Joseph Hensley (1750/60) and Jane --- and Nancy --- of Washington Co., VA and Montgomery Co., KY

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The author (Marty Grant) is not related to Joseph 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 Joseph may be brothers, if so then I am a 5th Great Grand Nephew of Joseph Hensley.

Special Thanks to Ruthe Muench and Laura Schreibman for information shared on this family. All Washington Co., VA and Montgomery Co., KY tax list records, and Montgomery County deeds mentioned on this page were transcribed and shared by Laura.

Joseph Hensley was born ca 1750/60 per his age of 70-79 on the 1830 census. He was probably born in Culpeper County, Virginia since he was there early on and he was associated with Samuel Hensley (1754) who was born there.

I have not been able to determine who Joseph 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 (1754-1841), Robert Hensley (c1759), 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 Joseph 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 Joseph 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.

Joseph Hensley married Jane --- sometime before ca 1772, possibly in Culpeper Co., VA. I don't know her maiden name nor an approximate birth date for her. She was probably born in the 1750's like her husband.

Polly Hensley, daughter of Joseph Hensley and Jane was born 6 Dec 1774 and baptized 5 Mar 1775. This is recorded in the Kingston Parish Register (Gloucester and Mathews County, Virginia). Is this the same Joseph Hensley? Probably not as that is way in eastern Virginia, but it is certainly possible. They could have been there for some reason.

For the Revolutionary War, Joseph Hensley served as an Orderly Sgt in Capt White's Company under Col. William Davis, second regiment of Virginia. Joseph Hensley, Esq. testified to this in the Pension application of William Bates (File # S35176) who served in the same company. Bates' pension file contains some data on his service in the War. We can assume that Joseph Hensley saw much of the same service.

On 17 Apr 1780 the Estate sale of Christopher Dicken was held in Culpeper Co., VA. Joseph Hensley was one of the purchasers.

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. How are they related? This land was later granted to William and he sold it off in three parcels, two in 1803 and the third in 1810.

Joseph was listed on the Tax lists in Washington County from 1782 through 1790.

Joseph Hensley was mentioned in a land Grant to Fielding Hensley dated 11 Nov 1783 for land on both sides of the North Fork of Holston River, being at the foot of Piny Mountain in Rich Valley, and another tract bordering Nathaniel Cornet and Joseph Hensley. Evidence that Joseph and Fielding were related as they were neighbors.

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)

In the Inventory of the Estate of Anthony Head, dated 11 Nov 1786, Samuel Hensley, Joseph Hensley and Henry Spa were the appraisers.

On 8 May 1787 Joseph Hensley was recommended as a Lieutenant in the Washington Co., VA militia. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

On 14 Oct 1788 Joseph Hensley was recommended as a Captain in the Washington Co., VA militia. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

The 1790 census is lost for Virginia, but Joseph should have been listed in Washington County that year.

Joseph was listed on the Tax lists in Washington County from 1791 through 1795.

Joseph Hensley was listed in Tract entry book for a 274 acre warrant (# 9438). The land was on waters of Cove Creek, Walkers Mountain. It was surveyed 25 Mar 1791.

On 19 Feb 1793 Joseph Hensley was recommended as a Captain in the Washington Co., VA militia, 2nd Battalion, 70th Regiment. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

On 20 Jun 1793 Joseph Hensley was recommended as a Captain in the Washington Co., VA militia, 4th Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Regiment. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

Samuel Hensley was recommended to be a Captain in the Washington Militia on 19 Nov 1795 in the room of Capt. Joseph Hensley who resigned. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

Joseph Hensley did not appear on any Washington land tax lists after 1794, or personal property tax lists after 1795. He apparently sold his 126 acres to Adam Deck ca 1794-1795 for Mr. Deck was listed with that land on the 1795 tax list.

