Marion Co., IN. She is buried at the Crown Hill Cemetery also. She too seems to not have a marker.

Martin and Amanda had 7 known children. See the family group sheet (linked below) for more on this family.

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Finetta Jane Hensley was born ca 1835/36 per her age on the 1850 census (14).

She married Sampson Bright sometime between 1850 and ca 1853. He was born ca 1828/29, presumably in Scott Co., VA, a son of Elijah Bright and Dorcas —. Sampson was with his widowed mother on the 1850 census in Scott just a few houses from Samuel and Catherine Godsey, the soon-to-be in-laws of Martin V. B. Hensley, Finetta’s brother (see above).

Sampson Bright died on 22 Jul 1855, about 27 years old. Finetta Jane Hensley Bright died on 17 Feb 1860, aged 25.

I don’t know the sources of those death dates. Finetta is listed on the 1860 mortality census, which proves she died in Feb 1860 and was already widowed.

Sampson and Finetta left two small children in the care of Finetta’s parents.

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Emanuel Hilburn Hensley was born 8 Aug 1837 (per death certificate), presumably in Scott Co., VA.

On 7 Feb 1858, Hilburn Hensley, age 19, born Scott, son of James & Ellen, married Louisa Smith, 22, born Scott, daughter of William and Bonny. (All info as given on marriage record.)

Louisa Smith was born 20 Nov 1832 in Scott Co., VA a daughter of William Smith and Barbara Hunsucker (info from Louisa’s death certificate).

I didn’t find William and Barbara on the 1850 census. There is a widowed William B. Smith (c1804) which could be her father. There is no Louisa at home, but there is an Eliza age 17 which is probably her. The names “Louisa” and “Eliza” were often used interchangeably in some families in those days. This is very likely the correct family for they were next door to Dulaney Carter whose daughter Nancy later married Lilburn Hensley.

Hilburn and family are on the 1860 census in Scott Co., VA.

1860 Census, Scott Co., VA, Estillville PO, p. 32, house 206, family 206

They are on the 1870 census in Scott Co., VA.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 528, house 83, family 82

They are in neighboring Washington Co., VA for the 1880 census, just four houses from his cousin Joel B. Hensley.

1880 Census, Washington Co., VA, Kinderhook Township, p. 24, house 217, family 217

They are back in Scott for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 306B, house 192, family 192

* The months are illegible. Or, possibly they are erased. Everything else around it is quite legible.

They are on the 1910 census in Scott.

1910 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 120B, house 269, family 269

They are on the 1920 census in Scott living with their grandson.

1920 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, Smith’s Precinct, p. 123B, house 102, family 102

Emanuel Hilburn Hensley died just a few days after the census was taken, on 3 Jan 1920. His place of burial is only listed as Fulkerson District, and that “friends” acted as undertaker. An entry on FindAGrave.com lists him as being interred at James Taylor Cemetery. Apparently there’s no stone.

Louisa Smith Hensley died just 2 days after her husband, on 5 Jan 1920. She is also probably buried at the James Taylor Cemetery.

Hilburn and Louisa had four known children, one of whom died young.

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William P. Hensley was born Mar 1840 (per 1900 census) or 17 Sep 1839 per his death certificate. He was presumably born in Scott Co., VA. He is home with his parents for the 1850 and 1860 census (age 10 and 20, respectively). In 1870 he was living next door to his widowed mother, residing with Harriett Smith, his soon-to-be wife.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 539, house 241, family 240

At a glance it would seem that Harriett Smith was a widow, however, she was actually divorced as her marriage record to William Hensley shows.

On 13 Mar 1871, William Hensley, 30, born Scott Co., VA, son of James & E. Hensley, married Harriet Breden, 32, born Scott, divorced, daughter of William & E. Breden. (Info from marriage record, including misspellings).

Harriett Breeden was born Apr 1835 (per 1900 census), in Scott Co., VA, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (—) Breeden. In 1850, Harriett was living with her widowed mother in Scott County. Future brother-in-law Lilborn Hensley was residing with them at the time. In 1860 Harriett is listed with her husband Harrison Smith next door to the Hensleys. I didn’t find a marriage for him and Harriett, though it was sometime between 1850 and ca 1854.

