STOUT, Abram V. 1841-1900

STOUT, SUTTON

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 8/21/2015 at 13:44:30

Hon. A. V. Stout

One of Grundy County's Foremost Citizens, has Passed Away.

Abram V. Stout was born in Green county, Illinois, Nov. 29, 1841, and died at his home in Beaver township, Grundy county, Iowa, March 28, 1900.

He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Sutton, Jan. 1, 1866. To them were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, all of whom are living except one daughter, Mary F., who died March 16, 1898. In 1869, Mr. Stout moved his family to Iowa, settling soon after on the present family homestead, where with careful painstaking effort he established a beautiful home with comfortable buildings and modern improvements.

In early life deceased became a christian and united with the Presbyterian church, but on coming to Iowa he found no organization of that church and he for a time worshiped with the Congregationalists. In 1883, he with his family united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and by his untiring and persistent efforts in connection with others the various religious elements of the community were united and regular religious services were established and sustained. It was Mr. Stout's idea that at any cost religious worship should be maintained; that it is the highest and most important duty of parents to provide for their children the means for christian culture and improvement, and looking beyond the thought of personal benefit, prepare the way for the success of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a firm believer in the teaching of the Bible and labored earnestly to establish the kingdom of God upon earth. In his business intercourse with his fellow men he was upright and manly and always tried to follow the Golden Rule.

He always felt a strong and active interest in public affairs and had decided opinions of all questions of public interest. He served his county as representative in the Legislature from 1880 to 1884 and served on several important committees. He was a firm advocate of temperance and gave freely of his time and money to advance the cause. He believed that the sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage should be prohibited, and his influence was felt throughout the entire state. He was recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the county and was frequently honored by being appointed a delegate to various meetings and congresses affecting the interests of the farmers. He served by virtue of the governor's appointment as a delegate to the International Farmers' Congress held in Chicago during the World's Fair in 1893 and also as delegate and vice-president for the state of Iowa to the various National Farmers' Congresses held since that time. In 1894 the state Legislature elected him a trustee of the Iowa Agricultural College for a term of six years, and he was a useful and influential member of the board.

He felt a great interest in the welfare of the young people and was always ready to offer any aid or assistance in his power to give, the greatest of which was the inspiring lesson of his own noble life. One of his first acts after reaching his new home in Grundy county was to establish a Sunday school, he himself being the ever faithful and efficient superintendent for twenty consecutive years, and he maintained his interest in Sunday school work to the end.

He was of a bright and cheerful disposition, never cherishing animosities. He was a friend to all, and all felt the inspiration of his helpful and genial nature.

Mr. Stout's health began to fail about three years before his death, but he was able to attend to his business until November last, since which time he was confined to the house. The disease which caused his death was progressive muscular atrophy. Like all good men his preparation was made, and he viewed the approach of death without alarm or dismay and maintained his interest in all things to the last. Throughout his long sickness he was always cheerful and patient, feeling that he was in the hand of Him "who doeth all things well."

A good man has gone from among us. In the family he was a loving companion, a kind father and a wise counselor. In the church he was a tried and ever faithful member. In the community he was a good citizen and a firm friend to all that tended to enoble his fellow men. Besides his own immediate family of wife and children he leaves two brothers to mourn their loss; Peter D. Stout of Bristow, Indian Territory, and J. Von Doren Stout of Jacksonville, Ill. The latter was privileged to attend the funeral which was held at the home on Saturday, March 31st. The services were conducted by Rev. H. Foote, a former pastor, and his body was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery at Cedar Falls.

--The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 5 April 1900, pg 1