Benjamin Hensley (bef 1755) of VA, Rowan, Surry, Burke and McDowell NC

Benjamin Hensley was born before 1755 (per 1800 census) probably not too much before 1755, though possibly as far back as say circa 1745 or so. He was probably born somewhere in Virginia, perhaps Hanover County.

There were several Benjamin Hensleys in Virginia and North Carolina records, so it is very possible some records for this Benjamin have been overlooked, and that some listed are not for him at all.

It seems a reasonable assumption that Benjamin is a son of the elder Benjamin Hensley (c1730) and Elizabeth ---, and therefore a brother to the other Hensleys who settled in the same area as he (Hickman, Henry, James, etc.). They are all about the same age, and didn't live too far apart. I have no direct evidence that Benjamin is a son of the elder Benjamin, but it his proximity to the elder Benjamin's children that make me believe he is his son. Primary evidence is lacking though.

The 1768 tax list for Rowan Co, NC (covering the area that became Surry County in 1771, and Stokes County in 1787) showed three Benjamin Hensleys. One was "Captain" Ben., the other Benjamin Junior, and the other just "Benjamin" with sons Harry and James. The last one is probably the father of this Benjamin under study here. So that leaves "Jr" and "Capt" Benjamin, one of which may be this Benjamin. I think it is very likely that he was far too young to be a Captain, so the "Jr" is the more likely suspect. Being listed means he was between 16 and 21, or 21 and over. If 21 and over, he would be born ca 1747 or earlier, which is possible. If between 16 and 21, then born ca 1747-1751, which also works.

Most of the Surry Co, NC Hensleys were back in Henry County, Virginia by 1778 and listed on a Militia list there that year, including 4 Benjamin Hensleys (probably same three from 1768 Rowan Co, NC, plus one more). One was "Capt", one just Benjamin, the other two were "Sr" and "Jr". This Benjamin under study here is likely the "Jr", but it is hard to be sure.

Sometime in this timeframe, Benjamin Hensley married someone, name unknown. They may have married in Surry Co, NC or in Henry Co, VA. I would put the marriage date at somewhere before 1776, perhaps as far back as ca 1768.

Benjamin and family moved to Burke County, North Carolina around ca 1784, and settled on Toms Creek (present day McDowell County). His supposed brothers Hickman, Henry, etc. settled just a few miles away in what soon became Buncombe County.

The 1787 State Census for Burke County, NC shows four Hensley households listed, however, the edge of the pages were damaged, so none of the given names survived, so I can't really tell which was which. However, one of these was certainly Benjamin Hensley. The other three were probably Hickman, Henry and James Hensley, his probable brothers I'm including the listing that I think is Benjamin, but keep in mind that it could be one of the other Hensleys instead.

Benjamin Hensley was listed on the 1790 census in Burke County, NC, probably in the part of Burke that later became McDowell County. His probable brothers were also in Burke that year, but not nearby. They lived in the section that became Buncombe County in 1791. Benjamin has a full household, indicating lots of children, or perhaps some siblings were with him also. I once thought this listing was for his father Benjamin Sr (c1730), but I don't know if he was in NC at this time, or if still living in 1790.

In 1791, Buncombe County was created from the section of Burke County where all the other Hensleys lived, but that did not include where Benjamin lived.

Benjamin Hensley was listed on a 1796 tax list in Burke County in Captain Lain's company on the "east side of ridge".

Benjamin was listed on the 1797 tax list in Burke in Captain Joseph Dodson's company.

On an undated list (but pre-1800 according to the notation), Benjamin Hensley and Amos Hensley and Benjamin Hensley (these were his sons) were listed in Captain Dodson's company. This list would have to be in the late 1790's I think for Amos and Benjamin (Jr) to be listed.

Benjamin Hensley was listed on the 1800 census in Burke County. Unfortunately, this census was alphabetical, so I can't tell who his neighbors were. His son Benjamin (Jr) was listed several pages away.

In July 1801, Both Benjamin Hensley Sr and Benjamin Jr were exempted from paying their 1800 poll tax (though I don't know why). (Burke Co, NC Court Minutes, shared by Laura Schreibman)

Benjamin was still in Burke County for the 1810 census listed two houses from son Amos Hensley (1775/80). Other neighbors (that I recognize) make it clear they were living in the area that later became McDowell County.

