Lester was born in 1838 in Fort Ann, New York, and he enlisted in the Union Army in December of 1861. He was 23 years old when he displayed actions with the 96th Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm that would earn him the Medal of Honor, posthumously. The citations reads:

Gallantry in placing the colors of his regiment on the fort.

Lester was killed in action the next month in the Battle of Fair Oaks and Darbytown Road and his actions on the 29th of September, 1864 were acknowledged on the 6th of April, 1865, when his Medal of Honor was signed by President Lincoln. Lester Archer has a cenotaph in Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury, New York, and his remains were never identified or recovered. He was more than likely buried in am unknown grave.