Larkin Hensley (c1767) and Sarah --- of Washington and Scott County, Virginia

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·        18 Apr 2008 –  New format by Marty Grant (a 5^th Great Grandson of Larkin Hensley)

Special Thanks to Laura White Hensley, Ruthe Muench and Laura Schreibman for information shared on this family.

Larkin Hensley was born ca 1761 or earlier. I base this on his first known public record being dated 1782 when he received a Land Grant as an assignee (agent) of someone else. He didn't have to be 21 to do this, for anyone could receive a grant at any age if certain conditions were met (being an orphan for example.) He didn't appear by name on a tax list until 1788, so perhaps he didn't turn 21 until around that time. That would put his birth at ca 1767 or earlier. I'm rather inclined to use "ca 1767" instead of "ca 1761" now. The two dates aren't that far apart anyway.

Larkin was born in Virginia presumably, but the county is unknown. Culpeper or Buckingham are strong possibilities based on presumed relationships with other Hensleys from those counties. It should be noted that none of these relationships have been proven, so perhaps Larkin was from somewhere else entirely.

I have not been able to determine who Larkin's parents were. It has been suggested by others (and I concur) that Larkin 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: Joseph Hensley (1750/60-1832), Samuel Hensley (1755-1841), 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, 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. A Zachariah Hensley (c1751-aft 1774) was listed in Buckingham in 1773 and 1774. Fielding named one of his sons Zachariah, so he may be another potential brother.

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 Larkin Hensley as well.

None of that proves that Larkin Hensley was ever in Buckingham County, but it is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately, Buckingham is a burned county and very few pre-Civil War era records remain.

On 5 Apr 1782, Larkin Hensley was issued a land warrant as an Assignee of Loven Bledsoe, for 89 acres on Ketron's Fork in Washington Co, VA. "Assignee" means that although Lovin Bledsoe was the one entitled (or qualified) to receive this land, he transferred his rights to Larkin Hensley for some reason. Are they related? Or was this Bledsoe's way of settling a debt? This does show that Larkin was in this area at this time, and that he was of age (21 or older) in 1782. This land was not actually granted to him until 1797. (Washington Co, VA Land Warrant # 8473).

See Lovin Bledsoe's page for more information about him.

The 89 acre patent was the only land Larkin Hensley had and he apparently lived on it, and 15 years later the same land was finally granted to him by the State of Virginia. Ketrons Fork is in the extreme southeastern corner of present Scott County, Virginia (which was formed from Washington County in 1815) and the head waters are still in present Washington County, but most of its course is in Scott County. It runs only about 2 miles from the Sullivan County, Tennessee line. It would seem that Larkin and family resided on the part of the creek that is now in Scott County, Virginia.

Larkin Hensley did not appear on the 1782 tax lists in either Washington or Buckingham County or elsewhere as far as I've found. He also did not appear on the 1787 tax list in either place or elsewhere. This is unusual since every male over 21 was supposed to be listed by name. Perhaps he didn't turn 21 until late 1787 or early 1788.

Larkin Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County 1788 through 1790. He had no land at this time (the 89 acre entry had not been granted yet.) For some reason his name was listed as "Larkins" just as often as "Larkin" so I wonder what his correct name was?

Larkin Hensley married ca 1788, presumably in Washington Co, VA (no marriage record located). There is some doubt as to who his wife was. Circumstantial evidence suggests his wife was named Sarah ---.

No direct evidence has been found proving this, but here is the logic behind "Sarah" as his wife. Larkin Hensley was listed on the various tax lists in Washington Co, VA beginning in 1788, and ending in 1805. The 1805 entry was his last, and the next year Sarah Hensley was listed on the tax list for the first and only time. Since Larkin was not listed in 1806, and Sarah was, it is assumed that she was his widow. This is a big assumption, but if you look at the 1805 personal property tax list there were seven Hensleys listed: Fielding, Ichabod, Larkin, Nicholas, Samuel, William and William. In 1806 all of these were still listed except Ichabod and Larkin. Two new listings in 1806 included one for Sarah and one for Jesse. Since Ichabod and Larkin were listed in 1805 but not in 1806, it is generally assumed that one of them was dead leaving widow Sarah behind. Ichabod was not dead but had moved to Knox Co., TN, so that leaves only Larkin as suspect for husband of Sarah. Of course this is entirely circumstantial. Read on.

Sarah being Larkin's widow is further supported by two Court Cases dated 181- and 1819 which seem to list the heirs of Larkin Hensley (the case does not say specifically that they are Larkin's heirs, though apparently Ruthe Muench located one record that actually said they were Larkin's heirs, I have not seen that record.) The first name in the list was "Sarah Hensley", followed by the children. Typically, the widow is listed first in estates, probate and other similar records. These two tidbits combine to strongly suggest, but not prove, that Larkin's wife was named "Sarah." Another possibility is that "Sarah" was the oldest daughter of Larkin, and thus named first in the list due to her being the oldest.

