Moorhead Archives

Biography of Severt O. Tang of Moorehead Minnesota

Severt O. Tang, born on August 26, 1866, in Wauzeka, Wisconsin, became the county superintendent of schools in Moorhead, Minnesota. The son of Ole and Sophia Tang, he moved to Clay County, Minnesota, in 1879. After graduating from the State Normal School in Moorhead in 1896, Tang taught in various Minnesota schools and served as principal in Audubon and New York Mills. Elected county superintendent in 1908, Tang was also active in local government and community organizations. He was a Republican and a member of the Norwegian Synod of the Lutheran Church.

Biography of William H. Merritt of Moorehead Minnesota

William H. Merritt, a highly regarded contractor and builder in Moorhead, Minnesota, was born on September 20, 1854, in Hastings, Michigan. He was the son of Alexander and Betsey Merritt, early settlers of Minnesota. William grew up in Northfield, where he received his education in common schools. A self-made man, he began his carpentry career in Northfield before moving to Helena, Montana, in 1883, where he spent eleven years constructing buildings across the region. He settled permanently in Moorhead about fifteen years ago. Merritt was active in various organizations, including the Masonic Order and the Shriners. He married Harriet E. Syron in 1882, and they had three children: Frances, Lillian, and Edna.

Biography of Louis T. Stodder of Moorhead Minnesota

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.

Biography of Olaf J. Hagen of Moorhead Minnesota

Dr. Olaf J. Hagen, B. So., M. D., is a distinguished physician and surgeon practicing in Moorhead since 1907. Born on September 16, 1872, in Menominee, Wisconsin, he is the seventh of nine children born to Norwegian immigrants Jens H. and Gunhild (Stendahl) Hagen. The family settled in Fort Abercrombie, North Dakota, in 1873. Dr. Hagen’s education includes degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Minnesota, with post-graduate studies at Berlin University and Jefferson Medical College. He previously taught at Concordia College and served as county superintendent of schools in Richland County. Currently, he is the city physician of Moorhead and a member of several fraternal organizations, including the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias.

Biography of Julius C. Johnson of Moorehead Minnesota

Julius C. Johnson, born February 24, 1875, in Duluth, Minnesota, is a prominent resident of Moorhead. Son of Norwegian immigrants John and Carrie Johnson, he moved to Moorhead in 1882. Educated in Moorhead public schools and Concordia College, he embarked on a successful career in the lumber industry, holding managerial and bookkeeping roles before joining the Wheeler Land Company in 1902. A dedicated Republican, Johnson served as secretary and chairman of the Clay County Republican Committee, city assessor, and member of the sewer commission. Active in community affairs, he is a trustee of Concordia College and involved with the Knights of Pythias and Modern Brotherhood.

Biography of Joseph V. Godfrey of Moorehead Minnesota

Joseph V. Godfrey, born November 23, 1874, in Leominster, Massachusetts, is a prominent manufacturer and contractor in Moorhead, Minnesota. Educated in Boston, he graduated from Roxbury High School in 1891. Godfrey initially joined his father’s flour milling business before moving to Moorhead in 1896. After working with the North Dakota Milling Company and the Red Lake Falls Milling Company, he established a successful concrete manufacturing business in 1905. Married to Edith Darrow, daughter of Dr. Daniel C. Darrow, president of Moorhead Hospital, they have two children, Vernon D. and Anna Belle. Godfrey is esteemed for his integrity and contributions to the community.

Biography of James H. Sharp of Moorehead Minnesota

James H. Sharp, born in western Pennsylvania, was one of six brothers who served in the Civil War. Following Horace Greeley’s advice, he moved to Minnesota in 1870 and settled in Moorhead in 1871. Sharp established the first dry goods store in Fargo-Moorhead in 1872 and later faced financial hardships … Read more

Biography of George N. Lamphere of Moorehed Minnesota

George N. Lamphere, a journalist born in Mystic, Connecticut, on August 23, 1845, served in the Civil War before settling in Moorhead, Minnesota. He published the daily and weekly “News” and served in various governmental roles. Later, he moved to Palouse, Washington, where his son, George N. Lamphere, Jr., resides.

Biography of George J. Thompson of Moorehead Minnesota

George J. Thompson, born in 1870, is the founder of Moorhead Plumbing & Heating Company. Starting as a blacksmith, he later ventured into steamfitting and plumbing. In 1907, he established his current company, which has since undertaken significant projects in the city. George is married to Gertrude Peterson, and they have four children. He is also a member of the Masonic Order and the A. O. U. W.

Biography of George E. Perley of Moorehead Minnesota

George E. Perley, a respected figure in Moorhead, established himself as a prominent professional and businessperson. After a successful career in law and insurance, he became the proprietor of the George E. Perley Farm Loan Agency. He has served in various legislative and civic roles, displaying progressive and liberal-minded values. Mr. Perley is known for his eloquence, versatility in writing, and passion for music.