John Kinsey

John Kinsey ( 1693 – May 11, 1750) was an American lawyer, politician, and Quaker leader. After being admitted to the bar in Philadelphia and in New Jersey, he was elected to the New Jersey Assembly and as speaker before moving to Philadelphia. A member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, he served as speaker near-continuously from 1739 until his death. He also served in other positions in colonial politics, including attorney-general (1738–1741), chief justice (1743–1750), and presiding clerk of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (1730–1750). Since his death, he has risen from obscurity for his important role in Quaker history.

Early life and career Kinsey was born circa 1693 in Philadelphia, to Sarah ( Stevens) and John Kinsey. he served as speaker from October 15, 1739 He led the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as presiding clerk from 1730 until 1750 and served as a correspondent for the London Yearly Meeting.

Personal life, death, and legacy In 1725, Kinsey married Mary Kearney; they had seven children, including James Kinsey.

Kinsey died on May 11, 1750, after falling ill while litigating before the New Jersey Supreme Court in Burlington. Edwin B. Bronner and Susan A. Hoffman argue that this illness may have been a stroke.