I am a descendant of the Branch Family from Meigs County Ohio. I thought I might help you with your research.
Alears W Branch was born in Meigs County Ohio 1829. He is the son of Harry and Elleanor (Sheilds) Branch. Father born in Ohio and mother born in Ohio. Harry Branch died abt 1838 in Meigs County Ohio. Alears is listed on the 1850 Federal Census in Portsmouth, Scioto, Ohio living with older brother, Almarien G Branch. His occupation was a shoemaker.

Alears married Harriett M (Woodward)Backus on Jun 7, 1866 in Nevada County, California.

On the California Great Registers for Nevada County California, his is listed as "Alvaro Brancher" and also on the 1870 Federal Census for Nevada County California.

If you look at the 1880 Federal Census for North Columbia, Nevada, California you will see his name is Alears Branches. Both parents were born in Ohio.

The last lead for him was California Great Registers Sep 10, 1892 Columbia Hill, Nevada, California. He must of died after.

Good Luck!