So based on the above you can see that Sarah is very likely the widow of Larkin Hensley, though there is room for doubt and the following information seems to contradict the above, but I don't know how to reconcile it.

Laura Schreibman shared two different Family records, written by two granddaughters of Thomas Hensley (Larkin's youngest child.) Thomas' granddaughter Dollie Bradley Hensley (1873) wrote out a brief family record stating:

Major Thomas Hensley mothers name was Emmie Childres

Now "Emmie" is probably short for Emaline, and "Childres" is a common misspelling of "Childress." These records do not list Thomas' father. There were Childress' in Washington Co., VA, so this could easily be correct. I can't reconcile this with "Sarah" being Larkin's wife though. This conflict could be easily resolved if her name was "Sarah Emaline Childress" or something similar. However, I doubt that was her name as women rarely had two names in that time period. My first reaction was that Thomas' grandchildren were mistaken about who his mother was, but dismissing their information outright is not wise. Since they were grandchildren of Thomas, they were not eyewitnesses, so their record can't be considered primary evidence, but they obviously had access to family members, and family knowledge that has since been lost, so their data should not be ignored. Even if they were mistaken about her given name, this should be considered a strong clue about something. Perhaps Sarah's maiden name was Childress, even though her first name might not be "Emmie." More research is needed to prove something either way.

There were no Childress or similar names on the Washington County tax lists until 1788 when a Roland and Henry Childs were listed in John Lathim's District. That same year Patterson Childers was listed in the other district. That was his one and only entry on the tax lists, he didn't appear after that. Their surname was spelled various ways, Chiles, Childs, Childes. I don't know if there is any connection between them and Larkin's wife, but it is worth noting.  Rowland and Henry Chiles / Childes appear on the tax lists through 1794. That is the last entry for Rowland, but Henry continues to appear through at least 1802 and perhaps later. A John Childes appears in 1795. In 1799 a Gideon Childers shows up on the tax lists.  Henry Childs was listed on the land tax lists as well, and by 1803 the spelling of his name had evolved to "Childers" though on the personal property list of that same year he was spelled "Childs."

The 1790 census for Virginia was lost, but presumably Larkin Hensley would have been listed on it, in Washington Co, VA.

On 4 Sep 1797, Larkin Hensley, assignee of Loven Bledsoe, received a State Land Grant for 89 acres on Ketron's Fork, a branch of Cove Creek, on the waters of the North Fork of Holston River. This is the same land he received a warrant for in 1782. This land is in present Scott County, Virginia (Land Office Grants No. 37, 1796-1798, p. 392 (Reel 103) from the Library of Virginia.)

In 1798 Larkan Hensley was listed as a Militia Man (probably a private) in the 2nd Battalion, 70th Regiment. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

Larkin Hensley was listed on the Washington Co., VA Tax Lists 1791 through 1800. In 1799 he appeared on the land tax list with his 89 acres that was finally granted in 1797.

The 1800 census for Virginia was also lost, but presumably, Larkin would have been listed in Washington Co, VA.

Larkin Hensley was listed on the Washington Co., VA Tax Lists 1801 through 1805. In 1806 he was not listed, but a Sarah Hensley was, and she is probably his widow.

Larkin's last entry on the land records was 1802. In 1803 he was not listed. What happened to his 89 acre tract? He must have sold it. I read the entire 1803 tax list to see who had a "new" 89 acre tract, and the only listing in all of Washington County for 89 acres was Frederick Fulkerson who had a new tract marked "from Cornelius Carmack" which means it was deeded from Carmack to Fulkerson sometime within the previous 12 months or so. Based on that I don't see that as being the same land Larkin owned, but it is possible, especially if it changed hands twice before 1803. I have not checked the deed records yet. Could the Scott County court case (see below) have anything to do with this land? I read the 1801 land tax list and neither Mr. Carmack nor Mr. Fulkerson had an 89 acre tract that year. In 1802 Frederick Fulkerson had the 89 acres already, and it was marked "C. Carmack" so it is the same land he was listed with in 1803. Since Larkin himself was listed in 1802 with 89 acres, the two tracts can't be the same land, unless taxed twice in the same year.

Larkin Hensley must have died (or moved away) before 1806, for he was not listed on that tax list. As noted earlier, an apparent widow Sarah Hensley appears on the 1806 tax list. She had no tithes, 1 horse and no slaves. The number of horses match what Larkin had back in 1805, but that isn't definitive proof she was his widow.

This same year (1806), Larkin and Sarah's last child was born on 17 Mar 1806, and his birth was reported as being in Sullivan Co., TN. This suggests that Sarah was in Sullivan Co, TN in early 1806, either visiting relatives (several Childress families were living there at that time), or perhaps she was living there, already in her widowhood. The 1806 tax list showing her in Washington Co, VA could have been taken before March, or she could have been going back and forth.

Sarah and her children had all apparently moved to Knox Co, TN by 1808, for in that year her daughter Agness was married there, and the following year, daughter Rhoda married there.

