Born in Galveston, Texas, Crain attended the Christian Brothers' School, New York City, until the age of fourteen, and graduated from St. Francis Xavier's College, New York City, in 1867. He returned to Texas and lived on a ranch for two years. He studied law in Indianola, Texas, while teaching school. He was admitted to the bar in 1871 and commenced practice in Indianola, Texas. He served as member of the Texas Senate 1876-1878. He served as district attorney of the twenty-third judicial district of Texas 1872-1876.
