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William Henderson (c1770-1853) and Elizabeth — of Rutherford and Polk Co., NC

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William and Elizabeth Henderson are my 5^th Great Grandparents.

William Henderson was born ca 1769/70 per his age on the 1850 census (80). This works with his earlier census records so is probably accurate. The 1850 census lists his birth place as Virginia. This agrees with his son Michael’s 1880 census entry which shows his father was born in Virginia. However, the 1880 entries for daughters Sarah, Nancy and Elizabeth show him born in North Carolina. Since his own 1850 entry shows Virginia, I think that’s probably reliable.

I don’t know what county he was born in, nor what section of Virginia.

I don’t know who William’s parents were nor who any potential siblings might be.

There is a record in Rutherford Co., NC dated 1788 that mentions William Henderson, but I don’t think it’s ours. On 12 Jul 1788, George Paris Senr of Rutherford Co., NC appointed Robert Paris of Green Co., NC (now TN) his attorney to deal with 36 acres of land in “Baughtilord” (Botetourt) County, Virginia on the North Side of the Roanoke River adjoining a track George Paris sold “to one William Henderson.” George Paris signed. Witnesses were Freeman Jones and Absalom Potter, both of whom signed with marks. (Rutherford Co., NC Record of Wills Vol A., p. 16.)

It is clear the above record is referring to a William Henderson in Botetourt Co., VA. However, is it possible that it is our William of Rutherford prior to him moving to NC? Possibly, but it’s a big leap to make based only on this one record.

Our William Henderson would have been about 20 years old by the time of the 1790 census. Note that our William had an apparent son aged 10-15 at home with him on the 1800 census, thus born ca 1784/1790. If that is his son, then he married prior to 1790 and should have been listed on the 1790 census somewhere.

There are only four William Hendersons in North Carolina on that census, one in Halifax County, one in Chatham and two in Mecklenburg which isn’t all that far from Rutherford. The ones in Halifax and Mecklenburg were apparently large plantation owners judging by the number of slaves listed with them in 1790. Our William wasn’t a slave owner back then as far as I’ve seen, so none of those are likely him, but could be of course. The one in Chatham County had no slaves. He had 1 white male over 16 (William), 1 male under 16 (1774/90) and two females, one presumably his wife, the other a daughter perhaps. This is a decent but not perfect match with the 1800 entry in Rutherford. However, William of 1790 Chatham was still in Chatham in 1800, so it isn’t ours.

There were four William Hendersons in South Carolina in 1790, one each in Charleston, Chester and Edgefield Districts, and two in Pendleton District, which was close to Rutherford Co., NC. One of those in Pendleton had one male over 16 (William), 3 males under 16 (sons born ca 1774/1790), and 6 females (wife and five daughters?). That family is too large to be ours, probably. The other William there had one male over 16 (himself), none under 16, 4 females and one slave, thus probably not ours since that’s not a good match with our 1800 entry.

The one in Edgefield was living alone so probably not ours unless not married yet. The one in Charleston isn’t a great match with one male over 16 (William), one son under 16, and five females. The one in Chester might actually say “Willson” instead of William.

None of the above really work to be our William, though it’s possible one of those is him after all. He could have still been in Virginia in 1790 or just not a head of household yet somewhere in North Carolina.

The 1790 census is lost for Virginia so we can’t tell if our William Henderson was still there then and a head of household by that time. There is a reconstructed 1790 censuses made from tax lists, but they use lists dated 1782-1787 for the most part, and our William wouldn’t have been old enough at that time to be listed by name.

I did a full search at familysearch.org for any records for any “William Henderson” or “Wm Henderson” in Virginia between 1785 to 1795 and found numerous hits. I didn’t look at any of these records, but made note of where William Hendersons were found. It’s a large list of Virginia counties: Accomack, Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Brunswick, Campbell, Elizabeth City, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Franklin, Frederick Fredericksburg, Goochland, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, King George, Loudon, Louisa, Montgomery, Norfolk, Northampton, Ohio, Orange, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond, Rockbridge, Spotsylvania, Surry, Sussex, Warwick, Washington, Wythe and York.

That’s nearly every county that existed at that time, so not particularly helpful.

The nearest Henderson to Rutherford in 1790 was a James Henderson in neighboring Lincoln County who had a large family. That James made his Will in 1793 naming children including a son William. However, that William remained in Lincoln Co., NC until his death in 1857. He married Elizabeth Abernathy there in 1797. Some researchers have conflated this William and Elizabeth with ours. However, they are not the same people despite similar names and being nearby. I don’t even think they’re related to ours, but could be of course.

The next nearest Hendersons in 1790 were in neighboring Greenville District, South Carolina where there was a David, Ezekiel, James and Michael Henderson. Since my William had a son named Michael, this one in SC caught my eye, especially since he has two older males with him over age 16 (born before 1774). One would be Michael himself, the other an older son, presumably. Could that by William? Possible, but we would need proof.

I didn’t find that Michael Henderson on the 1800 census unless he’s the one in York Dist., SC that year or one of the two in Abbeville Dist., SC.

Our William Henderson married before ca 1794 or perhaps before 1790, presumably somewhere in NC. There is no marriage record for them in Rutherford County. In fact, there are no Henderson marriages recorded before the 1810s in that county.

I have two candidates to be William’s wife, the first is Elizabeth who was named in an 1801 court record (as Betsy), the other is Sarah named in a 1799 deed. Both are associated with William, so I’m not sure which, if either, is his wife. I could be wrong about Elizabeth being William’s wife. The 1801 court action gave me the impression she was his wife, but doesn’t come out and say it. He was also associated with a Sarah Henderson per a 1799 deed. Perhaps she’s his wife instead? I’m not 100% sure either way, but I’ll leave his wife was Elizabeth for now, pending any other evidence being found.

Elizabeth was born ca 1765/1770 per census analysis. Her birth place is North Carolina as listed on the 1880 census entries for all of her children who were still living at that time.

I don’t know her maiden name. She is not Elizabeth Abernathy who married a different William Henderson in 1797 in Lincoln Co., NC.

On 6 Jun 1793 William Henderson, with Joshua Owens, served as chain bearers for a survey done for Juhoneas Waldrop for land on White Oak. I believe this is the first record I’ve found for William Henderson in Rutherford County.

On 3 Dec 1794, William Henderson witnessed a deed from Richard Sullins to John Ellison, both of Rutherford for land on White Oak. William Henderson signed with a mark “W.” The other witness was John Sullens who also signed with a mark. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book M-V, pp. 220-221.)

White Oak Creek is in what is now Polk County, North Carolina but was then Rutherford. It rises near Columbus, North Carolina and flows generally eastward for several miles until it joins the Green River just above where the Green River joins the Broad River.

On 27 May 1795 William Henderson witnessed a deed from John Sullings (Sullens/Sullins) to John Elison (Ellison) for land on White Oak joining Hendersons land. Witnesses were Valentine Mayo and William Henderson who signed with a W mark. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 15-7, pp. 446-447.)

On 8 Mar 1796 John Sullens sold land to William Henderson for 30 pounds. The land was 100 acres on “the branches of White Oak.” Signed by John Sullens. Witnesses were John Ellison and John Sullens, both of whom made their mark. Obviously the John Sullens who witnessed wasn’t the same John Sullens who made the deed. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book M-V, pp. 261-262.)

On 13 May 1798 Martin Lawrence made a deed to William Henderson, both residents of Rutherford Co., NC. For 50 pounds, he deeded 100 acres on Horses Creek on the south fork of White Oak, waters of Green River. Martin Lawrence signed. Witnesses were John Lewis and Yelverton Nevil. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 15-7, pp. 461-462.)

