William E. Gaines

Born near Charlotte Court House, Virginia, Gaines attended local public school.

During the Civil War, he enlisted as a private in Company K of the 18th Virginia Regiment (Pickett's division).

He reenlisted and joined the Army of the Cape Fear, which surrendered with General Joe Johnston near Greensboro, North Carolina, in April 1865.

After the war, Gaines studied law, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in Burkeville, Virginia.

[1] 1886 - Gaines was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 70.24% of the vote, defeating Democrat Mann Page.