The Richmond Times, Sept. 21, 1902 An early celebrity south of the James River was John J. S. “Hurricane' Branch” of Nansemond County. He was a constable, detective and bloodhound trainer who gained popularity at the turn of the 20th century. Detective Branch was known for his use of bloodhounds to aid in local criminal investigations and became a popular figure through numerous newspaper accounts of his work. A reporter gave him the nickname “Hurricane” due to his relentless pursuit of criminals. His popularity was such that he received interest from people all over the country.
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