J. L. Stanley, proprietor of the pioneer meat market of Harlan, started the business in that place in the spring of 1871, and continued in the trade until 1881. He then sold the business and engaged in farming in Jackson Township until 1887, when he returned to Harlan and re-engaged in this occupation. This market affords an excellent assortment of all kinds of meat, fish and vegetables in their season. Mr. Stanley has a good trade which he has won by fir and upright dealing. The subject of this notice was born in Louisa County, Iowa, June 12, 1837, and is the son of T. J. and Rachel (Hoskins) Stanley, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. The parents were among the first settlers of Louisa County, and when J. L. was five years old they removed to Whiteside County, Illinois, in which place he was reared and educated. In 1860 he returned to Jefferson County, Iowa, and there resided until he came to Harlan. Mr. Stanley was married in 1864 to Miss Lucinda Hodgen. They are the parents of nine children - Henrietta, Lemuel, James, Isaac, Charles, Elizabeth, John, Elsie and a baby girl. In politics Mr. Stanley affiliates with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.