Career
Born in New York City, he moved to Rosendale, Wisconsin Territory in 1847. During the American Civil War, Pinckney enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment was appointed major. Then in 1862, he was commissioned colonel in the 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Pinckney suffered a stroke and had to resign his commission.
In 1864, he served as mayor of Ripon, Wisconsin. After the war, Pinckney moved to Peabody, Kansas.
In 1875, Pinckley served in the Kansas House of Representatives and in 1877, was the postmaster of Peabody, Kansas.