After his schooling, Stanley worked in New Haven and Fayetteville, North Carolina, before returning to New Britain in 1826. He held several positions, including as a clerk on steamboats and in general stores. Stanley was involved in a number of New Britain businesses, including as a machine manufacturer for the growing iron business in Hartford, the state's capital. With the investment flourishing, Frederick and his brother William purchased the remainder of that business and decided to expand. After four years the pair invested in a brass foundry named Stanley Woodruff & Company. As early as 1842 the Stanleys began business ultimately opening Stanley Bolt Manufacturing. The company manufactured bolts, hinges, and other hardware from wrought iron. When Frederick wanted to expand the manufacture of hinges, he started a separate company, the Stanley Works which was incorporated in 1853. In 1920 the company merged with the Stanley Rule and Level Company, founded by his cousin Henry Stanley in 1857, with Stanley Rule & Level becoming the tool division of the Stanley Works. When starting out as a hardware manufacturer Stanley traveled Connecticut selling and often installing the hardware he made. Not long after the Stanley Works was incorporated, Frederick hired William Hart, who grew the Stanley Works into the powerhouse it was to become. Some of his innovations were improving packaging of hardware to speed up sales, the invention of cold rolling steel and improving processes and developing machinery to increase production while reducing expenses.
Politics and civic work
Stanley served as both the first warden of New Britain in 1850 and its first Mayor following its incorporation in 1871 During his term he brought gas lighting, rail service, and a reservoir-fed water supply to the town.
Personal life
On July 4, 1838, Stanley married Melvinia Chamberlain and together they had three sons, Alfred Hubert, Frederick Henry, and William Chamberlain. Melvinia died aged 28 from scarlet fever and the two youngest boys died shortly thereafter. Stanley died on August 2, 1883 at the age of 80, ten days short of his 81st birthday. Following the deaths, Frederick moved in with his brother, William, who was also his business partner.
