Ichabod C. Hensley (c1792/94-1840/50) and Sarah G. Fulkerson of Washington and Scott Co., VA; Knox and Hardeman Co., TN and Howard and Boone Co., MO

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• 28 Jun 2009 - Revised with new information on some of the children (Van Buren, Martha and Virginia) shared by Dee Dee Rypka.
• 18 Jun 2009 – New page by Marty Grant, 4th Great Grand Nephew of Ichabod C. Hensley.

Special thanks to Joyce Petty Cooper and Laura Schreibman for data shared on this family.

Also refer to Ichabod Hensley - An overview and study of the four men of this name from Virginia.

Ichabod C. Hensley was born ca 1790/1800 per his age on the 1830 census (30-39) and 1840 census (40-49). This can be narrowed down more by his War of 1812 muster record which listed him as age 20-22 in Sep 1814. That puts his birth at ca 1792/94. He was probably born in Washington County, now Scott County, Virginia.

Ichabod is a "proven" son of Larkin Hensley (c1767) and Sarah --- . I put "proven" in quotes because there was more than one man of this name around at the time. Court records in Scott County, Virginia show an "Ichabod C. Hensley" as part of the Larkin Hensley family. The big question has been whether this is the Ichabod in question, or if it was one of the others. Based on the middle initial and the birth date, I'm pretty sure this is the Ichabod who was a son of Larkin, but there is room for doubt.

For cross-reference purposes, check out the pages for the other Ichabod's: Ichabod Hensley (1780/90) of VA, TN and AL; Ichabod C. "Byrd" Hensley (c1810) of Cabell Co, VA (WV) and Clay Co, IL; and Ichabod Hensley (c1814) of Scott Co, VA.

The older Ichabod Hensley is listed on the tax lists in Washington Co., VA starting in 1798 and continuing through 1805. Ichabod C. was too young to appear on those lists as only those 16 and up were to be taxed. He didn't turn 16 until ca 1808, though by then was in Tennessee.

Ichabod C. Hensley's father Larkin died ca 1805/06 in Washington Co., VA. After that his family was in Sullivan Co., TN very briefly (ca 1806) and then to Knox Co., TN by 1808. It is likely that Ichabod C. was also in those places at that time. To complicate maters the older Ichabod (1780/82) was also in Knox Co., TN then.

On 16 Apr 1807 in Knox Co., TN, Ichabod Hensley was tried for petty larceny and found not guilty. (Knox Co., TN Court Minute Book 6). This is undoubtedly the older Ichabod for Ichabod C. was only about 15 at this time, though it could be him, but if so I'm sure they would have used his initial to avoid confusion.

On 18 Sep 1809 Ichabod Hensley was the bondsmen for the marriage in Knox Co., TN of Daniel Casteel and Rody Hensley [daughter of Larkin].  This was the older Ichabod for Ichabod C. was much too young to be a bondsman (he was only about 17 at this time). This does show the two Ichabods are probably closely related as Rhoda was Ichabod C.'s sister.

The 1810 census is lost for Tennessee, so it isn't clear where Ichabod's family was at that time, but I believe they were in Knox Co., TN then. However, there is a strange census entry back in Washington Co., VA in 1810. It is written as "Ithe Hensley" though the given name is very difficult to decipher.  Look at the image below.

Is this Ichabod Hensley? Could be, but there is no way to be sure. I have also theorized that this entry is for Jesse Hensley (c1786) instead, but I don't know. The census taker made his "J" and "I" exactly the same way so there is no way to be sure which this is. Whoever it is there is an older female, and two men and one woman all in the same age group. Could be a widowed mother and three kids though there is no way to know for sure who is who. If this is Ichabod it must be Ichabod C. Hensley and not the older one based on age. The problem with this being Ichabod C. is the other people in the household. Who were they? This does not fit the known family of Larkin Hensley at all, making me think this is probably not Ichabod C. Hensley, but rather Jesse Hensley instead. Here is the entry anyway, just in case:

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

1810 Washington Co, VA pg 229 Ithe Hensley 00200-00101-0-0
Analysis:
2 Male(s) 16-25		(1784-1794)	Ichabod?
					Brother? Brother-in-law?
1 Female(s) 45 & up 	(before 1765)	Mother? Mother-in-law?
1 Female(s) 16-25	(1784-1794)	Wife? Sister?

