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WILLIAM T. HAINES, the forty-ninth governor of Maine, was born in Levant, Maine on August 7, 1854. His education was attained at the University of Maine, where he graduated in 1876, and at the Albany Law School, where he earned his LL.B. degree two years later. Along with his legal practice, Haines had a successful career in the lumber industry and also in the loan and building business. He first entered politics in 1882, serving as the county attorney of Kennebec County, a position he held five years. He served as a member of the Maine State Senate from 1888 to 1892, and was a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 1895. He also served as the attorney general of Maine from 1896 to 1901, and was a member of the governor’s executive council from 1901 to 1905. In 1912, Haines won the Republican gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win the general election by a popular vote. During his tenure, a bond issue was authorized for road improvements; and a public utilities bill was sanctioned, as well as an anti-trust act. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Haines left office on January 6, 1915, and retired from political life. Governor William T. Haines passed away on June 4, 1919 in Augusta, Maine.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Bio of William T. Haines

The Political Graveyard