The Heirs of Pleasant Henderson

In Nov 1847 the lands [90 acres] of Pleasant Henderson were partitioned, the heirs being Ann Dilworth, Archibald [a mistake since the actual heir was his wife Alpha] Lytle, Thomas B. Wheeler, and Mary, Susan, Lindsay, Robert, Alfred, and Richard Henderson. There was another heir, Wilson Henderson, who died before the partition took place.  Was Pleasant the father, uncle, brother, or grandfather of these heirs?  What we know about Pleasant is . . .

11 Jan 1832: Pleasant Henderson purchased 100 acres on Troublesome Creek adjoining Henry Moore from Alfred Edwards of Guilford County for $150, who had himself bought from John Henderson, son of Troublesome Richard, less than two months before.   This parcel also adjoined Richard Henderson, George Lemonds, and John C. Murray.  The sale was witnessed by David Edwards.[1]

7 Jun 1850: Henderson Moore, acting as agent for William Moore, sold land on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek to William G. Carter.  The adjoining landowners were the "heirs of Pleasant Henderson", Richard Henderson, Martha Henderson, Robert Brown, and the heirs of George Lemonds.[2]   Richard Henderson was almost certainly the son of Troublesome Richard.  Martha was Wilson's widow.  Henderson and William Moore were the sons of Henry Moore, who adjoined the property in 1832.

Pleasant apparently died in May 1845.  We know that he was not Pleasant, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Galloway Henderson, who died in 1830; or Pleasant, son of Pleasant and Sarah Martin Henderson, who died in 1851.

We have his heirs - or those still living - mentioned in a deed dated 7 Mar 1874 in which Richard B. and Mary A. Henderson sold land to Robert C. Simpson for $18.75.  They had obtained the parcel through inheritance as follows . . .

Robert Brown bequeathed 190 acres adjoining Robert Brown [his son] and David Purcell to his daughter Margaret King.  Margaret Brown King died intestate leaving one brother, Robert Brown, and the following nephews and nieces: Lindsay, Robert, and Richard B. Henderson, Alpha Lytle, Anna M. Dilworth, Mary Smith, Elizabeth S. Purcell, and Mary J. Thomas.[3] These Henderson nephews and nieces must have been the children of Margaret Brown King's sister.  It's hardly a stretch to assume that Pleasant's wife was a Brown, daughter of Robert Brown.  Sure enough, several sources claim that his wife was Mary Brown, born 24 Mar  1790 and died 5 Nov 1837. 

We have fairly extensive information on some heirs, very little on others.  Of the latter we know that . . .

5 Oct 1835: Anna M. Henderson married William R. Dilworth in Rockingham County with Wilson Henderson as bondsman.  William Dilworth was a member of Speedwell Presbyterian Church, placing him in the Troublesome area.

Alfred Henderson was enumerated in the household of Richard Henderson in the 1850 Census: Farmer Richard Henderson 66, born NC, with property worth $150; Alfred 22, a laborer; Susan 19; and William Lytle age 40, who couldn't read or write and was "deaf and dumb".  Next door was Wilson Henderson's widow Martha A. Henderson.  The 66 year old Richard was almost certainly the son of Richard Henderson of Troublesome Creek.

 Alfred Henderson  was killed at Sharpsburg on 19 Sep 1862.

Thomas B. Wheeler (1790 - 9 Jul 1850) was residing in Rockingham County in the 1850 Census.  Age 60, he was employed as Clerk of the County Court.  Could he have received Lot #9 as his fee?  Was it part of the Wilson Henderson estate?

At least two of Pleasant's heirs named a son Richard.  Was Pleasant's father the Richard Henderson enumerated in 1850?  If so, Pleasant was the grandson of Richard Henderson of Troublesome Creek.

The heirs about which we know more were . . .

Lindsay Henderson

19 Jan 1811: Lindsay was born in Rockingham County, NC.  Another source claims that Lindsay was born on 26 Jun 1810.  Why the discrepancy in dates?  Were there actually two Lindsay Hendersons?  His middle name may have been Phillip.

