Branch

The Branches are an important, er, branch of the Townes family tree. Christopher Branch and his wife Mary Addie Branch were the originators of the Branch family in Virginia. They are also great grandparents of Peyton Townes and his siblings. Many other descendants of Christopher and Mary were great grandparents or cousins.

Christopher and Mary Branch emigrated from England to Virginia in the vessel London Merchant in 1619-20. He is considered one of the original settlers of Virginia as designated by the Jamestown Society. Through their three sons, Christopher Jr., Thomas, and William they had many descendants.

The Branch (originally Braunche) family was originally from Normandy France, and reportedly came to England with William the Conqueror. Christopher's family lived in Berkshire County, England and many were woolen drapers. His grandfather William was Mayor of Abingdon. However, Christopher’s father Lionel was apparently a black sheep and was basically disinherited by William, as my “disloyal and disobedient son” although William did provide a small inheritance for his grandson  Christopher.

Lionel and his wife Valentia Sprinkle died when Christopher was young and the circumstances of this young orphan’s life are not known. He married Mary Addie. She was the daughter of Francis Addie who was a farmer.

They had little to start with, but eventually he established a large plantation and became a successful planter. He also held various public offices. He was a member of the House of Burgesses from Henrico County and was also named Tobacco Inspector. In 1656, he was the Justice of Henrico County.

Nevertheless, life was difficult for all in early Virginia, including the successful planters. At his death, Charles primarily had land but relatively few other material possessions.

In the census of 1623-Christopher and Mary were living "att ye Colledg Land." a tract set aside for a college to educate the Native Americans. That plan was abandoned following a massacre of 1622 when the Native Americans attacked and killed many of the colonists. The Branches survived.

Christopher then patented land in Henrico County on the north side of James River. Christopher Branch died at age 80 in 1682, outliving his wife and two of his children.