Representative Charles Haight

Charles Haight (January 4, 1838 – August 1, 1891) was an American lawyer and Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey’s 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1867 to 1871. He was born in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, on January 4, 1838, the son of Thomas Haight, who later became the Democratic nominee for governor of New Jersey in 1847. Raised in Monmouth County, he was educated in local private schools in Freehold, New Jersey, before pursuing higher education.

Haight attended Princeton College (now Princeton University), from which he graduated in 1857. Following his graduation, he studied law and prepared for admission to the bar while remaining in Monmouth County. He was admitted to the bar in 1861 and commenced the practice of law in Freehold, New Jersey. His legal training and early professional work in Freehold provided the foundation for his subsequent career in public service and politics.

Haight entered state politics at a relatively young age. He was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly and served from 1860 to 1862. During this period, he quickly rose to prominence, serving as speaker of the General Assembly in both 1861 and 1862. His legislative leadership coincided with the outbreak of the American Civil War, and his role in state government placed him at the center of New Jersey’s political response to the conflict.

In addition to his legislative duties, Haight held a military commission during the Civil War. He was commissioned a brigadier general of militia on May 27, 1861. In this capacity, he was in command of Camp Vredenburgh, a major training and organization point for New Jersey troops, from August 22, 1862, until the close of the war. His dual experience in state government and militia command enhanced his public profile and reinforced his standing within the Democratic Party.

Haight was elected as a Democrat to the Fortieth and Forty-first Congresses, representing New Jersey’s 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He served from March 4, 1867, to March 3, 1871, completing two terms in office. His service in Congress occurred during the Reconstruction era, a significant period in American history marked by debates over the reintegration of the Southern states and the rights of newly freed African Americans. As a member of the Democratic Party representing New Jersey, he contributed to the legislative process during these two terms, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his constituents. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1870 to the Forty-second Congress.

After leaving Congress, Haight resumed the practice of law in Freehold. He remained active in Democratic Party affairs and was chosen as a delegate to the 1872 Democratic National Convention, where he served as chairman of the New Jersey state delegation. His continued prominence in state politics led to his appointment as prosecutor of the pleas, and he was appointed prosecuting attorney of Monmouth County in 1873. He held that office from 1873 until his death, maintaining a central role in the county’s legal and civic life.

Haight’s family connections also extended into the legal and judicial spheres; he was the uncle of Judge Thomas Griffith Haight, who later served as a federal judge. Charles Haight died in Freehold, New Jersey, on August 1, 1891. He was interred in Maplewood Cemetery in Freehold, closing a career that combined legal practice, state legislative leadership, militia command during the Civil War, and service in the United States Congress.