Within the dense pine forests abounding with wildlife, in the year 1854, the earliest settling of North Branch was undertaken. Arriving from Lapeer to inspect the sight in February, and returning to begin the work of settlement in March, the first pioneers began clearing the land and building log shanties. Toward the end of 1854 and early in 1855, these men brought their families to join them in this wilderness. These founding families shared the land with two encampments of friendly Chippewas, who figured prominently in many of the early writings about the village. The present town sight was one Indian encampment and the other was located three miles to the east. The northern tier of sections was considered to be better land with fewer pine trees, and this is where the earliest pioneer settlement concentrated. However, to this day, many land parcels have abstracts of title headed by Indian names, as each Indian group filed land claims along with the white settlers. Growth was reflected in a typical manner, as gradually, skilled craftsmen and men of letters joined the little community. The first recorded births were a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beach and a son to Mr. and Mrs. George Simmons. The Simmons' land bordered that of the Indian village and, at Indian Jim's own request, this son was named Jim in honor the the Indian chief. At this time, the nucleus of the village was the post office, store and trading post founded by John and Richard Beach. So much a center was this, that the settlement was actually called Beachville (sometimes spelled Beechville) for a short time. Richard Beach was the first postmaster. Mail was carried weekly from Lapeer at the price of ten cents a letter. The anticipation of mail arrival on Fridays would bring villagers to the store. The Chippewas, too, would come to trade their furs. Some interesting competitions and tests of skill are said to have taken place while waiting for the arrival of the mail carrier. Indians were numerous at this time and remained friendly and helpful to the settlers. The men were skillful hunters, often keeping their white neighbors supplied with meat by killing the deer which pastured with the cattle. Typical of their respect for nature, a small portion of their prey was always left for the wild animals. The women did the work of the camp and made baskets and bead crafts. By order of the government, these early Indians were allowed all the timber they wanted for fuel and baskets. They live in tepees constructed of three poles covered with brush, bark or blankets, and cooked their meals over the open fire. Noteworthy facts of the early years include the assessed valuation of North Branch in 1856 to be $62,000.00. The first annual town meeting was held at the home of Richard Beach with a total of twenty-six votes polled. In the year 1857 came the establishment of the first steam and water saw mills. The first physician, Dr. Armstrong, settled in 1858. In this same year, John Peasley built the first store on the sight of the village. Settlers came faster after the end of the lumbering era. A copper shop, wagon shop and lumber business were started by 1860. Growth continued to bring business and professionals to the village. The first lawyer, Phineas White, came in 1867, as did shoemaker, John Jamison. North Branch hosted a fair with Burlington, Burnside, Deerfield and Rich Agriculture and Horticulture Society in 1870. This fair became an annual event until 1950 when the idea was permanently abandoned. The village boasted a newspaper in 1875 when the Weekly Observer was established by V. S. Miller. In 1879 it was sold to the Rev. F. J. Galbraith, who changed the name to the Weekly Gazette and operated it successfully for many years. The only manufacturing venture in North Branch history was begun in 1879 when the steam saw mill was purchased by George Sicklesteel. Employing about twenty-five men, this business produced sashes, doors and blinds, circular hoops and all types of household furniture. Two major fires mark the history of North Branch. In 1871 and particularly in 1881, fire destroyed many parts of the town. These fires were a contributing factor in the change from Jefferson Street to Huron Street as the main thoroughfare. The other decisive factor was the arrival of the P & N Railway to the east end of the village in 1883. The Village was incorporated in 1881. The population in the village in 1883 was about 900. The town of North Branch is known as township 9 north of range 11 east, and is bounded on the north by Burlington, on the east by Burnside, on the south by Arcadia and on the west by Deerfield. The north branch of the Flint River flows through the township and is the principal stream.

Written by Donna Gedcke