On 4 Apr 1810 Ichabod Hensley was listed on a Knox Co., TN Jury. (Knox Co., TN Court Minute Book 7 page 101) This must be the older man for Ichabod C. was still only about 18, so not old enough for jury duty.

Ichabod appears to have returned to Washington Co., VA by 1813 for he was listed on the tax lists in Washington County for 1813 and 1814. It is possible this was the older Ichabod instead, but Ichabod C. was old enough now to be listed on his own.  His siblings seem to still be in Knox Co., TN at this time though.

Ichabod was back in Knox by September 1814 for on the 20th of that month Ichabod Hensley was listed as a 3rd Sgt on the Muster Roll of Capt. Reuben Tipton's Volunteer Company of Mounted Gunman raised in east Tennessee. He was described as aged 20-22, 5'11" tall, dark complexion, dark hair, black eyes. He was in the 40th Regiment in Knox Co., TN. The age given suggests this is is Ichabod C. Hensley and not the older Ichabod. There is another record wherein Ichabod C. Hensley gives a power of attorney to someone regarding his War of 1812 service. That seems to settle the matter, it was indeed Ichabod C. and not the older Ichabod who was the War of 1812 soldier.

In 1814, Scott County was formed from the western portion of Washington County. Many of the Hensleys fell into the new county.

Icabod Hensley was listed on the 1816 tax list in Scott Co., VA with 1 white male over 21, and 1 horse.

On 13 Mar 1816 Ichabod C. Hensley was listed on a jury in Scott Co., VA. (Scott Co., VA Court Minute Book 1).

On 14 Aug 1816 Ichabod Hensley purchased 305 acres of land at public auction, being land of Martin Booher sold for delinquent taxes. (Scott Co., VA Deed Book 2 page 41).

Ichabod was not listed on the 1817, 1818, 1819 or 1820 tax lists in Scott Co., VA, so he was no longer living there at that time. Other records show he was in Missouri by 1818. He moved to Howard Co., MO sometime in 1817 or 1818.

It is notable that Ichabod C. Hensley was not listed on the 1817 tax list for Howard Co., MO. He was probably still in Scott Co., VA at that time, or perhaps in Tennessee. That tax list did include several Washington and Scott County families: Anthony Head, Gavin Head, William Head, John Hensley, William Hensley and Richard Fulkerson (Ichabod's soon to be father-in-law). Gavin Head was married to Catherine Hensley (1778-1841) daughter of Samuel (1754-1841). Samuel is thought to be Ichabod's uncle or great uncle. Anthony Head and William Head were Gavin's brothers. I don't know who John Hensley was. See below for more on William Hensley. There may have been other familiar names in Howard County on the 1817 tax list, but those are all I noted.

In April 1818, Ichabod Hensley served on a jury in Knox Co., TN. This is probably the older Ichabod, though it could be this one, but I don't think so.

Ichabod C. Hensley was mentioned in the court case of Sarah Hensley et al vs. Mary Benham et all, that dragged on from 1817 through at least 1819 in Scott Co., VA. The case was brought by the heirs of Larkin Hensley:

Heirs of Larkin Hensley, deceased - Sarah Hensley, Abednego Casteel and wife Agnes (formerly Hensley), Daniel Casteel and wife Rhoda (formerly Hensley), Ichabod Hensley, Polly Hensley, Catherine Hensley, Samuel Hensley, Nancy Hensley, Thomas Hensley -vs-

Polly Benham, widow of William Benham, deceased, John, Samuel, Joel, Catherine, Sampson, Isaac, heirs of William Benham, deceased, and Elizabeth Godsey, heir of Gilbert Godsey, deceased, Catherine Johnson, widow of Thomas Johnson, deceased. The defendants do not live in Virginia. (Scott Co, VA Minute Book # 1, 1815-1818 as transcribed by Ruthe Muench)

