William Hensley Sr and Jr of Washington Co., VA

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The author (Marty Grant) is not related to the William Hensleys as far as can be proven. They did live in the same county (Washington Co., VA) as my ancestor Larkin Hensley (c1761-1806). Larkin and one of the Williams may be brothers, if so then I am a 5th Great Grand Nephew of William Hensley.

Special Thanks to Ruthe Muench and Laura Schreibman for information shared on this family. All Washington County tax list records mentioned on this page were transcribed and shared by them. Also thanks to Bill Mooneyham for providing some very helpful analysis regarding the various William Hensleys.

I recommend you also read my General Commentary on Hensleys of Washington Co., VA.

First I should point out that there were as many as four different adult William Hensleys in Washington Co., VA in the late 1700's and early 1800's. This makes positive identification very difficult. For this webpage I will include all records found in that county that refer to a William, whether a "Jr" or "Sr" or other. Here is a quick outline of the known Williams in Washington Co., VA

# 1. William Hensley was born before 1765. This William was listed in Washington Co., VA from 1786 through 1807. He was gone from the area after that. Don't know where he went. In later years he was listed as William Hensley "Sr" to distinguish himself from William # 2 below. I believe he may be the husband of Elizabeth Hensley (bef 1765), but can't prove it.

# 2. William Hensley was born between 1765 and 1784 per his age on the 1810 census (26-44). This William was listed on the tax lists from 1804 through 1810 (and perhaps in 1794). He was gone from the area after 1810. The 1810 census shows a very large family for him. Don't know where he went. This is the William who's wife was Mary. There is a William Hensley (c1772) on the 1860 census in Knox Co., TN who might be this man, but I kind of doubt it. See his page for more information.

# 3. William Hensley was born ca 1772 in Culpeper Co., VA, a son of Joseph Hensley (1750/60). He moved to Montgomery Co., KY around 1795ish, so he left few, if no records in Washington County. See his own page for more on him.

Since it isn't clear which record refers to which William, I'll just give all the records in chronological order with my opinion added as to who I think the record refers to. Either William # 1 or # 2 was married to Mary ---.

The Records:

On 28 Nov 1781 a Treasury Warrant was issued to William Hensley, assignee of Joseph Hensley, for 274 acres in Washington Co., VA surveyed 25 Mar 1791. The land was on Cove Creek a branch of North Fork of Holston River. "Assignee" means that although Joseph was the one entitled (or qualified) to receive this land, he transferred his rights to William Hensley for some reason. How are they related? This land was later granted to William and he sold it off in three parcels, two in 1803 and the third in 1810.

Only one William Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County 1786 through 1790. William was not listed on the land tax lists during that period.

The 1790 census is lost for Virginia but it seems reasonable that William would have been listed in Washington County.

Only one William Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County 1791 and 1792, but a second one was listed in 1793 and 1794. In 1795 through 1797 there was only one again. By 1798 and through 1800 there were two. Neither William was listed on the land tax lists during that period.

The William Jr on the 1794 list could be Joseph Hensley's son William Hensley (c1772). He would be about 22 at this time, though we don't know if he was still in the area then. It could also be William Hensley Jr (wife Mary), and if so this is his first tax list entry. Bill Mooneyham believes it is probably William Jr (wife Mary), and not Joseph's son, and he may be right.

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

On 23 Oct 1798, William Hensley Jr, assignee of Robert Preston had 30 acres on Cove Creek surveyed, bordering Loving Bledsoe and corner of Peter Hartsock. (Washington Co., VA Survey Book page 281).

The 1800 census is lost for Virginia.

On 24 Jun 1800, William Hansley married Elizabeth Bruster (Brewster) in Washington Co., VA. They were married by N. Reagan. This William was found in Wythe Co., VA records before this, and in Tazewell County records after this. Both counties border Washington, and Tazewell was formed from Wythe in 1799. This William later wound up in what is now West Virginia.

On 7 Nov 1800, William Hensley obtained a State Land Grant of 274 acres on Cove Creek. (Land Office Grants No. 46, 1797-1801, p. 382 (Reel 112))

On 26 Oct 1801, William Hensley obtained a State Land Grant of 30 acres on Cove Creek. (Land Office Grants No. 49, 1802, p. 494 (Reel 115))

Two William Hensleys were listed on the tax lists in Washington County from 1801 through 1807. By 1809 only one remained. Deeds prove that it was William "Jr" who remained. Only one William was listed on the land tax lists during this period, and there was never a "Sr" or "Jr" after his name, but deeds prove it was "Jr" who owned the land.

