First Generation  

1. James Archer, son of Patrick Archer.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

James married someone.

+ 2 M    i. James Archer II died in Ohio.

  Second Generation  

2. James Archer II (James¹) died in Ohio.

General Notes: James Archer (of Patrick) Lived in Frederick County, Maryland as early as 1772 when as a young man he and his family moved to Washington (now Greene) Co., PA). His birth place is yet unknown but may have been Maryland or even Ireland where Patrick came from. James died ca. 1830-1832 in Noble (then Monroe) Co., OH (Census; memorial tombstone in East Union Cem; actual burial is the old Temperanceville Catholic Church Cem west of the current church, but neither the old church nor most ofthe cemetery survive; James' grave is unmarked per oral history published in Noble Co. )

2. Children of James and Sophia; Any list of children is circumstantial based on the approx. ages of the children and the known fact (deed) that a Sophia was one of James' wives

3. Sophia's maiden name is not proven but believed to be McClellan based on a Robert McClellan's will that does not name Sophia as a daughter but lists James Archer as a legatee. Because James was a Justice of the Peace, a prominent military figure, a close advisor of his inlaws like the CHURCH's and helped them settle their estates, wills, etc. James may have been named merely as a "guardian" of Robert's two Archer granddaughters or family friend. There were two girls, grandchildren, named in McClelIan's will who were old enough to be James children but their parents have never been proven but were probably of the same descent from Patrick as James himself. Much more work needs to be done on McClellan and the Archer and in-law records in Washington and Greene Cos, before this can be sorted out. As for the rest of James' children, see my booklet "Descendants of Patrick Archer for a list. There were no children by Jane Lincicome as James remarried after Sophia died and both he and Sophia were too old to have children by then. Known surviving children number 12 and maybe 3 girls killed by indians whose mother may or may not be Sophia. Of the 8 children (Nathan is my ancestor) only Enoch is incorrect. James had no child named Enoch. The first Enochs of this line born were James grandchildren:
Enoch (James,Jamesl) b. 1811
Enoch (Joseph,Jamesl) b. c. 1812
Enoch (MichaeI,James|) b. c. 1815


"The Townships and Founding of the county" by Silas Thorla Catholicism in Noble co, too, took root in Stock Township as early as 1809 with the arrival of Capt. James Archer, an Irish Catholic who had served in the Revolution. Archer and his family settled along Duck Creek about half a mile south of present Rt 78 where his descendants continue to reside. From the very beginning, mass was celebrated regularly at the Archer settlment by a visiting missionary priest.

James married Sophia McClelland. Sophia died after 1792.

+ 3 M    i. Simon Archer died in Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio.

+ 4 M    ii. Jacob Archer .

+ 5 M    iii. Nathan Archer died on 14 Oct 1847 in Monroe County, Ohio.

+ 6 F    iv. Nancy Archer .

+ 7 M    v. Michael Archer was born on 15 Mar 1792 in Washington County, Ohio, died on 19 Jul 1847 in Stock, Noble County, Ohio at age 55, and was buried in Old St.Michael Cem, Stock, Noble County, Ohio.

+ 8 M    vi. James Archer III was born on 12 Apr 1805 in Green County, Pennsylvania and died on 14 Aug 1856 in East Union, Noble County, Ohio at age 51.

+ 9 M    vii. Enoch Archer was born about 12 Sep 1811 and died on 9 May 1889 about age 77.

  Third Generation  

3. Simon Archer (James II², James¹) died in Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio.

Simon married Rhoda Enochs before Dec 1835 in Monroe County, Ohio.

Simon next married someone.

Simon next married Sophia McClelland. Sophia died after 1792.

4. Jacob Archer (James II², James¹).

Jacob married Sarah (Sallie) Grandon, daughter of Barnhard Grandon and Hannah Enocks, on 3 Sep 1818 in Guernsey County, Ohio.

5. Nathan Archer (James II², James¹) died on 14 Oct 1847 in Monroe County, Ohio.

General Notes: !

6. Nancy Archer (James II², James¹).

7. Michael Archer (James II², James¹) was born on 15 Mar 1792 in Washington County, Ohio, died on 19 Jul 1847 in Stock, Noble County, Ohio at age 55, and was buried in Old St.Michael Cem, Stock, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: Kathy Griffen

"The townships & founding of the county" by Silas Thorla In 1841 the first Catholic church wa s erected on the donated land of Michael Archer. St. Michael's Church was moved to Carlisl e in 190l

Michael married Rhoda Grandon, daughter of Barnhard Grandon and Hannah Enocks, on 7 Jun 1810 in Washington County, Ohio. Rhoda was born in Washington County, Ohio and died on 23 Jun 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

General Notes: !PROOFS PARENTAGE History of Noble Co BIRTH DEATH Records of St. John's Church in Miltonsburgh copies in Monroe Co., OH Records Vol 9 p 74

+ 10 M    i. Abraham (Abram) Archer was born in 1815 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 29 Aug 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio at age 32, and was buried in Old St. Michaels, Ohio.

+ 11 M    ii. Elijah Archer was born on 18 Jun 1819 in Monroe/Noble County, Ohio and died on 17 Aug 1901 at age 82.

+ 12 M    iii. Simon Archer died after 1851.

+ 13 F    iv. Matilda Archer was born on 22 Feb 1826 in Ohio, died on 15 Sep 1885 in Riley, Kansas at age 59, and was buried in Hohman Cemetery, Riley Co., Kansas.

+ 14 M    v. Ambrose Archer was born in 1831, was baptized on 7 Mar 1833 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio, and died after Sep 1851 in Monroe County, Ohio.

+ 15 F    vi. Hannah (Sarah) Archer was born between 1820 and 1830, died on 8 Aug 1847 in Monroe County, Ohio, and was buried in St. Michaels Cem.

+ 16 F    vii. Rhoda Archer was born between 1820 and 1830 and died before 1849.

+ 17 M    viii. Ananias Archer was born on 10 Apr 1834, was baptized on 31 Oct 1834 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio, died on 18 Nov 1896 in Norton County, Kansas at age 62, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Kansas.

+ 18 M    ix. Michael (Junior) Archer died on 18 Jul 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

+ 19 M    x. Enoch Archer died on 15 Aug 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

+ 20 M    xi. Jacob Archer died in Oct 1849.

+ 21 M    xii. William A Archer died on 17 Jul 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

+ 22 M    xiii. Samuel Archer was baptized on 19 May 1830 in St John's Church, Zanesville, Ohio and died on 24 May 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio at age 17.

+ 23 M    xiv. James Archer died on 9 Jul 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

8. James Archer III (James II², James¹) was born on 12 Apr 1805 in Green County, Pennsylvania and died on 14 Aug 1856 in East Union, Noble County, Ohio at age 51.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

James married Cynthia Morris about 1828 in Ohio. Cynthia was born in 1809 and died on 5 Mar 1884 in East Union, Noble County, Ohio at age 75.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

+ 24 M    i. Stephen M Archer was born on 28 Jun 1838 in East Union, Noble County, Ohio.

+ 25 M    ii. George W Archer .

+ 26 M    iii. John Wesley Archer was born on 26 May 1854 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 28 Aug 1930 in Kitts Hill, Ohio at age 76, and was buried in Warden Cemetery, Cabell County, West Virginia.

+ 27 M    iv. Isaac Buckingham Archer .

+ 28 M    v. Jonas Archer .

+ 29 M    vi. Robert Archer .

+ 30 F    vii. Amelia Archer was born on 1 Oct 1829 in Stock Twp, Noble County, Ohio, died on 24 Nov 1885 at age 56, and was buried in Archers Ridge Cemetery, Fulda, Noble County, Ohio.

+ 31 F    viii. Sophia Archer .

+ 32 F    ix. Celia Archer .

+ 33 F    x. Elizabeth Archer .

+ 34 F    xi. Cyntha Archer .

+ 35 F    xii. Catherine Archer .

9. Enoch Archer (James II², James¹) was born about 12 Sep 1811 and died on 9 May 1889 about age 77.

  Fourth Generation  

10. Abraham (Abram) Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born in 1815 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 29 Aug 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio at age 32, and was buried in Old St. Michaels, Ohio.

Abraham married Mary L. (Mary Ann) Sterritt, daughter of Unknown and Walters, on 8 Oct 1835 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio. Mary was born on 13 Jun 1815 in Ohio, died on 29 Aug 1896 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska at age 81, and was buried in 8 Mile Grove Cemetery, Cass County, Nebraska.

+ 36 M    i. Michael (Mike) Archer was born on 3 Dec 1837 in Monroe County, Ohio, died on 5 May 1922 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska at age 84, and was buried on 8 May 1922 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska.

+ 37 F    ii. Nancy Archer was born from 1836 to 1848 and died from 1856 to 1922 at age 20.

+ 38 F    iii. Elizabeth Archer was born in Apr 1838 in Monroe County, Ohio, was baptized on 2 Jun 1838 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio, and died before 1922.

+ 39 M    iv. Abe Archer was born after 1840 in Ohio and died before 1849.

+ 40 M    v. Charles Archer was born in 1844 in Monroe County, Ohio and died before 1922.

+ 41 M    vi. Alfred Harvey (Harvey) Archer was born in 1846 in Monroe County, Ohio, died on 17 Aug 1894 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska at age 48, and was buried in 8 Mile Grove Cemetery, Cass County, Nebraska.

11. Elijah Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 18 Jun 1819 in Monroe/Noble County, Ohio and died on 17 Aug 1901 at age 82.

General Notes: Source: Marriage confirmati, Communion Register 1833-1860. St Mary's Catholic Church, Temperanceville, Belmont County, Ohio. Married by Jacob Guinlau, Pastor.
Source: George W Archer, 2008

Elijah married Margaret J Walker, daughter of James Walker and Nancy, on 4 Jun 1839 in Temperanceville, Belmont County, Ohio. Margaret was born on 23 Jan 1821, was baptized on 4 Jun 1839 in St Mary's Catholic Church, Temperanceville, Belmont County, Ohio, and died on 19 Feb 1903 at age 82.

General Notes: Source: Baptismal records of St Mary's Catholic Church, Temperanceville, Belmont County, Ohio

Source: George W Archer

+ 42 F    i. Martha Ellen Archer was born on 4 Apr 1854 in Noble County, Ohio and died on 27 Apr 1936 in Kansas at age 82.

12. Simon Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) died after 1851.

Simon married Mary Ann Hupp.

+ 43 M    i. Michael Archer was born on 21 Feb 1849 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 22 Mar 1917 in Bixby, Oklahoma at age 68, and was buried in Covey Cemetery, Bixby, Oklahoma.

13. Matilda Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 22 Feb 1826 in Ohio, died on 15 Sep 1885 in Riley, Kansas at age 59, and was buried in Hohman Cemetery, Riley Co., Kansas.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne
1880 census of Grant Twp, Riley County, Kansas lists Matilda Hohman as age 58, Came from Ohio to Kansas, Single, Widow, born Ohio, census pg 23

Matilda married John Sebastian Hohmann on 25 Nov 1844. John was born on 20 Jan 1825 in Germany, died on 23 Sep 1899 at age 74, and was buried in Hohman Cemetery, Riley Co., Kansas.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne

+ 44 M    i. John Hohmann was born about 1846 in Ohio.

+ 45 F    ii. Barbary Hohmann was born about 1847 in Ohio.

+ 46 M    iii. Joseph Hohmann was born about 1849 in Ohio.

+ 47 F    iv. Eva Hohmann was born about 1852 in Ohio.

+ 48 M    v. Henry Hohmann was born about 1854 in Ohio.

+ 49 F    vi. Mary A Hohmann was born about 1859 in Ohio.

+ 50 F    vii. Rachel Hohmann was born about 1857 in Ohio.

+ 51 M    viii. Francis Hohmann was born about 1868 in Ohio.

+ 52 M    ix. Charles Hohmann was born about 1864 in Ohio.

+ 53 F    x. Rosa Hohmann was born about 1867 in Ohio.

+ 54 F    xi. Matilda Hohmann was born about 1870 in Ohio.

14. Ambrose Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born in 1831, was baptized on 7 Mar 1833 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio, and died after Sep 1851 in Monroe County, Ohio.

General Notes: !

Ambrose married Bridget McGovern.

15. Hannah (Sarah) Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born between 1820 and 1830, died on 8 Aug 1847 in Monroe County, Ohio, and was buried in St. Michaels Cem.

Hannah married Henry Carrigan. Henry was born on 23 Mar 1814 and died on 23 Aug 1852 in Carlisle, Monroe County, Ohio at age 38.

16. Rhoda Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born between 1820 and 1830 and died before 1849.

17. Ananias Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 10 Apr 1834, was baptized on 31 Oct 1834 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio, died on 18 Nov 1896 in Norton County, Kansas at age 62, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Ananias married Maria Miller on 31 Aug 1852. Maria was born on 29 Mar 1836, died on 6 Aug 1880 in Norton County, Kansas at age 44, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

+ 55 M    i. John Archer was born on 2 May 1853 and died on 21 May 1853.

