Robert Hensley (c1759) and Eleanor Covington of VA, KY and IL

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The author (Marty Grant) is not related to Robert Hensley as far as can be proven. He did live in the same county (Washington Co., VA) as my ancestor Larkin Hensley (c1761-1806). Larkin and Robert may be brothers, if so then I am a 5th Great Grand Nephew of Robert Hensley.

Special Thanks to Ruthe Muench and Laura Schreibman for information shared on this family. All Washington County tax list records mentioned on this page were transcribed and shared by Laura as were tax lists from various counties in Kentucky and a few other records.

Robert Hensley was born before 1759. I base that on his first known public record being dated 1780, and assuming he was at least 21 then. He was probably born in Culpeper County, Virginia since that is where he was living in the early 1780's before moving to Washington Co., VA.

I have not been able to determine who Robert's parents were. It has been suggested by others (and I concur) that he might be a brother to one or several of the other Hensleys about his age who also settled in Washington County, Virginia. This list includes: Samuel Hensley (1754), Joseph Hensley (1750/60-1832), Larkin Hensley (c1761-1806), Fielding Hensley (c1761-1833) and William Hensley (bef 1761-aft 1810). There is no direct proof that any of them are brothers, but they did all apparently know each other and lived near each other. They are certainly related in some close fashion. See my general commentary on Hensleys of Washington County, Virginia for more information.

Of the above (excepting Samuel), we have no definitive birth places, but Fielding Hensley did live in Buckingham County before moving to Washington County.  There was also a William Hensley in Buckingham from the 1770's through late 1780's, but I don't know if it is the same one later found in Washington County records. Seems likely that it is.

Ann Hensley (wife of William Taylor) was born in Culpeper Co., VA in 1757. She could be a sister to Robert Hensley, though I have no evidence to prove she was even related to him.

Proven sisters Milly Hensley (1760/65-aft 1850) (wife of William Cornett) and Agnes Hensley (c1763-1850) (wife of William Godsey) were both from Buckingham Co., VA and both lived in Washington Co., VA for a time. These two are quite possibly siblings to Robert Hensley as well, but no real proof.

Culpeper County was formed in 1749 from Orange County. Buckingham was formed in 1761 from Albemarle. Culpeper and Buckingham are not really that close together, so I don't know if the Hensleys of one are connected to those in the other. It is certainly interesting that Hensleys from both those counties wound up together in Washington County. Could be coincidental of course.

On 19 Jun 1780, Robert Hensley and Elizabeth Hensley (sister? mother?) were among the purchasers at the Culpeper Co., VA estate sale of John Berry.

In Dec 1780 Robert Hensley was paid for 9 days of service for collecting cattle in Culpeper Co., VA. (Abercrombie, Janice L. and Richard Slatter, Virginia Revolutionary Publick Claims, 1992.)

Robert Hensley married Eleanor Covington before ca 1781 in Culpeper Co., VA. She is a daughter of  William Covington. I don't know her mother's name.

Robert Hinsley was listed on the 1782 tax list in Culpeper Co., VA listed with 1 white poll (himself). (William Hensley was also listed.)

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1783 tax list in Culpeper Co., VA with 1 white poll. William Hensley was also listed as was Elizabeth Hensley.

William Covington made his Will on 11 Feb 1783 in Culpeper Co., VA naming his heirs including daughter "Elliner Hensley" and others. As executors he named his son Robert Covington, Robert Hensley and William Covington. Witnesses were Francis Covington, Ezekiel Wright, John Wright and Agness Hensley. (Who was she?)

On 15 Aug 1783, Robert Hensley received a state land grant of 122 acres in Washington Co., VA on Beaver Creek, a branch of North Fork of Holston River. This land wasn't surveyed until 17 Jun 1797. As of the date of the grant, Robert still lived in Culpeper Co., VA most likely.

On 18 Nov 1783 Robert Hensley was among the purchases at the Estate sale of George Calvert in Culpeper Co., VA.

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1784 tax list in Culpeper Co., VA with 1 white poll. William Hensley was also listed.

On 17 Aug 1784 George Calvert, Robert Hensley and Robert Covington appraised the estate of Carlisle Haynes, deceased, in Culpeper Co., VA.

Robert and family were in Washington Co., VA by 1785, for he was listed on the personal property tax list that year.

