GEORGE & JOHN STOUT.

Silver Creek Township.

1901 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

[1870] PAGE 138.

GEORGE STOUT, a prosperous farmer of Silver Creek Township, Cowley County, first located in Kansas in 1866, and became a permanent resident of the county in 1870. His farm was situated on the southeast quarter of section 4, township 31, range 6 east, and its owner was extensively engaged in general farming, making a specialty of corn raising.

Mr. Stout was born in Lewis County, West Virginia, in 1840, and was a son of Benjamin and Cynthia (Middleton) Stout. His grandparents were natives of New Jersey.

George Stout’s father, Benjamin Stout, was born in 1802. He was a farmer and stock raiser. He died in Virginia during the Civil War. His wife was born in West Virginia, and died in 1850. They were the parents of six sons and one daughter: Milton, deceased; George; Hezekiah, who lived in West Virginia; John, who was formerly in partnership with George, and still owned his farm in Silver Creek Township in 1901; Daniel, who resided on the old homestead in West Virginia; Benjamin, who lived in Canadian County, Oklahoma; and Sarah, who died at the age of twelve.

George Stout was reared and schooled in West Virginia, and remained at home until the outbreak of the Civil War. He then enlisted in Company K, 17th Reg., Va. Vol. Cav., and served four years as a private in the Confederate army under Gen. Rosser. He returned home in June 1865 and remained there until April 1866, when he journeyed westward to Kansas. He then spent three or four years in roaming through the western country, including Colorado and New Mexico.

JOHN STOUT, George’s brother, settled in Cowley County, Kansas, in December 1869, and located two claims in the south half off section 4, township 31, range 6 east, wither George followed him in 1870. John Stout retained the southwest quarter, and George located upon the southeast quarter, neither being married in 1870. Between their claims and Winfield there were as yet no settlements, and no survey had been made. Their plan was to engage in cattle raising, there being an abundant range on either side of them in the valley of Timber Creek, on which their tracts lay. Between their farms and the junction of Timber and Dutch Creeks, there were but two settlers, Mr. Carver and Mr. Hunt; above them, were only two more—Mr. Clark and Mr. Barres. For about three years the two brothers raised cattle. At the end of that time, so much land had been taken by settlers, that they abandoned ranching and turned to farming. They raised wheat for some years and had good crops, which they sold for $1.34 per bushel in the markets at Wichita and Emporia—Douglass being then only a small trading post.

George Stout built a cabin on the banks of Timber Creek, and had but one horse, a saddle pony. He encountered no trouble with the Indians, but some white men, who stole horses and laid the blame on the Indians, were found out and punished as they deserved to be. About the year 1880 George Stout began making corn his principal product. He never experienced a total failure of crops, the minimum yield being 10 bushels to the acre, and the yield, sometimes, 60 and 75 bushels per acre. Mr. Stout always raised a high grade of cattle, and Poland-China hogs, with which he was exceedingly successful. In 1886 he obtained lumber from Atlanta, and erected a comfortable frame house on the 40 acres which he owned in section 3; barns and corn cribs were also built at a later date. His farm was well fenced and Timber Creek furnished a fine supply of water for his stock.

George Stout married in Cowley County, Kansas, Mary Korber, who died January 22, 1888. She was born in Wisconsin, and reared in Leavenworth, Kansas. Her parents located on Timber Creek sometime previous to her husband’s arrival in that vicinity.

Mary Korber Stout left one son, George, Jr., who was attending school in district 76 in 1901. Mr. Stout was a Democrat. He was a member of Lodge No. 233, A. F. & A. M.; and was formerly a member of the Grange and Alliance.

Silver Creek Township 1873:

Koerber, Robert, 54; spouse, Louise, 45.

Stout, John, 29. No spouse listed.

Stout, George, 32. No spouse listed.

Kansas 1875 Census, Silver Creek Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.

Name age sex color Place/birth Where from

Robert Korber 56 m w Brunswick Mississippi

L. Korber 44 f w Sacksan? Mississippi

B. Korber 18 f w Mississippi Mississippi

Mary Korber 16 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin

Anavy? Korber 15 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin

Tina Korber 12 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin

M. Korber 6 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin

John Stout 31 m w Virginia Virginia

George Stout 33 m w Virginia Virginia

Silver Creek Township 1878:

Korber, Robert, 59; spouse, M. L., 49. P. O. Address: Baltimore.

Stout, John, 33. No spouse listed. P. O. Address: Baltimore.

Stout, George, 35. No spouse listed. P. O. Address: Baltimore.