+ 56 F    ii. Mary Jane Archer was born on 14 May 1854 and died on 24 Feb 1857 at age 2.

+ 57 M    iii. Cyrus Archer was born on 18 Sep 1858 in Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio, died on 7 Nov 1929 in Densmore, Norton County, Kansas at age 71, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Norton County, Kansas.

+ 58 M    iv. Joseph Archer was born on 29 Nov 1859 and died on 11 Apr 1915 at age 55.

+ 59 M    v. Asbury Archer was born on 24 Mar 1861 and died on 4 Dec 1946 at age 85.

+ 60 M    vi. Henry Archer was born on 26 Sep 1863 and died on 20 Oct 1864 at age 1.

+ 61 M    vii. William Freeman Archer was born on 16 Aug 1865 and died on 23 Jun 1943 at age 77.

+ 62 M    viii. Taylor C Archer was born on 9 May 1868 and died on 27 Jun 1932 at age 64.

+ 63 M    ix. Sherman Archer was born on 22 Oct 1870, died on 10 Apr 1951 at age 80, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Kansas.

+ 64 F    x. Elizabeth Archer was born on 2 Dec 1872 and died on 20 Dec 1908 at age 36.

+ 65 F    xi. Matilda Ann Archer was born on 16 Mar 1875 and died on 18 Feb 1971 at age 95.

+ 66 F    xii. Maria Adaline Archer was born on 29 Jan 1877 and died on 1 Dec 1902 at age 25.

18. Michael (Junior) Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) died on 18 Jul 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

19. Enoch Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) died on 15 Aug 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

Enoch married Hannah Swaney. Hannah died in Jan 1901.

General Notes: Source: George W. Archer, THE ARCHER ASSOCIATION, P.O. Box 6233, McLean, Virginia 22106

20. Jacob Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) died in Oct 1849.

Jacob married Rachael Davis.

+ 67 F    i. Elizabeth Ann Archer was born in 1846 and died on 3 Aug 1882 at age 36.

Jacob next married someone.

21. William A Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) died on 17 Jul 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

22. Samuel Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was baptized on 19 May 1830 in St John's Church, Zanesville, Ohio and died on 24 May 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio at age 17.

23. James Archer (Michael⁷, James II², James¹) died on 9 Jul 1847 in Miltonsburg, Monroe County, Ohio.

24. Stephen M Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 28 Jun 1838 in East Union, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

Stephen married Rachel Matheny, daughter of Cyrus Matheny and Lucinda Bayliss, on 4 May 1857 in Noble County, Ohio. Rachel was born on 29 Jul 1840 in Monroe County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

+ 68 F    i. Lucinda L Archer was born on 18 Feb 1858 and died on 26 Jun 1858.

+ 69 F    ii. Mary E Archer was born on 2 Mar 1859 and died on 19 Aug 1859.

+ 70 M    iii. Martin B Archer was born on 26 Aug 1860 in Noble County, Ohio and died in 1924 at age 64.

+ 71 M    iv. Milton W Archer was born on 19 Mar 1862.

+ 72 M    v. Odell Archer was born on 11 Apr 1864 and died on 21 Sep 1864.

+ 73 F    vi. Martha Archer was born on 15 Dec 1865 and died on 13 Mar 1867 at age 1.

+ 74 M    vii. Neal Archer was born on 5 Dec 1867 and died on 20 May 1868.

+ 75 F    viii. Rosa Archer was born on 6 Jul 1869.

+ 76 M    ix. Cicero M Archer was born on 12 Aug 1871.

+ 77 F    x. Esther L Archer "Twin" was born on 9 Mar 1873.

+ 78 M    xi. Eastman Archer "Twin" was born on 9 Sep 1873.

+ 79 M    xii. Stephen Mills Archer was born on 17 Oct 1880.

25. George W Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

26. John Wesley Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 26 May 1854 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 28 Aug 1930 in Kitts Hill, Ohio at age 76, and was buried in Warden Cemetery, Cabell County, West Virginia.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History
George Archer says the father of John Wesley Archer is Martin Archer. The Rutherford Family History say his father is James Archer III
Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

27. Isaac Buckingham Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

28. Jonas Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

29. Robert Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

30. Amelia Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 1 Oct 1829 in Stock Twp, Noble County, Ohio, died on 24 Nov 1885 at age 56, and was buried in Archers Ridge Cemetery, Fulda, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: George W Archer 2008
Source: "Some descendants of William Bates of Newton Creek" by O.D. Bates 1977
Source: "The Genealogical History of the Archer Family" by M.B. Archer, F.J. Heer 1919

Amelia married Joseph Bates, son of Daniel Bates and Jane Farley Heddelson, on 4 Jun 1848. Joseph was born on 20 Jan 1831 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 21 Jan 1904 in Stock Twp, Noble County, Ohio at age 73, and was buried in Archers Ridge Cemetery, Fulda, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: George W Archer 2008 Source: "Some descendants of William Bates of Newton Creek" by O.D. Bates 1977 Source: "The Genealogical History of the Archer Family" by M.B. Archer, F.J. Heer 1919

Joseph Bates, third son of Daniel and Jane Bates, married Miss Permelia Archer and to this union were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. The first was Sophia, deceased; second, James, who married Miss Martha Archer and moved west; third, Elizabeth, who married Cyrus Archer and lives In Kansas; fifth, Columbus, in the west; sixth, Archibald Bates died in San Francisco, Calif.; then Charlotte, who died when a young woman; next is Margaret Ann, of Santiago, Calif.; ninth, Isaac Bingham, who married Miss Elizabeth Curtis and lives in Seneca Twp.; tenth, Rozella married M. R. Davidson and lives in Center Twp.; eleventh, Cordelia Bates married a Murphy and lives somewhere in Colorado, where she died leaving two children and if they can be found it will be to their interest, and Daniel died when small.

Joseph Bates was a soldier in the Civil war, after being discharged he returned to the farm where he followed farming and was successfu accumulating considerable property. Joseph Bates and wife were both members of the Methodist church. They were buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Served throughout Civil War. Member Methodist Church. Buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

From "William Bates and Descendants" by Dighton M Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

+ 80 M    i. James Bates was born in 1852 in Ohio and died on 13 Feb 1932 in Kansas at age 80.

+ 81 M    ii. Archibald Bates was born about 1853.

+ 82 M    iii. Columbus Bates was born about 1854.

+ 83 F    iv. Cynthia Jane Bates was born on 24 Feb 1855 in Ohio, died on 19 Feb 1926 in Bixby, Oklahoma at age 70, and was buried in Covey Cemetery, Bixby, Oklahoma.

+ 84 F    v. Cordelia Bates was born on 21 May 1857 in Ohio and died on 2 Jun 1890 at age 33.

+ 85 F    vi. Elizabeth Bates was born on 23 Dec 1859 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 6 Jun 1943 in Turlock, California at age 83, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Norton County, Kansas.

+ 86 F    vii. Sophia Bates was born about 1861.

+ 87 F    viii. Charlotte Bates was born in 1862.

+ 88 F    ix. Margaret Ann Bates was born in 1864.

+ 89 M    x. Isaac Bingham Bates was born in 1868.

+ 90 F    xi. Rosella Bates was born on 26 Oct 1872.

+ 91 M    xii. Daniel Bates was born in 1875.

31. Sophia Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

32. Celia Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

33. Elizabeth Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

34. Cyntha Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

35. Catherine Archer (James III⁸, James II², James¹).

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

  Fifth Generation  

36. Michael (Mike) Archer (Abraham (Abram)¹⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 3 Dec 1837 in Monroe County, Ohio, died on 5 May 1922 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska at age 84, and was buried on 8 May 1922 in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska.

General Notes: Michael Archer was a Police Judge.

Michael married Mary (Polly) Fowler, daughter of John M. Fowler and Jane, on 15 May 1859 in John Fowler Home, Cass County, Nebraska. Mary was born on 17 Jun 1842 in Cass County, Nebraska and died in 1881 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska at age 39.

   92 F    i. Emma Archer was born in 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died before 1922.

Birth Notes: Source: Harold Ward, Kent, Washington

Emma married Wallace M Brown.

Marriage Notes: Source: Harold Ward, Kent, Washington

General Notes: Source: Kellie R Brown

   93 F    ii. Ellen (Ella) Archer was born from 1861 to 1862 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died between 1922 and 1964 in Broadwater, Nebraska.

Ellen married George McHARLIN on 4 Dec 1879 in Cass County, Nebraska. George was born in 1854.

   94 F    iii. Jane Archer was born in 1864 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died in Oct 1881 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska at age 17.

General Notes: They lived in the country out of Plattsmouth Neb.

Jane married Henry John Bachler (Hank), son of David S Bachler and Mary Elizabeth Busch, in Jul 1881 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska. The marriage ended in divorce. Henry was born on 20 Oct 1855 in Coshocton County, Ohio, died on 13 Jan 1941 in Whitefish, Flathead County, Montana at age 85, and was buried on 15 Jan 1941 in Whitefish, Flathead County, Montana.

General Notes: Clyde DeLeal Bachler was born 10 Feb 1881 before his parents Henry John Bachler and Jane Archer were married.(source: Nettie Bachler Smith) Judge Michael Archer was grandfather to Clyde DeLeal Bachler. (source: Nettie Bachler Smith)

Daughter Elnora Bachler Vedrine said that her dad had a homestead in Nebraska and it was near the shores of the river and was still standing when she went back there the last time to see it. If true somewhere there must be a homestead record.

OBITUARY-H.J. BACHLER LAID TO REST

Funeral services for Henry John Bachler, 85, were held at the Catron Funeral Home, Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. C.P. Daane of the Presbyterian Church, officiating. The casket was completely covered with a great spray of lovely flowers from the family and relatives , and there were other lovely offerings testifying to the affection in which he was held as father, uncle and friend. Funeral music was in charge of Mrs. H.W. Arndt, Mrs L.L. Babcock and Mrs. T.W. Hiatt, accompanying, as they sang "By the cool siloam's Shady Rill" and "Abide with me" The casket was borne by Louis Bergan, H.H. Willis, Ole Gallis, H. J. Fisher, Robert Wollan and Edward Berard. Interment was in the Whitefish cemetery, under the direction of Sol Catron. Henry J.Bachler was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, October 20, 1855. When he was six months old his parents moved to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he resided until 1910. He was married in Plattsmouth in July 1881. He and his family came to Chester, Mont, in 1910, taking up a homestead in that part of the state. In 1916 he moved to Flathead county, near Whitefish. Of late years he has been making his home with his only daughter, Mrs Martin Narnst. He frequently visited his son and family at Polson and also visited with neices and nephews. Only a few months ago he spent some time at Benton City, Wash., with a niece. Mrs Narnst accompanied him over and going after him to bring him home. Although suffering extremely from ailments incident to old age, he was about on the streets greeting his friends, always cheerful, always "better," and never complaining. In addition to his daughter and son, he is survived by a sister, Mary A. Derleth of Oklahoma City, Okla., a niece, Mrs Laura Knowles of Benton City, Wash, who came over several days before his death to be with him, a close friend, Mrs. Clara Powers Dobrowski of Libby, Mrs B. Williams, a niece, and Henry Ward, nephew, both of Chester; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mrs Williams and Mr. Ward came over from Chester Tuesday to attend the funeral services




Montana Death Index, 1907-2002 Montana Death Index, 1907-2002
Name: Henry J. Bachler
Age: 85
Estimated Birth Year: 1856
Gender: Male
Death Date: 13 Jan 1941
Death County: Flathead
Index Number: Wfsh 365

Source: Montana Office of Vital Statistics

Source Information:
Montana. Montana State Death Registry Index, 1907-1953. Montana State Genealogical Society, Montana.

State of Montana. Montana Death Index, 1954-2002. State of Montana Department of Public

Jane next married someone on 31 Oct 1881 in Cass County, Nebraska.

   95 F    iv. Louella (Ella) Archer was born on 10 Jun 1866 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died in Aug 1950 in Centralia, Lewis County, Washington at age 84.

Louella married Elmer Jewel on 17 Aug 1884 in Cass County, Nebraska. Elmer was born in 1864.

   96 M    v. Abram (Abe) Archer was born before Aug 1868 in Cass County, Nebraska, died in Aug 1868 in Cass County, Nebraska, and was buried in 8 Mile Grove Cemetery, Cass County, Nebraska.

   97 M    vi. John Archer was born on 12 Jul 1869 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died between 1922 and 1964 in Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota.

General Notes: !

   98 F    vii. Maggie Archer was born from 5 Dec 1871 to 1872 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died between 1922 and 1964 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

Maggie married Robert Gillium on 2 Jun 1890 in Cass County, Nebraska. Robert was born in 1867.

   99 M    viii. Frederick (Fred) Archer was born on 17 Mar 1873 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died between 1922 and 1964 in Macy, Thurston County, Nebraska.

   100 M    ix. William (Will) Archer was born in Nov 1876 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died between 1922 and 1964 in Alliance, Box Butte, Nebraska.

General Notes: !

   101 F    x. Nettie (Net) Archer was born in Dec 1879 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska and died after Dec 1966 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska.

