SAMUEL J. STOUT was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, August 22, 1849, and was the son of Philemon and Melissa Stout, nee Shoup. He was raised on a farm, and his education was received in the common schools, attending Mount Zion one year, Lincoln one year. He was married July 30, 1871, to Emma L. Brassfield. She was born in Menard county, Illinois, August 9, 1850. They had born to them Edna May and Sarah Malissie, both of whom are deceased. He lost his wife December 20, 1875. He owns one thousand and forty acres of land, situated in Ball township, which is under a fair state of cultivation, and worth $50 an acre. Has held the office of Supervisor for two terms, and politically is Democratic.