Amherst B. Cheney spent a formative period in Michigan, moving multiple times before settling in Sparta. He served in the military, rising to the rank of second lieutenant before being wounded and subsequently leaving service. Post-military, Cheney engaged in various business ventures, including insurance, real estate, and beekeeping. He transitioned into public service, holding positions such as justice of the peace and town treasurer, and was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. Cheney also pursued a career in politics, joining the Prohibition Party and running for multiple offices, including Michigan State Treasurer and the Michigan Senate.

Amherst B. Cheney's political identity is marked by an unwavering commitment to Prohibition, aligning with the Prohibition Party since 1884. His legislative pursuits, from local offices to state-wide positions, consistently reflect this singular focus. Notably, Cheney's involvement in the University of Michigan's board of regents indicates a strategic interest in shaping educational policies to support his moral agenda. His life and career, however, are punctuated by legal troubles and ethical lapses, creating a complex portrait of a man driven by ideological rigidity yet marred by personal failings.