John Archer III married about 1752, since Peterfield b. 1763 (of age 1784), to
ElizabethTrent,dau of Alexander Trent II of Chesterfield, VA and "Barter Hill"
Cumberland Co, VA. Alexander Trent in his will dated 9 Dec 1750, probated 22
Jul 1751, leaves his daughter Elizabeth Trent 500 pounds at age 16 or day of
marriage a horse and saddle with 16 pounds and a negro girl "Flora". Alexander
Trent names wife Frances, sons Alexander Trent III and son Peterfield Trent.
JohnArcher III was executor of father, John Archer's 1772 estate (Chesterfield
Co., W.B. 2, p. 28) and also of his grandmother Elizabeth (Eppes) Randolph
(Chesterfield Co. W.B. 3, p. 209 and Valentine Papers vol 3, p. 1319) by whom
he was given 40 acres, a slave and 6 silver spoons.
In July 1781, John Archer served as Justice of Chesterfield (Chesterfield Co.
O.B.6, p. 328), Vestryman of Henrico Parish (History of Henrico Parish and St.
John's Church by J.S. Moore, pp. 146-150). John Archer and Alexander Trent
(brother-in-law)werechosen as members of County Committee of Safety 25 Nov 177
(William & Mary Quarterly (1), p. 102). Member of Chesterfield Court of
Commissioners 27 Feb 1776 (Calendar of Virginia State Papers, Vol 8, p. 99).
In Williamsburg 27 Feb 1776, a como (commission?) issued to Archibald Cary,
Benj.Watkins,John Archer, Joseph Bass and Robert Goode, a court of commissione
for Chesterfield Co. (Vol 2, p. 590, Calendar Va State Papers) Nov 9, 1781.
Col John Bott to Col. Davis giving State of the County, militia arms, etc. and
clothingcollected:......TheCounty almost defenseless for want of arms, and onl
three men of the late draft are delivered the draught being put off in the
Suspending Act.
The Delinquents in furnishing the clothing required are numerous, viz: John
Archer of the Hundred, George Woodson, Rich'd Branch, Archer Bass, Thos.
Cheatham, John Mays, Wm. Scott, Anderson Breton, Francis Lockett, Ralph C.
Anderson, Blackman Moseley, Henry Archer (brother of John at Bermuda Hundred),
John Randolph, Robt. Elam, Archibald Carey, Esq., Daniel Weisigar, James Lyle,
John Archer, Commissioner of Provision Law (with signature). filed D.A.R.
Library by Mrs. M.L.L.J. Willingham.
JohnArchernot only collected supplies but furnished supplies. (See Chesterfiel
Co. Virginia Revolutionary War Service Claims, vol 1 by E.C.Clark.) He owned
a farm in Cumberland, 1800 acres on Flat Creek in Amelia, which he left in his
will1784to son Peterfield Archer as well as "Archers Hall" at Bermuda Hundred,
Chesterfield Co., VA which he had inherited from his father.
Mrs. Laura R.C. Mays D.A.R. papers (DAR NO. 78248) - John Archer, member
Chesterfield Co. Committee of Safety gives under Ancestor's Service.
"Committees of Safety were appointed as early as 1754 and 1755 in the shires
or counties of the colony in a state of defense and as a war measure upon them
revolvedtheimportant duties of raising, arming and equipping military companie
in their respective counties. Also they were authorized to collect from every
tithable person money to be used in the purchase of ammunition, powder, lead,
cartridge, papers and flints in sufficient quantities for these companies of
infantryand cavalry. This money they were empowered to raise in the most agrua
manner possible. So well did these committees discharge their honorable and
importantduties that it was due to their efforts that the Royal Government was
overthrown and the colonial (U.S.) government established. Our ancestor John
Archerwasboth faithful and zealous in his part of the work is evidenced by thefact that when the traitor Benedict Arnold sailed up the James River for his
attack on Petersburg and Richmond, he did not fail to land a force at Bermuda
Hundredandwith fire and sword destroy the home Archer's Hall of this particula
committee-man - John Archer."
"The records of the Committee of Safety show that upon it devolved mainly the
organization and equipment of the Army and Navy of Virginia, which constituted
so large a portion of the force which wrested our land from the dominion of
Great Britain after a seven year war." (Calendar Virginia State Papers, Vol 8,
Preface)
John Archer chosen as member of County Committee of Safety of Chesterfield
County, Virginia, 25 Nov 1774. (William & Mary Quarterly, Vol 1, p. 102)
WillofJohn Archer III of Bermuda Hundred, dated 22 Feb 1784 (Chesterfield W.B.
3, p. 423).....In the name of God, Amen, I, John Archer of Chesterfield County
inBermudaHundred being weak and sick but of perfect mind and memory doeth make
and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following.
Item, I give bequeath and devise unto my son Peterfield Archer my land and
Plantation in Amelia Co. when he shall arrive to age twenty-one years, to him
and his heirs forever. I also give him the following negroes to wit - Will,
Ned,Lewis, Sam'l, Flora and her children, Cloe, Joe, Lucy and Daniel, and Bob.
