Marty and Karla Grant

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James Henderson (1794/1800-1840s) and Jane Pack of Rutherford Co., NC, Sumner and McMinn Co., TN and Union Co., GA.

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James and Jane (Pack) Henderson are my 4^th Great Grandparents.

James Henderson was born 1790/1800 per his ages on the 1830 and 1840 census. I suspect he was the oldest son of his parents, thus probably born in the early 1790s, but I can’t prove that, however, census analysis of his parents 1800 and 1810 records shows he might have been born ca 1794/1800.

He was probably born in Rutherford Co., NC. I don’t know that for sure, for I don’t know when his parents arrived in that county exactly, though between 1790 and 1800. James himself didn’t live long enough to be listed on a census that showed his birth place. However, his children made it to 1880 and some to 1900. Those censuses asked where each persons father and mother were born. Daughter Catherine listed her father’s birth place on the 1880 census as Georgia which is highly unlikely. Daughter Elizabeth listed North Carolina for his birth place on her 1900 census entry. William, James, Ibiline and Thomas all listed their father’s birth place as North Carolina on their respective 1880 census entries, thus North Carolina it is.

James Henderson is a proven son of William and Elizabeth (—) Henderson of Rutherford and Polk Co., NC as named in William’s Will and further supported by other records.

James seems to be with his parents on the 1800 census in Rutherford Co., NC, aged under 10 (born ca 1790/1800). He still seems to be home with them in 1810 aged 10-15 (1790/1794).

James’s sister Rebecca married a Mr. Pack in Rutherford Co., NC in the 1810s (likely). They, along with some of the other Packs and James Henderson soon went west to Sumner Co., TN which is just north east of Nashville. There, on 23 May 1818, James Henderson obtained a marriage bond to marry Jannet Pack. Samuel Pack (probably her brother) was the bondsman.

“Jannet” as well as “Jennet” were common nicknames for “Jane” or vice versa in those days. Jane Pack was born ca 1803/04 per her age on the 1850 census (46), in Rutherford Co., NC.

I don’t have absolute proof, but I think she’s a child of John Pack (1760/70) of Rutherford. It also seems likely she’s a sister or otherwise closely related to the Mr. Pack who married her husband’s sister Rebecca Henderson, as well as closely related to Samuel Pack, Thomas Pack, Jeremiah Pack and others who left Rutherford for Tennessee.

I checked the available Sumner Co., TN records and found nothing for James Henderson there, other than his 1818 marriage bond. There is a James Henderson named in the 15 Aug 1818 Will of James C. Wilson as a grandson. It was indicated that said James wasn’t of legal age yet. This probably isn’t our James Henderson, but I suppose it could be. Charles W. S. Henderson witnessed that Will, and I don’t think he’s one of ours.

Apparently neither the Hendersons nor the Packs liked Sumner all that much because they all moved to south eastern Tennessee in short order, which put them much closer to where they’d come from originally. McMinn had been formed in 1819 from newly opened Indian lands.

James Henderson is not listed on the 1820 census in Sumner Co., TN, having probably already moved to McMinn by then. Unfortunately the 1820 census is lost for the eastern Tennessee counties including McMinn. There was a Thomas Henderson on the 1820 census in Sumner, but I don’t think he’s related as far as I’m aware. The only Pack remaining in Sumner was Smith Pack (c1801 NC-aft 1850) who married Peggy Ferrell in that county in 1819. I don’t know if he is part of the same Pack family as Jane Pack Henderson, but he certainly could be. He was in Missouri by 1830.

On 25 Jan 1825, James Henderson entered 160 acres in McMinn Co., TN described as in the North West Quarter of Section 10^th of Township 4^th Range 2^nd East of the Meridian in the county of Monroe Hiwassee District beginning at the North West corner of said quarter. Filed by Nat Smith, entry taker. On 1 Jul 1829, James Henderson sold the above entry to James Gardiner for $500. (McMinn Co., TN Land Entries Book A, pp. 76-77.)

On 9 Feb 1825, George C. Harris entered 160 acres in McMinn described as being in the south east corner of Section 33 of Township 3^rd Range 2^nd East of the Meridian in Monroe Hiwassee District beginning in the south east corner of said quarter. On 10 Dec 1827 George C. Harris assigned this land to James Henderson for “a valuable consideration” (amount not specified). (McMinn Co., TN Land Entries Book A, p. 86.)

