Stout was born in the state of New York on March 27, 1828 (either in Pamelia[1] or Watertown) and educated in public schools.

[1] Later that year Stout was elected to the U.S. House in 1858 after Oregon had submitted to become a state, but months before statehood on February 14, 1859.

[1] In 1868 he was elected to the Oregon State Senate as a Republican, representing Multnomah County.

[8] Stout married Susan Plowden in 1861 while back east serving in Congress.

[2] After his death, Susan married Clatsop County Circuit Judge Raleigh Stott.