Prowers County, History of Colorado, BIOS: STRAIN, CHARLES RAYMOND(published 1918)
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"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.