On 10 Dec 1825 Thomas J. Campbell entered 160 acres in McMinn described as being in the south west quarter of Sec. 18 of Township 4 Range 2 East of the Meridian in McMinn, Hiwassee District beginning on the south west corner of said quarter. On 29 Apr 1830 Thomas J. Campbell sold the above to James Henderson for “value received” (no amount specified). On 28 May 1831 James Henderson assigned the same to Elias R. Bloom for “value received.” (McMinn Co., TN Land Entries Book B, p. 373.)

On 5 Jan 1828, James Henderson and his likely brother-in-law Jeremiah Pack (c1791-aft 1870), witnessed a deed from David Hawkins to John Torbert. (McMinn Co., TN Deed Book B, p. 12).

James Henderson is listed on the 1829 McMinn tax list in Cpt. Little’s company, the only Henderson in that company. He had 160 acres and one white poll. This may be the same 160 acres he sold to James Gardiner this same year. There were two Williams listed (one in Cpt Walker’s company and one in Cpt Billingsey’s company) and Isaac Henderson in Cpt. Childers company. No Pack listings. One of the William Henderson’s was probably James’s brother. The other was Isaac’s brother, I believe.

James Henderson is listed on the 1830 census in McMinn Co., TN near several relatives. Brother-in-law Thomas Pack (c1805) was next door. James’s brother William Henderson (c1804) was three houses away. John Pack (1760/70), Jane’s possible father, was seven houses away. Isaac Henderson (c1784) was 11 houses away in the other direction. I don’t know how, or if, he’s related to my Hendersons. Isaac was in Habersham Co., GA by 1840 and still there in 1850. That is very near Union Co., GA.

1830 Census, McMinn Co., TN

Page	Name (Males first row, females on second)	0-4	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50-59	60-69	70-79	80-89	90-99	100+
192	James Henderson	1	1	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
	Slaves=0	1	1	1	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 20-29 (1800/1810)       James Henderson (c1794/1800)

1m 5-9 (1820/1825)            William Henderson (c1825) son

1m 0-4 (1825/1830)            James H. Henderson (c1829) son

1f 20-29 (1800/1810)         Jane Pack Henderson (c1803) wife

1f 10-14 (1815/1820)         Catherine Henderson (c1819) daughter

1f 5-9 (1820/1825)              Elizabeth Henderson (c1821) daughter

1f 0-4 (1825/1830)              Daughter? (1825/1830) > gone by 1840

James Henderson, two Williams and Isaac Henderson were listed on the index for the 1830 tax list in McMinn Co., TN. James and Isaac were in Cpt. Greenwood’s company, both with 160 acres. James had one white poll (taxable adult male), and Isaac had none, meaning he was exempt or over age. Both Williams had 320 acres and one white poll apiece. One was in Cpt. Walker’s company, the other in Cpt. Billingsley’s.

The 1831 McMinn tax lists shows Allen Henderson 1 white, and William Henderson (acreage illegible) and 1 white both in Cpt. Sharp’s Company. Our James Henderson was in Cpt. Greenwood’s Company with 160 acres and one white. Isaac Henderson was in the same company with the same amount of land. William Henderson was there also with no land.

The 1832 McMinn tax list shows our James in Cpt. Greenwood’s company with 80 acres (half of what he had in 1831), and one white poll. Also there was Isaac Henderson (160 acres, no whites), and William Henderson (no land, 1 white). In Cpt. Farris’s company we find Allen Henderson (no land, 1 white) and William Henderson 240 acres and one white.

On 24 Dec 1835, a Sheriff’s deed was made by Sheriff Spencer Beavers to Joshua Ellis, both of McMinn, for 160 acres of land of Jeremiah Pack to settle a court judgment against him, James Henderson and Joseph Hawkins dated 19 Mar 1832. (McMinn Co., TN Deed Book D, page numbers Illegible.)

Although the deed above refers to Jeremiah Pack’s land, I think it might have been James Henderson’s instead since I found no record of James Henderson selling or otherwise disposing of his 160 acres, though the 1832 tax lists show him with only half of that (80 acres). Perhaps he’d sold half to Jeremiah Pack during that time frame, though I didn’t find a record of that.

James and family moved from McMinn Co., TN southward to nearby Union Co., GA settling in an area known as Ivy Log. They are not listed on the 1834 census for Union Co., GA nor the 1836 tax list in McMinn, so it appears they moved to Union ca 1835, probably not long after their youngest child Thomas’s birth in 1834.

James Henderson was listed on the 1840 census in Union Co., GA. He was the only Henderson listed that year. He was between the houses of John Williams and John C. Galaway and just one house from Samuel Patterson who is also my ancestor, but not related to the Hendersons.

