GAINES, LAWRENCE B., general passenger and freight agent of the C. P. & St. L. Railroad, at Virginia, is one of the substantial railroad men of Cass County, and one whose work in connection with his chosen calling is of a nature not only to gain him promotion, but to enhance the value of the traffic on his road. Mr. Gaines was born in Cass County, on a farm, July 6, 1880, a son of Preston F. and Emma (Bateman) Gaines, and the youngest of the four children born to his parents. These parents came to Cass County, Ill., about 1855. The father enlisted for service in the Civil War, from Morgan County, and served for four years. His death occurred in 1898, when he was fifty-six years old. The mother survives, making her home at Virginia.

Lawrence B. Gaines secured his educational training in the schools of the county, and began railroad work at Virginia, Ill., in the employ of the B. & O. Railroad. From there he went to Jacksonville, where he spent a year, and then for another year was at Little Indian, Ill. Once more he went with the B. & O. Railroad, and in April, 1904, he took charge of his present station, and has continued here ever since, giving universal satisfaction. During the fifteen years he has been in railroad work, Mr. Gaines has proven his ability, and gained a host of warm supporters.

On December 25, 1902, Mr. Gaines was married to Clara Wyatt, a daughter of Fenton and Alice (Carver) Wyatt, and they have one son, Farrell. Mr. Gaines is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The Methodist church is his religious home, and he enjoys promoting its benevolent work and extending its influence.