1833: He was admitted into the rolls of Speedwell Presbyterian Church.  Wilson Henderson joined that same year, one year after Pleasant Henderson bought the property on Troublesome.

25 Aug 1840: He married Mary A. Brackinridge in Maringo, AL.  Mary was born 19 Jan 1811.

The couple had moved to MS from AL by 1845.

16 Oct 1850 Census, Kemper County, MS: Farmer Linsey Henderson 40, born NC, with property worth $480; Mary 40, born TN; Richard 9, born AL; Samuel 7, born AL; Robert 5, born MS; Mary 3, born MS, Jane 2, born MS.

15 Nov 1852: Mary died. 

21 Aug 1860 Census, Kemper County, MS: Farmer Lindsey Henderson 50, born NC; Rebecca 45, born GA; farmer Richard 18, born in AL; Samuel 16, born AL; Robert H. 15, born in MS; Mary 14, born MS; Amanda 12, born MS; Harriett 9, born MS; Victoria Calcutt 13, born AR; George Calcutt, born AR.  Lindsey's new wife, Mary Rebecca Hanley, born 3 Apr 1815 in Georgia, was the widow of Matthew Callicoate.

19 Jul 1870 Census, Kemper County, MS: Farmer Lindsey Henderson 60, born NC, with real and personal property valued at $800 and $400; Rebecca 55, born GA; Amanda 22, born MS; Georgia 20, born AR; Hattie 19, born MS; J___ Breckinridge 13, born MS; Samuel Henderson 26, born AL.  Both the latter were "farm hands".  The family was listed enumerated next to  Robert and Queen Henderson.[4]

17 Sep 1885: Lindsay Henderson died in Kemper, MS.  He is buried in Pleasant Springs Presbyterian Cemetery.

Children of Lindsey and Mary Breckinridge Henderson:

Richard Breckenridge Henderson (c. 1842 - c. 1864)

Samuel Lindsay Henderson (11 Mar 1843 - 8 Dec 1936; m. Mary Landrum 10 Jan 1874)

Robert Wilson Henderson (13 Dec 1844 - 27 Nov 1920; m. Queen Victoria Callicoatte* 13 Aug 1847)

Mary Henderson (c. 1846 -     )

Amanda Jane Henderson (c. 1848 - c. 1936; m. Wright Robert Barnett)

Harriet Newell Henderson (20 Jun 1851 - 29 Jun 1938; m. John Wesley McArthur)

*Victoria Callicoatte was the 13 year old daughter of Rebecca Hanley Callicoate enumerated in the Lindsay Henderson household in 1860.

Alpha Henderson

c. 1812: Alpha Henderson was born in North Carolina.

1833: Alpha was placed on the roll of Speedwell Presbyterian Church.[5]

8 May 1845: She married Archer (x) Lytlee with E. W. Hancock as bondsman.[6]  Archer Lytle was born in North Carolina on 7 Dec 1810, the son of Thomas and Jane Lytle.    Alpha was Archer's second wife, his first being Obedience Godsey.  Nathaniel Henderson, son of John and Lucy Paris Henderson, claimed that one of Richard of Troublesome's daughter's married a Lytle.  See Lorinda Henderson's letter in The Parents of Richard Henderson.

1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Blacksmith 37, born NC, with property worth $50; Alpha 38, born NC; Eleanor 12; Thomas R. 4; William W. age 11/12.[7]

1 Aug 1870 Census, Wise County, VA (Big Stone Gap P.O.): Farmer Archer Lytle 58, born NC, with real and personal property valued at $2,500 and $144; Alpha 59, born NC; farm laborer William H. age 20, farm laborer Wilson H. 19; farm laborer Robert M. 18.  All sons were born in NC.[8]

Jun 1880 Census, Wise County, VA (Richmond Magisterial District): Archer Lytle 67, NC NC NC, engaged in farming; Alpha 68, NC NC NC; son Wilson H. J. age 27, VA NC NC, with "nothing" written in for profession.[9]

3 Oct 1900: Archer Lytle died in Grainger County, TN.

11 Nov 1906: Alpha Henderson Lytle died, presumably in Grainger County.

Children of Alpha Henderson and Archer Lytle:

Eleanor Lytle (c. 1838 -     )

Thomas R. Lytle (c. 1846 -     )

William Lytle (c. 1849 -     )

Wilson H. Lytle (c. 1852 -     ) 

Robert M. Lytle (c. 1852 -     )

Wilson Henderson

The name of Wilson is interesting here because Nathaniel Henderson, purportedly the brother of Sheriff Samuel, named a son Wilson.  If this Wilson can be definitely related to Troublesome Richard, it would strengthen the argument that Troublesome Richard was Nathaniel's son.