1840 Census, Union Co., GA

Page	Name (Males first row, females on second)	0-4	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50-59	60-69	70-79	80-89	90-99	100+
3	James Henderson	~	1	1	1	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~
	Slaves=0	~	1	~	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 40-49 (1790/1800)       James Henderson (1794/1800)

1m 15-19 (1820/1825)       William Henderson (c1825) son

1m 10-14 (1825/1830)       James H. Henderson (c1829) son

1m 5-9 (1830/1835)            Thomas M. Henderson (1834) son

1f 40-49 (1790/1800)         Jane Pack Henderson (c1803) wife

1f 5-9 (1830/1835)              Ibiline Henderson (1831) daughter

James Henderson’s brother Joel moved from Rutherford Co., NC to Union Co., GA in the late 1830s and died there before 7 Jan 1840. On that date James Henderson was appointed guardian to his nieces and nephews Eliza, Elizabeth, Sarah, William, Mary and James Henderson, orphans of Joel Henderson, deceased. James Henderson, Benjamin Burk and John Hudgens signed the guardianship bond. (Union Co., GA Court Minutes.)

It should be noted that the 1840 census taken a few months after the above guardianship bond, yet none of those children appeared to be residing with James on that census. I don’t know where they were living at the time.

In Feb 1840 court, it was ordered that James Henderson, as guardian to the heirs of Joel Henderson deceased, sell Lot of SW 121, 9 Dist and first section for the benefit of the heirs and creditors of the deceased. I would assume that land belonged to Joel Henderson. (Union Co., GA Court Minutes.)

James Henderson died in the 1840s in Union Co., GA. I don’t know the exact date, nor where he is buried, though I would suspect the Henderson Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

Unfortunately a court house fire in 1859 destroyed many of the early Union County records, thus we have no probate (or land) records for James Henderson.

Jane is listed as head of household on the 1850 census in Union Co., GA. Her son William Henderson is next door.

1850 Census, Union Co., GA, 85^th District, Page 224B, House 316, Family 316

On 17 Jun 1851, James Henderson’s father William Henderson made his Will in Polk Co., NC (recently formed from Rutherford County). Among his legatees he included “The heirs of James Henderson” whom he didn’t list by name. See William’s page for more on that subject.

Jane is listed on the 1860 census with her son William Henderson and near her sons James and Thomas.

1860 Census, Union Co., GA, Ivy Log PO, Page 497, House 475, Family 474

Jane Pack Henderson died sometime after 1860 for I didn’t find her on the 1870 census in Union Co., GA or elsewhere. She is probably buried at the Henderson Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

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Children

No Will, probate, or estate records have been found that prove all the children of James and Jane (Pack) Henderson. However, the 1850 census proves (more or less) three who were still at home with Jane: James, Ibiline and Thomas. Proximity, association and census analysis strongly suggest three more: Catherine, Elizabeth and William, plus one more unidentified female. An 1897 deed appears to prove Catherine, Elizabeth, James, Ibiline and Thomas are siblings.

That deed, dated 9 Dec 1897 was for mineral rights sold to W. A. Hart of Towns Co., GA by Thomas M. Henderson for himself, and as attorney for “Catrin Holcolmb, Elizabeth Moore, Ibaline Sitton and the heirs at law of James Henderson.” This deed strongly suggests they are dealing with inherited land from their parents, thus the need for all of them to sign off on it. The land is described as Lot 57, in 9^th District, 1^st Section of Union Co., GA being 160 acres. (Union Co., GA Deed Book G, p. 58.)

 

1.         Catherine Henderson (c1819-aft 1880) married Oliver C. Holcombe.

2.         Elizabeth Henderson (c1821-1909) married Samuel Moore.

3.         William Henderson (c1825-aft 1880) married Angeline Clark.

4.         Unidentified Daughter (1825/1830).

5.         James H. Henderson (c1829-c1890) married Mary Ann —.

6.         Ibiline Henderson (1831-1911) married Thomas M. Sitton.

7.         Thomas M. Henderson (1834-1909) married Margaret E. Stewart.

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Catherine Henderson was born ca 1818/19 per her age on the 1850 census (31) and 1860 census (41).

She was born in Georgia per her 1850, 1860 and 1880 census entries, or North Carolina per her 1870 entry. It is highly unlikely she was born in Georgia, though not impossible. North Carolina is far more likely that Georgia, but Sumner or McMinn Co., TN is even more likely.

