Robert H. Branch

    Robert H. Branch was born in Johnson County, Indiana, on April 7, 1852. A sketch of parents' life appears elsewhere in this work. He was fourth son and ninth child in a family of twelve children, and was reared in his native county. When eighteen years of age, he began working on his father's farm, which he continued to do for two years. He then came to Martinsville, and was employed by his brother, E. F. Branch, in the grain business, with whom he continued until January, 1874. At this time he became a partner in the firm and continued so for three years, when his brother sold his interest to D. D. Cramer. Three years later, the firm was dissolved, R. H. Branch and D. D. Cramer selling their interests. Our subject then purchased a half interest in the flouring mills and elevator, which was destroyed by fire on June 22, 1883, the loss being about $26,000. An elevator, the capacity of which is 125,000 bushels, has since been built, in place of the one destroyed, and business was resumed on December 1, 1883, which most undoubtedly will prove as great a success as formerly.

    Mr. Branch is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He is also an active member and worker in the Christian Church. Politically he is a Republican, and quite influential in this party. He is liberal as a citizen, and highly respected by all who know him.

Source: Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana. Historical and Biographical. Charles Blanchard, Editor. F. A. Battey & Co., Publishers, 1884.