Nettie married John C. Brittain on 9 Dec 1896 in Cass County, Nebraska. John was born in 1872 and died after 1922.

   102 M    xi. Archer was born in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska and died before 1922 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska.

Michael next married Sarah Flock on 17 Feb 1885 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska. Sarah was born in 1861 in Grundy County, Iowa and died before Nov 1892 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska.

Michael next married Charlotte N. (Lottie) Campbell on 13 Nov 1892 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska. The marriage ended in divorce. Charlotte was born in 1852 in Indiana and died after 1922 in Nebraska.

Michael next married Charlotte (Lottie) Campbell on 22 Nov 1899 in Plattsmouth, Cass County, Nebraska. Charlotte was born in 1852 in Indiana and died after 1922 in Cass County, Nebraska.

General Notes: !

37. Nancy Archer (Abraham (Abram)¹⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born from 1836 to 1848 and died from 1856 to 1922 at age 20.

38. Elizabeth Archer (Abraham (Abram)¹⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born in Apr 1838 in Monroe County, Ohio, was baptized on 2 Jun 1838 in St.Mary's Church, Temperenceville, Belmont County, Ohio, and died before 1922.

Elizabeth married Joseph Thomas before 1860 in Cass County, Nebraska.

39. Abe Archer (Abraham (Abram)¹⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born after 1840 in Ohio and died before 1849.

40. Charles Archer (Abraham (Abram)¹⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born in 1844 in Monroe County, Ohio and died before 1922.

Charles married Flock.

41. Alfred Harvey (Harvey) Archer (Abraham (Abram)¹⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born in 1846 in Monroe County, Ohio, died on 17 Aug 1894 in Rock Bluff, Cass County, Nebraska at age 48, and was buried in 8 Mile Grove Cemetery, Cass County, Nebraska.

Alfred married Margrette Elizabeth (Maggie) Flock on 18 Aug 1878 in Baterville, Seward County, Nebraska. Margrette was born on 30 Jul 1859 in Indiana and died on 20 Feb 1930 in Haigler, Nebraska at age 70.

42. Martha Ellen Archer (Elijah¹¹, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 4 Apr 1854 in Noble County, Ohio and died on 27 Apr 1936 in Kansas at age 82.

Martha married James Bates, son of Joseph Bates and Amelia Archer, on 28 Dec 1871 in Noble County, Ohio. James was born in 1852 in Ohio and died on 13 Feb 1932 in Kansas at age 80.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)
Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

43. Michael Archer (Simon¹², Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 21 Feb 1849 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 22 Mar 1917 in Bixby, Oklahoma at age 68, and was buried in Covey Cemetery, Bixby, Oklahoma.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962) Rsidence in 1880: Norton County, Kansas, 1885: Smith County Kansas, 1891: Taney County, Missouri. Occupation: Mule team driver, Baptist Minister

Michael was an ordained Baptist miniter, a farmer and a mule-team driver. His trip. west ended up in Norton Co, Kansas . He is in the 1880 federal Census. By 1885 he had moved to Smith Co., according to Cousin Vera Chartier who has a copy of the Kansas State census for that year. By 1891 the family had moved to Taney County, Missouri near the town of Protem where the twin girls were born and from there to Lead Hill, Ark, .then to Cherokee Co, Okla near Tahlequah and on to Tulsa Co, where he lived near Jenks until the time of his death.


Covey Cemetery
This cemetery is located approximately at 81st Street and Maybell Avenue; on the edge of Jenks, Tulsa County, Oklahoma. It was named for Byron Covey, a Creek Indian, Roll No. 1955; and was part of his original allotment. The legal description is: sec. 14, Twp. 18N, Rg. 12E.
Indian land was not divided for allotment until 1898, but the first marked grave shows a burial in 1875. One - Pearl; a child of G.I. Tida, who died 2nd February 1875. '
Because there were no early cemeteries in the Creek area, many families from here used this burial ground. Thus the cemetery had important information about early settlers.
The cemetery is located in a very nice setting, among several large trees. For quite some time the area was not kept up. However now, there is a Cemetery Board, which is endeavoring to bring about some order. The cemetery was inventoried in August 1982.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Michael married Cynthia Jane Bates, daughter of Joseph Bates and Amelia Archer, on 7 Apr 1875 in Noble County, Ohio. Cynthia was born on 24 Feb 1855 in Ohio, died on 19 Feb 1926 in Bixby, Oklahoma at age 70, and was buried in Covey Cemetery, Bixby, Oklahoma.

• Marriage: Marriage records Vol 5, pg 332, 7 Apr 1875, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

Covey Cemetery
This cemetery is located approximately at 81st Street and Maybell Avenue; on the edge of Jenks, Tulsa County, Oklahoma. It was named for Byron Covey, a Creek Indian, Roll No. 1955; and was part of his original allotment. The legal description is: sec. 14, Twp. 18N, Rg. 12E.
Indian land was not divided for allotment until 1898, but the first marked grave shows a burial in 1875. One - Pearl; a child of G.I. Tida, who died 2nd February 1875. '
Because there were no early cemeteries in the Creek area, many families from here used this burial ground. Thus the cemetery had important information about early settlers.
The cemetery is located in a very nice setting, among several large trees. For quite some time the area was not kept up. However now, there is a Cemetery Board, which is endeavoring to bring about some order. The cemetery was inventoried in August 1982.


Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   103 F    i. Rosa May Archer was born on 19 May 1877 in Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio and died on 14 Jan 1913 in West Point, Arkansas at age 35.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Rosa married George Morrow. George died on 24 Jan 1956.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   104 M    ii. Arthur Columbus Archer was born on 5 May 1879 in Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio and died in 1956 in Bremerton, Kitsap County, Washington at age 77.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Arthur married Emily.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   105 F    iii. Alta Ann Archer was born on 13 Mar 1881 in Norton, Norton County, Kansas and died on 3 Apr 1968 in Jenks, Oklahoma at age 87.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Alta married John Olney Baerstin. John was born in Sep 1884 and died on 16 Jul 1956 at age 71.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   106 F    iv. Estella Maud Archer was born on 24 Apr 1882 in Cedarville, Kansas and died on 10 Aug 1958 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma at age 76.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Estella married George Burchett on 29 Nov 1900 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. George was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   107 F    v. Jane Myrtle Archer "Jenny" was born on 6 May 1885 in Kansas, died on 14 Aug 1939 in Claremore, Mayes County, Oklahoma at age 54, and was buried in Bryan Chapel Cemetery.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Jane married Floyd Briggs.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   108 F    vi. Susan Archer .

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   109 M    vii. Luther Archer .

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   110 F    viii. Minnie Archer .

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   111 M    ix. LeRoy Archer was born on 21 Nov 1886 in Kansas and died on 30 Jun 1951 at age 64.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   112 F    x. Clara Burl Archer "Twin" was born on 9 Nov 1891 in Protem, Taney County, Missouri and died on 18 Mar 1914 in Arkansas at age 22.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Clara married Luster Christopher Kindle on 13 Feb 1911.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   113 F    xi. Cara Pearl Archer "Twin" was born on 9 Nov 1891 in Protem, Taney County, Missouri, died on 25 Dec 1952 in Catossa, Oklahoma at age 61, and was buried in Timber Ridge Cemetery, Catossa, Oklahoma.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Cara married David Francis Hays on 10 May 1919.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

44. John Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1846 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1850 census, Enoch, Monroe County, Ohio

45. Barbary Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1847 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1850 census, Enoch, Monroe County, Ohio

46. Joseph Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1849 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1850 census, Enoch, Monroe County, Ohio

47. Eva Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1852 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1860 census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post office: Enoch Roll: M653_1020, pg 305.

48. Henry Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1854 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1860 census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post office: Enoch Roll: M653_1020, pg 305.

49. Mary A Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1859 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1860 census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post office: Enoch Roll: M653_1020, pg 305.
Mary A Hohmann is not on the 1870 census for Enoch, Noble County, Ohio (Might have died)

50. Rachel Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1857 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne

51. Francis Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1868 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne

52. Charles Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1864 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne

53. Rosa Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1867 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne

54. Matilda Hohmann (Matilda Archer¹³, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born about 1870 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: 1870 Census, Enoch, Noble County, Ohio, Post Office: Berne
was 6 months old on 1870 census

55. John Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 2 May 1853 and died on 21 May 1853.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

56. Mary Jane Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 14 May 1854 and died on 24 Feb 1857 at age 2.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

57. Cyrus Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 18 Sep 1858 in Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio, died on 7 Nov 1929 in Densmore, Norton County, Kansas at age 71, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Norton County, Kansas. The cause of his death was Fell off scaffolding building church.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962) Occupation: Minister, Free Methodist

Glen Archer says that Cyrus' first contact when arriving in Norton C0. was with John T. Densmore. Densmore arrived in 1874 and settled but Densmore was layout in 1881. According to an old local history Doyle saw in High School, someone originally tried to organize the town of Densmore about 2.25 miles east of present day Densmore which would put it near Joseph's place.

There are several theories on where and how Cyrus acguired his land. Densmore's land was in SE of S. 6 and NE S. 7 of T. , R. 21). Cyrus, according to Glen, moved a mile south of Densmore and settled SW S. 7 [ or maybe S. 18 and probably had a dugout. Later he moved to S. 17 [ which became his permanent home. There are still the remnants of two dugouts and an old sod house in this area that may have been the original Densmore settlement.

(From Doyle Archer) Cyrus Archer House [Built ca. 1886 made with stone from a quarry just over the hill constructed by same architect and workmen who constructed the Joseph Archer place, as the plans, materials, keystones are the same style. The building next to it in ruins measuring about 45x15 ft. made of same material as the house was believed to be the chick house but could have been a temporary residence while the house was being built. - Doyle Archer]

From p. 6 of the "Commemorative Issue of the Norton County 'News' 1870-1915 and is continued from the Sep 1988 issue of the 'Tracer' Cyrus Archer has done much for the betterment of Densmore and helped organize the Free Methodist Church and was its first Pastor. He was born in Noble Co. Ohio in 1857, coming to Norton Co., in 1879. He was married in 1877 and is the father of a 11 children, 7 of whom are living at this time.

CYRUS ARCHER By Glenn L. Archer- 2/15/79

In some respects Cyrus Archer, my grandfather, was not a very good farmer. His implements, harness for the horses and mules, sheds and barns were second class. I don't recall that he ever bought a new wagon or a new set of hamesses during the days when I was living with him on the 520 acre homestead. He attended the local farm sale and bought bargains - horses, cows, pigs, equipment, tools and so on. As I reflect nearly all of his equipment was rusted, worn and shoddy. He would not go to town to buy a bolt when a little wire would repair a harness or a machine. William Harrison, a neighbor, always had big mules new machines and well oiled, heavy leather harnesses, collars, and fancied them with colored ornamental rings on bridles and neck straps. Not so my grandfather. In comparison, the Archers looked like poor farmers.

Cyrus never shedded his farm machinery, nor lined them up in a straight row like some farmers did. His implements - wagon, discs, cultivators could be found anywhere on the Archer homestead. It must be said the grassy plot north of the Brick house had a cluster of machines, but some of them were old, worn out, no longer in use. Other tilling equipment might be anywhere on the farm. His brother, Joe, had big red barns, a better house, more and better equipment. Joe was a bigger operator and wealthier. Joe had eight children at home and thus an abundance of free labor. Cyrus had two boys, Frances and Clarence, still living on the farm, who did most of the actually farming with help of a hired man. Grandfather was a kind of a supervisor, dispatching the men to the fields, there to plant, disc, plow, cultivate, seed or whatever was the job of the season. Despite this general indifference to quality and attractive equipment, the homestead was not without esthetic appeal. The huge stone two story house was surrounded by a fence pretty well hidden by current bushes and trees. This border of fence bushes and trees made a haven from the hot sun and severe winds. What a relief to come from the hot fields into this enclosure and cool shade. Inside the enclosures were a variety of flowers in beds of different shapes and fruit trees were scattered about, cherries, mulberries, apricots, peaches and plumbs. Those who required green grass would have been disappointed for blue grass was never planted and buffalo sod was as brown as the ground during Kansas summer West of the stone house, perhaps fifty yards were two enclosures of currant bushes; one two acres served as a vegetable garden, the other perhaps five acres served as an orchard. These two small fields ran west to Sand Creek from which water was pumped to the garden and to the orchards. Grandfather was more skillful in the garden and the orchard than in the regular fields. As a matter of fact, he spent the greater part of his working hours in the garden and orchard, while the men tended the com, harvested the wheat, oats, barley, hay and corn. Cattle and horses were his money makers, while the crops were the food for the animals.

Grandmother played an important role in caring for the garden. She raised chickens, turkeys, hens, ducks, and geese. She canned fruit, meat, stored pumpkins in the cellar and sold cream in ten gallon cans and eggs in 30 dozen crates. She kept in a fruit jar in the cupboard the receipts of all the farm sales and gave away cents very sparingly, even to grandfather. She made, with the help of Joe Archer's girls, gloves by the dozen and overalls. These, too, she gave out slowly and reluctantly to the men on the farm. Once I asked for a pair of mittens to husk com. She demanded my old mittens to see whether she could mend them before giving a new pair made of overall cloth and lined with flannel.

