Louis T. Stodder, born January 12, 1864, in Boston, Massachusetts, was the son of Louis and Watie (Aldrich) Stodder. His father served as executive officer on the “Monitor” during its historic battle. Louis received a public school education in the East and started his career as an errand boy, later becoming a traveling salesman. In 1889, he began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company as a brakeman and subsequently served as an agent in various Minnesota towns. In 1900, he became the Moorhead agent. Married in 1890 to Charlotte R. Hale, he had three children: Louis T., Margaret W., and May L. Stodder was active in community organizations in Moorhead.
Louis T. Stodder, of Moorhead, agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, came from Boston, Mass., where he was born on January 12, 1864, the son of Louis and Watie (Aldrich) Stodder, who were both born and reared in New England. Mr. Stodder, Sr., served for some months as executive officer on the ill-fated “Monitor”; in fact, was connected with her during her lifetime and was in the battle between Monitor and Merrimac when the Union fleet was saved.
Mr. Stodder received a good public school education in the East, and his first employment was as an errand boy, where he gained some valuable experience in various lines of business. He later took a position as a traveling salesman for several years, and in 1889 he left this and engaged as a brakeman for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, running between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Fargo, N. D. This he held for about three weeks and was given the position as agent for the same company at the following points: Belle Prairie, Grey Eagle, Glenwood, Morris, and St. Cloud, Minnesota, and in 1900 he came to Moorhead, where he has since continued his faithful efforts in the interests of the company and proven himself a valuable and influential employee.
In 1890, Mr. Stodder was married to Miss Charlotte R. Hale, of Castine, Me., and they have three children, viz.: Louis T., Margaret W., and May L.
Mr. Stodder is a popular man about Moorhead, always interested in its advancement and the welfare of the people. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Order, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Commercial Club of Moorhead.
Source
C.F. Cooper & Company, History of the Red River Valley, Past And Present: Including an Account of the Counties, Cities, Towns And Villages of the Valley From the Time of Their First Settlement And Formation, volumes 1-2; Grand Forks: Herald printing company, 1909.