A native of Dover, Vermont, Haskins was educated in the local schools, became an attorney, and practiced in Wilmington and Newfane before settling in Brattleboro.

Active in politics as a Republican, Haskins served as State's Attorney of Windham County (1870–1872) and Brattleboro's member of the Vermont House of Representatives (1872–1874).

[1] He was admitted to the bar in 1858, by which time Shafter had moved to California, and Haskins began to practice with Davenport in Wilmington.

[1] In early 1861, Haskins moved to Williamsville, an unincorporated village in Newfane, Vermont, where he continued to practice law.

[1] His pro-Union stance at the start of the American Civil War led him to affiliate with the Republican Party, an association which he maintained for the rest of his life.

[1] In September 1862, Haskins joined the military for the Civil War by enlisting in Company I, 16th Vermont Infantry Regiment.

[1] When Peter T. Washburn, who had served as adjutant general of the militia during the war, became governor in 1869, he named Haskins an aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel.

[1] After the war, Haskins was active in veterans organizations, including the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Grand Army of the Republic, and Reunion Society of Vermont Officers, of which he was elected president in 1902.

[1] He served during the presidential administrations of Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, and Grover Cleveland, and held the office until July 1887.

[2] Haskins was long active in Freemasonry, and held several leadership positions in Wilmington and Brattleboro, as well as at the state level.

[5] He was also active in the Episcopal Church, and held several leadership roles in Brattleboro, as well as attending several general conventions as a lay deputy.