BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 567-568.

FRANK B. ARCHER, a prominent young business man and treasurer elect
of Belmont county, Ohio, was born in Bellaire, May, 1858. His parents,
Rudolph and Elizabeth Archer came to Belmont county, locating in
Bellaire, his two brothers, John and James, accompanying him. He was
by trade a cooper and followed the same for some years after his
coming to Bellaire. He afterward engaged in coal-boating for some
years, and the latter part of his life gave his attention to teaching
music, having acquired quite a reputation as a vocalist in that vicinity.
For a time he was a member of the firm of Archer & Gunning, pioneer
merchants of Bellaire. He died In September, 1858. His wife and three
children still survive him. Frank Archer obtained a limited education
in the Bellaire schools, and when but eleven years old he was compelled
to work, his mother having been left without support for herself and
five smail children. He served an apprenticeship as a glass-blower, and
when but sixteen years of age drew the salary of a competent workman,
earning from $4.50 to $5 per day, this lad had in the meantime been
supporting the family from his earnings as an apprentice. In 1888
he discontinued the glass business, since which time he has been in
the insurance business with John Davis. They bought the business from
M. E. Pierson and have built it up until it now is one of the most
lucrative agencies in the valley. Mr. Archer's sterling integrity and
marked ability have won him the recognition of the voters of the
county. He has been township treasurer, was elected to the city
council in 1887, of which body he is now the president, and in 1889
was nominated for county treasurer by the republican party, of which
he has been a firm and loyal member for a long time. He was elected
by a large majority to the latter office. In 1879 Mr. Archer espoused
Lucy F. Horn, daughter of Thornton A. Horn, one of the oldest residents
of Bellaire. Four children have been born to them, they are: Thornton
A., Earle W., Harry S. and Arthur A., these children are all living
and form a very interesting family. Mr. and Mrs. Archer are members
of the Christian church of Bellaire, of which his father was an
organizer. Mr. Frank B. Archer is one of the most promising men in
the county and is so regarded by its residents. If his life be
spared he will in all probability become prominent in the politics
of the state.