Alonzo Branch was born in 1902 in Wayne County, West Virginia. Alonzo attended West Virginia State where he played football. While at Bolling High School, Mr. Branch taught social sciences and played an important role as the athletics coach. Outside of school, Alonzo was involved in the local community. He was responsible for the creation of a social civic club, the Toga Club, and assisted with the creation and naming of Dorie Miller Park.