Obituaries Australia

The death took place at East Melbourne on Wednesday of Mr Robert Joseph Archer, in his 82nd year. Deceased, who was a native of Brickendon, Longford, was born in December, 1832. His father was the late Mr. William Archer, senior member of the then Archer family, which consisted of William ("Brickendon"), Thomas ("Woolmers"), Joseph ("Panshanger"), and Edward, of "Northbury." He inherited Saundridge from his father, and farmed it for years, growing enormous quantities of grain, particularly oats. In addition, he was one of the largest stock owners of his time. Mr. Willim Henry Davies Archer, a brother of the deceased, remarked yesterday; "My brother was one of the most successful agriculturists of his time. He was also one of the largest employers of labour. I have heard that as many as 80 men have been counted coming from their meals at harvest time. It is on record that he grew up to 100 bushels of oats to the acre. This was some time in the sixties. His average that year was over 60 bushels, and gross yield of 20,000 bushels of oats, together with wheat and other products. In addition, he was a well-known breeder of cattle and Merino sheep. The late Mr. Archer was educated at Franklin Village, under Mr W. K. Hawkes, and later on at Longford, by the Rev. David Boyd. For many years he was a territorial magistrate of the district, and was also a member of the Longford Municipal Council, occupying the position of Warden for two years. For a short period he represented Ringwood (now Cressy) in the House of Assembly and was spoken of as a rising politician. He, however, served only one term in Parliament. Several years ago he sold Saundridge to the late Mr. James Thirkell, and, went to Melbourne to live. For a couple of years Mr. Archer was secretary to the Tasmanian Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and was also Government valuator for several years. Deceased leaves a widow and family of five daughters and one son. The son is Mr. Alexander Archer, of the firm of law and Weston and Archer.