Born in Vermont, Charles Haynes came to Texas in 1836 with the Buckeye Rangers of Ohio to fight for independence. He settled at Lockhart, operated a blacksmith shop, served on the first county commissioners' court, was a justice of the peace, and became a leader in Masonic work. About 1859 he moved with his family to Llano County. At Comanche schoolhouse in 1860, he organized Llano Lodge No. 242, A. F. & A. M. Twice married, he was the father of eight children.