A native of Ireland, Moses Baine came to the United States in 1819. In 1830 Baine and his wife, Cecilia (Inglesby), joined Stephen F. Austin's colony at San Felipe. A veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto, Baine established a permanent home near Brenham in 1837. He later participated in the Somervell Expedition as a member of the Republic of Texas army. Baine returned to his home in 1843 and became a successful stock raiser and farmer.