Marty and Karla Grant
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William Hensley (c1690s-aft 1764) and Jane Coyne of King George, Spotsylvania and Orange Co., VA
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Special thanks to Laura Schreibman and Suzanne Baird for data shared on this family.
If I have it all worked out correctly, William Hensley is my second cousin, many times removed.
As there were several William Hensleys in Virginia before 1800, you should refer to my analysis page on that subject.
William Hensley is a proven son of Samuel Hensley (d 1735), as named in Samuel’s 1732 Will.
I estimate William Hensley’s birth as between ca 1690 and 1700. I base this on how he was referenced in his father’s Will dated 1732 as being grown and able to provide for himself. To me that meant he was at least 21 then, or born ca 1711 or earlier. However, I put his birth date even earlier than that because his younger siblings (from Samuel’s second wife) all seem to be born ca 1700/1710. Thus, I push William back from before ca 1711 to ca 1690/1700. His first public record was in 1722, so he was probably 21 or older then, so that puts him born ca 1701 or before, which works with my 1690/1700 estimation.
Beginning in the late 1720's research on William becomes complicated due to another William Hensley appearing in the records. That other William, perhaps 5 to 10 years younger than this one, is probably a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Hensley. That William is referred to as William Jr at first, but then by the 1730's neither William is listed with any kind of suffix to distinguish them. Is this because one of them died? If so which one? If neither died, then which record refers to which William? It may be impossible to tell in many cases. However, I think William Jr is the one who died in Culpeper in 1777. I could be wrong about that, but I am reasonably sure that William Sr. is the one still living in Orange through the 1760s at least. There is more than a good chance I’ve mixed up some records between the two Williams.
William’s first public record was dated 8 Dec 1722, when the court allotted 30 pounds of tobacco each to a large group of men for guarding David Seale in the prison house. The list included William Hensley and Benjamin Hensley. I believe this is William son of Samuel, and his first cousin, Benjamin (son of Benjamin & Beatrice). (King George Co., VA Order Book 1721-1723, p. 74 shared by Suzanne Baird.)
The above suggests that William was over 21 by this time, so born ca 1701 or earlier. However, I don’t know if jail guard duty required a person to be 21. If not, this record could just as easily refer to Benjamin’s son William “Jr” who would have been a teen around this time. I think it is probably the older William, or else they would have listed him as “Jr” to avoid confusion.
On 7 Aug 1725, two lawsuits were dismissed in court, one by William Howard against William Hensley, and another by William Hensley against William Howard! I guess the two men were suing each other. However, the dismissals suggests they worked it out. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1723-1725, p. 269 shared by Suzanne Baird.)
I don’t know who William’s first wife was, but whoever she was, they probably married in 1720's or before in King George Co., VA. He later married Jane Coyne, but I’m reasonably sure she wasn’t his first wife. However, she was his last wife and seems to have outlived him by at least a decade.
On 2 Oct 1725, William Hensley was left on the hook by his cousin Benjamin Hensley for whom he was security (bondsman), who once again (as was his habit) didn’t appear in court when required. This was a suit by George Tilley against Benjamin Hensley. Judgement was granted against Benjamin Hensley along with William Hensley, his security. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1723-1725, p. 273, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 8 Nov 1725, probably the next court after the 2 Oct 1725 entry above, Benjamin Hensley failed to appear again, and he, along with his security William Hensley were ordered to pay 31 shillings, 6 pence with costs. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1723-1725, p. 291, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
One can only imagine how upset William was with Benjamin for costing him this money. Of course Benjamin may have paid him back at some point, but that isn’t part of any public record.
On 4 Aug 1727, in King George court, it was ordered that Jonathan Williams, William Hensley, Benjamin Hensley Jr, William Hensley Jr, Nicholas Porter, and Higgason King be bound over to the next court to answer the complaint of Robert Peck by virtue of their recognizance (meaning they posted bond to guarantee they’d appear in court). (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p. 374, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
I believe the above is this William Hensley (son of Samuel d 1735), his 1st cousin Benjamin Hensley “Jr” (son of Benjamin & Elizabeth), and Benjamin Jr.’s brother, William “Jr.”
