Lester B. Faulkner
Lester Bradner Faulkner | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Dansville, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 27, 1890 (aged 52) Canaseraga, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Farmer, attorney, political figure |
| Known for | Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee (1878–1881) |
Lester Bradner Faulkner (April 4, 1837 – January 27, 1890) was a New York-based American farmer, attorney, and political figure. He held the position of Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee between 1878 and 1881.
Life
Born in Dansville, New York, Faulkner was the son of James Faulkner and Minerva Hammond. He completed his studies at Yale College in 1859 alongside two siblings, where he was affiliated with multiple societies, including Phi Beta Kappa. Following his graduation, he returned to his hometown to engage in agricultural pursuits.
During the Civil War, Faulkner organized a volunteer company and swiftly advanced from private to lieutenant colonel in the 136th New York Infantry Regiment. Recognized for bravery, he received a brevet promotion to brigadier general and led both his regiment and brigade in significant engagements such as Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, Resaca, as well as participating in Sherman's March to the Sea.
After the war, Faulkner pursued legal studies and formed a partnership with Charles J. Bissell; however, he mainly oversaw his father’s farming operations. Politically, he was an influential supporter of Samuel J. Tilden in Western New York and stood against Tammany Hall during the administrations of Tilden and Daniel Manning. In 1879, he was appointed Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee and served as a delegate at the Democratic National Conventions in 1868, 1880, and 1884. At the 1884 convention, he opposed Grover Cleveland’s nomination, endorsing Roswell P. Flower instead. Following Cleveland’s election victory, Faulkner withdrew from political life to concentrate on business ventures.
Faulkner also served as a director of the Dansville Bank, an institution established by his father and managed by his brother James. The bank ceased operations in 1887 amid corruption scandals; James fled but later returned to testify against Lester. Faulkner faced arrest for knowingly endorsing false documents submitted to the Comptroller of the Currency and for embezzling $150,000. Convicted in October 1889, he received a seven-year sentence at Erie County Penitentiary; however, an appeal postponed his incarceration.
In 1859, Faulkner married Lizzie W. Goundry; they had one daughter who passed away during infancy.
Faulkner succumbed to pneumonia at his farm residence in Canaseraga on January 27, 1890. He was interred at Green Mount Cemetery in Dansville.