=Branchaud, Moise=, Q.C., Beauharnois, Quebec province, was born at Beauharnois, on the 6th March, 1827. His father, Jean Baptiste Branchaud, _bourgeois_, of Beauharnois, and his mother, Louise Primeau, were both descendants of two of the earliest colonists of the Seigniory of Beauharnois. His father died in 1883, at the advanced age of eighty-three, enjoying the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. Mr. Branchaud was sent, at an early age, to the College of Sainte Thérèse de Blainville, where he made a brilliant course of classical studies. On leaving college he entered the office of the Hon. Lewis T. Drummond, to study law, and he was admitted to the bar on the 27th February, 1849. Immediately after his admission he took up his residence in Beauharnois, where he has practised his profession to this day. At that time there was only a circuit court sitting in the district of Beauharnois, with a jurisdiction of $80.00; this was increased, in 1851, to the sum of $200.00. In consequence of this limited jurisdiction, his professional advancement was but slow. However, when the “Act relative to the division of Lower Canada into districts for the administration of justice” came into force, there was a decided change. By virtue of said act, a Superior Court was established in the district of Beauharnois, with an unlimited jurisdiction in all civil and commercial cases; as well as a criminal court and a circuit court. His practice then took such an extension that, after a few years of assiduous toil, he possessed a competency which enabled him to look tranquilly to the future of his young family. His zeal and honesty in the exercise of his profession was never challenged, either by his numerous clients or his _confrères_. In 1858 he formed a partnership with Sir John Rose, for the administration of the legal business of the seigniory of Beauharnois, which was then very important and extensive. This partnership existed until the departure of Sir John for London, England. The following letter, written by Sir John before his departure, shows the high esteem in which the baronet held his young partner: “MONTREAL, 30th September, 1869. “MY DEAR BRANCHAUD,—A thousand thanks for your kind note, the contents of which affect me very deeply. Every recollection associated with our intercourse is, I can assure you, of the most pleasant character, and I look with great regret at having to say good-bye to so many attached friends. I would have been deeply gratified to have seen you at the dinner, but the expression of your kind wishes will long be remembered by me. That every good thing may attend you is the earnest wish of your sincere friend—=John Rose=.”