Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
STOUT, Fannie
STOUT, Fannie. (Dubuque, IA, 1862-Dubuque, IA, Dec. 27, 1914). Youngest daughter of Henry L. STOUT. An extremely shy girl, Stout was forced to end a romance with a Catholic boy by her strict Congregationalist parents. Forever-after shunning publicity, Stout did marry Fred O'Donnell, a Dubuque attorney, in 1898. as a wedding gift, Henry Stout had a magnificent mansion built at 1145 Locust Street in the style of ECLECTIC ARCHITECTURE. It is believed the faucets in one bathroom cost $16,000. The couple separated in 1902, and, although never divorced, they did not reconcile.
Beginning in 1905 Stout again used her maiden name. Along with the separation from her husband, she was emotionally affected by the death of her father who lived with her from 1893 to 1900.
Nearly a complete recluse from society, Stout spent her last years at HIGHLAND STOCK FARM, given to her by her brother, Frank D. STOUT. Like her father, she contributed generously to charity including the FINLEY HOSPITAL and the YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.W.C.A.) Fannie's only survivor was her brother, Frank.