John Raines, eldest son of the Hon. John Raines, was born in Geneva, Ontario county, New York, June 6, 1863. He is classed among the men whose lives and personal exertions have done so much toward the material and commercial prosperity of Canandaigua. His business transactions are conducted on the principles of strict integrity, and he fulfills to the letter every trust committed to him. As a citizen he is universally esteemed, always sustaining the character of a true man.
When four years of age, John Raines Jr. accompanied his parents to Canandaigua, New York, where he was reared, obtaining his education in the public schools, Canandaigua Academy and University of Rochester. During his vacations he spent his time in his father’s office, he being engaged in the insurance business, and thus became familiar with all branches of that profession. Upon the completion of his studies, in June, 1884, he entered the employ of his father, and in 1889 became a partner in the firm of J. Raines & Son, this being the oldest established business in this line in Canandaigua. The business increased in volume and importance with the passing years, father and son continuing their business relationship until the death of Mr. Raines Sr., when his son succeeded to the business, retaining the old firm name, and is still conducting a successful and lucrative trade, making a specialty of fire insurance. In 1898 Mr. Raines received the appointment of postmaster of Canandaigua from President William McKinley, was reappointed by President Theodore Roosevelt, and is the incumbent of the office at the present time (1910) , having served in that capacity for twelve years, during which time he has given general satisfaction to the public. He became connected with the Canandaigua fire department in 1886, continuing his service for a period of seven years, also served as secretary, trustee, president, holding the latter office two years, of the Merrill Hose Company, and has been treasurer of the Red Jacket Club since 1902. He has always been an active Republican in politics, though never aspiring to holding elective office, preferring to devote his time and attention to business pursuits. He attends St. John’s Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Raines is a member, although he still retains a pew in the Methodist Episcopal church, this being the religious preference of his ancestors for several generations. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans.
Mr. Raines married, December 23, 1885, Caroline E., a native of Waterloo, New York, daughter of Captain John and Marietta (Cooper) Stevenson, the former of whom served during the civil war. Children: 1. John (5), born July 11, 1887; a graduate of Canandaigua Academy; served for three years as stenographer for the president pro tem of the New York state senate, Hon. John Raines; graduated from Albany Law School, June, 1909 (his grandfather’s alma mater), and was admitted to the bar in September, 1909; at the present time (1910) engaged with the law firm of Raines & Raines, of Rochester, New York. 2. Frederick Stevenson, born March 23, 1891. 3. Guy Mitchell, born June 16, 1897.