According to the 1910 Census, William C. Lout, age 45, was listed as a dry goods merchant, probably in Neuville, at residence 211. John C. Lout, probably either his father or much older brother, was enumerated as a sawmiller living at Precinct 3, residence 192. Before 1910, William Lout was in the lumber business, and either sold out, or was forced out, or permitted John C. Lout to run the business.
Lout began as a shingle maker in 1903, when he mortgaged a shingle machine to Alexander & Carroway for $150. In 1906, he mortgaged a 10-inch by 12-inch Ames steam engine to Robinson & Oder. In March, 1906, Lout mortgaged to George Dilley & Son for $300 a Dixie ‘E' sawmill, rack & pinion feed and carriage, and a 54”-inch saw. By August 1907, Lout mortgaged all of his machinery to Dilley & Son.