The Rev. George Washington Baines

(1809-1882) Renowned Baptist minister in early Texas history; president from 1861 to 1863 of Baylor University (which included what is now Mary-Hardin-Baylor College); great-grandfather of Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States. Born in North Carolina and reared without formal schooling on a farm, Baines worked his way through the University of Alabama.

When licensed to preach at age 25 he became the third generation of his family to enter the ministry. Moved to Texas in 1850. Here his reputation as a wise and peace-loving clergyman continued to grow. He held offices in the Baptist State Convention and founded the Pioneer "Texas Baptist" newspaper, in 1855.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he accepted the presidency of strife-ridden Baylor University (at Independence) and guided it for two crucial years. Although plagued constantly by ill health, Baines was noted for his stamina. Parishioners also admired his marksmanship as well as his learning.

In 1867 he moved to Salado. Preaching and working for Baptist education, he lived there until his death of malarial fever. He is buried in Salado. Twice married, Baines had ten children. (1972)