Emmett Forrest Branch
| Emmett Forrest Branch | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 31st Governor of Indiana | |
|
In office April 30, 1924 – January 12, 1925 |
|
| Lieutenant | James J. Nejdl (acting) |
| Preceded by | Warren T. McCray |
| Succeeded by | Edward L. Jackson |
| 30th Lieutenant Governor of Indiana | |
|
In office January 10, 1921 – April 30, 1924 |
|
| Governor | Warren T. McCray |
| Preceded by | Edgar D. Bush |
| Succeeded by |
James J. Nejdl as Acting Lieutenant Governor |
| Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives | |
|
In office 1907–1909 |
|
| Member of the Indiana House of Representatives | |
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In office 1903–1909 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
May 16, 1874 Martinsville, Indiana |
| Died | February 23, 1932 (aged 57) Martinsville, Indiana |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Katherine Bain |
| Alma mater | Indiana University |
| Religion | Disciples of Christ |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1898–1901 1903–1909 1916–1917 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 158th Regiment Indiana Infantry |
| Commands | 151st Infantry, 165th Depot Brigade |
| Battles/wars |
Spanish–American War Mexican Border War World War I |
Emmett Forrest Branch (May 16, 1874 – February 23, 1932) was the 31st 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 Martinsville.
During the Spanish–American War he enlisted in Company K of the 158th Regiment eventually rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. After the war he entered politics and was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives, serving thee terms from 1903 to 1909. During World War I he returned to the army as a lieutenant colonel of the 151st Infantry. He later commanded the 165th Depot Brigade at Camp Travis in Texas and served as part of the forces guarding the Mexican border in 1916 and 1917.
After returning from the army, he opened a law office in Martinsville and married Katherine Bain, the daughter of a prominent newspaper owner. The couple had one son. In 1902 he was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives and served for three terms. He was elected Speaker of the House in 1907 and 1908. While Speaker he ended the omnibus practice that allowed multiple bills to be combined and passed without debate.
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