On a deed dated 32 July 1799 (yes, it says “thirty second day!”), William Henderson sold land to Ann Snowden. For 40 pounds he deeded her 100 acres on a branch of White Oak, mentioning Richard Sullins’ line. William Henderson signed the deed with a mark. Witnesses were Yelverton Nevil and John Snowden (his mark). (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 15-7, pp. 240-241.)

The above deed might be the same land he purchased in 1798 from Martin Lawrence though I’m not sure. Note that when Ann Snowden she sold this land in 1800, she was listed as Nancy Snowden.

On 11 Oct 1799, Roger Carson of Gillespie Co., KY (written as Caintuckey in the deed) made a deed to Sarah Henderson of Rutherford Co., NC for 40 pounds, land on a branch of the south fork of White Oak being 50 acres. Roger Carson signed with a mark. Witnesses were Thomas Heslep and William Henderson (signed with “W” mark). (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 22-3, p. 389.)

Who was Sarah Henderson to William? She was obviously someone close to him for him to witness this deed. If I didn’t already have his wife as Elizabeth, I’d assume she was his wife. Alternately she could be his mother or a sister.

William is listed on the 1800 census in Rutherford Co., NC along with another William, a John, James and a Moses Henderson. Unfortunately, this census is alphabetical so it can’t be determined if any of the above were neighbors. I do find it interesting that they all appeared in the county around the same time. Moses Henderson was young (born 1774/84) so not William’s father. John and James were both born ca 1755/1774, so if on the older end of that range, either could be old enough to be William’s father. The other William was 45+, thus born before 1755, so that makes him definitely old enough to be our William’s father.

Note that our William had an apparent son aged 10-15 at home, thus born ca 1784/1790. If that is their son, then they married prior to 1790 and should have been listed on the 1790 census somewhere.

1800 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

116

William Henderson

2

1

~

1

~

3

~

~

1

~

~

~

My Analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1755/1774)       William Henderson (c1770)

1m 10-15 (1784/1790)       Son? (1784/1790) > gone by 1810

2m 0-9 (1790/1800)            1. James Henderson (1790/1794) son

                                               2. Son? (1790/1794)

1f 26-44 (1755/1774)         Elizabeth (---) Henderson (1765/1770) wife

3f 0-9 (1790/1800)              1. Rebecca Henderson (1790/1794) daughter

                                               2. Sarah Henderson (1797) daughter

                                               3. Nancy Henderson (1798) daughter

Apparently Elizabeth got sued in 1801 for slanderous remarks she made about one James Smith as shown in Rutherford County court minutes. The court ordered her to publicly acknowledge what she said was false which she apparently did:

 

We the undersigned choseby James Smith & William Henderson as arbitrators to settle a controversy between them. Certain slanderous words spoken the wife of William Henderson against said Smith, and after hearing the witnesses on both sides, concluded that said Betsey Henderson has spoken rediculous and slanderous words against the character of said Smith without just grounds. We therefore award said Betsy shall before as many witnesses as Smith can convene at the house of Maj. John Lewis on Monday next publickly acknowledge that the slanderoulous (sic) and base words that she spoke of said Smith are false and groundless. If Betsey refused to make this acknowledgment, she is to pay 50 Spanish dollars.

Signed by John Lewis, Johnias Waldroop, John Hollin, Daniel Garner and Alexander Carruth.

We also have herunto set our name do certify that being present at the house of Maj. John Lewis, we heard Betsey Henderson acknowledge in the presents of a number of witnesses the required award.

             S: Alexander Carruth, John Holland, Daniel Garner

             11 Apr 1801 Rutherford Co., NC Wills & Misc. Records Book A, p. 117

On 5 Dec 1804, William Henderson received a 25 acre land grant in Rutherford on the South Fork of Whiteoak Creek joining his own line (meaning he already had land). The land was entered 12 Jan 1803. Chain Bearers for the survey included William Morrow and John Ellison.

On 26 Aug 1805, Sarah Henderson (from the 1799 deed) sold that 50 acres to Marvel Mills for $50. Sarah signed with a mark. Witnesses were Thomas Heslep and Andrew Heslep, both of whom also signed with marks. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 22-3, p. 392.)

I still do not know who Sarah is to William, but since he didn’t sign the deed or witness it, perhaps she isn’t his wife and I’m correct about Elizabeth being his wife.

Thomas Heslep was associated with William Henderson. See the 1808 deed below.

On 1 Apr 1808 Thomas Heslep made a deed with William Henderson for $600. He sold him several tracts of land on the south fork of White Oak. The first one described as the “whole tract” but didn’t give acreage. Next was 25 acres of another tract, one tract of 200 acres, and another of 4 acres, and perhaps one of 320 acres, though it might be only part of that tract. It’s hard to follow the description. Signed by Thomas Heslep. Witnessed by John Lewis and Andrew Heslep. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 24-6, pp. 273-274.)

There are ten Henderson household on the 1810 census in Rutherford, including four William Hendersons! Once again the census was alphabetical, so we can’t determine which of those Hendersons might have lived near one another. It’s fairly easy to determine which is ours based on enumerations. It’s the one on page 385.

1810 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

382

William Henderson

2

2

~

~

1

3

~

1

~

~

~

2

383

William Henderson

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

1

385

William Henderson

4

1

1

1

~

1

2

1

1

~

~

~

387

William Henderson

2

1

1

~

1

3

~

~

~

1

~

~

My Analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 26-44 (1765/1784)       William Henderson (c1770)

1m 16-25 (1784/1794)       Son? (1790/1794) > gone by 1820

1m 10-15 (1794/1800)       James Henderson (1794/1800) son > m 1818

4m 0-9 (1800/1810)            1. Joel Henderson (1800/1804) son

                                               2. William Henderson (c1804) son

                                               3. Michael Henderson (c1806) son

                                               4. David Henderson (c1808) son

1f 26-44 (1765/1784)         Elizabeth (---) Henderson (1765/1770) wife

1f 16-25 (1784/1794)         Rebecca Henderson (1790/1794) daughter

2f 10-15 (1790/1794)         1. Sarah Henderson (1797) daughter

                                               2. Nancy Henderson (1798) daughter > m 1818

1f 0-9 (1800/1810)              Elizabeth Henderson (c1805) daughter

In July 1813 court, William Henderson was appointed as an election judge for the upcoming General Assembly Elections for that year. With four different William Hendersons in the county at this time it isn’t clear which one this is. However, as ours was the only landowner, it was probably him.

By 1820 there were only six Henderson household on the census in Rutherford, and only two Williams. The first one was listed two houses from Moses Henderson (c1775) on one side and two from Andrew Henderson (1784/94) on the other. Next door neighbors were Robert Hunter and Isaac Cantwell. That one isn’t our William. Ours wasn’t near any other Hendersons, but was just nine houses from son-in-law William Thompson. Our William apparently acquired 3 slaves between 1810 and 1820.

1820 Census, Rutherford Co, NC

Page

Name

M 0 - 9

M 10 - 15

M 16 - 17

M 16 - 25

M 26 - 44

M 45 +

F 0 - 9

F 10 - 15

F 16 - 25

F 26 - 44

F 45 +

F P C

S l a v e s

348

William Henderson

~

1

~

3

~

1

~

1

2

~

1

~

~

379

William Henderson

~

2

1

2

~

1

1

1

1

~

1

~

3

Slaves=1000-1010

My Analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 45+ (bef 1775)               William Henderson (c1770)

2m 16-25 (1794/1804)       1. Joel Henderson (1800/1804) son

                                               2. William Henderson (c1804) son

1m 16-17 (1802/1804)       ditto (William or Joel)

2m 10-15 (1804/1810)       1. Michael Henderson (c1806) son

                                               2. David Henderson (c1808) son

1f 45+ (bef 1775)                 Elizabeth (---) Henderson (1765/1770) wife

1f 16-25 (1794/1804)         Sarah Henderson (1797) daughter

1f 10-15 (1804/1810)         Elizabeth Henderson (c1805) daughter

1f 0-9 (1810/1820)              Sarah Henderson (1810/1815) granddaughter

3 slaves

 

On 28 Feb 1823 Edmund Foster made a deed to William Henderson for $200 for land on South Fork of White Oak Creek being part of two tracts including part of Foster’s plantation being 80 acre (total?). Edmund Foster signed the deed. Witnesses were M. Hawkins and Joel Henderson. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 45, p. 462.)

