John Michiner Haines (Governor)

Burial Date: June 07, 1917
Location: Section B-129-3

Haines was born in Jasper County, Iowa, on January 1, 1863.

After finishing three years at Penn College (a sectarian institution for the Quaker faith), Haines withdrew from school due to ill health. He moved to Richfield, Kansas and started a career in the real estate industry.

Haines entered politics as a member of the Republican State Central Committee. He also served as Morton County's deputy clerk, and in 1889 was elected register of deeds.

In 1890, he moved to Idaho and established a real estate business in Boise. Returning to public service, Haines served as Boise's mayor from 1907 to 1909. He won the 1912 Republican gubernatorial nomination and was sworn into the governor's office on January 6, 1913.

During his tenure, he advocated a consolidated control system of educational establishments and a public utilities commission. Also, the state board of education was created, a workmen's compensation bill was vetoed, Power County was founded, and an appropriation of $1,200 dollars was sanctioned for former-Governor Willey, who had become destitute.

After losing his reelection bid, Haines retired from politics, and returned to his real estate business.