Ingham County Biographical Sketches



George W. Archer



Known throughout the length and breadth of Ingham county, George W. Archer stands today for sixty years' residence in the locality. He was born on the 25th day of July, in 1838, in the Empire State and when three months old, his father, Bezaleel Archer, emigrated to Michigan, arriving in 1840 in Bunker Hill township. Bezaleel Archer was a native of New York, his natal day being April 1, 1811, and there married Ann Grant, also a native of that state, whose birth occurred on February 1, 1819. The father here secured a tract of land, which contained one hundred and forty acres of timber land, and erecting his pioneer home, a log house, twenty by twenty-four feet in dimensions, he began the development of his property. This was the seventh house erected in the township. He was not long permitted to enjoy his fruits of his labors, as he departed from this life in 1843, after three years residence. At the time of his location here, this was indeed a pioneer settlement; the Indians were still numerous and wild game were in abundance; during his residence here he killed sixty-three deer. After the father's death, the mother was again married, the second union being with Mr. Orson O. Janes, a native of New York state, who was born in the year of 1822 and emigrated to Michigan in 1836, being one of the early pioneer settlers of this locality, dating his residence here from 1840. Upon his arrival here he located in Bunker Hill township. His father had purchased eighty acres of land and this the son took in charge, completing its developments. In 1861 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Leslie, which was entirely devoid of improvements. This land he developed and placed under cultivation, erecting thereon a log house, twelve by eighteen feet in dimension. Here he lived with his family for eight or ten years, and then erected a larger dwelling of planks with board floors and windows. To this union were born three children, as follows: Eleanor Marion, now deceased; Orson N. and Orron O. Mr. Janes died in September of 1887, having long survived his wife who died in 1861. In the year of 1861, our subject began farming on his own behalf on the old home place, which now comprises one hundred and ten acres of well improved productive land. This property has been greatly improved since it came into his possession, as all of the substantial buildings upon the place are evidences of his own efforts.

Great trees now spread their shading branches, planted by his own hand years ago. A commodious dwelling and good barns add a neat, thrifty appearance, where once stood the pioneer dwellling of rough logs hewn out as a shelter from the winter storms of pioneer times.

On the first of June in 1865 our subject was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Melvina Peak, daughter of Philander and Lydia Parmalee Peak, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively. The year of 1843 witnessed their arrival in Bunker Hill township and they occupied the first house built in the township. This house was built by Abraham Bunker, after whom the town of Bunker Hill was named. The story of the naming is somewhat interesting: Mr. Bunker, David Hodg and Noah Clark met one day on a promient rise of ground and proceeded to discuss a name for the town. About this time Mr. Jonathan Shearrer appeared on the scene and took part in the discussion. As Mr. Bunker built the first house and the conference was held upon the "mountain" of this locality, Mr. Shearrer suggested the name of Bunker Hill, and from that time it has been a reality. Here in Bunker Hill township, Philander Peak purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild and umimproved land. Here he also built his pioneer log house and opened up his land to cultivation and improvement.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Peak were six children, two of whom are now living: the eldest Alfred, is now deceased, also Phylena, the second in order of birth; Mrs. Archer is the third; while the fourth, Danforth, met death in the Battle of Bentonville, having enlisted in the 13th Michigan Volunteer Infantry; Alfreda, now the wife of John Whallon of Bunker Hill; while Phylena, the last, is dead.

To our subject and wife have been born three children: Elma, deceased; Elton P., a resident of Bunker Hill, and Erma, deceased. In connection with general farming, our subject had been extensively engaged in buying and selling wool, and has probably handled more of this commodity than any other man in this portion of this State. Having spent long years in this capacity his acquaintance has naturally been extensive and by no means confined to the borders of his adopted county.

Mr. Archer has shown an independent interest in the advancement of education and has effectually served his township as School Director. In politics he is independent, voting for the man and measures best qualified for good substantial government. Pleasing in manner, he is well known and well liked, and no man stands higher in the estimation of his numberous acquaintances than George W. Archer.






Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Pages 217 - 218




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