The Kinnears probably came originally to Scotland as Normans around 1165. The name changed from de Kyner to Kynner to Kynnier to Kenneir to Kinneir to Kinnear. They were abbots to the Balmerino Abbey in southeast Scotland in the 1200s. In the 1600s, in participation with the English, they contributed to the subjugation of Ireland and obtained their land in this way. Stephen's line subsequently came to the U.S. about 1791.
Stephen A. KINNEAR, born 1 September 1813 in Pickaway Twp., Pickaway Co., Ohio, lived in several parts of the county over his lifetime. He owned and worked two farms until shortly before his death on 18 November 1880 in Mt. Sterling, Madison Co., Ohio. One of his farms is noted on the Wheeler Map of Pickaway County, 1844 survey #767, Monroe Twp. and Muhlenburg Twp.. His father, David, owned a farm in the north east section of Pickaway Twp.
David Kinnear, born 19 September 1779 in Ireland came to this country about 1791 with other members of his family. Some of David's siblings stayed in Pennsylvania while he and others came west to Ohio, Indiana, and Kansas. David is buried in Forest Cemetery, Circleville, Ohio and his father, Andrew, is buried in the Whistler Cemetery, Pickaway Co., Ohio.
Stephen married Mary Harris WILLIAMS, born 13 January 1821 in Scioto Twp., Pickaway Co., Ohio, on 29 January 1839 in Pickaway Co., Ohio. She is the daughter of Edward Williams and Catherine SEYMOUR both from Virginia. Their children are as follows: