J. Frank Stanley is a native of Green Township, Noble County, and during his long career there has concenred himself not only with the successful prosecution of his private business and affairs but also with many community enterprises. He is a former trustee of the township, and has always been active in politics. Mr. Stanley's home farm is the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 21.
He was born in the same township April 7, 1849, and the Stanleys re one of the oldest families of that locality. His parents were H. C. and Sophronia (Beeson) Stanley. His father was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 24, 1918. His mother was born in Wayne County, Indiana, December 22, 1824. When H. C. Stanley was threey ears old his parents moved to Union County, Indiana, where he grew up. He and his wife were married in Wayne County, Indiana. The Beeson family came from North Carolina. H. C. Stanley after his marriage moved into the wilderness of Green Township, Noble COunty, establishing a farm in the northern part of the township. He lived there the rest of his life and was one of the really big men in the community. His material affairs prospered, including the ownership of 400 acres of good farm lands. He also served as county commissioner and three times represented his county in the Legislature. During the Civil war he lent all his influence and resources to the successful prosecution of the war against the rebellion. H. C. Stanley and wife had seven children to reach maturity and six are still iving: J. Frank; May H., wife of Oro Barnum; M. D. Stanley, of Avilla; Alice, widow of Marshall Bonham; C. H. Stanley, of Albion; and Charles H., a farmer in Noble County.
J. Frank Stanley grew up on the home farm in the northern part of Green Township, and was well educated in the common schools and the schools of Albion. For several years he taught in his native county in addition to farming. He mde his home with his parents until he was past the age of thirty.
In 1882 he established a home of his own by his marriae to Alma Prouty. She was born in Jefferson Township of Noble COunty and was educated in the common schools. She also taught. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stanley located on their present farm, known as the Fountain Farm, comprising 200 well cultivated acres. Here Mr.s Stanley died in 1886. None of her children are now living. In 1896 Mr. Stanley married Miss Clara Applegate. She was born in Noble County. They have two living children: Aubrey, a graduate of high school and now in Purdue University, joined the students avaiation corps at Purdue. Hazel is a high school student. The family are members of the United Brethren Church at green Center. Mr. Stanley is a stanch democrat. He served three times by election and twice by appointment as trustee of Green Township. He is a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank at Albion.
J. Frank Stanley, History of Northeast Indiana, (c) 1884, Vol. 2, pg. 23