If grandfather was an indifferent farmer, it was likely due to his greater interest in preaching the gospel, building churches, and traveling his self made circuit of meeting places where farmers came to hear him preach. His favorite comment was " I raise cattle to make a living; preach the gospel to make a life". To pursue this preaching ministry, he would harness a team of trotting ponies, hitch them to a small buggy, load his fur blanket (made from a farm animal), take his song books and Bible and off he would go for the weekend to Cross Roads School House, to Cactus Church and to Almanac Church, to Page and Winona, Kansas and to Penokee, Kansas. He had a dozen points where the folks wanted him to preach. He never made any charge, didn't want any money. He did accept lodging on occasions, especially when he was to far from home to drive back in one night. On many Monday mornings, grandmother would call me from my bed. "Get up and help your grandfather tend his team. He has just driven in". I would take the team, remove the harness, water, and feed them and grandfather would go to the house for coffee, eggs and pancakes and a nap before assuming the management of his farm. A number of times I went with grandfather on these preaching jaunts. He let me drive the team, interrupting with a "Gee" or "Haw" (right, left) to direct me to the destination. There were no roads or fences, just an open expanse of flat prairies in front of us. We followed section lines and old wagon trails on occasions, but it was mostly taking out on the flat land in an angle he knew would land us to the destination.

When we arrived at the appointed place, a sod house, frame school house, sod church, renewed barn - what ever the meeting place, he was greeted like a lost brother, and he seemed to enjoy meeting even the babies. I have felt he would have made a superb politician. At some point he moved to the front and started a hymn, while I passed out the dozen or so songbooks. He knew the songs he used from memory and the page of the book where the song appeared. Amazing Grace, Rock of Ages, Faith of our Fathers - were standard. Then he prayed. Sometimes he would ask for a testimony period when farmers told how things were with them. What God had done for them since last the met, for the meetings were held irregularly? Then grandfather would preach, usually a short sermon. In this regard he was unique. Most preachers talked on forever but not Cyrus Archer. In jest he told me he could tell all he knew in twenty minutes adding more souls are lost by long winded preachers. An altar call followed the short sermon and off we would go with our team back to the Archer ranch. On the way home he would sing all the songs he had led at the service and others he enjoyed. Among his favorites was: Dare to be a David Dare to stand alone Dare to have a purpose firm And dare to make it known.

We arrived back to the ranch depending on the distance, between 12 midnight and 5:00 am the care of the horses, the breakfast of eggs and pancakes and black strap molasses, and off to bed. It was a typical weekend for Cyrus Archer, the farmer/preacher.

When I say that Cyrus Archer was not a fancy farmer, I do not mean to imply he did not succeed. Today I own his ranch. I have the deeds and abstracts to prove he never had a mortgage on his ranch during a time when most ranches were mortgaged and lost thru foreclosures or abandonment, or sale. From this farm my grandparents educated seven children, all preachers, some with degrees. To be sure the children helped one another and my grandparents helped with money when needed. Also when there was money needed to build churches, Cyrus supplied his share. When he retired from the farm, he had funds to buy 5 acres, build a new house, furnish it, and live the remainder of his life without social security, welfare or outside assistance. When both grandparents died I inherited a small sum from their estate, and personally handled the family business for my uncles and aunts.

Cyrus was about 5 ft. 8 in. tall, weighed about 160 pounds. He was quick of movement, barreled chested, very strong in arms and shoulders. He wore a mustache most of his time that I knew him ( 50 - 71). He spoke rapidly, loudly. His singing voice would not have won any contests, but he could be heard for blocks. He never graduated from grade school. Yet he was well read especially in religious matters. He read the Bible thru every year for fifty years, as did grandmother. He was an ardent republican, follower of Carry Nation, the anti saloon, prohibition leader. He never smoked, chewed, or swore. He liked strong ` coffee. He could ride a horse with the best, and shoot a gun expertly.

I saw him last alive in the fall of 1929, from my classroom at Densmore High School. 1 saw grandfather carrying a long heavy post and an iron handled hammer. I thought at the time "He is going down to the river to repair the fence for the horses that he still owned." He loved horses. Within an hour, Josh Gram ham knocked vigorously at my classroom door and quickly opened the door shouting "come to your house, your grandfather is dying". I ran one block. He was in my bed, dead when I arrived. I asked the men to help me carry him to his house two blocks away. We put him on the sofa in the front room, called Mr. Abe Frankie , the Logan undertaker to come to Cyprus Archer's house in Dens more, Kansas. I comforted grandmother a moment and walked to father's lumber office. Father asked, "Is he really gone?" I replied, "Yes. I have called Mr Frankie." Father, G Archer, a quiet unemotional man, walked out into the lumberyard to be alone with his grief. In the office a hard drinking, rough, un religious man, Claude Searsh, burst out in loud sobs, "He was the greatest man I ever knew".

Cyrus Archer was buried in the Archer Cemetery three blocks east of Densmore facing his brother Joe's beautiful ranch house.

Cyprus worked in the Pottery place, East Union, Noble County, Ohio, He was born on Archer Ridge/near East Union. There he married Elizabeth Bates, bought a team of oxen and covered wagon. They drove to Kansas in 1877. Before he left Ohio he had been converted to the Methodist faith at the Archer Community Church, Archer Ridge, (1979 still stands closed). He lived that faith as a Kansas Pioneer. Today in Greenville, Illinois, at Greenville College there is an Archer Hall to perpetuate the memory of the life he lived and the family he launched.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Free Methodist Church


Around the year 1880 the Cyrus Archer family moved from Ohio to Kansas and settled on a homestead south of Densmore. He became a witness to Holiness, building a sod church having dirt floors, and seats and pulpit made of rough hewn logs. A short time later the services were moved to the schoolhouse in Densmore.

The first regular appointment was in 1886 with A. S. Manning as pastor. In 1902 a limestone building was erected, as the church grew in members the building had to grow too, so in 1930 while J. T. Pyle was pastor the present brick structure was built. The church prospered, in 1935 the membership was 109. However, the depression days came and caused many to move to other parts. A new modern parsonage was built in 1958. Carl Boys was pastor in 1959 and probably the last minister before the church closed and the congregation went to the Logan Free Methodist Church. A. J. Lunsford (husband of Lillie French) was pastor of the church in 1915-16.

To the casual observer the beginning of the Free Methodist Church at Densmore dates back to the year 1885 when the first class of five members was organized. In reality, it began a number of years earlier than that. It was over 70 years ago that a young couple, newly married, started their new home with a family altar, and a zeal for God's work which never wavered. Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer were born and reared in a community in south eastern Ohio where Methodism was strong and real revivals were a common thing. In 1879, this couple fired with the pioneer spirit to travel to the new western country, left their native state; loved ones and home and made the long, tiresome and hazardous journey into the west.

Arriving at their destination in Norton County, Kansas, a homestead site was found, filed upon and the erection of a house to live in was begun and in due time a sod home arose from the virgin sod of the prairie. Along with the building of their first sod home Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer were careful not to neglect their first duty of serving their God. Neighbors with their family of young children were living nearby and a Sunday School was started being held in the various homes round about.

In the meantime Cyrus Archer had felt the call to preach, "for necessity is laid upon me; yea woe is me, if I preach not the gospel." Soon the need of a church to worship in was beginning to be felt. Having no material or money or any means of obtaining either, this devout Christian couple selected a choice corner of their homestead and began the building of a sod church, the first church of any kind in that section of the country. It was a very humble building with dirt floors and the seats and the pulpit made of rough logs. The little sod church was built in 1880 and the homestead on which it was located is one mile south of Densmore on the former William Harrison farm. The exact location of the church was in the northwest corner near the present highway south of town.

In the mean time a railroad, the present one, was built a mile north and the little town of Densmore sprang up. A small frame school house was build just south of the railroad track, on land now owned by Leland Archer. In due time the sod church was abandoned and the place of worship was moved to the little white frame school house. The Missouri-Kansas Conference of the Free Methodist Church had been organized in 1870. What was known as the Norton District, covering the entire western end of the state became a part of that conference - the Densmore church eventually becoming one of the circuit.

In 1885 the first class was organized with the following persons, five in number, as charter members: Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer, Jacob and Elizabeth Archer and their daughter Emeline Archer, grandparents and mother of H. D. Archer of Densmore and Clyde Archer of Norton, and great-grandparents of Raymond Archer, a former teacher in the Densmore Grade School.

Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer were the parents of a large family of two girls and six boys of whom the best known to the present community was the late G. J. (Garfield) Archer.

For a number of years the school house was used as a place of worship and then it was determined to build a permanent church building of native limestone. So in 1902 or possibly 1903 work was begun on the new church, the first two loads of rock being hauled by G. J. Archer. Again Cyrus Archer was the director of the building of the church, but the entire community was interested and all helped in one way or another.

It might be of interest to note who some of the early pastors were: The first one there seems to be any record of was a man by the name of Woorley from Kirwin, Kansas. He came in his bare feet, carrying his shoes that he might have them to wear when he preached. He was followed by a United Brethren preacher by the name of Bisbee - the father of the lateCharlie Bisbee of Norton.

The Densmore Class had been on a circuit with another class but thru the years the interest was good and the church grew until it was large enough to be a circuit by itself and it became necessary to build a parsonage for the pastor. In the official minutes of September 2, 1909 it was ordered that a parsonage be built in the near future, a soliciting committee was appointed, the trustees were made a building committee and the parsonage was built. In a recent visit with Mrs. Adah Archer of Seattle, Washington, widow of the late G. J. Archer, she informed us that she was asked to be the architect to plan the building which is the present parsonage. The minutes of the official board meeting of November 2, 1909 reports the building completed except for painting. The Rev. Jesse Crawford and wife was the first pastor to occupy the new parsonage.

In time the little rock church became too small for the congregation and plans were made for the building of the present brick structure. Rev. J. T. Pyle was the pastor at this time and to him goes much of the credit for uniting the interest of the people of the community in getting the church built. He proposed a plan whereby a farmer might set aside an acre of more of his crop, the proceeds of which were to go the the expense of the church building - and a number of people used this method to determine their basis of giving.

At this time the Sunday School had grown until the records show close to 200 was the usual attendance, with a cradle roll of babies as high as 75 - but, about 40 on the roll was the average.

This church was built in 1930. In the spring of 1940 when the last and final note was paid off the mortgage was burned and it was dedicated with Bishop ______officiating.

Most of the older ones who were young people and children at the time these events took place have moved away or passed on from this life but the Free Methodist Church still stands as a stalwart beacon in the community to remind us that the God who honored the efforts of these humble pilgrims of the past, still is the same God and he will still honor and bless those who serve his with a whole heart.

"Behold that the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."

PRAIRIE CHURCHES

I never saw high altars glow With stately candles white as snow, Nor listened to the golden sweep of organ music full and deep. But I have seen a little church Set in a clump of silver birch Beyond a wheat field, heard the strain Of children's voices sweet as rain, And breathed a prayer quiet as sod, Simple as daylight, knowing that God Who loves the gleaming sanctuary Loves little churches on a prairie.

Written in the mid '50's. Possibly 1959 (contributed by Rose French Gulick)

Telephone INterview with Glen Archer - Spring 1982, 19 Apr 1982 (Glen of Garfield,Cyrus,Ananias,MichaeZ, James I)

In 1803 , James Archer, lst moved out of west Virginia into Ohio, Noble Co. . His first wife was scalped by the Indians and killed. The second wife was a ) Lincicome, and they had 5 or 6 boys and about as many girls. Among their boys was Michael. Michael begat Ananias, my great grandfather. Ananias was the father of Cyrus. Cyrus was my grandfather. Cyrus married Elizabeth Bates. And in Noble Co., Ohio , in and around East Union, there were Miller's and Bates, Lincicome's and Archer.

Cyrus and Elizabeth bought an ox-team covered wagon and drove to Kansas in 1878 ` and homsteaded on the Solomen River. I own the land that they homesteaded and the land that they accumulated in Norton Co., Kansas. He called the township, West Union , because , as he told me in 1928, he sat behind those oxen lookin west, · thinking west- I had west on my mind. I come from East Union. I'll call it West Union. I was the second family here on the Solomon River in the Township. Your gran' mammy and me saw a curl smoke down yonder on the bank of the Soloman. we drove toward it. A young couple by the name of Densmore lived in a dugout. They were preparing their noonday meal. Your grandmammy and me drove down the valley - this was all prarie, virgin prarie , laced with wildflowers; there were no telephone posts, elevators, no railroad track- noth'ng but just virgin prarie with that little snake-like Solomon River wending its way down the valley. we 'stopped there and Mr. Densmore and I built ourselves a dugout up the river, about half a mile. So I said, "Granpa, let's go up now to where you had your dug-out. So we drove back into the village that he named Densmore after the young man who helped him build his first dugout. We were a mile south of the ^Soloman and he showed me on the south bank, a high bank probably about 100 feet high, where they had their dugout. But he said',"your grandmammy didn't like that northern exposure, sun never came in-too close to the river " He was afraid of river diseases, "Ohioer" as he called it. " So she made me go back to a hill back south and build a sod house ." So I said, "Let's go therer? And we drove over the river bridge and in less than an eight of a mile, turned left. And we got out through the fence, and we saw a mound on the sod prarie. That mound represented the walls that had caved in and now had grown over, looking a little like a grave site , only much larger. He stepped off 42 by 14 He said the door was in the east and the windows in the south. He pointed to a spot in the ground and said , · "Your pappy was born right there in 1880. There were two rooms, and we separated the rooms with something like a bed sheet or cloth. That was our sod house and that's where a number of the children were born, your uncles and aunts.

