Marty and Karla Grant
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William Hensley of Washington Co., VA - Differentiation
[Hensley Home] - [Table of Contents] - [Virginia] - William Hensley- Differentiation
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 them, later verified and expanded upon by me. Also thanks to Bill Mooneyham for providing some very helpful analysis regarding the various William Hensleys.
I recommend you also read my General Commentary on Hensleys of Washington Co., VA .
There were three, or perhaps four, different William Hensleys in Washington Co., VA in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Obviously this is a big source of confusion.
This page is my attempt to sort them out. One of them is my 6 times great grandfather who lived in Buckingham Co., VA before moving here ca 1797. He is probably the oldest of the Williams, but was not the first one to move to Washington Co., VA. He was actually the last.
1. William Hensley “Sr” (c1730s-c1807). This is the author’s ancestor. He lived in Buckingham Co., VA from at least 1772 through 1797. Then he moved to Washington Co., VA to join his children who’d been in that county for over 10 years by then. He remained in Washington through ca 1807 when he either died or moved away. He was almost always listed as William “Sr” on records. It does not seem he owned any land in Washington.
2. William Hensley “Jr” (c1765-after 1812) and wife Mary. This was the first William in Washington as far as we know. He was a land owner, and it’s thanks to these deeds that we learned his wife was named Mary, and that he was William “Jr” since some of the deeds referred to him as such. One might assume he’s a son of William “Sr” based only on those suffixes. However, in those days they didn’t automatically mean father and son. It just meant one was older than the other. Yet, despite that, I think he is indeed the son of William Sr (1730-1807).
3. William Hensley (c1772) son of Joseph Hensley (1750s-1832). This William was born in Culpeper Co., VA and came to Washington with his parents ca 1781. His parents left Washington Co., VA for Montgomery Co., KY ca 1797. Although William would have been about 25 by the time they left, I don’t think many of the records we’ve found in Washington are for him.
4. William Hensley married Elizabeth Brewster (Bruster) here in 1800. Other researchers claim this is William Hensley (c1774) son of Catherine Hensley (c1750s) who resided in Wythe Co., VA during that time period. However, I don’t know what evidence they use to link that William to this one. Wythe County bordered Washington on the east, so it’s certainly feasible that a resident of Whyte came into Washington to marry a local girl. However, is there actual evidence that’s what happened? Couldn’t this just as easily be William Sr marrying a second or third time? There was a widow Elizabeth Hensley on the 1810 census in Washington who is much closer to William Sr’s age. More research is needed to be sure which William this is.
William Sr and William Jr are fairly easy to distinguish, though not always. I don’t think Joseph’s son William left many records in this county. The one who married in 1800 could be a non resident, or it could be William Sr marrying again, or perhaps another William entirely.
Regardless, I’ll present all the records here with added commentary as to who I think it pertains to. Keep in mind that part is just my opinion.
If you know of any records that I haven’t included, please share them with me.
On 28 Nov 1781 a Treasury Warrant was issued to William Hensley, assignee of Joseph Hensley, for 274 acres in Washington Co., VA surveyed 25 Mar 1791. The land was on Cove Creek a branch of North Fork of Holston River. "Assignee" means that although Joseph was the one entitled (or qualified) to receive this land, he transferred his rights to William Hensley for some reason. This land was later granted to William and he sold it off in three parcels, two in 1803 and the third in 1810. My commentary: This is clearly William Jr (wife Mary), who might be a younger brother to Joseph for they are of similar age. Joseph also had a son, William, but he was too young to be the person referred to here.
Only one William Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County 1786 through 1790. William was not listed on the land tax lists during that period. The 1781 warrant hadn’t yet been issued to him, so he wasn’t a landowner yet. This is William Hensley Jr (wife Mary).
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
Tithes |
Slaves |
|
Horses |
Cattle |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
Comments |
1782-1784 |
Not found |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
Tithes |
B16+ |
B-16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
|
1785 |
Not found |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(No list) |
- |
|
1786 |
James Fulkason, Gent. |
William Hensley |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
W16-21 |
B16+ |
B-16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
|
1787 |
Not found |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1788 |
John Lathim's |
William Hensley |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
W16-21 |
B16+ |
B12-16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
|
1789 |
Walter Preston's |
William Hancley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
1790 |
Walter Preston's |
William Hansley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The 1790 census is lost for Virginia but it seems reasonable that William Jr would have been listed in Washington County.
Only one William Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County 1791 and 1792, but a second one was listed in 1793 and 1794. I believe the second one is William Hensley (c1772) son of Joseph, but it could be William Sr from Buckingham, or another William entirely. In 1795 through 1797 there was only one again which is probably William Jr. (c1765). By 1798 and through 1800 there were two, one being Sr the other Jr. Neither William was listed on the land tax lists during that period, though William Jr should have had land.
