William H Lester

Col. William H. Lester, unknown-1913: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179142382/william-h-lester
U.S. Colored Troops 8th Infantry Co B.

Lived in Dryden 1860-1880 censuses
Father of Emma Virginia Lester Moore: https://tompkins.historyforge.net/people/312

"Col. William H. Lester: Died Suddenly Last Wednesday at His Home in Ithaca," Dryden Herald, February 19, 1913, 1.
"Col. William H. Lester died last Wednesday morning following a stroke of paralysis at his home at Ithaca, aged 75 years. The funeral was held Friday afternoon, with prayer at the house followed by services at the A.M.E. Zion church. Rev. Farley Fisher officiated, assisted by Bishop blackwell, of Philadelphia, who was a close friend of Col. Lester....
Col. Lester was for many years a resident of Dryden. Later he resided at Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, where he held government appointments. Since retiring from active work six years ago his home was a t Ithaca. He was a veteran of the Civil War.
He leaves five children William H. Lester and John J. Lester, of Washington; Mrs. Charles Moore, of Ithaca; Mrs. Jennie Hornbeck, of Olean; and Miss Anna Lester, of Ithaca,"