Archibald Beemis

Archibald Beemis is a close friend and later husband to Mary Edwards, Samantha Parkington's grandmother.

Personality

Archibald (often called "Archie" by Grandmary) was the best friend of William Edwards, Samantha's grandfather. He has blue eyes and his hair is now white from age.

Archibald and Grandmary met over thirty years ago, likely sometime near her marriage to William. He was an admiral in the Navy and so knows not only ship captains, but has Admiral as a title. He initially lived in England, and after William's death continued to visit Grandmary every summer--in part to subtly court her, as every summer he proposes to Grandmary but says no; he tries again the next year. Still, Grandmary says that summer does not truly start until he arrives.

In the time between Samantha Saves the Day and Changes for Samantha, he and Mary Edwards finally marry in Fall of 1905. Because of this, Samantha initially goes to live with her aunt and uncle, Gardner and Cornelia Edwards; later, she lives with them permanently.

Samantha says he has a laugh like a happy donkey. Agnes Pitt says he's the best grown up she's met, and he's not afraid of anything, not bossy, and knows interesting things.

In The Books

Samantha: The Next Chapter

By 1920, Archibald has passed away, and Grandmary lives alone.

Samantha: An American Girl Holiday

Archibald is mostly mentioned rather than seen.

Gardner, upon arriving, asks if he has come by to call on Grandmary, to which Grandmary coyly dismisses him. While Samantha is living in New York, Grandmary sends her a letter saying that she has been to see the Admiral and Gardener and Samantha laugh; When Cornelia asks for an explanation, Gardner says that Admiral Beemis has proposed to Grandmary at least twice a year for the last dozen years.

After Samantha's speech, the Admiral is with her and compliments Samantha on her speech. When Grandmary asks is Samantha wishes to move in with Gardner and Cornelia permanently and Samantha worries she'll be alone, Grandmary revealed she's recently accepted his proposal and will marry him.