Andrew Jackson Presley

Andrew J. Presley was born January 03, 1862 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, the son of James M. Presley and Minerva Ferrell Presley.

He married Willa(Willie) Ann Kensinger/Kingsinger on January 8, 1887 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, they were divorced in 1899 in Illinois. He married Rachel A. Presley on July 14, 1901 in Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee. He married Minnie Hines on November 17, 1933 in Hawkins County, Tennessee.

Andrew passed away on April 17, 1937 and was buried on April 19, 1937 in the Presley Farm Cemetery. Andrew was a Private in Co."G" 3rd Regt. Tenn Inf. during the Spainish-American War.

Andrew had a foster son (a nephew by marriage) named Henry Clay "Clay" Presley.

Indiana Marriages
Name: Clay Presley
Birth Date: 23 Dec 1907
Birthplace: Hawkins County, Tennessee
Spouse's Name: Mary Mitchell
Spouse's Birth Date: 21 May 1911
Spouse's Birthplace: Hawkins County, Tennessee
Event Date: 14 Apr 1930
Event Place: Warren County, Indiana
Father's Name: Andy Presley
Mother's Name: Tennie Thomas
Spouse's Father's Name: John Mitchell
Spouse's Mother's Name: Lizzie Hawkins
Race: White
Marital Status: Single
Spouse's Race: White
Spouse's Marital Status: Single
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M00457-9 , System Origin: Indiana-EASy , GS Film number: 1976654 , Reference ID: Vol. 15 Page 246


In the 1880 US Census, Andrew is living with his grandparents John and Katie Ferrell in Hawkins County, Tennessee.


1880 US Census
District 17, Hawkins, Tennessee
John Ferule 74 NC NC NC
Katie Ferule 56 Wife TN TN TN
Mary Ferule 29 Daughter TN NC TN
Orlene Ferule 25 Daughter TN NC TN
William Ferule 20 Son TN NC TN
Thomas Ferule 17 Son TN NC TN
Andy Presly 17 Grandson TN NC TN


In Andrew's military pension application he states "My father and mother are dead. I have no brother. I have only one sister Sarah wife of Henry Thomas, but she left here 30 years ago and is up about Big Stone Gap, VA." Source: Presley Newsletter
http://bapresley.com/presley/vol9no4/

The death certificate for Andrew's sister Sarah lists her parents as Jim Presley and Minerva Ferrell

Virginia, Death Records
Name: Sarah C Thomas
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age at Death: 55
Birth Date: 1862
Death Date: 7 Sep 1917
Death Place: Wise, Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 9 Oct 1917
Father: Jim Pressly
Mother: Minerva Ferrell


Tennessee, Marriages, 1796-1950
Name: Andrew J. Presley
Spouse's Name: Willie Ann Kensinger
Event Date: 09 Jan 1887
Event Place: Hawkins, Tennessee
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M51929-5 , System Origin: Tennessee-VR , GS Film number: 972790 , Reference ID: 2:1VSH7XC


Andrew's former wife, provided the following in Andrew's pension file:
14 Feb 1914 Affidavit of Willa A Kensinger, Evanston, Cook Co., IL, age 44, occupation: dressmaker. Address: P.O. 520 Davis St., Evanston. "I have known Andrew J Presley from the time I knew anybody. He worked on my grandfather's place. I married him in 1887 and parted from him in 1897...I was divorced from him in Octoer 1899, in Grundy Co., IL...Along in the winter of 1900 when I was visiting my Uncle Joseph Kensinger, then Weatherford, OK....states when Andy came back (from trip to IL) he stayed at a coxisin of mine, J.F. Steffey, now Master Gunner in the U.S. Army. Steffey's father, W.A. Steffey lives at Concord, TN."
Source: Presley Newsletter
http://bapresley.com/presley/vol9no4/

Based on the above information, it is possible, but not certain, that Andrew is the same Andrew listed in the 1900 US Census in Cocke County, Tennessee

