William Heninger (1773 - abt. 1844)

Born 14 May 1773 in Woodsboro, Frederick County, Maryland

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth Ann (Greever) Heninger — married 10 Aug 1797 in Washington, Virginia, United States

Descendants

Died about 29 Jan 1844 at about age 70 in Burkes Garden, Tazewell, Virginia, United States

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Biography

William Heninger was born in 1773 in Frederick County, Maryland. He was a son of John Heninger and Maria Louisa Ritter.

When William was a small child, his father moved the family to Washington County, Virginia. William married Elizabeth Greever there in 1797 and lived there until at least 1807. By 1810, William was paying taxes in Tazewell County, Virginia. He lived there, in Burke's Garden, until his death in 1844.

William was not a large land owner but he did buy and sell several tracts in both Washington and Tazewell Counties. He was also a slave owner for many years, one of the few Heninger's to hold that distinction.

William wrote his will in 1841 and died at the age of 71 in Burke's Garden in 1844.

Will of William Heninger

Tazewell County, Virginia Will Book 2, p. 293 (FHL Film 7645849, Image 179); 1 April 1841 (written), 29 January 1845 (proved)
I, William Heninger of Burks Garden Tazewell County and State of Virginia being of sound mind and memory and dearly impressed with the uncertainty of mortal life do make this my last Will and testament in manner and form herein after mentioned, Viz. 1st, It is my wish & will that my beloved wife Elizabeth Heninger shall have the mansion house, household & kitchen furniture, a good garden, two milch cows, a good horse, bridle and saddle and one female slave, choice of the two negro girls and as much cleared land within my plantation attached to said house as she may wish to cultivate, and pasturage for her stock, during her natural life and after her death, the above devised to be subject to the distribution herein after mentioned. 2nd, I give and bequeath unto my eldest son Isaac Heninger the two tracts of land whereon he now lives, lying & being in the County of Smyth on the waters of Carlock’s Creek. 3rd, I give and bequeath unto my son Philip Heninger the one half of the two tracts of land being the eastern & lower half (so as called) to be divided by a line hereafter to be run from one back line to the other back line straight across the said tracts of land, passing by the lower end of my lower meadow and running with the meadow fence as it now stands. 4th, I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Heninger, the other half of the said two tracts of land whereon he & myself resides, it being the upper western half & on which he has built a brick house. I also give to my son Thomas Heninger my negro slave Randol. 5th, I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Heninger the tract of land whereon he now lives by his paying the sum of one hundred dollars to my executors for the benefit of my son Isaac, in consideration of his plantation being worth more than my son Isaac’s. 6th, I give and bequeath unto my daughter Peggy Tolbert the negro woman slave whom she has in possession and the two tracts of land lying in the upper end of Burke’s Garden, known by the name of the McDanel tract & the sugar camp tract, and also the sum of two hundred dollars and should the said two tracts of land above mentioned (which are in law at this time) be lost, then and in that event the said Peggy Tolbert is to be reimbursed for such loss to the amount of six hundred dollars more to be paid by my executors out of my estate not before devised. 7th, I give and bequeath unto my two grandsons Hervey Heninger and Thomas Heninger, sons of Abraham Heninger, decd, the sums of one hundred dollars. 8th, It is my will and desire that the 3 negro slaves not herein before bequeathed, shall be divided between my three sons at my death, namely Isaac, Philip and Samuel as the said negros may suit them best. And in the event of them not agreeing among themselves in the division of the said negros, each of my said three sons shall choose his man, who shall be disinterested and they shall value the said negros and the one of more or less value shall be made equal each with the third by paying a sum of money respectively that will make them equal to one another, and the decision of the referees shall be binding. 9th, It is my will & desire that after all my just debts are paid, and after the decease of my loving wife, there should not be property enough of my estate to fulfill all the above mentioned legacies then and in that event all my legatees shall contribute an equal portion of their legacy sufficient to make up the deficient legacy or legacies equal to the amount bequeathed to them respectively, and in the event of there being more than enough for each legacy the surplus to be sold and divided equally among all my heirs. 10th, I appoint, constitute & ordain my two sons Samuel Heninger and Thomas Heninger my executors, to this my last Will and testament revoking all former wills and testaments by me made, this 1st day of April in the year of our Lord Christ 1841. [Signed] William Heninger Signed Sealed and Acknowledged in the presence of us whose names are hereto annexed, J. S. Cheadle, Thomas Peery.
I William Heninger being of sound mind & disposing memory do alter so much of the above will as relates the two sons of Abraham Heninger, decd, Hervey & Thomas Heninger, in lieu of the one hundred dollars each I want each to have seventy five dollars each paid in a horse, to be valued at trade rates at my death. I likewise alter so much of the above will as relates Peggy Tolbert in lieu of 200 dollars I want her to get four hundred dollars to be paid in property at trade rates and I alter the above respecting Samuel Heninger to pay Isaac Heninger one hundred dollars, in lieu of 100 dollars I want it to be fifty dollars in trade and after my wife’s death the negro Merene (?) I give to my son Thomas Heninger by him paying two hundred dollars to be paid to the estate. 20 November 1841
Wit: Peter Litz, Thomas Peery, David S. Fox.
[Signed] William X his mark Heninger
In Tazewell County Court January 29th 1845, This last Will and testament of William Heninger, decd, was proven by the oaths of Peter Litz, Thomas Peery & David S. Fox subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.

