The Earliest Immigrants from Virginia to North Carolina: Branch family
These men are listed as “primary immigrants” because they independently traveled to parts of North Carolina from Virginia. While all related to George Branch, Sr., some may not have known each other.
1. George Branch, Jr.
- 1693 Migrated from Isle of Wight, Virginia, to Albemarle Precinct in Carolina, later known as Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina. Chowan River and Albemarle Sound area of North Carolina.
- Approximately b.1657-d.1696.
- Master Carpenter with descendants as carpenters.
- Marriage to Susannah Robinson Corker Branch, stepdaughter of William Corker.
- Son of George Branch Sr. (1637-1688)
2. John Branch Jr.
- 1719 Approximate migration from Isle of Wight Virginia to Bertie Precinct in North Carolina, later known as Edgecombe County NC then subdivided to Halifax County NC and Enfield. Occupied Roanoke River area of North Carolina.
- Approximately b.1685- d.1746.
- Marriage to Ann Browne Branch, daughter of William Browne.
- Son of John Branch Sr. (approx.1664-1722) and grandson of George Branch Sr. (1637-1688)
- Brothers George Branch Jr. (1657-1696) and Francis Branch Sr. (1666-1717) of IOW Virginia.
3. Benjamin Branch Sr.
- 1751 Approximate migration from Southampton County Virginia (earlier land fell in Isle of Wight, Virginia) to Northampton County, North Carolina near the Virginia/North Carolina line. Migrated after the death of mother Elizabeth Norwood Branch in 1749. Settled in the Roanoke River area.
- Approximately b. 1711 – d. before 1800.
- Marriage to Mary Bowen Branch, daughter of John Bowen.
- Branches Toll Bridge operator, Plantation Farmer
- Around 1751 migrated from Southampton County Virginia (earlier land fell in Isle of Wight, Virginia) to Northampton County, North Carolina near the Virginia/North Carolina line and near Branchville VA.
- Son of Francis Branch Sr. (1666-1717) and grandson of George Branch Sr. (1637-1688).
- Brothers: Francis Branch Jr. (fate unknown) and George Branch III of Francis, Southampton VA.
- Knew Arthur Branch of Southampton County, VA.
4. Arthur Branch Sr.
- 1757 Migrated from Southampton County Virginia (earlier land fell in Isle of Wight, Virginia) to Dobbs County, North Carolina later known as Wayne/Greene County NC. Area of Tar River.
- Migrated with younger brother Moses Branch. Knew Benjamin Branch Sr. in Southampton VA.
- Approximately b. 1718- d.1784.
- Marriage to Edith (Unknown)
- Bridge constructor in Southampton VA. Association with bridge operators, Samuel Peacock, in Edgecombe Co.
- Son of Ogborne Branch ( approx.1700-1785), grandson of John Branch Sr. (1664-1722), and great-grandson of George Branch Sr. (1637-1688).
- 5. Moses Branch Sr.
- 1759 Approximate migration from Southampton County Virginia (earlier land fell in Isle of Wight, Virginia) to Dobbs County, North Carolina later known as Wayne/Greene County NC. Area of Tar River.
- Migrated with older brother Arthur Branch.
- Approximately b.1727-d.1789.
- Marriage to Ann Clarke of Surry VA 1759, daughter of John Clarke.
- Son of Ogborne Branch (approx.1700-1785), grandson of John Branch Sr. (1664-1722), and great-grandson of George Branch Sr. (1637-1688).