USA > Washington > Scandinavians on the Pacific, Puget Sound > Part 5
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
110
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
PROFESSOR OLOF BULL.
111
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
music the land over, and rose to enviable reputation. In ISSI he was appointed musical director of the Boston Opera, which he resigned in a year to accept the professorship of violin in the Chicago Musical College, where he remained until 1890, when he journeyed to Tacoma to be installed as musical director of Tacoma Theatre, which chair he is filling with distinction. Professor Olof Bull is a genius as a violinist, and greater still a man of character, kind and compassionate.
O. B. Selvig .- The esteemed cashier of the Metropolitan Bank of Tacoma, O. B. Selvig, was born near Drammen, Nor- way, in 1851. He received a fine education, and at the age of seventeen bid farewell to his native seat for America, arriving in Kandiyohi county, Minnesota, with his parents. Young Selvig, like others who come to a new country with scanty means, had to do his own rustling. He worked in different places at hard manual labor up to 1878, when he secured a po- sition in the postoffice at Willmar, and two years later received the appointment of postmaster, and shortly after became head agent for the American Express Company. He served faith- fully for seven years in this capacity, then resigned to accept a more lucrative employment in the Kandiyohi County Bank. In the fall of 1888 he migrated to Tacoma, Washington, and after cultivating acquaintance with influential men in the city, he was tendered a position in the Metropolitan Bank, and soon rose to cashier. Mr. Selvig is not only a man of business, but of honor as well; one beloved and respected by all.
112
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
SPIKE BR25. 36JACOMP
H. E. KNATVOLD.
113
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
H. E. Knatvold .- In the fall of 1892, the Scandinavian- American Bank of Tacoma was organized, with a capital stock of $ 100,000, raised partly in Tacoma and partly in the east. H. E. Knatvold, well known in business circles, was elected cashier and general manager of the institution. He was born in Drammen, Norway, September 3, 1848, where he obtained his early education. At the age of fourteen he sailed with his parents for the United States, settling in Freelom county, Minnesota. He engaged in farm work, and spent his leisure studying, thus acquiring a fair knowledge of English. At the age of twenty-one he removed to Albert Lea, where he secured a clerkship in a store. To prepare himself to cope more efficiently with the surges of the world, he relinquished his position to take a course in Western College, Iowa, and shortly after embarked in hardware business in Albert Lea. In 1884 he crossed the Rocky for the Pacific, locating in Tacoma. He engaged in farming and real estate which he followed success- fully until 1892, when he was ushered into the chair of cash- ier in the Scandinavian-American Bank, which position he has filled with credit ever since. Mr. Knatvold is a man of honor and energy.
Dr. C. Quevli .- It is a conceded fact that C. Quevli, of Tacoma, is one of the most highly learned doctors on the Pa- cific. He was born in Blakjer, Norway, June 24, 1864. When six years old he left his fatherland with his parents for America, locating in Jackson county, Minnesota, where he re- ceived the education that the common schools could afford, then
114
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
9/34:
DR. C. QUEVLI.
115
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
took a course at St. Olof's College, Northfield, afterward en- tered thd State University of Minnesota, where he graduated with the degree of M. D. He launched into a sucsessful prac- tice at Lamberton, Minnesota, but his soul was thirsting for more knowledge, and to satisfy this he sailed for Christiania, Norway, where he took a post-graduate course. On returning to the United States he selected Tacoma for his future abode, Here he practiced three years, then returned to Europe to continue his studies at the University of Berlin, from whence he crossed the channel to England, and took a post-graduate course in Kings College and Hospital of London. Afterward he traveled in France and other European countries before voyaging to America. Dr. C. Quevli is a physician of enviable reputation, but that is not all; he is a gentleman beloved and honored.
Empires rise to fall again, But truth and love never die; Greater the man with sunshine in his soul, Than kings who woo the fading star of fame.
Dr. J. L. Rynning .- The well-known doctor and pro- fessor of physiology in the Pacific Lutheran University, J. L. Rynning (formerly Dr. J. L. Jensen), of Tacoma, has gained friends and eminence in his chosen profession. He was born in Iowa, 1858, of Norwegian parents, who removed to the frontier of Minnesota while he was an infant of one year. Young Rynning did not enjoy the opportunities that most
.
116
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
DR. J. L. RYNNING.