Unfortunately, the 1810 census for Tennessee was lost, so I can't tell if Sarah was living there at that time. Since her children were marrying in Knox Co, TN in 1808, 1809, and 1816, I strongly suspect she was there during those years.

Meanwhile, back in Virginia, Scott County was formed from the western part of Washington County in 1815. This included the majority of Ketrons Creek where the family had previously lived, though a small portion (about 1 mile) of the creek was still in Washington County. They no longer lived there, but this change is important as you will see in the following court case.

In the February 1819 term of Scott County, Virginia Court, an interesting suit was brought by Sarah and her children against a variety of people. The case was started before this date for a Court record dated 12 Mar 1818 refers to it in regard to the Benham orphans.

I have three different versions of this. The first was sent to me type written, many years ago, and it seems to be from a different book, the typist labeled it "Scott Co, VA Minute Book # 1 1815-1818", document dated 8 Sep 181- (last number not legible, but probably 1815, 1816, 1817 or 1818). The person who sent this to me originally later said they didn't remember sending it to me and didn't know where it had come from. It is almost identical to the later document, but with four exceptions. First, this document states that the names were the heirs of Larkin Hensley (the two other version don't say that), secondly, this one left off daughter Susannah Hensley, and thirdly, this document had Ichabod Hensley listed in a different sequence within the names, listed as the 3rd name, where the other documents list him 2nd to last. Fourthly, Ichabod has a middle initial of "C" on the other two documents. Assuming that this is a verbatim copy (which I can't say for sure that it is), this is very significant for a variety of reasons which I'll explain later.

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 someone anonymously, possibly Ruthe Muench)

I have two original copies from different books, which I've typed verbatim. One in the index (or a judgment book), and then a fuller version in the actual minutes. First the Index or judgment entry:

(In Chancery) Feb T 1819 1-385

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)

Now, the full entry from the actual minutes (the right margin of my copy is slightly cropped, so some data missing:

Sarah Hensley, Abariah Abednego Casteel and Agness, his wife, Daniel Casteel and Rhoda, his wife, Susanna Hensley, Polly Hensley, Chatherine Hensley, Samuel Hensley, Nancy Hensley, Ichabod C. Hensley, and Thomas Hensley, Pltffs

vs.

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

in --- the deponents Elizabeth Godsey, widow of Gilbert Godsey, decd, Abraham, Jane, Sarah & Elizabeth, heirs of said Gilbert, decd. Catherine Johnston, widow of Thomas Johnston, decd & Jane, his heir at law. not having ent--- their appearance and given security according to the a---- assembly and the rules of this Court & it appearing --- the satisfaction of the Court that the said --- defendants is not inhabitants of this Commonwealth --- Condition? of the Complainants by their Counsel i--- ordered that the said defendants do aappear here on --- second Tuesday in May next and answer the bill --- said Complainants and that a copy of this order ------------ in same publick news paper ----- [several parts missing from my copy] ---- Benham Decd, John Samuel Catherine Joel & Isaac Benham heirs of the said William Benham --- failing to file their answers within this month --- the said plaintiffs had filed their bills having --- served with a a Subpeona at least Nine? months by --- said lin for filing their answer. On motion of --- complainants by their Counsel it is ordered that --- Complainants bill be taken for Confesse? as to those --- said defendants & this Court will procede at --- to de??? the matters and things therein contain--- the said defendants shall on or before the first of ---- Court next after they shall have been served will --- of this order appear and shew cause to the Con---- (Scott Co, VA Court Minute Book 1 page 385)

Now, having quoted the above case several things become clear. One is that the case was not resolved at this time. Two, nothing in these two records state what the case is about. Chancery cases can involve a number of things, often to do with estates. Third, who were the defendants, and how were they connected to one another, and to the plaintiffs?

We know from other sources that Polly Benham, wife of William Benham, deceased, is a daughter of Samuel Hensley, suspected brother of Larkin, but other than her and her children, the others are not heirs of Samuel Hensley. My personal belief is that all of these are somehow connected via the Benham family. That might lead to the conclusion that Larkin Hensley's wife Sarah was a Benham, but I can't prove that.  It is possible that the defendants were not directly related to each other, but collectively, they all owed Larkin Hensley money or something as heirs of someone he did business with.

The above record is also useful in another way. The children of Sarah were apparently named in descending order (oldest to youngest), and that can be confirmed from other sources. That helps to prove we are talking about the same set of children. For instance, using the same list as above, and adding the known birth dates, we can see that this list must be referring to this same set of Hensleys (which is beyond doubt, in my view, anyway): Sarah Hensley (ca 1760), Abednego Casteel and Agness (1780/90), his wife, Daniel Casteel and Rhoda (1780/90), his wife, Susannah Hensley (1790/1800), Polly Hensley (1798), Catherine Hensley, Samuel Hensley (1801), Nancy Hensley (1800/10), Ichabod C. Hensley, and Thomas Hensley (1806). The only flaw in this is that Ichabod was listed in a different place in the first version of this document, but that actually helps, as the only Ichabod who really fits in this family was born ca 1780/90, which works at that point in the listing.

