A native of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Captain Robert Sherwin Archer married Marguerita Louisa Glass of George Town, Exuma in 1958. That same year he became Justice of the Peace for Marsh Harbour, a position he continued to hold. Interested in politics, he went to a seat in the Senate in 1964 and in 1966 Captain Archer became Representative for Abaco in the House of Assembly as a member of the United Bahamian Party.

His primary career as boat owner and sea captain brought him to many of the islands where his affable nature attracted many friends and acquaintances.