I also give him twenty Head of Cattle, thirty Head of Hogs, ten head of sheep,
andthe horses that are now on the Plantation in Amelia, one Bed and furniture,
andhalfa dozen silver spoons for the Table, half a Dozen silver teaspoons, one
dozen pewter Plates and half a Dozen pewter dishes, one black walnut Deck and
book case, one Muskett, Bayonet and cartouche Box and small sword. Also one
Doz'n leather bottom chairs and one large mahogany Table and in consideration
oftheaboveLegacy, my above said son Peterfield Archer shall pay the sum of two
hundred Pounds of my Debts.
Item, I give and bequeath unto each of my Daughters when they shall arrive
totheage of eighteen years or when married the one fifth part of the remainder
ofmy stock of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Hoggs, and likewise I give to each of
my daughters half a dozen silver spoons and Likewise to each of my said
daughters I give a Bed and furniture to them and their heirs forever.
Item, I desire my land in Cumberland that lies adjoining the lands of
Thomas Johns and contains four hundred acres may be sold at the discretion of
my Exors. hereafter named in order to discharge my sister Judith Archer's Bond
said Bond to be made equal to money in the year one thousand seven hundred and
seventy six, and should the said land not sell for sufficient to discharge the
said Bond the deficiency to be made good out of my Estate.
Item, I lend the use of all my Estate to my loving wife until each of my
childrenshall have their share paid off to them the better to enable my loving
wife to educate them and pay the residue of my Debts.
Item, if my Wife should now be with child and it should be a Son, I give
himand his Heirs forever my Land and Plantation in Bermuda Hundred also all my
Lands adjacent lying in the County of Chesterfield and one fifth part of my
negroes and stock of every kind, but if my wife should prove with child of a
Daughter my will is that such Daughter shall have an equal part of my Estate
with my other Daughters, and should the child that my loving wife is not
pregnant with prove not to be a son or being so die without issue, my will is
thatmy son Peterfield shall after the death of my loving Wife have possess and
enjoy all right and title to the aforesaid Lands lying and being in Bermuda
Hundred and County of Chesterfield in consideration of his paying unto each of
my Daughters or their Heirs the sun of 400 pounds within four years after the
Death of my loving wife or as thy arrive at age of 18 years.
Item, my Will and Desire is that all the Residue of my Estate shall after
theDeath of my loving Wife be sold and the Money arising thereby to be equally
divided between my Daughters, Elizabeth, Martha Field, Ann, Mary also the Son
orDaughter that may be that my Wife is now pregnant with. (Son John Archer IV,
born after death of father inherited land at Bermuda Hundred).
Item, my Will and Desire is that the provision herein made for my loving
Wife in lieu of her dower. My Will is that there may be no appraisement of my
Estate.
Item. Lastly, I appoint my loving Wife Executrix, my brother Henry Archer,
my brother James Robertson, my cousin John Archer, son of William and my son
Peterfield Exors of this my last Will and Testament. As witness my hand and
sealthis twenty_second Day of Feb. one thousand seven hundred and eighty four.
Signed sealed published and declared by the said John Archer to be his last
will in presence of Sam'l Sherwin, Black'n Moseley, Thos. Poullan.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Trent) Archer's Petition to the governor for the pardon of
"Billy ("belonging to the estate of Capt. John Archer). Petition dated 26 Nov
1792, Bermuda Hundred ...........
His Excellency Henry Lee, governor of Virginia
Sir:I beg leave to write you respecting a negro Boy, who is now under sentence
of death in charles City County court. I trust when his particular is
represented, you will with your wanted humanity be induced to extend your
clemency to this poor wretch, who is very young and who has never been guilty
to my knowledge of anything of a heinous nature. He had eloped and was absent
for about two months and unfortuately fell in with the negro who actually
killed Mr. Carter's overeer - a negro who has been at large for 3 years and
from the best information I can obtain, one of the vilest of his kind.
This poor young and inexperienced Boy happened to be in his Company when
theatrocious Act was committed and fearing the Consequences of being seen with
such an associate he conceived a plan with the rest of my servants to secure
him and himself as evidence to Mr. D. (Dougald) Ferguson, who delivered him to
Justice, not doubting but the part Billy acted in contriving to secure the
aggressor would procure his own acquittance, but this not being represented to
the Court he was from a candid confession of the whole, condemned.
I hope, sir, you will from the above statement of facts, issue your pardon
for the poor Boy, which will ever be gratefully acknowedged by your most
obedient Serv't. Elizabeth Archer (signed)
.....
Charles City-Wm. Royall, magistrate says dougald Ferguson came before him made
oath, etc. that "Billy belonging to the Estate of Captain John Archer", etc.
.....
This Dougald Ferguson was married to Elizabeth Archer 8 Jul 1790, daughter of
Elizabeth Archer (Sic) (Chesterfield Co. M.B.)
WillofJohn Archer of Chesterfield 28 Feb 1784-(Chesterfield Co. W.B. 3, p. 423
Igive to my son Peterfield Archer my land and plantation in Amelia Co. when he
shallarrive to age of 21. He became 21 that year for Land Tax Bk. Amelia 1784.
This 800 acres transferred to Peter field Archer from Estate John Archer of
Chesterfield Co. He was first about 21 when will dated 22 Feb 1784 was made
as father names him as an Executor.
Birth and death dates Bass Family Bible, at Virginia State Library, Archive Accession # 26372