Around this time Joseph Hensley moved his family north west to Montgomery County, Kentucky. Montgomery County was formed in 1796 (effective 1797) from Clark, and at this time was pretty large. It was cut in half in 1800, but was still quite large though gradually reduced over the years by the creation of new counties. I believe he lived in the part that is still Montgomery County today.

There were several other Hensleys in Montgomery County before Joseph got there, but I don't know of any relationship between them.

Joseph was not listed on the 1797 tax list for Montgomery.

Joseph Hensley was listed on the 1799 tax list in Montgomery with 1 white male over 21 (himself), and 7 horses. Other Hensleys listed there in 1799 included: Elijah Hensley, William Hensley, Benjamin Hensley and Davis Hensley. Elijah, William and Benjamin were Joseph's sons. Davis Hensley was not related as far as I know. He later moved to Missouri.

The 1800 census is lost for Kentucky.

Joseph Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Montgomery Co., KY for 1801 through 1810. Beginning in 1810 his son Joseph Hensley Jr appeared.

Joseph Hensley was listed on the 1810 census in Montgomery Co., KY. 

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

1810 Montgomery Co, KY pg 362 Joseph Hensley 01201-11001-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 and up    (bef 1765)	Joseph Hensley (1750/60)
2 Male(s) 16-25       (1784-1794)	Son?
					Son?
1 Male(s) 10-15       (1794-1800)	Son?
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1765)	Jane (—) Hensley (bef 1765) wife
1 Female(s) 10-15     (1794-1800)	Daughter?
1 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Lucinda Hensley (c1807) daughter

Joseph Hensley Sr was listed on the 1811 tax list in Montgomery County. He had 500 acres of 3rd rate land, 1 white male over 21, and 10 horses.

He was not listed on the 1812 tax list, but was listed there in 1813 through 1820.

Jane (---) Hensley died sometime before 1814 in Montgomery Co., KY.

Joseph Hensley married Nancy ---, widow of Mark Lacy, before 1814 in Montgomery Co., KY. I don't know her maiden name. She was born 1770/80 per age on 1830 census. The 1820 census gives age 45+ or born before 1775. These two reconcile to ca 1770-75. This may be the same person as Agnes McDonald who married Mark Lacy on 21 Nov 1785. "Agnes" and "Nancy" are frequently used interchangeably.

On 17 Oct 1814, Joseph Hensley and Nancy his wife sold 50 acres to William Hensley (son). (Montgomery Co., KY Deed Book 6 page 562)

On 6 Mar 1815 Joseph Hensley posted $10,000 performance bond as Sheriff of Montgomery County. (Montgomery Co., KY Deed Book 7 page 144)

On 16 Apr 1815 Joseph Hensley and Nancy his wife sold 60 acres to Elijah Hensley (son). (Montgomery Co., KY Deed Book 7 page 162)

On 31 Oct 1819, Nancy Hensley, late Nancy Lacy widow and relict of Mark Lacey deceased, appointed Walker Kelsoe her attorney. (Montgomery Co., KY Deed Book 9 page 284).

Joseph Hensley was listed on the 1820 census in Montgomery Co., KY. 

1820 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1820 Montgomery Co, KY pg 229 Joseph Hensley, Esq 000001-00001-0-6
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 45 & up   (before 1775)	Joseph Hensley (1750/60)
1 Female(s) 45 & up (before 1775)	Nancy (—) Hensley (1770/75) wife

Joseph Hensley was on the Montgomery tax lists 1821 through 1825, and 1827 through 1830.

Joseph Hensley was listed on the 1830 census in Montgomery Co., KY.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Montgomery Co, KY pg 36 Joseph Hensley 0000000001000-0000000100000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 70-79        (1750-1760)	Joseph Hensley (1750/60)
1 Female(s) 50-59      (1770-1780)	Nancy (—) Hensley (1770/80) wife

Joseph Hensley made his Will on 3 Aug 1830. He freed his slave Isaac, and mentioned heirs but did not name them. (Montgomery Co., KY Will Book D page 287)

Joseph Hensley was on the Montgomery tax list for 1831. He had 200 acres on Slate (Creek) 1 white male over 21, 3 blacks over 16, 6 blacks in all, and 4 horses.