 

Joel Henderson is William’s son. M. Hawkins was listed as “M. H. Hawkins” when he proved the deed in court. Edmund Foster (1760s) was a neighbor and probably the father or grandfather of some of the Fosters that intermarried with the Hendersons.

 

There are 12 Henderson on the 1830 census in Rutherford and two Williams both of whom are the same age, 60-69 or born 1760/1770. It isn’t abundantly clear which one is which. The first one matches better and is also next to John Ellison who is connected to the Pack family who intermarried with our William Hendersons’ children and had slaves like he did back in 1820.

 

1830 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

My Analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 60-69 (1760/1770)       William Henderson (c1770)

2m 20-29 (1800/1810)       1. William Henderson (c1804) son

                                               2. Michael Henderson (c1806) son

 1m 0-4 (1825/1830)            Son? Grandson?

 1f 60-69 (1760/1770)         Elizabeth (---) Henderson (1765/1770) wife

 1f 15-19 (1810/1815)         Sarah Henderson (1810/1815) granddaughter > m by 1833

 3 slaves

 

On 3 Sep 1831 John Denton made a deed to William Henderson for $50 for land on both sides of the South Fork of White Oak being part of two tracts being 98 acres (total?). John Denton signed the deed with a mark. Witnesses were Frs. Alexander and Michael Henderson. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 45, pp. 462-463.)

 

Michael Henderson is William’s son.

 

I found a few records in the mid 1830s for a William D. Henderson in Rutherford. That is either the other William from the 1830 census, or a third William.

 

On 1 Jan 1837 Joel Henderson of Rutherford Co., NC made a deed to William Henderson (presumably his father William and not his brother William) for $200 for land on the waters of Bear Creek. The acreage is cut off in the margin. Joel Henderson signed. His brothers M. H. Henderson (Michael) and David Henderson witnessed. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 45, p. 464.)

 

There are two William Hendersons on the 1840 census in Rutherford. Ours now has even more slaves.

 

1840 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

My Analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 70-79 (1760/1770)       William Henderson (c1770)

1f 70-79 (1760/1770)         Elizabeth (---) Henderson (1765/1770) wife

1f 15-19 (1820/1825)         Daughter?

7 slaves

 

There are two deeds dated 24 Aug 1844 wherein the other William Henderson sold land to his children, namely Amaziah (Amos), Narcissa, Barbara, Charlotte and Shadrack Henderson. That land was on McKenney’s Creek, which is in Broad River district per where his widow (Lettia) and children were residing on the 1850 census. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 45, pp. 781-782.)

 

That other William died between 1844 and 1850.

 

In 1847, Polk County was created from south western Rutherford and south eastern Henderson Counties. However, for some reason the county was abolished just a year later in 1848. It was created again in 1855.

 

Elizabeth (—) Henderson died sometime between 1840 and 1850 in Rutherford (now Polk) Co., NC.

 

William is listed on the 1850 census in Rutherford, in Polk District. His son Michael and family are residing with him.

 

1850 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, Polk District, House 53, Family 53

 

William is also listed on the 1850 census Slave Schedule with four slaves.

 

1850 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, Schedule 2, Slaves, Polk District

 

William Henderson made his Will on 17 Jun 1851 in Rutherford County. He named:

∙           Son Michael, to whom he left “the Negro girl Hannah and her two children, Henry and George.”

∙           To Westley Edwards and wife Sarah he left “my land on the mountain where she now lives.”

∙           My two sons David and William Henderson and my grand daughter Sarah and her husband Fendle Foster ...

∙           The remainder of my proper to be equally divided between seven of my children to wit:

∙           The heirs of James Henderson

∙           The heirs of Rebecca Pack

∙           The heirs of Joel Henderson

∙           William Thompson and his wife Nancy

∙           William Henderson

∙           David Henderson

∙           Toliver Smith and his wife Elizabeth.

Executors Michael Henderson and J. W. Hampton

William Henderson signed with a mark.

Witnesses were Jesse Rhodes and N. B. Hampton.

The Will was Proven Spring Term 1853, elsewhere says June 1853.

(Rutherford Co., NC Will Book E, pp. 245-246 and pp. 279-280 of the typed version.)

 

On 29 Jul 1851, William Henderson of Rutherford Co., NC made a deed to Michael Henderson for $1500 for land on the south fork of White Oak “it being the land where both of the parties now lives.” No acreage was given. William signed with a mark. Ira Collins and John Johnson were witnesses. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 45, pp. 934-935.)

 

At first I assumed the above deed was William Jr selling his inheritance to his brother Michael, but the dates don’t work for that as William Sr was still alive at this point, so it’s probably from father William to son Michael.

 

William Henderson (Sr) died ca Jun 1853 in Rutherford (now Polk) Co., NC.

 

In February court 1854, Wesley Edwards and wife Sarah contested the Will of William Henderson denying it was his Will. It was ordered to go to trial. (Rutherford Co., NC Court Minutes 1850-1862, p. 233.)

 

The case continued in Polk County once it was created in 1854. There are many pages in the minutes including another copy of the Will. Some of it is interesting reading. For example, there is proof that David Henderson of Gilmer Co., GA is the same David named in William’s Will. That is proof I needed because others have tried to put a different David Henderson into this family.

 

On 22 Mar 1855, Michael Henderson provided notice to Wesley and Sarah Edwards that he would take a deposition of David Henderson at his house in Gilmer Co., GA on 1 May next, and also a deposition of S. G. Hamilton at his house in Cass Co., GA on 5^th of May next.

 

In testimony, the plaintiffs declared that Michael Henderson used undue influence in directing William to make the Will of which William was unable to due to “mental debility.”

 

In 1854, it was stated that James Henderson, Joel Henderson, William Henderson (Jr) and David Henderson were non residents of the state. The court ordered advertisements placed in the Asheville paper for six consecutive weeks to give them proper notice of the suit. I checked Newspapers.com to see if they had these, but I didn’t find them.

 

I didn’t find the ultimate outcome of the suit.

 

---

 

 

Children

 

William and Elizabeth had nine children named in his 1851 Will and some repeated in the 1854 court case. Census analysis suggests there were perhaps three more who may have died before then. Those named in the Will: James (deceased), Rebecca (deceased), Sarah Edwards, Nancy Thompson, Joel (deceased), William, Elizabeth Smith, Michael and David. A grandchild was named, Sarah Foster wife of Fendle Foster. I don’t know who her parents were, but since her surname was Henderson, her father must be an unidentified son of William who died early, or one of the sons we know about but she might have been from a 1^st marriage and was raised by her grandparents after her mother died. Either scenario works.

 

1.         Unidentified Son (1784/1790).

2.         James Henderson (c1790/94-1840s) m. Jane Pack.

3.         Rebecca Henderson (c1790/94) m. — Pack.

4.         Unidentified Son (1790/1794).

5.         Sarah E. Henderson (c1797-aft 1880) m. Wesley Edwards.

6.         Nancy Henderson (c1798-1890) m. William Thompson.

7.         Joel Henderson (c1800/04-1840) m. unknown.

8.         William Henderson (c1804-aft 1870) m. 1). Unknown, 2) Lucretia —, 3) Lucretia —.

9.         Elizabeth Henderson (c1805-aft 1880) m. 1) — Foster, 2) Toliver L. Smith.

10.       Michael H. Henderson (1806-1882) m. Lavina Hawkins.

11.       David Henderson (c1808-c1857) m. Catherine Adkins.

12.       Sarah Henderson (1810/1815) Granddaughter, m. Fendle Foster.

 

---

 

 

Unidentified Son (1784/1790). William Henderson had an apparent son this age with him on the 1800 census, aged 10-15 (1784/1790) and perhaps still home in 1810, aged 16-25 (1784/1794), though that could be one of the younger sons born in the 1790s, thus 1790/1794. Neither was with William in 1820 so perhaps married or dead by then. I don’t know who this son was.

