Samuel Cony graduated from Brown University and studied law, establishing a foundation in both higher education and legal expertise. He was admitted to the bar in 1832 and opened a law office in Old Town, Maine. Cony served as a judge of the Probate Court for Penobscot County from 1840 to 1846. His political career included terms in the Maine House of Representatives, the governor's executive council, and as the State Treasurer of Maine. Cony notably raised troops and provisions for the American Civil War during his tenure as Governor of Maine from 1863 to 1867.

Samuel Cony's political identity is marked by a blend of ideological adaptability and strategic focus on wartime mobilization. Initially a Democrat, he shifted to the Republican Party during a pivotal period, aligning with broader national trends while maintaining a strong commitment to Maine's interests. His tenure as governor saw an unprecedented mobilization effort during the Civil War, with Cony personally signing thousands of commissions, showcasing a calculated approach to regional stability and national duty. Cony's dual roles in both judicial and executive branches highlight an ideologically agile yet results-driven political philosophy.