DR. CHARLES B. RAINES, JR., who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Mineral Wells, was born in Nacogdoches county, Texas, November 30, 1846, his parents being Dr. Charles B. and Mary Ann (Pope) Raines. The father was a native of Virginia and came to Texas in 1835, locating at Brazoria county. He was one of the delegates to the convention which declared the independence of Texas and secession from Mexico early in 1834. When the movement of secession was inaugurated he journeyed to Tennessee, raising a command of soldiers and was on his way to Texas with them when at New Orleans he heard of the battle of San Jacinto and the surrender of Santa Anna, which occurred on the 21st of April, 1836, and accordingly he disbanded his company as they were then not needed. Returning to Tennessee he remained in that state for a few years and about 1844 he again came to Texas. Here he enlisted as chief surgeon in Woods’ Regiment in General Taylor’s command for the Mexican war and was with his regiment in Mexico during that conflict. He died in 1896 at Rusk, in Cherokee county, having lived for some time, however, with his son, Dr. Raines, in Palo Pinto county, spending six years here. His life was devoted to the practice of medicine with the exception of a few years prior to his death, when he lived retired. He was one of the successful physicians of his day and locality and as a soldier he was also brave and loyal and there were in his life’s history many elements worthy of commendation. His wife was born and reared in Marion county, Tennessee, and her death occurred in 1863.
Dr. Charles B. Raines was reared at Rusk, in Cherokee county, and when only sixteen years of age he enlisted as a member of Company A, Second Texas Cavalry, C.S.A., commanded by Charles Pyron. He served in the Trans-Mississippi department in Texas and Louisiana. His regiment lost heavily at the battle of Thibodaux, Louisiana. In the latter part of the war Dr. Raines saw service along the Rio Grande river.
When hostilities had ceased Dr. Raines returned to Rusk and completed his education there. Desiring to prepare for the practice of medicine he attended medical lectures at the University of Louisiana, now Tulane University, and when he had prepared for his chosen profession he became a student in Louisville Medical College, where he was graduated in 1871. Immediately afterward he came to western Texas, establishing his home at Weatherford, Parker county, in July of that year. In the following May he located for practice in Palo Pinto, Palo Pinto county, at that time being the center of the Indian wars and depredations that occurred in western Texas from 1865 until 1874. The records show that Dr. Raines was in several fights against the Indians that took place in this county. After his arrival here he was commissioned by Governor E. J. Davis to raise a company, but he turned this responsibility over to Captain W. C. McAdam, who lives in the north part of Palo Pinto county. However, he did not shirk his part of the fight but, as mentioned above, took part in many engagements and did everything in his power to protect the rights of the frontier settlers.
Dr. Raines lived at Palo Pinto for ten years and then came to Mineral Wells, where he has since made his home. He is a successful physician and surgeon of large practice and experience, with due regard to a high standard of professional ethics. He keeps in touch with the advance of thought and growing efficiency of the profession, his reading and investigation continually broadening his knowledge and promoting his skill. He belongs to the county, state and American medical societies, and to the Northwest Texas Medical Association, having at one time been president of the last named.
Dr. Raines was married to Mrs. Maggie L. Wilson, formerly Miss Maggie L. Loving, a sister of George B. Loving and a daughter of Oliver Loving, who was killed by the Indians on the Pecos river, in western Texas. The Loving family are prominent as pioneers and cattlemen in the western part of the Lone Star state. Dr. and Mrs. Raines have a large circle of friends, enjoying the hospitality of many of the best homes of the county. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His attention, however, is chiefly given to his professional duties, which are many, for his skill and ability have secured him a liberal and constantly growing patronage.
Source: B. B. Paddock, History and Biographical Record of North and West Texas, Vol. II (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906), pp. 280-281.