Emmett Forest Branch: A governor of reform

While he may not have served as governor for long, the small-town lawyer from Martinsville rose to the position based on a reputation of principle and reform.

Emmett Forest Branch (1874-1932) was born and raised in Martinsville before pursuing his education at Indiana University, graduating in 1896.

Two years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Spanish-American War, rising to the rank of first lieutenant.

He returned to Martinsville and opened a law office before entering into the world of state politics in 1902, when county residents voted to make Branch their state representative.

He served three terms in the Indiana House of Representatives, from 1903 to 1909, which included a stint as Speaker of the House in 1907-'08.

He then re-enlisted in the Army during World War I, serving as a lieutenant colonel.

After returning from his military service, he once again entered state politics. He was nominated to run as lieutenant governor in 1920 and won the election, serving under Gov. Warren McCray.

McCray was forced to resign from office on April 30, 1924, after the Ku Klux Klan — with whom he had been battling — exposed him for questionable loan transactions, leading to a conviction for mail fraud.

Branch was sworn in as governor that same day, leading to a governorship that lasted less than a year.

Acknowledging his short stint in office, Branch continued with the policies of reform initiated by McCray.

He helped expand the state highway system, completed a new state prison, and expanded the state's school for the blind. He also oversaw the completion of the Riley Hospital for Children, which is now one of the nation's premier children's hospitals.

After his governorship ended on Jan. 12, 1925, Branch returned to Martinsville, where he continued his law practice and became involved in various local business interests.

He died from a heart attack on Feb. 23, 1932 and was buried in Hilldale Cemetery in Martinsville.

An Indiana Historical Society marker is located at his former home in Martinsville, at 510 E. Washington St.

(Prepared by the Morgan County Leadership Academy Class of 2022 on behalf of the Morgan County Bicentennial Committee)