Archer was born at “Taemas”, near Yass, New South Wales, on Thursday, 6 October 1870, the eldest of ten children to Henry Bingham Broughton and his wife Elizabeth Ann nee Jones).

An obituray to Archer was published in The Tamworth Daily Observer on Tuesday, 24 June 1913, Page 2, as follows:—

Mr. A. R. Broughton.

We regret to chronicle the death of Mr. A. R. Broughton, of Newinga Station, near Talwood, which sad event occurred at 3 o&rtsquo;clock on Thursday morning at Goondiwindi Hospital (says the Warwick “Examiner’ of Saturday last). About a week ago Mr. Broughton became ill, and he was removed to the hospital by Tuesday night’s goods train. When it was found his illness was serious his mother (Mrs. Broughton, sen.), Miss Kitty Broughton, and Mr. T. Broughton, of Sydney, were telegraphed for, as well as Mr. Frank Broughton, who resides at Tamworth. However, he passed away as above mentioned. The late Mr. Broughton during his life was invariably connected with pastoral pursuits, and for some years was in the Gunnedah and Moree districts. His introduction to Queensland was when, in conjunction with Colonel Burns, of Burns, Philp and Co., he purchased Canal Creek station. Later he accepted Newinga Station, where he had been about three years. He leaves a widow and two children to mourn their irreparable loss. Although only about 44 years of age at the time of his decease, Mr. Broughton had made himself immensely popular with a wide circle of friends. He had a most engaging personality, and in all his dealings he was as straight as a die.