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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of Charles H. STANLEY 

Pages 792-793, transcribed in full by Karen CRANE Goggin 

[Surnames: ABBOTT, BYBEE, HESTER, MEEKER, STANLEY] 

    
CHARLES H. STANLEY, a contractor and builder of Canton has been connected with the building interests of this county for many years, and is well and favorably known. He was born in Buckinghamshire, England, February 10, 1834. His parents, Robert F. and Caroline (Hester) Stanley, emigrated to the United States when our subject was three years old. The staid a short time in New York City, and thence went to Rochester, in the same State. The father died there in 1848, leaving his wife with three children to care for. He was a son of an Episcopalian minister, and was educated by the Church of England. His wife was a daughter of John Hester. 
    
The subject of this sketch was the only son of his parents. He was a lad of fourteen years when he had the misfortune to lose his father. His school days were passed in Rochester, N.Y. After the completion of his education, he learned the trade of a carpenter with his uncle, Charles H. Stanley, with whom he remained three years. Upon the expiration of that time he went to Cleveland, Ohio to work with another uncle at the same trade. In 1856 he drifted West to Havana, Ill. And in 1857 came to Canton, Ill., of which he has since been a prominent resident. Soon after he came here he began business as a contractor and builder, and has since followed it actively. He is a skilled workman, and knows well what to require of those who work under him, and he possesses much executive ability, and has done finely at his business. Many of the principal business buildings in Canton were erected under his direction, as well as numerous dwellings. 
    
Mr. Stanley has been twice married. While he was residing in Havana, Ill., he was wedded to Miss Nancy Meeker, of that city, who died in 1861, leaving one child, Charles C. Mr. Stanleyıs present wife was Dorenda Bybee, a daughter of James Bybee, an old settler of the county. One daughter has been born of this marriage, Luella J., wife of Jacob Abbott, a prominent attorney of Canton. 
    
Mr. Stanley is a straightforward, prompt and methodical man of business, and his success has contributed to the upbuilding of Canton. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 734, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to Canton Chapter R. A. M., and to the K. of P. In politics he gives stanch support to the Democratic party. His fellow-Democrats have sought his assistance in the guidance of the municipal government and he is at present a member of the City Council, and Alderman of the Fourth Ward. His residence is on Maple Street, and there he and his family have a home replete with comfort.