 

There were no other sons named in William’s 1851 Will, so this one was undoubtedly dead by then.

 

---

 

 

James Henderson was born in the 1790s, perhaps 1790/94 or 1794/1800, in Rutherford Co., NC. He is a proven son of William as named in his 1851 Will, though he was deceased by then. William left something to “the heirs of James Henderson” but didn’t name those heirs.

 

I struggled a long time to prove that William’s son James was the same person as my James of Union Co., GA. He fit perfectly, right name, right age, right general area including Rutherford Co., NC connections. Furthermore, my James married a Pack as did one of William’s proven daughters. However, while all that is compelling, it still wasn’t 100% conclusive that my James was the same one named in the Will.

 

However, I recently discovered 1840 Court Records in Union Co., GA where my James Henderson became guardian to the orphaned children of Joel Henderson deceased, who is also a proven son of William Henderson, thus proving that my James is almost certainly the same James, for he and Joel were brothers.

 

James Henderson married Jane Pack in 1818 in Tennessee where they lived until the 1830s when they moved to Union Co., GA where both died, he in the 1840s, she in the 1860s.

 

I don’t know how Jane Pack is related to Rebecca Henderson Pack’s husband, though they could be siblings.

 

See James and Jane’s page for more information on them. They are my ancestors.

 

---

 

 

Rebecca Henderson is a proven child of William Henderson as named in his 1851 Will. She was dead by then for he left something to the “Heirs of Rebecca Pack.” The heirs were not named.

 

I have not found any records on Rebecca other than her father’s 1851 Will. In 1800 he had an otherwise unidentified daughter aged 0-9 with him (born 1790/1800). That is probably Rebecca unless she’s much younger than I suspect. That daughter is still home in 1810, aged 16-25 (1784/1794), so if this is Rebecca, she was born ca 1790/1794, combining both censuses.

 

She wasn’t home in 1820, so probably married by then.

 

Rebecca Henderson married a Mr. Pack, presumably in Rutherford Co., NC, or perhaps out west like her brother James who married Jane Pack in 1818 in Sumner Co., TN. However, I suspect Rebecca married first, in Rutherford, then went west with her husband with brother James tagging along. I could be wrong, but it works.

 

I have yet to find out who Rebecca’s husband was exactly. I suspect he’s a brother of Jane Pack (c1804) who married James Henderson in 1818. Jane is probably a daughter of John Pack (1760s-1840s) and his first wife, name unknown. His 2^nd wife was Sarah Ellison (m 1810).

 

Jane’s suspected siblings are Elias Pack (1780s-1840s Greene Co, TN) wife unknown, Jeremiah Pack (c1791) wife Mary Gregory, Samuel Pack (c1792) wife 1 Judah Ellison, wife 2 unknown, John Pack (Jr) wife Nancy Ellison and Thomas Pack (c1805) wife 1 Mary Hawkins, wife 2 Eliza, wife 3, Elizabeth. Jane also had some younger half siblings, but I doubt one of them was Rebecca’s husband.

 

There were other Packs in the area, all undoubtedly related, but I suspect Rebecca’s husband was part of the family above mentioned. I should note that Simeon Pack (c1800-aft 1850) had a wife named Rebecca, but she’s most likely not Rebecca Henderson, one because she was still alive in 1850, and thus probably 1851 as well, two because she was born in SC ca 1805 which doesn’t really work.

 

There are two apparent widows on the 1840 census named Rebecca Pack. One in Greene Co., TN born ca 1800/1810 which seems a bit too young, but possible. This Rebecca was in court a few times ca 1840-1842, first for being assaulted (!) another time pertaining to a land dispute. She married James McNew between 1840 and 1842. I don’t know if she was a Pack by birth or a widow Pack. She was associated with Henry Pack, perhaps her son? I didn’t find James and Rebecca McNew on the 1850 census.

 

The other Rebecca Pack was in Sumner Co., TN which is where James Henderson married Jane Pack in 1818, so that’s interesting. That Rebecca was born ca 1780/90 per this census, so that’s close to what I suspect for our Rebecca though a tad older than what I figured. This Rebecca had one slave, so perhaps there are deed or other records for her in that county that would prove more about her. I did a cursory search but found nothing helpful. Jeremiah Pack was a juror here in 1817. James Henderson married Jane Pack here in 1818. Smith Pack married Peggy Ferrell here in 1819. (Others place Smith Pack as one of the Rowan Co., NC Packs, which could be correct. I don’t know if they are related to ours or not.) There was a John Pack there in an 1827 court record. I found nothing else of note.

 

1840 Census

 

I don’t know who the husbands of either of those Rebecca Packs were, nor can I say with any certainty which, if either, is our Rebecca Henderson Pack.

 

Neither of the Rebecca’s from 1840 are listed on the 1850 census as far as I could find.

 

Hopefully some information on our Rebecca Henderson Pack will turn up one day. For now we only know that she existed.

 

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Unidentified Son (1790/1794). James Henderson had an apparent son this age with him in 1800, aged 0-9 (1790/1800) and perhaps still home in 1810, aged 16-25 (1784/94) though that could be the same person aged 1784/1790 who was home in 1800. Hard to be sure. Regardless of which it was, he wasn’t still home in 1820.

 

There is an Andrew Henderson (1794/1804) just two houses from William in 1820, which is a decent age match with the younger of the two mystery sons.

 

I don’t what became of Andrew Henderson after 1820. There are 28 of them on the 1830 census. Seven of those were “up north” (MD, PA, etc.) which isn’t a very likely migration destination. That still leaves many possibilities in KY, GA, TN, etc.

 

I don’t actually think Andrew is a child of William despite the proximity in 1820. He could be a nephew perhaps, but probably not a son. I base this only on the fact that not one of his siblings named a child “Andrew” which you think at least one of them would have done in his honor if he was a brother of theirs, especially if he died while still fairly young. Of course that’s just speculative.

 

There were no other sons named in William’s 1851 Will, so this one was undoubtedly dead by then.

 

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Sarah E. Henderson was born ca 1796/97 per her age on the 1870 census (73). She was named in her father’s 1851 Will as “Westley Edwards and Sarah” though he didn’t explicitly say she was his daughter. He left them his land on the mountain where they then lived.

 

I don’t know what her middle initial of “E” stands for. She was probably born in Rutherford Co., NC.

 

Sarah was seemingly home with her parents on the 1800 census, aged under 10 (1790/1800), and home in 1810 aged 10-15 (1794/1800), and seemingly home in 1820 age 16-25 (1794/1804).

 

She married Wesley Edwards in the 1820s, presumably in Rutherford Co., NC. No marriage record was found.

 

He was born ca 1805/06 in South Carolina, both facts per his 1860 census entry. I don’t know where in South Carolina, nor who his parents were.

 

An old query I found online (via an Ancestry.com hint) lists a John Wesley Edwards born 19 Dec 1805, a son of John Edwards (1759-1841) and Frances — (1770-?) who married 1791 in Prince William Co., VA, moved to Spartanburg Dist., SC, then to Rutherford Co., NC, then to Jackson Co., GA. I don’t know if this is the same Wesley Edwards, but the particulars fit.

