Alcée Louis la Branche

Alcée Louis la Branche (1806 – August 17, 1861) was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Louisiana. He served one term as a Democrat from 1843 to 1845.

Alcée Louis la Branche
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 2nd district
In office March 4, 1843 (1843-03-04) – March 3, 1845 (1845-03-03)
Preceded by	John Bennett Dawson
Succeeded by	Bannon Goforth Thibodeaux
1st United States Chargé d'Affaires in Texas
In office October 23, 1837 (1837-10-23) – June 5, 1840 (1840-06-05)
President	Martin Van Buren
Preceded by	Diplomatic relations established
Succeeded by	George H. Flood
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
In office 1837
Personal details
Born	1806 Near New Orleans, Orleans Territory, United States
Died	August 17, 1861(1861-08-17) (aged 54–55) Hot Springs, Virginia, Confederate States
Political party	Democratic

Biography

La Branche was born near New Orleans, the son of Alexandre La Branche (a Revolutionary War regimental commander whose family had emigrated to Louisiana from Bavaria and had changed its surname from the German "Zweig" to the French "Branche," with both names meaning "branch") and Marie Jeanne Piseros (whose family was of Spanish ancestry).^[1] La Branche attended the Université de Sorèze in Sorèze (France).

La Branche was a slaveholder.^[2]

Political career

He served as Speaker of the House of the Louisiana State House of Representatives in 1833 and later served as Chargé d'Affaires to the Republic of Texas. He served in Congress from 1843 until 1845.

Death

He died in Hot Springs, Virginia.

See also

• List of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States Congress