Herman McInnes was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and educated in Fredericton.

He worked as a druggist for five years in that city and in Winnipeg after graduating high school.

However, the latter term was truncated when Edmonton amalgamated with Strathcona and elections were held for an entirely new council.

McInnes was re-elected for a one-year term in the 1912 Edmonton municipal election, but he resigned May 7, 1912.

In 1912, McInnes retired from the practice of medicine to look after his other interests, which included the lumber company (which he sold in 1914) and prospecting for oil.