Mark in Texas History: Marker in Mineola tells story of C.W. Raines’ impact on Texas history

MINEOLA, Texas (KLTV) - Cadwell Walton Raines came to Texas with his parents in 1853, beginning a journey that would take him from the Civil War battlefield to the state’s top library position.

Raines lived in Rockwall and Paris before enlisting in the Army in 1861.

After the war, Raines married Mary Bowden in 1871. They moved to Arkansas, where he worked as a Methodist preacher.

He returned to Texas and practiced law in Canton. During his time as an attorney, he crossed paths with future Governor James Stephen Hogg and entered the newspaper business.

In 1880, Hogg sent him to Mineola to begin publishing the Hawkeye newspaper.

Four years later, Raines became an educator in Quitman, where he taught at the Concord Academy.

He was elected Wood County judge in 1886 and served two terms.

In 1891, Raines became state librarian and led the library until his death in 1906.

History was his passion throughout his lifetime. Raines co-founded the Texas State Historical Association.

In 2001, a marker was placed in Mineola to honor his legacy. The historical marker is located in Wood County on Commerce, west of South Johnson Street.