In one of the continuations of the above case, Ichabod was listed in a different order and with a middle initial:

(In Chancery) Feb T 1819

Hensley Sarah, Abednego Casteel and Agness, his wife, Daniel Casteel and Rhoda, his wife, Susannah Hensley, Polly Hensley, Catherine Hensley, Samuel Hensley, Nancy Hensley, Ichabod C. Hensley, and Thomas Hensley, Complts.

vs. Polly Benham, widow of William Benham, deceased. John, Samuel, Catherine, Joel, Sampson, Isaac Benham, heirs of said William Benham, deceased. & Elizabeth Godsey, widow of Gilbert Godsey, deceased, Abraham, Jane, Sarah & Elizabeth, heirs of said Gilbert Godsey, deceased. Catherine Johnston, widow of Thomas Johnston, deceased and Jane Johnston, his heir at law. Defts.

Rule awarded against said defts to give security and as to nature of said cause (Scott Co, VA Court Minutes Book 1 page 385)

On 24 Dec 1818 Ichabod C. Hensley married Sarah Gibson Fulkerson in Howard Co., MO. This marriage is recorded in the Richard Fulkerson Bible thus "I. C. Hensley and Sarah G. Fulkerson was married Dec.24,1818." The public records show it took place in Howard Co., MO on 26 Dec 1818 and the transcribed version mangled their names pretty badly as "Johnson C. Hensby and Sand Fulkerson." I have not seen the original record, but this is clearly them.

Sarah G. Fulkerson was born 27 Nov 1802 (per Fulkerson Bible) in Washington Co., VA, a daughter of Richard Fulkerson (1780-1852) and Susannah Livingston (1784-1828). Their entire family is well covered in their bible giving births, marriages and deaths for them, their children and many grandchildren, including the Ichabod C. Hensley family, though Ichabod's birth and death are not recorded.

The 1820 census is lost for Missouri, but the Hensleys were probably in Howard County at that time.

Boone County was formed from Howard in 1821, and the Hensleys fell into the new county.

The Boone Co., MO tax list for 1821 shows William Hensley and Ichabod C. Hensley. William Hensley (1784-1867) was from Virginia but I've seen nothing to indicate he was related to Ichabod or the other Washington and Scott County Hensleys. He was born in Madison, lived in Albemarle, then came to Boone Co., MO, then went back to VA for a few years (Fluvanna) then returned to Boone.

Ichabod C. Hensley was a Deputy Sheriff for Boone Co., MO in 1822. He was also a tax collector that year.

He was listed in various Boone County records through 1826.

By 1828 Ichabod C. Hensley had moved his family east to Hardeman Co., TN. This isn't exactly near Boone Co., MO, so it was an interesting move. I wonder what drew them there?

In Hardeman Co., TN Court on 8 Jan 1828 I. C. Hensley is listed as a Magistrate in Cpt. Hides Company. (Hardeman Co., TN Court Minutes Vol 2 1827-1829 pg 22).

He is listed on the 1830 census in Hardeman, the only Hensley in that county at the time.

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

1830 Hardeman Co., TN page 378 Icabod Hensley 1200010000000-1100100000000
Slaves=000000-000000

Analysis:

1 Male 30-39	(1790/1800)	Ichabod C. Hensley (1792/94)

2 males 5-9	(1820/1825)	1-Oliver Hazzard Perry Hensley (1820) son

				2-Westerfield Hensley (1824) son

1 male 0-4	(1825/1830)	Martin Van Buren Hensley (1829) son

1 Female 20-29	(1800/1810)	Sarah G. Fulkerson Hensley (1802) wife

1 female 5-9	(1820/1825)	Clarissa Melville Hensley (1822) daughter

1 female 0-4	(1825/1830)	Martha Hamilton Hensley (1826) daughter

0 Slaves

On 4 Dec 1834 Ichabod C. Hensley purchased 480 acres at a Sheriff's Auction. (Hardeman Co., TN Deed Book D page 251).

They moved back to Boone Co., MO sometime after 1834 but before 1839.

