Mrs Aphra Gertrude Archer was born on 14 Jan 1847, the seventh child born to Alexander Clerke (1804-1877) of 'Mountford', Longford, a farmer from Ireland who became a politician in Tasmania, and his wife Frances Gertrude Sweetnam (1805-1881). Aphra married W H D (Harry) Archer at St John's Church, Launceston, on 31 Aug 1881. They had three surviving children, all born at 'Brickendon', Longford: Joan, 1882; William, 1883 and Aphra, 1885. A stillborn son was delivered in 1886 and in 1887 Roy died aged 3 days. Aphra died at 'Teepookana', Tamar Street, Launceston, on 10 Aug 1911 and was buried in the Archer family vault in the Christ Church cemetery, Longford. There is an inscription in her memory on the font and pulpit inside the church. Her husband and sister Kate Weston are also pictured in the Launceston Family Album.
Jane Wilson & Marion Sargent Jun 2008