117
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
boys have. The schoolhouse was unknown to him until ten years of age. When time offered a rural schooling he took advantage of it as preparation for the public school of Rush- ford, later studied at the academy of Madison, Wisconsin, and Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. He had a whim for the West, and migrated to Montana where he engaged in school work. Mines, too, invited his notice, and during his vacation of 1889 held the superintendency of a silver mine in Mon- tana. Mining, however, was abandoned for a more profes- sional career, and in 1892 graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago with the degree of Medicine Doctor, M. D. Immediately after graduation he located at Butte, Mon- tana, where he practiced for sometime. In 1893 he was married in Minnesota to Miss Marie Ellertson, a lady of fine training, and took a wedding trip to the Pacific. He foresaw the great future of the country, and removed to Stanwood, Washington, to follow his profession. When the Lutheran University was established at Parkland, he removed to Tacoma to tender his aid to the institution. In this city he is perma- nently located, encircled with a multitude of friends. Dr. Rynning is a man of heart as well as ability, honest, kind and sympathetic.
Eric Edw. Rosling .- Tacoma has reason to feel proud of the personage of my pen, Eric Edw. Rosling, one of the ablest lawyers on the coast. He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, March 3, 1865, and came to Boston with his parents while a young boy. From infancy he displayed extraordinary talents,
118
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
VAIN
ERIC EDW. ROSLING.
119
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
which subsequent years have made more realistic. After acquiring a liberal education he entered the Boston University Law School, where he graduated with honors, completing a three years course in two. In 1890 Mr. Rosling arrived in Tacoma and at once manifested the same tireless energy which characterized his success at college. As a lawyer he has but few equals, his logical and oratorical endowments make him especially fit for the eminent profession he is pur- suing. He is a man of literary taste and studious habit which his large law and private libraries join to emphasize. In 1897 he was appointed by the Supreme Court of Wash- ington as chairman of the committee to examine applicants for admission to the bar. In politics he is a republican, but has refused to accept any political office save the office of city prosecuting attorney during Huson's administration. Twice he has been elected to the board of education and has filled with distinction its presidential chair. His deep interest in educational and church work has made him a valuable factor throughout the Pacific. His oration at the Willamette Chautauqua Assembly, Oregon City, in July, 1898, and his address at the National Educational Association, Los Angeles, 1899, placed him before the nation as an eloquent speaker and a finished scholar. He was married at Tacoma, December 12, 1890, to Miss Minnie Belle Lincoln, an accomplished lady of Boston. They have three children and a beautiful home in the finest part of the city.
J. M. Arntson .-- Self-made men, as a rule, become the
120
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
J. M. ARNTSON.
121
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
leaders in a free country where ability shines with unclouded luster. The individual in question, J. M. Arntson, a rising lawyer of Tacoma, is a representative of this class. He was born on a farm in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, 1858, where his parents, Johannes and Mekaline, settled in 1844, they being among the first Norwegian emigrants to that part of the state. When eight years of age his parents removed to the central part of Minnesota where they engaged in general merchan- dise business. Here young Arntson was reared and trained for a mercantile career, his education was obtained in the public schools and by private instruction. He was married at Willmar, Minnesota, 1882, to Miss Annie M. Olson, a lady of heart and character, and the next year joined the army of homeseekers, attracted to the shores of Puget Sound, and settled in Tacoma, Washington. Since coming to this city he has been engaged in various pursuits, first grocery then real estate. From youth he had possessed an inclin- ation for law, and to yield to his forte, he closed out his business, and devoted his whole time to legal acquirements. In 1894 he was admitted to bar, and immediately embarked in practice which has constantly grown more promising. In 1898 he received the appointment as clerk of police court, and in connection with the duties of his office continues a lucra- tive practice. Though Mr. Arntson was born and raised in America, yet he has been a warm friend of the Norwegians, always ready to extend a helping hand when needed. He is
122
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
SPIKEBRES COTACENA
GUSTAF LINDBERG.
123
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
delighted with Norwegian literature, being conversant with social and political problems.