William and family are listed on the 1880 census in Scott.

1880 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 4, house 30, family 30

They are still in Scott for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Magisterial District, p. 319B, house 165, family 165

Harriett Breeden Hensley died between 1900 and 1910 in Scott Co., VA.

William is on the 1910 census in Scott.

1910 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 132, house 190, family 190

William P. Hensley died on 14 Aug 1914 per his death certificate. His parents were listed as unknown and his place of burial was listed as “Scott Co VA” which doesn’t narrow it down much. The informant’s name was blank.

William and Harriett had no children together, or at least none to survive. She had five total per the 1900 census only three of whom were living at that time. Those are probably her three Smith children.

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Isaac Hensley was born 15 Sep 1841 (per death certificate) in Scott Co., VA. He was home with his parents in 1850 (age 8) and with them in 1860 (age 18).

Isaac Hensley married Elizabeth Peters ca 1860/61 (per 1900 census), presumably in Scott Co., VA though no marriage record was found. She was born Mar 1845 (per 1900 census), a daughter of Jesse Peters and Rinda Briggs. Elizabeth’s sister Catherine would later married Isaac’s brother Richard.

They are on the 1870 census next to his widowed mother and about three houses from her widowed mother.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 539B, house 243, family 242

They are on the 1880 census in Scott next to his widowed mother.

1880 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 213, house 21, family 21

They are on the 1900 census in Scott. There is a Margaret Hensley (1844) living with them listed as a boarder. Who is she? She was born in Tennessee as were her parents. It’s entirely possible this is Margaret C. Hensley, daughter of Isom Hensley and Jane McDavid. She was a single mother who had at least nine children, and she did live in Scott Co., VA. She is not closely related to Isaac Hensley as far as I can determine. If I have it all sorted out correctly, and it’s entirely possible I do not, Isaac and Margaret would be fourth cousins, so it’s entirely probable they didn’t know how they were related, or even if they were. I’ve wondered if perhaps Isaac’s son James, widowed by 1900, was married to one of Margaret’s daughters? That could explain her presence in the household if she was also the grandmother of James’s children. This is just a notion. I have no evidence it’s actually the case though. There is other evidence that his wife was named Elizabeth “Betty” Leonard.

1900 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Mag. District, p. 300, house 59, family 59

Elizabeth Peters Hensley apparently died between 1900 and 1910 for Isaac was listed as a widower on the 1910 census. I don’t know the exact date of her death, nor where she is buried.

1910 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 108, house 2, family 2

Isaac is listed on the 1920 census with his grandson Stephen and family.

1920 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, Hiltons Precinct, East, p. 132B, house 262, family 262

Isaac Hensley died on 8 Nov 1926 in Scott Co., VA. His place of burial is not listed on his death certificate.

Isaac and Elizabeth had 11 children according to her 1900 census, only 5 of whom were still living at that time. Only 8 of the 11 have been identified so far. The others probably died young.

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John Wesley Hensley was born ca 1845/46 per his age on the 1850 census (4) and 1870 census (24). His 1860 entry is close at 13 (c1846/47).

John W. Hensley obtained a marriage license in Sullivan Co., TN on 2 Feb 1864 to marry Sarah Ann Good. They were married the same day by George Foust, Justice of the Peace. Sarah was born Dec 1842 (per 1900 census) in Tennessee, probably Sullivan Co., TN. She is a daughter of Spencer and Ann (—) Good. She is with them on the 1850 census in Sullivan, and the 1860 census in Scott. Sarah’s older sister, Mary Good, had married John’s older brother Lilborn about ten years prior to their marriage.

John and Sarah are on the 1870 census in Scott Co., VA.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 535B, house 193, family 192

By 1880 they had moved a few counties to the south and west into Sevier Co., TN where they are listed on that census.

1880 Census, Sevier Co., TN, 13 Civil District, pp 352-352b, house 43, family 43

John Wesley Hensley died sometime between 1880 and 1900, though whether in Sevier Co., TN or Bell Co., KY or somewhere else, isn’t known.

His widow Sarah is listed on the 1900 census in Bell Co., KY which borders Virginia and Tennessee and isn’t far from Scott Co., VA. Two of her sons were listed as soldiers.

