Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 148

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 148

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Joab P. Stout attended the Uniou district school In Ball Townshlp, later spending ten mouths at the university at Lincoln, Ill. IIis life has been spent on his present farm and he now owns 670 acres in Sangamon County. He has always been foud of outdoor sports and en- joys his farming because he knows how to do it profitably and thoroughly.

The marriage of Mr. Stout took place in Coies County, Ill., September 15, 1886, to Ida Frank Sawiu, born lu Coles County, August 14, 1863, daughter of John Gilbert and Lovisa (Jones) Sawin, the former born in Edinburg, Ind., March 1. 1838, and the latter In Coies County, Ili., May 26, 1846. Both survive, residing at Mattoon, Ili .. where Mr. Sawin is a dealer iu grain. The paternal grandfather was a native of New York, ' who died in Coles County, as dld the maternal grandfather, who was a native of Kentucky.

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1647

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stout are as follows: John P., born December 21, 1887; Frank L., February 3, 1890; Edith L., March 9, 1892, and George D., July 30, 1899. While Mr. Stout is a Democrat he prefers to cast his vote for the man he believes best fitted for the office, Irrespective of party lines. Although not a member of any religious organizations, he generously supports the Baptist Church, to which his family belongs. Mr. Stout has always taken a foremost place in any movement calcu- iated to be beneficial to his community, and is counted among its progressive men. He has been successful in his life work, and at the same time has kept the friendship of those whom he has attached to him.

STOUT, Philemon (deceased) .- In the annais of Sangamon County no name occurs more fre- quently than that of Stout, for not only was the family bearing that name one of the first to be founded here, but Its representatives have always been men of high character, active in the promulgation of educational, material and spiritual matters, and there are many of them still left here, while numerous others have gone out into other parts of the country to ald in developing and advancing civilization. The his- tory of the Stout family is very interesting and has been compiled and issued in pamphlet form. It was founded in what is now Middietown, Mon- mouth County, N. J., in 1848, by Richard Stout. a son of John Stout, both of whom were born in Nottinghamshire, England. Richard Stout married, after his arrival in the Colonies, a young widow whose maiden name had been Penelope Van Princes. Her husband had been killed by the Indians, and she suffered mutila- tion from their hands, but fortunately recov- ered, and made her second husband a good and faithful wife. They had seven sons and three daughters, and through the seventh son, David, are descended the Sangamon County Stouts.

David Stout, born In 1706, married Elizabeth Larrison, and they had four sons and five daugh- ters. One of these was Benjamin, who mar- ried first a Mrs. Ketcham, and iater Mary Hig- gins, and his second son Jedediah is the fourth in the line of the Sangamon County Stouts.

Jededlah Stout had a son Philemon, born In New Jersey, May 18, 1785. When a lad, the family move to Fayette County, Ky., and on February S, 1810, he married In Woodford County, Ky., Penelope Anderson. In 1836, ani- mated by the spirit which seems to have in- spired members of the Stout family to con- stantly move further westward, removal was made to Sangamon County, Iil. this year, therefore, the family was founded here, settiement being made in Ball Township on 350 acres of land. Later this passed into possession of Philemon Stout, Jr., son of the elder Philemon Stout, and is now owned by Joab P. Stout. Philemon Stout, Sr .. died in Sanga- mon County, on his new farm, January 31, 1846,

but his widow survived him until November 23, 1860, when she too passed away.

Philemon Stout, Jr., was born in Scott County, Ky., near Georgetown, Aprii 19, 1822, and was only fifteen years old when the family located in Ball Township, this county. He had attended school in his native county, but after coming to Iilinois was only given four weeks schooling, as the demands of the ploneer farm taxed his energy. After his father's death, much of the responsibility of the farm work fell upon his shoulders, and eventually he became owner of the homestead, adding to his holdings untli at one time he had over 2,000 acres. The present beautiful farm residence. was erected by him. and he made many improvements, beiieving in enriching his iand and using the latest im- provements.

