The Stockley family were merchants and bankers in Smyrna, Del., during the 19th century.
Ayres Stockley established himself in Smyrna as a merchant in 1823 in partnership with Samuel J. Rowland, recorded as both Stockley & Rowland and Rowland & Stockley. Stockley continued until about 1836, in partnership with Rowland, as C.T. & Ayres Stockley, and on his own account, when he became cashier of the Bank of Smyrna. In 1856 he became president of the bank and continued until his resignation in 1876. Active in developing water and rail transportation between Smyrna, Wilmington, and Philadelphia, he promoted the shipment of freight and commodities northward from Smyrna. He also shipped bark, hides, and grain to Philadelphia in quantity and introduced lime as a fertilizer in his community. His son, John Clark Stockley, also identified with the Bank of Smyrna, formed a partnership with his brother, Ayres Holmes Stockley, in 1865 in operation of a grain commission business at Smyrna.
From the description of Papers, 1811-1913. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122396812