1833: Wilson Henderson was placed upon the roll of Speedwell Presbyterian Church.[10]

5 Oct 1835: He was bondsman for the marriage of Anna M. Henderson to William R. Dilworth.  Anna was, of course, another one of the heirs of Pleasant Henderson.[11]  She's presumed to be Wilson's sister.

1 Dec 1836: Wilson married Martha Jones with George W. Purcell as bondsman.[12]  On that same day, Wilson was bondsman for the marriage of George Purcell to Mary Moore.  On 28 Nov 1843 a George W. Purcell, attorney for John and Jane Moore, sold land on Troublesome Creek to Joseph Lemonds.[9]  George was married to John and Jane's daughter Mary.  A George Purcell also married Susan Elizabeth Henderson in 1864.

1840 Census, Rockingham County, NC: 1 male 20-30; 2 females under 5, 1 30-40.[13]  The household was listed next to H. Dilworth and Milton Lemmons.

5 Nov 1843: Wilson Henderson signed his will:[14]

Will of Wilson Henderson

I Wilson Henderson of the State of North Carolina, Rockingham County, being in a weak state of health but of a sound mind & memory and knowing it is appointed for all men to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following, to wit. 

Item 1st.  My will and desire is that after the payment of all my just debts and expense of my burial out of my estate my will and desire is that all the remaining property, lands & tenements, personal property of which I shall die seized & possessed of I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Martha Henderson during her natural life.

Item 2nd.  My will and desire after the death of my wife Martha Henderson that all the above named property I will and bequeath unto my only child and daughter Mary Jane Henderson, to her and her heirs.

Lastly, I nominate & appoint my beloved brother Richard B. Henderson to be Executor to this my last will and testament revoking, disannulling and making void all other wills and testaments by me hereafter made. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 5th day of November A. D.  1843.

Wilson Henderson

Signed, sealed and delivered in our presence who are in each other's presence

Robert Brown Jr

Sampson Moore

Wilson's will was proved that November Term by the two witnesses.  He therefore died before the 1847 partition of the Pleasant Henderson estate.

7 Jun 1850: Wilson Henderson [should have been "the estate of"] was listed among the adjoining property owners in a deed from Henderson Moore, as agent for William Moore, to William G. Carter on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek.  Others listed were Robert Brown, the heirs of George Lemonds, the heirs of Pleasant Henderson, and Richard Henderson.[15]

1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Martha A. Henderson 34, born NC, with real property worth $20; Mary J. age 12; John age 5 months; Zachiriah T. age 3 months; Francis Orren, female mulatto age 16.  The family was enumerated next to 66 year old Richard Henderson, who had Alfred and Susan Henderson in his household.[16]  Who was the father of John and Zachiriah?  Were they nieces and nephews?  Z. Henderson was enumerated in the 1880 Census in Rockingham County, age 32.[17]  Zachariah T. Henderson purchased 14 1/2 acres on Troublesome Creek from Jefferson and Amanda Smith in 1882.[18]

Children of Wilson and Martha Jones Henderson:

Mary Jane Henderson (c. 1838 -     ; m. ______ Thomas)

Robert Henderson

Robert must have been born before 1824, as he had to have been at least 21 when he witnessed the following deed on 1 Jan 1844.  There may have been more than one R. B. Henderson.  Could Robert have been Robert B. Henderson and could the B. have stood for Brown?

