Nathaniel Kinsman was a Salem, Mssacussets-based shipping merchant. He started his career as a clrk and then became a supercargo for William Gray, Jr., one of the largest shipowners in Salem. From 1830 to 1832, he was the supercargo on the ship 'Parachute', of which he was part-owner.
Nathaniel left Salem for China in July 1843 with his wife and some family members. The family arrived in Macau, China, in October 1843.