Townsend Haines

Townsend Haines (January 7, 1792 – October 5, 1865) was an American politician and judge from Pennsylvania. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County from 1827 to 1828. He served as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Townsend Haines
Haines in a 1899 publication
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
In office 1848–1850
Preceded by	Jesse Miller
Succeeded by	Alexander L. Russel
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the Chester County district
In office 1827–1828
Personal details
Born	(1792-01-07)January 7, 1792 West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	October 5, 1865(1865-10-05) (aged 73) West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political party	Whig
Occupation	Politician judge lawyer

Early life

Townsend Haines was born on January 7, 1792, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Ann (née Ryant) and Caleb Haines. His father was a Loyalist during the Revolutionary War and was a refugee in Nova Scotia until he received amnesty. In October 1809, Haines studied at the school of Enoch Lewis in New Garden Township. In 1815, he studied Latin under Mr. Glass in West Chester. He then studied the law under Judge Isaac Darlington and was admitted to the bar on February 7, 1818.^[1]

Career

Haines first practiced law in the orphans' court.^[1]

Haines was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County in 1826 and was re-elected in 1827.^[1] In 1846, he was a candidate for the U.S. Congress as a Whig. Under Governor William F. Johnston, he served as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1851, he was elected president judge of the 15th judicial district, comprising Chester and Delaware counties. He served in that role for ten years.^[1]

Personal life

Haines married. His wife died in 1865.^[1]

Haines died on October 5, 1865, at his home in West Chester.^[1][2]