Joseph Hensley died before Aug 1832 in Montgomery Co., KY for that is when his Will was probated. In the Inventory of the estate (31 Dec 1832), widow Nancy Hensley received 45 acres as her dower. (Montgomery Co., KY Will Book D page 346)

Nancy Hensley was listed on the 1833 tax list in Montgomery Co., KY.

I didn't find his widow Nancy on the 1840 or 1850 census. She may have died or remarried to someone unidentified or moved away to be with her Lacy children.

Children of Joseph Hensley. Joseph Hensley and his first wife Jane (---) had eight children as proven by various deeds in the 1830's dividing up the land of Joseph Hensley after he died. These were: William, Susanna, Benjamin, Elijah, George, Lucy, Wesley, and Elizabeth. Two other probable (but unproven) children are Joseph Jr and Fielding Hensley.

It does not appear that Joseph and second wife Nancy had any children together. She had at least one child (William P. Lacy living in Cape Girardeau Co., MO in 1821) by her first husband Mark Lacy.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Hensley

William Hensley (c1772)

Benjamin Hensley (c1776)

Elijah Hensley (c1780)

Wesley Hensley (1784/90)

Susannah Hensley (1780/90)

George Hensley (1780/90)

Joseph Hensley (c1789)

Fielding Hensley (1790/93)

Lucinda Hensley (c1807)

Elizabeth "Betsy" Hensley was born ca 1770/80 (per ages on 1830 and 1840 census), probably in Culpeper Co., VA. She is a proven child of Joseph Hensley as named in an 1835 deed as his heir.

Elizabeth Hensley married John Fleenor on 6 Oct 1789 in Washington Co., VA. They were married by John Frost, Baptist minister.

John was born ca 1765/66 (per age of 84 on 1850 census) in Maryland.

They did not go to Kentucky with her parents but remained in Washington Co., VA.

The 1790 and 1800 census are lost for Virginia.

They were listed on the 1810 census in Washington Co., VA.

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

1810 Washington Co, VA pg 228 John Fleener 10010-30010-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1765-1784)	John Fleenor (c1766)
1 Male(s) 0-9         (1800-1810)	Henry Fleenor (c1800) son
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1765-1784)	Elizabeth Hensley Fleenor (1770/80) wife
3 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Daughter?
					Daughter?
					Daughter?

John Fleenor and wife Elizabeth were divorced around 1814, after he moved off to Indiana. Family lore says she didn't want to go with him so she remained in Virginia.

John Fleenor died after 1850 in Washington Co., IN. He remarried to Rebecca --- sometime after 1814. He made his Will on 22 Jan 1850 naming Henry Fleenor, Abraham Fleenor, Sarah Jane & Martha Fleenor "the children of Betsy Hensley from whom I was divorced" leaving them the sum of $1.00 each. He also named his wife Rebecca and their children (not listed by name). (Washington Co., IN Will Book A page 424)

An Estate record (I've only seen an abstract) shows these heirs as of 19 Oct 1855: George Housh and wife Polly; Nicholas Fleenor; Michael Fleenor; William and Sarah Bowman; John Carter and wife Nancy; Jacob Housh and Dorcas; David D. Nicholson and Elizabeth; James Fleenor; Abraham Fleenor; Jacob Fleenor; Isaac Fleenor, Frederick Fleenor, Christopher Fleenor, Benjamin Fleenor, Simon Hornocker and Rhoda A.; Henry Fleenor; William Driskell and Martha Ellen; William Fleenor and Francis Marion Fleenor. (Violet Cook, Indianapolis to Mrs. Gibbons, 22 Jun 1967). I would guess that most of those children are from John Fleenor's second marriage.

