|
North Carolina's Governors
John Branch (1782-1863) was governor of the Florida Territory, Secretary of the Navy, and U.S. Senator. Born in Halifax, he benefited from educational advantages and from a cultured upbringing. As an adult, he would be known for his refined tastes and generous hospitality. After attending the University of North Carolina and reading law under Judge John Haywood, Branch entered a long career in politics. He was elected governor in 1817, and began the first of three consecutive terms. His governorship came at a time when North Carolina was conspicuous in the nation for its provincialism and inertia. As chief executive, Branch lent his support to the ambitious reform measures of Archibald D. Murphey. He took steps to promote public education, initiate internal improvements, liberalize the penal code, and stem the exodus of North Carolinians to other areas of the country. It was during his governorship that the North Carolina Supreme Court came into being as a separate body. In 1822 Branch entered national politics with his election to the Senate. Subsequently he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Andrew Jackson. As a staunch advocate of states' rights, Branch opposed internal improvements on the national level and was generally Jacksonian in his views. He fell out of favor with Jackson and resigned from the cabinet. After his return to North Carolina, Branch's opposition to Jackson contributed to the formation and ascendancy of the Whig Party. In the state Constitutional Convention of 1835, Branch argued for the removal of religious qualifications for office and against the disfranchisement of free blacks. In 1838 he was defeated in his bid for a fourth term as governor. Branch later moved with his family to Florida, and in 1843 was appointed governor of that territory by President John Tyler. It was during his term in office that Florida became a state. Branch again returned to North Carolina in 1851 and remained until his death. His burial was in Enfield.
|