 

They are listed on the 1830 census in Rutherford. They weren’t near any known relatives, though of interest to me is my own ancestor Andrew Grant was eight houses away. They were not related to each other.

 

1830 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 30-39 (1790/1800)       Wesley Edwards (c1806)

1f 30-39 (1790/1800)         Sarah E. Henderson Edwards (c1797) wife

2f 5-9 (1820/1825)              1. Daughter? (1820/1825) > gone by 1840

                                               2. Daughter? (1820/1825)

2f 0-4 (1825/1830)              1. Daughter? (1825/1830)

                                               2. Daughter? (1825/1830)

 

They are on the 1840 census in Rutherford four houses from Isaac Henderson (c1784), relationship unknown.

 

1840 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       Wesley Edwards (c1806)

1m 0-4 (1835/1840)            John W. Edwards (1837) son

1f 30-39 (1800/1810)         Sarah E. Henderson Edwards (c1797) wife

1f 15-19 (1820/1825)         Daughter? (1820/1825)

2f 10-14 (1825/1830)         1. Daughter? (1825/1830)

                                               2. Daughter? (1825/1830)

2f 5-9 (1830/1835)              1. Daughter? (1830/1835)

                                               2. Daughter? (1830/1835)

 

I was unable to locate them on the 1850 census after multiple attempts, but they must have still been in the area for on 1853 they disputed William Henderson’s Will in Rutherford Co., NC court, saying he wasn’t mentally able to have written it without undue influence from Michael Henderson. The suit went to trial in 1854 after Polk County was formed.

 

They are in Polk Co., NC on the 1860 census. Son John W. Edwards is next door.

 

1860 Census, Polk Co., NC, Tryon Division, Tryon PO, Page 114, House 286, Family 270

 

Wesley Edwards apparently died in the 1860s, presumably in Polk Co., NC.

 

Sarah is on the 1870 census with her son John in Polk.

 

1870 Census, Polk Co., NC, Township No 4, Columbus PO, Page 262, House 68, Family 68

 

Sarah is on the 1880 census, still with son John, though she’s listed as head of household this time.

 

1880 Census, Polk Co., NC, Tryon Township, Page 502, House 34, Family 34

 

Sarah Henderson Edwards died sometime between 1880 and 1900, presumably in Polk Co., NC.

 

Wesley and Sarah had at least seven children (six daughters, one son) per the 1830 and 1840 census records. Only the son has been identified so far, John W. Edwards (1837).

 

 

 

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Nancy Henderson was born ca 1797/98 per her ages on the 1850 census (52) and 1860 census (62) and 1870 census (72), which is surprisingly consistent, a census rarity. She was born in North Carolina (per the same sources as her age), probably Rutherford County.

 

She was named in William Henderson’s 1851 Will as “William Thompson and wife Nancy” among a list of his children.

 

Nancy was seemingly home with her parents on the 1800 census, aged under 10 (1790/1800), and home in 1810 aged 10-15 (1794/1800).

 

On 17 May 1818 William Thompson obtained a marriage bond in Rutherford Co., NC to marry “Nancy Henderson.” G. M. Logan was bondsman. The published version of these marriages list Nancy as a widow, which certainly could be true, but only if she had married another Henderson who died prior to 1818. However, the “widow” label may come from her being referred to as “Mrs.” Nancy Henderson on the bond. I have not seen the original bond, so I don’t know if it actually says that. (Does anyone have a copy?)

 

William Thompson was born 20 Mar 1796 per his tombstone. He was born in South Carolina per the 1850 and 1870 census, or North Carolina per the 1860 and 1880 censuses. I don’t know which is correct. I don’t know who his parents were.

 

There are two William Thompsons listed on the 1820 census in Rutherford. The first one was in a group with Elijah, Andrew, James and Robert Thompson (all spelled Tompson), presumably closely related. Father-in-law William Henderson is ten households away. The other William Thompson is listed next to James Thompson.

 

1820 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 16-25 (1794/1804)       William Thompson (1796)

1f 16-25 (1794/1804)         Nancy Henderson Thompson (c1798) wife, m 1818

1f 0-9 (1810/1820)              Daughter (1818/1820)

 

 

There were three William Thompsons listed on the 1830 census in Rutherford. The one on page 532 was just 4 houses from father in law William Henderson, but it’s not our William Thompson as he was living alone. The one on page 536 was just a few houses from brother-in-law David Henderson. He was also near two different Elijah Thompsons, one born ca 1760/70. His father perhaps? William did name one of his sons Elijah.

 

1830 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

* Page number illegible. Sheet 45 of 180 (Ancestry.com)

 

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

1m 30-39 (1790/1800)       William Thompson (1796)

2m 5-9 (1820/1825)            1. Lewis Thompson (1821) son

                                               2. Son?

1f 30-39 (1790/1800)         Nancy Henderson Thompson (c1798) wife

1f 10-14 (1815/1820)         Daughter (1818/1820)

3f 0-4 (1825/1830)              1. Daughter?

                                               2. Daughter?

                                               3. Rebecca A. Henderson (c1827) daughter

 

There are two William Thompsons on the 1840 census in Rutherford, but neither of them is our William. Ours moved to Cherokee Co., GA by 1850. There is a “Wm T. Thompson” listed there in 1840 which could be ours, though someone added a note (on Ancestry.com) that this entry is actually for a William T. Thomason. I don’t know if they are correct or not. It clearly says Thompson on the census. If this ours, it’s the first time I’ve seen him with a middle initial. The enumerations don’t quite work for our William Thompson and Nancy and family, so perhaps the note is correct and this is actually someone else. There is one in Forsyth Co., GA in 1840 that’s a much better fit. Forsyth was next door to Cherokee, so that could be him. This William was two houses from a Robert Thompson and three from a younger William Thompson, relationship to our William unknown.

 

1840 Census, Cherokee Co., GA

 

1840 Census, Forsyth Co., GA

 

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

1m 40-49 (1790/1800)       William Thompson (1796)

1m 15-19 (1820/1825)       Lewis Thompson (1821) son

1m 5-9 (1830/1835)            William Thompson (1833) son

2m 0-4 (1835/1840)            1. Balus Thompson (1835) son

                                               2. Elijah Thompson (1837) son

1f 40-49 (1790/1800)         Nancy Henderson Thompson (c1798) wife

1f 15-19 (1820/1825)         Daughter? (1820/1825) * not in 1830 unless 1815/1820 (b c 1820) > gone by 1850

2f 10-14 (1825/1830)         1. Daughter? (1825/1830) > gone by 1850

                                               2. Rebecca A. Thompson (c1827) daughter

2f 5-9 (1830/1835)              1. Margaret F. Thompson (1831) daughter

                                               2. Daughter? (1830/1835) > gone by 1850

 

They are on the 1850 census in Cherokee Co., GA for sure. They are two houses from Mary Thompson 58 (c1792 VA) who has Jemima Thompson 76 (c1774 VA) with her. How are they related to William? Sister and mother? Not related at all?

 

1850 Census, Cherokee Co., GA, The 15^th Division, Page 463

 

Pickens County was created in 1853 from northern Cherokee and southern Gilmer. The Thompsons fell into the new county and are listed there on the 1860 census near some of their children.

 

1860 Census, Pickens Co., GA, Jerusalem Dist, Talking Rock PO, House 317, Family 268

 

They are in Pickens for the 1870 census next to sons Lewis and Elijah.

 

1870 Census, Pickens Co., GA, Jasper PO, Page 57, House 894, Family 894

 

They are on the 1880 census in Pickens now residing with son Elijah.

 

1880 Census, Pickens Co., GA, Jerusalem (1101) Dist GM, House 145, Family 145

 

William Thompson died on 25 Mar 1888 in Pickens Co., GA, aged 92. He’s buried at Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery.