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
W16-21 |
B16+ |
B12-16 |
Horses |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
Comments |
1791 |
Walter Preston's |
William Hancley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
1792 |
Walter Preston's |
William Hencley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
1793 |
Walter Preston's |
William Hancley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hancley |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
1794 |
Walter Preston's |
William Hencly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hencley Jr |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
- |
- |
|
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
W16+ |
B16+ |
B12-16 |
Horses |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
|
1795 |
Matthew Willoughby's |
William Hensley |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
1796 |
Matthew Willoughby's |
William Hensly |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
1797 |
Matthew Willoughby's |
William Hensly |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
1798 |
Matthew Willoughby's |
William Hensley Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensley Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
|
1799 |
Lower District |
William Hensly Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensly Sr & Son |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
1800 |
Lower District |
William Hensly Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensly Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William Hensley was listed as a Militiaman in Washington County in 1798 in 2nd Battalion, 70th Regiment (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)
The above is probably not William Sr as he would have been in his 60's by then. It could be William Jr who would have been about 35-ish. Or it might be William, son of Joseph who would have been about 26. This latter one is the most likely, if that family was still in the county then which isn’t certain.
On 23 Oct 1798, William Hensley Jr, assignee of Robert Preston had 30 acres on Cove Creek surveyed, bordering Loving Bledsoe and corner of Peter Hartsock. (Washington Co., VA Survey Book page 281).
The 1800 census is lost for Virginia. I would think two Williams would have been listed, William Sr and Jr.
On 24 Jun 1800, William Hansley married Elizabeth Bruster (Brewster) in Washington Co., VA. They were married by N. Reagan. Others think this William is the one found in Wythe Co., VA records before this, and in Tazewell County records after this. Both counties border Washington, and Tazewell was formed from Wythe in 1799. This William later wound up in what is now West Virginia. However, I’m not 100% convinced this marriage is for that William Hensley. It could be of course, but it could just as easily be William Sr.
On 7 Nov 1800, William Hensley obtained a State Land Grant of 274 acres on Cove Creek. (Land Office Grants No. 46, 1797-1801, p. 382 (Reel 112))
On 26 Oct 1801, William Hensley obtained a State Land Grant of 30 acres on Cove Creek. (Land Office Grants No. 49, 1802, p. 494 (Reel 115))
Two William Hensleys were listed on the tax lists in Washington County from 1801 through 1807, Sr and Jr. By 1809 only one remained. Deeds prove that it was William "Jr" who remained. Only one William was listed on the land tax lists during this period, and there was never a "Sr" or "Jr" after his name on that list, but deeds prove it was "Jr" who owned the land.
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
W16+ |
B16+ |
B12-16 |
Horses |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
Comments |
1801 |
Lower District |
William Hensly Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensly Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
- |
|
1802 |
Lower District |
William Hensly Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensly Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
William Hensly |
274 |
|
1803 |
Lower District |
William Hansly Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hansly Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
William Hensly |
274 |
|
1804 |
Lower District |
William Hansly Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensley Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
William Hensly |
274; 30 |
|
1805 |
Lower District |
William Hensley Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
William Hensly |
274; 30 |
|
|
" |
William Hensley Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
1806 |
Lower District |
William Hensly Sr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensly Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
William Hensely |
274; 30 |
|
1807 |
Lower District |
William Hensley |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
- |
- |
|
|
" |
William Hensley Jr |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
William Hensely |
274; 30 |
|
1808 |
(no list) |
|
|
|
|
|
(no list) |
- |
|
1809 |
Lower District |
William Hensly |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
William Hensly |
30 |
|
1810 |
Lower District |
William Hensly |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
William Hensly |
45; 30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On 14 Oct 1803 William Hensley and Mary his wife sold 100 1/2 acres on Cove Creek to Daniel Fleenor. The land was granted to William by patent dated 7 Nov 1800. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were: Charles Hartsock, Jesse Grisell, and Benjamin Spyker. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 3 page 147)
On the same date (14 Oct 1803) William Hensley and Mary his wife sold 128 acres on Cove Creek to Jesse Grissell. The land was granted to William by patent dated 7 Nov 1800. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were Charles Hartsock, Daniel Fleenor, and Benjamin Spyker. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 3 page 146)
William Hensley was a Militia man in Washington County in 1807 in Capt. Goff's Company, 2nd Battalion, 105th Regiment. This would have to be William Jr, though perhaps another William entirely. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)
There is just one William Hensley listed on the 1810 census in Washington Co., VA. He was two houses from Fielding Hensley (brother?). This is William Hensley (Jr) with wife Mary since they were still in the county in late 1810 per deeds (see below.) There is an apparent widow Elizabeth Hensley on the 1810 census who could be widow of the older William. See her page for more on her.
