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James
Huff Stout
grew up in Iowa where his father owned and managed the Dubuque lumberyards
of the Knapp, Stout, & Co. Company.
He attended the University of Chicago, during 1867-1868, where he
found academic life irksome. His father gave him an ultimatum --
either work or study. James chose work and returned at the age of
20 to the Dubuque lumberyards. Having served an apprenticeship in
the company business, he moved on to replace T.B. Wilson as the
company mill manager at Read's Landing, Minnesota. In 1871, he married
Kittie Morrill, the daughter of a prominent Read's Landing family.
The marriage ended in 1879.
From 1877–1889, James built and managed a new mill in St. Louis.
During that time period he was educated in the political process
spurring his interest in education. Lumber producers sent him to
Washington D.C. as a lobbyist for their interests. This photo shows
the 36-year-old lumber baron during his St. Louis days.
Stout developed his keen interest in manual training schools through
an affiliation with the Louis Solden Technical High School in St.
Louis. Above the school's entrance was this motto which undoubtedly
inspired the Stout Mission:
Hail to
the skillful cunning hand!
Hail to the cultured mind!
Contending for the world's command,
Here let them be combined!
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Angeline
Wilson,
age 27, and James Huff Stout, age 42, were married in June 1889
at the bride's family home in a lavish wedding ceremony. Her father,
Captain William Wilson was one of the founders of Knapp, Stout,
& Co. Company.
After their wedding, the newlyweds spent almost one year traveling
to the Pacific coast, Alaska, Pittsburgh, and the South. They settled
in a formidable brick home at the corner of present-day 9th Street
and 10th Avenue.
Aside from living an extravagant lifestyle, Mrs. Stout's life-long
focus was her family. After her husband's death she continually
dressed in black mourning wear. She met her death in 1941, struck
by a car while crossing a Menomonie street. |
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There
were three children in the Stout's family: James Huff Jr.
(1890-1911), Eveline Deming (1895-1903), and William Wilson
(1898-1958).
Although the children had all the advantages that money could provide,
they were said to be somewhat sheltered, as Mrs. Stout feared kidnapping.
Unfortunately, Eveline died of diabetes at the age of eight. James
Jr., always considered frail, died at 20 years of age.
Twenty-year-old Willy was involved in management of Knapp, Stout
& Co. Company in the state of Arkansas and later moved to California.
He seemingly took little interest in the Stout Institute returning
only three times to donate a portrait, to donate books, and to speak
at the 100th Anniversary of the Senator's birth. |
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Captain
Wilson, Mrs. Stout's father, died in 1892. James and Angelina Stout
inherited the Wilson's colonial style home located on the site of
the present Wilson Place Museum. They began a four-year remodeling
project on the foundation of the Wilson home. The new three story
Victorian home was described as "one of the most costly and
beautiful residences in the Northwest."
Throughout the years in the mansion, the Stouts entertained in the
lavish style characteristic of the Victorian Age. The house had
a dance floor suspended on springs, a pipe organ driven by a "water
motor," a billiard hall, and a smoking room --- all on the
third floor. The eleven fireplaces, throughout the house, were faced
with South African marble.
Special detail was given to the most modern conveniences such as
a hot water heating system, a complete electrical network, and a
system of speaking tubes. |
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Seen here
at a community barbeque, Mr. Stout was described as a likable,
kind man. He was dignified but friendly and unassuming in manner.
He expressed an appreciation for humble home life and loved little
children. He had genuine feeling for and an obligation to the
needs of people less fortunate than he.
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Uncharacteristically
exhausted during his last Senate term, James Huff Stout died on
December 8, 1910. The cause of his death was described as Bright's
Disease -- a kidney inflammation. Senator Stout (1848-1910) was
laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery after a private family funeral
service, two public memorial services, and a service held at the
Mabel Tainter Memorial attended by students from the lower grades,
high school and college.
The following Wisconsin Senate resolution was passed upon Senator
Stout's death:
A respected
citizen, honored official, a life devoted to humanity, and in
addition to education, James Huff Stout is remembered for his
special interests in library activities, in the promoting of
agricultural interests, in the conservation of natural resources,
in the involvement of public highways, and in the establishment
of parks and playgrounds.
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Updated: July 2001 |