Died 1897 (aged 70–71) Predecessor Henry Lang Term 1884-1894 | Occupation School principal Monuments The Pequannock Gate Name Joseph Haynes | |
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Title Mayor of Newark, New Jersey | ||
Joseph Emmett Haynes (1826–1897) was the twentieth mayor of Newark, New Jersey 1884 to 1894. A Democrat who explicitly appealed to the working class, Haynes is chiefly remembered for securing Newark a safe and abundant water supply, and his mayoralty is seen as a turning point in the prosperity of Newark.
Biography
Haynes instigated a £6 million project to obtain water from the Pequannock River rather than the polluted Passaic River, which resulted in a 70% decline in typhoid deaths.
Haynes held a Semi-Centennial Celebration for Newark on 5 January 1886, and its success led to him being called the "Semi-Centennial Mayor". However, local newspapers criticised Haynes' use of patronage, calling the Board of Health the "Board of Junket" and dubbing him "Picnic Joe" for his use of hospitalities. He faced accusations of accepting gifts in exchange for contracts and ballot rigging.
Before he was elected mayor Haynes was principal of Morton Street School. He left office in 1894 to become postmaster of Newark. The Pequannock Gate, also known as the North Newark Castle, is a memorial to him.