Civil War Veterans Buried In Washington State - Charles Archer

2^nd KANSAS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Organized: 5/1861 Lawrence, KS
Mustered In: 6/20/1861 Kansas City, MO
Mustered Out: 10/31/1861 Ft. Leavenworth, KS

2^nd KANSAS VOLUNTEER CAVALRY
Organized: 10/1861 – 3/18621862 Ft. Leavenworth, Quindaro, Shawneetown & Ft. Riley, KS
Mustered In: 5/7/1862 Ft. Leavenworth, KS
Mustered Out: 8/17/1865 Lawrence, KS

REGIMENTAL HISTORY:  (2^nd Inf.)

The 2^nd Kansas was a three month infantry regiment. During its brief period of existence it served in the western theater (Kansas & Missouri) of the American Civil War (ACW).

Ordered into Missouri in early 7/1861 the unit received its baptism of fire that same month at Forsythe and Big Springs.  It then marched to Wilson’s Creek where it took prominent part in that great battle (8/10) being the last unbroken organization to leave that field.

Retreating from Wilson’s Creek the 2^nd moved to Rolla and then to St. Louis way. It next clashed with the Rebs at Paris. KS.

Two days after the Paris skirmish the 2^nd was attacked by a large enemy force at Shelbina, KS. The much smaller band of Union troops finally made its escape from this precarious situation by seizing a locomotive and some freight cars which were then used to run past the Confederates.

Back in Kansas at Ft. Leavenworth, the 2^nd was mustered out and discharged. While, there, however, a number of the 2^nd Infantry’s members enlisted in the 2^nd Kansas Cavalry which was then being organized.

REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded:  2; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 0; Enlisted Men Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 11; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 2.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY: (2^nd Cav.)

First steps toward the organization of what would become the 2^nd Kansas Cavalry began in 10/1861. The unit was initially designated to be the 12^th Kansas and then the 9^th Kansas Volunteers. On 3/15/1862 the organizational name was again changed to that of the 2^nd Kansas Volunteers, but this caused confusion because of the earlier three month 2nd Kansas Infantry, many former members of which were now re-enlisted in 2^nd Cavalry. Finally, on 3/27/1862, the regimental name was changed to the 2^nd Kansas Cavalry by which the regiment was/is properly known.

In 4/1862 one hundred fifty (150) of the 2^nd’s men were ordered to join and artillery battery. This detachment proved to be a great disaster to the fledgling cavalry unit.

The 2^nd proved to be a significant force in dealing with hostile Native American Indian bands and Johnny Reb. In Kansas, Missouri and Colorado. All told, before it was mustered out of existence in 8/1865, the 2^nd saw as much hard service during its three year tenure as did any other cavalry regiment.

REGIMENTAL LOSSES:
Officers Killed Or Mortally Wounded: 2; Officers Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.: 1; Enlisted Men Killed or Mortally Wounded: 62; Enlisted Men Died Of Disease, Accidents, Etc.:116.

PERSONAL/FAMILY HISTORY:

Charles A. Archer was born during October, 1838. His place of birth was within the State of Michigan.

The 1860 census listed Charles A. Archer, age 21, as a farmer living in Forest Hill Township Breckenridge County, KS. With Charles was his brother, George. Like Charles, George had been born in Michigan.

At the onset of the American Civil War (ACW) Charles served as a sergeant in the 2^nd Kansas Infantry. During that enlistment, at the battle of Wilson’s Creek, MO (8/10/1861) he was wounded in the left groin.

Mustered out of the 2^nd Infantry, Sergeant Archer joined the 2^nd Kansas Cavalry with whom he served until the end of The War. He was mustered out/discharged as a commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant.

The 1890 Census of Veterans listed Charles A. Archer living in Lincoln County, WA. When and why he had moved there is not documented.

1900. The census of New Whatcom (Bellingham) Whatcom County, WA listed Charles’ occupation as landlord. His wife was Nettie (no nee) Archer. Nettie had been born during September, 1840 in New York. The two had married circa 1868.  Also listed in the household was married daughter Alice F. Greenwood. Alice had been born during 10/1874 in Michigan.

Charles died 1/22/1903. He was/is buried in Bayview Cemetery located in Bellingham Whatcom County, WA.

Newspaper Notice:

Charles A. Archer, a Washington pioneer and a highly respected citizen of Whatcom, aged 64 years, died last Thursday at his home 2209 B Street of pneumonia. Mr. Archer leaves a wife and one daughter, Mrs. Alonzo. Greenwood, to mourn his death. He was a member of J. B. Steadman post, G.A.R. who attended the funeral in a body, which was held at the Mock undertaking parlors, last Sunday morning at 10 o’clock.
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NOTE: Much of the preceding courtesy of the Whatcom County Genealogical Society. Visit our Links page for information on obtaining the download Civil War Veterans of Whatcom County (with June 2014 updates).

 Posted: 12/7/2023
Updated: 

Buried at BayView Cemetery Whatcom Co.
Row: Sec 1, Lot 623
Site: 1-A