1900 US Census
Civil District 1, Cocke, Tennessee
Frank Shutley 47
Polly A Shutley 44
James Shutley 24
Charley Shutley 13
Almeda Shutley 11
Hubert Shutley 9
Annie Shutley 6
Jones A Shutley 4
Maud Shutley 2
Andrew Presley 35


Tennessee, State Marriage Index, 1780-2002
Name: A J Presley
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 14 Jul 1901
Event Place: Hawkins, Tennessee, United States
Gender: Female
Spouse's Name: Rachel A Presley
Page: 38


1910 US Census
Civil District 3, Hawkins, Tennessee
Andrew J Presley Head M 48 Tennessee
Rachel A Presley Wife F 38 Tennessee
Henry C Presley Nephew M 4 Tennessee


1920 US Census
Civil District 3, Hawkins, Tennessee
Andrew J Presley Head M 56 Tennessee
Rachel A Presley Wife F 48 Tennessee
Henry C Presley Nephew M 13 Tennessee
Tilda F Presley Sister-in-law F 58 Tennessee
Barbra A Presley Sister-in-law F 52 Tennessee


1930 US Census
District 3, Hawkins, Tennessee
Andy J Presley Head M 68 Tennessee
Racheel P Presley Wife F 54 Tennessee
Tilda J Presley Sister-in-law F 67 Tennessee
Barbara Presley Sister-in-law F 58 Tennessee
Mary Terrel Niece F 37 Tennessee


Tennessee, County Marriages
Name: A J Presley
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 17 Nov 1933
Event Place: Hawkins, Tennessee, United States
Gender: Male
Spouse's Name: Minnie Hines
Spouse's Gender: Female
Page: 29
Reference ID: 29 , GS Film Number: 1669836 , Digital Folder Number: 004539149 , Image Number: 0151


Order of Publication
In the Chancery Court of Hawkins County, Tennessee
A.J. Presley
vs.
Minnie H. Presley
In this cause, it appearing from the original bill, which is sworn to, that the defendant, Minnie H. Presley is a non-resident of the State, so that ordinary process of law cannot be served, it is therefore ordered that publication be made for four consecutive weeks in the Rogersville Review, requiring said non-resident defendant to appear before the Chancery Court at Rogersville, Tenn., on or before the third Monday of March 1936 and make defense to the original bill filed against her in the cause, otherwise same will be taken for confessed, and the cause set for hearing ex parte as to her.
This February 19th, 1936
W.R. Alton
Clerk and Master


Tennessee, Death Records
Name: Andrew J Presley
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 3 Jan 1867
Birth Place: Hawkins
Age: 70
Death Date: 17 Apr 1937
Death Place: Kingsport, Sullivan, Tennessee
Father's name: No Info
Mother's name: No Ino
Certificate Number: 10296


Death Notice
The Rogersville Review
Deaths
Mr. Andy Presley
Funeral services for Andy Presley, 70, who died Saturday night at Kingsport, were at 1 p.m. Monday at the Sensabaugh family cemetery near Rogersville.



Additional Information From the Presley Newsletter - Volume 9 No. 4 June 1994

http://bapresley.com/presley/vol9no4/

Andrew J Pressley
File C2-452-405; Co. G, 3rd TN Inf.
Died April 17, 1937, 937 Dorothy St., Kingsport, TN. Karri son Funeral Home, Rogersvilie, TN, Deceased served in Spanish War, enlisted 5-8-1898 and discharged 1-31-1899. Former address: Rt 4, Rogersville, TN. File shows Clay Presley also of 937 Dorothy St., Kingsport, TN at time of death.

Letter dated 12 April 1939 to District Welfare Board, 418^5 Cleveland St., Clearwater, FL in response to a previous letter. Letter says, "...relative to the case of Mrs. Willa Kensinger, divorced wife of the above named veteran, sic Andrew J. Presley," file of veteran does not disclose any evidence to the age of Mrs. Kensinger other than her own statement made before a field examiner...14 Feb 1914 that she was then 44 years of age."

Letter from Board in Clearwater, FL dated 25 March 1939 provides additional family information: Andrew Jackson Presley married 1-6-1887 to Mrs. Kensinger and she divorced him in 1899. Her maiden name was restored."

