Benjamin Hensley of Richmond and Essex Co., VA

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The author (Marty Grant) is not related to Benjamin Hensley as far as can be proven. There is certainly a possibility that he is an ancestor of my ancestor Larkin Hensley (c1761-1806). 

I refer to this man as Benjamin Hensley (2) in an attempt to distinguish him from the several other Benjamins, as he is the second of this name that I'm aware of, and a son of Benjamin (1). See the analysis page for the various early Benjamin Hensleys.

Special thanks to Laura Schreibman for data shared on this family.

Benjamin Hensley was born in the 1600's, though I don't know if mid or late. The first record I've seen for him was dated 1700, when he was named in his father's Will, but no indication of his age was given. The first record I've seen in his own behalf was dated 1712, so assuming he was at least 21 then, he was probably born ca 1691, or perhaps much earlier.

It seems likely that Benjamin Hensley was born in Rappahannock Co., VA in the section that became Richmond County in 1692 as this is where his parents were living at that time. He is a proven son of Benjamin Hensley and Beatrice --- as named in Benjamin's (1) Will of 1700.

His entry in his father's Will is the first record I have for Benjamin (2) and the only one for several years (suggesting he was quite young when his father died.)

I have found nothing regarding the wife of Benjamin Hensley (2), though I assume he was married, but have no proof of it.

On 8 Mar 1699/1700, Benjamin Hensley (1) made his Will naming Benjamin (2) as his child (the only child mentioned in the Will.) He left Benjamin (2) his patent of 50 acres. This land must be the 49 acre patent that Benjamin (1) obtained in 1692 in Rappahannock County for I've found no other land it could be. Although I have the Patent in hand it is nearly impossible to read so I can't describe the land. My assumption is that this land was in the part of Rappahannock that became Richmond County later in 1692. [Northern Neck Grants No. 1, 1690-1692, p. 140-142 (Reel 288). Available online at Library of Virginia.]

On 3 May 1712 Benjamin Hensley is mentioned in a deed and is also a witness to it. The deed is between Thomas Pannell of St. Mary's Parish, Richmond Co., VA and John England of same place. The land being sold borders "land now in the tenure of one Benjamin Hensley." The deed was witnessed by Benja. Henslee and E. Turbeville. Landmarks mentioned included Spring Branch, Strother's Creek, and the Lower Church into Nancimmon Neck. [Sparacio, Ruth, Deed Abstracts of Richmond County, Virginia Deed Book 6 1711-1714. The Antient Press.]

I can't locate the land above. At that time Richmond County was quite large stretching all the way up the north side of the Rappahannock River to present day Fauquier County. There is a "Strothers Branch" in Fauquier, but I don't think that is the same one mentioned in this deed, but it is possible. Benjamin Hensley (3) lived on land in 1725 that bordered a Robert Strother in King George Co., VA. Perhaps it was in this area.

The next record found for Benjamin Hensley is in Essex Co., VA. Essex was just across the Rappahannock from Richmond County, so he didn't move far. He was mentioned in Essex Court records several times beginning on 22 Mar 1716.

On that date (22 Mar 1716) William Woodford suit against Benjamin Hensley for debt was dismissed.

He is mentioned in other cases in 1717 and 1718, many for debt.

On 17 Sep 1718 Benjamin Hensley was ordered to be fined for swearing ten oaths in the Parish of St. Marys unless he come into next court and show cause to the contrary. He did not appear in the next court, nor the court after that.

On 19 Feb 1719 the court ordered that he be fined 50 shillings for swearing ten oaths. He failed to appear and answer the charges so the fine was ordered.

On 18 Nov 1719 the court allowed payment to Richard Buckner, assignee of Benjamin Hensley for three wolves heads. This means that Benjamin was the one entitled to the money but he turned his rights over to Richard Buckner for some reason or another, perhaps to settle a debt.

On that same date (18 Nov 1719), in Essex Court, the Estate of Benjamin Hensley was mentioned. This suggests he was dead by this time, though it is possible his estate was seized for other reasons, perhaps to settle debts. The attachment was obtained by John Davis on 15 Aug 1719. It was "served in ye hands of John Evans and Francis Johnson" by John Sanders, Constable of St. Mary's Parish. This probably means that Evans and Johnson were administrators of the estate. The record does not refer to Benjamin as deceased, though. So perhaps he left the area (absconded) while still owing debts.

The estate of Benjamin Hensley was mentioned again on 19 Jan 1720 when the court ordered that Francis Johnson, garnishee, having been summoned but not appearing, be taken into custody.

The estate was mentioned again on 18 May 1720.

This is the last record of Benjamin Hensley in Essex County as far as I know. There may be other records that have been overlooked.

Another Benjamin Hensley (or perhaps the same one) appeared in Richmond Co., VA in 1720 and was in King George Co., VA just after that. King George was formed in 1720 from Richmond, effective 1721.

This Benjamin (3) of King George could very easily be the same man who was in Essex until 1719, but I have no way of proving that. The biggest problem with it is the 1719 and 1720 records in Essex referring to the Estate of Benjamin Hensley, but as I mentioned, Estates don't always signify death.

For more information on this other Benjamin Hensley (3) refer to his own page.

Children: I have Benjamin Hensley (2) listed as the father of Benjamin Hensley (3), but it is more likely they are one and the same person rather than father and son.

Benjamin (2) might also be the father of Samuel Hensley (d 1735), but that is just speculation.

Researcher List

Persons researching this family (contact me to add, change or delete your listing here):

• See Benjamin Hensley and Beatrice ---

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