JOSEPH MOODY, one of the old settlers of Minnesota, was born in Waterbury, Vermont, on the 27th of July, 1816. He remained on his father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he engaged in the cattle trade between Vermont and Brighton, Massachusetts, which he continued about seventeen years. In 1854, he came to St. Anthony, Minnesota, and commenced dealing in real estate and loaning money; he was also engaged in mercantile pursuits and hotel business. During the civil war, he had large contracts with the government, and was in traffic in the South about two years. Since the war, he has been engaged in various speculations. In 1874, he came to Sauk Rapids, built a store, and carried on an extensive farm; the latter pursuit he still continues. A fine granite quarry is located on Mr. Moody's farm, covering an extent of about forty acres. He has been twice married. His present wife was Amanda Sherman, of Waterbury, Vermont, the marriage taking place in 1855. He has four children, Joseph H., Martha A., Cora C, and Frank T. Mr. Moody is a type of our western men, possessing the necessary ingredients, energy and enterprise.

History of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1881) pp. 348-9 [Sauk Rapids]