There is an Elizabeth Fleenor listed on the 1820 census in Washington Co., VA, but I don't know if it is her or not, she is living alone. Since there were lots of other Fleenors in Washington, this could easily be a different Elizabeth.

She was in Roane Co., TN by 1825 for on 29 Oct 1825 "Betsey Fleiner" married David Haley there. Witnesses were Robert Haley, James Good, Richard Fleiner and Sally Fleiner.

David Haley was born 1760/70 per his age on the 1830 census. At his age he was probably married previously as well.

They were in Roane Co., TN for the 1830 census.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Roane Co, TN pg 41 David Haley 0001000010000-1101000100000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 60-69        (1760-1770)	David Haley (1760/70)
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)	Son?
1 Female(s) 50-59      (1770-1780)	Elizabeth Hensley Haley (1770/80) wife
1 Female(s) 15-19      (1810-1815)	Daughter?
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)	Daughter?
1 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)	Daughter?

On 9 Nov 1835 in Montgomery Co., KY several heirs of Joseph Hensley, deceased sold land to Jehu Stevens Jr of Montgomery County. The heirs were: William Hensley of Montgomery Co., KY; Benjamin Hensley of Lawrence Co., IN; Wesley Hensley of Putnam Co., IN and David Haley and wife Elizabeth, late Hensley, of Roane Co., TN.

David Haley died sometime between 1835 and 1840 in Roane Co., TN.

Widow Elizabeth Haley is listed on the 1840 census in Roane Co., TN. An older male (ca 1780/90) was living with her. I don't know who he might have been.

1840 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1840 Roane Co, TN pg 76 Elizabeth Haley 0001000100000-1100100010000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 50-59        (1780-1790)	Son? Brother?
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1820-1825)	Son?
1 Female(s) 60-69      (1770-1780)	Elizabeth Hensley Haley (1770/80) wd/o David
1 Female(s) 20-29      (1810-1820)	Daughter?
1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)	Daughter?
1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)	Daughter?

Elizabeth Hensley Haley died before 1 Mar 1847 for on that date Allen Haley, Administrator, returned an inventory of her estate. (Roane Co., TN Court Minute Book P age 233).

William Hensley was born ca 1771/72 in Virginia, possibly in Culpeper County. He lived in Washington Co., VA coming to Montgomery Co., KY with his parents in the late 1790's. He married Lucy --- there before 1810. See their page for additional information.

Benjamin Hensley was born ca 1775/76 in Virginia, possibly in Culpeper County. He lived in Washington Co., VA coming to Montgomery Co., KY with his parents in the late 1790's. He married Sarah Miller in Indiana. See their page for additional information.

Elijah Hensley was born ca 1780 in Virginia, possibly in Culpeper County. He lived in Washington Co., VA coming to Montgomery Co., KY with his parents in the late 1790's. See their page for additional information.

Wesley Hensley was born ca 1784/90 in Washington Co., VA. He married Mary Ann Hull before 1820. See their page for additional information.

Susannah Hensley was born ca 1780/90 (per age of 40-49 on 1830 census), probably in Washington Co., VA. She is a proven child of Joseph Hensley as named in an 1833 deed as his heir.

Susannah married a Mr. Curry at some point, probably in the very early 1800-1810 time frame, probably in Montgomery Co., KY (early marriage records were destroyed.)

The 1810 census shows 21 Curry households in Kentucky. The only one in Montgomery Co., KY was Robert Curry. Was he Susan's husband? I have no way to know just yet, but it seems possible. He was listed next to William Hensley (Susan's brother) so this makes it seem likely this is Susan's husband. Even though I don't know if this is them, here is the entry:

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

1810 Montgomery Co, KY pg 365 Robert Curry 31010-20010-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1765-1784)	Robert Curry
1 Male(s) 10-15       (1794-1800)	Son?
3 Male(s) 0-9         (1800-1810)	Son?
					Son?
					Son?
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1765-1784)	Wife? Susannah Hensley Curry (1780/90)?
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Daughter?
					Daughter?

