Robert's political career and legal practice did not progress smoothly, and the Stouts spent several years moving between Dunedin and Wellington. Between 1878 and 1894 Stout gave birth to six children, four sons and two daughters. One of their children, Sir Thomas Duncan MacGregor Stout, followed in his father's footsteps as a promoter of education. He was the first chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington and received a knighthood for his services to medicine and education.