Silver Creek Township 1879:

Korber, Robert, 60; spouse, M. L., 50. P. O. Address: Baltimore.

Stout, John, 34. No spouse listed. P. O. Address: Baltimore.

Stout, George, 37. No spouse listed. P. O. Address: Baltimore.

Silver Creek Township 1880:

Korber, Robert, 62; spouse, Louise, 51.

Stout, John, 35. No spouse listed.

Stout, George, 38. No spouse listed.

FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

[COMMUNICATION FROM “M. A. M.” - SILVER CREEK.]

Winfield Courier, June 24, 1875.

We are informed that the Stout brothers, in the Northwest part of the township, have thirty acres, which promises a large yield.

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.

Petit Jurors. Solomon Smith, Job Shields, T. J. Forsyth, John Stalter, E. F. Green, E. P. Young, George Stout, Noah Kimball, Isaac Wood, L. S. Kibbe, W. A. Hill, and B. Goff.

[QUEEN VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT: “M. O. S.”]

Winfield Courier, May 30, 1878.

Owing to the large crop of wheat standing, there have been a good many new harvesters and reapers brought into this part of the country by farmers who expect to need them during the present harvest. In our immediate neighborhood George Stout and R. W. Stephens have each a Buckeye combined reaper and mower.

[TRIAL DOCKET: DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.

CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY. Ledora A. Powell vs. John Stout. [Hackney & McDonald; Webb & Black and E. S. Torrance.]

Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.

District Court. The following case was dismissed: Powell vs. Stout.

[REPORT FROM “X. Y. CAESAR” - BALTIMORE.]

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.

A few days ago, Mr. John Stout hitched a span of young mules to his reaper, and, when starting, they got frightened at the reel and ran away. In Mr. Stout’s attempt to jump from the machine, he caught his foot, causing the drive-wheel to run over his foot, inflicting a pretty serious wound.

[ACCOUNT OF LATE FAIR HAS ERRORS: “CHARLEY” OF SILVER CREEK]

Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.

In looking over your account of the late fair, I notice some mistakes in regard to townships, and as we know you to be just and honest and always willing to give honor to whom honor is due, I take the liberty of calling your attention to them.

The two Devonshire calves exhibited by H. S. Millard, belong in Silver Creek instead of Silverdale, as did also the fine colt belonging to Mr. John Stout.

The 1,010 pound hog was also raised by Mr. Stout, of this township.

[THE OLD SOLDIERS - GETTING READY FOR THE REUNION.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 6, 1881 - FRONT PAGE.

SILVER CREEK.

In pursuance of an invitation extended to the old soldiers of Silver Creek township by the Central Committee at Winfield, on the 21st and 22nd of October in a grand reunion, the old soldiers met at Burden the 27th inst., and organized a company of veterans. Below will be found the names of officers chosen and roll of members, which includes a number of ex-confederates who wish to participate. The following officers were elected.

Captain: Richard Fitzgerald, Co. A, 14 Ind. Inft., private.

1st Lieut.: Harvey Smith, Co. B, 44 Ind., Sergt.

2nd Lieut.: Samuel Tull, Co. H, 16 Ind. Inft., Lieut.

Ord. Sergt.: John Stout, Co. K, 20 Va. (confederate), private.

Color Bearer: Ed. Pate, Co. C, 53 Ind. Inft., Sergt.

Color Bearer: Thomas McGraw.

Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.

The following marriage licenses have been issued by the Probate Judge since our last report. John Stout and Betsy Ann Carver.

[BALTIMORE CORRESPONDENT: “DAD.”]

Winfield Courier, March 30, 1882.

MARRIED. At the residence of the bride’s father, by Elder R. S. Thompson, Mr. John Stout to Miss Betsy Ann Carver. Quite a large crowd gathered to witness the happy couple step from single blessedness into matrimonial bliss. It would have done you hungry editors good to have had a place at that table loaded with all the goodies of the season The best wishes of many friends will follow the happy couple.

Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

MARRIED. Tonight invitations are out for a repetition of the same popular drama, at the residence of our worthy German friend, Carver, lower down on Timber Creek, with an entire new cast: Miss Betsy Ann Carver taking the difficult but pleasant role of bride, and Mr. John Stout will ably second her as the groom.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.

