Daniel Haines

Who was Daniel Haines?

Daniel Haines was an American jurist who served as the 14th Governor of New Jersey.

Haines was born in New York City, the nephew of Governor Aaron Ogden. He graduated from The College of New Jersey in 1820, and went on to practice law in Newton and Hamburg. He started his career in politics as a local supporter of Andrew Jackson in the 1824 presidential election.

He won election to the New Jersey Legislative Council representing Sussex County in 1839 and 1840, and was elected to be governor in 1843. During his first term, he brought about the calling of a convention to form a new New Jersey State Constitution. He was reelected in 1847, and his administration concentrated on improving state schooling and government.

After his service as governor, Haines was appointed in 1852 as an Associate Justice to the New Jersey Supreme Court, an office which he held into 1866. He spent the remainder of his years working towards prison reform, an issue which was close to his heart.

Haines was buried at North Hardyston Cemetery in Hardyston Township, New Jersey.