N. J. HAINES
Bio-Pen Pictures
SURNAMES:
The finest property in Union District is owned by the subject of this sketch. His estate of eighty acres fronts on Union Avenue, about one-half mile north of the New Almaden and Los Gatos road. The property was bought by Mr. Haines in 1866, at the nominal price of $15 per acre. It was then in a state of nature, and was described as "oak openings " The work of improvement has steadily progressed since that time, and the property has developed into one of the most desirable fruit ranches, of its size, to be found in the Santa Clara Valley. Eight thousand dollars have been expended in buildings and in beautifying the surrounding grounds. Until 1880 the ranch was devoted to general farming. Now, forty acres are in trees, and thirty-five acres in vineyard; fourteen acres are set with almonds, twenty acres with prunes, three acres with English walnuts, and the remainder with apricots. The vineyard is planted with a variety of grapes, the Zinfandel, Matero, and Riesling being largely represented. A household orchard contains almost every variety of fruit adapted to the climate and best for table use. Mr. Haines has erected a dryer, with all the modern improvements, principally for the handling of his own fruit. One hundred and fifty tons of fruit were cured in 1887. The fine residence, standing sixty rods from the road, is reached by a drive along a beautiful avenue, shaded by walnut and Italian cypress trees.
Mr. Haines dates his birth in Falmouth County, Massachusetts, March 19, 1849. He is the son of A. G. and Sophronia Haines. In 1861 he came with his parents to Santa Clara County, where his mother has since died. His literary studies were completed in the schools of this county.
An enthusiastic horticulturist and viticulturist, he is a member of the American
and of the State and County Horticultural Societies, and of the State and County
Viticultural Societies. He is also identified with the Patrons of Husbandry. He
belongs to the Republican party, and, as one of its active workers, is prominent
in its councils.
Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888.
Pg. 473
SANTA CLARA COUNTY BIOGRAPHY PROJECT