James Gaines ( owner of the Ferry ) was also a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence , Contributor to the Texas Constitution , Republic Senator , A decisive leader in the Freedonian Rebellion , postmaster , planter , Hotel in Bastrop, He was the owner the Rich Mt. Gaines Gold mine in California which is still producing Gold today .Gaines Co. , Texas is named for him . He bought a two story Dog Trot house for Edmund norris his Father in Law . It is on the Register of Historical Homes . It is Named the Gaines - Oplihint House Near Pendleton Bridge on HWY.^. It is the oldest standing log structure in the state ran by the Sons of the Republic of Texas . Hope this will help someone . Evelyn in Texas