Source: Zula Acel Webb Reynolds, [1897 - 1997] - "John Krout owned 1000 acres land years ago and divided among his children. There was a brick kiln on his farm south of railroad right of way between New Market and Clarinda. My father bought the 60 acres part of Krout land and the brick kiln was on it. But we can't find when it was built and quit. Made bricks for New Market and Clarinda."

TAYLOR COUNTY REPUBLICAN, Bedford, Iowa, 10 Oct 1878

JOHN KROUT, which was first settled by him twenty nine years ago. There are three hundred and ten acres on secion 31, and forty acres in Page county. One hundred and twenty-five acres of corn, thirty-four of wheat, forty-eight of oats and three acres of cane constitute this year's crops. Out of eight hogs and pigs, which he had to begin the season with, Mr Krout has only twenty-five left, the rest having died of cholera. Fourteen young cattle, ten cows, a three quarter blood bull of the short horn breed, eight horses and one colt comprise the rest of the live stock. Upon the place is a fine orchard containing one hundred trees, forty in bearing plums, cherries, peaches, currants, gooseberries, strawberries and black berries in abundance, are the fruits growing on the farm. The house, stables and out buildings are entirely protected on all sides by a strong growth of natural timber. The present house has served the owner for many a year, but next season will give place to a new structure of brick. The dwelling now used is 18x30. Twenty-nine years ago, when Mr Krout first came to this farm, there were not over ten or a dozen families in Taylor county.