Sources

• Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol. 34, Washington County, Virginia Marriage Register, 1782-1820, by Beverly Fleet (FHL Film 7644674); p. 39, Image 607, William Hannager and Elizabeth Greiver, 10 August 1797; m. by Charles Hardy.

• Washington County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1805 (FHL Film 7856314); William appears on these lists from 1796-1807.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1801-1830 (FHL Film 7833942); William appears on these lists from 1810-1830.

• Washington County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 9 (FHL Film 7645893, Image 19); 19 October 1802, Joseph Snodgrass and Anne, his wife, to William Hennegar, 146 acres on a fork of Carlock’s Creek, a branch of the middle fork of Holston River, on side of Walker’s Mountain, adjoining John Nelson. No wit.

• Washington County, Virginia District Court Deed Book B, p. 338 (FHL Film 7645917, Image 552); 12 November 1811, William L. Williams and Mary, his wife, to William Hennigar, three tracts of adjoining land: one (no acreage) on a branch of the middle fork of Holston River, one (no acreage) on both sides of Carlock’s Creek and one of 104 acres on branch of middle fork of Holston River. Wit: Francis Smith, Peter Byrns, Andrew Russell, John McCormick. Wife Polly relinquished dower.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 253 (FHL Film 7898807, Image 606); 20 November 1813, James P. Thompson and Margret, his wife, to William Hennegar, 34 acres in Burke’s Garden adjoining said Hennegar’s line, Bank’s Ridge, Greever’s corner, Percefield’s branch. Wit: J. B. George, William Hall, Jinny George.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 366 (FHL Film 7898807, Image 663); 22 December 1815, Lewis Smith and Catherine, his wife, to William Henneger, 60 acres in Burke’s Garden where Hanshaw now lives, adjoining Smyth, the road.

• Washington County, Virginia Deed Book 6, p. 537 (FHL Film 7645894, Image 548); 20 October 1818, William Henniger to William Mitchell, 156 acres on the fork of Carlock’s Creek, waters of the middle fork of Holston River, adjoining Walker’s Mountain, Nelson (now Hughes). No wit. No dower.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 115 (FHL Film 8153309, Image 75); 25 April 1820, William Heningar and Elizabeth, his wife, to Samuel Hanshaw, 60 acres in Burke’s Garden where said Hanshaw now lives. Elizabeth did not sign the deed. No mention of dower

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 5, p. 27 (FHL Film 8153309, Image 550); July 1821, William P. Thompson admr for James P. Thompson decd to William Henagar, land (no acreage) in Burke’s Garden being part of 1400 acres granted to the said James P. Thompson adjoining Samuel Handshoe (Hanshaw), the sugar camp. Wit: Henry B. Thompson, James Meek.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 351 (FHL Film 8153309, Image 195); 23 December 1815, Recorded 29 October 1823, Lewis Smyth and Catsey, his wife, of Washington Co. to William Hennegar of Tazewell Co., 145 ½ acres in Burke’s Garden, on the west end of Abe Greever’s land in the bounds of Smith’s marked survey of [illegible] acres, adjoining William Thompson and Piercefield’s marsh.

