ELIHU STOUT. This gentleman occupies an excellent station among the farmers of Auburn Township, to which he is fairly entitled by the success with which he has met in the prosecution of his chosen vocation. He has always followed farming and at one time owned upwards of seven hundred acres of land, a large part of which he has disposed of. At present his estate consists of one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, whereon he has erected a complete line of first-class buildings, set out numerous fruit and shade trees, and otherwise adapted it for the habitation of people of intelligence and good taste.

Philemon Stout, father of our subject, was born in New Jersey, but in his boyhood became a resident of Kentucky. After having grown to maturity he married Penelope Anderson, who was likewise a native of New Jersey and who went to Kentucky when but three or four years old. The worthy couple were joined in holy wedlock in Woodford County and established their home in Scott County. After several years residence there they removed to Fayette County, and thence, in 1836, came to the Prairie State. They selected a location in Ball Township, this county, which is now owned and occupied by their son Philemon, Jr., and here they spent the remnant of their days. Their family consists of twelve sons and daughters, our subject being the sixth in order of birth.

The gentleman of whom we write was born in Scott County, Ky., January 30, 1816. In 1836 he was sent hither by his father to purchase a farm, and after making his observations, secured the homestead of three hundred and fifty acres to which his parents came the following October. Our subject continued to live under the parental roof until he was married, when he settled in Auburn Township, where his marriage had taken place August 29, 1839. His bride was Rebecca Ann Patton, a daughter of the late Col. Patton, who was of the very earliest settlers in the township. Mrs. Rebecca Stout was born in Kentucky, October 5, 1819, and was quite young when her parents came hither. She was well taught in all that goes to make a woman useful in home life, and developed a Christian character, becoming a member of the Baptist Church. She survived until October 16, 1854, when she closed her eyes in death. She was the mother of three children - James M., born June 15, 1840, now a resident of Arkansas and a lumber dealer; Philemon, who lives in Springfield, Ill., was born February 23, 1843, and is General Agent of the Home Life Insurance Company, of New York; William D. died in infancy.

In Tennessee, May 13, 1855, Mr. Stout was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Sarah J. Moore, nee Williams, widow of Thomas Moore. This lady was born in Virginia, was well-bred and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her union with our subject was blest by the birth of five children, two of whom are now living. These are Elihu T., born October 6, 1857, and now a resident of Auburn Township and a druggist by occupation; Charles H. was born January 25, 1862, and is still with his father, being engaged in farming pursuits. The deceased are Andrew J., George W., and one who died in infancy. The faithful wife and devoted mother died September 17, 1866. The present wife of our subject was born in Virginia, September 9, 1822, and bore the maiden name of Margaret E. Williams. At the time of her marriage to our subject, which was solemnized in Auburn Township, June 18, 1867, she was a widow, her former husband having been Samuel Davis. She is a hospitable, sympathizing woman, who understands the art of home-making and is an excellent neighbor.

Mr. Stout has always acted with the Democratic party in political matters. His fellow-citizens have made use of his abilities by electing him to offices of public responsibility; he has been Supervisor of Auburn Township for two years, was collector one year, and has been Highway Commissioner thirteen years. Since 1843 he has been identified with the Baptist Church and for fully twenty years he has held the office of Deacon. His Christian character is undisputed and his example is one worthy of emulation by the rising generation. Although in his seventy-fifty year, Mr. Stout has never been so sock that he has been compelled to spend a single day in bed, and while not claiming many descendants, is proud of the fact that he is a great-grandfather.

In connection with this sketch a lithographic portrait of Mr. Stout is presented to the readers of this volume.