Stevenson Archer (1827–1898)


Stevenson Archer was a U.S. Congressman from Maryland, serving the second district for four terms in 1867–1875.

Bio

Archer's father and grandfather, Stevenson Archer and John Archer respectively, were both Congressmen from Maryland as well. His sister, Pamelia H. Archer, was the mother of George Earle Chamberlain, the 11th Governor of Oregon and a two term United States Senator.
Archer was born at 'Medical Hall,' near Churchville, Maryland, and attended Bel Air Academy, later graduating from Princeton College in 1848. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1850, commencing practice the same year.

Career

In 1854, he served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, and was elected as a Democrat to the Fortieth and to the three succeeding Congresses, serving from March 4, 1867 until March 3, 1875. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1874.
In 1886 to 1890 he was Maryland State Treasurer when he was accused of embezzling $132,000 in state funds. He pled guilty to malfeasence and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Archer returned to his home and continued the practice of law in Bel Air until his death. He is interred in the Presbyterian Cemetery of Churchville, Maryland.

Footnotes

Additional source