He was then, I suppose, 71 or 72, that was Cyrus, son of Ananias. That's my grandfather.

At Densmore, Kansas, there is an Archer Cemetery. Grandfather layed that out. The cemetery is two miles east of town. It was on Uncle Joe's farm. My grandfather and grandmother Archer lie there now. Some of their children lie there too. Ananias, son of Michael , is there too.

Somewhere along the way there was a Methodist revival that came into the county . About half of the Archer's went Protestant and about stayed Catholic. My grandfather became a Protestant cowboy preacher. He had six boys and two girls. They were all ordained ministers of the Methodist Persuasion. I gave my colleagues a building called the Archer Hall in memory of Cyrus and Elizabeth and their eight children, one of whom my father, Garfield Joseph (that name pretty will indicates the family persuasion, Garfield, Republican President and Joseph a leading character of the Bible. Republicism and the Bible arfe the two motivating interests) They settled in and around Densmore. Cyrus went out first. He was followed by his brother Joe.

My Grandfather was well to do. He owned 520 acres. He was never in debt. I own the farm that he homesteaded and developed in '78, and years after that I bought it in '45 from the heirs. There were 108 - over 108. It took me 7. years to get all the parcels together- quit claims- but I finally got it together I inherited 3/8 . 3/l08 ths, myself. Anyhow I have the Cyrus Archer ranch.

Q. which city is that? Camden , 0hio .He comes from... the man who came to Kansas somewhat after Cyrus Cyrus was the first one to arrive. Joseph came next. And then Freeman, Sherman and Taylor and Asbury followed.

Q. And that would be Asbury and Ananias? Yes Asbury and Ananias T1lly married John Snode who also came from Ohio .

My grandparents had 4 children who died in infancy- 2 sets of twins. 8 children 2 sets of twins, stones are in the Archer Cemetery. 2 mi East of Densmore on the Joe Archer farm

A Freeman, not William Freeman , brother of Joseph Archer, died when he was about 20 (my note: Alva Freeman or Arba Freeman , son of Cyrus (Ananias, Micahel, James)

Chidren of Cyrus: Jennie max Marie (?) , eldest; Garfield Joseph; Elsworth A. ; Arthur C.; Viola (at age 95 still living.in Tuscon , AZ) - her husband the Reverend Melvin Sides still lives in Tuscon ,AZ.

Reverand Merlin Archer, son of Francis Archer (Cyrus, Ananias, Michael, JamesI) lives in Tuson

Jurd (origina unknonw) md. Hazel Litherland from Greenville, IL Francis Archer, the preacher (Cyrus, Ananias, Micbaeil, James I) had 5 children: Merlin, the eldest; Wayne, Gerald , Donald Mary md. ------- Turnidge . They are all still living. Merlin is retired and lives in Phoenix . He has been very successul as a Minister.

' Hazel (Literland)_Archer died in l981 in the Warm Springs Home, north of Seattle somewhere but, she is buried with Francis in California . Here son, Donald is the (rebursar?) of A Cal Tech. Donald lives in Arcadia, CA now .

Alamena is 18 mi N. of Densmore. My mother's people homesteaded there and built the bank. They are pretty prominent - Clarence Burnap layed out the cemetery. My grandfather built the first coffin he told me, " I had some nice white pine boards, no knots . I made this little coffin and lined it with your grandmothers discarded satin dress and we put the little ------ baby there and buried it in that cemetery. That was in 1883. Baby (Davis) was buried in Sept or August. His brother Ed built the bank or established the bank in Alamena and Scott and Chick were members of the board - all Burnaps - brothers, homsteaded on the Prarie dog . Mother used to ride a horse from Alameda to Densmore , 18 miles and I never opened a gate - no fenses . She used to chase the jackrabbits and cayotes if they would stay in front of her on the way down to teach the Archer school at Densmore. She fell in love with the eldest Cyrus Archer's son, Garfield Joseph who just finished the grade school . They married and started out as tenant farmers, moved to Densmore and built a lumber yard, had a grain elevator . They asked him to run for governor but he refused . He said that he did not want to wear any man's collar. Ada Maude Burnap - her father was Clarence Burnap. Of all my ancestors, Clarence was probably the best informed . He knew logrithéms He could draw beautifully . He taught me how to figure board feet before I ever went to school . He was a carpenter and cabinet maker . He was a well driller . He was so precise and particlar in his write; he was all self taught . He knew Socrates and Plato . The Archers didn't know anything except church and the' Republican party and death and life . But Clarence Burnap was a man of some intellecutal grasp . He was quite a remarkable man. My grandmother on my mother's side, Theresa Burnap I never knew . She died before I was born. She was an aristocractic Englishwoman. My mother was an aristocrati She was a lace woman in a calico community . She had my somewhat my father's and grandfather's, interest in old literature, and think it came from Theresa.

Cyrus married Elizabeth Bates, daughter of Joseph Bates and Amelia Archer, on 23 Dec 1876 in Noble County, Ohio. Elizabeth was born on 23 Dec 1859 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 6 Jun 1943 in Turlock, California at age 83, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Norton County, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

Mrs. Archer Dead At 85

' Rites, Monday For Widow of Cyrus,. Mother of G. J. Archer

Mrs. Elizabeth Archer, 85, the widow of Cyrus Archer and the mother of a large family including the late Garfield J. Archer, who represented Norton County, in the state legislature, died Tuesday at Turlock, Calif., relatives at Densmore are advised.
The body of Mrs. Archer is being returned to Densmore, where funeral services will be conducted Monday.
Mrs. Archer was born in 1858 in Noble County, Ohio. The Archers located years ago in the Densmore community, where Mr Archer was a farmer, business man and clergyman, and the family for many years has been prominent in Norton County and northwest Kansas.
Mrs .Archer had many grandchildren, among whom are Vern Archer, Almena High school principal, and Glenn Archer, former Densmore and Almena school man who now is Kansas State Teachers Association public relations officer.

Will, dated 14 Apr 1943 Elizabeth Archer of Densmore, Norton Co, KS but residing temporarily in Turlock, CA. Executor: C.B. Archer Children (1/7, equally) Sons: E.A. A.C. F.J. C.B. Dau: Mrs. Viola Sides 1/3 of 1/7 to Elsie Patton, dau of Jennie Patton, deceased 2/3 of remaining 1/7 to be divided equally among the 5 children. Son A,C. and wife, Florence, to be paid at least $10 for each month that she made her permanent home with them from July 1935 with exception of time that she was away to be taken from the estate before it is divided among above mentioned heirs.

Elizabeth made her will,she was about 82 years old. Elizabeth d. 8 Jun 1943, Turlock, CA; names heirs: Sons and Daus E.A. Archer, Chino, CA F.J. Archer, Seattle, NA (Mrs?) Melvin (sic) Sides, Albuquerque, NM [Viola May] A.C. Archer, Turlock, CA C.B., McPherson, KS ' Adah Archer, daughter in law, Densmore, KS Glenn L. Archer, grandson, Densmore, KS Vern B. Archer, grandson, Densmore, KS Ruth Noogert, granddaughter, Densmore, KS Elsie Patton, granddaughter, Pueblo, C0 Nilliam Patton, son in law, Pueblo, C0

Personal property probable value: $2900 Real estate probable value $5900 Annual income: about $500 from real estate

Journal Entry of Final Settlement, dated 1 Jun 1945: Vern B. Archer was in military service. William B. Ryan appointed as his lawyer per law that soldiers in military had to be represented by council.

Elsie V. Smith was a granddaughter of Cyrus'

Despite the terms of her will, one-half of the property went to Cyrus' children by default under intestate laws because Elizabeth never elected to take her portion of Cyrus' property when she was executrix of Cyrus' will.

The list of heirs changed due to death between the date of Elizabeth's will and her death:' Before Elizabeth died, Jennie, one of Cyrus heirs, died intestate in Norton Co., KS leaving as her (Jennie's) heir, her daughter Elsie V. Smith who was then Miss Elsie V. Patton and her husband, William Patton and no other heirs.

G.J. a.ka. Garfield J. Archer d. on 13 Nov 1940, intestate in Norton Co., KS, son of Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer, leaving as his heirs: Widow, Adah M.; sons, Glenn L., Vern B. and daughter Ruth A. Woogert.

Real estate, all in Norton Co., KS passed to heirs named in Elizabeth's will: A.C., E.A., F.J., C.B., Viola Sides, Glenn L., Vern B., Ruth A. Woogert and Elsie V. Smith: N 1/2 of SE 1/4 and E. 1/2 of Sw 1/4 S. 17, T. 5, R. 21

More property that belonged to Elizabeth passing to above heirs: NE 1/4 of NN 1/4 and SN 1/4 of SE 1/4 S. 17, T. 5, R. 21 and tract: NE corner of S. 12, T. 5, R. 21, thence S. 31 rods, thence N. 25 25/31 rods,then N. 31 rods, thence E. 25 and 25/31 rods to beginning.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   114 F    i. Marie Jane Archer "Janie" was born on 6 Mar 1878 in Enoch Twp, Noble County, Ohio and died on 17 Jan 1930 at age 51.

General Notes: Mrs Janie Patton
Mrs. Janie Patton, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Cyrus, Archer, was born near Caldwell, Ohio, March 6, 1878, and departed this life at Densmore, Kansas, January 17, 1930. When about one year old she, with her parents, came to Kansas and settled near Densmore, In the year 1897 she was married to W. M. Patton. Mrs. Patton was keenly interested in the betterment of humanity. After spending a few years in school work she turned her attention to writing and even during her sickness wrote a number of inspiring and helpful articles. Just few days before her death, and the last time she took her pen in hand. she wrote an excellent tribute to her mother. For a number of years she was president of her local W. C'. T. U. and took an active part in the work of the county. When about seventeen years of age, Mrs. Patton was clearly converted, and soon after sought and obtained the experience of entire sanctification. At this time she joined the Free Methodist Church of which she was a faithful member until she joined the church triumphant. She was clearly called to preach the gospel and was a conference evangelist in the West Kansas Conference for many years. While not strong in body, she held a number of revival meetings and preached at various points near where she lived. She was at home in public work and repeatedly spoke before community gatherings, Sunday School, W.C.T.U., and evangelistic conventions. Four years ago Mrs. Patton was stricken with a cruel stroke of paralysis, and suffered almost constantly during that time, but through it all she was cheerful and encouraged and was an inspiration to those who came to visit her. When able to be out, she called on. and prayed with, her neighbors. During her last conscious moments, she was greatly encouraged in the Lord and sought to encourage those who were with her. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, another brother, Freeman, and her father, the late Rev. Cyrus Archer, who went to be with Jesus just two months ago. She leaves to mourn their loss, her husband, W. M. Patton; one daughter, Miss Elsie Patton; her mother, Mrs. Cyrus Archer; one sister, Mrs. Viola Sides, of Arizona; and five brothers: Rev. G. J. Archer, of Densmore, Kansas; Rev. E. A. Archer, of Los Angeles, California; Rev. A. C. Archer, of Medford, Oregon; Rev. F. J. Archer, of Winfield, Kansas, and Rev. C. B. Archer, of Lawrence, Kansas. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, assisted by 'Rev. Mr. Phlllippi and Bev. A. E. Grothaus. Two of the brothers, F. J. Archer and C. B. Archer, also spoke.


Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Marie married William Patton on 21 Nov 1897 in Norton County, Kansas. William was born in 1878.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   115 M    ii. Garfield Joseph Archer was born on 9 Jun 1880 in Norton County, Kansas and died on 13 Nov 1940 at age 60.