An 1897 deed (mentioned earlier) appears to prove that Catherine is a child of James and Jane. There is also a considerable amount of other evidence to support it.

 

1.         James had an otherwise unidentified daughter her age with him on the 1830 census aged 10-14 (b 1815/1820).

 

2.         She married in Union Co., GA in 1837 where James was living at that time.

 

3.         When Catherine married in 1837, the ceremony was performed by David Hawkins, Justice of the Peace. In 1828, James Henderson witnessed a deed from David Hawkins in McMinn Co., TN. I don’t know that it is the same David Hawkins, but it certainly might be.

 

4.         In 1840, Catherine and family were living next door to Thomas Pack, who would be her uncle if James Henderson is her father as he was married to Jane Pack.

 

5.         One of Catherine’s daughters married Wiliam Stewart, brother of Margaret E. Stewart wife of Thomas M. Henderson, son of James, thus associating the families even more.

 

6.         Some of Catherine’s children moved to Young Co., TX as did James’s daughter Ibiline Henderson Sitton who moved there many years before them.

On 8 Jan 1837, Catherine Henderson married Oliver C. Holcombe in Union Co., GA. They were married by David Hawkins, Justice of the Peace.

Oliver was born ca 1818 in Georgia. I’m told he’s a son of Jesse Holcombe and Susannah Rusk, though I personally have no proof of that.

They are on the 1840 census in Union Co., GA, as noted earlier, next to her likely uncle Thomas Pack. They were the only Holcombe’s in that county on this census.

1840 Census, Union Co., GA

Page

Name (Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

17

Oliver C. Holcombe

1

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

Slaves=0

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 20-29 (1810/1820)       Oliver C. Holcombe (c1819)

1m 0-4 (1835/1840)            Son? (1835/1840) > gone by 1850

1f 20-29 (1810/1820)         Catherine Henderson Holcombe (c1818) wife

They moved to then neighboring Habersham Co., GA before 1850 and are listed there on that census where several other Holcombes were, all probably related to him. None were listed particularly close by though.

1850 Census, Habersham Co., GA, 7 District 37 Division, House 2, Family 2

* Farmer is in the entry above him, which was a teen, so it was probably meant for Oliver instead and just written on the wrong line.

** The Habersham census taker used initials for nearly everyone. The final “H” is for their surname, not another initial.

By 1860 they had moved west to Fannin Co., GA, which had been formed in 1854 from western Union and northern Gilmer.

1860 Census, Fannin Co., GA, 913 Dist GM, Morganton PO, Page 31, House 200, Family 200

They moved again by 1870, this time north eastward to nearby Bradley Co., TN where they are listed on the census that year. They apparently acquired some property there for they had $400 of real estate.

1870 Census, Bradley Co., TN, Second Civil District, Cleveland PO, Page 281/281B, House 148, Family 144

Oliver C. Holcombe died in Feb 1880 in Bradley Co., TN per the 1880 census Mortality Schedule. He was listed as C. Oliver Holcomb, 62, married, born GA, both parents also born GA, Farmer, died in Feb of Liver Disease. I don’t know where he is buried, though findagrave.com has him in the Hayes Shed & Michigan Avenue Cemetery in Cleveland, Bradley Co.,TN. There is no grave photo nor evidence he is buried there.

Catherine is listed on the 1880 census in Bradley Co.,TN. Oliver, the youngest “son” is actually a grandson, Oliver Chastain.

1880 Census, Bradley Co., TN, 2 District, Page 354/354B, House 123, Family 123

Catherine Henderson Holcombe died sometime after 1897 since she was named on the 1897 mineral rights deed. I don’t know where she died, whether in McMinn Co., TN or elsewhere. Some of her children had moved to Texas by 1900, though others remained in Tennessee.

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Elizabeth Henderson was born ca 1824/25 per her age on the 1850 census (25) or ca 1820/21 per her age in 1860 (39). Her 1900 census entry has her as age 83 born Feb 1816. She was born in North Carolina per the 1850 and 1860 census, or Tennessee per the 1900 census. She was born in McMinn Co., TN most likely.

An 1897 deed (mentioned earlier) appears to prove that Elizabeth is a child of James and Jane. There is also a considerable amount of other evidence to support it.

 

1.         She is a proven Henderson per her marriage affidavit in her widow’s pension application (1872), which shows her as Elizabeth Henderson who married Samuel Moore on 2 Apr 1840 in Union Co., GA as attested by Thomas Henderson 58 and James Henderson 64 who were both at the wedding. Those are sons of James Henderson, and likely her brothers.

