Summary

Branch County, home to the historic communities of Bronson, Union City, Quincy, Coldwater, and Sherwood, was named for John Branch, President Jackson's Secretary of the Navy. The original county seat was Masonville, in 1830, followed by the Village of Branch in 1831, and finally, Coldwater, in 1842. By 1836 there were 30 inns between Sturgis and Quincy along the Sauk Trail. Railroads first traveled through Branch County in 1850, and the presence of trains facilitated further growth and settlement. Individuals in Branch County accumulated wealth by selling horses, participating in the burgeoning cigar industry, and producing agricultural goods. The county is divided into 16 townships, and this book details the history of each city, village, and small settlement. Author Randall Hazelbaker shares images and memorabilia from his vast personal collection to document and celebrate the development of Branch County.