AKERS, Peter, American clergyman and educator: b. Campbell County, Va., 1 Sept. 1790; d. Jacksonville, Ill., 21 Feb. 1886. He received his education in the common schools and pursued a classical course in higher institutions of learning in Virginia and North Carolina. In 1817 he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with Maj. W. P. Fleming of Kentucky. In 1822 he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served many years as presiding elder. In 1827 and 1831 he was financial agent of Augusta College. In 1833–34, 1852–57 he was president of McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill. He was a delegate to six General Conferences of his church.