Re: James Denson, Indiana>Jackson Co, TN
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In reply to:
James Denson, Indiana>Jackson Co, TN
Mary Lu Johnson 10/01/04
Hi Mary Lu,
Your letter is greatly appreciated and also your transcription of the court records for Jackson Co., TN. You have found quite a few Denson records that we didn't have as going through these court cases one at a time seemed self defeating not to mention exceedingly hard on the eyes. :)
This James Denson, son of Asa Denson, has been a mystery for us. His birthdate predates his fathers Marriage to Sarah Cantrell?Cantwell in 1815/16 in Franklin Co., IN. We have always wondered if James is Sarah's son, too, or possibly Asa's son by a previous marriage, though Asa would have been very young to have had a son born in 1811. Asa was born ca 1896-7 going by census records and by the fact that he was married in 1815/16 in Franklin Co., IN. He needed permission by a Woody Cantrell to marry. Also, Asa was taxed on a horse in 1817 in Franklin Co., IN and we assumed he probably turned 21 about that time. No previous record found on Asa Denson before 1815/16. Asa and family are shown in 1820 White Co., TN census and 1830-40-50-60 in Jackson Co., TN census. James stating that they came to Jackson Co., TN when he was 2 (1813?) years old poses another problem.
James age is a problem, too. On another court record, that you transcribed, he states he was born in 1811, but on cross examination he is asked if he didn't tell someone he was born in 1813. Census records seem to be more toward the 1813 date. Either way he seems to be born quite early to be a son of Asa Denson who would have been 15-17 years of age at James' birth. But, James states he is brother to Woody C. Denson on the second court case and we have proof that Woody is the son of Asa and Sarah. This 2nd court case also clears up the fact that James had 2 wives (Polly and Mary), lists his children, showing that one boy listed as a Denson in census records was in fact a stepson.
Overall, you've helped us Jackson Co., TN researchers tremendously.
Thank You,
Carolyn