Scandinavians on the Pacific, Puget Sound, Part 4

Author: Stine, Thomas Ostenson
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Seattle,Wash.]
Number of Pages: 232


USA > Washington > Scandinavians on the Pacific, Puget Sound > Part 4


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


A. LUNDBERG.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


for sometime at Moorhead, Minnesota, where he made rapid progress, being nominated prosecuting attorney on the demo- cratic ticket, but as that party was in the minority he went to defeat with the rest of the candidates. At Moorhead he was married to an estimable lady, Miss Esther Annette Hutchison, and in December of 1890 moved to Puget Sound as an alternative to regain health and vigor. Since 1891 he has been practicing law in Seattle with growing promise, his specialty being real estate litigation.


A. Lundberg .- The person of this sketch, the educated artificial limb manufacturer, A. Lundberg, was born in Kal- stad, Sweden, 1847, where he received a good schooling and learned liis benefactory profession. At the age of twenty-one he set sail for America, locating in Minneapolis, where he stayed until 1888, working at his trade. From whence he moved to Spokane, Washington, residing in that city eight years. Seattle had attracted notice as an appropriate seat for a man of science and mechanical ingenuity, and thither he migrated in 1896, establishing his headquarters in Sullivan Building, First Avenue. Mr. Lundberg is the only artificial limb manufacturer in the state of Washington; he was edu- cated for this work in early youth and has followed it uninterruptedly. In many instances he has wrought out wondrous results, cured cases that defied medical science. He was married in Minneapolis, January 24, 1877, to a pleasant lady, Miss Anna Dahlgren. They have three children, Evalin, Denalda and Marie.


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10220


TERRY LVM


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C. G. W. ANDERSON.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


C. G. W. Anderson .- Men are destined for divers ave- nues, but a thoughtful man will follow the course of his inclination in the climax upward, and success will smile as he proceeds. Mr. C. G. W. Anderson seems to have incor- porated this maxim. He was born in Sweden, September 24, 1856, where he enjoyed the benefit of a good schooling and a healthy course in the curriculum of experience. At the age of twenty-six he left his native soil for the New World, arriv- ing in the United States, April 24, 1880. After ten years of various employment in the eastern states he came to Seattle, engaging in hotel business on the corner of Terrace and Fifth Avenue, where the Anderson looms in emphasis of the propri- etor's energy. Mr. Anderson is a man of a genial disposition, social and affable and in all respects an honored citizen.


Oscar Anderson .- A man of honor and integrity is a worthy adjunct to any community. Oscar Anderson belongs to this type which his career bespeaks. He was born in Karlskrona, Sweden, January 13, 1859, where he received a thorough education in the public schools. From boyhood he showed talents attributive only to the soul of the genius. In 1872 he entered the hardware business, but abandoned it after two years of experience to pursue the vocation of his forte- jewelry and mechanism. In 1879 he engaged in business for himself which he continued successfully until 1893. During all these years he was employed by the Swedish navy mend- ing and adjusting the chronometers of the men-of-war. In 1891 the Russian government engaged his ingenuity, and on


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OSCAR ANDERSON.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


one occasion he worked three days and three nights repairing the chronometers of the navy for which he received a remu- neration of 297 crowns. In 1892 he spent considerable time traveling in Denmark, partly for pleasure and partly for studying the conditions of the country, Copenhagen being the center of interest where he enjoyed himself for a few months. The following year he sold out his business in Sweden and emigrated for America, locating in Seattle, a stranger in a strange country, but ere long his native "pluck" was manifested, and a fine establishment at 406 Pike street emphasizes his ingenuity and business ability.


P. A. Hallberg .- Experience is the best teacher, a college course of mere theories gives little knowledge of the world. A course in fighting the billows of the deep, or wrestling with the stumps of the forest, is of more practical worth than a head crammed with deceased tongues, or theoretical airships. P. A. Hallberg corroborates my view with his personal experi- ence. He was born in Skone, Sweden, 1867, and in his early teens sought the waves. He visited China and other oriental climes, faced the angry surges of Cape Horn, and dashed ashore at San Pedro, California, from whence he sailed north- ward, navigated for sometime as mate on Puget Sound, also served in the government marine. After years of sea-faring life he turned his attention to terra firma, located in Seattle and commenced new pursuits. He worked for three years in the Union Bakery, then spent sometime in a meat market, and in 1894 bought the Union Bakery, and four years later


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


P. A. HALLBERG.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


removed to Second Avenue, between Pike and Union, where he is doing a large business. Mr. Hallberg is a man who has won the respect of the people of Seattle by his integrity of character and straight business method.