In 1848, Mr. Stout was married in Baii Town- ship, to Melissa Shoup, born in Piqua, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Downing) Shoup. Mr. Shoup came from Pennsylvania to Ohlo. and thence, in 1832, to Sangamon County, where he died in 1848, his wife surviving him. The children of this marriage were Samuel J., Sarah P. and George W. who died in early childhood, and John P. who died when ten years old. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Stout married, near Athens, Menard County, in 1856, Louisa Brasfield, born in Madison County, Ky., daughter of James E. Brasfield. Mr. and Mrs. Stout had the following children : James, de- ceased; Joab P., whose biography occurs else- where in this work; Melissa M., wife of Wii- liam T. Lewis.

Mr. Stout was a Democrat, and served as School Director, Highway Commissioner, Super- visor and Justice of the Peace for many years, giving an honorable, conscientious attention to the duties of the several offices. In the Baptist Church he was not oniy a consistent member, but an earnest worker and Deacon. His death occurred October 1, 1910, and his remains were interred in the little family cemetery on the Stout home farm, where the dust of others of the same name await the resurrection call. No man stood higber in the estimation of the people of Sangamon County than this kindiy, genial gentleman who never forgot the Christianity he professed, but took his religion into his every day life, and gave to every one the treatment he asked in return. Charitable, he never openly spoke of his benefactions, preferring to keep them to himself, and he not only aided many materially, but gave sage, moral advice that steadled inany and set wandering feet in the right path. Mr. Stout has passed from this mortal life, but the influence of his upright, moral life remains, and his children deiight in recaliing his good deeds, and profiting by his example.

STOUT, Samuel J .- The Stout family is one of the oldest in Sangamon County, and its repre- sentatives have borne an important part in the

1648

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

remarkable development of this part of tbe 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, be- ing 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 else- where 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 in- tered according to his request, on the farm that had been in the family for so many years, beside tbe graves of other members of the family. This farm now so valuable, was pur- chased for ten dollars per acre.

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 farmilng, having always been fond of stock. 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 Ken- tucky who died in Menard County, where her inother, Sarah (Culver) Brasfield, also died, she too having been a native of Kentucky. The three children of this marriage are ail deceased, two dying in infancy, and Edna May, born May 24, 1871, dying March 8, 1874. On August 31, 1SS1, Mr. Stout was married in Sangamon County, to Emma A. Davidson, born in the county, March 25, 185S. 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 Sanga- mon 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: Neilie V., born June 12, 1SS2, marrled November 18, 1907, Robert J. Folonie, a lawyer of Chicago ; Samuel P., born June 9, 1884, married August 31, 1910, to Biossom Stanley, and lives in Sangamon County ; Emma Melissa, born September 1, 1SS7, and Ray Davidson, born March 9. 1891, at home. Mr. Stout was married for the third time, March

S, 1895, to Mlriam M. Davidson, born in Sanga- mon County, October 4, 1868, a sister of his second wife. One of 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 weil 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 Ei- wood'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 farmning Interests, Mr. Stout has found time to act as Director of the Farmers National Bank of Springfield for the past quar- ter of a century, and has been its Vice-president for ten years. He owns one of the most beau- tiful 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 geniai and pleasant in manner that he makes friends wherever he goes, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

STOUT, Samuel Philemon .- Some of the most enterprising of Sangamon County's young farm- ers have been free to experiment as to the best methods of farming because of the liberality of their parents, who have given them property with which to begin their life battle. Because of this the agricultural interests of the county have prospered, many following along the lines laid down by those who were progressive enough to seek better ways to perform old tasks. One of these thoroughly scientific and up-to-date farmers is Samuel Philemon Stout, of Section 26, Woodside Townshlp, who belongs to the old-established Stout family, prominent there since 1836. Mr. Stout was born in Ball Township, June 9, 1885, a son of Samuel J. and Emma A. (Davidson) Stout, the former born In Ball Township, August 22, 1849, and the latter, also a native of Sangamon County, was born March 25, 1852. She died September 13, 1891, but the father survives and is one of the rich- est men in the county. The grandfather, Phile- mon Stout, was born in Kentucky, April 19, 1822, but came to Sangamon County in 1836 with his father, and died there October 1, 1910. The maternal grandfather was born in Ken- tucky, October 19, 1821, came to Sangamon County at a very early date, and is now resid- ing in Divernon Township with his wife, he being eighty-nine and she seventy-nine years of age.

