Lewis G. Stapley
Lewis G. Stapley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 February 1879 Geneseo, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 25 June 1938 (aged 59) Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, automobile dealer, farmer, teacher |
| Years active | 1901–1938 |
| Known for | Member of the New York State Assembly (1922–1926), president and manager of Geneseo Automobile Company, Inc. |
Lewis G. Stapley (February 4, 1879 – June 25, 1938) was a New York-based American politician and automobile dealer.
Life
Born on February 4, 1879, in Geneseo, New York, Stapley was the son of Edward G. Stapley and Sarah E. Duff.
He completed his education at the Geneseo Normal School in 1901. Following graduation, he dedicated five years to teaching in the communities of South Lima, Elba, and Pavilion. Transitioning from education, he became one of the early automobile salesmen in New York State. He eventually served as president and manager of the Geneseo Automobile Company, Inc., while also managing the Empire State Automobile Merchants' Association, Inc. Additionally, he held a position on the village board of trustees. As an early automobile owner in the region, Stapley organized a goodwill tour featuring early automobiles traveling between Geneseo and Canandaigua, a considerable distance at that period. Besides his business ventures, he owned an extensive farm located in Geneseo.
In 1921, Stapley secured election to the New York State Assembly as a member of the Republican Party, representing Livingston County. His tenure in the Assembly spanned from 1922 through 1926, covering the sessions of the 145th, 146th, 147th, 148th, and 149th legislatures. During 1924, he chaired a joint legislative committee focused on reforming the Motor Vehicle Law and led the Assembly's Motor Vehicle Committee from 1924 until 1926. Among his legislative achievements was sponsoring the bill that established the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Stapley was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. From 1924 to 1925, he served as grand patriarch of the state grand encampment of the Odd Fellows. His civic involvement also included membership on the Geneseo board of education and participation in the Freemasons. In 1902, he married Mabel Sunderlin, with whom he had three children: Leon Ray, Muriel Irene, and Paul Eugene.
He passed away on June 25, 1938, at a hospital in Albany. His remains were interred in the family plot at Temple Hill Cemetery.
References
External links
- 1879 births
- 1938 deaths
- Residents of Geneseo, New York
- Alumni of State University of New York at Geneseo
- American automotive sales professionals
- Farmers from New York (state)
- Republican Party members of the New York State Assembly
- Members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
- American Freemasons
- School board members in New York (state)
- 20th-century members of the New York State Legislature
- American automobile salespeople