Biography of Robert Harris Archer

Robert Archer was born in Maryland on May 20, 1820. He was the brother of General James Jay Archer. In the antebellum period, he listed his residence as Harford County, Maryland. Like his brother, Robert served in the US Army during the antebellum period, serving as a lieutenant from 1847 to 1848.

Archer began his career as lieutenant colonel of the 55th Virginia on October 1, 1861. However, he was dropped during the spring of 1862 reorganization. He became captain and AAG on his brother's brigade staff in June 1862. He was captured along with his brother at Gettysburg and was held as a POW until January 1865. He was married to Ellen Howe Davis.

Archer died on March 10, 1878.