Little is known about the life of Arthur Quigley prior to 1941 other than he was an world-renowned hunter of big game, recognized around the world for his accomplishments,  The exact circumstances under which he chose to become The Archer are not know but he first came to public attention in 1941 when he extorted Thomas Gayford, a noted Metropolis socialite, for a monetary ransom.  When Gaylord refused to pay, he hosted an elaborate party on the night the Archer had sworn to take his life if he refused the ransom.  Believing the party (and paid guards around it) would fend off his murder, he was astonished in mid-toast with the Archer appeared on a balcony and shot an arrow into his heart.  In the ensuing confusion, the Archer escapes. 

The following day, Perry White tasks his staff with reporting on the Gaylord murder and when Lois Lane and Clark Kent are out of the office, young cub reporter Jimmy Olsen volunteers.   Rebuffing him, White finds Lane and Kent and sends them to Gaylord Manor.  While they are there, the Archer fires a note claiming responsibility for the murder and warning off interference from the police.   As Clark and Lois leave, an arrow is fired which Clark quietly intercepts and then discovered the cars breaks have been tampered with.  Sedating Lois and using his super powers to avoid a wreck, Clark fixes the break before Lois revives. 

The next day, Superman tries to find evidence at Gaylord Manor but the Archer strikes again, murdered the head of Carnahan family.  Lois gets  there first and an archer shows up, only to be tackled by Clark and the Police.  He claims that he came in response to a radio ad for a Robin Hood type but the police quickly claim victory and take him to jail.  The next day an wealthy businessman becomes a target but the police do not respond, thinking The Archer is in custody.  Clark is not certain and changes to Superman to visit Kendrick.   He prevents the Archer from making another murder but the villain escapes once more.

Back at the Daily Star, a note arrives inviting Clark to meet in a park to learn the secret of the Archer.  Lois intercepts it and when Clark returns to the office, sends him off on wild good chase.  Jimmy, annoyed at being left out earlier slips into the trunk of the car and Clark changes to Superman to follow along.  In the park, Lois meats Quigley's man-servant who is about to reveal the identity of the Archer when he is slain by an arrow.   A second arrow aims for Lois but Jimmy appears suddenly and pushes her out of the way.  The two flee through the park with the Archer in hot pursuit.  As the murderer closes on his quarry, Superman and appears and captures.  The reporters unmask the Archer and recognize Quigley, who is then carted off to prison.  The capture of the Archer becomes Jimmy Olsen's first by-line (Superman #13).