Aaron Kinney (1773-1857) and Mary Clingman (1778-1849) were married in Pennsylvania in 1797. In 1804, they relocated to Portsmouth, Ohio, with their four children, starting a new chapter in the town’s history. Nine more children were born to the couple, with their youngest passing away two weeks after her birth. Despite hardships, Aaron and Mary built a legacy of strong family values and community involvement.

All twelve Kinney children grew to adulthood and became leaders in the Portsmouth community. They played pivotal roles in local government, banking, river transportation, and business. The Kinney family was also instrumental in establishing the All Saints Episcopal Church, demonstrating their deep-rooted involvement in the town’s development.

The Aaron and Mary Kinney homestead, now known as the 1810 House and Museum, has become a major focal point for historic preservation in Portsmouth. The house was occupied by three generations of the Kinney family—Aaron and Mary, their son Henry, and Henry’s daughter Isabel, who lived there until her death in 1946.

The Kinney family left behind several homes that still stand in Portsmouth today. These include Eli’s home on Court Street, the Peter Kinney Home on Front Street, Margaret Kinney Hall’s home on Second Street, and Nancy Kinney Walker’s house in South Shore, Kentucky. Peter Kinney also built another home on Mt. Tabor across from Greenlawn Cemetery after his return from a trip abroad in 1867. Except for the 1810 House, all of these homes are now privately owned.

The 1810 House, the original Kinney homestead, is one of the few remaining examples of pioneer history in Portsmouth. Thanks to the efforts of the community and historical societies, the house has been preserved and remains a vital part of Portsmouth’s historical heritage. In 2012, over 200 years after Aaron and Mary established their home, the 1810 House Museum continues to thrive with its gardens, new fence, and historical sign.

The preservation of the Kinney family legacy relies on the continued support of members and the local community. As stewards of history, the 1810 House Museum encourages current and future members to share the story of the Kinney family and the importance of preserving this pioneer homestead.