BRANCH, John S., Bayou des Glaises, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Randy DeCuir




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Dr. John S. Branch is a gentleman thoroughly fitted by experience and study
for a superior physician, and since entering upon his practice has built up a
reputation for skill and ability that is not merely local, but extends over a
wide range. He was born in this parish on September 24, 1859, to Dr. Leroy K.
and Laura E. (Griffin) Branch, the birth of the former occurring in Maury
County, Tenn., August 30, 1816, his father and mother being natives of
Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, the former being a soldier in the
War of 1812. Dr. Leroy K. Branch removed to the State of Alabama when a young
man, and in that State and Mississippi grew to manhood, but received his
literary education in Greene County, Ky. He afterward entered the Medical
Institute of Louisville, Ky. (now the University of Louisville), from which he
was graduated in 1840. Shortly after completing his course he removed to
Avoyelles Parish, La., where he has since resided and practiced his
profession, being now one of the oldest and most honored citizens of this
section. He has been a member of the police jury, and has been twice married,
first in 1843 to Miss Virginia A. Marshall, who died in 1857, and the
following year he wedded Miss Griffin, who was the eldest daughter of the late
Hon. W. F. Griffin, who for many years was inseparably connected with
Louisiana politics, having served a number of terms in both houses, especially
in the Senate. Dr. John S. Branch is the eldest of their six children, and
although reared in Avoyelles Parish, the greater part of his education was
obtained in Evergreen Home Institute, at Evergreen, La., and from a private
tutor. In 1881 he graduated from the medical department of the University of
Louisville, Ky., and subsequently took a course of lectures in Tulane
University of Louisiana, locating the following year to Evergreen, where he
has become a well-know medical practitioner. He possesses a brilliant
intellect and as he has shown that he is thoroughly versed in medical lore,
his patronage has become very extended. he keeps thoroughly posted in his
profession, and is now one of the vice-presidents of the State Medical
Society. In 1882 the nuptials of his marriage to Miss Lily E. Willis were
celebrated, she being a daughter of A. B. and Jeanette M. (Robards) Willis, of
New Orleans.