The Biographical Dictionary of America/Archer, William S.

ARCHER, William S., senator, was born in Amelia county, Va., March 5, 1789; son of Maj. John Archer, an officer in the Revolutionary war; and grandson of Col. William Archer, who died on a British prison ship. William S. was educated in the grammar schools of Virginia, graduated from William and Mary college in 1806, was admitted to the bar, and practised in Amelia county, 1810-55. He was a representative in the state legislature, 1812-'19; in the 16th-23d congresses, 1819-'35, and U.S. senator, 1841-'47. He died in Amelia county, Va., March 28, 1855.