• Annals of Tazewell County, Virginia, Vol. II, Chapter IX, pp. 324-315, by John Newton Harman, 1827, Construction of the Central Church in Burke’s Garden included lists of builders, including several Henninger’s: John, David, William, Isaac and Philip.

• 1830 Federal Census, Tazewell County, Virginia; William Henigar, 2 males 15-19, 1 male 20-29, 1 male 50-59, 1 female 50-59, 5 slaves.

• Washington Co., Virginia, Will Book No. 6, pages 128-130 (FHL Film 7642307, Image 491); 25 March 1830, Will of Philip Griever mentions... also to my daughter Elizabeth wife of William Hennigar one dollar...

• Tazewell County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1831-1850 (FHL Film 7856312); William appears on these lists from 1831-1844. In 1845, his estate was recorded.

• Washington County, Virginia Minute Book No. 3, p. 73 (FHL Film 7896884, Image 395); 1 September 1837, Philip Griever, Margaret Hennegar, William Hennegar and Elizabeth his wife, Jacob Hennegar and Mary his wife, Harvey Keys and Sarah his wife, Abraham Greever and Valentine Greever. In Chancery. Vs. William Greever, Hiram A. Greever, Ann Greever, John Wynn and Jane his wife, John Keys and Catherine his wife, Henry Hennegar and Elizabeth his wife, William Greever admr. of Mary Hennegar decd., and John Clark surviving executor of Philip Greever Senr. deceased Defts. This cause came on this 1st day of September 1837 to be finally heard upon the bill of the complts, the answer of the defts., the exhibits filed, the examination of witnesses and a copy of the record of the proceedings of the county court of Washington of the October term thereof in the year 1836 in relation to the trial of the issue in this directed on the 25th day of May 1836 which issue was whether a paper purporting to be the last Will & testament of Philip Greever Senr. decd and bearing date on the 25th day of March 1830, is the last Will & testament of said Philip Greever Senr. decd or not? Which record shows that the jury impaneled for the trial of said issue decided the said issue in the affirmative: and thereupon the complts. by their counsel moved the court to set aside the verdict of the jury and grant them a new trial of said issue, which motion was overruled and the cause being argued by counsel and the verdict of the jury being approved by the court: It is therefore adjudged ordered and decreed that the bill of the complts. be and the same is hereby dismissed and it is further ordered and decreed that the complts pay to the defts. their costs in this suit expended including one attorneys fee for the executor Clark and one other attorneys fee for the other defendants.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Will Book 2, p. 148 (FHL Film 7645849, Image 106); 15 March 1839 (written), 1 May 1839 (proved), Will of John Heninger mentions...14th I give and bequeath unto my Son William Heninger and equal part of my Estate real & personal...

• Smyth County, Virginia Deed Book 2, p. 412 (FHL Film 8153246, Image 529); 26 August 1839, William Henninger and Elizabeth, his wife, of Tazewell Co. to Joshua Lloyd of Smyth Co., 49 acres and 70 poles on waters of the middle fork of Holston River, adjoining William Sanders, Samuel Henninger, and Reagan.

• Smyth County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 140 (FHL Film 8562414, Image 100); 28 August 1839, William Henegar and Elizabeth, his wife, of Tazewell Co. to Samuel Henegar of Smyth Co., 46 acres on waters of the middle fork of Holston River, adjoining Sanders.

• 1840 Federal Census, Tazewell County, Virginia; William Heninger, 1 male 60-69, 1 female 60-69, 6 slaves.