Gustaf Lindberg, a representative business man of Taco- ma, was born in Verinland, Sweden, November 22, 1865, received a careful education, and at the age of fourteen embarked in business as clerk in his native place. In 1881 he chose the national capital of Sweden for his abode, where he obtained a clerkship with the firm of C. A. Schweder. Being of studious nature and industrious habit, he worked faithfully during day, and attended school during evening, thus acquiring a store of useful learning and applicable expe- rience. In 1889 he left the land of his birth for America, locating in Tacoma, where he found employment with the gro- cery fırın of Forbes & Wose. After two years of service with this company, he joined his brother John in the grocery business, now a leading establishment on the corner of Eleventh and G Streets. Mr. Lindberg is a prominent factor in the Swedish- Lutheran church and a worthy member of the Tacoma Cham- ber of Commerce, and in all respects an honored citizen and a true gentleman.
S. Samson .- For being a young man few have displayed steadier habits and more business capacity than the congenial proprietor of the People's Hotel and Restaurant, 913 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. He was born in Ostra Torsa, Kronoberg, Sweden, November 29, 1869, where he enjoyed the training of splendid school facilities. In 1888 he crossed the stormy Atlantic, and selected Tacoma for his permanent location.
124
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
SAIRE BROS
TACOMA
S. SAMSON.
125
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
During his early time in the New World he shared the vicis- situdes of circumstances, ever converting his leisure to useful acquirements. The language was foreign to him, but being of docile aptitude this obstacle did not long impede his pro- gress, soon he could handle the English tongue with ease and fluency. Business seemed to be his forte, which he embarked in some years ago and has followed with marked success. He is a member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and owns considerable real estate in the city. Mr. Samson has always been awake to the interest of the Pacific, and especially his own town. He is a worthy citizen and enjoys the respect of the people.
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
CHAPTER VII.
SOCIETIES-PRESS-PROMINENT CITIZENS-CHURCHES.
A number of Scandinavian societies have sprung into existence in Tacoma the last two decades. The Valhalla, a Swedish fraternal and beneficial organization, was the first that blossomed into prosperity. It was organized December 15, 1884, with G. F. Linquist, president, H. Nyman, vice- president, H. Ohlin, secretary, W. P. Sundberg, treasurer, R, Bomen, financial secretary, Charles Berg, master of ceremony. Only few signed the constitution at its early launching, but has gradually increased in membership to 125 in good stand- ing. A praise-worthy band, known as the "Swedish Valhalla Military Band," was founded by the society to grace its work with sweet music.
The Norwegians organized a lodge of similar nature as the Walhalla, baptized, The Ancient Order of Vikings, which, too, embarked with a handful of supporters, but through per- severance and wise management bloomed into one of the best Norwegian societies in the state. The aim of this compact is broad and laudable, being like that of the I. O. O. F., or other secret organizations of high standard. The Vikings was born in 1892 with the following hard workers in the lead: John Blaauw, Thomas Knudson, G. O. Sande, Ed. Haug and Sam Haug.
127
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
The Danish Brotherhood was instituted in March, 1889, with fifteen members, and has flourished these years remark- ably. At present it has sixty on the roll, with a flowery adjunct, the Danish Sisterhood, which has tendered the fraternal order kind assistance.
Haabet, a Norwegian literary society, has grown in vigor and number, and is proving valuable to literary culture. The incumbent officers are: Con. Bjorklund, Prest., Jacob Slippern, V. Prest., H. Hansen, Sec., John Blaauw, Treasurer, G. O. Sande, Librarian, Hans Tokelsen, Editor.
The Norden, I. O. G. T., founded in early days, wrought out many disagreeable obstacles, and planted seeds of moral purity, but the panic of recent years scattered the prop of sup- port to the four wings of the world, and the pretty flowers that wout to grace the hall found pleasure in other spheres. Week after week the lodge trembled on flirting arms, which little by little gave heed to other diversions, and death on wooly wings devoured the civilizing factor.
The Scandinavian Temperance Society lived through many years of gnawing resistance. From it floated mighty words of wholesome advice, but friends of the alcoholic hell, robed with smiling garbs of infernal warp, plucked the sweet blooms of future hope, and planted in their souls the stings of ruin. As days wore away, the poisonous influence from the saloon den bewitched the sprightly stripling and the hoary hair, and the temperance workers, the noblest of heroes, were
128
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
too few to feed the fire of interest, and the organization withered and died.
