Biographical Sketch
Francis Ziba Branch was born in upstate New York in 1802 and left his family at an early age to make his own way in the world. In 1830, after various experiences including sailing ventures on Lake Erie, he joined, at St. Louis, a trading party bound for Santa Fe. While there Branch joined the Wolfshill trapping party and came with them to California in the Spring of 1831. A few of the party decided to remain, Branch among them. He married Manuela Carlon in 1835 and he and his wife were granted land in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo. Later, by right of his own grant and two others which he claimed through his wife's family and by purchase, he became possessed of one of the largest land holdings in the county. His business prospered and in 1874 he died, leaving a large family to share in a considerable estate.
From the guide to the Francis Ziba Branch Correspondence and Papers, 1837-1874, (The Bancroft Library)