Form filed at time of death shows that Clay Presley was a nephew by marriage and foster son.

Date & place of burial: April 19, 1937, Rogersville, TN.

DEATH CERTIFICATE: Cert. #38511, County Sullivan, Civil Dist.ll, Reg. Dist 835, Primary Reg. Dist $28311. Personal & statistical particulars: married; b. Jan 3, 1867; age at death: 70 yrs, 3 mos. 14 days. Retired farmer; b. Hawkins Co.; parents: no information. Informant: Clay Presley; death due to: Belliowy obstruction fevor carcinoma of gall bladder and liver. Doctor started treatment 6 weeks before death. Dr. W.H. Rud, Kingsport, TN.

Page 84

Form filled out 7 Sept 1934 by Andrew J. Presley states his wife is Minnie Presley and they live at Rt 4, Rogersville, TN.

27 June 1933 he states he is single.

25 Jan 1930 cert, of medical exam: Rt 7, Rogersville, TN. birthplace: Hawkins Co., TN; age 67; hgt 5-8; wgt: 172 pounds; complexion dark; eyes blue; hair light; blood pressure 140/90. Physican noted that he has vericose veins of both legs and teeth very bad.

In list of people to provide evidence is the name: Rachel Pressley, Rogersville, TN 27 March 1915. Another page says, " Sept 14, 1920, was married to Rachel, July 14, 1901 at Rogersville, TN., was previously married to Willie Ann Kingsinger from whom he was divorced in 1898; no prior marriage of claimant."

In application 1 Sept 1920 states born January 3, 1862, Hawkins Co., TN. Post-Office at enlistment: Rogersville, TN. Wife's full name: Racheal Presley Presley. Married July 14, 1901, Rogersville, TN by Rev. G.B. Linkous. Record in County Clerk's office, Rogersville, TN. Previously married to Willie Ann Kinsinger, January 9, 1887. Divorced Bosie City, IL about 1898.

He was honorably discharged 31st Jan 1899 at Anderson, ALA.

After first Claim rejected, he appealed. Names providing affidavits this tise include: James, C., Rachel^ Tilda, and Barbara Ann Presley.

Deposition of Andrew J Pressley 25 Nov 1904: 52 yrs old, a farmer, P.O. RFD#7, Rogersville, TN. States he has always lived in this part of Hawkins Co. "I was raised over in 'Caney Valley1, about a mile and three-quarters from here by horseback, and lived there until I enlisted, and also after my discharge until eight years ago when I moved across Pine Mountain into "Poor Hollow1 here. I have lived here ever since." (Goes on to tell how he became sick with typhoid fever and his treatment). Mentions he went on furlough to his uncle's home in Hawkings Co. which was 25 miles from Bull's Gap. [concerning his drinking] "Ten or eleven years ago I went to Oregon and was out there about 11 months. "Grounghog" Jim Pressley went there with me. We were at Baker City, and worked on the building a mountain railroad. First I worked at a sheep ranch near Fayette, Idaho. "Groundhog" was with me there too.

Affidavit of his doctor mentions name of uncle: Jim Ferrell. 27 Nov 1904, Affidavit of James C. Pressley, age 53, a farmer, P.O. RFD #7, Rogersville, TN. States he served as a private in Co. G., 3rd TN Inf. "After my service I looked up my age in my father's bible, and I will be 54 yrs next month (December)...We (Andrew & he) were raised in the same neighborhood and have been well acquainted all the time. We are some related, about fourth cousins."

Page 85

27 Nov 1904 Affidavit of Rachel Presley, wife of Andrew. "I am about 43 years old...I was married to him in July, 1901, but I had known him all my life...My sister married his uncle Jim Ferrell over 30 yrs ago. She is dead. After Andy came out of the army, he made his home with his uncle until he married me....My sister died in 1900..."

27 Nov 1904, Affidavit of Tilda Presley. States she is about 50 yrs old and is the sister of Mrs. Andrew Presley. She has been living with Andrew & Rachel for past years.