On 23 Nov 1812, Amos Henslee obtained a land grant in Burke County on both forks of Tom's Creek adjoining Benjamin Henslee Sr and Benjamin Henslee Jr and John Henslee.

Benjamin Hensley "Sr" was listed on the 1815 tax list in Burke County in Captain Dobson's Company, on Tom's Creek, with 0 polls (probably meaning he was too old to be taxable), and had 200 acres worth $300.

This 1815 tax record is the last I have for Benjamin. He must have died between 1815 and 1820, or else moved away somewhere, yet unknown. It seems more likely that he died in Burke County, since his children were still there after that.

There is a Benjamin Hensley who appeared in Buncombe County for the 1820 census, and for a long time, I thought he was this same Benjamin, but now I'm sure it is actually Benjamin Hensley (bef 1755) formerly of Greenville Dist, SC.

Children

Benjamin and wife had several children per the various census records. I have identified only two children, and they are not completely proven to belong to Benjamin, but they did live next to him on Tom's Creek, so it seems reasonable to put them here as his children.

Unknown Son (bef 1766) This is probably a brother or nephew instead of a son. He was apparently with Benjamin for the 1787 census (age 21-66, born ca 1726/66), and apparently still with him in 1790 (age 16 and up, born before 1774). He was not with Benjamin in 1800.

Unknown Son (bef 1774). This is probably a brother or nephew instead of a son. He was apparently not with Benjamin for the 1787 census but did seem to be with him in 1790 (age 16 and up, born before 1774). He was not with Benjamin in 1800.

Unknown Son (1774/87). Benjamin Hensley had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1787 (age "under 21", born ca 1766/87), and still home in 1790 (age "under 16", born ca 1774/90), but gone by 1800.

I feel fairly strongly that this is Benjamin Hensley (c1776) who lived near Benjamin Sr, and later moved to Tennessee and finally to Georgia. See his own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1774/84). Benjamin Hensley had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1787 (age "under 21", born ca 1766/87), and still home in 1790 (age "under 16", born ca 1774/90), and still home in 1800 (age 16-25, born ca 1774/84), but gone by 1810.

I feel fairly strongly that this is Amos Hensley (1775/80) who lived near Benjamin. See his own page for additional information.

Unknown Son (1784/87). Benjamin Hensley had an apparent son this age. He was home in 1787 (age "under 21", born ca 1766/87), and still home in 1790 (age "under 16", born ca 1774/90), and still home in 1800 (age 10-15, born ca 1784/90), but gone by 1810 (although he may have still been home in 1810, if listed in the age 10-15 category again, born ca 1794/1800).

I don't know who this son might be. This cold be the "John Henslee" mentioned as a neighboring land owner on an 1812 land grant to Amos Hensley on Tom's Creek. If so, nothing else is known of this John.

Unknown Daughter (bef 1787). Benjamin Hensley had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1787 (no ages given, so born before 1787), but gone by 1790, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (bef 1787). Benjamin Hensley had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1787 (no ages given, so born before 1787), and still home in 1790 (no ages, so born before 1790), but gone by 1800, so probably married or dead by then.

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). Benjamin Hensley had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1800 (age "under 10", born ca 1790/1800), and still home in 1810 (age 10-15, born ca 1794/1800). I don't have her parents in 1820, nor do I know where she was that year, if married or dead.

Researcher List

1. Benjamin¹ Hensley , born bef 1755 in VA; died aft 1815 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC), son of Benjamin Hensley and Elizabeth (---) . He married bef 1775 in VA ? (---) , born bef 1755; died aft 1810 in Burke Co, NC.

Children of Benjamin Hensley and ? (---) were as follows:

+ 2 i Benjamin² Hensley , born 1775/76 in Henry Co, VA; died 1850/60 in Towns Co, GA. He married Elizabeth (---) .

+ 3 ii Amos² Hensley , born 1775/78 in Henry Co, VA; died 1828 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC). He married Susannah (---) .

Generation 2

2. Benjamin² Hensley (Benjamin¹), born 1775/76 in Henry Co, VA; died 1850/60 in Towns Co, GA. He married in 1790/1800 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC) Elizabeth (---) , born 1772/73 in VA; died 1850/60 in Towns Co, GA.

Children of Benjamin Hensley and Elizabeth (---) were as follows:

+ 4 i Randal³ Hensley , born 17 Jun 1807 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL. He married Clementine Johnson .