2.         She lived two houses from James Henderson on 1840 census.

3.         James had an otherwise unidentified daughter with him in 1830 aged 5-9 (born 1820/1825) who was gone by 1840 which fits.

4.         Their oldest daughter was named Jane (Eliza Jane), perhaps for Jane Pack Henderson. Their second son was named James, perhaps for James Henderson.

Elizabeth was probably named for both her aunt Elizabeth Henderson Foster as well as her grandmother Elizabeth, wife of William Henderson.

On 24 Apr 1840 Samuel Moore married Elizabeth Henderson in Union Co., GA as shown in the aforementioned affidavit. I didn’t find a corresponding marriage record in the Union County marriages.

Samuel Moore was born ca 1811/12 in Pendleton Dist.,SC, a son of my ancestors Joseph and Rebecca (—) Moore, thus he’s my uncle by blood, as Elizabeth is my aunt by blood, though they weren’t related to one another.

Samuel Moore served in his brother-in-law Cpt. Samuel Patterson’s Company of Mounted Volunteers in 1838 as a Private.

Samuel Moore is listed on the 1840 census in Union Co., GA three houses from his parents and two from hers.

1840 Census, Union Co., GA

Page

Name (Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

3

Samuel Moore

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

Slaves=0

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

My Analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 20-29 (1810/1820)       Samuel Moore (c1812)

1f 15-19 (1820/1825)         Elizabeth Henderson Moore (c1821) wife, m 1840

They are on the 1850 census in Union Co., GA.

1850 Census, Union Co., GA, 85^th District, House 177, Family 177

The western portion of Union (with northern Gilmer) was cut off in 1854 to form Fannin County. The Moores were in Fannin for the 1860 census, though I don’t know if they fell into the new county when it was formed or moved there in the 1850s. Judging by the different neighbors in 1850 versus 1860, I think they moved.

1860 Census, Fannin Co., GA, 1130 Dist GM, Pierceville PO, House 257, Family 257

The family moved to Polk Co., TN in the 1860's where Samuel died sometime after 1864. I don’t believe he served during the Civil War due to his age, however, he may have died while the war was ongoing.

I was unable to find Elizabeth on the 1870 or 1880 census.

She was named in the 1897 mineral rights deed mentioned earlier.

She was in Union Co., GA on the 1900 census with her daughter Dora.

1900 Census, Union Co., GA, Blairsville District, House 51, Family 52

Elizabeth Henderson Moore died on 29 Oct 1909 in Polk Co., TN and is buried at the Ducktown United Methodist Church Cemetery.

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William Henderson was born ca 1825/26 per his age on the 1850 census (24) or ca 1826/27 per his 1860 age of 33. In 1870 he was 45, or born ca 1824/25. In 1880 he was 55, so that matches his 1870 entry, so I’m going with ca 1824/25 for his birth date. All of those census entries agreed that he was born in Tennessee, probably McMinn County since his parents were there at that time.

William was not named in the 1897 mineral rights deed mentioned earlier, but that is easily explained. He was dead by then with no heirs.

William was probably named for both his uncle William Henderson as well as his grandfather William Henderson.

He seems to be with his parents in 1830, aged 5-9 (c1820/25) and apparently home in 1840, aged 15-19 (c1820/1825).

On 28 Apr 1844, William Henderson married Angeline Clark in Union Co., GA. They were married by William Poteat, Justice of the Peace.

Angeline Clark was born ca 1825/26 per her age in 1850 (24) in North Carolina per the same source. I don’t know who her parents were, but her 1880 census entry shows they were both born in South Carolina. There were a few Clarks in Union Co., GA in 1850, but I don’t know how any of them are connected to Angeline. Benjamin Clark (1824-1907) was also born in NC, so he could be a brother or otherwise closely related. Alfred Clark (c1821-c1880) was also born in NC and could be related to Angeline. He lived in the part of Union that became Towns County in 1856.

William and Angeline are on the 1850 census next to his mother Jane (Pack) Henderson.

1850 Census, Union Co., GA, 85^th District, House 317, Family 317

They are on the 1860 census in Union. William’s mother Jane is with them as are two children (Jackson 16 and Marion 8) who at a glance would seem to be William and Angeline’s, despite one being old enough to have been listed back in 1850, but wasn’t. Was he simply missed in 1850? That does happen. They married in 1844, so certainly could have a 16 year old in 1860. However, I believe these are not their own children, but orphaned nephews they took in after 1852. The younger one, Marion, was listed as their nephew on the 1880 census which proves my point. The problem them becomes, whose children are they?