John Nogleberg, a gifted artist, portrait, figure and land- scape painter, of Seattle, was born in Kongsberg, Norway,


Ancelle tonton


ART STORE


¿ Nowel


ART STORE


JOHN NOGLEBERG'S STUDIO AND FINE ART STORE. (Five separate departments.)


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


JOHN NOGLEBERG.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


February 21, 1861. He received a splendid education in his native country in music, science and art, and in 1881 emi- grated to America, locating in Chicago, where he studied at the Academy of Fine Art and at the Art Institute. After nine years of close application to his chosen profession, he moved to Seattle, where he has the largest establishment of its kind west of Chicago, engaging constantly a number of employees in the different departments.


At the beginning of 1899 he moved into his elegant building on Second Avenue, near Union Street, but from the present indication of business his beautiful apartments will soon prove too small. He is an athlete and an intense lover of nature. The soul of grandeur and sublimity seems to be a part of his being, which his masterpieces plainly reflect. He is fond of outdoor sport, fishing and hunting give him pleas-


ant hours of recreation. He is an active member of the Y. M. C. A., and a promoter of the Norwegian-Danish M. E. church. In a word, Mr. Nogleberg is a true gentleman as well as an artistic genius, being strictly temperance and of noble aims and integrity.


Hans Hansen, manager of the Union Fish Company, and a man of indomitable will power, was born in Norway, July 20, 1859, where he laid his foundation for an active career. In 1881 he arrived in Minneapolis and six years later beheld the city of Seattle. He settled on a homestead in the Quil- layute valley, but returned to the Queen City after a few years of experience at farming. In 1896 he was elected to the


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legislature, and became noted for his opposition to fish traps, and his earnest support of Hon. George Turner for United States senator. He has been a frequent contributor to the different papers on political and reformn topics. In religion he is a Methodist.


HANS HANSEN.


SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


CHAPTER IV.


SOCIETIES-PRESS -- PROMINENT CITIZENS -- CHURCHES.


Scandinavians in Seattle have contributed largely to the social feature of life. They have organized a number of societies, some flourished immensely for sometime, then died


THE BALTIC LODGE, I O. G. T., ON A PICNIC.


a natural death, others have continued to prosper through sun and storin. The Normanna Literary and Social Club was among the first Norwegian societies, but alas! only a few


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days of sunshine then clouds and dispersion. The Baltic Lodge, I. O. G. T., was placed on record February 10, ISSS, and has since its birth drank vigor from the fountain of wholesome reform. In a word, it is the healthiest Scandina- vian society in the city of Seattle, and some of the members merit gratitude for their indefatigable work. G. Nygard, Gust. Thompson, Ole Finnoy, Martin Erickson, Ole Larsen, James Eggan, Anton Peters, B. H. Miller, Peter Peterson, W. T. Hillestad, A. Zaar, and Belle and Lena Egge, Christina Newgard, Augusta and Lottie Stromberg, Mrs. Emma Eggan, Ida Peters and Matilda Iverson have sacrificed both time and energy for the advancement of the temperance canse.


A Swedish society, baptized Svea, the 31st of May, 1894, had but a few struggles with the chilly world. The following year it withered into oblivion unsung. Nordmændenes Sang- forening (Norwegian Singing Society) was organized in November, the same year, but soon gave signs of ephemeral existence. The Sagatun was born the year after, lingered on a narrow path for a while, finally fell into an innocent grave.


The Swedish Club, organized in 1892, is a healthy and vigorous society. From its embryo to the present time it has had a smooth run of sunshine and prosperity. It takes unity of hearts and energy to steer a social fleet through all sorts of weather from the tiny stream of embarkation into the calm sea of triumph. The Swedish Club has accomplished this. The object of the organization is exclusively fraternal, to unite the Swedish elements in the city by friendly ties, and


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to extend a warm hand to those coming within its reach from other cities or climes. The first officers were: H. E. Humer, Prest., Rudolph Alm, V. Prest., David Petree, R. Sec., G. Edinholin, F. Sec., Andrew Chilberg, Treasurer, A. T. Lund- berg, Librarian, Hugo Hettengren, M. C. At its rift of morn only thirty-two names smiled on the recording scroll, while now two hundred members in good standing bespeak its strength, with the following incumbent officers: J. M. John- son, Prest., N. J. Nyquist, V. Prest., A. Zaar, R. Sec., H. J. Norden, F. Sec., N. B. Nelson, Treasurer, A. T. Lundberg, Librarian, J. Nyman, M. C., and P. J. Melin, Otto Roseleaf and D. Nordstrom, Trustees.


