In 1839, Rains was a prime supporter of the historic law creating a Homestead exemption in Texas. In 1861, he stood with Sam Houston in opposition to secession from the union.
Rains was instrumental in supporting the historic law allowing Texans to claim land through a Homestead exemption in 1839. He also stood firm alongside Sam Houston in his opposition to Texas's secession from the United States in 1861.