STOUT, SAMUEL J. - The Stout family is one of the oldest in Sangamon County, and its representatives have borne an important part in the remarkable development of this part of the State. One of them who has attained to a well deserved prosperity through excellently-directed efforts along agricultural lines, is Samuel J. Stout, of Sections 24 and 25, Ball Township. He was born in this township, August 22, 1849, being a son of Philemon and Melissa (Shoup) Stout, the former born in Kentucky, April 19, 1822, and the latter in Madison County, Ky. They were married in Sangamon County, Ill. The paternal grandfather moved from New Jersey to Kentucky, and thence to Sangamon County, farming for many years, dying at the home of his son in 1846. The maternal grandfather moved from Pennsylvania to Sangamon County, dying on the farm now owned by Joab P. Stout. In 1864.
Philemon Stout, whose biography occurs elsewhere in this work came with his father to Sangamon County, the trip being made in a covered wagon, in 1836, settling on the farm now owned by Joab P. Stout, there passing away October 1, 1910. His remains were interred according tho his request, on the farm that had been in the family for so many years, beside the graves of other members of the family. This farm now so valuable, was purchased for ten dollars per acres.
Samuel J. Stout attended the district school in Ball Township, later going to a school in Mason County, and the University at Lincoln, but after finishing his education, he settled down to farming, having always been fond of stick. Since then he has devoted his life to farming and stock raising, now owning 2,000 acres of rich farm land.
Mr. Stout was first married in Sangamon County, June 31, 1870, to Emma Brasfield, born in Menard County, Ill., and died December 19, 1875, being buried in the family cemetery. Her father, John Brasfield, was a native of Kentucky who died in Menard County, where her mother, Sarah (Culver) Brasfield, also died, she too having been a native of Kentucky. The three children of this marriage are all deceased, two dying in infancy, and Edna May, born May 24, 1871, dying March 8, 1874. On August 31, 1881, Mr. Stout was married in Sangamon County, to Emma A. Davidson, born in the county, March 25, 1858, and died September 13, 1891, also being buried in the Stout cemetery. She was a daughter of Samuel Davidson, born in Tennessee, October 19, 1821, brought to Sangamon county in 1827, and is now living on a farm in Divernon Township. He married Amanda Nuckolls, born in Sangamon County, who survives, being now seventy-nine years old, while he is ten years older. Four children were born to Mr. Stout by this marriage: Nellie V., born June 12, 1882, married November 18, 1897, Robert J. Folonie, a lawyer of Chicago; Samuel P., born June 9, 1884, married August 31, 1910 to Blossom Stanley, and lives in Sangamon County; Emma Melissa, born September 1, 1887, and Ray Davidson, born March 9, 1891, at home. Mr. Stout was married for the third time, March 8, 1895, to Miriam M. Davidson, born in Sangamon County, October 4, 1868, a sister of his second wife. One fo the two children born to Mr. and mrs. Stout died in infancy, the other being James Howard, born June 3, 1901, a very promising little fellow, bright in his studies and the pride of his father's heart.
Mr. Stout has always been prominent in the ranks of the Democratic party, and has served as School Director as well as Supervisor for two years from Ball Township. He belongs to the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Chatham; the Royal Arch, R. A. M. of Auburn, and Elwood's Commandery of Springfield, K. T. While not a member of any religious denomination, his family are members of the First Methodist Church to which he contributes liberally. In addition to his farming interests, mr. Stout has found time to act as Director of the Farmers' National Bank of Springfield for the past quarter of a century, and has been its Vice-president for ten years. He owns one of the most beautiful homes in Springfield, in addition to his magnificent farm of 2,000 acres of the best land in the county. Not only has he achieved a remarkable success in his business operations, but he is so genial dn pleasant in manner that he makes friends wherever he goes, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.