Sarah G. Fulkerson Hensley died on 27 Jun 1838 (per Fulkerson Bible record). I think she died in Boone Co., MO.

On 21 Dec 1839 Ichabod C. Hensley deeded property to Peyton Collier. (Boone Co., MO Deed Book J page 564).

They are listed on the 1840 census in Boone Co., MO. William Hensley (1784) is also listed, but not nearby. Father-in-law Richard Fulkerson is listed next to Ichabod.

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

1840 Boone Co., MO page 96 Ichabod C. Hensley 1011101000000-1211000000000
Slaves=000000-000000

Analysis:

1 Male 40-49	(1790/1800)	Ichabod C. Hensley (1792/94)

1 Male 20-29	(1810/1820)	Oliver Hazzard Perry Hensley (1820) son

1 male 15-19	(1820/1825)	Westerfield Hensley (1824) son

1 male 10-14	(1825/1830)	Martin Van Buren Hensley (1829) son

1 male 0-4	(1835/1840)	Phineas Hensley (1836) son

1 female 15-19	(1820/1825)	Clarissa Melville Hensley (1822) daughter

1 female 10-14	(1825/1830)	Martha Hamilton Hensley (1826) daughter

2 females 5-9	(1830/1835)	1-Missouri Hensley (1831) daughter

				2-Virginia Hensley (1832) daughter

1 female 0-4	(1835/1840)	Daughter?

0 Slaves

Ichabod C. Hensley was not found on the 1850 census. His younger unmarried children were living with a married sibling, so that suggests he was dead by then. I've seen the year 1845 listed for his death, but I don't know the source for it. His death was not recorded in the Fulkerson bible. He presumably died in Boone Co., MO.

Children of Ichabod C. Hensley and Sarah Fulkerson. Ichabod and Sarah had six children as named in the Fulkerson bible. It appears there were two more who weren't named. Perhaps they are grandchildren instead or were just left out for some reason. Census analysis matches perfectly with the eight known children, and suggests an additional daughter born ca 1835/40 who is otherwise unidentified. She was with the family in 1840 and could be a niece instead of their own child.

Some think that Ichabod is the father of William K. Hensley (1815), a son of Anna Peters. Evidence shows that Anna wasn't married and had several children out of wedlock. I haven't seen proof that William was Ichabod's son, but he could be. I have left him as part of this family for now, but I have no real evidence he belongs here.

1. Oliver Hazard Perry Hensley (1820)
2. Clarissa Melville Hensley (1822)
3. Westerfield Hensley (1824)
4. Martha Hamilton Hensley (1826)
5. Martin Van Buren Hensley (1829)
6. Missouri Hensley (1831)
7. Virginia Hensley (1832)
8. Phineas Hensley (1836)
9. Unknown Daughter (1835/1840)

He was seemingly with his parents for the 1830 census aged 5-9 (1820/25) and home in 1840 aged 20-29 (1810/20).

I wasn't able to find him on the 1850 census anywhere. He must have died in the 1840's, presumably in Boone Co., MO.

It is possible that Ichabod and family lived in that part of Boone that became Moniteau County in 1845. Several of his children were in Moniteau for the 1850 census. Of course they could have moved there instead. The Fulkersons were still in Boone in 1850.

She seems to be with her parents for the 1830 age 5-9 (1820/25) and with them still in 1840 aged 15-19 (1820/25).

I didn't find a marriage record for her, but I stumbled across her on the 1850 census, or at least I'm pretty sure it is her. I was looking for her sister who was married to Thomas J. Hayter I discovered the Hayters in Moniteau Co., MO (next door to Boone, formed from Boone in 1845), and there was a James Hayter and wife Clarissa next to them in 1850. I thought this could be the same person, and then I noticed that there was a Virginia and Finis (Phineas) living with Clarissa. Though listed as Hayters here and not Hensley, those were almost certainly her younger siblings, so this is almost certainly the same Clarissa. I wasn't able to find any primary evidence that proves it, but I'm quite sure this is the same Clarissa.