The Scandinavian press, of Tacoma, is growing into pop- ularity. The first Scandinavian newspaper on record in the city was, "Tacoma Budstikken," a Norwegian-Danish weekly, founded in December, 1899, by P. O. Bergan, but enjoyed only a short period of sunshine. The Tacoma Tidende was launched July 5, 1890, and ripened into a Norwegian-Danish state paper. From infancy it was in the hands of Dirk Blaauw who bid fair at journalism, but a year ago it was transferred to his brother John who has steeped it with journalistic fire, comparing in merit with the big eastern weeklies. It takes a man of a con- genial nature, ability and "push" to make journalism a success, and these qualities manifest themselves every day in the editor of Tacoma Tidende.
John Blaauw was born in Bergen, Norway, 1868, but when an infant of two years he went with his parents to Christiania, where he resided till he reached the age of seven- teen, save two and a half years he spent in Edinburgh, Scot- land. In 1887 he emigrated to America, making Seattle his destination. Right after the great fire he embarked in Scan- dinavian journalism, and has practically followed it ever since.
No man is better informed of the condition and natural resources on the Pacific coast than Editor John Blaauw. He has traveled in every county from British Columbia to the Golden State. He has made Tacoma Tidende an honor to
129
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
JOHN BLAAUW.
130
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
the coast and a valuable source of information to thousands of people throughout the United States. He is of a genial dis- position, kind and serviceable. Though always busy, yet glad to receive visitors, and willing to impart all possible knowledge. Much of his time is consumed in replying to letters concern- ing the Pacific country.
Tacoma Tribunen, a Swedish weekly of considerable merit, was brought to light in April, 1890, by the Swedish Publish- ing Company. T. Sandegren was installed as editor, and has ever since filled the chair with credit.
T. Sandegren was born near Halmstad, Sweden, in 1858, where he enjoyed the benefit of a good common school educa- tion. At the age of twenty he graduated from Lund College, and three years later took the degree of A. B. at the Univers- ity of Lund. Journalism was his forte which he embarked immediately after graduation. In 1883 he crossed the At- lantic for the United States, locating in Minnesota, where he obtained a position as teacher in the Military School at Fort Snelling. In 1889 he migrated to Seattle, and in company with N. P. Lind organized Vestra Posten. The following year he was appointed editor of Tacoma Tribunen, and three years later assumed the ownership of the paper, which he is con- ducting with marked ability.
The Pacific Herold, edited by E. Berrum, is a pleasing journal, published at the Pacific Lutheran University. Mr. Berrum has had years of experience in the journalistic field.
131
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
T. SANDEGREN.
132
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
For half a decade or more he represented "Skandinaven" on the Pacific.
A word concerning Scandinavian churches may not be out of place at this point. In spite of a new country and adverse circumstances, nine of them pierce the air of the City of Destiny. There are three Lutheran churches, two Norwegian-Danish, and one Swedish; two Methodist churches, one Norwegian-Danish, and one Swedish; two Bap- tist churches, one Scandinavian and one Swedish; a Swedish Mission church, and a Scandinavian Free church.
To the south of Tacoma smiles the village of Parkland, the stronghold of the Norwegian Synod, where the Pacific Lutheran University stands as a pride to the place.
SPIKE BHOS & CO TACOMA
PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY.
The aim of the institution is to give thorough instruction in the various branches taught in the public schools and
133
SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA.
academies, including science, art and music. It is operated under the banner of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod, and sound Christian principles are made the basis of all the work. Rev. B. Harstad may be rightly called the "Father of the Institution," and Prof. N. J. Hong deserves the appellation "Faithful Manager."
SCANDINAVIANS IN EVERETT.
CHAPTER VIII.
Few cities during the short longevity of eight years have blossomed like Everett. In 1891 it sprang into life midst the greatest of stir and excitement, and has ever since enjoyed the presence of healthy sunbeams and steady prosperity. Everett is the county seat of Snohomish county, spread over a pleas- ant stretch of land between Snohomish river and a beau- tiful bay of the Sound, affording an excellent fresh water harbor and an equally laudable salt-water haven.
The city has a population of about eight thousand, many of whom are Scandinavians. John Brue was among the early pioneers, and one of the founders of the Norwegian Lutheran church located at that place. For years he was engaged in business in Everett, but disposed of his interests to take possession of a nice farm near Stanwood.