On 2 Sep 1727, the above case was again carried over the next court, Jonathan Williams, William Hensley, William Hensley Jr, Benjamin Hensley Jr, Nicholas Porter and Higgason King. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p, 379, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 3 Nov 1727, the above case was again carried over the next court, this time only naming William Hensley, William Hensley Jr, Benjamin Hensley Jr, and Nicholas Porter. For some reason Williams and King were not included. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p, 388, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 1 Dec 1727, the above case was again carried over the next court, once again only naming William Hensley, William Hensley Jr, Benjamin Hensley Jr, and Nicholas Porter, leaving out Williams and King. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p, 392, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On the same date, 1 Dec 1727, a special imparlance (continuance) is granted to William Hensley in the suit brought against him by Giles Easter. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p, 389, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 5 Apr 1728, William Hensley entered a written plea in the suit against him by Giles Easter. The court gave the plaintiff time until the next court to consider the plea (which I can only assume was “not guilty?”) (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p, 396, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 3 May 1728, the suit of Giles Easter against William Hensley was again continued until the next court for Easter to consider the plea. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p ?, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On the same date, 3 May 1728, the suit of Robert Peck against William Hensley, William Hensley Jr, and Benjamin Hensley, Jr was heard. The court ordered William Hensley and William Hensley Jr to pay a fine of 50 shillings each and remain in custody of the sheriff until they can enter a sufficient bond for their good behavior for a 12 month period. Benjamin Jr was ordered to pay 20 shillings for his good behavior for a 12 month period. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p. 405, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
Someone must have posted their bond, for the Hensleys were not left rotting in jail, apparently. See 5 Oct 1728 below.
On 3 Aug 1728 the case of Giles Easter against William Hensley was mentioned, but apparently now Hensley was counter suing Giles Easter. The case continued again. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p. 412, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 6 Sep 1728 the case of Giles Easter and William Hensley was brought, but continued once again. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p. 419, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 4 Oct 1728, Alexander Rigby of Stafford Co., VA testified for William Hensley against Giles Easter and it was ordered he be paid for 1 day and 18 miles travel. (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p. ?, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 5 Oct 1728, the court ordered the Sheriff to take the bodies (arrest them) of William Hensley, William Hensley Jr, and Benjamin Hensley Jr until they enter into security for 12 months of good behavior. Since the same order was issued back on 3 May 1728, it would seem they managed to post bond then and not spend the interim in jail. Why a new order at this point? Did whoever originally post bond for them withdraw it? (King George Co., VA Order Book 1725-1728, p. 421, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
William Hensley appears in no other records for a few years until mentioned in his father’s 1732 Will. I can’t help but wonder how much of that time was in jail? Hopefully not much of it.
Samuel Hensley made his Will on 28 Feb 1731/1732. He listed himself as a resident of King George County and Hanover Parish, yet the Will was recorded in Orange Co., VA. Orange was created in 1734 from western Spotsylvania and bordered the tip of King George. It would seem that Samuel Sr. didn’t live on his Spotsylvania land, but since he had it, the Will (or a copy of it) was filed in that county after Orange was formed. It’s confusing for three different counties are involved. I’m not sure the land he owned was in the part of Spotsylvania that became Orange or not.
In the will he said whereas "my sons by my former wife are grown to years capable of getting their own living and considering my estate to be barely sufficient for the raising of my younger children" it was his desire that "my sons William, Joseph and Edward Hanslee" be content with one Shilling Sterling each.
He named his wife Elizabeth who received his plantation in Spotsylvania during her life, and afterwards it was to go to his sons James and George Hansley. He mentioned a son Samuel whom he gave a heifer, suggesting Samuel was older than James and George. He named his Wife Elizabeth as Executrix. Samuel signed the Will with a mark, witnessed by Joseph Berry, and Thomas Suttle. The Will was proven in Orange County court on 17 Feb 1735 by his widow Elizabeth and the two witnesses. That meant Samuel died sometime not long before 17 Feb 1735.
No mention of William Hensley between his last court record in late 1728 and early 1732. That’s not unusual during that era.