Robert Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County from 1785 through 1788. There were two other Robert Hensleys in nearby counties so it is possible not all these entries are for Robert Hensley (1759). I tend to think they are all for the same Robert though. He probably moved around a bit,  but kept returning to Washington County.

On 9 Dec 1785 Robert Hensley and Joseph Hensley, residents of Washington Co., VA, signed a petition requesting the formation of a new county. (Available online)

At this point I should point out another Robert Hensley who was born in 1760 and died in Roane Co., TN in the early 1850's. This other Robert also had connections in and near Washington Co., VA. There is a distinct possibility that some records will be mixed up between them. I think that this other Robert (1760) never actually lived in Washington County, but did live just over the line in Hawkins Co., TN and that area. Keep that in mind.

The 1790 census is lost for Virginia, but Robert should have been listed in Washington County that year, or perhaps somewhere nearby.

Robert Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County only once in the 1790's.

Robert Hensley was listed in Tract entry book for a 280 acre warrant (# 9438 and 2535). The land was on waters of Neels Creek, a branch of Beaver Creek, Elliots Corner, Alexander McDonald's Line. Surveyed 9 Mar 1791.

On 21 May 1793 Robert Hensley was named as the Executor of the estate of Alexander McDonald in his Will in Washington Co., VA. The Will was witnessed by Ephraim Smith, Alley E. Smith, and Mary McDonald.

On 17 Sep 1793 Robert Hensley and wife Eleanor Hensley of Washington Co., VA sold 41 acres to John Strother in Culpeper Co., VA. (Culpeper Co., VA Deed Book R page 597, shared by Laura Schreibman)

On 17 Oct 1793 Robert Hensley of Washington Co., VA sold land to John Strothers in Culpeper Co., VA. (Culpeper Co., VA Deed Book R page 597).

On 9 May 1794 Robert Hensley received a State Land Grant of 280 acres on Steels Creek in Washington Co., VA. It was based on Treasury Warrants # 9438 and # 2535. (Land Office Grants No. 46, 1797-1801, p. 403 (Reel 112)).

On 1 Sep 1794 Ephraim Smith sold Robert Hensley 100 1/4 acres of land in Sullivan Co., TN on waters of Beaver Creek (which flows in both Sullivan Co., TN and Washington Co., VA). Witnessed by Henry Harkelroad and Samuel C. Hensley.

On 22 Jun 1796 Robert Hensley was recommended as a Lieutenant in the Washington Co., VA militia, Capt. Walter Preston's Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Regiment. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

On 14 May 1798 Robert Hensley and Ellioner his wife of Washington Co., VA sold 280 acres on Steel Creek in Sullivan Co., TN to Daniel Steel of Sullivan Co., TN. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 2 page 127)

On 18 Oct 1798 Robert Hensley was recommended as a Captain in the Washington Co., VA militia, in room of Walter Preston who was removed. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

On 20 Mar 1799 the 70th Regiment was divided to create the 105th Regiment. Robert Hensley's company was assigned 2nd Battalion, 105th Regiment. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

The 1800 census is lost for Virginia.

On 22 Oct 1800 Robert Hensley resigned as Captain and was replaced by Robert Rhea.  (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

Robert Hensley was listed on the land tax lists in Washington County during the 1802 to 1810 period, but did not appear on the personal property lists during that same period. He apparently didn't live in the county any longer. The 1809 entry was the last entry for him on the land lists.

On 7 Nov 1800 Robert Hensley received a State Land Grant of 122 acres on Beaver Creek in Washington Co., VA. It was based on Treasury Warrant # 2535 issued 15 Aug 1783. (Land Office Grants No. 46, 1797-1801, p. 403 (Reel 112)).

On 7 Jul 1801 Robert Hensley and Elioner his wife deeded property to Samuel Hensley of Washington Co., VA. They had a son named Samuel, so I don't know if this deed was to him or to Samuel Sr. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 2 page 440)

Robert Hensley was listed as a Washington Co., VA Militiaman in 1801 in the 105th Regiment. A Robert Hensley Jr was listed that same year in the same regiment, 2nd Battalion. Robert Jr was probably Robert's son. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

On 25 May 1802 Robert Hensley of Washington Co., VA sold 25 acres in Sullivan Co., TN to Michael Hickman. (Sullivan Co., TN Deed Book 4 page 437)

On 27 Aug 1803 Robert Hensley of Washington Co., VA sold 75 1/4 acres on Beaver Creek in Sullivan Co., TN to Fredrick Leonard. (Sullivan Co., TN Deed Book 4 page 524)

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1803 tax list in Clark Co., KY with 30 acres on Strodes Creek, 1 white male over 21 (himself), 1 white male between 16 and 21 (a son probably), 3 horses, and no slaves. No other Hensleys were listed. This might be Robert Jr instead of Robert Sr.