The Danish Brotherhood, a national league of high standard, aiming to benefit and to educate, found admission to Washington about eleven years ago. The Scattle Lodge 29, was organized April 8, 1888, with eleven chartered members, which now numbers one hundred and fifty. The Danish Sisterhood, an auxiliary to the Danish Brotherhood, has taken steps in the right direction, working to sweeten and strengthen the ties of love and mutual amicability.


The Norwegian Workingmen's society sprang into exist- ence about eight years ago, and lived through many scenes of joy and pathos, now flourishing, now trembling to its found- ation. Alas ! detonating meteors exploded within its laby- rinth and gloomy melancholy spread her black veil, an oratorical flower dropped here, and a declamatory bloom there, at last the tree of support shivered in chilly desolation, and withered into nothingness.


THE I7TH OF MAY COMMITTEE, 1899. H. P. RUDE,


ERIK FRISCH, JACOB A, HENRICKS,


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


A. DAHL,


N. A. CHRISTOF.


FRANK OLESON,


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The Norse Club, organized three years ago, has reveled in healthy sunshine, and smiling tendrils have encircled its prop. The 17th of May, 1899, bespeaks its culmination. The celebration of Norwegian independence under its banner was a marked event among the Scandinavians.


Thousands of people gathered at Madison Park, Seattle, from all parts of the Sound, to participate in perpetuating the memory of the Norse heroes. Honor is due to the following gentlemen for launching and piloting this social ship into a haven of safety : H. P. Rude, C. M. Thuland, Frank Oleson, Christian Bolgen, A. J. Thuland, A. H. Soelberg, B. A. Clausen, N. A. Christof, A. Scottness, Theodore Pederson and Julius Sunde.


Fremad, the social wing of the Norwegian Lutheran church, has lived through many upheavals, and yet looks forward with unclouded eyes. The other Scandinavian churches have their inviting adjuncts, but of more recent date, which tender valuable aids to their respective mothers.


Scandinavians in Seattle have been fortunate in having men and women gifted and willing to make the social feature of life entertaining and successful. Of all the gaudy society flowers, no one merits more applause than the genial photo- grapher, James Eggan. He was born in Osterdalen, Norway, 1872, came to America in 1880, locating in the city of Minne- apolis. From boyhood he evinced unusual talent as a comed- ian and as an artist. He could have gathered jewels on the stage as well as in the photographic studio. In 1889, he set


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EFuller


SEATT LF


JAMES EGGAN.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


out for the Pacific, and after taking a survey of the picturesque Puget Sound, selected Seattle as his future abode. Though only a youth of seventeen, yet he soon invited the attention of the public in both the social and the artistic world. Not only is Mr. Eggan possessed of natural endowments as a photographer and as a reciter, but is a true type of integrity and honesty.


Very few cities of three decades in the United States can boast of more short-lived Scandinavian newspapers than Seattle. The Scandinavian Publishing Company was the first on record, and issued two Scandinavian weeklies, viz., Vestra Posten and Washington Posten, which yet live and thrive. This company dissolved, and from its dissolution sprang two others; The Swedish Publishing Company, issu- ing Vestra Posten and a Norwegian concern of similar nature, publishing Washington Posten.


Vestra Posten was founded by N. P. Lind and T. Sande- gren, and Washington Posten by Frank Oleson, assisted by Julius Sunde. The former is at present in the hands of N. G. Lind, J. W. Martin and A. Olson, who have raised the paper to a high standard. The latter is owned and edited by A. J. Thuland. C. M. Thuland, now lawyer, also gave heed to journalism. He turned out Seattle Tidende and The North, but both fell into an early tomb.


Julius and Engward Sunde organized and published Fram, which blossomed and bore fruit, but one sad day it was stretched on a lazy bier and wheeled to the grave. Folke- tidende popped into existence about four years ago but through


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


GEORGE BECH.


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some intrigue it died and was buried minus tears and cere- mony. Folkets Blad was the next of the ephemeral journals; it was born in 1899, lingered through a few sunny months, then swallowed, without pity, by Tacoma Tidende.


