John Frederick Stanton, one of the leading architects of Kansas, and for many years state architect, was born in Manchester, N. H., July 29, 1862, the son of John M. and Meribah F. (Pike) Stanton. Mr. Stanton is descended from English stock, his American ancestors having come to the United States in 1636 and locating at Salisbury. His father was born at Brookfleld, Me., and his mother at Plymouth, N. H. John F. Stanton went to the high school at Manchester and then took a special course in civil engineering. Upon completing this course he was appointed assistant engineer of Manchester, serving in that capacity for two years. Later he was connected with the engineering department of the Stark Corporation, but severed his connection with this concern to take a course in architecture, and formed a partnership with W. M. Butterfield, one of the leading architects of Manchester. After beginning the practice of this profession, Mr. Stanton designed some of the finest public and private buildings of his native state. In 1887 he came to Topeka to assume charge of the office of J. G. Haskell, one of the leading architects of Kansas, and held that position for six years. He then became a partner in the firm, which became known as Haskell & Stanton, and which designed some of the finest buildings erected in the Southwest.

In 1895 Mr. Stanton was appointed superintendent and assistant architect of the capitol building, holding the position for two years. With a change of politics came a change of officials and from 1897 to 1899, he conducted his private business, but in the latter year he was appointed state architect and proved so efficient that he was reappointed in 1903, and served in that capacity until 1909. While in office Mr. Stanton had charge of the architectural work of all the state institutions. Since 1909 he has been devoting his time to the practice of his profession and is recognized as one of the leading architects in Kansas.

In 1893 Mr. Stanton married Julia M., the daughter of William and Margaret Lamb, at St. Joseph, Mo. They have one child, Julia M. In politics Mr. Stanton has been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, having stood high in its councils and for two years served as president of the Flambeau Republican Club of Topeka.