+ 5 ii Ralzamore M³ Hensley , born 1813/14 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Towns Co, GA. He married Sarah Morgan .

6 iii Hiram³ Hensley , born 1828/29 in Monroe Co, TN.

+ 7 iv William³ Hensley , born 1830/31 in Monroe Co, TN; died aft 1860 in Rabun Co, GA. He married Emily P (---) .

3. Amos² Hensley (Benjamin¹), born 1775/78 in Henry Co, VA; died 1828 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC). He married bef 1810 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC) Susannah (---) , born 1780/84; died 1840/50 in McDowell Co, NC.

Children of Amos Hensley and Susannah (---) were as follows:

+ 8 i Jefferson³ Hensley , born 1804/10 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died bef 1840 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC). He married Catherine (---) .

+ 9 ii Amos Madison³ Hensley , born 1813/14 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died bef 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. He married Lavina (---) .

+ 10 iii Sarah A³ Hensley , born 1817/18 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. She married Charles W Godfrey .

+ 11 iv John Hervey³ Hensley , born 1820/21 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died 1855/60 in McDowell Co, NC. He married Jane Hall .

12 v Charles Monroe³ Hensley , born 1823/24 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1860 in McDowell Co, NC. He married in 1840/50 in McDowell Co, NC Eliza (---) , born 1816/17 in Burke Co, NC; died 1850/60 in McDowell Co, NC.

+ 13 vi William M³ Hensley , born 1826/27 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. He married Martha A Hall .

Generation 3

4. Randal³ Hensley (Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 17 Jun 1807 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL. He married in 1829 in Monroe Co, TN Clementine Johnson , born 1814/15 in TN; died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL.

Children of Randal Hensley and Clementine Johnson were as follows:

14 i Elizabeth⁴ Hensley , born 1832/33 in Cherokee Co, GA.

+ 15 ii George W⁴ Hensley , born 1834/35 in Cherokee Co, NC. He married Martha (---) .

+ 16 iii Francis M⁴ Hensley , born 1835/36 in Cherokee Co, GA; died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL. He married Amendia R E (---) .

17 iv Nancy Minerva⁴ Hensley , born 1839/40 in Cherokee Co, GA.

18 v Sophronia⁴ Hensley , born 1842/43 in Cherokee Co, GA.

19 vi Ralzamore⁴ Hensley , born 1843/44 in Cherokee Co, GA.

20 vii William⁴ Hensley , born 1846/47 in Cherokee Co, GA.

21 viii Mary M⁴ Hensley , born 1848/49 in Cherokee Co, GA.

22 ix Marbell S⁴ Hensley , born 1850 in Cherokee Co, GA.

23 x Martha A⁴ Hensley , born 1851/52 in Cherokee Co, GA.

+ 24 xi James A⁴ Hensley , born 1854/55 in Cherokee Co, GA; died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL. He married Panina Gilbert .

25 xii Charles F⁴ Hensley , born 1856/57 in Cherokee Co, GA.

26 xiii Mariah⁴ Hensley , born 1858/59 in Cherokee Co, GA.

5. Ralzamore M³ Hensley (Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1813/14 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in Towns Co, GA. He married on 29 Jan 1840 in Union Co, GA Sarah Morgan , born 1816/17 in NC; died aft 1880 in Towns Co, GA, daughter of George W Morgan .

Children of Ralzamore M Hensley and Sarah Morgan were as follows:

27 i Elizabeth J⁴ Hensley , born 1841/42 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1860.

+ 28 ii Fielden Hampton⁴ Hensley , born 1842/43 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC. He married Ann (---) .

29 iii James⁴ Hensley , born 1844/45 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1860 in Cherokee Co, NC.

30 iv John⁴ Hensley , born 1845/46 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1850 in Cherokee Co, NC.

31 v Benjamin⁴ Hensley , born 1850 in Cherokee Co, NC. He married on 26 Mar 1876 in Cherokee Co, NC Anna Bradley .

+ 32 vi Mary Catherine⁴ Hensley , born 1852/53 in Cherokee Co, NC; died aft 1900 in Graham Co, NC. She married William C Anderson .

33 vii Margaret A⁴ Hensley , born 1853/54 in Cherokee Co, NC.

+ 34 viii William R⁴ Hensley , born 1855/56 in Cherokee Co, NC; died aft 1910 in Macon Co, NC. He married Eudora Ann Bryson .

35 ix Laura H⁴ Hensley , born 1859 in Cherokee Co, NC.

