SAMUEL J. STOUT. Samuel J. Stout, now living at 1225 South Seventh street, Springfield, is one o the hospitable and kindly gentlemen of Sangamon county, representing the agricultural interests of central Illinois for many years. He has never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way affect his generous, kindly spirit, and because of this his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He has, however, in his business career, met with prosperity that many might envy, and today is an extensive landowner, having a valuable farm of nine hundred and sixty acres on which he engaged in the cultivation of grain and the raising of stock. His life record is creditable to his native county.

He was born in Ball township, August 22, 1849, a son of Philemon and Melissa (Shoup) Stout. The father was one of the early settlers of the county, arriving in 1836. The mother was a daughter of Jacob Shoup, also an honored pioneer settler of Ball township, who became a resident of Sangamon county in the fall of 1831. On the old family homestead in Ball township Samuel J. Stout spent the days of his boyhood and youth, remaining with his father until he was married, which important event in his life occurred on the 31st of July, 1870, the lady of his choice being Emma Brasfield, who was born in Menard county, Illinois, a daughter of John Brasfield. Soon after their marriage the young couple located on a farm, where he resided until recently, and with characteristic energy he began to cultivate and improve this tract of land. He added to and remodeled the house, built substantial barns and sheds for the shelter of grain and stock, set out hedge fences, placed many rods of tiling on the farm, and, in fact, put forth every possible effort to make this a productive property. He used the latest improved machinery in cultivating his fields and all modern accessories are found upon his place, indicating his progressive spirit. In connection with the cultivation of grain he was engaged in the raising and feeding of stock. When he located on his farm it comprised six hundred and forty acres of land. From time to time he made additional purchases, however, and his landed possessions at the present date aggregate twenty-five hundred acres located within four different farms in Ball and adjoining townships. All are well improved properties and return to him an excellent income. Mr. Stout is also well known in financial circles, and his name is an honored one on commercial paper. He is at the present time a director and vice-president in the Farmers' National Bank at Springfield, aided in its organization, and at that time was elected to the directorate. His business integrity is above question, and his success is most creditable, for it has come to him through enterprise, careful management and honorable business dealings.

In 1876 Mr. Stout was called upon to mourn the death of his first wife. There were three children by that marriage, but all are deceased. In 1881 Mr. Stout was again married, his second union being with Emma Davidson, a sister of George Davidson. She died in 1891, leaving four children, Nellie, Philemon, Emma and Ray. Mr. Stout afterward married Mamie Davidson, a sister of his second wife, and they have one living child, James, and also lost one in infancy.

Mr. Stout is a Democrat, his first vote being cast for Grover Cleveland, his last for W. J. Bryan. He was elected and served for two consecutive terms as supervisor and was a member of a number of important committees of the board, acting or chairman of the road and bridge committee. The cause of education receives his firm support, and his friendship to the schools is indicated by his advocacy of all progressive measures during his incumbency on the school board. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Chatham Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Auburn Chapter, R. A. M. and the commandery at Springfield. He is well known in the county seat and throughout the county as one of the successful farmers, business men and financiers in central Illinois. He is also a man of strict integrity and sterling worth. His home is noted for its generous and cordial hospitality, and he and his family are much esteemed throughout the county.