William’s brother Samuel (Jr) moved to neighboring Spotsylvania County, and it seems William did as well for he witnessed a deed there dated 3 Mar 1734 between John Snell to Samuel Hensley, Martha Hensley and Kathren Hensley (Samuel’s wife and daughter). “G. Horne” was the other witness. (Torrence, Clayton, Spotsylvania County Records 1721-1800, p. 138)
On 7 Sep 1736, John Jones of Spotsylvania deeded a tract of land to William Hensley of Spotsylvania for 5 shillings. The land was in St George’s Parish, Spotsylvania County, being 520 acres bordering Robert Baylors line, Harry Beverley’s new line, Capt John Camms? and Samuel Smith. John Jones signed. Witnesses were Adam Gordon, Samll Hensley, Robert King. John Jones himself acknowledged the deed in court on 5 Oct 1736. Agnes Jones, wife of John Jones relinquished her dower rights. (Spotsylvania Co., VA Deed Book C, pp. 203-204).
For some reason, the very same deed was recorded again, starting on the same page the first one finished. The only difference in the second one was that the acreage wasn’t given and there were a few other differences in wording. The metes and bounds and neighbors all seem to be identical. (Spotsylvania Co., VA Deed Book C, pp. 204-205). I can’t help but wonder if two tracts of land were sold, but the same metes and bounds were used accidentally for the second one since filed and copied at the same time? I just can’t imagine the clerk hand copying the same deed twice in a row into the county deed books unless there was some good reason for it.
Another question arises as to which William Hensley this is in the 1736 deed. Is it William son of Samuel, or William son of Benjamin? The presence of Samuel Hensley as a witness suggests it was William son of Samuel (the witness being Samuel “Jr” as their father died in 1735). However, there is no reason Samuel “Jr” couldn’t witness a deed for his cousin William. It doesn’t have to be his brother. We know they were all well acquainted.
The answer seems to come in 1747 when William Hensley and wife “Jane” sell this same land. We know that the elder William (son of Samuel) had a wife named Jane. But what if both Williams were married to women named Jane at this time? It’s certainly possible, but I can’t say for certain that it’s the case.
On 4 Aug 1747, William Hensley and wife Jane, St. George Parish, Spotsylvania Co., VA, sold 420 acres in Spotsylvania to Robert Spilsby Coleman of Essex Co., VA. The deed makes it quite clear this is the same land from the 1736 deed. However, the only difference is that it was only 420 acres instead of 520 as stated in the original deed. This deed mentions that 100 acres of the original was sold before Hensley purchased it. However, the original deed to Hensley didn’t mention that and listed the full 520 acres. Was this perhaps the “second” tract from 1736? This deed was signed by William Hensley with a mark “W” and Jane Hensley with an X. Witnesses were A. Booker, Thomas Coleman and Hugh Sanders. The deed was acknowledged by William and Jane on 4 Aug 1747. (Spotsylvania Co., VA Deed Book D, pp. 326-327)
The above is the last record we find for William Hensley in Spotsylvania. However, a William Hensley, also with a wife Jane, began appearing in neighboring Orange Co., VA records in 1745. That was three years before this deed listing them as residents of Spotsylvania. However, they could have been going back and forth for a short time. It is also possible that we have both William “Sr” and “Jr” here in the same area around the same time. If they both had wives named Jane, we will probably never be able to untangle these early records! However, I’m thinking only William Sr was married to a Jane, and William Jr just managed to stay out of the records for a really long time.
Orange County was formed in 1734 from western Spotsylvania and was the frontier for about 10 years. However, by the time William moved there it was no longer the westernmost county in the area, Augusta haven taken that title in 1745.
On 27 Jun 1745, Henry Pickett of “that part of Orange called Augusta” deeded land to William Henslee of St. Thomas Parish, Orange Co., VA, being 200 acres in the Little Fork of the Rappadan River. Witnessed by John Foster, John Lucas, and Daniel Underwood. (Orange Co., VA Deed Book 10, pp. 71-74, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
The above land was in the part of Orange that became Culpeper in 1749. A deed dated 17 May 1750 in Culpeper proves that this is the same William with wife Jane when they sold the above land, listed as residents of Orange at the time.