1 Jan 1844: Along with Thomas (x) Johns, Robert witnessed a deed from Zaza D. Lemmonds to Harvey Wheeley on the waters of Big Rock Creek adjoining John C. Murray, Blake W. Braswell, Edward King, and Thomas Small.[19]

10 Dec 1847: He purchased 100 acres on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek adjoining Richard Henderson, James Lemonds, John C. Murray, and William Henderson from Richard Henderson for $140.  Witnesses: Robert Brown and Francis Vaughn.[20]  Who was William Henderson?  Richard Henderson was almost certainly the son of Troublesome Richard.

Feb 1848: Robert proved a deed from Lemonds to Wheeley in court.[21]

Where is Robert in 1850?

5 Feb 1852: High Sheriff James Roberts sold 140 acres seized from Robert Henderson by writ of vendito exponus in favor of George D. Boyd and A. Lytle [Robert's brother-in-law] for $108.  The property adjoined Richard Henderson, James Lemons, John C. Murray, and William Henderson.[22]  The public sale had actually been held on 28 Aug 1851, witnessed by David Purcell.

Richard B. Henderson

In light of the multiple occupations shown below, could there have been two R. B. Hendersons, one who married Violet Brown and one who married Mary Ann Godsey?  Could brother Robert have been the other R. B. Henderson?

10 Oct 1823: Richard B. Henderson was born in North Carolina.  He was the brother of Wilson Henderson.

26 Sep 1848: Richard married Mary Ann Godsey, born 10 Jan 1823, in Rockingham County with William Smith as bondsman. William Smith was presumably the William D. Smith who married Mary Henderson on 26 Oct 1848.

20 Sep 1840: If not this Richard, who was the Richard Henderson who married Violet Brown with Quinton S. Purcell as bondsman?[23]

12 Sep 1845: Along with Robert Brown, R. B. Henderson witnessed a deed from David Green to George W. Purcell on the waters of Big House Creek adjoining Frederic Brown, Edward Green, and Ellison Young.[24]

14 Nov 1846: Along with Robert Brown, Richard B. Henderson witnessed a deed from George W. Purcell to Thomas Carter on the waters of Brushy Fork, one of the branches of Big Rockhouse, adjoining Ellison Young, Reubin Johnson, and Jonathan Suit.[25]  A George W. Purcell married Susan Elizabeth Henderson in 1864.

7 Dec 1847: Richard Henderson purchased 100 acres on the waters of Big Rock House and Troublesome Creek for $100 from Richard Henderson.  The parcel was described as adjoining Richard Henderson, Buckner Southard, James Lemonds, and Robert Brown, and lying "a little west of the Black Smith Shop".  Witnesses: Robert Brown and Francis Vaughn.[26]  The seller was almost certainly the son of Troublesome Richard.  See Relevant Water Courses in Rockingham County.

10 Dec 1847: Richard Henderson was mentioned as an adjoining landowner in a deed from Richard Henderson to Robert Henderson on the waters of Big Troublesome Creek.  Also adjoining were James Lemons, John C. Murray, and William Henderson.[27]  Who was this William Henderson?

23 Dec 1848: Richard B. Henderson purchased 237 acres on the waters of Brushy Fork adjoining James Dilworth and John Price from Benjamin F. Duncan for $262.40.  Witnesses: T. W. Wilson and Bird Godsey.[28]

1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC: School teacher Richard B. Henderson 27, born NC, with real property worth $337; Mary Ann age 20; Lusetta D. E. 6/12; Peter Oliver, a laborer age 18.[29]

2 Jun 1853: R. B. Henderson and Bird Godsey witnessed a deed of trust from Thomas Godsey to Ulysses Hand resulting from a debt of Thomas Godsey to Thomas Henderson.[30]  Who was this Thomas Henderson?

