Thomas Kinnersley in New York City

Thomas Kinnersley and his family arrived at the Port of New York on 12 Apr 1821 aboard the ship Venus. Most remarkably, the passenger list gives place of birth as well as current residence for this family. According to the passenger list, while all of his children were born in London, Thomas himself was born in Surrey. His naturalization papers dated 10 Apr 1832 are in the possession of Kay Kinnersley, Edison, New Jersey, and they confirm that he had been living in the United States the required minimum of ten years. His London publishing business was apparently maintained by others after his departure, since an 1824 Directory of London still lists it.

In New York City, he lived first at 135 Cherry Street. Later at Broadway near 19^th, and then at 21 Ave 3^rd, according to various New York City Directories. An engraved portrait of him exists with the caption, Mr T. Kinnersley (Pub by T. Kinnersley Oct 1, 1819) Died May 23, 1839. A copy of this is in my possession. We also have a pair of silver ice tongs engraved with his name, and "New York Horticultural Society, 1833." Family tradition says that this award was received for growing rose bushes. Earl Kinnersley showed me a silver medal with a similar date and inscription.

Thomas' death notice appeared in the New York Tribune for 27 May 1839, "after a severe illness." His will was filed in New York Surrogate Court, liber 80, pp238-244, leaving his presses and the printing business to his wife. He is buried in The Cemetery of the Evergreens, Brooklyn, Lot 105 Sumachs. The tombstone inscription reads:

Sacred to the memory of Thomas Kinnersley, beloved husband, a kind father, and a faithful friend, who departed this life 23rd May 1839 Aged 72 years 10 months and 26 days.

After Thomas' death, Mary Ann remained at 61 Ave 3^rd in New York City until 1846, when she moved to Brooklyn to live with her youngest son Augustus. We have a picture of a woman in her 80's who may be Mary Ann. Her death notice ran in the New York Times on 10 Apr 1871. She is buried in The Cemetery of the Evergreens alongside Thomas, with the inscription:

Also to the memory of beloved mother Mary Ann Kinnersley, April 8, 1871, aged 84 years 7 months 22 days.