In Public Service and Business

In Public Service and Business

Knapp, Stout & Co., Company The exploitation of the great white pine forest yielded significant fortunes for the families of the Knapp, Stout & Co., Company. James Huff Stout used much of his money to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate.

	Dunn County Asylum Soon after moving to Menomonie, Stout became involved in the establishment of an asylum for those with chronic mental illness and in the management of a "poor farm" for indigent county residents. The facility was built on land just east of town where the Dunn County Health Care Center is now located. The "poor farm" was immediately to the east. Residents of both institutions worked on the self-supporting operation.

Wisconsin Senate Service Elected to the Wisconsin Senate in 1894, only five years after moving to Menomonie, Stout served until 1909 just shortly before his death. Much respected, he was elected Senate president pro tem. As a member of the Committee on Education, his attention was always focused on school and library legislation. During his frequent train trips to Madison he voraciously played cards, especially the game of "cinch" and smoked his pipe. A Madison newspaper reported, "Senator Stout's hobbies are education and cards."





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Updated: July 2001