8 Nov 1853: Richard B. Henderson and Susan Lemons were listed as adjoining landowners in a deed from Susan (x) Lemons, Isaac Whitworth Senior, and Isaac Whitworth, Attorney, for William Farrar, heir of William Farrar, deceased, to Bird Godsey.  Along with T. W. Wilson, R. B. also witnessed the deed.[31]

14 Aug 1857: Miss Nancy N. Godsey, daughter of Thomas Godsey, died 10 Jul 1857 at the home of brother-in-law Richard B. Henderson.[32]

1860 Census, Rockingham County, NC (Hogan's Creek P.O.): School teacher Richard B. Henderson 38, born in NC, with real and personal property worth $1,000 and $1,500 respectively; Mary A. age 30, born NC; Lucetta D. E. 12, born NC.[33]

25 Sep 1861: Richard B. Henderson "from the Bunker Hill District" was commissioned Captain in the 70th Regiment, 17th Brigade. There was a notation that "Postmaster Resigned; Thos Price Capt to fill vacancy".[34]

26 May 1863: R. B. Henderson sold 100 acres to John L. and Frances E. Crafton.  The acreage was described as being on the waters of Big Rock House and Troublesome Creeks adjoining Richard Henderson, Buckner Southerd, James Lemons, George W. Purcell, Robert Brown, and lying east of the Blacksmith's Shop.  Witnesses: R. A. Ellington and J. Montgomery.

c. 1865: Thompson W. Wilson, indebted to Jacob B. Balsey for $500, sold personal property for $1 to Richard in a trust deed.  Payment on the mortgage was due 1 Aug 1866.  Witnesses: B. Godsey and W. S. Hill.[35]

1866: R. B. Henderson was listed as a Rockingham County Justice.[36]

15 Feb 1868: Richard B. Henderson sold 80 acres on the waters of Brushy Fork adjoining Thomas Price and Bird Godsey to Loucetta D. E. Gentry for $80.  Witnesses: T. W. Wilson and Bird Godsey.[37]  Lucetta was Richard and Mary Ann's daughter.

3 Oct 1870: Census, Huntsville Township, Rockingham County, NC (Madison P.O.): School teacher Richard Henderson 47; Mary 45.[38]

7 Mar 1874: R. B. and Mary Henderson sold land bequeathed to Mary by her father Robert Brown.  This is an instance of there seeming to be two R. B. Hendersons.  Was this Robert Henderson?

R. B. Henderson was listed as one of the magistrates of Huntsville in Branson's 1877-1878 and 1884, 1890, and 1897 Business Directories.  In 1890 "(Hogan)" appeared after his name; in 1897 the community was named "Huntersville".[39]  However, he was also listed as a teacher near the Hogan Post Office in 1890 and 1897; and as a farmer near Hogan in 1890.  Was this all the same R. B. Henderson?

1878: R. B. Henderson et al, Trustees, purchased 2 acres on Baggage Road from Mary A. and R. B. Henderson.[40]

15 Jun 1880 Census, Huntsville Township, Rockingham County, NC: Richard B. Henderson 57, employed in school teaching, NC NC NC; Mary A. age 54; a black domestic servant.[41]

Jul 1884: Anne Henderson signed her will leaving all her worldly goods to Annie B. Sneed; Effie H., Kate B., and A. N. Scales; Erskine and James Taylor; and Leonard and Richard B. Henderson.  The latter was undoubtedly this Richard, but who was Anne Henderson?[42]

Richard B. Henderson, a farmer age 67, born in Rockingham, residing in Huntsville Township appeared on the list of white voters in Rockingham County from 1890 to 1898.[43]

16 May 1896: Mary Ann Godsey Henderson died.

6 Jun 1900 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Farmer Richard B. Henderson 77, born Oct 1822, NC NC NC, a widower.[44]

9 Jul 1902: Richard died in Rockingham County and was buried in the Primitive Baptist Cemetery.

Children of Richard B. and Mary Ann Godsey Henderson:

Lucetta D. Henderson (14 Dec 1849 - 25 Nov 1896; m. Richard J. Gentry 23 Aug 1866)

Mary Henderson

c. 1826: Mary was born in North Carolina.

26 Sep 1848: William Smith was the bondsman for the marriage of Richard Henderson and Mary Ann Godsey.

26 Oct 1848: Mary Henderson married William D. Smith in Rockingham County.[45]

24 Jul 1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Blacksmith 22, born NC; Mary 24, born NC; Selena 10/12.  They were enumerated two doors from Richard Henderson, age 66, with Alfred and Susan; and three doors from Wilson's widow Martha A. Henderson.[46]   Richard Henderson was almost certainly the son of Troublesome Richard.

