Samuel Hensley and Martha Tipton of Buncombe and Yancey Co, NC and Harlan Co, KY

Samuel Hensley was born ca 1804/05 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC). I have a birth date of 6 Feb 1804 for Samuel, but I have no idea what the source for it is.

I've seen some researchers refer to him as "Samuel L. Hensley", but so far I've not seen any official record with a middle initial included, so I don't know if it is accurate or not.

I don't know who Samuel Hensley's parents were. Several others list him as a child of Henry Hensley and Mary Howard. I don't know what proof there is of that connection, but it fits based on circumstantial evidence.

Including Henry Hensley, there are several suspects to choose from for Samuel's parents.

Samuel Hensley would most likely be home with his parents for the 1810, and 1820 census. In 1810 he should be in the "under 10" category (born ca 1800/10), and in 1820 in the age 10-15 category (c1804/10). That helps narrow down the suspects a little bit, but not enough to come to any conclusions.

That is too many choices, but it helps narrow it down a little. Henry fits as a suspect based on the 1810 census.

In 1820, there were only four Hensley households with at least one male age 10-15 (c1804/10), which might be Samuel Hensley. In Buncombe County, NC we have: James Hensley (c1780), John Hensley (c1794/1800), Benjamin Hensley (c1790), and Berry Hensley (c1783). That narrows down the list of suspects considerably, but still does not prove who Samuel's parents were. It should also be noted that three of the suspects from 1810 were not found in 1820 (Henry, Lewis and Colbert), though they were back in Buncombe by 1830. They should still be considered possibilities. I think those three were all in TN in 1820 (census lost).

Samuel Hensley married Martha Tipton ca 1820/25 in Buncombe (now Yancey) Co, NC. Her maiden name is proven by at least two sources: First, she is named in the Will of her father Jonathan Tipton (6 Apr 1850 Yancey Co, NC) as daughter "Patsy Hensley". ("Patsy" is a nickname for "Martha). Second, the birth record of their child Nicy Hensley (1853) shows parents as "Samuel Hensley" and "Martha Tipton".

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1830 census in Buncombe County, NC. He was listed between William Edwards and Eli Bennett. No other Hensleys were nearby.

In 1833, Yancey County was formed from the section of Buncombe where the Hensleys lived.

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1840 census in Yancey Co, NC. He was not listed near any other Hensleys. He was listed between Francis? Ayres (not sure of first name), and Gray Briggs.

On 6 Apr 1850, Jonathan Tipton (Martha's father) made his Will in Yancey Co, NC. He named his wife "Sary" and numerous children, including "Patsy Hensley", whom he left five shillings. (Yancey Co, NC Will Book 1 page 375 thanks to Sandra Fender).

The family was listed on the 1850 census in Harlan Co, KY. They weren't too close to any other Hensleys, but it should be noted that there was another Samuel Hensley family there at the same time. The other Samuel was younger than this one, and listed as "Jr" on some records.

Samuel Hensley "Sr" was listed on the 1850 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 2 horses, and for 5 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1851 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 3 horses, and for 5 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley "Sr" was listed on the 1852 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 7 horses, and for 5 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1853 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 3 horses, 11 cattle, 30 hogs and for 5 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley "Sr" was listed on the 1854 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 horse, 12 cattle, 35 hogs, and for 6 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1855 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 1 horse, 17 cattle, 18 hogs. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1856 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 1 horse, 15 cattle, 8 hogs, and for 5 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1857 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 2 horses, 12 cattle, 15 hogs, and for 6 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1858 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 1 white male over 21,, for 1 horse, 16 cattle, 4 hogs, and for 5 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley "Sr" was listed on the 1859 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 500 acres on Caltern Creek, 1 white male over 21,, for 1 horse, 9 cattle, 15 hogs, and for 4 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley "Sr" was listed on the 1860 Harlan Co, KY Tax list, and taxed for 500 acres on Catrons Creek, 1 white male over 21,, 20 cattle, 3 hogs, and for 4 children between ages of 5 and 16. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel and family were still in Harlan for the 1860 census. They were next door to their son Samuel Hensley Jr. Jackson Tipton (c1841), probably a nephew, was residing with them.

