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JAMES M. HAINES, a farmer; post office, New City, son of Christopher and Mira (Gatewood) Haines; the former born in Virginia, in 1795, and the latter in Alabama, June 9, 1797; married October 12, 1815. They had seven children born in Kentucky, and moved with them to this county, in 1829; entered land and commenced farming, which he continued until his death, March 29, 1850.
The subject of this sketch married Myrah Ricks, of Kentucky, May 24, 1853; had nine children: Alice E., born July 22, 1854, and married Dr. W. B. Smith, June 7, 1877, and with him resides at New City, in this township; Benetta S., born February 16, 1856; Margaret Emma, born December 19, 1857; William C., born February 5, 1860; Ulysses G., born July 19, 1863; Ida M., born May 4, 1865; Newell E., born October 15, 1867, and died February 17, 1868; Freddie G., born April 9, 1869, and died September 19, 1869; Arthur G., born June 13, 1871. Mr. H. owns three hundred and eight acres of land, of which two hundred and fifty-six are under cultivation, and worth $50 per acre. The house in which he attended school in Sangamon, was a small log cabin, with puncheon floor and split slab benches, with oiled paper for window lights. Thomas Laughlin was his first teacher, in 1833. His father was born July 5, 1795, in Virginia, and died in Sangamon county, March 30, 1850, and his
mother Mira (Gatewood) was born in 1797, and died in this county November 18, 1859. They were members of the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Jas. M. Haines and his family are of the M. E. church, and in politics they are Republicans.