General Notes:
The late G.J. Archer, son of Cyrus Archer, conducted a lumber yard and bought grain at Densmore for many years. He was active in school and church work and did much for this community. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1932 and again in 1934. He died in November 1940.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Garfield married Ada M Burnap on 20 Nov 1902 in Norton County, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   116 M    iii. Elsworth Archibald Archer was born on 25 Apr 1882 in Norton County, Kansas and died on 16 Oct 1960 at age 78.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Elsworth married Clara Rozena Mc Geary, daughter of John S Mc Geary and Ella Happgood, on 22 May 1907 in Densmore, Norton County, Kansas. Clara was born about 1880 in Titusville, Pennsylvania and died in 1962 about age 82.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   117 M    iv. Arthur Columbus Archer was born on 25 Feb 1885 in Norton County, Kansas and died on 9 Jun 1970 at age 85.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Arthur married Florence Forbs on 31 May 1911.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   118 F    v. Viola May Archer was born on 1 Mar 1886 in Densmore, Norton County, Kansas, died in 1984 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona at age 98, and was buried in South Lawn Cemetery, Tucson, Arizona.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Viola married Melvin W Sides, son of Henry Sides and Esther McKimberley, on 22 May 1907. Melvin was born on 19 Dec 1884 in Altoona, Polk County, Iowa, died on 20 Jul 1907 at age 22, and was buried in South Lawn Cemetery, Tucson, Arizona.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   119 M    vi. Freeman Arva Archer was born on 4 Nov 1888 in Densmore, Norton County, Kansas, died on 27 Nov 1907 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado at age 19, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Kansas. The cause of his death was Typhoid fever.

General Notes: FREEMAN A. ARCHER DEAD On December 1st, the entire community was shocked by the, sad news of the death of Freeman A. Archer of Denver. Colorado which came to his father, Rev. Cyrus Archer of Densmore by telegraph.

His brother G.J. Archer and brother-in-law, W.M. Patton immediately left for Denver where they found he had died of typhoid fever and hemorrhage after a severe illness of eleven days.


All that the doctor and nurses of the hospital could do was done to save his life but of no avail.


The remains were immediately brought home and the funeral services were held at the F.M. Church in Densmore Friday morning. An impressive service was conducted by Rev. G. Delimit, assisted by Rev. BC Long of the FM. Church and Rev. T. DJ. Forbes of the M.E.. Church.

After viewing the remains for the last time, about one hundred vehicles of sympathizing relatives and friends proceeded to the cemetery just east of town where they were laid to rest to await the resurrection.

Freeman was bom on his father's farm southeast of Densmore, November 4, 1888 where he lived; beloved by all who knew him until a few months before his death, Freeman's great ambition wasto obtain a good education which resulted in his graduation from the Common School Course at fifteen years of age. He then obtained, a teachers certificate and since, had been teaching in Norton County until he left for Denver with his brother Arthur on an outing tour. Tho his suffering was very great, he was patient and kind to the last.

Freeman leaves a loving father, mother, five brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Janie Patton of Edmond, G.J. Archer of Logan, E.A. Archer of Greenville, lL, Arthur C. Archer of Russell Springs, Mrs. Viola Sides of Calvert, Francis and Clarence of Densmore and a host of relatives and friends.

The entire family was privileged to attend the services excepting E.A. Archer of Greenville, IL.

We are not surprised at the departure of an aged person, but this time the Angel of Death called for one just blooming into manhood. But, Willingly submit to Him who doeth all things well.


Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   120 M    vii. Francis Jurd Archer was born on 28 Oct 1892 in Norton County, Kansas and died on 20 Jan 1962 at age 69.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Francis married Hazel Litherland on 7 Jun 1914 in Norton County, Kansas. Hazel was born about 1892 in St Francisville, Illinois.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

   121 M    viii. Clarence Bingham Archer was born on 25 Dec 1893 in Norton County, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Clarence married Ruth Eva Watson on 2 Aug 1918.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

58. Joseph Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 29 Nov 1859 and died on 11 Apr 1915 at age 55.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

59. Asbury Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 24 Mar 1861 and died on 4 Dec 1946 at age 85.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

60. Henry Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 26 Sep 1863 and died on 20 Oct 1864 at age 1.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

61. William Freeman Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 16 Aug 1865 and died on 23 Jun 1943 at age 77.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

62. Taylor C Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 9 May 1868 and died on 27 Jun 1932 at age 64.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

63. Sherman Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 22 Oct 1870, died on 10 Apr 1951 at age 80, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

64. Elizabeth Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 2 Dec 1872 and died on 20 Dec 1908 at age 36.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

65. Matilda Ann Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 16 Mar 1875 and died on 18 Feb 1971 at age 95.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

66. Maria Adaline Archer (Ananias¹⁷, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born on 29 Jan 1877 and died on 1 Dec 1902 at age 25.

General Notes: Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

67. Elizabeth Ann Archer (Jacob²⁰, Michael⁷, James II², James¹) was born in 1846 and died on 3 Aug 1882 at age 36.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates

Source: Some of this information was furnished by George W. Archer, THE ARCHER ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 6233, McLean, Virginia 22106, garcher@wdn.com (Please do your own research on these families)

Elizabeth married Daniel Bates "Little Dan", son of Uzal Bates and Rhoda Lincicome, on 4 Jul 1864 in Noble County, Ohio. Daniel was born in 1847 in Ohio and died on 23 Mar 1880 at age 33.

General Notes: "Little Dan" enlisted 29 Feb 1864 in Company I, 25th Ohio Vol. Inf. mustered out 18 June 1866 .
Source: O.D. Bates

Souce: D.M. Bates in 1912, and added to by Madge Bates in 1962


Source: Some of this information was furnished by George W. Archer, THE ARCHER ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 6233, McLean, Virginia 22106, garcher@wdn.com (Please do your own research on these families)

• enlisted: 29 Feb 1864.

   122 M    i. Orange L Bates was born on 27 Mar 1868 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates


Source: Some of this information was furnished by George W. Archer, THE ARCHER ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 6233, McLean, Virginia 22106, garcher@wdn.com (Please do your own research on these families)

   123 M    ii. Annanias Bates was born on 28 Jan 1870 in Ohio.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates

He never married and had no children.

   124 M    iii. Ulysses Grant Bates was born on 19 Apr 1872.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates

Ulysses married Elizabeth Crawford in Falmouth, Kentucky.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates

   125 M    iv. Lovett Bates was born on 11 Jun 1874.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates

   126 F    v. Anna Belle Bates was born on 13 Dec 1877 in Center Twp, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: O.D. Bates


Source: Some of this information was furnished by George W. Archer, THE ARCHER ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 6233, McLean, Virginia 22106, garcher@wdn.com (Please do your own research on these families)

Anna married Dwight Baxter.

68. Lucinda L Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 18 Feb 1858 and died on 26 Jun 1858.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

69. Mary E Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 2 Mar 1859 and died on 19 Aug 1859.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

70. Martin B Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 26 Aug 1860 in Noble County, Ohio and died in 1924 at age 64.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

71. Milton W Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 19 Mar 1862.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

72. Odell Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 11 Apr 1864 and died on 21 Sep 1864.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

73. Martha Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 15 Dec 1865 and died on 13 Mar 1867 at age 1.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

74. Neal Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 5 Dec 1867 and died on 20 May 1868.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

75. Rosa Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 6 Jul 1869.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

76. Cicero M Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 12 Aug 1871.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

77. Esther L Archer "Twin" (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 9 Mar 1873.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

78. Eastman Archer "Twin" (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 9 Sep 1873.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

79. Stephen Mills Archer (Stephen M²⁴, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 17 Oct 1880.

General Notes: Source: The Rutherford Family History

80. James Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born in 1852 in Ohio and died on 13 Feb 1932 in Kansas at age 80.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)
Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

James married Martha Ellen Archer, daughter of Elijah Archer and Margaret J Walker, on 28 Dec 1871 in Noble County, Ohio. Martha was born on 4 Apr 1854 in Noble County, Ohio and died on 27 Apr 1936 in Kansas at age 82.

(Duplicate Line. See Person 42)

81. Archibald Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born about 1853.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

82. Columbus Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born about 1854.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

83. Cynthia Jane Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 24 Feb 1855 in Ohio, died on 19 Feb 1926 in Bixby, Oklahoma at age 70, and was buried in Covey Cemetery, Bixby, Oklahoma.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

Covey Cemetery
This cemetery is located approximately at 81st Street and Maybell Avenue; on the edge of Jenks, Tulsa County, Oklahoma. It was named for Byron Covey, a Creek Indian, Roll No. 1955; and was part of his original allotment. The legal description is: sec. 14, Twp. 18N, Rg. 12E.
Indian land was not divided for allotment until 1898, but the first marked grave shows a burial in 1875. One - Pearl; a child of G.I. Tida, who died 2nd February 1875. '
Because there were no early cemeteries in the Creek area, many families from here used this burial ground. Thus the cemetery had important information about early settlers.
The cemetery is located in a very nice setting, among several large trees. For quite some time the area was not kept up. However now, there is a Cemetery Board, which is endeavoring to bring about some order. The cemetery was inventoried in August 1982.


Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Cynthia married Michael Archer, son of Simon Archer and Mary Ann Hupp, on 7 Apr 1875 in Noble County, Ohio. Michael was born on 21 Feb 1849 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 22 Mar 1917 in Bixby, Oklahoma at age 68, and was buried in Covey Cemetery, Bixby, Oklahoma.

• Marriage: Marriage records Vol 5, pg 332, 7 Apr 1875, Noble County, Ohio.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962) Rsidence in 1880: Norton County, Kansas, 1885: Smith County Kansas, 1891: Taney County, Missouri. Occupation: Mule team driver, Baptist Minister

Michael was an ordained Baptist miniter, a farmer and a mule-team driver. His trip. west ended up in Norton Co, Kansas . He is in the 1880 federal Census. By 1885 he had moved to Smith Co., according to Cousin Vera Chartier who has a copy of the Kansas State census for that year. By 1891 the family had moved to Taney County, Missouri near the town of Protem where the twin girls were born and from there to Lead Hill, Ark, .then to Cherokee Co, Okla near Tahlequah and on to Tulsa Co, where he lived near Jenks until the time of his death.


Covey Cemetery
This cemetery is located approximately at 81st Street and Maybell Avenue; on the edge of Jenks, Tulsa County, Oklahoma. It was named for Byron Covey, a Creek Indian, Roll No. 1955; and was part of his original allotment. The legal description is: sec. 14, Twp. 18N, Rg. 12E.
Indian land was not divided for allotment until 1898, but the first marked grave shows a burial in 1875. One - Pearl; a child of G.I. Tida, who died 2nd February 1875. '
Because there were no early cemeteries in the Creek area, many families from here used this burial ground. Thus the cemetery had important information about early settlers.
The cemetery is located in a very nice setting, among several large trees. For quite some time the area was not kept up. However now, there is a Cemetery Board, which is endeavoring to bring about some order. The cemetery was inventoried in August 1982.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

(Duplicate Line. See Person 43)

84. Cordelia Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 21 May 1857 in Ohio and died on 2 Jun 1890 at age 33.

General Notes: From records passed down through the years we know that Cordelia Bates was born in Ohio, May 21, 1857. One of many children! Our records say she died when she was 33 years and 12 days. Cordelia Bates married William Howard Murphy. Our records show he was born in Iowa, 1856. Cordelia and William Howard Murphy had 3 surviving children and several that died in birth or shortly after! Poremio Adaline Murphy, aka as "Millie", born 1885. Walter Howard Murphy, born 1888. Susan was the only one of the three to have any children! She and hubby had 6 children. The Book "Genealogical History of the Archer Family by M. B. Archer", printed in 1919.

Source: "Genealogical History of the Archer Family by M.B. Archer" printed in 1919

Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

Cordelia married William Howard Murphy. William was born in 1856 in Iowa.

85. Elizabeth Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 23 Dec 1859 in Noble County, Ohio, died on 6 Jun 1943 in Turlock, California at age 83, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Norton County, Kansas.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

Mrs. Archer Dead At 85

' Rites, Monday For Widow of Cyrus,. Mother of G. J. Archer

Mrs. Elizabeth Archer, 85, the widow of Cyrus Archer and the mother of a large family including the late Garfield J. Archer, who represented Norton County, in the state legislature, died Tuesday at Turlock, Calif., relatives at Densmore are advised.
The body of Mrs. Archer is being returned to Densmore, where funeral services will be conducted Monday.
Mrs. Archer was born in 1858 in Noble County, Ohio. The Archers located years ago in the Densmore community, where Mr Archer was a farmer, business man and clergyman, and the family for many years has been prominent in Norton County and northwest Kansas.
Mrs .Archer had many grandchildren, among whom are Vern Archer, Almena High school principal, and Glenn Archer, former Densmore and Almena school man who now is Kansas State Teachers Association public relations officer.

Will, dated 14 Apr 1943 Elizabeth Archer of Densmore, Norton Co, KS but residing temporarily in Turlock, CA. Executor: C.B. Archer Children (1/7, equally) Sons: E.A. A.C. F.J. C.B. Dau: Mrs. Viola Sides 1/3 of 1/7 to Elsie Patton, dau of Jennie Patton, deceased 2/3 of remaining 1/7 to be divided equally among the 5 children. Son A,C. and wife, Florence, to be paid at least $10 for each month that she made her permanent home with them from July 1935 with exception of time that she was away to be taken from the estate before it is divided among above mentioned heirs.

