Thomas N. Haskins, a prominent attorney of LaSalle, was born October 29, 1862, in this city. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (White) Haskins, both of whom were born in Ireland. They were married in Lexington, Missouri, and moved to LaSalle in 1850, since which time they have resided here. The father was a large contractor and dealer in lumber at one time, and later lived on a farm in Woodford county for three years before moving to LaSalle.
Thomas N. Haskins was reared in LaSalle and received his education in that city during his early years. This was supplemented with a threeyear course in the Seminary of Our Lady of the Angels, now the University of Niagara. Returning home he learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked only a short time, as it proved most uncongenial labor. He had an inordinate love of books and decided to choose for his vocation the profession of law. Accordingly he began his studies in the office of the firm of Meer, Duncan & O'Conor; had soon mastered the intricacies of that profession, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1887. He has been a practitioner in this city ever since, first in the firm of Hall & Haskins, then alone, afterward in the firm of Duncan, O'Conor & Haskins, later as Duncan, Haskins & Panneck, and still later as Haskins & Panneck, which is the style of the firm at this time. He is a lawyer of more than average ability, keen and shrewd in his judgment, and a forcible speaker who carries conviction to the mind of his hearers.
In 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Conerton, of Dimmick, this state. They are both devout members of the Roman Catholic church, and are highly esteemed for their many worthy qualities. Mr. Haskins is also connected with a number of fraternal orders, belonging to Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen of America and Court of Honor. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and for four years made one of the ablest and most efficient city attorneys ever elected to that office in LaSalle. In 1894 he was the party candidate for state senator, and in 1897 was in the field as candidate for circuit judge, in both races receiving a flattering vote. He has many friends in both parties, and is deservedly popular among the great mass of people, as well for his kindly, genial manner as his upright honesty of purpose.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 243-244.
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