William Hensley – Civil War Veteran

William Hensley was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, around 1845 to Almanza Hensley and Elizabeth Frame. He grew up on the family farm at Millers Creek as the eldest of several children.

“I give and bequeath unto my son John W. Hensley, George U. Hensley, James A. Hensley, and my daughter Mary E. Hensley all of my estate not hereinbefore disposed of… Item 4th: I make no provision herein for my son William H. Hensley, being otherwise provided for.”
—Last Will of Almanza Hensley, Nov. 16 1896

This confirms William’s place in the Hensley family—his parents Almanza and Elizabeth, and siblings John, George, James, and Mary.

On Campaign

William mustered in as a private with Company C, 4th Kentucky Mounted Infantry on October 23, 1861, at just eighteen years old. He rode patrols across central Kentucky, saw the challenges of camp life at Dick Robinson (Garrard County), and weathered bouts of illness. In late 1862 he was reported “absent, sick” and detailed to Nashville, Tennessee—where he served out the remainder of his enlistment, even after a short stint in a military prison.

Marriage Record of William Hensley and Louisa Bishop After his release and return to Kentucky, William married Louisa Jane Bishop on April 30, 1868, in Powell County. They made their home on Millers Creek in Estill County, where he farmed and raised their family.

"Served his country in war, and returned to tend his land in peace."

William Hensley passed away at his home in Fitchburg, Kentucky, on January 10, 1926. His death notice in the Clay City Times noted his age (in the eighties) and that he was laid to rest in the Wireman Cemetery beside his wife.