7. William³ Hensley (Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1830/31 in Monroe Co, TN; died aft 1860 in Rabun Co, GA. He married in 1850/57 in Rabun Co, GA Emily P (---) , born 1835/36 in GA.

Children of William Hensley and Emily P (---) were as follows:

36 i James H⁴ Hensley , born 1856/57 in Rabun Co, GA.

37 ii Caladonia M⁴ Hensley , born 1859 in Rabun Co, GA.

8. Jefferson³ Hensley (Amos², Benjamin¹), born 1804/10 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died bef 1840 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC). He married in 1820/28 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC) Catherine (---) , born 1806/07 in NC; died aft 1860 in Gilmer Co, GA.

Children of Jefferson Hensley and Catherine (---) were as follows:

+ 38 i Calvin Lycurgus⁴ Hensley , born 7 Jun 1829 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died 11 Apr 1910 in Unaka, Cherokee Co, NC; buried in Zion Hill Cem, Turtletown, Polk Co, TN. He married (1) Evaline Dicy Dale ; (2) Eliza Ann Richards ; (3) Callie Bates .

+ 39 ii Ann Eliza Matilda⁴ Hensley , born 1833/34 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. She married Wilford Huskins .

+ 40 iii James M⁴ Hensley , born 1833/34 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1860 in Gilmer Co, GA. He married Elizabeth (---) .

41 iv Mary J⁴ Hensley , born 1835/36 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1860 in Gilmer Co, GA.

42 v John⁴ Hensley , born 1838/39 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1860 in Gilmer Co, GA.

43 vi Catherine⁴ Hensley , born 1839/40 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1860 in Gilmer Co, GA.

44 vii William⁴ Hensley , born 1842/43 in McDowell Co, NC; died aft 1860 in Gilmer Co, GA.

9. Amos Madison³ Hensley (Amos², Benjamin¹), born 1813/14 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died bef 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. He married bef 1840 in Burke Co, NC Lavina (---) , born 1825/26 in Burke Co, NC; died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC.

Children of Amos Madison Hensley and Lavina (---) were as follows:

+ 45 i Emaline⁴ Hensley , born 1840/41 in Burke Co, NC; died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. She married Thomas J Flemming .

46 ii Missouri⁴ Hensley , born 1841/42 in McDowell Co, NC. She married on 14 Feb 1861 in McDowell Co, NC John H Flemming .

47 iii Julia⁴ Hensley , born 1842/43 in McDowell Co, NC. She married on 19 Mar 1866 in McDowell Co, NC J W Bailey .

48 iv Tynna⁴ Hensley , born 1843/44 in McDowell Co, NC.

+ 49 v Francis Marion⁴ Hensley , born 1846/47 in McDowell Co, NC. He married Sarah A (---) .

+ 50 vi Susan⁴ Hensley , born 1850 in McDowell Co, NC; died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. She married William J Flemming .

51 vii Amos⁴ Hensley , born 1851/52 in McDowell Co, NC.

+ 52 viii John W⁴ Hensley , born 1853/54 in McDowell Co, NC. He married Mary (---) .

53 ix Louisa⁴ Hensley , born 1857/58 in McDowell Co, NC.

10. Sarah A³ Hensley (Amos², Benjamin¹), born 1817/18 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. She married in 1840/42 in McDowell Co, NC Charles W Godfrey , born 1813/14 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC.

Children of Sarah A Hensley and Charles W Godfrey were as follows:

54 i John J⁴ Godfrey , born 1841/42 in McDowell Co, NC.

55 ii Mary M⁴ Godfrey , born 1844/45 in McDowell Co, NC.

56 iii Elizabeth A⁴ Godfrey , born 1845/46 in McDowell Co, NC.

57 iv Charles W⁴ Godfrey , born 1850 in McDowell Co, NC.

58 v Sarah E⁴ Godfrey , born 1851/52 in McDowell Co, NC.

59 vi Emily O⁴ Godfrey , born 1857/58 in McDowell Co, NC.

11. John Hervey³ Hensley (Amos², Benjamin¹), born 1820/21 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died 1855/60 in McDowell Co, NC. He married on 15 Nov 1847 in McDowell Co, NC Jane Hall , born 1822/23 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 1905 in McDowell Co, NC; buried in Green Mountain Cem, McDowell Co, NC.

