Wallace Arkansas Gaines
American businessman, political figure
About Wallace Arkansas Gaines
Lived 1858 – 1940 (aged 82). Wallace Arkansas Gaines was an American funeral director, businessperson, politician and elected official.
Wallace Arkansas Gaines, also known as W. A. Gaines, (April 15, 1858 – August 3, 1940) was an American businessman, funeral director, and an elected official. He was active within the Republican Party in Kentucky, and in the Freemasons. Gaines owned several businesses including W. A. Gaines Funeral Home, the first African American owned funeral home in the city of Covington, Kentucky.
Early life and family Wallace Arkansas Gaines was born on April 15, 1858, in Dayton, Ohio. His grandparents were Black from Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and Richmond, Virginia. The W. A. Gaines Funeral Home in Covington was sold in 1913 to Charles E. Jones. The couple moved to Evansville, Indiana after marriage.
He died on August 3, 1940, in Evansville, and was interred at Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Wallace Arkansas Gaines?
American businessman, political figure (1858–1940)
When was Wallace Arkansas Gaines born?
Wallace Arkansas Gaines was born on 15 April 1858 in Dayton.
When did Wallace Arkansas Gaines die?
Wallace Arkansas Gaines died on 3 August 1940 in Evansville.
What was Wallace Arkansas Gaines's occupation?
Wallace Arkansas Gaines was a funeral director, businessperson, politician and elected official.
What nationality was Wallace Arkansas Gaines?
Wallace Arkansas Gaines was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Wallace Arkansas Gaines
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Wallace Arkansas Gaines. https://biography.guide/wallace-arkansas-gaines/
MLA: "Wallace Arkansas Gaines." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/wallace-arkansas-gaines/.
Chicago: "Wallace Arkansas Gaines." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/wallace-arkansas-gaines/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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