This deed from 1745 refers to William as a resident of Orange, but a 1747 deed refers to him as a resident of Spotsylvania. At first glance one might think it’s two different Williams. However, due them “both” having wives named Jane, it seems more likely it’s the same William in both counties, which adjoined.
William Hensley was listed on an Orange County road order dated 26 Mar 1747 and was one of the appraisers of the estate of Benjamin Lindal on 27 Nov 1747. (Both shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 25 Feb 1748, 27 May 1748 and 22 Sep 1748, a case brought by William Hensley against Joseph Phillips was brought, and continued each time to the next court. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, pp. 119, 155, 172, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
William Hensley is mentioned in several records in Orange county 1749, including several instances of the case by him against Joseph Phillips being continued over and over, it finally being dismissed on 29 Oct 1749. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 223).
On 4 Feb 1750, Elizabeth Coyne of St. Thomas Parish, Orange County, made her Will naming her son-in-law John Mallory, who she also made her sole executor. She also named her daughter Elizabeth Rogers, daughter Francis Pain, daughter Jane Hensley, daughter Ann Mallory. Elizabeth Coyne signed the Will with a mark. Witnesses were Roger Bell, Thomas Mallory and John Mallory. The Will was proven in court on 28 Mar 1751, so Mrs. Coyne had died by then. (Orange Co., VA Will Book 2, p. 155)
Mrs. Coyne’s late husband was not named, nor were the husbands of her other daughters, though we can probably safely assume that John Mallory was the husband of Ann Mallory. It’s probably fairly safe to assume that the Jane Hensley named is the same Jane who was wife of William Hensley.
On 17 May 1750, William Hensley of St. Thomas Parish, Orange Co., VA sold 200 acres of land in Culpeper County to Jacob Ward of the same parish, Culpeper Co., VA. It was the same 200 acres Hensley obtained in 1745 from Henry Pickett. The deed was signed by William and Jane Hensley (both with marks, Xs in this case). Witnesses were James Rucker, Spencer Bobo and James Barnett. (Culpeper Co., VA Deed Book A, pp 156-158)
Culpeper County was formed in 1749 from the northern portion of Orange, in fact taking the bulk of Orange with it. It seems William and Jane didn’t live on the Culpeper property, because they continued to appear in Orange County records (except the deed above) after 1749 and for a few years after that. William Hensley “Jr” however, did live in Culpeper, so the above deed would be confusing, except it clearly shows it’s William of Orange.
William Hensley was mentioned in some estates in 1751 in Orange County among the accounts, but not as an heir.
On 21 Aug 1751, the court ordered that John Cook, Henry Franklyn, Honorias Powell and William Hensley, or any three of them, appraise the slaves in the estate of John McKeney, deceased. (Shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 31 Nov 1751, in the case of John Dixon against William Hensley, Hensley didn’t appear, so judgement was issued against him and Joseph Davis his security, unless he appear at next court to answer. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 350 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 28 Feb 1752, the case of Dixon against Hensley was called, and once more William didn’t show up, so the court ordered him and his Security, Joseph Davis, pay 3 pounds and 1 penny and half, etc. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 363 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 26 Apr 1752, in the case of William Brooke against William Hensley, Hensley didn’t appear, so judgement was issued against him and Thomas Overstreet and Jeremiah White his security, unless he appear at next court to answer. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 417 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 27 Apr 1753 Zachary Taylor came into court and entered himself as security for William Hensley in two suits against him, one by Anthony Strother, Gentleman, the other by William Brooke. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 429 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 27 Jun 1753, William Hensley appeared in court in the case brought against him by William Brooke. Hensley claims he doesn’t owe Brooke anything, and the case is continued until next court. On the same date, the case brought against him by Anthony Strother is dismissed. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 5, p. 463 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 28 Jun 1753, William Hensley, Thomas Burgess and Richard Bradley witnessed a deed between David Cave and wife Sarah to Abraham Mayfield for land on the Pamunkey River. (Orange Co., VA Deed Book 12, pg 158-159, shared by Suzanne Baird.)
