New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-02-28
CEDAR HILL farm
PROPRIETOR dead
Theo. A. Stanley Was Known As
Progressive AgriculturiSt
CAME FROM OLD FAMILY

Grandson of First President Of Rule
and Level Co., He Made His Mark
in World as Student of Advanced
Farming.
Theodore Alexander Stanley, men,
Der of one Of New England's Oldest
and most prominent families, life
long student of agriculture and dairy
farming, president of the Stanley
Svea Grain and Coal Company and
deacon of South Congregational
church, died shortly after midnight
this morning at his home at Cedar
Hill farm following an illness of over
a year. Death was not unexpected,
his condition having been critical for
several days and the hopeless nature
of his illness having been known for
months by the deceased and members
of his family. In an attempt to ward
off the inroads of the disease, leading
specialists Of the country had been
consulted, including Drs. JaneWay and
Peck of New York. The funeral will
be held from the chapel of South
church, probably Friday afternoon,
with Rev. Dr. G. w. c. Hill officiating.
Bearers will be representatives of the
Connecticut State Agricultural Society
of Berlin with Col. Charles M. Jarvis,
: president, in charge of this detail of
the arrangements. Burial will be in
this city.
Grandson of Henry Stanley, first
president and one Of the founders of
the Stanley Rule and Level Company,
the deceased was born in the old
I Finch house, one of the city land
marks since demolished, at Pearl and
Orchard streets, March 10, 1864, son
of Mary Jane (Peck) Stanley and the
late Walter H. Stanley His early
years were passed in this city and his
preliminary education was gained in
New Britain public schools. He was
graduated from New Britain High
school with the class of 1888, a class
mate of Judge John H. Kirkham.
Even then he showed a marked in
terest in agriculture and progressive
dairy farming, his graduating essay
being on this subject.
Studies Agriculture in Michigan
Taking up dairy farming as his iife's
work, he entered the Michigan Agri-
cultural College at Lansing, Mich,
from which he was graduated with
honors in the class of 1885, complet-
ing the four years course in three
years. 1t was while a student at this
institution that he met his future
wife, Miss Sarah McLouth, daughter
of President Lewis McLouth of the
Michigan institution. They were
married June 21, 1888, at the home
of the bride at Bookings, South Da-
kota, where the brides parents were
then located At college, he was
prominent in the student body and
was honored by election to the Zeta
Psi fraternity. During after years, he
retained all of his youthful love for
; his alma mater, frequently attended
the alumni and fraternity reunions
and was president of the New England
Alumni Association of the Michigan
institution at the time of his death.
Devoted Life to His Farm.
Returning to New Britain, he made
such excellent use of his technical
knowledge of agriculture that Cedar
Hill farm became, and is, one Of the
model farms of the East. Progressive
methods and devices were installed.
He became recognized as a leader in
New England agriculture and dairy
farming. He was a frequent and
much sought after contributor to ag-
ricultureal journals throughout the
county. In 1898, desiring further to
advance his knowledge, he took his
family and passed that winter as
student at the Wisconsin State Dairy
School, taking the scheduled course
with extra studies.
Outside of farm and home, he was
active in varied circles. He was prac-
1,o,, I,F y,
Congregational church, active in it's
work and had been a deacon there
for years. He was an active member
of the Connecticut Dairymen's Asso-
citation and served as treasurer Of
that organization for a number of
years. He was past president of the
old Berlin Agricultural Society, now
Ahe Connecticut State Agricultural
Society of Berlin, was active in the af-
fairs of the organization up to the
time of his death and was a men,
Der Of the state grange. Fraternally,
he was affiliated with the Royal Ar
canum. His standing as an agricul-
tural expert was recognized by ap
pointment to the state dairy board,
where he served with distinction for
several years. Much of the prosper
ity of the Stanley-Svea Coal and Grain
company is credited to his business
ability and foresight as president.
Held Public Office.
AS a republican, he served the city
on the old board Of assessors and was
councilman from the second ward
during 1882 and 1898. For a number
of years he was first lieutenant of Co.
T., First Regiment, Connecticut Ma
fiopaI Guard having been p1aped on
the retired list but short time prior
to the outbreak of the Spanish Amer
ican war. He was also first heuten-
ant. at the time of his death, Of Co
+ Veterans Corps, with membership