Sarah (---) Hensley was still alive as of 1819, based on the Court record quoted above. Unfortunately, the record does not give her place of residence, though it seems very likely she was living in Knox Co, TN at that time.

The 1820 census was lost for all of Eastern Tennessee, so I can not locate Sarah and her children, though it seems obvious from other records that they were in Knox Co, TN then. I did find a "Saray Hansley" on an 1820 tax list in Morgan Co., AL, however, I have no idea if this was our Sarah. It should be noted that Ichabod Hensley moved to that county about that time, though whether this Ichabod is her son, or another Ichabod, has not been firmly established.

In 1822, Sarah's daughter Mary married in Blount Co, TN (borders Knox Co, TN). In 1823, Sarah's children Samuel and Nancy Hensley were married (in what appears to be a double ceremony) in Knox Co, TN.

It is not known when Sarah died, though it was after 1819, and probably in Knox Co, TN.

1.      Agnes Hensley (1780/90)

2.      Rhoda Hensley (1780/90)

3.      Susannah Hensley (1790/1800)

4.      Mary "Polly" Hensley (c1798)

5.      Catherine Hensley (1790/1800)

6.      Samuel Hensley (1801)

7.      Nancy Hensley (1800/05)

8.      Ichabod C. Hensley

9.      Thomas Hensley (1806)

Agnes apparently moved with her widowed mother to Knox Co, TN between 1806 and 1808.

On 26 Apr 1808, Abednego Casteel obtained a marriage bond in Knox Co, TN to marry "Agnes Hensley". Daniel Casteel (his brother or 1st cousin) was the bondsman. Presumably, they married on that date, or within a few days. Abednego Casteel was born ca 1780/90. I don't know who his parents were, but someone told me he was a son of an older Abednego Casteel. I don't have any other data on this.

Special thanks to Terri Casteel for data shared on this family.

The 1810 and 1820 census records are lost for Knox County, Tennessee, but presumably, Abednego Casteel would have been listed in Knox Co, TN those years.

Both Abednego Casteel and wife Agnes were named in the aforementioned 1819 Scott Co, VA Court case.

Abednego Casteel was listed on the 1830 census next to Susanna Hood (Agnes' sister) who was next to Daniel Casteel (married to Agnes' sister Rhoda). William Childress (1750/60) and James Childress (1770/80) were nearby as well, perhaps related.

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

1830 Knox Co, TN pg 359 Abednego Casteel 0012101000000-1300101000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 40-49        (1780-1790)    Abednego CASTEEL (1780/90)

1 Male(s) 20-29        (1800-1810)    Abraham CASTEEL (1800/10) son

2 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)    James Monroe CASTEEL (1812) son

                                      Benjamin CASTEEL (1817/18) son

1 Male(s) 10-14        (1815-1820)    George W. CASTEEL (1819/20) son

1 Female(s) 40-49      (1780-1790)    Agnes HENSLEY Casteel (1780/90) wife

1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)    Daughter?

3 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)    Hazy CASTEEL (1823/24) daughter

                                      Amanda J. CASTEEL (1825/26) daughter

                                      Eliza CASTEEL (1827/28) daughter

1 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)    Mary CASTEEL (1828/29) daughter

Abednego and family moved to neighboring Blount County, TN during the 1830's, probably between 1833 and 1835 (based on marriage dates and places of their children).

Abednego Casteel was listed on the 1840 census in Blount Co, TN.

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

1840 Blount Co, TN pg 96 Abednigo Casteel 0000100100000-0121101000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 50-59        (1780-1790)    Abednego CASTEEL (1780/90)

1 Male(s) 20-29        (1810-1820)    George W. CASTEEL (1819/20) son

1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)    Agnes HENSLEY Casteel (1780/90) wife

1 Female(s) 20-29      (1810-1820)    Hazy CASTEEL (1823/24) daughter

1 Female(s) 15-19      (1820-1825)    Amanda J. CASTEEL (1825/26) daughter

2 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)    Eliza CASTEEL (1827/28) daughter

                                      Mary CASTEEL (1828/29) daughter

1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)    Adeline CASTEEL (1830/31) daughter

Abednego Casteel died in the 1840-1850 timeframe in Blount Co, TN.

Agnes Casteel was listed on the 1850 census in Blount Co, TN in the 10th Civil District, with several of her children living with her. She was listed between the households of William Scribner and Barton Warner. No known relatives were listed nearby.

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)

1850 BLOUNT CO, TN Page 84B   House/Family # 1216/1216  - 10th Civil District Twp

CASTEEL AGNES         59 F W                            VA                   1790/1791

CASTEEL HAZY          26 F W                            TN                   1823/1824

CASTEEL AMANDA        24 F W                            TN                   1825/1826

CASTEEL ELIZA         22 F W                            TN                   1827/1828

CASTEEL ADALINE       19 F W                            TN                   1830/1831

CASTEEL GEORGE W      30 M W                            TN                   1819/1820

I was unable to find Agnes on the 1860 census, so she may have died in the 1850's, probably in Blount Co., TN.

