Archibald P. Hensley

SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878

SURNAMES: HENSLEY, SHAW, JOLLY, NELSON

 

ARCHIBALD P. HENSLEY (Deceased) - Hensley Township received its name from Archibald P. Hensley, one of the earliest settlers of that part of the country. He was born in Mason county, Kentucky, May 10th, 1806. When about six years old his father died, and his mother afterward moved to the state of Ohio. In Brown county, of that state, Mr. Hensley was raised, and there also he was married in the year 1828 to Wealthy T. SHAW, who was born in Brown county. He lived in Ohio till the year 1855, and then came to Illinois, and settled in section 15, township 20, range 8. He was one of the first settlers in the township, and there was only one other house in sight at the time Mr. Hensley made this settlement. He lived on this place till his death, August 1st, 1876.

Mr. Hensley was a man who enjoyed the confidence of the people of his part of the county. For a number of years he was justice of the peace, and was filling that office at the time of his death. While what is now Hensley was included in Champaign townsbip, he was supervisor of the latter township. On the organization of Hensley township he was the first supervisor elected. His general health through life had been good, and he died suddenly of a paralytic stroke. He took an active interest in public affairs, and his opinion was valued by his friends and neighbors, and his death was lamented by a large number outside of the immediate circle of friends and relatives. He left eight children: William, the oldest son, is living in Kansas; Peter is farming in Hensley township; Lucena is the wife of A. JOLLY; Salem is farming in Hensley township; George is living on the homestead farm; Alfred is also living in the township; Amanda married Mr. E. NELSON, Jr., and Archie D. is at present living in Springfield, Illinois.