1860 Census, Union Co., GA, Ivy Log PO, Page 497, House 475, Family 474

William Henderson served during the Civil War in Company B, 6^th Regiment of Georgia Cavalry Volunteers from Union Co., GA.

They moved to Meigs Co., TN by 1870 and are listed there on that census. I don’t know what drew them there. They weren’t listed near anyone I recognized as relatives.

1870 Census, Meigs Co., TN, The 5^th District, Decatur PO, House 62, Family # 60

By 1880 they’d moved west to Young Co., TX where William’s sister Ibiline moved also during the same time-frame. They are listed next to each other. Their page of the census is very dim and hard to read.

1880 Census, Young Co., TX, Precinct No One, Page 388, House 238, Family (blank)

I didn’t find them on the 1900 census. Marion Henderson was still in Young Co., TX, so I would assume William and Angeline both died there between 1880 and 1897. As already noted, he wasn’t named in the 1897 mineral rights deed, so probably dead by then.

It appears that William and Angeline had no children, or none to survive long enough to be listed on a census.

The question of the parents of Jackson (c1844) and Marion Henderson (1854) remains unanswered. If they were nephews of William, then they must be sons of one of his brothers or an unmarried sister (or a sister married to another Henderson). Due to the 10 year gap between Jackson and Marion it is possible they are not brothers. Ignoring Jackson for a moment, we should note that James Henderson had a son Marion age 7 with him in 1860 of whom nothing else is known. It could very well be the same Marion also listed with William that year. If so, that could settle his parentage. He’s a son of James. But why was he raised by William? James lived as long as William. Perhaps Marion was from a prior marriage and Marion’s mother died in childbirth or soon after and William and Angeline took him in since they had no children of their own. When James married again Marion remained with his uncle instead of being raised by his father’s new, very young 2^nd wife. It’s a theory that works if you ignore one thing. The big problem with this theory is that Marion was born Dec 1854 per various records, which is consistent with his 1870 through 1880 census entries. James has a proven son Robert R. Henderson born May 1854 which is consistent with Robert’s census entries. The dates don’t work for my theory that James is Marion’s father based on this.

This doesn’t help with Jackson Henderson (c1844) though. He seems too old to be James’s son also, as James was only about 15 in 1844. While possible, it doesn’t seem highly likely. Also, where was Jackson on the 1850 census? It is entirely possible he wasn’t a Henderson and his actual surname was left off on the 1860 census. That’s a common census error when people of different surnames are in the same household.

I checked the 1850 census for Union Co., GA for anyone of comparable age named Jackson that could potentially be the same person. While there were several of them, none stood out as likely matches to the one with the Hendersons in 1860. There was an actual Jackson Henderson, aged 6 in Murray Co., GA with presumed parents Benjamin (c1810 GA) and Mary (c1815 NC). Benjamin and Mary were still alive in 1860 and still in Murray, so no obvious reason why their Jackson would have gone “back east” to Union to live with William Henderson. Benjamin, as best as I can tell, is not part of our family. It seems likely he’s a son of Jones Henderson (c1773 VA) and Elizabeth (c1779 VA) who were two houses from him in 1850.

I also checked the 1850 census in Union for anyone named Andrew in case Jackson Henderson’s name is Andrew Jackson Henderson. There were a considerable number of Andrews of similar age in 1850 so I didn’t study them all that close.

Research to do:

(1) Get death certificate for Marion Henderson who died in 1937 in Texas. It might list his parents names whether James or someone else.

(2) Check out Civil War Pension application for William & Angeline Henderson:

1868, July 22, widow application # 163200.

I don’t know if this is the same couple, but it could be.

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Unidentified Daughter (1825/1830). James Henderson had an apparent daughter this age with him on the 1830 census, aged under 5, (c1825/1830). She was gone by 1840 so either married or dead by then.

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James H. Henderson was born ca 1828/29 per his age on the 1850 census (21). It fluctuates a bit from census to census. He was 30 in 1860 (c1829/30), 44 in 1870 (c1825/26) and 52 in 1880 (c1827/28). They are all fairly close together though. He was born in Tennessee per all his census entries except 1870 which lists North Carolina. He was likely born in McMinn Co., TN since his parents were there at the time.

James was probably named for his father. I don’t know what his middle initial of “H” stands for. In fact, I’ve not seen any original record that includes a middle initial for him. There might be such a record, I just don’t have it.