So therefore Clarissa Melville Hensley married James Hayter before 1850, probably in Moniteau Co., MO. James was born ca 1819/20 in Tennessee (both facts per 1850 census). I don't know who his parents were, but he is probably a brother to Thomas Jefferson Hayter who married Martha H. Hensley. They were neighbors in 1850 after all. If not siblings they are at least cousins. Andrew Hayter (c1822 TN) was also near them in 1850, perhaps another brother. Virginia and Fineas are Clarissa's younger siblings. They should be listed as Hensleys but are not.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

I wasn't able to find James or Clarissa on the 1860 census in Moniteau or elsewhere. There was a J. M. Hayter age 40 (c1820 TN) on the 1860 census in Moniteau. That could be him, but his wife was listed as Cynthia M. age 30 (c1830 MO). Now "Cynthia M." could be "Clarissa M." as the names are similar enough. The census taker could have just messed up or got the names from a neighbor who didn't know them very well. Their next door neighbor was widow Nancy Hayter and her children. She was widow of Andrew Hayter who was their neighbor back in 1850 so this all fits, but I'm not 100% certain that J. M. and James are the same person.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

There were no Hayters listed in Moniteau in 1870. Marriage records show there were people of that name in the county at that time. The 1870 census is the worst one ever, particularly in the south. Numerous families were missed or listed with bad information.

Skipping ahead to the 1880 census I found J. M. Hayter 61 and wife Cynthia 49 "back" in Moniteau. They were probably there in 1870 as well, just missed. This is two records listing his wife as "Cynthia" so it does appear this is a second wife, Clarissa having died sometime after 1850, or is it the same person after all? More research is needed to be certain, but based on the ages, I think Cynthia is a different person.

He seems to be with his parents for the 1830 census age 5-9 (1820/25) and with them still in 1840 aged 15-19 (1820/25).

I wasn't able to find him on the 1850 census anywhere. He must have died before then.

Martha seems to be with her parents for the 1830 census age under 5 (1825/30), and home in 1840 age 10-14 (1825/30).

On 19 Aug 1847 Martha Hensley married Jefferson Hayter in Boone Co., MO. Thomas Jefferson Hayter was born 4 Sep 1817 (per tombstone) in Tennessee. Both facts based on his 1850 census entry. He may be a brother to James Hayter who married Martha's sister Clarissa, as they were next door neighbors in 1850. I don't know who their parents were.

They are on the 1850 census in Moniteau Co., MO, next to James Hayter and also next to Andrew Hayter, perhaps another brother.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

I was unable to find them on the 1860 census in Moniteau or elsewhere.

Martha Hamilton Hensley Hayter died 14 Aug 1855 in Moniteau Co., MO and is buried at the Sweetwater Christian Church Cemetery. (Thanks to Dee Dee Rypka for pointing that out.)

Thomas J. Hayter married Martha's sister Virginia Hensley Sartin (or Sartain) in Moniteau Co., MO after Martha's death.

See Virginia's entry below for more on her.

Van Buren Hensley seems to be with his parents for the 1830 census age under 5 (1825/30), and home in 1840 age 10-14 (1825/30).

By 1850 he was a few counties south in Texas Co., MO living with another family. He was the only Hensley in that county at the time. I don't know what drew him there for he had no known relatives there (as far as I'm aware). It is possible that this is some other Van Buren Hensley and not Ichabod's son, but the name, age and birth place are all a perfect match.

1850 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

Dee Dee Rypka, a descendant of Van Buren, researched the Gilmore family to see if there was a connection. She found that Caswell married Martha Gross, and that his parents were Wilburn Gilmore and Kezia McKinney. She noted that when Caswell was born (ca 1830), his parents were next door neighbors to Francis Hensley (1760/70) in Cole Co., MO. That is either a very interesting coincidence or evidence of a connection to the Francis Hensley family. Francis is a proven son of Davis Hensley, no known connection to Ichabod. It could be a coincidence, but it is worth noting.

Van Buren married Malinda (---) before ca 1856 in Missouri, perhaps in Texas County. She was born ca 1835/6 in Missouri. I don't know her maiden name.