1810 census, Washington Co., VA p. 224, Wm Hensley age 26-44 (1765/1784), 22210-22010-0-0
On 17 Oct 1810 William Hensley and wife Mary sold 45 acres on Cove Creek to Jesse Grizzell. He signed with a mark. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 4 page 377)
On the same date (17 Oct 1810) William Hensley sold 30 acres to Henry Darnell. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 4 page 377)
On the same date (17 Oct 1810), Samuel Hensley and John Goodson, justices informed the court that Mary, wife of William Hensley could not conveniently travel to the court to acknowledge the above deed, so they went to her. They acknowledged that they spoke to her on 9 Nov 1811 and that she declared she signed the deed willingly (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 5 page 119).
This usually meant that the woman was pregnant, ill or old and unable to travel.
Only one William Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County land lists in 1811 and 1812. No William was listed on the Personal Property lists, so that indicates William Jr had died or moved away, though the land was still listed under his name until the above deeds were registered.
Year |
District |
Personal Property Tax List |
W16+ |
B16+ |
B12-16 |
Horses |
Land Tax List |
Acres |
Comments |
1811 |
Not found |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
William Hencely |
45; 30 |
|
1812 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
William Hansly |
45 |
|
1813-1815 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Not found |
- |
There were no William Hensleys in the records after this point, though I haven’t done a thorough examination of all records.
Several of the Washington Co., VA Hensleys moved to Washington Co., IN during this era. There is a widow Mary Hensley on the 1820 census in that county. She certainly could be the widow of William Hensley Jr, but that’s pure speculation at this point.
Land Analysis:
William Hensley had two tracts of land, one of 274 acres which he sold off in three parcels (100.5 acres; 128 acres and 45 acres), and another tract of 30 acres. All of his land is accounted for. It was granted to him, and sold by him and wife Mary. All of the early deeds in Washington Co., VA for "William" Hensley seem to be for the William whose wife was Mary and they sold the last of it in late 1810.
274 acres Cove Creek. Washington Co., VA; Walkers Mountain.
1. Treasury Warrant # 9438 issued 28 Nov 1781 to William Hensley, assignee of Joseph Hensley.
2. Surveyed 25 Mar 1791.
3. Granted 7 Nov 1800 to William Hensley.
4. 14 Oct 1803 - William Hensley and wife Mary sold 100.5 acres of this grant to Daniel Fleenor leaving 173.5a.
5. 14 Oct 1803 - William Hensley and wife Mary sold 128 acres of this grant to Jesse Grizzle leaving 45.5a.
6. 1804 tax list - William Hensley 274a - though he had already sold some of the land it took awhile for deeds to be filed and registered.
7. 1805 tax list - William Hensley 274a
8. 1806 tax list - William Hensley 274a
9. 1807 tax list - William Hensley 274a
10. 17 Oct 1810 - William Hensley and wife Mary sold 45 acres of this grant to Jesse Grizzle leaving 0.5 acres which was probably rounded off somewhere.
11. 1811 tax list - William Hensley 45a. Deed from 17 Oct 1810 wasn't registered until 1812.
30 acres Cove Creek. Washington Co., VA; Bledsoe's Corner; Hartsock's Corner;
1. Treasury Warrant # 2351 issued 26 Dec 1797 to William Hensley.
2. Surveyed 23 Jan 1800.
3. Granted 26 Oct 1801 to William Hensley.
4. 1804 tax list - William Hensley 30a.
5. 1805 tax list - William Hensley 30a.
6. 1806 tax list - William Hensley 30a.
7. 1807 tax list - William Hensley 30a.
8. Sold 17 Oct 1810 by William Hensley and wife Mary to Henry Darnell, 30 acres.
Summary:
I believe the records make it clear that William Hensley "Sr" was not the one who owned land in Washington Co., VA. William Hensley Jr is the one, who with his wife Mary, owned two tracts of land (274 & 30 acres) and were still in the county as late as 1811.
William "Jr" seems to be the same one who obtained the 274 acres in 1781 as assignee of Joseph Hensley. I don't know how old one has to be to be an "assignee" but to receive a grant you could be any age. This record suggests he and Joseph were closely related, brothers most likely.
See their own pages for more information on the William Hensleys of Washington Co., VA:
1. William Hensley “Sr” (c1730s-c1807).
2. William Hensley “Jr” (c1765-after 1812) and wife Mary.
3. William Hensley (c1772) son of Joseph Hensley (1750s-1832).
4. William Hensley (c1774) son of Catherine Hensley (c1750s) (who I’m not yet convinced was ever in Washington Co., VA, but could be wrong about it.)
Revised: August 30, 2021
Copyright © 1996-2021 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
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