On 14 Oct 1803 William Hensley and Mary his wife sold 100 1/2 acres on Cove Creek to Daniel Fleenor. The land was granted to William by patent dated 7 Nov 1800. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were: Charles Hartsock, Jesse Grisell, and Benjamin Spyker. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 3 page 147)

On the same date (14 Oct 1803) William Hensley and Mary his wife sold 128 acres on Cove Creek to Jesse Grissell. The land was granted to William by patent dated 7 Nov 1800. William signed with a mark. Witnesses were Charles Hartsock, Daniel Fleenor, and Benjamin Spyker. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 3 page 146)

William Hensley was a Militia man in Washington County in 1807 in Capt. Goff's Company, 2nd Battalion, 105th Regiment. I don't know for sure, but I would assume this was the younger of the two Williams. I could be wrong. (Clark, Gerald H. The Militia of Washington County, VA Officers 1777-1835 Militia Men 1798-1835. 1979)

There is just one William Hensley listed on the 1810 census in Washington Co., VA. He was two houses from Fielding Hensley (brother?).  This is the William Hensley (Jr) with wife Mary since they were still in the county in late 1810 per deeds (see below.) There is an apparent widow Elizabeth Hensley on the 1810 census who could be widow of the older William. See her page for more on her.

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

1810 Washington Co, VA pg 224 William Hensley 22210-22010-0-0
Analysis:
1 Male(s) 26-44       (1765-1784)	William Hensley (1765/84)
2 Male(s) 16-25       (1784-1794)	Son?
					Son?
2 Male(s) 10-15       (1794-1800)	Son?
					Son?
2 Male(s) 0-9         (1800-1810)	Son?
					Son?
1 Female(s) 26-44     (1765-1784)	Mary (---) Hensley (1765/84) wife
2 Female(s) 10-15     (1794-1800)	Daughter?
					Daughter?
2 Female(s) 0-9       (1800-1810)	Daughter?
					Daughter?

On 17 Oct 1810 William Hensley and wife Mary sold 45 acres on Cove Creek to Jesse Grizzell. He signed with a mark. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 4 page 377)

On the same date (17 Oct 1810) William Hensley sold 30 acres to Henry Darnell. (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 4 page 377)

On the same date (17 Oct 1810), Samuel Hensley and John Goodson, justices informed the court that Mary, wife of William Hensley could not conveniently travel to the court to acknowledge the above deed, so they went to her. They acknowledged that they spoke to her on 9 Nov 1811 and that she declared she signed the deed willingly (Washington Co., VA Deed Book 5 page 119)

Only one William Hensley was listed on the tax lists in Washington County land lists in 1811 and 1812. No William was listed on the Personal Property lists, so that indicates William Jr had died or moved away, though the land was still listed under his name until the above deeds were registered.

I didn't find any of these four early William Hensleys on any Washington Co., VA records after this point.

There is a widow Mary Hensley listed on the 1820 census in Washington County, Indiana who might be the widow of William Hensley. This isn't proven but it fits. Several Hensleys of Washington Co., VA were in that county in IN at the same time, so that shows a probable connection. More research is needed.

Land Analysis:

William Hensley had two tracts of land, one of 274 acres which he sold off in three parcels (100.5 acres; 128 acres and 45 acres), and another tract of 30 acres. All of his land is accounted for. It was granted to him, and sold by him and wife Mary. All of the early deeds in Washington Co., VA for "William" Hensley seem to be for the William who's wife was Mary and they sold the last of it in late 1810.

274 acres Cove Creek. Washington Co., VA; Walkers Mountain.

1. Treasury Warrant # 9438 issued 28 Nov 1781 to William Hensley, assignee of Joseph Hensley.

2. Surveyed 25 Mar 1791.

3. Granted 7 Nov 1800 to William Hensley.

4. 14 Oct 1803 - William Hensley and wife Mary sold 100.5 acres of this grant to Daniel Fleenor leaving 173.5a.

5. 14 Oct 1803 - William Hensley and wife Mary sold 128 acres of this grant to Jesse Grizzle leaving 45.5a.

6. 1804 tax list - William Hensley 274a - though he had already sold some of the land it took awhile for deeds to be filed and registered.

7. 1805 tax list - William Hensley 274a

8. 1806 tax list - William Hensley 274a

9. 1807 tax list - William Hensley 274a

10. 17 Oct 1810 - William Hensley and wife Mary sold 45 acres of this grant to Jesse Grizzle leaving 0.5 acres which was probably rounded off somewhere.

11. 1811 tax list - William Hensley 45a. Deed from 17 Oct 1810 wasn't registered until 1812.

30 acres Cove Creek. Washington Co., VA; Bledsoe's Corner; Hartsock's Corner;

1. Treasury Warrant # 2351 issued 26 Dec 1797 to William Hensley.

2. Surveyed 23 Jan 1800.

3. Granted 26 Oct 1801 to William Hensley.

4. 1804 tax list - William Hensley 30a.

5. 1805 tax list - William Hensley 30a.

6. 1806 tax list - William Hensley 30a.

7. 1807 tax list - William Hensley 30a.