1860 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Blacksmith 32, born NC; Mary 34, born NC; Selena A. P. 10; David M. age 6; Richard G. age 3; female infant age 2/12.[47]

2 Mar 1874: W. D. Smith witnessed the sale of [Mary's brother and sister-in-law] Richard and Mary Brown Henderson's share (1/8) of half of 190 acres to Robert Simpson.[48]  Mary Brown?

4 Jun 1880 Census, Huntsville Township, Rockingham County, NC: Farmer William D. Smith 52, born NC: Mary 53, born NC; Sullenah 30; Robert L. 16; Sally J. 11.[49]  Were Robert and Sally children or grandchildren?

4 Jun 1900 Census, Wentworth Township, Rockingham County, NC: Farmer William D. Smith 72, born Oct 1827, NC NC NC; Mary 74, born Feb 1826, NC NC NC, married for 52 years.[50]

Children of Mary Henderson and William D. Smith:

Selena Smith (c. 1849 -     )

William L. Smith (21 Feb 1852 -     )

David M. Smith (c. 1854 -     )

Sallie Smith

Robert Lee Smith (m. Minnie Jane Roberts)

Richard Smith* (25 Apr 1857 - 16 Apr 1928; m. Anna Elizabeth Vaughn 27 Dec 1877)

*Richard named a son Wheeler Mason Smith, so perhaps Thomas B. Wheeler did have a blood relationship to the heirs of Pleasant Henderson.

Susan Elizabeth Henderson

1 Dec 1831: Susan Elizabeth was born in North Carolina.[51]

1850 Census, Rockingham County, NC: Farmer Richard Henderson 66, born in NC; Alfred 22; Susan 19.[52]  They were listed next to Martha A. Henderson, widow of Wilson Henderson, one of the heirs of Pleasant Henderson's heirs.  Richard was almost certainly the son of Troublesome Richard.

3 Jul 1856: Elizabeth Henderson married William M. Whittemore in Rockingham County.[53]  He died in 1860.

27 Jun 1860 Census, Rockingham County, NC (Southern Division): Susan Whitemore 30, born in NC; Elizabeth 3; George 2: Thomas 3/12.[54] 

17 Oct 1864: Susan Whittemore married George W. Purcell.[55]  There were several George Purcells.  One George married Mary Moore, daughter of John and Betsy Lemonds Moore, on 1 Dec 1836; and probably Rebecca Brown on 4 Nov 1842 and Margaret Brown King on 2 Mar 1853, the latter with James Lucas as bondsman.  George (age 47) and Margaret (age 55) were listed in the 1860 Census with a 22 year old Hamilton.   Another  George W. Pursell married Deborah Lucas on 8 Jan 1848 in Guilford County.  That George (38) and Debora (27) were enumerated in the 1850 Census with a 14 year old Hamilton.  Then there was the older George Pursell, who was born c. 1772.   One of the Georges, baptized on 11 May 1834 in Speedwell Presbyterian, was the first member to be excommunicated for drinking and then lying about it.

7 Oct 1870 Census, Simpsonville Township, Rockingham County, NC: Farmer George Purcell 51, born NC, with personal property valued at $150; Elizabeth 38, born NC; George 10; Martha 9; Alfred 9; David 5; Albert 1.[56] 

1906: Susan Elizabeth Henderson Whittemore Purcell died in Graham, Alamance County, NC.

Children of Susan Elizabeth Henderson and William Whittemore:

Elizabeth J. Whittemore (4 Jul 1857 -     )

George Settle Whittemore (7 Apr 1859 - 27 Sep 1932)

Alfred Thomas Whittemore (1860 -     )

Martha Amanda Whittemore (2 Apr 1860 -     )   

Children of Susan Henderson and George W. Purcell:

David Robert Purcell (7 May 1865 - 4 Apr 1933; m. Fiona Murray Nov 1887)

Albert O. Purcell (7 Apr 1869 -     )

George W. Purcell (14 Mar 1877 -     )

Now the question is: Can anyone tell me the father of the mysterious Pleasant Henderson?  If so, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.