Children

Samuel and Martha had about 16 children, per the census records and other sources.

Unknown Son (c1820/25 or 1825/30). Samuel Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1830 and 1840 census, but gone by 1850. In 1830 he was listed as age 5-9 (c1820/25), but in 1840 as age 10-14 (c1825/30), and the two census entries seem to be for the same person so I suspect it is the same child, born ca 1825. Whomever he was, he left his parents household in the 1840's, either by marriage or death.

This could be John Hensley (c1825) who was also in Harlan Co, KY in 1850, though not particularly close to his possible parents. This same John moved to Letcher Co, KY by 1860. I really have no evidence that he is Samuel's son, other than his age being a good match, and he did name a child "Fielding", possibly after his own brother Fielding Hensley. This John was in Harlan Co, KY before Samuel was, and he moved to Illinois ca 1851, and then to Letcher Co, KY ca 1857/60.

Other than John, there were no likely suspects for this son, living in Harlan Co, KY in 1850.

Unknown Daughter (c1825/30). Samuel Hensley had an apparent daughter this age. She was living with him in 1830 (age "under 5", born ca 1825/30), and with him in 1840 (age 10-14, born ca 1825/30). Whoever she was, she was gone from his home by 1850, so probably had married or died ca 1840/50.

Since the family didn't arrive in KY until ca 1849/50, that means that this daughter probably married in Yancey Co, NC, and unfortunately, there are no early marriage records (pre 1850) left for that county. I have no idea who this could be.

I believe that this was Charlotte Hensley who married Wiley Jones ca 1850 in Harlan Co, KY. Charlotte was born ca 1829/30 in North Carolina. She was a Hensley, as proven by birth records of some of her children.

Charlotte was just three houses from her parents on the 1850 census in Harlan Co, KY. They were living with Polly Jones (c1795), possibly Wiley's widowed mother.

Charlotte was named in the birth record of her son Edmund Jones dated 25 Apr 1852 in Harlan Co, KY, where his parents were named as "Wiley Jones" and "Charlotte Hensley". Another record dated 25 Apr 1853 (exactly one year later) was for Edward Jones, and gave the same parents. One of these two might be a duplicate, as the 1860 census showed Edmund, but not Edward, though he could have died young.

Charlotte and Wiley were in Harlan County, KY still for the 1860 census. They were not near any other Hensley's at this time.

Rhoda Hensley was born ca 1831/32 in Buncombe (now Yancey) Co, NC. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1840 census, and with them in 1850.

She married Alva Bird King ca 1850/51 in Harlan Co, KY. He was born ca 1827/28 in NC. In 1850, he was home with his parents Woodard and Elizabeth King, just a few households from the Samuel Hensley family.

Alva and Rhoda were listed in the Harlan Co, KY Birth records as parents of Woodard King born 25 Nov 1852. Parents listed as "Alva B. King" and "Rhoda Hensley". He was born on "Jones Creek", so presumably that is where the family resided.

Alva and Rhoda were listed on the 1860 census in Harlan Co, KY. They were not near any other Hensley families then.

Fielding Hensley was born ca 1833/34 in Yancey Co, NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census, and with them in 1850.

Fielding married Nancy Pace ca 1850/53 in Harlan Co, KY. Her maiden name is proven by the birth record of their son John born on 19 Dec 1853, which lists his parents as "Fielding Hensley" and "Nancy Pace".

