[2] At the age of fifteen, Stopford attempted to enlist in a Hundred Days regiment, but was rejected due to his youth and small size.

By the time the Spanish–American War broke out, Stopford was the senior major of the regiment and was mustered into the United States Army and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

[3] In 1905, Stopford was appointed Adjutant General of Massachusetts by Governor William Lewis Douglas.

[1] According to The Boston Daily Globe, his appointment was said to be due to the influence of his friend John J. Flaherty, a captain in the 8th regiment and chairman of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

[1] The Republicans united behind William Edwin Meade the following year and Stopford was defeated 3,701 votes to 3,193.