Biography of Wm. W. Stout - Conway Co, AR *********************************************************** Submitted by: Cathy Barnes Date: 21 Jun 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas. Goodspeed Publishers, 1891. page 104 Wm. W. Stout, the competent Postmaster of Morrilton and a prominent planter of Gregory Township, was born near the locality in which he now resides, in 1852. He was the oldest in a family of three children born to James M. and Sarah J. (Ashmore) Stout, who were natives of Tennessee and Alabama respectively, and are, on both sides, members of pioneer families to this and Pope County Paternal grandfather, William, immigrated with his family to Pope County in 1842, and he at once became one of the influential citizens of that county. In 1850 he was elected County Clerk, and re-elected for three successive terms. After the war he was again appointed Clerk by Governor Murphy, and while serving in that office was assassinated November 5, 1866. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and had preached in Pope County since his settlement, and had become one of the best known and most highly respected citizens. His wife died in 1875. Maternal grandfather, Andrew S. Ashmore, came to Arkansas from Tennessee in 1838, and settled in Pope County, where he bought land and made extensive improvements. In 1849 this family removed to Conway County, and settled in Gregory Town ship. There Mr. Ashmore died in 1860, and was followed by his estimable wife in 1875. James M. Stout was reared in Pope County, where he resided till 1852, when he removed to Gregory Township in this county, and entered land, made improvements, and resided till his death, in 1875. He was married to Miss Ashmore in 1850, and this lady is still living. Mr. Stout was Postmaster at Old Hickory from 1868 till his death, and was for years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and had such educational facilities as was afforded by the common schools. He was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Hattie M. Peck, a native of this State and county. At about the time of his marriage he entered a homestead, on which he lived but a short time, and then sold his claim and bought his present farm of 200 acres, on Point Remove Creek, two miles west of the present site of Hattieville. Here he has made most extensive improvements, and now has one of the best farms in Gregory Township, having 125 acres under cultivation, nearly all of which he has himself cleared, a handsome residence erected in 1887, and several tenant houses. Farm is well stocked, and the portions not cleared are still covered with good timber. Mr. Stout has always been quite active politically, and is consistent in his adherence to the principles of the Republican party, for which he has done much good in this county. Mr. Stout has had much experience in the management of postoffices having served almost continuously since 1875, when he was appointed to the office at Old Hickory. He served there till 1880, and was appointed to the office at Atkins, in Pope County. Here he served one year when he was appointed mail agent on the railroad. The next year he was reappointed to the office at Atkins and served till 1885. On May 14, 1889, was appointed to the office at Morrilton. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stout have been born five children, named in order of birth: Henry M., Edwin D., Ella, William H. and Minnie Maud. Mrs. Stout holds membership in the Presbyterian Church. The village of Hattieville was named by Mr. Stout in honor of his wife Hattie. Socially Mr. Stout is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Odd Fellows Galla Rock Lodge at Hattieville.