My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Monroe County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

W. F. Branch, merchant, Holly Grove, Ark. There are in every community some persons who, on account of their industry and practical management of the affairs which fall to their lot, deserve special credit; and such is Mr. Branch. He was originally from Wilson County, Tenn., where his birth occurred in 1849, and is the son of James Branch, who is also a native Tennesseean, born 1817. The elder Mr. Branch was a farmer by occupation, and was married to Miss Eleanor Neele, by whom he had seven children, two of whom only are living: W. F. and Sallie (wife of J. W. Walker, of Clarendon). The father moved from Tennessee to Arkansas in 1859, located in Monroe County, and there his death occurred in 1867. The mother died in 1885. W. F. Branch was married to Miss Ella Walls in 1874, and four children blessed this union, two of whom are living: Bessie and Addie. Mrs. Branch died in 1886. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1888 Mr. Branch took for his second wife Miss Ada Peete, a native of Tennessee, a very estimable lady, and the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Peete, of Memphis. Mr. Branch is a prosperous merchant, and the firm title is Branch & Wall. He opened business in Holly Grove, in 1887, and is doing well. He also owns 600 acres of land. He is a member of the K. of H., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 86 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Monroe County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Monroe County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Monroe County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.