Reuben Haines

Haines was the son of Josiah Haines and Martha Burr, both of Burlington County, New Jersey. After the death of Josiah, his mother married Timothy Matlack Sr. (1695–1752), with whom she had more children. One of these children was Timothy Matlack, the brewer and politician, who was Haines's younger half-brother. Haines was also the first cousin of the Quaker abolitionist John Woolman.^[6]

On April 4, 1760, Haines married Margaret Wistar (1729–1793), daughter of the wealthy glass-maker Caspar Wistar.^[5] They had five children:

• Catherine Haines (1761–1808), who married Richard Hartshorne
• Caspar Wistar Haines (1762–1803), who married Hannah Marshall and inherited the Wyck House estate. They were the parents of Reuben Haines III, scientist and farmer.^[1]
• Josiah Haines (1764–?), who married Susan Harriett Bull
• Reuben Haines Jr. (1765–1793)
• Martha Haines (1769–1781)

Haines and his stepfather Timothy Matlack Sr. were members of the Fellowship Fire Company, the second organized fire company in the British colonies.^[7]

After his stepfather's death in 1752, Haines inherited his brewery, multiple properties, and a considerable amount of debt.^[5] Haines continued this business with the help of his sons, Caspar Haines and Reuben Haines Jr.^[5] From 1784 to 1793, "Reuben Haines and Sons" brewery was located at No. 145 Market Street in Philadelphia. A few months before his death, Haines led a parade of more than 75 brewers through the streets of Philadelphia, with banners reading "Home brew'd is best" and "Proper drink for Americans".^[8]

Haines's clients included many notable figures including Benjamin Franklin^[9] and George Washington.^[10]

He was a member of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture.^[11]

Haines and his wife Margaret died in Philadelphia during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793.^[1][5]