Samuel Philemon Stout was educated in the schools at Pleasant Plains, Ball Township, San- gamon County, and in the University of Illinois, spending two years in the latter institution. Returning home he began farming and has con-

1649

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

tinued in that line ever since. His fine 160-acre farm was a gift from his father, but since he received it he has improved it very materially until it is now one of the best properties in the county.

Mr. Stout is fond of traveling, having made two extended trips to western States, and while on the last, was married, at Helena, Mont., August 31, 1910, to Blossom Stanley, a beautiful girl, highly accomplished and well educated. She was born at Wichita, Kan., June 10, 1887, a daughter of Edward B. Stanley, who was born at Alton, Ill., January 18, 1861, and was in the office of the Secretary of State under Gov .. Altgeld, but later went prospecting in Alaska, later to Oklahoma, and died at Guth- rie, February 17, 1901, where he was buried. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phylis Dohrer, was born at Morris, Ill., May 22, 1863, and survives her husband, living in Spring- field. The paternal grandfather, Jesse Stanley, was born In Kentucky in 1825, and died in Guthrie, Okla., June 25, 1899. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Stout, Joseph Dohrer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 22, 1834, but moved to Missouri at an early day, dying at St. Joseph, September 20, 1908.

Mr. Stout, like his father, is a strong Demo- crat, and has been called upon to fill the office of Tax Collector of Ball Township, being elected In 1909. His college fraternity is the Phi Kappa Psi, and he is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 500, of Springfield. He Is a mem- ber of the first Methodist Church, of Spring- field, while his wife is a member of the First Baptist Church, of that city. While too young to have had any military experience, Mr. Stout took a two-year course in military tralning at the university, and if his country had need of his services, he would without doubt be one of the first to raise a company. Happy in his home life, successful in his business, owning one of the best farms in the township, Mr. Stout has a bright future before him, and as he stands so high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, he will doubtless be sent to represent them in some of the high offices within their gift. If such a demand for his services should ever arise, it is to be hoped he will respond to the call, for the country has need of such men as he, resourceful. honorable, possessed of a sense of the true value of things, and connected with inen of high integrity, who will make good laws and see that they are enforced.

STREET, Joseph M. (Vol. I, p. 511.)

STRICKLETT, John G., M. D. (deceased) .--- Those who had the good fortune to be ministered to by the old time physician contend that the present schools are not producing the kind of doctors who graced the profession years ago. These physicians had no well-equipped hospi- tals in which to gain a costly experience, but were forced into general practice, where the lives of their patients hung upon their own in-

dividual efforts. They had no runabout or au- tomobile to take them from one patient to another, nor did they sit back in richly ap- poiuted offices and conduct au office practice ouly. The physicians of an older day rode on horseback or drove behind a plodding mare, to patients miles apart, in all kinds of weather, never thinking of their own comfort, but anx- ious to reach the suffering ones. They brought countless children into the world, guiltless of the many modern appliances, and kept the sick and aged alive without calling upon experts and specialists to ald them. This class of phy- siclan is passing, but here and there one is still fouud. One of those most honored for his past work and geuial affability, was the late ven- erable Dr. John G. Stricklett, who during his last days lived in well-earned retirement at No. 1023 North Ninth Street, Springfield. He was born iu Lewis County, Ky., January 16, 1823, a son of Jacob and Frances (Griffith) Strick- lett, natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a farmer, died in Kentucky, but in 1852 the widowed mother came to Illinois with her fam- ily of five children, settling on a farm in Clark County. The sons, four in number, grew up hardy and strong, and three of them helped her conduct her farm. There the mother passed her declining years. The Stricklett family had been founded in Kentucky by the grandfather, Jacob Stricklett, a native of Pennsylvania, a soldier in the Revolution, and a personal friend of George Washington. The Great-grandfather Stricklett was born in Holland, while the Graudfather Griffith was a native of Sweden.

