Orleans

BRANCH, Charles Franklin

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 40-41 
(portrait p 41)

Charles Franklin BRANCH, of Newport [Orleans County, Vermont], was born 09 
December 1845 in Orwell [Addison County, Vermont], son of Orson and Rodilla 
(FELTON) BRANCH. His preliminary education was received in the village 
schools, and he was fitting for college when the Civil War destroyed all 
taste for study. Eager to participate in the stirring events of the times, he 
enlisted in Company C, Ninth Vermont Volunteers, and was successively 
promoted from private, through the grades of corporal, sergeant, lieutenant 
and captain, which last position was assigned him for gallant and meritorious 
conduct in the field before Richmond; later he was breveted [received a 
promotion in rank without an increase in pay] major for conspicuous conduct 
at the capture of Richmond, April 1865. He was an active participant in all 
the varied experiences of his regiment, including their unfortunate capture 
at Harper's Ferry, and was among the first to enter the rebel capital. He 
was twice wounded in battle, and was honorably discharged from the service in 
December 1865. [The Civil War officially ended 09 April 1865.]

At the close of the war, returning home, he was anxious to continue his 
studies, but his parents desired that he should remain on the farm, which he 
did until 1875, when he decided to adopt the profession of his choice. 
Graduating with honors, and pursuing further instruction in hospital work, he 
settled in Coventry [Orleans County, Vermont], and in 1887 moved to Newport, 
and has become one of the leading physicians of this section. He has been 
United States pension examiner for several years, also professor of state 
medicine and hygiene in the State University. He is an active member in the 
Orleans County Medical Society; Vermont State Medical Society; American 
Medical Association; for several years was surgeon to the First Regiment, 
Vermont National Guard; was surgeon-general of Vermont 1886-1888. 

He is an ardent Grand Army of the Republic man; member, Military Order of the 
Loyal Legion; member, Central Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, Cleveland 
Chapter and Malta Commandery Knights Templar; of the last body was chief 
marshal at the celebration of the Bennington centennial; is medical examiner 
for nine prominent life insurance companies; and is surgeon for the southern 
division of the Central Pacific Railroad. He has taken a deep interest in 
educational matters; for many years was superintendent of schools in 
Coventry; esteemed one of the best speakers on the subject of the war in the 
state; in demand as a Memorial Day orator; has no disposition to seek office; 
Congregationalist; earnest and conscientious in his everyday life, and ever 
ready to strive for the public weal.

In March 1868 at Orwell [Addison County, Vermont], Dr. [Charles Franklin] 
BRANCH was united in marriage to [first wife] Emma, daughter of James and 
Lucretia (CALKINS) COOK, by whom he had issue: James O., May E., and Alliene 
E. Mrs. [Emma] BRANCH died in September 1876. In Coventry [Orleans County, 
Vermont], he [Dr. Charles Franklin BRANCH] was again united in marriage to 
[second wife] Ida H., daughter of Hon. Samuel BURBANK. From this union was 
born one daughter, Helen L. His second wife [Ida H. BRANCH] died in February 
1888. In October 1891 at Derby [Essex County, Vermont], he [Dr. Charles 
Franklin BRANCH] contracted an alliance with [third wife] Martha J., daughter 
of Hon. Emera and Julia (DAGGETT) STEWART.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly