Fouts, George bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 346-347; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
George Fouts. This gentleman is the owner and occupant of a productive tract of land on section 12, Lee Township, which he purchased and took possession of in the spring of 1970. The farm consists of one hundred and thirty-five and a quarter acres, bears the usual improvements, and is so managed as to bring forth abundant crops of good quality.
Our subject comes of a good family, being a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Kuhn) Fouts, who were natives of the Keystone State. From that commonwealth they came to Ellisville, this county, in 1852. The mother passed away in 1871, and the father breathed his last in Iowa 10 years later. Mr. Fouts was an own cousin of the well-known Simon Cameron. Our subject is a twin of John Fouts, now living in Ellisville, their natal day having been February 18, 1826. Their native place was Huntingdon County, Pa., and in the district schools they were educated. In the fall of 1850, he of whom we write was married, and immediately afterward engaged in digging iron ore at $16 per month. The man who could obtain that remuneration was considered an extra hand.
Our subject accompanied his parents to this county in 1852, and locating at Ellisville, worked at the carpenter's trade and wagon-making until 1870. During that period he made three trips across the plains, spending one winter in Salt Lake City. He next located on the estate which he still occupies, from the operation of which he has been gaining a good maintenance, and laying up something against a rainy day.
The good wife of Mr. Fouts was born in Pennsylvania, January 19, 1828, and was known in her maidenhood as Miss Eliza M. Shaffer. She is a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Lowe) Shaffer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and are now deceased, the mother having died in 1852, and the father in 1875. Mrs. Fouts is the third child and eldest daughter in a group consisting of four boys and four girls. She became the wife of our subject, November 14, 1850, and has striven hard to be a capable helpmate and a wise mother. She is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, an excellent housekeeper, and is well liked by all who know her.
Mr. and Mrs. Fouts have had fourteen children. Three sons and three daughters died when young. The living are Frank F., born March 3, 1856, and still living with his parents; Ella M., born May 11, 1858, now the wife of Charles Staton, living at Lewistown: Agnes S., born December 13, 1859, still at home; Clara A., born October 27, 1861, and living in Colorado; George W., born August 28, 1864, who married Amanda Lathbury, and lives at Lewistown; Robert Sherman, born September 9, 1866, now living in Shelby City, Iowa; Emma LaRue, born December 2, 1869, a teacher in this county; Flora Belle, born February 17, 1873, attending the Normal School at Lewistown with the expectation of being graduated in the spring.
Mr. Fouts was a Whig until after the organization of the Republican party, when he gave his support to the new institution, but he takes no active part in politics of late. He belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity, has held all the offices in the lodge, and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge of the State; is a member of Lodge No. 78. He has had his full share of local offices, having been Road Commissioner of the township three years, School Director nine years, and Pathmaster during a long period. He was also elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, but would not accept. Mr. Fouts is not identified with any religious body, but is a liberal contributor to the support of the church, and manifests a deep interest in other good works.