I have a list of children for Abednego and Agnes (besides those still with Agnes in 1850), but I can not confirm the accuracy of the list. Terri Casteel has shared a few with me, and I've picked up some others from elsewhere, but none are completely proven, as far as I'm aware, except those living with her in 1850. More research is needed on this branch of the family.

On 18 Sep 1809, Daniel Casteel obtained a marriage bond in Knox Co, TN to marry "Rody Hensley". The bondsman was Ichabod Hensley, (presumably the one born ca 1780/90, who later moved to Morgan Co, AL.), who is either her brother, or perhaps Uncle or 1st cousin. Daniel Casteel was born ca 1790/1800 (per 1830 census). Casteel researchers list his parents as Francis and Mary (---) Casteel. I don't know if that is proven or not for Daniel was not named in the Will of Francis Casteel. If that connection is correct, then Daniel Casteel is a first cousin to Abednego Casteel, who at this point, became his brother-in-law also.

Back on 26 Apr 1808, Daniel Casteel was bondsman for the marriage of Abednego Casteel and Agnes Hensley in Knox Co, TN. Daniel and Abednego were either brothers or first cousins.

The 1810 and 1820 census records are lost for Knox County, Tennessee, but presumably, Daniel Casteel would have been listed in Knox Co, TN those years.

Both Daniel Casteel and wife Rhoda were named in the aforementioned 1819 Scott Co, VA Court case.

Daniel Casteel was listed on the 1830 census next to Susanna Hood (Rhoda's sister) who was next to Abednego Casteel (married to Rhoda's sister Agnes). William Childress (1750/60) and James Childress (1770/80) were nearby as well, perhaps related.

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

1830 Knox Co, TN pg 359 Daniel Casteel 1100010000000-2222001000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)    Daniel CASTEEL (1790/1800)

1 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)    Francis CASTEEL (1822) son

1 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)    Stephen CASTEEL (1824) son

1 Female(s) 40-49      (1780-1790)    Rhoda HENSLEY Casteel (1780/90) wife

2 Female(s) 15-19      (1810-1815)    Daughter? (1810/15)

                                      Daughter? (1810/15)

2 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)    Lucinda CASTEEL (1818/19) daughter

                                      Louisa CASTEEL (1819) daughter

2 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)    Nancy J. CASTEEL (1820/21) daughter

                                      Malinda CASTEEL (1824/24) daughter

2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)    Charlotte CASTEEL (1825/26) daughter

                                      Melvina CASTEEL (1829/30) daughter

According to information shared by Laura Hensley, Daniel and Rhoda Casteel took their family and left Knox Co, TN sometime shortly after 1830 and moved to Bond Co, IL.

Apparently, both Daniel and Rhoda died in Bond Co, IL ca 1834. Guardian records show heirs Franklin (or Francis), Stephen, Charlotty, Nancy Jane, and Melviny Casteel. Calvin Henley was appointed guardian. I don't think that is a typo for Hensley but it could be. Either way I don't know who Calvin is.

Some family data on Daniel and Rhoda's children was given in a Casteel book (I don't know the title) written by Lois Allen and Francis Casteel. The book mentions a story handed down that Daniel and Rhoda contracted cholera and died on the migration from Tennessee to Illinois, but they died in Kentucky en-route.  The children were brought to IL by the other relatives.

The book also mentions that Mary Casteel Wills died in 1855 left items to Daniel Casteel's children. I have not seen her will, but I would assume she was an aunt to the children.

Her family moved to Knox Co, TN between 1806 and 1808.

The 1810 census was lost for Tennessee, but Susannah would most likely have been home with her widowed mother in Knox Co, TN that year.

On 6 Nov 1816, James Hood obtained a marriage bond in Knox Co, TN to marry "Susanna Hensley".  The bondsman was Luke Hood, relationship to James unknown.

Presumably they married on that date, or within a few days afterwards. James Hood was probably born in the 1790's also, but I don't know that for sure. He is a proven son of Aaron Hood Sr of Knox Co, TN.

Susannah was named in the 1819 Scott County, VA Court Case, though she was listed as a "Hensley" still. This is probably just a mistake, but it bears consideration. Others have asked me about this, and I have wondered about it myself. There are two possibilities, first of all, it could just be a mistake when their lawyer filed the case for them, he apparently didn't know that Susannah had married. Since none of the family lived in, or even, near Scott County, VA at the time, a mistake like this is understandable. It may also have been initiated prior to her 1816 marriage.

The second possibility is that the Susannah Hensley named in the Court record is not the same Susannah Hensley who married James Hood. This is possible, but I feel this is not the answer. Here is my logic for believing they are one and the same person. First of all, we know that Susannah (child of Larkin) was in Knox Co, TN in 1816, as her siblings were there before and after that date. Secondly, her husband James Hood was a brother to Aaron Hood who married Susannah's sister Nancy Hood a few years later. Thirdly, for the 1830 census, Susannah Hensley Hood (then a widow) was listed between her sisters Rhoda and Agnes Casteel, showing that they were all close neighbors. These three items show a very close association between Susannah Hensley Hood and the Larkin Hensley family. If Larkin's daughter Susannah Hensley was not the same person as Susannah Hensley Hood, then I can't imagine who this Susannah Hensley Hood was. So, in conclusion, the 1819 Court Case does raise a question about her identity, but I don't think it proves that Susannah Hensley Hood was a different person.