Anent men of literary ability among the Scandinavians, George Bech, without doubt, stands in the first rank. He is a well-known author, musician and business man of Seattle, born in Roeskilde, Denmark, April 4, 1846. After finishing his education in the State School, 1865, he was awarded the degree of A. M., and the following year took examin philosophicus, Ph. M., at the University of Copenhagen; studied mathematics for some time, then went into business, trading in Norway, Sweden and Germany, but always assidu- ously at work during leisure writing poems and novels for the different journals of Denmark and Norway. In the latter coun- try he made acquaintance with Olaf Lofhus, editor of "Berg- ens Tidende," to whose paper he frequently contributed, and Johan Sverdrup, then president of the National Storthing, in whose house he was a welcome guest. In 1887 he left Copen- hagen, arriving in Seattle, August 22, where he found a rich field for his literary talent, for some time contributing to local and other papers, then editor of Folkedidende, and later Folkets Blad. He has written an exquisite dramatic work, "Hæng Ham," and a song, "Old Glorious Glory," which he has also put to music. It is Mr. Bech's ambition to have his song adopted as a national hymn. He was married in May, 1880, and has one son, sixteen years old.


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


GRAEBERT ANDERSEN.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


Graebert Anderson, an eloquent ex-minister of the M. E. church, and a gifted writer, was born in Denmark, 1860.


CURTIS & SUPTILL ENG


Norwegian-Danish Lutheran Church, Seattle.


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


' Swedish M. E. Church, Seattle.


After graduating from the public schools, he spent some time in private study, with a view of entering some academy, but instead of carrying out his plan, he left for America, when about eighteen years old. Shortly after his arrival in the New World, he commenced to prepare for the ministry of the M. E. church at the university in Evanston, Illinois. Here


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REV. JOHN JOHNSON. Presiding Elder of the Swedish M. E. Church.


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-


Swedish Baptist Church, Seattle.


he spent five years, then migrated to the Pacific, where he has been recognized as the most eloquent pulpit orator among the Scandinavians on the coast, and has served as expounder of the gospel in the largest Norwegian-Danish churches, namely in Oakland and Eureka, California, and Tacoma and Seattle,


SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE.


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Norwegian-Danish Baptist Church, Seattle.


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


Washington. Two years ago he resigned from the ministry to devote his time to journalism. In 1889 he was married to Miss Lottie H. Christensen, a lady of fine education, a teacher in the public schools of Racine, Wisconsin. They re- side in Seattle, where Mr. Anderson is interested in newspaper business, being secretary of the Tacoma Tidende Publishing Company, with office in Coleman building, First Avenue, Seattle.


Scandinavians have been liberal in their contributions to religious worship. Eight Scandinavian churches in the city of Seattle join to confirm this fact. The various denomina- tions are represented: Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, and Mission Friends. There are one Swedish and two Norwegian- Danish Lutheran churches, one Swedish and one Norwegian- Danish Baptist churches, one Swedish and one Norwegian- Danish Methodist churches, and one Swedish Mission church.


SCANDINAVIANS IN BALLARD.


CHAPTER V.


Ballard merits the appellation, City of Smokestacks. No small town west of the Rocky has more factories. Saw mills and shingle mills are sending clouds of smoke into the air day and night, and brigades of industrious men are busily en- gaged. The city has been regarded by many as a suburb of Seattle, but this is a misinterpretation. True, Ballard is near Seattle, and is connected to it by a well-equipped street rail- way, but has its own government.


The first Scandinavian who touched Salmon Bay, half a mile below Ballard, was probably Peter Friberg. In 1875 Gustaf Anderson pitched his tent on a green spot near the rippling water where he yet resides. He was born in Sweden, crossed the Atlantic in 1864, and spent several years in Chicago before coming to the Pacific. He is a man of intelligence and holds a respectable rank among the people. Ole Schildstad, a native of Norway, and highly respected, arrived simul- taneously.


In those early days Ballard was undreamt. The smoke which now curls above its bustle did not enter the calm of the pioneers' hearts. They were contented with the peregri- nation of daily necessity. Few Scandinavians then stalked the dense forest which clad the turf where five thousand people now dwell midst noise and progress, but to day over one thousand Vikings mingle in the various walks of life in the town.


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SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.


JOHN JOHNSON.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN BALLARD.


John Johnson, the leading merchant and an intelli- gent and honored citizen, is a native of Norway, being born March 26, 1862, midway between Trondhjem and Levanger, where he received his early education. At the age of ten he emigrated to America, locating at Muskegon, Michigan, attended the public schools three years, worked in a saw mill four years, and clerked in a grocery store seven years. In 1886 he launched into business for himself which he is pur- suing with marked success. During the same year he was married at Muskegon to a cultured young lady, Miss Magna Nelson, whose parents hail from Tromso, Norway. In 1893 Mr. Johnson moved to Ballard and immediately embarked in grocery business. His large establishment and business method plainly reflect his ability, and a multitudin- ous circle of friends bespeaks his generosity and integrity of character.


