STOUT, William J. 1816-1898

STOUT, SEARS, KOB, GARBER

Posted By: Sheryl McClure (email)
Date: 5/20/2023 at 16:55:36

William J. Stout was born Sept. 22, 1816. He united with the Church of the Brethren in 1844, came to Decatur County, Iowa, in 1854, was chosen to the ministry in 1856, and ordained to the eldership about 1877. With Elder L. M. Kob he had the oversight of the Decatur County church from the time of the death of Elder Samuel Garber, in 1888, to the time of his own death, Jan. 23, 1898.

When a young man Bro. Stout married Letitia Sears, and together they traveled life's journey. To them were born seven children--four girls and three boys. One son died in childhood. Elder Stout engaged in the milling business at an early day at Leon, Iowa. He was no loud speaker, having a weak voice, but his loudest sermons were his daily life. His earnest desire was always for the enlargement of the borders of Zion. While he never made a great mark as a public speaker, he deserves mention as a pillar in the local congregation of Decatur County.

"A History of the Church of the Brethren in Southern Iowa," compiled by Willis P. Rodabaugh and A. H. Brower; Brethren Publishing House, Elgin, Illinois, 1925