The 1820 census was lost for all of eastern Tennessee, including Knox County, so I have no listing for James Hood that year.

James Hood died sometime ca 1825/30 in Knox Co, TN.

Susannah was listed as head of household on the 1830 census in Knox Co, TN, and as mentioned earlier, she was listed between the households of Abednego Casteel (husband of Agnes Hensley) and Daniel Casteel (husband of Rhoda Hensley). She is listed as "Wood" instead of Hood, but that seems to be a mistake (or not?) William Childress (1750/60) and James Childress (1770/80) were nearby as well, perhaps related. Andrew Hood (clearly written Hood) was nearby as well, perhaps related to James Hood.

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

1830 Knox Co, TN pg 359 Susanna Wood 0101000000000-0120010000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 15-19        (1810-1815)    Son?

1 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)    Son?

1 Female(s) 30-39      (1790-1800)    Susanna Hensley Hood (1790/1800)

2 Female(s) 10-14      (1815-1820)    Daughter?

                                      Daughter?

1 Female(s) 5-9        (1820-1825)    Daughter?

I did not find Susannah Hensley Hood on the 1840 census, but apparently she was still living then. She was probably residing with one of her married daughers at the time.

In an Equity or probate case filed on 8 Mar 1847 in Knox Co, TN, the heirs of James Hood, deceased, are named in regards to the estate of his father Aaron Hood. The record shows that James Hood had died (no date given), and that his widow was Susan Hensley, and children were Sarah Hood, wife of Guilford Nester; Eliza Hood, wife of Benj. Chapman; Jourdon Hood and Margaret "Peggy" Hood, wife of Sale Chapman. All of whom were listed as residents of Knox Co, TN, except Guilford and Sarah Nester, who weren't, but there residence was unknown. (The full document is online at the Knox Co, TN GenWeb site contributed by Suzy Machamer)

I did not find Susannah Hensley Hood on the 1850 census. If she was still living in 1847 (as the above mentioned document implies), then she may have still been living in 1850, but she was not listed in Knox Co, TN.

There are marriage records in Knox Co, TN for each of the children, confirming and expanding the data given in the Estate records mentioned above.

Of their children, I only found Jordan Hood in Knox Co, TN in 1850. I did not find any of the three daughters in Knox Co, TN. More research is needed to locate them. There was a "G. G. Nester" in 1840 Greene Co, AL, but I don't know if that is Guilford Nester or not. He was in Kemper Co., MS in 1850 with a wife Sarah, aged 35, born Alabama. The names are right, and the age close, but birth place isn't right unless the Hoods lived in Alabama briefly before returning to Tennessee.

Special thanks to Jackie Bullock and Anita Kopetski for data shared on this family.

The 1810 census was lost for Tennessee, but Polly would most likely have been home with her widowed mother in Knox Co, TN that year, and also in 1820, which was also lost for Knox County.

On 15 Apr 1822, Frederick French married "Polly Hensley" in Blount Co, TN. They were married by James Gillespie, Justice of the Peace. Frederick French was born 6 Jan 1801 in Botetourt Co, VA (per 1850 census). Researchers of this line give Frederick's parents as Peter French and Rosanna Rule.

For years, no one in my branch of the family was sure if this was our Polly Hensley or not. However, we all included her and Frederick French as being in our line, mainly due to them having married in Blount Co, TN, which is right next to Knox Co, TN, in fact, our Hensley's apparently lived in that corner of Knox that bordered Blount, so it seemed reasonable that this Polly Hensley French was the same as our Polly Hensley. For years though, we had no additional data on them, until I was contacted by Jackie Bullock, a descendant, who had a great deal more on Frederick and Polly's family. Her data, including their 1850 census entry helped cement the fact that this Polly was ours. The 1850 census record (in Edgar Co, IL) conveniently included the county of birth for everyone, and for Polly French, it showed her born in Washington Co, VA. This was not outright proof that this Polly was the same Polly (child of Larkin), but it was strong circumstantial evidence. Add to that the fact that the first few children born were born in Knox Co, TN (proven by 1850 census also), and it seems a sure thing that this was the same Polly Hensley. At the time of her marriage (in 1822) there were no other Hensleys in Blount Co, TN, as far as I've determined.

In any event, it isn't 100% proven that this is the same Polly, but it seems 99% likely.

After their marriage in Blount Co, TN in 1822, they were in Knox Co, TN by 1824 and remained there at least until 1830. I did not find them listed on the 1830 census though.

By 1832 they had moved to Vigo Co, Indiana and remained there at least until ca 1838.

