 He was the son of judge Thomas Hinkson, and moved to Clinton County, Ohio with his father.He was deputy clerk of the court for Fayette County, and was admitted to the bar and began practice in Wilmington, Ohio in 1820, which continued until he was elected Ohio Secretary of State.Hinkson was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1826, 1827 1829, 1830 and 1833.