• Smyth County, Virginia Deed Book 4, p. 43 (FHL Film 8562414, Image 355); 4 October 1844, William Henneger and Elizabeth, his wife, of Tazewell Co. to their son, Samuel Hennegar of Smyth Co., 166 acres on waters of the middle fork of Holston River, part of the same land purchased by William Hennegar of William S. Williams and adjoining Samuel Hennegar, Lloyd, Walker’s old line, Isaac Hennegar and Carlock’s Creek. Wit: Thomas Peery, Peter Litz, David Fox, John Thomas.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 8, p. 334 (FHL Film 8359693, Image 176); 19 November 1844, William Heninger and Elizabeth, his wife, to their son Thomas Heninger, land (no acreage) in Burke’s Garden adjoining William P. Thompson, Piercefield’s marsh, Smith, and Philip Heninger. Wit: Thomas Peery, Peter Liz, David Fox.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 8, p. 351 (FHL Film 8359693, Image 184); 19 November 1844, William Henniger and Elizabeth, his wife, to their son, Philip Henniger, land (no acreage) in Burke’s Garden adjoining Smith, Greever and Thomas Henniger.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book8, p. 363 (FHL Film 8359693, Image 190); 19 November 1844, William Heninger and Elizabeth, his wife, to their son-in-law Peter Tolbard, 3 tracts of land in Burke’s Garden; 1) 6 acres adjoining Jane George; 2) 64 acres adjoining the old Thompson survey of 1453 acres, Hanshaw, Smith and Watterford; 3) land (no acreage) adjoining Samuel Hanshew, the sugar camp. Wit: Thomas Peery, Peter Litz, David S. Fox.

• Smyth County, Virginia Deed Book 4, p. 43 (FHL Film 8562414, Image 355); 4 October 1844, William Henneger and Elizabeth, his wife, of Tazewell Co. to their son Samuel Henneger of Smyth Co., 166 acres on waters of the middle fork of Holston River adjoining Samuel’s land, Loyd, Walker and Isaac Henneger. Wit: Thomas Peery, David S. Fox, John Thomas.

• Smyth County, Virginia Deed Book 4, p. 44 (FHL Film 8562414, Image 356); 26 November 1844, William Hennegar and Elizabeth, his wife, of Tazewell Co. to their son, Isaac Hennegar of Smyth Co.; 4 adjoining tracts on both sides of Carlock’s Creek: 164 acres, 72 acres, 30 acres, 20 acres. Wit: John Thomas, Philip Hennegar, Thomas Hennegar.

• Smyth County, Virginia Deed Book 4, p. 138 (FHL Film 8562414, Image 404); 12 July 1845, Harold Smyth, commissioner appointed for the case of William Heninger, complainant against John Sanders’ widow and heirs and others, including Margaret Heninger, widow, and her infant children of Henry Heninger Decd, to William Heninger, 140 or 150 acres. No further detail except for a list of several Sanders heirs.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Will Book 3, p. 83 (FHL Film 7645849, Image 366); 1 June 1847, Recorded 1 July 1852, Samuel Heninger and Thomas Heninger, Executors, settle estate of William Heninger, Decd.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Will Book 2, p. 295 (FHL Film 7645849, Image 180); 27 February 1845, Inventory and appraisement of the estate of William Heninger mentions livestock, wagon, tools, furniture and household items as well as the slaves: Randolp (man), Joshua (man), Charles (man), Sally (girl), Reney (girl) and Maria (girl).

• Tazewell County, Virginia Will Book 2, p. 415 (FHL Film 7645849, Image 240); 7 February 1845, Estate sale for William Heninger, Decd, Thomas Heninger Executor; buyers included: Thomas Heninger, John J. Greever, Samuel Heninger, Philip Heninger, Elizabeth Heninger, James Mahood.

• Tazewell County, Virginia Deed Book 9, p. 542 (FHL Film 8359693, Image 565); 28 September 1849, Lewis Smith and Catherine, his wife, of Smyth Co. to Thomas Hennigar of Tazewell Co., about 140 acres of disputed land in Burke’s Garden, where William Hennigar formerly lived and died and where said Thomas Hennigar now lives; William Hennigar being the “father and ancestor” of Thomas Hennigar. Note: Probably the same 145 ½ acres of land Smith sold to William Hennigar (DB 3, p. 351).

• "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVGF-BJDN : 13 December 2015), William Heninger, 1844; Burial, Burkes Garden, Tazewell, Virginia, United States of America, Heninger Family Cemetery; citing record ID 120958374, Find a Grave.