Between 1838 and 1840 the French family had moved to Edgar Co, IL, and were listed there on the 1840 census. There was an extra adult male in the household. Could be a brother of Frederick's, or someone else. No way to know for sure.

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

1840 Edgar Co, IL pg 98 Fred French 2110011000000-1111001000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)    Brother?

1 Male(s) 30-39        (1800-1810)    Frederick French (1801)

1 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)    Son?

1 Male(s) 5-9          (1830-1835)    Jordan French (c1832) son

2 Male(s) 0-4          (1835-1840)    Peter M. French (c1836) son

                                      William French (c1838) son

1 Female(s) 40-49      (1790-1800)    Mary Hensley French (c1798) wife

1 Female(s) 15-19      (1820-1825)    Minerva French (1824) daughter

1 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)    Ellen French (c1830) daughter

1 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)    Rosanna H. French (1834) daughter

1 Female(s) 0-4        (1835-1840)    Daughter?

Frederick and Polly and family were listed on the 1850 census in Edgar Co, IL, next door to a Matthew French (c1826) who was born in Blount Co, TN. He could be a son, or a nephew.

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)

1850 EDGAR CO, IL Page 153   House/Family #  525/ 525  - District 19 Twp

FRENCH FREDERIC       49 M W FARMER                 900 BOTTETORT VA         1800/1801

FRENCH POLLY          52 F W                            WASHINGTON VA        1797/1798

FRENCH JORDAN         18 M W LABORER                    VIGO IN              1831/1832

FRENCH MINERVA        26 F W                            KNOX TN              1823/1824

FRENCH ELLEN          20 F W                            KNOX TN              1829/1830

FRENCH ROSANNA        16 F W                            VIGO IN              1833/1834

FRENCH PETER M        14 M W                            VIGO IN              1835/1836

FRENCH WILLIAM        12 M W                            VIGO IN              1837/1838

They were still in Edgar Co, IL for the 1860 census, ** but I don't have that entry typed yet.

They were probably still in Edgar Co, IL in 1870, but I haven't been able to find them listed.

Mary "Polly" Hensley French died sometime after 1860 in Edgar Co, IL.

I know that Frederick was still in Edgar Co, IL in 1880. ** I don't have this entry typed yet.

The 1810 census was lost for Tennessee, but Catherine would most likely have been home with her widowed mother in Knox Co, TN that year, and also in 1820, which was also lost for Knox County.

She was listed on the 1819 Scott County, Virginia Court case as "Catherine Hensley".

I have found no additional records for Catherine Hensley. I found no marriage records for a Catherine in any of the areas where our Hensleys lived. She may have died unmarried, or if she did marry, perhaps the record was lost, or never filed properly.

There is a Catherine Hensley who married John W. Brittain (Britton) on 22 Sep 1822 in Washington Co., TN. I originally dismissed her as a possible match for our Catherine considering how far Washington County is from where her family lived at the time, and the fact that Washington County was later filled with Hensleys not related to our own (not as far as we can prove, anyway.) However, it is still possible that this is our Catherine as this marriage seems to pre-date the arrival of all those other Hensleys in that county.

If this is our Catherine, what was she doing in Washington County at a time when the rest of her family was living in Knox Co., TN?

Researcher Jonathan Brown tells me that John & Catherine moved to McMinn Co., TN and later to Greene Co., MO where Catherine died ca 1837, and John died ca 1840. Their 1830 census entry (McMinn) shows them both in their 20's, so born ca 1800-10. If Catherine was born ca 1800 then this could indeed be our Catherine. More research is needed to be sure one way or the other.

The 1810 census was lost for Tennessee, but Samuel would most likely have been home with his widowed mother in Knox Co, TN that year, and also in 1820, which was also lost for Knox County.

Samuel Hensley was listed on the 1819 Scott County, Virginia Court case as "Samuel Hensley".

Samuel Hensley married Nancy Johnston on 29 May 1823 in Knox Co, TN. They moved to nearby Monroe Co, TN and remained there.

See their own page for additional information.

The 1810 census was lost for Tennessee, but Nancy would most likely have been home with her widowed mother in Knox Co, TN that year, and also in 1820, which was also lost for Knox County.

She was listed on the 1819 Scott County, Virginia Court case as "Nancy Hensley".

On 28 May 1823, Aaron Hood obtained a marriage bond in Knox Co, TN to marry "Nancy Hensley". This was the same date Nancy's brother Samuel Hensley obtained a marriage bond to marry Nancy Johnston (with Aaron Hood acting as bondsmen for them). James Hood was bondsman for Aaron and Nancy. He is Aaron's brother. Both couples married on the next day, 29 May 1823, by Robert McBath, quite possibly in a double ceremony.

Aaron Hood was born ca 1799/1800 in Tennessee, a son of Aaron Hood Sr, and a brother to James Hood who married Nancy Hensley's sister Susannah Hensley back in 1816.

The Hoods left Knox Co, TN and moved to Vigo Co, Indiana before 1830 and were listed there on the 1830 census.

