Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-11-29

v" SUNDAY evening last. at the ripe age of
81 wears, months and l6 DAYS. He was
Dorm IN the town of Winthrop, where he re-
sided, for the most part, until middle life.
For more than fifty years, he has been .
prominent business man and distinguished
citizen IN the county OF Kennebec and through
out the State, and beyond its limits was we'll
and favorably known among business men.
lie sprung from stock of great respectabilitv.
out. like most Of the families in the part Of
Maine at the early period of his birth, who
were sturdy. strong and energetic, his fam
lily were somewhat restricted As to worldly
possessions, and so he inherited only the
sterling qualities which nature had bestowed
upon his ancestors. which made him q man
OF will, energy and persistent force These
elements Of character controlled his life and
made him eminently successful in long and
active career. Thrown in early life. upon
his own resources, the first part of the year.
Of manhood exhibited a vigorous struggle
with adverse events, and what to most men
would have been disheartening results. But
he never faltered. and as one effort failed, he
turned his hand to any other respectable en-
ployment which promised success His business
enterprises, in early life, were probably more
varied than often marks the history Of . man
determined on success. He was first clothier
in Winthrop-then trader in Hallowell-
then hotel keeper in Wayne-then Post
master Of his native town-then deputy
sheriff of Kennebec county.
| In 1884, after long service as deputy, he
was appointed by Gov. Dunlap, High Sheriff
Of the County of Kennebec, which Office he
held for a number of years by reappointment.
Very soon after receiving this appointment,
he removed to Augusta. where he has since
resided, and where he has been familiar
and commanding figure on our streets for
long years, until failing health, some two
years since, compelled him to retire from the
busy marts of life. In the retirement OF his
comfortable home, he has not ceased to take
interest in the passing events Of the country
and the world, and until few days his mind
has been active, intelligent and alive to
passing events. Here, cheered by the SYM
pathy of neighbors and friends. and sustained
by affectionate hearts and willing hands who
have minstered to his wants and comfort, his
transit from the mortal life to the great
beyond, has been made gentle and quiet and
peaceful.
After his removal to Augusta, Mr.. Stanley,
while performing the duties of his Office, was
engaged in other important pursuits, among
which may be mentioned the successful man.
agement Of the great stage line from Augusta
to Bangor, which in those days, when it was
the only means of transportation for the
eastern travel. was a labor Of magnitude and
responsibility. But he equal to the
demand and successful in this as in most Of
his undertakings. Soon after making Augusta
his residence, that keen sighted, sagacious,
far seeing business man, to whom this goodly
town is so much indebted the late Hon. Reuel
Williams, was quick TO see and recognize the
business capacity and boundless energy Of
Col. Stanley. They soon Joined together in
business enterprises, which were largely sue
cessful and promotive of the interests of
Augusta. This union continued through many
years, in fact until nearly the close of the life
of Mr.. Williams. In the building of the
Kennebec & Portland Railroad, the two were
closely identified, and as officers of the cor
poraton contributed largely of their labor
and means to its successful completion.
In ls49 Col. Stanley represented the town
of Augusta in the House of Representatives
| ,TM ,,, IN, tha Of Eran
Pierce to the Presidential Office in 1858, with
whom he had long held friendly relations, he
was appointed Marshal Of Maine, and held
the Office for the term Of four years.
Col. Stanley was early identified with the
banking interests of Augusta, and served as
Director of the Augusta and Granite Banks
for many years. On the organization of the
State Bank in 1854, he became its President,
and when the National Banking system was
inaugurated, he became President Of the
First National Bank of Augusta, which Office
he continued to hold until failing health COM
PEELED him to retire. In all these positions
he was emuently successful. His percep-
tons were keen, his sagcity far reaching, and
his carefulness and conservatism proverbiaL
Few men having the management of banking
interests in Maine, had more general knowl-
edge of the standing of business men through
out the State Hence his mistakes were few,
and the losses under his administration
of banking affairs were remarkably
small in amount. In the war, he was pstri-
otto and loyal. and as Bank officer did not
hesitate to place the funds of his Bank at
the command of the Governor of the State,
and in various ways, as is well remembered,
he rendered valuable aid to the government.
Col. Stanley was man of strong convic'
tons and bold in the expression of his views.
He was firm in his positions, always reliable
and true to his friends. His unswerving In
tegrity was never successfully assaulted. and
his prompt response to every business obi
CATION is known and admitted by all with
whom he came in contact His friendships
towards those in whom he placed confidence
were strong and enduring, and aid was never
.slad in win by those who inspired his trust.