From History of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin - 1881, Volume 1, Page 480

WM. KYNASTON, Keeper of the Pier Light, was born in Liverpool, England, August 25, 1818.  He went to sea in 1830, as an apprentice in the British merchant service.  First visiting the United States in 1835, he landed at New Orleans.  In 1837 he enlisted in the United States navy at Boston, in the ship of war "Ohio," Commodore Hull, Captains SMITH and STOCKTON.  Mr. KYNASTON served in the Mediterranean Sea three years, at the expiration of which term, he sailed in the merchant service of the United States.  In 1840 he went to Buffalo, and engaged in sailing on the lakes.  Came to Milwaukee in 1842, brought his family in 1847 and established his permanent residence here.  In 1849 was given command of the schooner "Elizabeth Henderson" which he sailed one season.  In 1850 he went across the plains to California, and sailed on the Sacramento River during the season.  He then shipped from San Francisco for the Isthmus of Panama, crossed the Isthmus in the night alone and afoot, and shipped on a schooner at Chagres for New Orleans.  The schooner was wrecked on an island called the Triangle Keys.  Here the crew lived seventeen days, mostly on alligator meat and land crabs.  Not relishing this dainty fare, Mr. KYNASTON, and three others ventured in a small boat twelve feet long, in an attempt to reach some port.  They made the Belize of Honduras, in safety, and help was immediately sent their companions on the island.  From Honduras he returned by way of New Orleans to Milwaukee, arriving in March, 1851.  He resumed his life on the lakes by taking command of the schooner "Baltic," continuing in the capacity of lake captain till 1865.  During three years he sailed successively the schooner "Eliphalet Cramer," the brigs "C. J. Hutchinson," and "Alex. Mitchell," schooners, "D. O. Dickinson," and L. J. Farwell," brig "David Ferguson," schooners "May Queen" and "Whaling," barks "Constitution," and "Nucleus."  From 1865 to 1870 he was pilot of the United States Revenue Cutter "Andy Johnson."  In February, 1871, appointed to his present position.

Submitted by Carol