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1804 tax list in Clark Co., KY with 33 acres on Strodes Creek, 1 white male over 21 (himself), 2 white males between 16 and 21 (sons probably), 3 horses, and no slaves. No other Hensleys were listed.

On 25 Jun 1804 Samuel Hensely of  Montgomery Co., KY gave power of attorney to "father" Robert Hensley of Washington Co., VA. It appeared that Robert Hensley had temporarily gone back to Washington Co., VA by this time, or the date of this deed is off somewhat. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 3 page 359)

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1805 tax list in Clark Co., KY with 33 acres on Strodes Creek, 1 white male over 21 (himself), 1 white male between 16 and 21 (a son probably), 2 horses, and no slaves. No other Hensleys were listed.

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1806 tax list in Clark Co., KY with 33 acres on Strodes Creek, 1 white male over 21 (himself), 2 horses, and no slaves. No other Hensleys were listed.

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1807 tax list in Clark Co., KY with 33 acres on Strodes Creek, 1 white male over 21 (himself), 1 white male between 16 and 21 (a son probably), and 3 horses. No other Hensleys were listed.

On 5 Sep 1807 John Street (or Shreel?)and wife Elizabeth and Robert Hensley and wife Elinor of Clark Co., KY sold 33 acres on Strodes Creek to William Broughton. (No book and page reference listed on deed.)

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1808 tax list in Clark Co., KY with 1 white male over 21 (himself), and 2 horses. Joseph Hensley (his son) was also listed.

He appears to have moved west to Hopkins Co., KY before 1810 for he was listed there for that census. He was the only Hensley listed in that county at the time.

1810 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1810 Hopkins Co, KY pg 375 Robert Hinsley 00301-00101-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 and up    (bef 1765)	Robert Hensley (c1759)
3 Male(s) 16-25       (1784-1794)	Son?
					Son? Leftridge?
					Son? William?
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1765)	Eleanor Covington Hensley (bef 1765) wife
1 Female(s) 16-25     (1784-1794)	Eleanor Hensley (1784/94) daughter

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1811 Hopkins Co., KY tax list with 180 acres on West Clear Creek; 1 white male over 21, and 3 horses. William Hensley and Joseph Hensleys were also listed.

Robert was also listed on the Hopkins Tax Lists in 1812, 1813, 1815 and 1816. He had 80 acres in 1812; 2 tracts in 1813: 200 acres and 100 acres; in 1815 just 100 acres; in 1816 96 acres.

On 15 Aug 1816 Joseph Hensley and wife Lucy, and Robert Hensley of Hopkins Co., KY sold 200 acres to Joseph Reed. The deed was signed by Joseph Hensley, Lucy (her mark) Hensley and Robert Hensley. The fact that Eleanor didn't sign may indicate she had died by this time. (Hopkins Co., KY Deed Book 1 page 401, shared by Laura Schreibman)

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1817 tax list in Hopkins County with 96 acres, 1 white male over 21, and 1 horse.

By 1818 Robert Hensley had moved north into the brand new state of Illinois. He was listed on the state census of 1818 in Washington County. He had 2 white males over 21, 3 other free persons, and no slaves.

He must have moved into neighboring Jefferson Co., IL by 1820 for he was listed there on the tax list taken that year as were several of his children. He was not listed on the 1820 Census there though, but his sons Joseph and Leftridge were listed. Leftridge's house contained a male over age 45 (born before 1775), which is too old to be Leftridge himself. This may be his father Robert.

I have no record of Robert Hensley after the 1820 tax list for Jefferson Co., IL. His son Joseph Hensley was listed in Marion Co., IL (formed 1823 from Jefferson County) for the 1830 census. Joseph's household included a male aged 40-49 (born ca 1780/90), which would be Joseph himself. There was also a male aged 70-79 (born 1750/60). That could very easily be Robert Hensley, but I have no way to prove it just yet.

