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Dr. Ernest E. Archer, former mayor of Paintsville, World War veteran, founder and head of the medical staff of the Paintsville Hospital died in that hospital Thursday night, September 20. His death was caused by a heart attack. Up until a few minutes before his death he appeared to be in the best of health and spirits. His death came as a great shock to his family and wide circle of friends. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Mayo Memorial Church, with the Rev. H. G. Sowards and Rev. W. I Center officiating. Burial was in the Mayo cemetery in Paintsville. After leaving the church the Johnson County Post of the American Legion took charge of his body and a military ceremony was held at the grave. Dr. Archer was born in Prestonsburg, September 22, 1888, the son of George P. and Emma J. Archer, both of whom survive him. Besides his parents he is survived by his wife Fannie Auxier Archer, and five children James W. Archer, Mrs. Henry Holbrook, George P. Archer, Martha Ann Archer, and Emily Elizabeth Archer, all of whom live in Paintsville. Besides these six brother and sisters survive. They are: Mrs. Elizabeth F. Wells, Arthur J. Archer, Mrs. Henry B. Patrick, and Dr. John G. Archer all of Prestonsburg, Mrs. Oliver Van Patton of Charleston, W. Va., and George B. Archer, of Adrian, Mo. Dr. Archer received his medical education at the University of Louisville, later taking post-graduate work at Tulane University in New Orleans and at John Hopkins University in Baltimore. Soon after the opening of the World War he enlisted as a surgeon during the duration of hostilities. He was discharged after the Armistice with a rank of Major, which reserve rank he held a the time of his death. After the war he returned to Eastern Kentucky and began the practice of his profession in Paintsville. In 1920 with Dr. J. H. Holbrook he established and built the Paintsville Hospital. He was chief of staff of that institution until his death. Recently a twelve room addition had been started at the hospital and plans for even further improvements were in the mind of Dr. Archer. Despite the heavy duties exacted by his profession he found time to take an active part in civic and social affairs of Paintsville. In 1925 he was elected Mayor of the city and re- elected again in 1929. He served his city faithfully for eight years. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of which organization he was president last year. He also took an active and enthusiastic part in the Johnson County Post of the American Legion and the Mayo Memorial Church of which he had been a member for years. Giving His Services To Rich And Poor Alike Ernest Archer was a sincere and loyal friend. His jovial disposition had endeared him to hundreds of patients and friends and his loss will be felt more keenly as time goes on. His popularity was evidenced by the large throng of people who crowded the Mayo Memorial Church to pay him their last respects. The Church was crowed to capacity and hundreds filled the halls and over flowed into the street. Hundreds of Eastern Kentucky people from every section of the Big Sandy Valley came to Paintsville Sunday to attend the funeral. Legion Ceremony At Cemetery. The Johnson County Post No. 117, of the American Legion took a prominent part in the burial of their late comrade. Dr. Archer volunteered during the early part of the World War and was commissioned a captain in the Medical Corps and arrived in France in May 1918. He served in the battle of Somme, St. Mihiel and Meuse Argonne. At the close of the war he was cited twice for his heroic part in the conflict. Upon his return from the war, Dr. Archer took a leading part in organizing the local post of the American Legion and was a charter member of this organization and served as Post Commander for the years 1925, 1926, and 1928. The American Legion conducted the burial and the following legion aires participated in the services: Color Bearers were Arch Fitch and Hobert Hayes. Color Guards were R.M. Wilhite and Clarence Wheeler. Chaplin Charles Williams. Bugler, Bruce Wiley. Commander of Post Sammie Stapleton. Heber Ward Commander in Charge. Active Pall Bearers, O.W. Cain, Boone Howard, C.R. Cooper, Abe Barber, Z. Wells, Hatler Johnson, Nelson Howard, and C.R. Brown. Firing Squad, John H. Chandler, Tommie Trimble, Vernie Blair, Leathern Siler, Frank Clay, Carl V. Martin, Heber Conley and Clarence Witten. The service at the cemetery was largely attended and after the firing of the volley the Bugler sounded "Taps" from the top of the hill and the American Flag was then presented to Mrs. Archer. The entire service was very impressive and very fitting in the burial of their comrade. Paintsville Herald Thursday Sept 27, 1934
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1888 - 1934 (45 years)