On 26 Feb 1756, the court ordered Thomas Rucker to pay William Hensley for his two days of attendance as a witness on his behalf in a suit against H. Powell. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 6, p. 200 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 27 Aug 1756, a suit was brought by Charles and Peter Copland against William Hensley. Typically, Hensley didn’t show up, so judgment was issued against him unless he appeared at the next court to answer. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 6, p. 247 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 29 Apr 1758 a suit was brought by Humphrey Bell against William Hensley. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 6, p. 386 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 27 Mar 1760, a suit by Darby Haney against William Hensley was dismissed because the plaintiff didn’t show up. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 6, p. 516 shared by Suzanne Baird)
On 28 May 1761 Matthew Hubbard brought a suit against William Hensley. The case was continued. On 27 Nov 1761, this case was dismissed. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 6, p. 568 & 611 shared by Suzanne Baird)
William Hensley appears in several more suits in Orange County in 1761, 1762 and 1763, always as the defendant.
On 26 Apr 1764 William Hensley and William Hensley Jr are both sued by William Lennox and William Scott, probably for debt. Neither Hensley appeared of course. (Orange Co., VA Order Book 7, p. 125, 211 & 284 shared by Suzanne Baird)
The above is probably not a reference to William Jr of Culpeper, but another William, likely a son of William of Orange.
It’s notable that the above is the last sure record we have for this William Hensley. There is a 10 year gap in the records before William Hensley is mentioned again in Orange County. That record was on 23 Jun 1774 when a road order is issued for work on a road from the Albemarle line to Pritty’s creek. William Hensley is one of those on the order to be a road hand. As this William Hensley, if still living, would be in his 80s at this time, this has to refer to his probable son, William Jr.
Jane Hensley is mentioned once more, and while it isn’t certain this is William’s widow, it almost has to be. On 1 Apr 1779, the Orange County court ordered that 10 pounds be granted for the relief of Jane Hensley who has a son soldier in the continental service. This was during the American Revolution (1775-1782). Unfortunately, the son’s name was not given in this record. However, I’m pretty sure this was Lewis Hensley. See his section below for why I believe that. (Orange Co., VA Minute Book 2, p. 106, shared by Laura Schreibman and Suzanne Baird.)
That is the last record for Jane Coyne Hensley, so she died sometime after 1779, presumably in Orange Co., VA. She was not listed on the 1782 tax list in Orange, nor any other county as far as I’ve found, so she was probably dead by then.*
* Widows weren’t necessarily always listed on the personal property tax lists unless she had cattle, horses, etc. By this time in her life all of that might have been in her children’s names instead of hers, thus her not being listed. Either that or she was in fact dead by 1782.
I strongly suspect that William Hensley had numerous children. However, proving who they were is a different matter as solid evidence is lacking in most cases.
First, some assumptions. If our estimation for William’s birth is correct at c1690/1700, then he probably married the first time in the 1710s or 1720s, thus he could have children born as far back as then, and certainly into the 1720s and 1730s perhaps with the same wife.
Secondly, let’s assume that widow Jane in 1779 was indeed the same Jane who was married to William. She had a son in the revolutionary war at that time. Most soldiers in that war were born the 1750's or early to mid 1760s. We know she was married to William by 1747, so this soldier son of hers could have been born ca 1740s or 1750s.
That’s a very long stretch of time from the 1710s to the 1750s, certainly too long for one woman to be having children over that entire span. That is one reason I strongly suspect that Jane was not William’s first wife.
Regardless, there is still the difficulty of proving who any of his children were.
William was in King George records in 1727 and 1728, then to Spotsylvania by 1734 and through 1747. Then to Orange County until his death sometime after 1764. Thus, his children would have been born in those counties.
I believe, based on the time line, that none of William’s children (or sons at least) would have come of age while they were still in King George, though some might have while he was in Spotsylvania. However, no unidentified Hensleys appear in the Spotsylvania records that might be his.
That moves us to Orange County where he apparently first arrived in 1745 (with some overlap in Spotsylvania until 1747).
The following Hensleys appeared in Orange records and could very easily be William’s children.