Farmers’ Institute. The first business taken up was the formation of a permanent farmers’ organization for the county. The full township committee was made up as follows: Bolton, Amos Walton; Beaver, F. H. Burton; Vernon, R. J. Yeoman; Ninnescah, L. Stout; Rock, S. P. Strong; Fairview, T. S. Green; Walnut, F. W. McClellan; Pleasant Valley, A. H. Broadwell; Silverdale, George Green; Tisdale, J. S. Baker; Winfield, Dr. Perry; Liberty, J. C. McCloy; Richland, D. C. Stevens; Omnia, W. R. Stolp; Silver Creek, John Stout; Harvey, R. S. Strother; Windsor, Samuel Fall; Dexter, W. E. Merydith; Cedar, J. H. Service; Otter, Mr. Mills; Sheridan, J. R. Smith; Maple, Mr. Fitzsimmons; Creswell, Ed. Green; Spring Creek, H. S. Libby.

The following board of township directors was elected, conditioned on their becoming members of the organization.

Bolton, Amos Walton; Beaver, F. H. Burton; Vernon, R. J. Yeoman; Ninnescah, L. Stout; Rock, E. J. Wilber; Fairview, T. S. Green; Walnut, R. T. Thirsk; Pleasant Valley, A. H. Broadwell; Silverdale, George Green; Tisdale, J. S. Baker; Winfield, Dr. Perry; Liberty, J. C. McCloy; Richland, D. C. Stevens; Omnia, W. R. Stolp; Silver Creek, John Stout; Harvey, R. S. Strother; Windsor, Samuel Fall; Dexter, W. E. Merydith; Cedar, J. H. Service; Otter, Mr. Mills; Sheridan, J. R. Smith; Maple, Mr. Fitzsimmons, Creswell, Ed. Green; Spring Creek, H. S. Libby.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

The Wellingtonian says: “John Stout, a prominent farmer from the upper Timber Creek country in Cowley County, called on the Wellingtonian yesterday. Mr. Stout lately had a valuable mare stolen from his barn and is out hunting her. Why he came to Sumner County we can’t understand. We certainly have no more horse thieves in this county than those who steal from our own farmers.”

Very plain! Any man with common sense would know better than to hunt a horse thief in Cowley County. Sumner has a monopoly. Eighteen in one year for the “pen” is not so bad. Then three just broke out of your jail the other night. For horse thieves, as varied in design and at prices that can’t be discounted, go to Sumner! Cowley ran her’s off in a slaughter sale some time ago, with Sheriff McIntire as the auctioneer.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

Sheriff McIntire took in Edward Elenwood Friday, supposed to be the fellow who stole Stout’s horse. He has been working for Doc. Goodnight down on Grouse. He says he went from there to Burden last week, walked over here, and took the train for Mulvane to see a young man and his uncle, with whom he came from Indiana a year ago, and that he came back here yesterday. Our Sheriff went to Mulvane last night and found his statement false. Elenwood is about twenty-three and not of very good countenance.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.

Abe Carson, of Dexter township, was brought in Thursday, charged with complicity in the Stout horse stealing.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.

Chas. Elendon [Elenwood], charged with stealing Stout’s horse at Burden, was brought before Judge Buckman Tuesday, waived preliminary hearing, and was bound over with bond of $500. He found the horse tied to a hitching post, rode him down here, and sold him. He can’t give bail.

[“Elenwood” name given in prior article. “Elendon was given in above article.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

Abe Carson’s preliminary hearing in Judge Snow’s court, charged with complicity with Chas. Elenwood in stealing Stout’s horse in Burden, resulted in binding him over with $500 bond.

[Note: I give up on the proper spelling of the horse thief. Newspaper had “Elendon,” “Elenwood,” and in the above article, “Ellendow.” I stuck to “Elenwood.” MAW]

[DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.

Chas. Ellendow, who stole Stout’s horse near Burden, was given 18 months in the State Hotel de criminal. All the prisoners had pretty tough countenances—unusually tough as a whole.

[Note: The horse thief was sentenced as “Chas. Ellendow.” MAW]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.

George Stout, who lives on Timber Creek, has at last seen the errors of his ways after forty-four years of single meditation and has succumbed to Cupid’s charm, with the aid of Judge Gans and the statute of Kansas. Miss Korber, who also lives on Timber Creek, is the happy bride. THE COURIER’s congratulations go with the happy pair. We are glad that Mr. Stout has concluded to change his life and that he is so fortunate in obtaining such an estimable lady and that Miss Korber has made such an excellent choice. Mr. Stout has been in this county for the past 16 years.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.

Four couples have followed the footsteps of their forefathers and plunged into the great sea of wedded blissfulness since last we spoke matrimonially: George W. Arnold and Capitolia Moore; Henry Pappan and Lucy Matney; George Stout and Mary Korber; Hiram Hedges and Iona Corby.