Fielding Hensley appeared on the Harlan Co, KY Tax list for the first time in 1854. He was taxed for 1 horse, 1 cattle and hog. He was not taxed for any white males over 21, which probably shows that he was only 20 then (based on his birth of ca 1833/34). (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Fielding was listed on the 1855 tax list, with 1 male over 21 (himself), 1 horse, 2 cattle, and 6 hogs. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Fielding was listed on the 1856 tax list, with 1 male over 21 (himself), 1 horse, 6 cattle, and 3 hogs. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Fielding was listed on the 1857 tax list, with 1 male over 21 (himself), 1 horse, 7 cattle, and 1 hog. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Fielding was listed on the 1857 tax list, with 100 acres on Yocums Creek, 1 male over 21 (himself), 1 horse, 20 cattle, and 15 hogs. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Fielding was listed on the 1859 tax list, with 1 male over 21 (himself) and 4 cattle (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley was born ca 1837/38 in Yancey Co, NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census, and with them in 1850. It seems that Samuel and Eliza Hensley may be twins. They were both age 12 in 1850, and both 21 in 1860.

Samuel Hensley married Louisa --- ca 1850/1860 (probably ca 1859/60) in Harlan Co, KY. I have no clues as to her maiden name.

Samuel Hensley appeared on the Harlan Co, KY Tax list in 1859, listed as Samuel "Jr" with 100 acres on Catrons Creek, and 1 white male over 21 (himself). (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel Hensley "Jr" appeared on the Harlan Co, KY Tax list in 1860 with 200 acres on Catrons Creek, and 1 white male over 21 (himself), and 1 cattle and 1 hog. (Thanks to Laura Schreibman for the Kentucky Tax Lists)

Samuel and wife Louisa were listed on the 1860 census in Harlan Co, KY next door to his parents.

Eliza J. Hensley was born ca 1837/38 in Yancey Co, NC. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1840 census, and with them in 1850 and 1860. It seems that Eliza and Samuel Hensley may be twins. They were both age 12 in 1850, and both 21 in 1860.

I have no additional data on her at this time. There was a marriage between an Eliza Hensley and Claborn Osborn in Aug 1860 in Harlan Co, KY. I don't know if that was this same Eliza or not.

Jackson Hensley was born ca 1840/41 in Yancey Co, NC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 census, but gone by 1860. I didn't find Jackson listed anywhere in 1860.

William Hensley was born ca 1842/43 in Yancey Co, NC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 and 1860 census.

Nancy Hensley was born ca 1843/44 in Yancey Co, NC. She was home with her parents for the 1850 and 1860 census.

I have no additional data on her at this time. There was a Nancy Hensley who married Wilson Hensley on 8 Aug 1860 in Harlan Co, KY. This could be her, but I don't know if it was.

George W. Hensley was born ca 1844/45 in Yancey Co, NC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 census, but not with them in 1860. He would have been 15 by then, so if still living, was probably with another family as a hired laborer.

Margaret Hensley was born ca 1845/46 in Yancey Co, NC. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census, but gone by 1860. She would have been 14 or 15 then, so possibly could have married, or perhaps she died.

Jonathan Hensley was born ca 1846/47 in Yancey Co, NC. He was home with his parents for the 1850 and 1860 census.

Charles Hensley was born ca 1851/52 in Harlan Co, KY. He was home with his parents for the 1860 census.

Nicy Hensley was born 25 Apr 1853 in Harlan Co, KY. Her birth was recorded in the Harlan Co, KY Birth Records. Her name was given as "Nicy Hensley", born on "Clover Fork", parents: "Samuel Hensley" and "Martha Tipton".

Nicy died on 3 May 1853, just a week after birth. Her death was recorded in the Harlan Co, KY Death records. Her name was given as "Nicy Hensley", age 8 days, died of "croup", child of "Samuel and Martha Hensley".

Judah Hensley was born ca 1853/54 in Harlan Co, KY. She was home with her parents for the 1860 census.

Researcher List

1. Samuel¹ Hensley , born 1804/05 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC) He married in 1820/27 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC) Martha Tipton , born 1815/16 in Buncombe Co, NC, daughter of Jonathan Tipton and Sarah (---) .