 

Nancy Henderson Thompson died on 25 Jun 1890 in Pickens Co., GA aged about 92. Her tombstone at Jerusalem Baptist Church doesn’t include a birth date, but says she was age 90 at death, so ca 1799/1800. That agrees with her 1880 census entry, but not her earlier ones.

 

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Joel Henderson was born between 1800 and 1804 based on census analysis. He was presumably born in Rutherford Co., NC. He was named as a child of William Henderson in his 1851 Will as “Heirs of Joel Henderson” indicating he was dead by then.

 

Joel seems to be with his parents on the 1810 census aged under 10 (1800/1810), and home in 1820 aged 16-25 (1794/1804).

 

Joel Henderson married someone, name unknown, between 1820 and ca 1825, presumably in Rutherford Co., NC. No marriage record was found. She was born ca 1800/1810 per her age on the 1830 census. I haven’t yet found any clue as to what her name was.

 

Joel is listed on the 1830 census in Rutherford next to David Dalton (c1760/70).

 

1830 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 20-29 (1800/1810)       Joel Henderson (1800/1804)

1f 20-29 (1800/1810)         Wife? (1800/1810)

1f 5-9 (1820/1825)              Daughter? (1820/1825)

3f 0-4 (1825/1830)              1. Daughter? (1825/1830)

                                               2. Daughter? (1825/1830)

                                               3. Daughter? (1825/1830)

 

On 1 Jan 1837 Joel Henderson of Rutherford Co., NC made a deed to William Henderson (presumably his father William and not his brother William) for $200 for land on the waters of Bear Creek. The acreage is cut off in the margin. Joel Henderson signed. His brothers M. H. Henderson (Michael) and David Henderson witnessed. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 45, p. 464.)

 

Joel Henderson moved his family to Union Co., GA, probably right after making the above deed in 1837, joining his brother James Henderson who had moved there a year or so earlier.

 

Joel Henderson died in late 1839 or early 1840.

 

On 7 Jan 1840, the Union Co., GA court named James Henderson (Joel’s brother) as guardian to his orphaned children, namely: Eliza Henderson, Elizabeth Henderson, Sarah Henderson, William Henderson, Mary Henderson and James Henderson. Benjamin Burk and John Hudgens were bondsman for James Henderson’s Guardian Bond. (Union Co., GA Court Minutes.)

 

In those days children were legally considered orphans when their father died regardless of whether their mother was still living or not. However, the court record didn’t mention her. That doesn’t mean she was also dead, though of course she could have been.

 

Unfortunately the early probate records for Union Co., GA are lost, so there are no additional records pertaining to Joel’s estate.

 

Although James Henderson was made guardian to those six children in January 1840 they weren’t living with him at the time of the 1840 census (June). Of course they didn’t have to live with him for him to be their legal guardian. They could have been with their mother or other relatives. Regardless, I didn’t find them on the 1840 census.

 

James Henderson himself died in the 1840s. I didn’t find a record of someone else taking over guardianship duties for Joel’s children in Union Co., GA.

 

I didn’t find the children on the 1850 census either nor did I find marriage records for them in Union Co., GA . They may have left Union after 1840 with their mother’s people.

 

Joel had four daughters at home in 1830, one born ca 1820/25 and the other three born ca 1825/1830. Four daughters were named in the 1840 guardianship record, Eliza, Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary. I don’t know if they were named in age order, but if so, we can place them in those age categories, i.e. Eliza (1820/1825) and the other three born 1825/30. There were no boys at home in 1830, but two were named in 1840, William and James, thus we can conclude they were born in the 1830s. However, since Mary was named between William and James, perhaps she too was born in the 1830s and wasn’t one of those home in 1830.

 

I have yet to find anything else on these children.

 

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William Henderson was born ca 1803/04 per his age on the 1860 census (56) and 1870 census (66). He was born in North Carolina, presumably Rutherford County, now Polk. He was named in his father’s 1851 Will.

 

He seems to be with his parents on the 1810 census aged under 10 (1800/1810), and home in 1820 aged 16-25 (1794/1804).

 

He might still be home with his parents in 1830 aged 20-29 (1800/1810), or he might be the same William Henderson listed in McMinn Co., TN on that census near his brother James Henderson. Of course it’s possible that’s a different William.

 

I can’t say with any certainty that the one in McMinn is the same one. There were actually two men of that name there at the same time. One is William Henderson (c1798 NC-aft 1880) later of Habersham and White Co., GA, who may be related. The other William is associated with Allen and John Henderson, and may not be related to ours at all.

 

Two were listed on the 1829 tax list in McMinn, one in Cpt Walker’s company, the other in Cpt. Billingsley’s. Both had one white poll, and 320 acres of land. William’s brother James was in Cpt. Little’s company, and Isaac Henderson was in Cpt. Childers company.

 

The two Williams were in the same companies with the same listings on the 1830 tax list.

 

William was on the 1830 census in McMinn three houses from his brother James. The other William was still in McMinn for this census but not listed nearby. Although the age for this one 20s fits our William (c1804) better than William (c1797), it still might be the older William instead. It’s hard to say.

 

1830 Census, McMinn Co., TN

 

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

1m 20-29 (1800/1810)       William Henderson (c1804)

2m 5-9 (1820/1825)            1. Son?

                                               2. Son?

1m 0-4 (1825/1830)            Son?

1f 20-29 (1800/1810)         Wife?

1f 0-4 (1825/1830)              Daughter?

       

William, James and Isaac are listed in Cpt. Greenwood’s company for the 1831 and 1832 McMinn tax lists. In both of these William had one poll, but no land. It is entirely possible this is William (1797) and not our William.

 

Isaac, James and William were all gone from McMinn by the time of the 1836 census. By then all three were in Georgia, James in Union County, Isaac and William (1797) in Habersham.

 

As noted already, those records in McMinn Co., TN might not be William (c1804) at all, but the proximity to his brother James made me think it was him. I could be wrong.

 

Where is our William Henderson on the 1840 census? I found no obvious matches for him among the numerous Williams listed on that census in NC, SC, TN and GA.

 

There is one in McMinn Co., TN in his 30s so that fits, but is it him? There are two in Rutherford Co., NC, but one is his father, the other is too old (50s) to be our William. There are two in Habersham Co., GA, one in his 20s (too young) next to Isaac Henderson, and the other on the same page, in his 30s, which is a perfect age match, yet this is William (1797) as proven by the presence of his aged mother in the household who was still with him in 1850.

 

Of those few listings in “our area” the one in McMinn is the most likely, especially if it’s the same one who was there in 1830.

 

We have the same problem with the 1850 census. Where is William? I found William (c1798) in Habersham Co., GA with his apparently widowed mother M. A. Henderson (c1776 VA) residing with him. Very nearby is William H. Henderson (c1811 NC) and family. He isn’t our William, but a son of Isaac (c1784).

 

I found no likely matches for our William Henderson on the 1850 census. The one from 1840 McMinn was no longer in that county in 1850, so perhaps it was him after all.

 

He was alive in 1851 as named in his father’s Will.

 

In 1854, in the court case disputing the Will of his father, it was stated that William Henderson was a non resident of the state. (Polk Co., NC Court Minutes 1854.)

 

He is in Greenville Dist., SC for the 1860 census, the first census record for William which I’m sure is ours, though I’m not 100% confident, but nearly so.

 

1860 Census, Greenville Dist., SC, Gowensville Division, Gowensville PO, House 311, Family 273

 

They were “back” in Polk Co., NC for the 1870 census. Wife Lucresia (“Cresy” in 1860) is now way younger, and might actually be a different wife than the one from the prior census.

 

1870 Census, Polk Co., NC, Township No 4, Columbus PO, House 50, Family 50

 

I didn’t find William Henderson on the 1880 census. He may have died before then. Or, he may have simply avoided this census like he had several others, perhaps by moving around a lot.

