Archer Mathews facts for kids

Archer Mathews (born 1744, died around 1796) was an important pioneer, lawmaker, and city founder in the early days of Virginia. He helped shape the state during its time as a colony and after it became part of the United States. From 1780 to 1782, he served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates for Greenbrier County.

Archer Mathews' Early Life

Archer Mathews was born in 1744 in Augusta County, Virginia. His parents, Ann (Archer) and John Mathews, were among the first European settlers in that area. They likely came to America during a big wave of Scotch-Irish immigrants between 1710 and 1775.

Archer's father, John Mathews, was a respected leader in the community. He served as a militia captain and held public office. Archer was the youngest of eleven children. When his father passed away in 1757, Archer was still a minor, meaning he was under legal age.

In 1768, Archer sold the land he inherited to one of his brothers. He then moved to the new frontier area of Greenbrier County. His older brothers, Sampson and George Mathews, had already set up the first European trade network there. Archer married Letitia McLanahan, and together they had seven children.

Public Service and City Building

In Greenbrier County, Archer Mathews worked as a saddler, someone who makes and repairs saddles. He also became one of the county's first magistrates. A magistrate is like a local judge or official. In this role, he helped oversee road construction, surveyed land, and held court to settle local issues.

When the American Revolutionary War began, Archer Mathews played a role in supporting the American cause. He served as a commissary for Fort Randolph. A commissary is someone who provides food and supplies. Fort Randolph was an American outpost built in 1776 to defend against Native American attacks. In November 1776, Mathews bought many cattle and hogs for the fort. He delivered these supplies through areas that were often under attack.

Archer Mathews was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates from Greenbrier County. He served during the sessions of 1780–81 and 1781–82. The House of Delegates was a group of elected representatives who made laws for Virginia.

During his second term, he was chosen as one of eight original trustees for the new city of Lewisburg, Virginia. Trustees are people given legal control over property or an organization. As a trustee, he worked to develop Lewisburg. He helped divide the city's land into plots to be sold. One of these plots was bought by his nephew, Joseph Mathews. Joseph's grandson, Henry Mason Mathews, later became the fifth governor of West Virginia.

Archer Mathews passed away around 1790. He was buried at the Old Stone Church in Lewisburg, West Virginia.

See Also

• Mathews family