He seems to be with his parents for the 1830 census, aged under 5 (c1825/1830) and apparently home in 1840 aged 10-14 (1825/1830). He was with his widowed mother Jane in 1850 as William age 21, a Farmer.

James married Mary Ann (—) between 1850 and ca 1852, presumably in Union Co., GA. No marriage record was found. Mary Ann, (also known as Polly Ann) was born ca 1837/38 per her age on the 1860 census, 22 (c1837/38). The same record lists her birth place as North Carolina which is confirmed by her 1870 and 1880 census entries as well.

I do not know Mary Ann’s maiden name, though when I first began researching the Hendersons I was told she was a Stewart. I have not been able to confirm this through any primary or circumstantial evidence. If she was a Stewart, I don’t know who her parents might have been. There were Stewarts in Union Co., GA, in fact my own ancestors, thus I’m quite interested in that family. She is not a sister of Margaret E. Stewart who married James Henderson’s brother Thomas M. Henderson, though that would be the most logical place to try to put her.

I’ve located the death certificates for several of James and Mary Ann’s children, yet none of them shine any light on Mary Ann’s maiden name, in fact most don’t list her name at all. Her daughter Mary Ann Brown’s death certificate lists her mother as “DK” which means “Don’t know.” Her son Robert Henderson’s death certificate lists mother as “do not no.” Bad spelling aside, it’s frustrating that no one seemed to know anything about her just a generation later. And worst of all, daughter Sarah Jane’s certificate lists her mother’s name as “Nancy —” leaving the maiden name blank, and getting the given name entirely wrong. Of course it’s within the range of possibility that Sarah Jane (1855) wasn’t Mary Ann’s daughter, but the daughter of a prior wife to James that I don’t know about, named Nancy who died in the 1850s before he married 2^nd to Mary Ann. This could be the case, but I’m not sure about it. It does fit, circumstantially.

It’s possible there is a document somewhere that proves Mary Ann’s maiden name, but I haven’t seen it yet.

Her findagrave entry lists her maiden name as Parton, but there is no reference as to where that comes from nor do I know who made the entry on that website.

Despite the lack of evidence presented, it certainly works for her to be Parton. There is a Polly A. Parton age 14 on the 1850 census in neighboring Cherokee Co., NC with parents William (c1805 VA) and Agnes (c1813 NC). The name, age and location fit for she is clearly in the part of Cherokee that borders Union GA judging by her neighbors many of whom I recognize, most notably William Russell (c1820) whose son Clark R. Russell would later married Thomas M. Henderson’s daughter in Union Co., GA. Furthermore, William and Agnes and their children are in Union Co., GA for the 1860 census three houses from James and Mary Ann, their daughter Polly A. from 1850 no longer with them, thus probably married by then. That certainly makes this a promising match. But is there actual proof that Mary Ann was a Parton? Perhaps a death certificate I haven’t seen yet? Circumstantially it fits very well.

James and family are listed on the 1860 census in Union County next to brother William and their mother, and two houses from brother Thomas.

1860 Census, Union Co., GA, Ivy Log PO, House 473, Family 472

James Henderson was listed on a roster of eligible men (for Civil War service) dated 2 Sep 1861 for Gum Log.

He was listed on a militia census dated 1864 for re-organizing the Georgia Militia. He was in the 40^th Senatorial District, 1024^th Militia District (which is Union Co., GA), listed as James Henderson, age 36 years, 7 months, a farmer, born TN.

I don’t know if he had actual military service during the Civil War.

James and brother Thomas Henderson are both on a list of “Qualified Voters” dated 3 Jul 1867 for Union Co., GA.

James and family are on the 1870 census in Union Co., GA next to brother Thomas Henderson.

1870 Census, Union Co., GA, Subdivision 126, Blairsville PO, House 620, Family 620

They are listed on the 1880 census in Union Co., GA.

1880 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log (1024) Dist, House 164, Family 164

James and Mary Ann’s last known child was born in 1884. They died sometime between then and 1897, presumably in Union Co., GA.

He was certainly dead by 1897, for his heirs were mentioned on the 1897 mineral rights deed, though none by name.

James and Mary Ann are probably both buried at the Henderson cemetery in unmarked graves.

James and Mary Ann had 12 known children per the 1860 through 1900 censuses. At least two of those seemingly died young (Marion, Nancy), perhaps two others as well (Lilly, Emma).