Elizabeth made her will,she was about 82 years old. Elizabeth d. 8 Jun 1943, Turlock, CA; names heirs: Sons and Daus E.A. Archer, Chino, CA F.J. Archer, Seattle, NA (Mrs?) Melvin (sic) Sides, Albuquerque, NM [Viola May] A.C. Archer, Turlock, CA C.B., McPherson, KS ' Adah Archer, daughter in law, Densmore, KS Glenn L. Archer, grandson, Densmore, KS Vern B. Archer, grandson, Densmore, KS Ruth Noogert, granddaughter, Densmore, KS Elsie Patton, granddaughter, Pueblo, C0 Nilliam Patton, son in law, Pueblo, C0

Personal property probable value: $2900 Real estate probable value $5900 Annual income: about $500 from real estate

Journal Entry of Final Settlement, dated 1 Jun 1945: Vern B. Archer was in military service. William B. Ryan appointed as his lawyer per law that soldiers in military had to be represented by council.

Elsie V. Smith was a granddaughter of Cyrus'

Despite the terms of her will, one-half of the property went to Cyrus' children by default under intestate laws because Elizabeth never elected to take her portion of Cyrus' property when she was executrix of Cyrus' will.

The list of heirs changed due to death between the date of Elizabeth's will and her death:' Before Elizabeth died, Jennie, one of Cyrus heirs, died intestate in Norton Co., KS leaving as her (Jennie's) heir, her daughter Elsie V. Smith who was then Miss Elsie V. Patton and her husband, William Patton and no other heirs.

G.J. a.ka. Garfield J. Archer d. on 13 Nov 1940, intestate in Norton Co., KS, son of Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer, leaving as his heirs: Widow, Adah M.; sons, Glenn L., Vern B. and daughter Ruth A. Woogert.

Real estate, all in Norton Co., KS passed to heirs named in Elizabeth's will: A.C., E.A., F.J., C.B., Viola Sides, Glenn L., Vern B., Ruth A. Woogert and Elsie V. Smith: N 1/2 of SE 1/4 and E. 1/2 of Sw 1/4 S. 17, T. 5, R. 21

More property that belonged to Elizabeth passing to above heirs: NE 1/4 of NN 1/4 and SN 1/4 of SE 1/4 S. 17, T. 5, R. 21 and tract: NE corner of S. 12, T. 5, R. 21, thence S. 31 rods, thence N. 25 25/31 rods,then N. 31 rods, thence E. 25 and 25/31 rods to beginning.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Elizabeth married Cyrus Archer, son of Ananias Archer and Maria Miller, on 23 Dec 1876 in Noble County, Ohio. Cyrus was born on 18 Sep 1858 in Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio, died on 7 Nov 1929 in Densmore, Norton County, Kansas at age 71, and was buried in Archer Cemetery, Densmore, Norton County, Kansas. The cause of his death was Fell off scaffolding building church.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962) Occupation: Minister, Free Methodist

Glen Archer says that Cyrus' first contact when arriving in Norton C0. was with John T. Densmore. Densmore arrived in 1874 and settled but Densmore was layout in 1881. According to an old local history Doyle saw in High School, someone originally tried to organize the town of Densmore about 2.25 miles east of present day Densmore which would put it near Joseph's place.

There are several theories on where and how Cyrus acguired his land. Densmore's land was in SE of S. 6 and NE S. 7 of T. , R. 21). Cyrus, according to Glen, moved a mile south of Densmore and settled SW S. 7 [ or maybe S. 18 and probably had a dugout. Later he moved to S. 17 [ which became his permanent home. There are still the remnants of two dugouts and an old sod house in this area that may have been the original Densmore settlement.

(From Doyle Archer) Cyrus Archer House [Built ca. 1886 made with stone from a quarry just over the hill constructed by same architect and workmen who constructed the Joseph Archer place, as the plans, materials, keystones are the same style. The building next to it in ruins measuring about 45x15 ft. made of same material as the house was believed to be the chick house but could have been a temporary residence while the house was being built. - Doyle Archer]

From p. 6 of the "Commemorative Issue of the Norton County 'News' 1870-1915 and is continued from the Sep 1988 issue of the 'Tracer' Cyrus Archer has done much for the betterment of Densmore and helped organize the Free Methodist Church and was its first Pastor. He was born in Noble Co. Ohio in 1857, coming to Norton Co., in 1879. He was married in 1877 and is the father of a 11 children, 7 of whom are living at this time.

CYRUS ARCHER By Glenn L. Archer- 2/15/79

In some respects Cyrus Archer, my grandfather, was not a very good farmer. His implements, harness for the horses and mules, sheds and barns were second class. I don't recall that he ever bought a new wagon or a new set of hamesses during the days when I was living with him on the 520 acre homestead. He attended the local farm sale and bought bargains - horses, cows, pigs, equipment, tools and so on. As I reflect nearly all of his equipment was rusted, worn and shoddy. He would not go to town to buy a bolt when a little wire would repair a harness or a machine. William Harrison, a neighbor, always had big mules new machines and well oiled, heavy leather harnesses, collars, and fancied them with colored ornamental rings on bridles and neck straps. Not so my grandfather. In comparison, the Archers looked like poor farmers.

Cyrus never shedded his farm machinery, nor lined them up in a straight row like some farmers did. His implements - wagon, discs, cultivators could be found anywhere on the Archer homestead. It must be said the grassy plot north of the Brick house had a cluster of machines, but some of them were old, worn out, no longer in use. Other tilling equipment might be anywhere on the farm. His brother, Joe, had big red barns, a better house, more and better equipment. Joe was a bigger operator and wealthier. Joe had eight children at home and thus an abundance of free labor. Cyrus had two boys, Frances and Clarence, still living on the farm, who did most of the actually farming with help of a hired man. Grandfather was a kind of a supervisor, dispatching the men to the fields, there to plant, disc, plow, cultivate, seed or whatever was the job of the season. Despite this general indifference to quality and attractive equipment, the homestead was not without esthetic appeal. The huge stone two story house was surrounded by a fence pretty well hidden by current bushes and trees. This border of fence bushes and trees made a haven from the hot sun and severe winds. What a relief to come from the hot fields into this enclosure and cool shade. Inside the enclosures were a variety of flowers in beds of different shapes and fruit trees were scattered about, cherries, mulberries, apricots, peaches and plumbs. Those who required green grass would have been disappointed for blue grass was never planted and buffalo sod was as brown as the ground during Kansas summer West of the stone house, perhaps fifty yards were two enclosures of currant bushes; one two acres served as a vegetable garden, the other perhaps five acres served as an orchard. These two small fields ran west to Sand Creek from which water was pumped to the garden and to the orchards. Grandfather was more skillful in the garden and the orchard than in the regular fields. As a matter of fact, he spent the greater part of his working hours in the garden and orchard, while the men tended the com, harvested the wheat, oats, barley, hay and corn. Cattle and horses were his money makers, while the crops were the food for the animals.

Grandmother played an important role in caring for the garden. She raised chickens, turkeys, hens, ducks, and geese. She canned fruit, meat, stored pumpkins in the cellar and sold cream in ten gallon cans and eggs in 30 dozen crates. She kept in a fruit jar in the cupboard the receipts of all the farm sales and gave away cents very sparingly, even to grandfather. She made, with the help of Joe Archer's girls, gloves by the dozen and overalls. These, too, she gave out slowly and reluctantly to the men on the farm. Once I asked for a pair of mittens to husk com. She demanded my old mittens to see whether she could mend them before giving a new pair made of overall cloth and lined with flannel.

If grandfather was an indifferent farmer, it was likely due to his greater interest in preaching the gospel, building churches, and traveling his self made circuit of meeting places where farmers came to hear him preach. His favorite comment was " I raise cattle to make a living; preach the gospel to make a life". To pursue this preaching ministry, he would harness a team of trotting ponies, hitch them to a small buggy, load his fur blanket (made from a farm animal), take his song books and Bible and off he would go for the weekend to Cross Roads School House, to Cactus Church and to Almanac Church, to Page and Winona, Kansas and to Penokee, Kansas. He had a dozen points where the folks wanted him to preach. He never made any charge, didn't want any money. He did accept lodging on occasions, especially when he was to far from home to drive back in one night. On many Monday mornings, grandmother would call me from my bed. "Get up and help your grandfather tend his team. He has just driven in". I would take the team, remove the harness, water, and feed them and grandfather would go to the house for coffee, eggs and pancakes and a nap before assuming the management of his farm. A number of times I went with grandfather on these preaching jaunts. He let me drive the team, interrupting with a "Gee" or "Haw" (right, left) to direct me to the destination. There were no roads or fences, just an open expanse of flat prairies in front of us. We followed section lines and old wagon trails on occasions, but it was mostly taking out on the flat land in an angle he knew would land us to the destination.

When we arrived at the appointed place, a sod house, frame school house, sod church, renewed barn - what ever the meeting place, he was greeted like a lost brother, and he seemed to enjoy meeting even the babies. I have felt he would have made a superb politician. At some point he moved to the front and started a hymn, while I passed out the dozen or so songbooks. He knew the songs he used from memory and the page of the book where the song appeared. Amazing Grace, Rock of Ages, Faith of our Fathers - were standard. Then he prayed. Sometimes he would ask for a testimony period when farmers told how things were with them. What God had done for them since last the met, for the meetings were held irregularly? Then grandfather would preach, usually a short sermon. In this regard he was unique. Most preachers talked on forever but not Cyrus Archer. In jest he told me he could tell all he knew in twenty minutes adding more souls are lost by long winded preachers. An altar call followed the short sermon and off we would go with our team back to the Archer ranch. On the way home he would sing all the songs he had led at the service and others he enjoyed. Among his favorites was: Dare to be a David Dare to stand alone Dare to have a purpose firm And dare to make it known.

We arrived back to the ranch depending on the distance, between 12 midnight and 5:00 am the care of the horses, the breakfast of eggs and pancakes and black strap molasses, and off to bed. It was a typical weekend for Cyrus Archer, the farmer/preacher.

When I say that Cyrus Archer was not a fancy farmer, I do not mean to imply he did not succeed. Today I own his ranch. I have the deeds and abstracts to prove he never had a mortgage on his ranch during a time when most ranches were mortgaged and lost thru foreclosures or abandonment, or sale. From this farm my grandparents educated seven children, all preachers, some with degrees. To be sure the children helped one another and my grandparents helped with money when needed. Also when there was money needed to build churches, Cyrus supplied his share. When he retired from the farm, he had funds to buy 5 acres, build a new house, furnish it, and live the remainder of his life without social security, welfare or outside assistance. When both grandparents died I inherited a small sum from their estate, and personally handled the family business for my uncles and aunts.

Cyrus was about 5 ft. 8 in. tall, weighed about 160 pounds. He was quick of movement, barreled chested, very strong in arms and shoulders. He wore a mustache most of his time that I knew him ( 50 - 71). He spoke rapidly, loudly. His singing voice would not have won any contests, but he could be heard for blocks. He never graduated from grade school. Yet he was well read especially in religious matters. He read the Bible thru every year for fifty years, as did grandmother. He was an ardent republican, follower of Carry Nation, the anti saloon, prohibition leader. He never smoked, chewed, or swore. He liked strong ` coffee. He could ride a horse with the best, and shoot a gun expertly.

I saw him last alive in the fall of 1929, from my classroom at Densmore High School. 1 saw grandfather carrying a long heavy post and an iron handled hammer. I thought at the time "He is going down to the river to repair the fence for the horses that he still owned." He loved horses. Within an hour, Josh Gram ham knocked vigorously at my classroom door and quickly opened the door shouting "come to your house, your grandfather is dying". I ran one block. He was in my bed, dead when I arrived. I asked the men to help me carry him to his house two blocks away. We put him on the sofa in the front room, called Mr. Abe Frankie , the Logan undertaker to come to Cyprus Archer's house in Dens more, Kansas. I comforted grandmother a moment and walked to father's lumber office. Father asked, "Is he really gone?" I replied, "Yes. I have called Mr Frankie." Father, G Archer, a quiet unemotional man, walked out into the lumberyard to be alone with his grief. In the office a hard drinking, rough, un religious man, Claude Searsh, burst out in loud sobs, "He was the greatest man I ever knew".

Cyrus Archer was buried in the Archer Cemetery three blocks east of Densmore facing his brother Joe's beautiful ranch house.

Cyprus worked in the Pottery place, East Union, Noble County, Ohio, He was born on Archer Ridge/near East Union. There he married Elizabeth Bates, bought a team of oxen and covered wagon. They drove to Kansas in 1877. Before he left Ohio he had been converted to the Methodist faith at the Archer Community Church, Archer Ridge, (1979 still stands closed). He lived that faith as a Kansas Pioneer. Today in Greenville, Illinois, at Greenville College there is an Archer Hall to perpetuate the memory of the life he lived and the family he launched.

Source: George Archer, "The Archer Association", McLean, Virginia

Free Methodist Church


Around the year 1880 the Cyrus Archer family moved from Ohio to Kansas and settled on a homestead south of Densmore. He became a witness to Holiness, building a sod church having dirt floors, and seats and pulpit made of rough hewn logs. A short time later the services were moved to the schoolhouse in Densmore.