T. T. Enger, a bright business man, merchant tailor, was also one of the first to establish himself in the embryo city. He was born in Hoff, Sotor, Norway, 1864, but moved with his parents to Aasnes when one and a half years of age, where he received his early education, graduating from the pub- lic schools at fifteen. His father, also, T. T. Enger, was a prom- inent citizen and manager of H. Schulze's estate, the largest in that part of Norway. Young Enger left his native seat for Christiania to learn the tailoring trade, and in 1882 emigrated to America, arriving at Madison, Wisconsin, September 22,
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
135
-
T. T. ENGER.
136
SCANDINAVIANS IN EVERETT.
where he remained two years working at his trade. His next move was to Minneapolis, and in 1891 migrated to the Pacific, settling in Seattle, Washington. Shortly after his arrival he was married to Miss Maria Olson, a worthy lady of Norse ancestry. The transient fame of Anacortes startled the country, and thither Mr. Enger went to engage in business, but in January, 1892, sold out and removed to Everett, where he is conducting a fine tailoring establishment. Mr. Enger is a man of energy and "push," reliable and respected. He is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias, and holds notable standing in the republican party.
Few men have passed through the trials that L. P. Elvrum has, the genial landlord of Everett. He was born in Stordalen, near Trondjem, Norway, 1858, where he received a good edu- cation. At the age of nineteen he went to sea, and was dashed uninterruptedly on the pitiless waves for four years. Three times he weathered the North Cape. In 1881 he sailed for America, spent one year in Minnesota, then journeyed to the Pacific, settling at Stanwood, Washington. He sought the forest for employment, worked four years at logging, then embarked in general merchandise in Silvana, and immediately received the appointment of postmaster. In 1889 he was mar- ried to Miss Martha Beck, an estimable lady of Cedarhome. When Everett commenced to bespeak business prospects, Mr. Elvrum sold out his interests at Silvana and went thither to start a hotel. He is the proprietor of the "North Star," one of the most respectable taverns in the city. Mr. Elvrum is a
.
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
137
L. P. ELVRUM AND WIFE.
138
SCANDINAVIANS IN EVERETT.
man of business nature, social and congenial, honest and a true gentleman. He has had many ups-and-downs, but his motto has been, "Try and continue trying and you will suc- ceed at last." A motto that every man ought to drink into his soul for ready application in the various turns of life.
There are also other Scandinavians in Everett who shine in business and social circles. A. O. Solberg is a leading jeweler, and O. Alseth a genial clerk and a popular member of the Lutheran church; Martin Dahl is a well-known merchant tailor, and J. A. Johansen a progressive grocer.
Everett has within its limit two Scandinavian churches, a Norwegian Lutheran, previously alluded to, and a Scandinav- ian Methodist, which was built in 1893. Rev. P. M. Ellefsen, a Methodist missionary, visited Everett, 1892, and the follow- ing year organized a congregation of ten members which now numbers thirty. Rev. O. Heggen was the first appointed minister to occupy the pulpit, who was succeeded by the elo- quent Rev. O. O. Twede.
A Young Peoples' Society was organized some years ago which has grown healthy and vigorous; at present it has a membership of forty.
Among the leading members of the Methodist congrega- tion we find E. A. Olson, Swede, L. Carlsen, A. Thompsen, H. Helgesen, and Mrs. H. Helgesen, Norwegians.
139
SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC.
PA. BOEING DESIGNE!
ENGRAVEBE
EVERETT IN ITS INFANCY.
SCANDINAVIANS AT STANWOOD.
CHAPTER IN.
Stanwood is the largest Scandinavian community in the State of Washington, situated in Snohomish county, on a delta-like angle, where the Skagit and the Stillaguamish rivers meet to mingle their blue volumes. A navigable tongue of the Sound ripples up the flat, where daily steamers gracefully ride for the proud city. To the east and west from this thriv- ing villa a panorama of inexhaustible fertility spreads out be- fore your eye, dotted with quaint dwellings, here and there flecked with rich orchards, and slowly sweeps up forming what is generally termed highland, where a Swedish colony smiles with flowery gardens and beautiful farms.
Stanwood compares in magnitude and importance with the eastern Scandinavian settlements, but differs vastly from them in spirit. Here is more life, more freedom, and English the prevailing language, especially among the younger folks.
In 1870, the time that Eller Graham, a native of Norway, disembarked at the mouth of Skagit river, a white man was a curiosity. Doubtless Graham was the first Scandinavian to seek the wilderness for a nestling place, though it is probable that Martin Toftezen, who landed on Whidbey Island twelve years prior, had made a reconnoissance of both Skagit and Stillaguamish rivers.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.