William Morgan Branch

William M. Branch, 74 years old, prominent citizen of Winn Parish, died at the home of his son, P. E. Branch, at New Roads, La., last Sunday. Mr. Branch was born near Gaars Mill and spent practically his entire life time farming in that vicinity. He moved to Winfield about six years ago, where he remained until a few months ago when he took up his residence with his son at New Roads. Mr. Branch is the last of a large family that were pioneers in this section of the country. He married Miss Lydia Grisham of Gaars Mill, sister of P. E. Grisham. Mr. Branch was a member of the Harmony Grove Baptist Church for more than forty years. He was an ever dependable church member always faithful in attendance and punctual in his duties. He was one of the most prominent citizens of the Gaars Mill vicinity, ever ready to do anything to further the general welfare of the community, and was loyal and devoted to his family. Mr. Branch leaves behind six sons: P. E. Branch of New Roads; George W. Branch of Gaars Mill; Mack L. Branch of Winfield; Wright Branch of Jackson Parish; J. M. Branch of Bunkie, and two daughters: Mrs. Cocie Davis of New Roads and Mrs. J. L. Tugwell of Winfield. Mr. Branch is also survived by the following step sons: L. L. Lee of Dodson, J. J. Lee of Gaars Mill, and C. C. Lee of Belcher and one step daughter, Mrs. J. M. Shows of Pineville, La. The funeral services were held at the Harmony Grove church at 11:30 o'clock Monday morning, Rev. Adams of Sikes preaching the funeral sermon. It was while attending the funeral of Mr. Branch his life long friend, that Dr. J. J. Peters, parish coroner, was stricken with heart failure and died.