By 1820 there were no Curry households in Montgomery or Casey County. There was a Robert Curry in Mercer Co., KY in 1820 but it doesn't appear to be the same Robert from 1810 Montgomery.

Mr. Curry (whether Robert or someone else) was dead before 1830 for Susan was listed as head of household in Casey Co., KY. This is several counties south-west of Montgomery.

1830 census analysis (based on available evidence): (Explanation of this census)

1830 Casey Co, KY pg 278 Susan Curry 0021000000000-0000001000000
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)	Son?
2 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)	Son?
					Son?
1 Female(s) 40-49      (1780-1790)	Susannah Hensley Curry (1780/90)

In 1833 (no exact date) Susanna Curry of Casey Co., KY sold Evan Hensley (her nephew) of Montgomery Co., KY her interest in the estate of her father Joseph Hensley. (Montgomery Co., KY Deed Book 16 page 278)

I was unable to find Susannah on the 1840 or 1850 census in Kentucky. There were no Currys at all in Casey County in either 1840 or 1850.

George Hensley was born ca 1780/90 in Washington Co., VA. See his page for additional information.

Joseph Hensley was born ca 1789 in Washington Co., VA. See his page for additional information.

Fielding Hensley was born ca 1790/93 in Washington Co., VA. He married Sarah --- before 1815. See their page for additional information.

Lucinda Hensley was born ca 1806/07 (per age of 43 on 1850 census), in Montgomery Co., KY. She is a proven child of Joseph Hensley as named in an 1834 deed as his heir. She appears to have been home with her parents for the 1810 census, aged under 10 (born ca 1800/10). She was not home in 1820, though I doubt she was married yet by then.

Lucinda Hensley married John McGuire sometime before 1830 in Montgomery Co., KY.

I was unable to find them on the 1830 census. They moved to Monroe Co., IN at some point. There is a John McGuire listed in Monroe Co., IN on the 1830 census, but he and his wife are both listed as aged 40-49 (born 1780/90) which is way too old (unless their ages on the 1850 census are wrong, which is possible.)

On 6 Oct 1834, John McGuire and wife Lucy, late Hensley, of Monroe Co., IN legal heir of Joseph Hensley sold her interest in her father's land to Benjamin Hensley of Lawrence Co., IN (her brother). (Montgomery Co, KY Deed Book 16 page 527)

I couldn't find them on the 1840 census in Monroe County or back in Montgomery Co., KY.

They were in Monroe Co., IN for the 1850 census. The census shows everyone born in Kentucky which probably isn't correct.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

(Note: The dates at the end of each line are not part of the original census, but are approximate birth years based on age)

MONROE CO, IN Page 313   H/F #  268/ 268- - PERRY Twp

McGUIRE JOHN          48 M W FARMER                 450 KY                   1801/1802
McGUIRE LUCINDA       43 F W                            KY                   1806/1807
McGUIRE MARGARET J    20 F W                            KY                   1829/1830
McGUIRE MARTHA A      17 F W                            KY                   1832/1833
McGUIRE SARAH E       15 F W                            KY                   1834/1835
McGUIRE WILLIAM H     14 M W                            KY                   1835/1836
McGUIRE FRANKLIN O    12 M W                            KY                   1837/1838
McGUIRE JOHN R        10 M W                            KY                   1839/1840
McGUIRE MARY F         8 F W                            KY                   1841/1842
McGUIRE DICK R         7 M W                            KY                   1842/1843
McGUIRE JAMES M        5 M W                            KY                   1844/1845
McGUIRE THEODORE M     3 M W                            KY                   1846/1847
MATHERS CLARISSA      25 F W                            KY                   1824/1825

I couldn't find them on the 1860 census.

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