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

1830 Vigo Co, IN pg 96 Aaron Hood 2100010000000-2000100000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 30-39        (1790-1800)    Aaron Hood (c1800)

1 Male(s) 5-9          (1820-1825)    Son?

2 Male(s) 0-4          (1825-1830)    Son?

                                      William Hood (c1830) son

1 Female(s) 20-29      (1800-1810)    Nancy Hensley Hood (c1800/05) wife

2 Female(s) 0-4        (1825-1830)    Daughter?

                                      Daughter?

Nancy Hensley Hood's sister Mary Hensley French and family moved to Vigo County shortly after Nancy..

It seems that the Hoods did not remain in Vigo for long, and very shortly moved to Edgar Co, IL where they were found on the 1840 census.

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

1840 Edgar Co, IL pg 65 Aaron Hood 2012001000000-0220010000000

Analysis:

1 Male(s) 40-49        (1790-1800)    Aaron Hood (c1800)

2 Male(s) 15-19        (1820-1825)    Son?

                                      Son?

1 Male(s) 10-14        (1825-1830)    William Hood (c1830) son

2 Male(s) 0-4          (1835-1840)    Martin Hood (c1837) son

                                      Ambrus Hood (c1838) son

1 Female(s) 30-39      (1800-1810)    Nancy Hensley Hood (1800/05) wife

2 Female(s) 10-14      (1825-1830)    Daughter?

                                      Daughter?

2 Female(s) 5-9        (1830-1835)    Daughter?

                                      Adaline Hood (c1833) daughter

Nancy Hensley Hood died sometime ca 1840/41, presumably in Edgar Co, IL. For some reason I have her death as taking place in White Co, IL, but I don't know where I found that. White County is many miles south of Edgar County, and I don't know why they would have gone down there.

Aaron Hood married again on 3 Apr 1841 to Cynthia McIntosh in neighboring Coles Co, IL (borders Edgar County).  Cynthia was born ca 1819/20 in Indiana. I don't know who her parents are. I don't know if Aaron Hood had moved to Coles County, or if he just married there because that is where Cynthia resided.

Sometime in the 1840's, the Hoods moved over to Shelby Co, IL, which borders on the west of Coles County. They were there for the 1850 census, listed in Cockren Creek District.

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)

1850 SHELBY CO, IL Page 111B  House/Family #  209/ 209  - COCKREN CREEK Twp

HOOD AARON            50 M W SCHOOL TEACHING            TN                   1799/1800

HOOD SYNTHA           30 F W                            IN                   1819/1820

HOOD WILLIAM          20 M W FARMER                     IL                   1829/1830

HOOD ADALINE          17 F W                            IL                   1832/1833

HOOD MARTIN           13 M W                            IL                   1836/1837

HOOD PERMELIA          7 F W                            IL                   1842/1843

HOOD GEORGE            5 M W                            IL                   1844/1845

HOOD EMILINE           2 F W                            IL                   1847/1848

HOOD AMBRUS           12 M W                            IL                   1837/1838

Aaron Hood died ca 1858 in Shelby Co, IL.

The next most likely candidate was also the eldest of this name; this Ichabod Hensley (1780/90) was never shown with a "C" middle initial but it is still very likely he is the one, as he is probably the one who was the bondsman at the 1809 Knox Co, TN marriage of Rhoda Hensley and Daniel Casteel. This proves that this Ichabod was a relative, though not necessarily a brother. However, if this Ichabod (1780/90) is the one, he was named way out of sequence in the 1819 court case, but probably in the correct order in the earliest version of this document. His age is compatible with Larkin's children, if he was one of the oldest, but the fact that this Ichabod never used the "C" middle initial casts some doubt on his identity. This particular Ichabod married Catherine Livingston in Washington Co, VA and  was there until 1805. After this date, he moved to Knox Co, TN for a time, then moved to Cotaco (now Morgan) Co, AL before ca 1820. See his own page for additional information. For the record, I believe this is the correct Ichabod to be in this family, but there is some doubt remaining.

The only other Ichabod Hensley who was of age, was Ichabod C. Hensley (1790/1800) of VA and Hardeman Co, TN and Boone Co, MO. He has the right name, including the middle initial, but previous researchers show him as a son of Samuel Hensley (1767) and Frances Ware Livingston, formerly of Culpeper Co, VA. More research is needed to confirm this connection.

There were other Ichabods also, but all too young to fit into Larkin's family. Of the above three candidates, I now prefer the eldest Ichabod Hensley (1780/90) as the most likely member of this family. He was the only one old enough to be the bondsman in the 1809 marriage of Rhoda Hensley and Daniel Casteel. The next youngest Ichabod (1790/1800) could have been as old as 19 then, but, legally, that was not old enough to post a bond.

However, since there is still considerable doubt as to which Ichabod belongs here, I have not attached any of them to the family, but left "Ichabod C. Hensley" as an unknown person.

Thomas married Elizabeth Watson. See their own page for more information.

• See Larkin Hensley Research List