Matt L. Archer 1860-1905

ARCHER, WILLIAMSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/2/2010 at 20:34:38

F. M. Miller and M. L. Archer Dead

The Former Dies Saturday and the Latter Sunday Afternoon. Funerals Held Tuesday.

Two of Estherville’s Most Beloved Citizens Taken Away by the Grim Messenger.

Although not wholly un-expected the news of the death of F. M. Miller at 8 o’clock Saturday night and M. L. Archer Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock came as a great shock to the community. Each had been sick about three weeks and although all realized that they were in a critical condition, no one could believe that death was so near and most every one expected that it would not come at all. Until stricken with their late illness both were in perfect health apparently and in the prime of life.

The funeral of both were held Tuesday, that of Mr. Archer from the home, conducted by Rev. W. M. Evans of Cedar Rapids, and of Mr. Miller in the afternoon from the Presbyterian church Rev. Ellerby of the Episcopal church preaching the sermon. Both funerals were in charge of the Masons, they being assisted in Mr. Miller’s funeral by the Knights of Pythias and Elks. Both were the largest attended of any funeral ever before held in Estherville and the deepest of sorrow was manifested. It was the saddest day Estherville has ever known. Masons from all the surrounding towns were present to pay their last tribute of affection to their deceased brothers, about one hundred being in line to march to the grave and about sixty Knights of Pythias and Elks.

The following splendid tribute to Mr. Archer by one of his devoted friends, expresses the sentiment of the community:

“Reverently and solemnly we who know him stand with bowed heads in the outer courts of the temple of our common grief, our hearts going out in the tenderest sympathy to the little circle of those nearest and dearest to our friend and brother, as within the sacred precincts of sorrows holy of holy they kneel beside their dead.

“To know Matt Archer, even casually was to respect his uncompromising integrity and sterling worth. To have the privilege of more intimate association was to love him for his kindliness of disposition, largeness of soul and breadth of sympathetic interest in all things honest and honorable and of good report. In his presence slander, over reaching and trickery of trade grew ashamed, while the righteousness native in all natures responded to the stimulus of his sincere honesty.

“Born in Warsaw, Ill., Jan. 13, 1860. He only knew a father’s love and guidance for eight brief years. With his widowed mother and sister he then removed to Decorah, Iowa, and five years later at the early age of thirteen he manually shouldered the responsibility of breadwinner for the family. In 1879 they came to Estherville and have since made their home among us. At Molone, N. Y. in 1891 occurred his marriage to Miss Grace Williamson. To the lips of wife, mother and sister has been put the bitter cup of love’s keenest sorrow.

“He was an active member of the Presbyterian church, secretary of the Young People’s Bible class and as a member of the board of trustees had rendered efficient service in the churches temporal affairs.”

“He was also one of the most zealous workers in North Star lodge, A.F. and A.M. the Order of Eastern Star and the Royal Arch Masons had recently elected him High Priest. He has served most acceptably both as councilman and mayor of the city.

Mr. Archer died Sunday, Nov. 11, after a brave and patient battle with typhoid fever. The funeral services were conducted at the home Tuesday morning by the Rev. W. M. Evans, D.D. of Cedar Rapids, formerly pastor of the Presbyterian church of this city. The Masons had charge of the exercises at the grave in Oak Hill cemetery.

“Few communities are granted the inspiration of so noble a life even briefly. We have had him with us more than a quarter of a century, and while the pain of parting in intensified by the strength of the ties these years have fashioned, we may still be grateful for the long association and reverently resolve that in all our lives shall be brought to abundant harvest the beneficent seed he has perhaps unconsciously yet widely sown, of unyielding loyalty to principal, and for cheerful, helpful honest living.

Thus may we have the continuing inspiration of the one who in passing to and fro upon our streets has sweetened, purified and dignified the city’s life by the simple yet effective force of a good man’s daily walk and conversation; and this we perpetuate in multiplied activity his gracious ministry.

(The Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, November 15, 1905)

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ARCHER.

Word came to Decorah relatives Monday that Matt L. Archer of Estherville was dead, having succumbed to an attack of typhoid fever. In the early days Mr. Archer spent his boyhood in Decorah where the family resided for a number of years. Before he reached manhood's estate they moved to Estherville. Here he entered upon his life work and industry was rewarded by a success in business life and the respect of his fellow townsmen. We are without any details of his life other than those given above.

Source: Decorah Republican Nov. 16, 1905 P2 C4