My Genealogy Hound

James M. Archer, senior member of the general merchandise firm of Archer, Daniels & Co. Fulton County has within her borders many men to whom she may point with pride; men, who, forgetting their own interests, have labored assiduously, bending all their efforts to one great end — their country’s advancement and welfare. These men, in braving the dangers and privations incident to a pioneer’s life, have pressed rapidly forward, paving and preparing the way for the advantages now reaped by a younger generation. Such a man is James M. Archer, who was born in Lawrence County, Ark., June 10, 1832, and when but five years of age removed with his parents to Fulton County. He suffered the loss of his mother when still a mere lad, and a few years later his father was stricken down with paralysis, lingering a helpless cripple for sixteen years. This was a terrible blow for young Archer, as it robbed him of his support and reduced him to a state of destitution. It was in this trying ordeal that the boy showed the metal of which he was made. Born of a sturdy line of ancestry, he inherited a vim which refused to bow under adverse circumstances, and here were developed that determination of purpose and untiring energy which has characterized his after life. He is first found occupying the humble position of knife rubber on a steamboat, which he followed for three years, never once complaining of his hard lot. Later he was engaged in labor upon a farm, receiving for his work the mere pittance of four dollars per month, which he saved for the purpose of attending school. His small amount of funds was soon exhausted, and he was compelled to resume his labors, and for five years more was engaged in various occupations. When the war broke out he was not long in making his decision, and, espousing the cause of the Confederacy, he organized the first company of Confederate troops in Marion County, Ark., where he was then located. He assumed the captaincy of this company, which was mustered into service in the Seventh Regiment Arkansas Infantry, and for a short time was stationed at Pocahontas, Ark. He next joined the Regulars and was commissioned regimental adjutant of the Fourth Cavalry, participating in many engagements, among which were the battles of Fitz Hugh’s Woods, Ironton, Boonville, Independence and others. After the close of the war he embarked in agricultural pursuits near Salem, Ark., and in 1869 he engaged in business at that town, where he remained until 1882. In 1887 he obtained control of Mammoth Spring, and at once devoted his attention to the general improvement of the place. He is now general manager and secretary of the Mammoth Spring Improvement & Water Power Company, and director of the Calamity Cotton Mills. In 1879 Mr. Archer was elected representative of Fulton County, and reelected in 1881. His wife was Miss Laura Tunstall, of Arkansas, a daughter of Thomas T. and Elizabeth Tunstall, early settlers of this State. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are held in the highest esteem. In political faith Mr. Archer is an ardent adherent of Democratic principles. He is also a member of the K. of P.