David Kinnison/Kennison/Kinniston

(Unknown – February 24, 1852) 

Of the many claims David Kinnison made about his life and his participation in many events central to the Revolutionary War, he also claimed to have participated in the Boston Tea Party. Despite sharing a lot of personal folklore about his life, Kinnison himself even changed his date of birth in his own personal accounting over his lifetime. 

In 1848, he famously put himself on display at the Chicago Museum, and put an advertisement in the Chicago Daily Democrat on November 6, 1848 that stated: 

“I have taken [rented] the Museum in this city, which I was obliged to do in order to get a comfortable living, as my Pension is so small it scarcely affords the comforts of life. If I live until the 17th of November, 1848, I shall be 112 years old, and I intend making a Donation Party on that day at the Museum. I have fought in several battles for my country, and have suffered more than any man will have to suffer, I hope I would not go through the wars, and suffer what I have, for ten worlds like this. Now all I can ask of this generous public is to call at the Museum on the 17th day of November, which is my birthday, and donate to me all they think I deserve. I shall be happy to have all the traveling community call and see me at all times.” 

While there were Revolutionary War pension papers filed in New York in 1820 for a David Kinnison that claimed numerous injuries at various battles during that conflict, his claims vary so widely that it is unclear exactly what service he participated in. 

However, it seems that many did believe Kinnison’s claims, though most were greatly exaggerated. The city of Chicago hailed him as a hero, and as the oldest survivor of the Boston Tea Party until his death. He received a grand funeral that was described in the Chicago Daily Journal issued on February 25, 1852. He received full military honors and a procession that included a military band, decorated officers and soldiers from the US Army, members of the clergy, the fire department, and citizens of Chicago invited to attend. While Kinnison maintained his participation in the “destruction of the tea” to his death, due to the dubious nature of his other claims, he is listed as an “Eyewitness to History.”