Prowers County, History of Colorado, BIOS: STRAIN, CHARLES RAYMOND(published 1918) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00015.html#0003643 January 25, 2000 *********************************************************************** "History of Colorado", edited by Wilbur Fisk Stone, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. (1918) Vol. II p. 461-462 HON. CHARLES RAYMOND STRAIN. The office of mayor of the town of Lamar is ably filled by Hon. Charles Raymond Strain. He is a man of vision yet not a visionary and has realized many ideas which have proven of great benefit to the general public. A number of Improvements have been undertaken since he has entered upon his official duties and in many ways he is looking after the welfare of his fellow citizens. He was born near Bloomington, Indiana, February 11, 1878, his parents being George and Luzenia (Lucas) Strain. The father has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life and came to this state in 1908, our subject having preceded him about nine years. He and his wife had seven children, six sons and a daughter. Charles R. Strain received his education in the public schools near his father's farm located in the vicinity of Bloomington, Indiana, and subsequently attended the normal school at Danville, that state. He then made good use of his acquired knowledge by teaching, but followed this occupation for only a short time, coming to Colorado in 1899 and locating at Lamar. Here, in partnership with a brother, he engaged in various business enterprises, being largely interested in an ice plant in which about fifty people are employed. He also conducts an ice plant at La Junta and has another business, establishment at McClave, Colorado. He also owns an alfalfa mill, which he operates successfully, and is interested in five farming properties. In April, 1917, he was elected to the office of mayor, the public readily recognizing his business ability and administrative force. He has since given much of his time to the duties of this office although he supervises his business and financial interests. On September 24, 1902, Mr. Strain was united in marriage to Miss Lillian L. Lynch and to them was born one child, Shirley Hortense. His political support is given to the republican party, in the local circles of which he has been very active, and he has been a delegate to various conventions, his word always carrying weight with his political confreres. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the chapter degree, and is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. As a member of the Young Men's Business Association of Lamar he has taken a laudable part in the proceedings of that organization and has spared no effort in order to promote the business growth of the city. He is fond of outdoor life and is a lover of horses. He displays, true-blooded American patriotism as chairman of the county chapter of the Red Cross and he also is food administrator for Prowers county and a member of the War Council. There is much honor due Mr. Strain for what he has achieved, for he has not only attained prosperity for himself but has taken a prominent and helpful part in bringing about intellectual, moral and material development in his section of the state.