My Genealogy Hound

LAFAYETTE ARCHER, Collector, McLean; the present Collector of Mt. Hope Township; is a native of New York, his birthplace being near the city of Rochester; he came West with his people when he was two years old, they locating in Bureau Co. He remained there until the age of 23 years; while a resident of this county he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. From there he came to McLean Co., and for two years was engaged in farming. In 1862, he entered the army in the war of the late rebellion—three years’ service. He had served nearly his term of enlistment, when he received a wound which disabled him for further service. He was in many of the heavy battles, among which may be mentioned the battle of Nashville, in 1864; that of Pleasant Hill, battle of Tupello, Miss., and also the battle of Fort DeRuso. After leaving the army, he returned to McLean, and, until 1877, was engaged at the carpenter trade. From this he began farming again, and, in 1878, was elected to his present office. He is an old soldier who enjoys the respect and confidence of the people, and any confidence yet placed in him has not been betrayed.