Frank Engquist, the well-known merchant tailor of Ballard, was born in Sweden, 1861, received a fine education in his native country, and in 1882 crossed the Atlantic for the United States, settling at Moline, Illinois, where he remained one and a half years. His next journey was to Minneapolis, where he found employment in one of the largest tailoring establishments in the city. In1 1888 he migrated to Seattle, Washington, and shortly after resumed his chosen occupation. He was attracted by the fascinating aspect of the Sound, and abandoned his business to try his hand at agriculture in Rolling Bay. The gigantic trees and stubborn


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FRANK ENGQUIST.


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SCANDINAVIANS IN BALLARD.


stumps plucked the laurels of his fancy, and in 1896 started business in Ballard, where he is permanently located. Mr. Engquist is an expert workman, honest and intelligent, and what is still loftier, a perfect gentleman.


P. E. Paulson, a genial business man, was born in Nor- way, 1865. His father was a prominent educator, having been engaged in school work about forty years. Mr. Paul- son enjoyed the benefit of an excellent education, and in 1882 sailed for America, locating in Rock county, Minnesota. After two years of various occupation he arrived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he stayed two years. The Pacific exer- cised a peculiar charm, and thither he emigrated, making Skagit valley his first stopping place, and afterward located in Ballard, where he now resides. Mr. Paulson is a leading member of the Foresters of America and other organizations. He is a man of a kind disposition, and universally respected.


I. C. Olson is a true type of honesty and individual char- acter. He was born in Norway, and for years resided in Minneapolis. He came to the coast in 1893, settling in Bal- lard. In 1898 he was elected to the legislature, where he distinguished himself as a man of integrity and sound judgment.


Thomas Anderson is a rising grocer, and a prominent member of the Norwegian Baptist church. Revs. O. L. Hoien and G. Berg are well liked and earnest ecclesiastics. Rev. Martin Berg is editor of Kongeriget and an eloquent advocate of Christian principles.


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A Rustic Bridge at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma.


SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.


CHAPTER VI.


Tacoma, or the City of Destiny, is the second city in population in the State of Washington, and the first in natural grandeur. It is situated on fine terraces, commanding a beautiful view of Commencement Bay and the Sound for miles distance. Mt. Rainier, or Tacoma, towers over the city, and his head of snow and checkered bosom fills the soul with awe and wonder.


Pride of the West, austere and grand, The noblest in Freedom's Land, To thee my soul is turning, In sapphire flames thou burning; Like spheres that walk the solar planes, Thy mellow blaze through heaven rains, Siren in cloudland high,


Scene bewitching to my eye.


How thy cheeks hang in a silvery glow! Awful in look is thy head of snow ; In thy face I read Heaven's mighty arm, The power of God that bids thee charm, A landscape rich in song and flowers, In rhyming pine and vocal bowers, In dancing ripples of laughing gold, In streams of music leaping bold.


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MOUNT RAINIER, OR TACOMA.


Scandinavians have made Tacoma their stronghold, about 10,000 [dwell within the city boundary. Some rank among the most thrifty and highly esteemed citizens. They also bear the honor of being among the early pioneers who gave


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light and courage to subsequent settlers. Mrs. Fredric Meyer, a native of Norway, previously alluded to, was one of the first white women to alight in Pierce county. Anton Malm, born in Sweden, came to the coast in 1870, and mingled with the first pioneers of Tacoma.


The Scandinavian business and professional men of Tacoma inerit kind consideration. They have risen to prominence and in- vited the confidence and respect of all regardless of nation- ality. A biographical history of the most prominent confronts itself. They are exemplary men, and their rise to affluence and influence in an honest, straightforward inanner is worthy of emulation.


Professor Olof Bull .- There are but few whose souls are imbued with divine strains. Music like poetry is born with a man. When Ole Bull was asked, "Who taught you to play so sweetly ?" he answered, "Norge's hoie Fjeld og dybe Dale" (Norway's high mountains and deep dales). The name of Olof Bull is synonymous to that of Ole Bull. The former came from Sweden, the latter from Norway. Prof. Olof Bull was born in Undersvik, Helsingland, Sweden, March 31, 1852. His parents were Olof and Katarina Bull, his father is dead but his mother still lives. From early childhood he evinced extraordinary talent for music which was cultivated to a marked degree under A. Sorenson and other masters. In 1869 he sailed for America, arriving in St. Paul, where he rapidly gained fame as a genius violinist. In 1876 he organ- ized the "Olof Bull Concert Company" which scattered divine




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