Dr. Stricklett attended the country schools of Lewis County and worked on a farm during his boyhood. Later he learned the shoemaker's trade, but worked at it only a short time, when he began studying medicine under Dr. Thomas O'Marshon. He. later attended medical college in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking the eclectic course and receiving his diploma from this college. He then went to Clark County, Ill., and practiced there for several years, then moved to Linn County, lowa, iocating near Cedar Rapids. Soon thereafter, however, the war broke out and he enlisted in Company G, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving until he was mus- tered out November 16, 1863, at Jackson, Tenn. Returning to Iowa, he practiced at Palo that State, for fifteen years, during which time he held the position of Town Clerk, being elected on the Republican ticket. His next change was made when he moved to Oakford, Ill., but after three years there, he moved to Clark County, Ill., where he continued in practice until 1903. In that year he came to Springfield, which was his home up to his death, May S, 1910. He was a Mason and a consistent mem- ber of the Christian Church.

Dr. Stricklett was married in Burlington, Iowa, to Virginia David, on November 27, 1862. She was born in Burlington, in 1840, and her parents were natives of Kentucky, who moved to Iowa at an early date. They made Burling-

1650

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ton their home until death claimed them. Dr. and Mrs. Stricklett became the parents of five sons and one daughter: Sherman, Harry A. and Roy, of Springfield; and Minnie, wife of Samuel Watkins, of Petersburg, Ill. Dr. Stricklett owned his home. He was one of the most charming of gentlemen, with the native courtesy of Kentucky, and had a host of warm, personal friends wherever he had resided.

STRODE, John A., for many years a farmer in Fancy Creek Township, Sangamon Connty, aud now living retired from active life in the city of Springfield, is honored as a veteran of the Civil War and respected as a public-spirited and usefui citizen. He was born January 4, 1834, in Sangamou County, a son of John and Mary (Stringfield) Strode, the father a native of Vir- ginia and the mother of Kentucky. The father moved to Kentucky as a young man, lived there several years, and became one of the earliest settlers of Sangamon County, coming there in 1818 and settling near the Sangamon River, which he crossed, and there entered 200 acres of land from the Government. He spent the re- maiuder of his life on this farm, passiug away iu 1866, and his wife in 1SS1. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was with Gen. Jackson at the last battle, at New Orleans, after which he returned to Kentucky and spent a few years there. He and his wife had six daughters and five sons and the only one now surviving is John A. One son, James, served in the One Hundred Fifteenth Iilinois Volunteers and was killed at Chickamanga.

Mr. Strode was educated in the country schools of his native county, which were held in iog buildings, with rude furniture, meanwhile working on his father's farm until the death of the latter. He then engaged in farming in Fancy Creek Township for himself, buying some land and continued to operate it until moving to the city. in January, 1898. In 1862. he en- llsted in Company K, One Hundred Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Iufantry. under Col. Moore, in the Methodist Preacher Brigade, and served until 1864. being discharged at Nashville. He participated in many important hattles, and spent four months in the hospital at Nashville. HIe won the respect of his fellows and performed every duty faithfuliy and well. He is now a member of Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R., of Springfield. Mr. Strode was a personal ac- quaintance of Ahraham Lincoin and entertains the kindest memories of that great man.

