The Biographical Dictionary of America/Archer, Branch T.

ARCHER, Branch T., pioneer, was born in Farquhar county, Va., Dec. 13, 1790. He became a physician, practising successfully in Virginia. He also served his native state several years as a representative in the legislature. In 1831 he went to Texas, where he took an active interest in the politics of that revolutionary period. In 1835 a convention of the American settlers was called for the consideration of Texas independence, over which Archer presided, and he was selected, with Stephen Austin and N. H. Wharton, commissioner to Washington to obtain aid from the United States government. He became a very prominent figure in Texas politics, being a member of the first Texan congress, speaker of the house of representatives of the republic, and its secretary of war from 1839 to 1842. He died in Brazoria county, Tex., Sept. 22, 1856.