Children of Samuel Hensley and Martha Tipton were as follows:

+ 2 i Charlotte² Hensley , born 1829/30 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC). She married Wiley Jones .

+ 3 ii Rhoda² Hensley , born 1831/32 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC). She married Alva Bird King .

+ 4 iii Fielding² Hensley , born 1833/34 in Yancey Co, NC. He married Nancy Pace .

5 iv Samuel² Hensley , born 1837/38 in Yancey Co, NC. He married in 1850/60 in Harlan Co, KY Louisa (---) , born 1840/41 in NC.

6 v Eliza J² Hensley , born 1837/38 in Yancey Co, NC.

7 vi Jackson² Hensley , born 1840/41 in Yancey Co, NC; died aft 1850 in Harlan Co, KY.

8 vii William² Hensley , born 1842/43 in Yancey Co, NC.

9 viii Nancy² Hensley , born 1843/44 in Yancey Co, NC.

10 ix George W² Hensley , born 1844/45 in Yancey Co, NC; died 1850/60 in Harlan Co, KY.

11 x Margaret² Hensley , born 1845/46 in Yancey Co, NC.

12 xi Jonathan² Hensley , born 1846/47 in Yancey Co, NC.

13 xii Charles² Hensley , born 1851/52 in Harlan Co, KY.

14 xiii Nicy² Hensley , born 25 Apr 1853 in Harlan Co, KY; died 3 May 1853 in Harlan Co, KY.

15 xiv Judah² Hensley , born 1853/54 in Harlan Co, KY.

Generation 2

2. Charlotte² Hensley (Samuel¹), born 1829/30 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC). She married abt 1849 in Harlan Co, KY Wiley Jones , born 1824/25 in Harlan Co, KY, son of (---) Jones and Polly (---) .

Children of Charlotte Hensley and Wiley Jones were as follows:

16 i Jane³ Jones , born 1850 in Harlan Co, KY.

17 ii Edmund³ Jones , born 25 Apr 1852 in Harlan Co, KY.

18 iii Edward³ Jones , born 25 Apr 1853 in Harlan Co, KY; died 1853/60 in Harlan Co, KY.

19 iv Mary³ Jones , born 1853/54 in Harlan Co, KY.

20 v George³ Jones , born 1855/56 in Harlan Co, KY.

21 vi Araminta³ Jones , born 1858/59 in Harlan Co, KY.

3. Rhoda² Hensley (Samuel¹), born 1831/32 in Buncombe Co, NC (now Yancey Co, NC). She married in 1850/51 in Harlan Co, KY Alva Bird King , born 1827/28 in NC, son of Woodard P King and Elizabeth (---) .

Children of Rhoda Hensley and Alva Bird King were as follows:

22 i Samuel³ King , born 1850/51 in Harlan Co, KY.

23 ii Woodard³ King , born 25 Nov 1852 in Harlan Co, KY.

24 iii William³ King , born 1854/55 in Harlan Co, KY.

25 iv John³ King , born 1856/57 in Harlan Co, KY.

26 v Ewell³ King , born 1858/59 in Harlan Co, KY.

27 vi Felix³ King , born 1860 in Harlan Co, KY.

4. Fielding² Hensley (Samuel¹), born 1833/34 in Yancey Co, NC. He married in 1850/53 in Harlan Co, KY Nancy Pace , born 1833/34 in KY.

Children of Fielding Hensley and Nancy Pace were as follows:

28 i John³ Hensley , born 19 Dec 1853 in Harlan Co, KY.

29 ii Martha³ Hensley , born 1855/56 in Harlan Co, KY.

30 iii Levina³ Hensley , born 1856/57 in Harlan Co, KY.

31 iv Burton³ Hensley , born 1858/59 in Harlan Co, KY.

Samuel Hensley (c1805) and Martha Tipton of Buncombe and Yancey Co, NC and Harlan Co, KY

Children

Researcher List

Register Report