Emmett Forrest Branch

Emmett Forrest Branch (May 16, 1874 – February 23, 1932) was governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1924 to 1925, serving the remainder of the term of Warren T. McCray after he resigned from office after being convicted for mail fraud. His brief term focused on continuing the reforms and projects of his predecessor. Branch was born in Martinsville the oldest of his four siblings Olive Branch, Leafy Branch, and Frank Oaks Branch. His parents w... more

Emmett Forrest Branch (May 16, 1874 – February 23, 1932) was governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1924 to 1925, serving the remainder of the term of Warren T. McCray after he resigned from office after being convicted for mail fraud. His brief term focused on continuing the reforms and projects of his predecessor. Branch was born in Martinsville the oldest of his four siblings Olive Branch, Leafy Branch, and Frank Oaks Branch. His parents were Elliot and Alice Parks Branch. His father was a Republican politician who had served in state government for several decades. His grandfather and great-grandfather had also been involved in state politics and served as state senators. He attended Indiana University and graduated in 1896 where he played on the school's championship-winning baseball team. He would be the first IU graduate to become governor. After college he studied law with his uncle Judge M.H. Parks. He was admitted to the Bar in 1899 and established a law practice in... less