Mr. Strode was married at Bloomington. Ill., February 20, 1856, to Miss Letitia Gilmore, a · native of Ohio, born September 19, 1836. daugh- ter of John Giimore. Her father was born in Scotland and her mother near Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Gilmore came to America as a young man. spent several years in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Ohio. Both he and his wife died when Mrs. Strode was a small child. He was a con- tractor for the construction of canals, mills and turnpikes, and the family came to Vermilion

County, Ill., when their daughter was very young and there the father hnilt a mill on Vermilion River. The mother died there and the father took his family to Lexington, McLean County, where his death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Strode had five children, of whom but two survive : Alice, wife of Jesse Mitts, a farmer of Fancy Creek Township, and Minnie, wife of Edward Gentry, of Mason City, Iowa. Victoria, wife of A. Birdsell, died leaving no children. There are fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grand- children in the family. Mrs. Strode's parents had two sons and three daughters and she is the only survivor of the family. Mr. Strode is a member of the Methodist Church and his wife of the United Brethren. They own a nice home at 1118 East Reservoir Street and also retain a farm in Fancy . Creek Township, which they formerly occupied, and which is now managed by his son-in-law.

STUART, John Todd. (Voi. I, p. 511.)

SUTTILL, John, a snecessfni farmer and stock- raiser living at 2220 East Laurel Street, Spring- field. Ill., was born in Burrill, Yorkshire, England, April 22, 1854, and is a son of Fran- cis and Margaret (Millen) Snttill, both natives of Yorkshire, the former born in 1823 and the latter in 1834. The parents lived and died on their farm in England, the father August 28, 1901, and the mother in November, 1890. They were parents of eight children, of whom seven survive. One son, James, lives at Camden, N. J. Francis Snttill was a son of a stone-mason, who worked in the Dells of Yorkshire, and was a minister in the Wesley Methodist Church. One brother of Francis, Matthew Suttill, is a coachman, and lives at Washington, D. C.

The education of John Snttill was acquired in his native place, where he attended the pub- lic school. As a boy he worked on a farmi one year for $25 per year and his salary was increased gradually until at the age of seven- teen years he earned $135 per year, and he later began working for the Stockton & Dar- lington Railroad Company. He afterward learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked until he set sail for America, July 26. 1SS1, belng twelve days on the water. He landed in Philadelphia, where he remained sev- eral months, working for the Reading Railroad, in the department where coal cars were mann- factured. He ieft there March 3, 1882, and on March 6th reached the Wabash Depot in Spring- field, Ill. After leaving the train he was walk- ing up Jefferson Street and accidentally stepped off the waik, sinking in mud up to his knees.

Mr. Suttili's first position was with the Chi- cago & Aiton Raiiroad Company, with whom he remained one year in the capacity of bridge carpenter. He then worked eighteen years as carpenter for the Wabash Road. He has trav- eled thousands of miles in connection with his work and has never met with an accident or been in a wreck. One reason of his safety and

1651

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

success is that he has never during his life tasted intoxicating liquors. He stands well In the estimation of his employers and fellow- workmen and is worthy the utmost confidence. For several years Mr. Suttill iived with au uncle, John Millen, in the viiiage of East Spring- fieid. John Milleu died two years siuce and his wife six years ago.

Mr. Suttili was married, in Springfield, Au- gust 27, 1901, to Miss Peari Haycroft, who was boru in Kentucky, February 10, 1886, a daugh- ter of John M. and Jeuny (Norton) Haycroft, uatives of Grayson County, Kentucky. Her pareuts came to Illinois about 1891, iocating first at Tice, and later at Cantrall, finally at Springfield, and Mrs. Haycroft now resides on Fifth Street. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Suttill: Francis, March 22, 1902; Celia, January 15, 1904; Margaret, February 6, 1906, and Pearl, November 22, 1909. Mr. Sut- till is known as an upright and reliable man, a public-spirited citizen, and ioyal to his friends and principies. He has a pleasant home and is very fond of his family. He Is held in high respect and esteem by his fellows and served one term as Treasurer of the village of East Springfield. He is a member of Centrai Lodge No. 71, A. F. & A. M., of Springfield, and for the past twenty years has helonged to the Sal- vatlon Army. He owus eleven and one-haif acres of iand In the city and has forty acres iu his present piace. He is industrious and prosperous and has won success through his own efforts. He is now engaged extensively In the hog business with Coi. James W. Jeffer- son. They have erected some of the most ex- tensive huildings for the purpose In the county, . and are buying and shipping ail the time.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 148

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774