A native of Cayuga County, where he also studied law. He moved to New York City to begin his career as a lawyer and maintained a practice there for many years. He settled with his family in New Brunswick, NJ, where he became involved in the educational and public affairs of the state. He also served as commissioner from New Jersey to the World's Fair of 1851. His son Francis Sherwood Kinney became a big tobacco manufacturer. His wife was well connected and friends with prominent politicians through her sister and brother-in-law. FMS mentions him in her 1835 journal. On her to do list, she writes "F. S. Kinney's bill," but the specific bill she is talking about remains unknown.