They moved to Atchison Co., KS in the 1850's and are listed there on the 1860 census. The Parker Morris family seemed to be living with them, or perhaps the census taker just forgot to change the house and family number.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

They weren't the only Hensleys in Atchison in 1860. Thomas Hensley (c1823) and family was there, but not in the same township. No known connection to the Ichabod Hensley family. They lived in Jackson Co., MO prior to moving to Kansas.

Van Buren and family were still in Atchison for the 1870 census. He was listed as being born in Illinois on this record. They were the only Hensleys in the county at this time.

1870 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

I wasn't able to find them on the 1880 census. I found son Lee Hensley still in Atchison County. Mary Josephine Hensley age 19 was also listed.

She seems to be with her parents for the 1840 census age 5-9 (1830/35). I wasn't able to find her on the 1850 census. She may have married someone by then, or perhaps died.

She seems to be with her parents for the 1840 census, aged 5-9 (1830/35).

She was with her sister Clarissa in 1850 in Moniteau Co., MO, but listed under her sisters surname (Hayter) by mistake ("Virginia" age 16, born MO).

On 5 Jan 1853 H. B. Sartin married Virginia Hensley in Moniteau Co., MO. The old DAR application I mentioned lists him as "Ferrel H. B. Sartain." The same source shows his death on 10 Oct 1858 in Moniteau. (Thanks to Dee Dee Rypka for sharing the DAR application information, no applicant name was listed.)

Virginia is listed on the 1860 census in Moniteau, an apparent widow. She is next door to Joshua Sartin (c1830 TN), perhaps a brother of her late husband. David Sartin Sr. (c1800 TN) and wife Euphama (c1809 TN) are a few houses away. They could be H. B.'s parents, or perhaps an uncle and aunt at least. Virginia's brother Phineas was about four houses away. Virginia is listed as born in Mississippi.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

On 8 Mar 1870 Virginia Hensley Sartin married her widowed brother-in-law Thomas J. Hayter in Moniteau Co., MO. He had been married to Martha H. Hensley.

I was unable to find them on the 1870 census, though they should have been in Moniteau Co., MO at that time.

Thomas J. Hayter died on 8 Jan 1880 in Moniteau Co., MO and is buried at the Sweetwater Christian Church Cemetery. (Thanks to Dee Dee Rypka for pointing that out.)

Virginia is listed on the 1880 census in Moniteau next to her son George Sartin.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

Virginia is listed on the 1900 census in Moniteau, or at least I think it is her. She is living with son Andrew L. Hayter (1871). However, he was not with her back on the 1880 census, perhaps he was "farmed out" after the death of his father. It is also possible this Virginia is not the same person.

1900 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

Virginia died on 26 Aug 1903 and is buried at the Sweetwater Christian Church Cemetery. (Thanks to Dee Dee Rypka for pointing that out.)

He appears to be home with his parents for the 1840 census, aged under 5 (c1835/40). He was on the 1850 census in Moniteau Co., MO with his sister Clarissa in 1850 ("Fineas" age 14, born TN).

He was in Moniteau for the 1860 census living with the David Sartin, Jr. family. David could be a brother to H. B. Sartin who married Virginia Hensley in 1853.

1860 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

On 20 Jun 1869 "Finis" Hensley married Sarah J. Chance in Moniteau Co., MO. She was born ca 1844/46 in North Carolina (both facts per 1880 census).

I wasn't able to find them on the 1870 census.

They were in neighboring Cole Co., MO for the 1880 census.

1880 census abstract: (Explanation of this census)

Phineas Hensley died on 6 Oct 1898 in Moniteau Co., MO (via Ancestry.com: Weant, Kenneth E., comp. Moniteau County, Missouri Deaths, 1858-1931 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2004. Original data: Weant, Kenneth E., comp. Moniteau County, Missouri 5015 Deaths Reports and Chronological Index to Selected Articles from Misc. Moniteau County Papers California, Missouri, 6 Oct 1858 to 28 December 1899. Volume 1. Missouri: Kenneth E. Weant, 2000.)

• See Larkin Hensley and Sarah Researcher List