1900 Census, Bell Co., KY, Magisterial District No 6, Middlesboro Town, North of Cumberland Avenue, p. 287B, house 154, family 180

I wasn’t able to find Sarah on the 1910 census.

She was “back” in Bell for the 1920 census, living with her daughter Mollie.

1920 Census, Bell Co., KY, Hignite Precinct, p. 160, house 36, family 36

I wasn’t able to find Sarah on the 1930 census anywhere. She may have died in the 1920s. I didn’t find a death record nor where she might have been buried.

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Richard Anderson Hensley (listed as Richard D. Hensley on some records) was born Mar 1849 (per 1900 census) in Scott Co., VA. He was home with his parents for the 1850 census (“Anderson” age 1), and with them in 1860 (“Anderson” age 11).

Richard Hensley obtained a marriage license in Sullivan Co., TN on 5 Aug 1865 to marry Catherine Peters. They were married on 8* Aug 1865 by George Foust, Justice of the Peace. *The return for the marriage actually has the day blank, but I got an 8 from somewhere, not sure where for you can’t see it on the original document.

Catherine Peters was born 3 Aug 1847 in Scott Co., VA, a daughter of Jesse Peters and (Lu)Rinda Biggs. Catherine’s sister Elizabeth had married Richard’s brother Isaac a few years earlier.

They are listed on the 1870 census in Scott Co., VA.

1870 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Township, Fulkerson PO, p. 540, house 255, family 253

They are on the 1880 census in Scott.

1880 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 213, house 23, family 23

They are in the same area for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Magisterial District, p. 320, house 171, family 171

They are on the 1910 census in the same district as before.

1910 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District No 72, p. 123, house 9, family 9

Richard Anderson Hensley died on 30 Jun 1916 in Scott Co., VA and is buried at the Peters Cemetery. His marker simply says “Richard Hensley 1849-1916” so it doesn’t solve the middle initial question.

Catherine is living alone on the 1920 census, next door to son William.

1920 Census, Scott Co., VA Fulkerson District, Hiltons Precinct, East, p. 133B, house 291, family 291

Catherine was living with the Hugh Grant family in 1930, relationship unknown. She’s listed as a boarder, so perhaps not related at all. Hugh’s wife was Mary Wise.

1930 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 122, house 82, family 83

Catherine Peters Hensley died on 26 Jun 1934 in neighboring Wise Co., VA. She’s buried in Scott Co., VA at the Peters cemetery next to her husband.

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Elbert Hensley was born 4 Feb 1851 in Scott Co., VA. He is with his parents in 1860 (age 9) and with them in 1870 age 19.

He married Sarah Elizabeth Myers ca 1870/71, presumably in Scott Co., VA, though no marriage record was found. Sarah was born 1 Jun 1855 in Scott Co., VA, a child of John Myers and Mary (Hoover) Myers. She was with her parents on the 1860 and 1870 censuses in Scott Co., VA.

Elbert and Sarah were on the 1880 census in Scott. His widowed mother was living with them.

1880 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson District, p. 213, House 20, Family 20

They were still in Scott for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Scott Co., VA, Fulkerson Magisterial District, p. 322, house 206, family 206

They moved to Marion Co., IN between 1900 and 1910 and were listed there on the 1910 census. This is the county where Indianapolis is, though they didn’t seem to be in the actual city.

1910 Census, Marion Co., IN, Lawrence Township, p. 111, house 75, family 75

They are in the same place in 1920.

1920 Census, Marion Co., IN, Lawrence Township, p. 103, house 169, family 169

They are still there for the 1930 census.

1930 Census, Marion Co., IN, Lawrence Township, p. 21B, house 126, family 126

Elbert Hensley died on 26 Jul 1938 in Marion Co., IN. Sarah died less than a year later on 2 May 1939. They are buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.

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Catherine Hensley was born ca 1852/53 per age on the 1860 census of 7. She was with her parents in 1860. I wasn’t able to find her in 1870. She would have been about 17 then so she could have married someone (no record found) or died by 1870.

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Click here for family group sheets of this family. Other notes and sources might be listed there.

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Revised: February 17, 2022

Copyright © 1996-2022 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

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