Children of John Hervey Hensley and Jane Hall were as follows:

+ 60 i John C⁴ Hensley , born 1847 in McDowell Co, NC; died 1936 in McDowell Co, NC; buried in Green Mountain Cem, McDowell Co, NC. He married Elizabeth (---) .

61 ii Catherine L⁴ Hensley , born 1849 in McDowell Co, NC.

62 iii Jane A⁴ Hensley , born 1850 in McDowell Co, NC.

63 iv Sarah E⁴ Hensley , born 1851/52 in McDowell Co, NC. She married on 2 Mar 1866 in McDowell Co, NC John Mashburn .

64 v Mary M⁴ Hensley , born 1854/55 in McDowell Co, NC.

13. William M³ Hensley (Amos², Benjamin¹), born 1826/27 in Burke Co, NC (now McDowell Co, NC); died aft 1880 in McDowell Co, NC. He married on 23 Mar 1858 in McDowell Co, NC Martha A Hall , born 1838/39 in Burke Co, NC.

Children of William M Hensley and Martha A Hall were as follows:

65 i Charles A⁴ Hensley , born 1860 in Yancey Co, NC.

66 ii Catherine⁴ Hensley , born 1861/62 in McDowell Co, NC.

67 iii Lydia⁴ Hensley , born 1863/64 in McDowell Co, NC.

68 iv Jane⁴ Hensley , born 1866/67 in McDowell Co, NC.

69 v John⁴ Hensley , born 1868/69 in McDowell Co, NC.

70 vi Fredrick⁴ Hensley , born 1870/71 in McDowell Co, NC.

71 vii George⁴ Hensley , born 1872/73 in McDowell Co, NC.

72 viii Robert⁴ Hensley , born 1874/75 in McDowell Co, NC.

73 ix Mattie⁴ Hensley , born 1876/77 in McDowell Co, NC.

74 x Harvey⁴ Hensley , born 1880 in McDowell Co, NC.

Generation 4

15. George W⁴ Hensley (Randal³, Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1834/35 in Cherokee Co, NC. He married in 1850/59 in Cherokee Co, GA Martha (---) , born 1837/38 in GA.

Children of George W Hensley and Martha (---) were as follows:

75 i William⁵ Hensley , born 1858/59 in Cherokee Co, GA.

16. Francis M⁴ Hensley (Randal³, Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1835/36 in Cherokee Co, GA; died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL. He married in 1860/68 in Cherokee Co, GA Amendia R E (---) , born 1851/52 in GA.

Children of Francis M Hensley and Amendia R E (---) were as follows:

76 i Lee R⁵ Hensley , born 1867/68 in Cherokee Co, GA.

77 ii Charlie⁵ Hensley , born 1875/76 in Etowah Co, AL.

78 iii Rosie E⁵ Hensley , born 1877/78 in Etowah Co, AL.

79 iv Ida M⁵ Hensley , born 1878/79 in Etowah Co, AL.

24. James A⁴ Hensley (Randal³, Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1854/55 in Cherokee Co, GA; died aft 1880 in Etowah Co, AL. He married in 1870/80 in Etowah Co, AL Panina Gilbert , born 1847/48 in AL, daughter of (---) Gilbert and Didamy (---) .

Children of James A Hensley and Panina Gilbert were as follows:

80 i Lilla F⁵ Hensley , born 1879 in Etowah Co, AL.

28. Fielden Hampton⁴ Hensley (Ralzamore M³, Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1842/43 in Union Co, GA; died aft 1880 in Cherokee Co, NC. He married bef 1877 in Cherokee Co, NC Ann (---) , born 1858/59 in NC.

Children of Fielden Hampton Hensley and Ann (---) were as follows:

81 i Mary⁵ Hensley , born 1876/77 in Cherokee Co, NC.

82 ii Margaret⁵ Hensley , born 1878/79 in Cherokee Co, NC.

32. Mary Catherine⁴ Hensley (Ralzamore M³, Benjamin², Benjamin¹), born 1852/53 in Cherokee Co, NC; died aft 1900 in Graham Co, NC. She married on 13 Aug 1874 in Cherokee Co, NC William C Anderson , born Apr 1852 in TN; died aft 1900 in Graham Co, NC, son of Perry Anderson and Nancy Farr .

Children of Mary Catherine Hensley and William C Anderson were as follows:

83 i George⁵ Anderson , born 1875/76 in Cherokee Co, NC.

84 ii Olive A⁵ Anderson