Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Industry & Commerce, People, Site

Location

225 W Buffalo St, Warsaw, NY 14569, USA

Lat/Long

42.740267630938, -78.140814790606

Grant Recipient

Warsaw Historical Society and The Gates House Museum

Lester Hayden Humphrey was born on January 22, 1850, in Wyoming County, New York. He moved to Warsaw at age 16 and established a leather tanning business at 19, which he operated until 1872. He then joined the Wyoming County National Bank, managed by his uncle, and was elected vice president the following year. He held this position until 1888.

Business and Industry

In 1885, Humphrey entered the salt manufacturing industry with a business partner. Although headquartered in Warsaw, they constructed a salt plant in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1887. Humphrey sold his interest in the salt business in 1890 to return to the Wyoming County National Bank, where he was elected president following his uncle’s death. He remained president of the bank until his own passing in 1902.

Throughout the 1890s and early 1900s, Humphrey held diverse investments and leadership roles in several regional companies, including:

• Warsaw Button Company (President and co-founder, 1900)
• Warsaw Elevator Company
• Warsaw Knitting Mill Company
• Genesee Valley Trust Company of Rochester

Political Career

Humphrey was active in local and state politics. In 1895, he was elected to the New York State Senate representing the 46th District. He served an initial three-year term and was re-elected to two-year terms in 1898 and 1900. During his tenure, he chaired the Committee on Banks and served on the Finance, Canals, and Taxation and Retrenchment committees.

Death and Legacy

Humphrey died in office on March 17, 1902, in Albany, following a brief bout of pneumonia. His body was returned to Warsaw for interment.

In recognition of his service, the New York State Senate adjourned for the week of his funeral and held a memorial session. The legislature passed formal resolutions honoring his character and his contributions to banking oversight and tax reform. These tributes were later published in 1902 as the Proceedings of the Legislature of the State of New York Relative to the Life and Services of Lester Hayden Humphrey. A committee of three senators were appointed to escort his body to Warsaw, with many other members of the Senate attending the funeral and some even serving as pallbearers.