b. August 6, 1808, in Virginia; d. August 13, 1868, in Springfield, Illinois. Tinsley came to Springfield, Illinois, in 1830. In April 1833, he married Hannah Taylor. Tinsley formed a partnership with James Bell that dissolved on June 2, 1834. On June 4, 1834, Tinsley formed a partnership with John Taylor that lasted until 1837. In March 1840, Tinsley formed a partnership with Edmond Taylor and William Cowgill. In June of that year, he was elected director of the State Bank of Illinois. In 1844, Tinsley became the commissioner of the Springfield and Alton Turnpike Company. In 1850, he was a merchant in Sangamon County with real estate worth $40,000. In 1852, Tinsley was a director of the Mechanics and Farmers Bank in Springfield, Illinois. From 1857 to 1859, he served as the third ward alderman for Springfield, Illinois. In 1860, Tinsley was a miller with real estate worth $36,000 and personal property worth $4,000. Tinsley owned the building that housed the second Logan and Lincoln law office, the first Lincoln and Herndon law office, and also a house at 214 South Fourth Street which Lincoln rented for a few months before purchasing his own home.