Stout was probably born in Little Creek Hundred, Kent County, Delaware, the son of Jacob Emanuel Stout and his second wife Mary Griffin Stout. His ancestors came to Kent County from New Jersey in the 17th century. Like many in the area, his father was a reluctant revolutionary in 1776, but later served six years in the Delaware General Assembly. Jacob Stout married Angelica Killen in 1795 and had four children, Mary, William, Henry, Sarah Ann, and William Jacob. The exact location of their home is debated. Some say it was north of Leipsic and others say it was west of it, on the Cheswold Road. It was nearby in any case, as he was one of the founders of Leipsic. He was also president of the Smyrna Bank from 1844 until 1847. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Stout had a tannery in Dover and one day while bending over to check the contents of one of the tanning vats, a pet ram seized the opportunity and butted him into the vat. Supposedly Stout then commented on the impudence of the... ram to butt the Governor of Delaware into a tanning vat.
Professional and political career
Stout served in the state house for two sessions in 1813 and 1814. He was then elected to the state senate for two terms, beginning with the 1815 session and ending with the 1820 session, when he was elected Speaker. This was done in full knowledge that he would immediately become governor, as the person recently elected to become governor, Henry Molleston, had died before taking office. As part of the arrangement it was agreed that Stout would serve but one year and a special gubernatorial election would be held in 1820 for a two-year term. He served as Governor of Delaware from January 18, 1820 until January 16, 1821. During his term in office the issue of the extension of slavery into U.S. territories became a national crisis. Typically, Delaware was divided on the matter. Stout and the General Assembly supported national action preventing slavery's extension, but most of Delaware's congressional delegation disagreed. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was the final result. In 1822 Stout was named a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
Death and legacy
Stout died at his home in Little Creek Hundred, Kent County. At first he was buried at his home, but later was moved and is now buried in the Old Presbyterian Cemetery, which is at Dover, on the grounds of the Delaware State Museum. During the course of his long life he was involved in much activity. In addition to his political career and tannery, he was active in land reclamation and development projects, helped to lay out the road from Bombay Hook Lighthouse to Smyrna and was one of the founders of the town of Leipsic.
Almanac
Elections were held the first Tuesday of October. Members of the Delaware General Assembly took office the first Tuesday of January. State senators had a three-year term and state representatives had a one-year term. The governor takes office the third Tuesday of January and had a three-year term.