27 Nov 1904, Affidavit of Barbara Ann Presley age about 47 yrs. Sister to Tilda and Mrs. Andrew Presley and lives with them. States she has lived with her sister since her marriage in 1901 except a short time, "I lived in the next house here with my mother. We were raised in this neighborhood, and so was Andy...".

Special Examination (27 pp.) letter 24 1914 from Dept of Interior states former wife in Evanston, IL and Joseph Kensinger at Westerford, Custer Co., OK.

15 Jan 1914 affidavit of James M Presley, Lexington, McLean Co., IL. Age about 65. "Andrew J Presley is about a 2nd cousin of mine. He boarded with me during one winter and Slimmer about 14 yrs ago. He was section boss and I worked for him...Andy and his wife parted in Tenn. and she came back up here to my house and then got with the Wilsons and the last I heard of her she was with Billy Wilson near Chicago. .. I hs-ird she was married again but don't know who she married." Elsie & S.E. Presley witnessed his signature. 15 Jan 1914 Affidavit of J.C. Presley, near Lexington, McLean Co., IL. Age 58. Caretaker for cemetery near Lexington, IL. "Andrew J Presley is a 2nd cousin of mine. We were practically raised together down in TN. I have been out here 12 yrs. (when Andrew worked in IL) We both boarded for awhile with my Uncle James Presley..."

14 Feb 1914 Affidavit of Willa A Kensinger, Evanston, Cook Co., IL, age 44, occupation: dressmaker. Address: P.O. 520 Davis St., Evanston. "I have known Andrew J Presley from the time I knew anybody. He worked on my grandfather's place. I married him in 1887 and parted from him in 1897...I was divorced from him in Octoer 1899, in Grundy Co., IL...Along in the winter of 1900 when I was visiting my Uncle Joseph Kensinger, then Weatherford, OK....states when Andy came back (from trip to IL) he stayed at a coxisin of mine, J.F. Steffey, now Master Gunner in the U.S. Army. Steffey's father, W.A. Steffey lives at Concord, TN."

Deposition of Andrew J Presley, 8 Sept 1913 (NOTE: I am only adding new information). "...I was at Lexington and Ocoy, IL for 7 yrs and returned to Caney Valley 2 yrs before enlistment...". States that after becoming ill, and furloughed, going to his uncle Jim Ferrell's, he stayed there about a year and never returned to his regiment. His discharge was sent to him. "While in 111, before my service,

Page 86

I worked as section hand as foreman of a section on the Chicago & Alien RR. I boarded with James Presley, an uncle of my present wife...My father and mother are dead. I have no brother. I have only one sister Sarah wife of Henry Thomas, but she left here 30 years ago and is up about Big Stone Gap., VA...James Presley was my main Lieutenant William Presley lieuted with me some too but I don't know where he is. They are only very distantly related to me... I have no child by either of my wives."

(9 Sept 1913) Deposition of James C. Presley, Alvis Stone Hawkins Co., TN, age 47, farmer, address: RFC #7, Rogersville, TN. enlisted with Andy Presley in Co. G, 3rd TN Inf. a 4th cousin.

9 Sept 1913 Deposition of James R. Ferrell, 54 yrs old, farmer, Alvin Stone, Hawkins Co., TN. "Claimant is my nephew".

Andrew J Thomas gives testimony same day, age 73 of Alvin Stone, says he is distantly related to Andy but does not know just how.

Medical exam Andy Presley shows him age 57, hgt 5-11; wgt 158 pounds, complexion fair, eyes blue, hair black.

Application 15 Aug 1911 shows Andrew was born January 3, 1862. Wife maiden name Rachel Presley. married by preacher Gains Linkores.

Letter of Andrew to Bureau of Pensions 12 Nov 1929 states, "...in regard to my age the Bible record give me 67 the 3 day of Jan 1929."

Andrew Presley's claim for pension was rejected Dec 17, 1914. the case was appealed and the appeal turned down March 25, 1916. He applied again in 1929, and again was rejected.