Richard M. Gaines

From Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas, Vol II, pg 1075

Richard M. Gaines, one of the leading attorneys of Lake Village, and a brother of Abner Gaines, a prominent man of this county, is a son of John H. and Hellen Gaines. Richard was born in Chicot County, in the year 1855, was educated at Locust Dale Academy, Madison County, Va., and was there prepared for the senior class for the University of Virginia, but instead of attending the last- named school as he expected, came home in 1874, teaching and farming until such time as he began reading law under Mayor James F. Robinson, and was licensed to plead at the bar in January, 1879, locating in this village, where he has since followed his profession very successfully, numbering to-day among the prominent lawyers in the State. In 1880 Mr. Gaines was elected county treasurer, and again in 1882, making in all four years that he held that responsible position. He was married to Miss Mary P. Chapman in 1888, who is a faithful member of the Episcopal Church, and a thoroughly attractive lady. Politically, the subject of this sketch is a strong Democrat, and favors all public improvements that promise comfort, health, and happiness to the citizens. He owns about 1,500 or 2,000 acres of valuable farming land that is in an excellent state of cultivation, and is, taking all his estates and practice into consideration, a wealthy man.