Clarence M. Archer, who is meeting with gratifying success in the operation of his fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 26, Washington township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, April 16, 1861. His father, Lester Archer, was born in Ohio, where he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Lucinda Edwards, also a native of that state. In 1865 they emigrated westward, locating in Polk county, Iowa, where they remained for seven years. In 1872 they became residents of Guthrie county, locating west of Stuart on the line dividing that county from Adair county. Two years later another removal was made and they settled on a farm in Grove township, this county, where they remained for a year. They next went to Cass county, but after living there for two years returned to this county. For one year they resided in Washington township but then removed to Richland township and thence to Kansas. Five years later they returned from the Sunflower state and again located in this county. During the later years of his life the father made his home among his sons and his death occurred on the 11th of May, 1907, when seventy-five years old, in Cass county at the home of a son. The mother now lives with our subject.
Clarence M. Archer was educated in the district schools and remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age, when he began farming for himself as a renter in Washington township, this county. Four years later he purchased eighty acres of land in Richland township, upon which he resided for two years. On selling that place he bought a quarter section of land in Jackson township, upon which he lived for two years. He then disposed of that property and removed to Massena, Cass county, where he purchased a livery stable, which he conducted for a similar period of time. While residing there he also served as marshal of the town. After selling his stable he returned to Adair county and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Richland township, which remained his home for one year. He had gone in debt for the place and as the crops were poor he was unable to make the necessary payments and was therefore unable to retain the farm. He again rented land and after operating leased land for five years he purchased forty acres in Guthrie county, upon which he lived for two years. At the end of that time he sold that place and purchased his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land in Washington township, this county. He carries on general farming and his energy and practical knowledge of agriculture enable him to gain a good income.
Mr. Archer was married in 1884 to Miss Emma Beaver, of Washington township, a daughter of Adam Beaver, one of the early settlers of that township, who is now residing in Wyoming. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Archer, but only four survive, namely: Melvin M., Clyde B., Clem L. and Edna. Beulah M., the fourth in order of birth, is deceased. All of the children are married, save the youngest daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Archer belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and willingly cooperate in its work. He is an adherent of the republican party and keeps well informed on the events of the day. He is a self-made man, for since beginning his independent career he has been compelled to rely solely upon his own resources and good judgment and , although he has at times met with reverses, he has continued his efforts, and his determination and enterprise have been rewarded, as he is now one of the well-to-do farmers of his township. | 