(1) Jonathan Hensley appears in Orange County in 1738, and that is pretty much the only record found for him thus far. If that is one of William’s son, he would likely be the oldest, and would have preceded William to Orange. Then again, I have no actual evidence suggesting that Jonathan is William’s son. Assuming Jonathan was at least 18-21 when sued in 1738, he would have been born ca 1717/1720 which fits right in with William’s oldest children, per my calculations.
(2) Maximilian Hensley appears in Orange in 1741 and 1742. I think it is very likely this is actually Macksfield Hensley who died 1801 in Caswell Co., NC. I’m not saying that Macksfield is definitely William’s son, but it is a really good fit based on age. Macksfield did name one of his sons William, though we can’t really conclude anything from that. Assuming Maximilian was at least 18-21 when sued in 1741, he would have been born ca 1720/1723 which fits right in with William’s oldest children, per my calculations. This also works for Macksfield Hensley’s approximate birth.
(3) Francis Hensley first appears in Orange in 1744 when he was sued, presumably for debt. Assuming he was 21 or at least 18 by then, he was born ca 1723/1726, which of course works for a son of William. Francis was married to Ann —, and I suspect they were the parents of Davis Hensley who died 1814 in St. Louis, MO. Davis named one of his sons William and another Francis. Not real proof of connection, but worth noting.
(4) James Hensley appears in Orange in 1751. This could be William’s nephew of that name, son of Samuel, though that one was found primarily in Spotsylvania. However, it is also possible this was not Samuel’s son but someone else, William’s son perhaps. Unfortunately the 1751 record is all we have on him thus far in Orange. If he was 18 to 21 in 1751, he was born ca 1730/33. This could potentially be William’s brother James instead, though he was last found in 1735 in Norfolk Co., VA. That was only 16 years earlier.
(5) Joseph Hensley appears in Orange in 1756 and 1757. In that latter record, his age was given as 21, or born ca 1736. This is not William’s brother of that name for he had died in 1744. This then could be William’s son, named for his late brother. Or, this could be Joseph (Jr) son of Joseph (d 1744) who died in 1757 in Norfolk.
(6) William Hensley Jr appears in Orange in 1764 right along with William Sr., strongly suggesting they were father and son. Since this is his first entry (being sued), we can probably assume he was between 18 and 21, or born ca 1743/46. This could make him Jane’s son. I’m reasonably sure this is the same William who was in Orange and Albemarle during the 1780's, then to Madison by the 1790's, and remained there until ca 1810 when he may have died.
(7) Lewis Hensley, Revolutionary War Soldier. On 1 Apr 1779, Jane Hensley was granted 10 pounds for relief as her son (unnamed) was in the continental service. This suggests that the son in question was her primary means of support at the time. Was this William Jr. above? He was certainly the right age. However, he witnessed a deed just a month earlier than this, so he wasn’t in the service then (3 Mar 1779). However, things could have changed in a month. Or, William wasn’t the son in question. It’s also possible he wasn’t her son at all, but a step son, thus not the soldier mentioned in the record.
The only good candidate for the above is Lewis Hensley (c1757) who was indeed a Revolutionary War soldier. He enlisted in the Continental line in 1776 from Orange County, so that puts him in the right place, the right time and just matches up perfectly.
I found no other likely children for William Hensley (c1690s-aft 1764). It is almost certain he had some daughters, but they remain a mystery for now. There is a single mother named Phebe Hensley in Henry Co., VA where Lewis moved, and she named one of her sons Lewis, so it’s possible she was his sister, thus also a child of William Hensley. However, I currently have no data connecting her to Orange Co., VA or proving a connection to Lewis other than her naming a son that.
There were no Hensleys listed on the 1782-1788 tax lists in Orange Co., VA, so it would appear that none of William’s potential sons were still in Orange by the 1780's, Lewis apparently resided elsewhere during those years, though he did marry in Orange in 1785.
Keep in mind that I can’t prove any of the above children as being William Hensley’s sons. However, proximity, age and lack of other obvious options makes him the prime candidate to be the father of some, if not all of them.
For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database page for William Hensley & first wife, and William Hensley and 2nd wife Jane Coyne.
Revised: December 4, 2021
Copyright © 1996-2021 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
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