As alluded to earlier, it’s possible the first three children, Marion (c1853), Robert (1854) and Sarah Jane (1855) are from a prior marriage for James, but I don’t know that for sure.

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Ibiline Henderson was born 19 Jan 1831 per her tombstone, in Tennessee per her 1850, 1870, 1880, 1900 and 1910 census entries. It’s likely she was born McMinn Co., TN since her parents were in that county around the time she was born. In 1860, she’s listed as born in Henderson Co., NC, which is unlikely, though interesting.

Thanks to Bryan Gabbard for sharing information on this family.

Her given name is spelled various ways as it’s a most unusual and uncommon one. I don’t know it’s origin.

She was apparently with her folks for the 1840 census 5-9 (born 1830/1835), and home with her widowed mother in 1850, “Ibeline” age 19.

On 4 Sep 1853, Thomas Sitton and “Ibiline Henderson” were married in Union Co., GA by E. Gribble, Justice of the Peace. Ezekiel Gribble was a neighbor of theirs in Union Co., GA, though not related to either of them as far as I know.

Thomas M. Sitton was born 2 Nov 1828 (per tombstone) in Haywood Co., NC (per 1860 census). I have his parents listed as William Sitton and Mary McClure, but I don’t know what the proof of that is. They married 1821 in Haywood Co., NC, so that fits.

Thomas was on the 1850 census in Haywood with John Estes and wife Mary (Patton) Estes as a laborer. I don’t know if he is related to them.

As noted, Thomas was in Union in 1853 when he married. They were in neighboring Cherokee Co., NC right afterward.

The Sittons are listed on the 1860 census in Cherokee Co., NC. Their apparent sons Francis and William both seem to predate their Sep 1853 marriage, so perhaps they are from a prior marriage for him, or their ages are off a tad here or they were having children before marriage.

1860 Census, Cherokee Co., NC, Murphy District, Murphy PO, House 1397, Family 1399

Thomas M. Sitton served during the Civil War, in Company B, 7 Battalion North Carolina Calvary (Confederate) as a Private enlisting 5 Jul 1862. On 3 Aug 1863 he transferred to the 65^th Regiment. He was captured at some point shortly afterward. He was released on his Oath of Allegiance to the Union on 23 Dec 1863 and sent north of the Ohio River.

Thomas M. Sitton joined Company F, 5^th Mounted Tennessee Infantry as a First Lieutenant on 8 Jan 1865 at Cleveland, TN. This was the Union side.

Clay County was formed from south eastern Cherokee County in 1862. I’m not sure if the Sittons fell into the new county or moved there in the 1860s, but they are on the 1870 census in Clay County.

1870 Census, Clay Co., NC, Brasstown Township, Hayesville PO, House 26, Family 26

They moved to somewhere in Arkansas before ca 1874, and then onto Young Co., TX before 1880 where they are listed on the census next to her brother William Henderson.

1880 Census, Young Co., TX, Precinct No One, Page 388, House 239, Family (blank)

“Ibaline Sitton” is named on the 1897 mineral rights deed mentioned earlier in Union Co., GA.

Thomas M. Sitton died on 19 May 1898 aged 69 in Young Co., TX. He’s buried at Medlan Chapel Cemetery.

Ibiline is on the 1900 census in Young Co., TX with son John.

1900 Census, Young Co., TX, Justice Precinct No 1 (exclusive of Graham City), House 45, Family 45

Ibiline is on the 1910 census in Young Co., TX with daughter Dora.

1910 Census, Young Co., TX, Justice Precinct No 1 (part of), House 49, Family 49,

McCan Bridge Road

Ibiline Henderson Sitton died 30 Dec 1911 in Young Co., TX and is buried at Medlan Chapel Cemetery.

Thomas and Ibiline had 10 children per her 1910 census entry, 8 of whom were still living at that time. That could be mean that Francis (c1851) is also hers though he predates her marriage to Thomas Sitton.

Research to do:

(1) Check out Civil War Pension application for Thomas M. Sitton and Iboline Sitton

1891, Aug 5, Invalid, App # 1047358, Cert # 784809 filed in TX

1899, July 18 widow, App # 702310, Cert # 681776 filed in TX.

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Thomas M. Henderson was born 23 Aug 1834 in McMinn Co., TN. He married Margaret E. Stewart on 28 Dec 1857. He died 9 Jan 1909.

They are my ancestors. See their page for more information.

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For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for James and Jane (Pack) Henderson.

Revised: November 3, 2025

Copyright © 1996-2025 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

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