8. Sold 17 Oct 1810 by William Hensley and wife Mary to Henry Darnell, 30 acres.

Summary:

I believe the records make it clear that William Hensley "Sr" was not the one who owned land in Washington Co., VA. In fact he may have moved into the area kind of late (ca 1798 or thereabouts). William Hensley Jr is the one who with his wife Mary, owned two tracts of land (274 & 30 acres) and were still in the county as late as 1811. Sr and Jr might just be a year or two different in age, but there is no way to know. William "Jr" seems to be the same one who obtained the 274 acres in 1781 as assignee of Joseph Hensley. I don't know how old one has to be to be an "assignee" but to receive a grant you could be any age.

So therefore we have a mystery William Hensley who left the area or died after 1807, and a William Hensley who was younger than the other William and was still there in 1810-1811 and had a wife Mary.

Children of William Hensley. William Hensley (the one still in Washington for the 1810 census) and wife Mary had at least 10 children. Unfortunately none are identified just yet. 

There is nothing known of any children for the older William Hensley or if he had any. The 1799 tax list showed "William Hensley Sr and son" both being taxable males over 16, that means his son was born ca 1783 or earlier. By 1800 he was back to just one tithable, so the son was either off on his own or dead by then. Unfortunately no new Hensley was listed on the 1800 tax list. The only Hensley I know of who was in that area who fits age-wise is Sampson Hensley (c1779). No proof that he is William's son though. The younger William also had a son of that name. See below.

Ruthe Muench (now retired from researching) believes that Hannah Hensley (c1807), Sampson Hensley (c1800), Henry Hensley (d 1836 Monroe Co., IN) and Sarah Hensley were children of William and Mary Hensley. Ruthe is a descendant of Hannah who first married David Little in 1823 Washington Co., IN, he then died, and she returned to Scott Co., VA where she married William H. Dixon in 1828.  They later went to Monroe Co., IN where she died ca 1858.

There is no direct proof that Hannah et al are children of William and Mary, but it sure fits. Using census analysis of the 1810 Washington Co., VA census, we see 10 children for William and Mary. Trying to track them down is difficult since we don't know where William went after 1812 when he apparently left Washington Co., VA. Some of these children could have remained in (or returned to) Washington / Scott Co., VA area.

Unknown Son (1784/94)

Unknown Son (1784/94)

Unknown Son (1794/1800)

Unknown Son (1794/1800)

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800)

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800)

Unknown Son (1800/10)

Unknown Son (1800/10)

Unknown Daughter (1800/10)

Unknown Daughter (1800/10)

Unknown Son (1784/94). William Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1810, aged 16-25 (born ca 1784/94). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this son was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

Look for a male Hensley born 1784-94 in Virginia.

Unknown Son (1784/94). William Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1810, aged 16-25 (born ca 1784/94). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this son was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

Look for a male Hensley born 1784-94 in Virginia.

Unknown Son (1794/1800). William Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1810, aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this son was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

This could be Henry Hensley (c1794-1836) later of Indiana.

Unknown Son (1794/1800). William Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1810, aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this son was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

This could be Sampson Hensley (1799) who was born in Washington Co., VA, married in 1822 in Washington Co., IN and later lived in Monroe Co., IN. Ruthe Muench believes him to be a brother to Henry (d 1836), Hannah (1807), and Sarah "Sally" Hensley.

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). William Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1810, aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this daughter was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

Look for a female Hensley born 1794-1800 in Virginia.

Unknown Daughter (1794/1800). William Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1810, aged 10-15 (born ca 1794/1800). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this daughter was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

Look for a female Hensley born 1794-1800 in Virginia.

Unknown Son (1800/10). William Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1810, aged under 10 (born ca 1800/10). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this son was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

Look for a male Hensley born 1800-1810 in Virginia.

Unknown Son (1800/10). William Hensley had an apparent son this age with him in 1810, aged under 10 (born ca 1800/10). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this son was no longer at home then, so probably married or dead.

Look for a male Hensley born 1800-1810 in Virginia.

Unknown Daughter (1800/10). William Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1810, aged under 10 (born ca 1800/10). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this daughter was still home, aged 16-25 (born ca 1794/1804).

This could be Sarah "Sally" Hensley who was born in Washington Co., VA, married in 1823 in Washington Co., IN to James Thomas. Ruthe Muench believes her to be a sister to Sampson Hensley (1799), Henry (d 1836), and Hannah Hensley.

Unknown Daughter (1800/10). William Hensley had an apparent daughter this age with him in 1810, aged under 10 (born ca 1800/10). If the widow Mary Hensley in the 1820 census of Washington Co., IN is William's widow (which is not proven), then this daughter was still home, aged 10-15 (born ca 1804/10).

This could be Hannah Hensley (1807) who was born in Washington Co., VA, married in 1823 in Washington Co., IN to David Little, after he died she went back to Scott Co., VA and married 2nd there in 1828 to William Dixon, and later lived in Monroe Co., IN. Ruthe Muench believes her to be a sister to Sampson Hensley (1799), Henry (d 1836), and Sarah "Sally" Hensley.

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