Frank Archer (politician)

Frank Archer (1 November 1846 - 26 May 1902) was a Tasmanian politician. He was a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly from 1893 until his death, representing the electorate of Selby.[1]

Archer was educated at Horton College at Ross. Born into a successful farming family, he was a farmer and merino breeder outside of politics. He purchased "Landfall" at Newnham in c. 1872; he also owned "Burnside" and properties at Point Effingham and Lauriston. He was chairman of the Dorset Road Trust for 21 years, was a Justice of the Peace and local coroner, lay preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and member of the Esk Rabbit Trust and Invermay Board of Health.[1][2]

He was first elected to the House of Assembly at the 1893 election and was re-elected in 1897 and 1900. He died suddenly in office while bushwalking between Lilydale and Lisle in May 1902; although he had suffered some heart trouble, he had addressed his constituents at a large public meeting only two days before his death. He was buried at Longford Cemetery.[3][1][4]

Archer was from a political family: his brother, uncle, two nephews, four cousins and brother-in-law were all members of the Parliament of Tasmania.[1]