Children of Robert Hensley. Robert Hensley and wife Eleanor seem to have at least six children. I have seen only one record proving one of their children (Samuel). The rest are proven more or less by always being near Robert through multiple counties and states and by other associations among each other. As far as I know Robert left no Will, nor has any other family record been found.

Samuel Hensley (c1781)

Robert Hensley (c1780/85)

Joseph Hensley (c1784)

Leftridge Hensley (1780/90)

William Hensley (c1790)

Eleanor Hensley (1784/94)

Samuel Hensley was born ca 1781 or before. This is based on his 1802 tax list entry showing him 21 years of age or older. He was probably born in Culpeper Co., VA. He is a proven son of Robert Hensley for on 25 Jun 1804 Samuel Hensley of Montgomery Co., KY gave a power of attorney to his "father" Robert Hensley of Washington Co., VA.

He may have been named for his Uncle Samuel Hensley (1754), assuming that is actually his uncle.

See his own page for details.

Robert Hensley was born ca 1780/85 (a rough guess, see below for explanation), probably in Culpeper Co., VA. He was listed on the same 1801 Militia list with his father Robert in Washington Co., VA, 105th Regiment. That was his first known record. His second record is a deed dated 5 Sep 1802 in Clark Co., KY where he purchased 124 1/2 acres on Strodes Creek. His father Robert Hensley (Sr) witnessed the deed. This is the same creek his father moved to.

The above does not prove that Robert Jr is a son of Robert Sr, but it strongly suggests it.

It is hard to determine his birth date from these records. There was no age requirement to purchase land, but you had to be over 21 to sell it. For Militia duty a person usually had to be at least 16, so if he was in the militia in 1801, he must have been born ca 1785 or earlier, but probably not much earlier for he did not appear on the Washington Co., VA tax lists of the late 1790's or in 1800 or 1801 either. (Then again, neither did his father Robert Sr, perhaps they were coming and going from Virginia during that period.)

Robert Hensley was listed on the 1803 through 1808 Clark Co., KY Tax lists. I don't know if those entries are for Jr or Sr as only one was listed each year.

The 1810 census only shows one Robert Hensley in Kentucky and he is in Hopkins County, and much to old to be Robert Jr, it is probably his father instead.

A Robert Hensley does appear in Henry Co., KY in 1808 through 1814 on the tax lists. No Robert Hensley was there for the 1810 census though, only a Thomas Hensley, currently unidentified. I don't know if the Henry County Robert is the same man previously in Clark Co., KY.

The 1820 census shows a Robert Hansely in Nelson Co., KY. He is too old to be this Robert, but could be his father or someone else entirely.

Joseph Hensley was born ca 1783/84 per his age of 66 on the 1850 census. He was probably born in Culpeper Co., VA.

He was probably named for his Uncle Joseph Hensley (1750/60), assuming he is actually his uncle.

Joseph Hensley moved everywhere his father Robert did, though I've seen no direct evidence that they were father and son, but it seems highly likely. They did sell some land jointly in 1816.

He married Lucy Covington, a first cousin.

See their own page for additional information.

Leftridge Hensley was born 1780/90 either in Culpeper or Washington Co., VA. I have no direct evidence that he was Robert's son, but he did live in several of the same counties with him at the same times across several states. That is strong circumstantial evidence of a close relationship.

See his own page for additional information.

William Hensley was born ca 1790 or before, probably in Washington Co., VA. I have no direct proof that he is a son of Robert Hensley. He did live in Hopkins Co., KY at the same time with Robert, and he was associated with Robert's son Joseph.

William Hensley was listed on the 1811 tax list in Hopkins Co., KY (this is the first record found for him), listed with 200 acres, 1 white male over 21, and one horse.

He was also on the 1813 tax list, no land this time, 1 white male over 21, 1 horse.

On 13 Sep 1815 William Hensley of Hopkins Co., KY appointed Joseph Hensley of same place, as his attorney to settle a certain matter in court, Joseph Reed vs. William Hensley.

That is the last sure record we have of this William Hensley.

Eleanor Hensley was born ca 1784/94 probably in Washington Co., Va. She married Felix McBride on 10 Oct 1811 in Hopkins Co., KY.

They moved to Jefferson Co., IL with the Hensleys before 1820. I have no additional data on them just yet.

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