 

I also searched for Lucretia and their daughter Joannah on the 1880 census with no success.

 

William Henderson (Jr) has been difficult to research. If he is the same one on the 1830 census in McMinn Co., TN near brother James, then his first wife was born ca 1800/1810 and they had at least four children as of 1830.

 

If he’s the same William still in McMinn in 1840, that first wife may have died and he remarried because his wife in 1840 was born ca 1810/1820. He had three young children on that census born in the 1830s, and none of those who were with him back in 1830 were still there in 1840, suggesting this isn’t the same William from 1830 to 1840 or else all those children died or had moved out by 1840.

 

His wife in 1860 was “Cresy” which is typically a nickname for “Lucretia.” She was born ca 1820 in NC per that census. She may be his 2^nd or perhaps 3^rd wife. They had two children at home in 1860: Franklin (c1857) and Thomas (1860). I wasn’t able to find either of those on the 1870 census. They weren’t with William that year suggesting they both died in the 1860s.

 

William’s wife was Lucretia in 1870, but at only 21 years old, she seems to be a different wife from “Cresy” of the 1860 census who was 40 then. Thus he married a 3^rd or 4^th time in the 1860s.

 

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Elizabeth Henderson was born ca 1804/05 per her age on the 1850 census (45). She was born in North Carolina, presumably Rutherford (now Polk) County. She was named in her father’s 1851 Will among his children as “Toliver Smith and his wife Elizabeth.”

 

Elizabeth appears to be home with her parents on the 1810 census aged under 10 (c1800/1810) and apparently still home in 1820 aged 10-15 (c1804/1810). She was gone from home by 1830, so apparently married by then.

 

We know from her father’s Will that she married Toliver Smith, however, a marriage record for them shows that she was a widow Foster when she married Smith in 1847. Her first husband was David Foster, married in the 1820s.

 

1830 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 30-39 (1790/1800)       David Foster (1790/1800)

1m 5-9 (1820/1825)            Son? (1820/1825)

2m 0-4 (1825/1830)            1. Son? (1825/1830) > gone by 1840

                                               2. Son? (1825/1830) > gone by 1840

1f 20-29 (1800/1810)         Elizabeth Henderson Foster (c1805)

1f 5-9 (1820/1825)              Daughter? (1820/1825) > gone by 1840

1f 0-4 (1825/1830)              Martha Foster (1830) daughter

 

David Foster died by March 1831 for his estate was probated in Rutherford Co., NC, naming his widow Elizabeth Foster. Michael Hawkins was appointed administrator with William Henderson as his bondsman. (Rutherford Co., NC Court Minutes, March 1831 Term, p. 18.)

 

In 1840 there are six Foster households in Rutherford Co., NC, including a David Foster who was supposed to be dead back in 1831. Of course this must be a different David Foster, perhaps a cousin to the one who died. “Betsy Foster” is just three houses from him, and that is our widow Elizabeth Henderson Foster. Another apparent widow, Cate Foster, is listed next to Betsy.

 

1840 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

 

1m 15-19 (1820/1825)       Son? (1820/1825) > gone by 1850

2m 10-14 (1825/1830)       1. Son? (1825/1830) > gone by 1850

                                               2. Son? (1825/1830) > gone by 1850

1f 30-39 (1800/1810)         Elizabeth Henderson Foster (c1805)

1f 15-19 (1820/1825)         Daughter? (1820/1825) > gone by 1850

1f 5-9 (1830/1835)              Martha Foster (1830) daughter

 

On 2 Mar 1847 Toliver Smith obtained a marriage bond in Rutherford to marry Elizabeth Foster. Richard Tallent was bondsman.

 

Toliver L. Smith was born ca 1803/04 per his age on the 1850 census (46), born in North Carolina. He was apparently married prior to his marriage to Elizabeth but I don’t know his first wife’s name. He was listed on the 1840 census in Rutherford. There was an older woman at home, presumably his widowed mother or mother-in-law.

 

1840 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

They are on the 1850 census in Rutherford right next to Elizabeth’s parents. All of her Foster children except Martha (20) are gone from the household, so either dead or married by then.

 

1850 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, Polk District, House 54, Family 54

 

They are on the 1860 census in Polk Co., NC. James Smith (c1806) was residing with them. Is he Toliver’s brother?

 

1860 Census, Polk Co., NC, Columbus Division, Columbus PO, House 25, Family 25

 

They are on the 1870 census in Polk.

 

1870 Census, Polk Co., NC, Township No 1, Columbus PO, House 26, Family 27

 

They are on the 1880 census in Polk.

 

1880 Census, Polk Co., NC, Columbus Township, House (blank), Family 131

 

Toliver Smith made his Will on 24 Feb 1880 in Polk Co., NC. It has large blank spots in it where it’s too faded to read. He named:

∙           Daughter Amanda Smith

∙           Son John Smith

∙           Daughter Jane McCurry

∙           Beloved wife Betsy.

∙           George is mentioned in faded areas.

He signed the Will as T. L. Smith. Witnesses were James Harris and J. C. McFarland.

 

The Will was proven on 19 Nov 1889, so he was dead by then.

 

I don’t know when Elizabeth Henderson Foster Smith died, though after 1880 and before 1900, presumably in Polk Co., NC.

 

Elizabeth seems to have several children with David Foster, but I’ve only identified one so far, Martha Foster. She had one child with T. L. Smith, namely John Smith. T. L. Smith had children by his prior wife.

 

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Michael H. Henderson was born 25 Jun 1806 per an unknown source. This mostly agrees with his age of 44 on the 1850 census. He was born in North Carolina, presumably Rutherford (now Polk) County. He was named in his father’s 1851 Will as his son, and also as executor.

 

I don’t know what his “H” middle initial stands for.

 

He seems to be with his parents for the 1810 census, aged under 10 (c1800/1810) and apparently home in 1820 aged 10-15 (1804/1810) and seemingly home in 1830 aged 20-29 (c1800/1810).

 

Michael married Lavina Hawkins between 1830 and ca 1833, presumably in Rutherford Co., NC. No marriage record was found. Lavina was born ca 1815/16 per her age on the 1850 census (34). She was born in North Carolina, presumably Rutherford County.

 

Her maiden name of Hawkins is proven by the death certificate of her son James. I don’t know who her parents are. There was an Michael H. Hawkins (bef 1775) associated with the family in the late 1820s. He could be her father. Interesting that he has the same name and initial as Michael H. Henderson. Coincidence? Or was Michael Henderson named for Michael Hawkins? If so, why?

 

The Hendersons are the 1840 census in Rutherford next to nephew Fendle Foster (and wife Sarah).

 

1840 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       Michael H. Henderson (1806)

1m 5-9 (1830/1835)            William Henderson (c1833 son

1m 0-4 (1835/1840)            James Franklin Henderson (1839) son

1f 20-29 (1810/1820)         Lavina Hawkins Henderson (c1816) wife

1f 0-4 (1835/1840)              Sarah J. Henderson (1835) daughter

 

They are on the 1850 census with his father William.

 

1850 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, Polk District, House 53, Family 53

 

On 17 Jun 1851, Michael’s father William made his Will in Rutherford Co., NC naming, among others, his son Michael, whom he also named as Executor.

 

In 1853 Michael’s sister Sarah and her husband Wesley Edwards filed a suit against him claiming the Will wasn’t valid and that William Henderson had been too mentally declined to have written it. The case was brought in 1854 and was many pages in Polk Co., NC (formed from Rutherford the same year). I didn’t find the actual resolution of the suit. I’m sure there was some bad blood between Sarah and Michael over this.

 

Michael and family are on the 1860 census in Polk Co., NC. The youngest child at home, born ca 1859, was born in South Carolina. If accurate, that indicates a temporary move (or prolonged visit) into neighboring South Carolina ca 1859, but back home by mid 1860.

