Scandinavians on the Pacific, Puget Sound Part 5

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 Norway, 1865. His father was a prominent educator, having been engaged in school work about forty years. Mr. Paulson 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 exercised 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 character. He was born in Norway, and for years resided in Minneapolis. He came to the coast in 1893, settling in Ballard. 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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 Was.h.i.+ngton, 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 n.o.blest 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 G.o.d 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: 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 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 merit kind consideration. They have risen to prominence and invited the confidence and respect of all regardless of nationality. A biographical history of the most prominent confronts itself. They are exemplary men, and their rise to affluence and influence in an honest, straightforward manner is worthy of emulation.

[Ill.u.s.tration: PROFESSOR OLOF BULL.]

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 organized the "Olof Bull Concert Company" which scattered divine music the land over, and rose to enviable reputation. In 1881 he was appointed musical director of the Boston Opera, which he resigned in a year to accept the professors.h.i.+p 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 compa.s.sionate.

O. B. Selvig.--The esteemed cas.h.i.+er of the Metropolitan Bank of Tacoma, O. B. Selvig, was born near Drammen, Norway, 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 position 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 faithfully 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, Was.h.i.+ngton, and after cultivating acquaintance with influential men in the city, he was tendered a position in the Metropolitan Bank, and soon rose to cas.h.i.+er. Mr. Selvig is not only a man of business, but of honor as well; one beloved and respected by all.

[Ill.u.s.tration: H. E. KNATVOLD.]

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 cas.h.i.+er and general manager of the inst.i.tution. 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 clerks.h.i.+p 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 successfully until 1892, when he was ushered into the chair of cas.h.i.+er in the Scandinavian American Bank, which position he has filled with credit ever since. Mr. Knatvold is a man of honor and energy.

[Ill.u.s.tration: DR. C. QUEVLI.]

Dr. C. Quevli.--It is a conceded fact that C. Quevli, of Tacoma, is one of the most highly learned doctors on the Pacific. 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 received the education that the common schools could afford, then took a course at St. Olof's College, Northfield, afterward entered the State University of Minnesota, where he graduated with the degree of M.D. He launched into a successful practice 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 suns.h.i.+ne in his soul, Than kings who woo the fading star of fame.

[Ill.u.s.tration: DR. J. L. RYNNING.]

Dr. J. L. Rynning.--The well-known doctor and professor 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 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 Rushford, 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 Montana. Mining, however, was abandoned for a more professional career, and in 1892 graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago with the degree of Medicinae Doctor, M. D. Immediately after graduation he located at b.u.t.te, Montana, where he practiced for some time. 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, Was.h.i.+ngton, to follow his profession. When the Lutheran University was established at Parkland, he removed to Tacoma to tender his aid to the inst.i.tution. In this city he is permanently located, encircled with a mult.i.tude of friends. Dr. Rynning is a man of heart as well as ability, honest, kind and sympathetic.

[Ill.u.s.tration: ERIC EDW. ROSLING.]

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, 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 pursuing. 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 Was.h.i.+ngton 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 a.s.sembly, Oregon City, in July, 1898, and his address at the National Educational a.s.sociation, 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.

[Ill.u.s.tration: J. M. ARNTSON.]

J. M. Arntson.--Self-made men, as a rule, become the leaders in a free country where ability s.h.i.+nes with unclouded l.u.s.ter. The individual in question, J. M. Arntson, a rising lawyer of Tacoma, is a representative of this cla.s.s. 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 merchandise 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 sh.o.r.es of Puget Sound, and settled in Tacoma, Was.h.i.+ngton. Since coming to this city he has been engaged in various pursuits, first grocery then real estate. From youth he had possessed an inclination 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 lucrative 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 delighted with Norwegian literature, being conversant with social and political problems.

[Ill.u.s.tration: GUSTAF LINDBERG.]

Gustaf Lindberg, a representative business man of Tacoma, was born in Vermland, 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 clerks.h.i.+p 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 experience. In 1889 he left the land of his birth for America, locating in Tacoma, where he found employment with the grocery firm 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 Chamber of Commerce, and in all respects an honored citizen and a true gentleman.

[Ill.u.s.tration: S. SAMSON.]

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, Kron.o.berg, 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. During his early time in the New World he shared the vicissitudes of circ.u.mstances, ever converting his leisure to useful acquirements. The language was foreign to him, but being of docile apt.i.tude this obstacle did not long impede his progress, 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 const.i.tution at its early launching, but has gradually increased in members.h.i.+p to 125 in good standing. 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 Valhalla, baptized, The Ancient Order of Vikings, which, too, embarked with a handful of supporters, but through perseverance 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.

The Danish Brotherhood was inst.i.tuted in March, 1889, with fifteen members, and has flourished these years remarkably. At present it has sixty on the roll, with a flowery adjunct, the Danish Sisterhood, which has tendered the fraternal order kind a.s.sistance.

Haabet, a Norwegian literary society, has grown in vigor and number, and is proving valuable to literary culture. The inc.u.mbent 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 support to the four wings of the world, and the pretty flowers that wont 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 h.e.l.l, 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 h.o.a.ry hair, and the temperance workers, the n.o.blest of heroes, were too few to feed the fire of interest, and the organization withered and died.

The Scandinavian press, of Tacoma, is growing into popularity. 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 suns.h.i.+ne. 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 congenial nature, ability and "push" to make journalism a success, and these qualities manifest themselves every day in the editor of Tacoma Tidende.