The first regular appointment was in 1886 with A. S. Manning as pastor. In 1902 a limestone building was erected, as the church grew in members the building had to grow too, so in 1930 while J. T. Pyle was pastor the present brick structure was built. The church prospered, in 1935 the membership was 109. However, the depression days came and caused many to move to other parts. A new modern parsonage was built in 1958. Carl Boys was pastor in 1959 and probably the last minister before the church closed and the congregation went to the Logan Free Methodist Church. A. J. Lunsford (husband of Lillie French) was pastor of the church in 1915-16.

To the casual observer the beginning of the Free Methodist Church at Densmore dates back to the year 1885 when the first class of five members was organized. In reality, it began a number of years earlier than that. It was over 70 years ago that a young couple, newly married, started their new home with a family altar, and a zeal for God's work which never wavered. Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer were born and reared in a community in south eastern Ohio where Methodism was strong and real revivals were a common thing. In 1879, this couple fired with the pioneer spirit to travel to the new western country, left their native state; loved ones and home and made the long, tiresome and hazardous journey into the west.

Arriving at their destination in Norton County, Kansas, a homestead site was found, filed upon and the erection of a house to live in was begun and in due time a sod home arose from the virgin sod of the prairie. Along with the building of their first sod home Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer were careful not to neglect their first duty of serving their God. Neighbors with their family of young children were living nearby and a Sunday School was started being held in the various homes round about.

In the meantime Cyrus Archer had felt the call to preach, "for necessity is laid upon me; yea woe is me, if I preach not the gospel." Soon the need of a church to worship in was beginning to be felt. Having no material or money or any means of obtaining either, this devout Christian couple selected a choice corner of their homestead and began the building of a sod church, the first church of any kind in that section of the country. It was a very humble building with dirt floors and the seats and the pulpit made of rough logs. The little sod church was built in 1880 and the homestead on which it was located is one mile south of Densmore on the former William Harrison farm. The exact location of the church was in the northwest corner near the present highway south of town.

In the mean time a railroad, the present one, was built a mile north and the little town of Densmore sprang up. A small frame school house was build just south of the railroad track, on land now owned by Leland Archer. In due time the sod church was abandoned and the place of worship was moved to the little white frame school house. The Missouri-Kansas Conference of the Free Methodist Church had been organized in 1870. What was known as the Norton District, covering the entire western end of the state became a part of that conference - the Densmore church eventually becoming one of the circuit.

In 1885 the first class was organized with the following persons, five in number, as charter members: Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer, Jacob and Elizabeth Archer and their daughter Emeline Archer, grandparents and mother of H. D. Archer of Densmore and Clyde Archer of Norton, and great-grandparents of Raymond Archer, a former teacher in the Densmore Grade School.

Cyrus and Elizabeth Archer were the parents of a large family of two girls and six boys of whom the best known to the present community was the late G. J. (Garfield) Archer.

For a number of years the school house was used as a place of worship and then it was determined to build a permanent church building of native limestone. So in 1902 or possibly 1903 work was begun on the new church, the first two loads of rock being hauled by G. J. Archer. Again Cyrus Archer was the director of the building of the church, but the entire community was interested and all helped in one way or another.

It might be of interest to note who some of the early pastors were: The first one there seems to be any record of was a man by the name of Woorley from Kirwin, Kansas. He came in his bare feet, carrying his shoes that he might have them to wear when he preached. He was followed by a United Brethren preacher by the name of Bisbee - the father of the lateCharlie Bisbee of Norton.

The Densmore Class had been on a circuit with another class but thru the years the interest was good and the church grew until it was large enough to be a circuit by itself and it became necessary to build a parsonage for the pastor. In the official minutes of September 2, 1909 it was ordered that a parsonage be built in the near future, a soliciting committee was appointed, the trustees were made a building committee and the parsonage was built. In a recent visit with Mrs. Adah Archer of Seattle, Washington, widow of the late G. J. Archer, she informed us that she was asked to be the architect to plan the building which is the present parsonage. The minutes of the official board meeting of November 2, 1909 reports the building completed except for painting. The Rev. Jesse Crawford and wife was the first pastor to occupy the new parsonage.

In time the little rock church became too small for the congregation and plans were made for the building of the present brick structure. Rev. J. T. Pyle was the pastor at this time and to him goes much of the credit for uniting the interest of the people of the community in getting the church built. He proposed a plan whereby a farmer might set aside an acre of more of his crop, the proceeds of which were to go the the expense of the church building - and a number of people used this method to determine their basis of giving.

At this time the Sunday School had grown until the records show close to 200 was the usual attendance, with a cradle roll of babies as high as 75 - but, about 40 on the roll was the average.

This church was built in 1930. In the spring of 1940 when the last and final note was paid off the mortgage was burned and it was dedicated with Bishop ______officiating.

Most of the older ones who were young people and children at the time these events took place have moved away or passed on from this life but the Free Methodist Church still stands as a stalwart beacon in the community to remind us that the God who honored the efforts of these humble pilgrims of the past, still is the same God and he will still honor and bless those who serve his with a whole heart.

"Behold that the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."

PRAIRIE CHURCHES

I never saw high altars glow With stately candles white as snow, Nor listened to the golden sweep of organ music full and deep. But I have seen a little church Set in a clump of silver birch Beyond a wheat field, heard the strain Of children's voices sweet as rain, And breathed a prayer quiet as sod, Simple as daylight, knowing that God Who loves the gleaming sanctuary Loves little churches on a prairie.

Written in the mid '50's. Possibly 1959 (contributed by Rose French Gulick)

Telephone INterview with Glen Archer - Spring 1982, 19 Apr 1982 (Glen of Garfield,Cyrus,Ananias,MichaeZ, James I)

In 1803 , James Archer, lst moved out of west Virginia into Ohio, Noble Co. . His first wife was scalped by the Indians and killed. The second wife was a ) Lincicome, and they had 5 or 6 boys and about as many girls. Among their boys was Michael. Michael begat Ananias, my great grandfather. Ananias was the father of Cyrus. Cyrus was my grandfather. Cyrus married Elizabeth Bates. And in Noble Co., Ohio , in and around East Union, there were Miller's and Bates, Lincicome's and Archer.

Cyrus and Elizabeth bought an ox-team covered wagon and drove to Kansas in 1878 ` and homsteaded on the Solomen River. I own the land that they homesteaded and the land that they accumulated in Norton Co., Kansas. He called the township, West Union , because , as he told me in 1928, he sat behind those oxen lookin west, · thinking west- I had west on my mind. I come from East Union. I'll call it West Union. I was the second family here on the Solomon River in the Township. Your gran' mammy and me saw a curl smoke down yonder on the bank of the Soloman. we drove toward it. A young couple by the name of Densmore lived in a dugout. They were preparing their noonday meal. Your grandmammy and me drove down the valley - this was all prarie, virgin prarie , laced with wildflowers; there were no telephone posts, elevators, no railroad track- noth'ng but just virgin prarie with that little snake-like Solomon River wending its way down the valley. we 'stopped there and Mr. Densmore and I built ourselves a dugout up the river, about half a mile. So I said, "Granpa, let's go up now to where you had your dug-out. So we drove back into the village that he named Densmore after the young man who helped him build his first dugout. We were a mile south of the ^Soloman and he showed me on the south bank, a high bank probably about 100 feet high, where they had their dugout. But he said',"your grandmammy didn't like that northern exposure, sun never came in-too close to the river " He was afraid of river diseases, "Ohioer" as he called it. " So she made me go back to a hill back south and build a sod house ." So I said, "Let's go therer? And we drove over the river bridge and in less than an eight of a mile, turned left. And we got out through the fence, and we saw a mound on the sod prarie. That mound represented the walls that had caved in and now had grown over, looking a little like a grave site , only much larger. He stepped off 42 by 14 He said the door was in the east and the windows in the south. He pointed to a spot in the ground and said , · "Your pappy was born right there in 1880. There were two rooms, and we separated the rooms with something like a bed sheet or cloth. That was our sod house and that's where a number of the children were born, your uncles and aunts.

He was then, I suppose, 71 or 72, that was Cyrus, son of Ananias. That's my grandfather.

At Densmore, Kansas, there is an Archer Cemetery. Grandfather layed that out. The cemetery is two miles east of town. It was on Uncle Joe's farm. My grandfather and grandmother Archer lie there now. Some of their children lie there too. Ananias, son of Michael , is there too.

Somewhere along the way there was a Methodist revival that came into the county . About half of the Archer's went Protestant and about stayed Catholic. My grandfather became a Protestant cowboy preacher. He had six boys and two girls. They were all ordained ministers of the Methodist Persuasion. I gave my colleagues a building called the Archer Hall in memory of Cyrus and Elizabeth and their eight children, one of whom my father, Garfield Joseph (that name pretty will indicates the family persuasion, Garfield, Republican President and Joseph a leading character of the Bible. Republicism and the Bible arfe the two motivating interests) They settled in and around Densmore. Cyrus went out first. He was followed by his brother Joe.

My Grandfather was well to do. He owned 520 acres. He was never in debt. I own the farm that he homesteaded and developed in '78, and years after that I bought it in '45 from the heirs. There were 108 - over 108. It took me 7. years to get all the parcels together- quit claims- but I finally got it together I inherited 3/8 . 3/l08 ths, myself. Anyhow I have the Cyrus Archer ranch.

Q. which city is that? Camden , 0hio .He comes from... the man who came to Kansas somewhat after Cyrus Cyrus was the first one to arrive. Joseph came next. And then Freeman, Sherman and Taylor and Asbury followed.

Q. And that would be Asbury and Ananias? Yes Asbury and Ananias T1lly married John Snode who also came from Ohio .

My grandparents had 4 children who died in infancy- 2 sets of twins. 8 children 2 sets of twins, stones are in the Archer Cemetery. 2 mi East of Densmore on the Joe Archer farm

A Freeman, not William Freeman , brother of Joseph Archer, died when he was about 20 (my note: Alva Freeman or Arba Freeman , son of Cyrus (Ananias, Micahel, James)

Chidren of Cyrus: Jennie max Marie (?) , eldest; Garfield Joseph; Elsworth A. ; Arthur C.; Viola (at age 95 still living.in Tuscon , AZ) - her husband the Reverend Melvin Sides still lives in Tuscon ,AZ.

Reverand Merlin Archer, son of Francis Archer (Cyrus, Ananias, Michael, JamesI) lives in Tuson

Jurd (origina unknonw) md. Hazel Litherland from Greenville, IL Francis Archer, the preacher (Cyrus, Ananias, Micbaeil, James I) had 5 children: Merlin, the eldest; Wayne, Gerald , Donald Mary md. ------- Turnidge . They are all still living. Merlin is retired and lives in Phoenix . He has been very successul as a Minister.

' Hazel (Literland)_Archer died in l981 in the Warm Springs Home, north of Seattle somewhere but, she is buried with Francis in California . Here son, Donald is the (rebursar?) of A Cal Tech. Donald lives in Arcadia, CA now .

Alamena is 18 mi N. of Densmore. My mother's people homesteaded there and built the bank. They are pretty prominent - Clarence Burnap layed out the cemetery. My grandfather built the first coffin he told me, " I had some nice white pine boards, no knots . I made this little coffin and lined it with your grandmothers discarded satin dress and we put the little ------ baby there and buried it in that cemetery. That was in 1883. Baby (Davis) was buried in Sept or August. His brother Ed built the bank or established the bank in Alamena and Scott and Chick were members of the board - all Burnaps - brothers, homsteaded on the Prarie dog . Mother used to ride a horse from Alameda to Densmore , 18 miles and I never opened a gate - no fenses . She used to chase the jackrabbits and cayotes if they would stay in front of her on the way down to teach the Archer school at Densmore. She fell in love with the eldest Cyrus Archer's son, Garfield Joseph who just finished the grade school . They married and started out as tenant farmers, moved to Densmore and built a lumber yard, had a grain elevator . They asked him to run for governor but he refused . He said that he did not want to wear any man's collar. Ada Maude Burnap - her father was Clarence Burnap. Of all my ancestors, Clarence was probably the best informed . He knew logrithéms He could draw beautifully . He taught me how to figure board feet before I ever went to school . He was a carpenter and cabinet maker . He was a well driller . He was so precise and particlar in his write; he was all self taught . He knew Socrates and Plato . The Archers didn't know anything except church and the' Republican party and death and life . But Clarence Burnap was a man of some intellecutal grasp . He was quite a remarkable man. My grandmother on my mother's side, Theresa Burnap I never knew . She died before I was born. She was an aristocractic Englishwoman. My mother was an aristocrati She was a lace woman in a calico community . She had my somewhat my father's and grandfather's, interest in old literature, and think it came from Theresa.

(Duplicate Line. See Person 57)

86. Sophia Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born about 1861.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

87. Charlotte Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born in 1862.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

88. Margaret Ann Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born in 1864.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

89. Isaac Bingham Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born in 1868.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

90. Rosella Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born on 26 Oct 1872.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)

91. Daniel Bates (Amelia Archer³⁰, James III⁸, James II², James¹) was born in 1875.

General Notes: Source: "William Bates and his descendants" by Dighton M. Bates (1910) updated by Madge Bates (1962)