 

1860 Census, Polk Co., NC, Columbus Division, Columbus PO, House 208, Family 194

 

Michael and family are on the 1870 census in Polk Co., NC.

 

1870 Census, Polk Co., NC, Township No 1, Columbus PO, House 35, Family 36

 

Michael and family are on the 1880 census in Polk Co., NC.

 

1880 Census, Polk Co., NC, Columbus Township, House (blank), Family 35

 

Michael H. Henderson died before 3 May 1882 for on that date, his son J. F. Henderson was made Administrator of his estate in Polk Co., NC.

 

Lavina Hawkins Henderson died sometime between 1880 and 1900, presumably in Polk Co., NC.

 

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David Henderson was born ca 1807/08 per his age on the 1850 census (42). He was born in North Carolina, presumably Rutherford (now Polk) County.

 

He seems to be with his parents for the 1810 census, aged under 10 (c1800/1810) and apparently home in 1820 aged 10-15 (1804/1810).

 

David Henderson married Catherine Adkins between 1820 and 1830, probably closer to 1830 considering their ages. Catherine was born ca 1810/11 per her age on the 1850 census (39) and 1870 census (59). She was born in North Carolina per her 1850, 1860 and 1870 census entries.

 

I have her maiden name as Adkins, but I have no proof for that. Is it accurate? Where did I get it? Perhaps someone shared it with me, or I found it an online tree and used it without seeing a source for it or noting where I got it, both of which are always bad moves!

 

I found no marriage record for them in Rutherford Co., NC. I don’t know who her parents were. There was only one Adkins listed in Rutherford on the 1810 census, a William Adkins (1765/1784). There were none listed in Rutherford in 1820. There was one in 1830, Aaron Adkins (1780/1790). He was certainly old enough to be Catherine’s father, but I don’t know that he was her father, or even related.

 

They are listed on the 1830 census in Rutherford not too far from brother-in-law William Thompson.

 

1830 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 20-29 (1800/1810)       David Henderson (c1808)

1m 0-4 (1825/1830)            Carr B. Henderson (c1830) son

1f 15-19 (1810/1815)         Catherine Adkins Henderson (c1811) wife

 

David Henderson moved his family to Gilmer Co., GA around 1836. At that time Gilmer bordered Union Co., GA where his brothers Joel and James Henderson moved in the 1830s.

 

They are listed there on the 1840 census, the only Hendersons in that county on that census.

 

1840 Census, Gilmer Co., GA

 

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

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       David Henderson (c1808)

1m 10-14 (1825/1830)       Carr B. Henderson (c1830) son

1m 0-4 (1835/1840)            James M. Henderson (c1837) son

1f 20-29 (1810/1810)         Catherine Adkins Henderson (c1811) wife

1f 5-9 (1830/1835)              Mary Elizabeth Henderson (1834) daughter

1f 0-4 (1835/1840)              Martha J. Henderson (1838) daughter

 

They are on the 1850 census in Gilmer Co., GA once again the only Henderson family listed there on the census.

 

1850 Census, Gilmer Co., GA, Subdivision No 33, House 258, Family 258

 

David Henderson died before 11 Jan 1858 for on that date Andrew J. Glenn and Moses Greer were appointed Administrators of his estate in Gilmer Co., GA. There is an undocumented findagrave.com entry for David that lists his date of death as 11 Oct 1857. That works, but where does it come from? He isn’t attached to a particular cemetery.

 

Widow Catherine is listed on the 1860 census in Gilmer.

 

1860 Census, Gilmer Co., GA, Subdivision 33, (blank) PO, House 894, Family 782

 

Catherine is listed on the 1870 census in neighboring Pickens Co., GA.

 

1870 Census, Pickens Co., GA, Jasper PO, House # 459, Family 459

 

I didn’t find Catherine on the 1880 census. She may have died in the 1870s, presumably in Pickens Co., GA or perhaps back in Gilmer.

 

 

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Sarah Henderson was born ca 1810/1820 per her age on the 1840 census of 20-29 (1810/1820). She was named in William Henderson’s 1851 Will as his granddaughter, wife of Fendle Foster. I don’t know who her parents were. A death certificate for one of her children shows her maiden name as Henderson, so there are two or three scenarios to explain her inclusion in the Will when other grandchildren weren’t name.

 

1.         Her father was a currently unidentified son of William Henderson who died early on leaving only Sarah as a child. She may have been raised by her grandparents.

2.         Her mother was a single mom, a daughter of William Henderson, and raised or partially raised by her grandparents.

3.         Her father was a known son of William Henderson but from a short-lived marriage we currently don’t know about. Once the mother died, perhaps in childbirth, Sarah was raised by her grandparents and thus became as a daughter to them.

 

Sarah very well may be the otherwise unidentified female with William Henderson in 1820 aged under 10 (born 1810/1820) and with him in 1830 aged 15-19 (1810/1815). It fits rather well for that to be Sarah (1810/1820) based on what little we know about her. If it is her, that suggests her mother or father died prior to 1820.

 

Sarah Henderson married Fendle F. Foster before ca 1833, presumably in Rutherford (now Polk) Co., NC. He was born ca 1805/06 per his age on the 1860 census (54), in North Carolina. I don’t know who his parents were. There are a few potentials in Rutherford. He would have been in the under 10 age group (c1800/1810) for the 1810 census. Of the 7 Fosters listed there that year, 6 of them had at least one apparent son that age. That is Samuel, Edmund, Asel, Edmund, Hosea?, and Edmund. Three different Edmunds!

 

Fendle would have been about 14 for the 1820 census, thus he should be in the 10-15 age category (born ca 1804/1810). Daniel Foster was the only one listed there that year with a son that age. That doesn’t automatically mean that he is Fendle’s father though.

 

Fendle would have been about 24 for the 1830 census, so should be the 20-29 age group (born 1800/1810). There were no compatible listings. It should be noted that it was around this time that David Foster married Elizabeth Henderson, who would be Sarah’s aunt.

 

Fendle is listed on the 1840 census in Rutherford next to Sarah’s uncle Michael Henderson and next to an apparent widow Martha Foster (1760/70) who I would suspect was a widow of Edmund Foster who was in Rutherford back in 1830 but not listed in 1840.

 

1840 Census, Rutherford Co., NC

 

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

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       Fendle F. Foster (c1806)

2m 5-9 (1830/1835)            1. James Foster (c1833) son

                                               2. Samuel Foster (c1836) son

2m 0-4 (1835/1840)            1. Frank Foster (1837) son

                                               2. William Foster (c1840) son

1f 20-29 (1810/1820)         Sarah Henderson Foster (1810/1820) wife

 

I was unable to find the Fosters on the 1850 census.

 

As noted, they were both named in William Henderson’s 1851 Will.

 

Fendle Foster is listed on the 1860 census in Rutherford, but Sarah isn’t with him. She must have died in the 1850s. The youngest child at home is only 5 months old, suggesting perhaps Sarah died in late 1859 or early 1860 in childbirth. I did check the 1860 Census Mortality Schedule which lists deaths from mid 1859 to mid 1860, but she wasn’t listed.

 

1860 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, Broad River Dist., Green Hill PO, House 990, Family 990

 

The family moved to Fannin Co., TX by 1870.

 

1870 Census, Fannin Co., TX, Precinct No. 5, Bonham PO, House 305, Family 305

 

They are still in Fannin for the 1880 census, Fendal now residing with son Ham.

 

1880 Census, Fannin Co., TX, Precinct No. 7, House 35, Family 35

 

Fendel F. Foster died sometime after 1880, presumably in Fannin Co., TX.

 

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For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for William and Elizabeth (—) Henderson.

 

 

Revised: November 8, 2025

 

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

 

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