Charcoal drawing; Port Gardner Bay, Hat Island, Rucker Mansion, Weyerhaeuser Lumber Mill A.Everett in Its Infancy.View Larger Image Here.
Everett in Its Infancy.View Larger Image Here.
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 thriving villa a panorama of inexhaustible fertility spreads out before 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.
Droopy corner walrus moustache; half Windsor tie, notched collar jacket.N. P. Leque.View Larger Image Here.
N. P. Leque.View Larger Image Here.
Sivert Guligson Brekhus threw anchor where the Stillaguamish disembogues its waters, 1873, but made his permanent habitation ten miles up the river. Two years later O. B. Iverson made his appearance as government surveyor, and almost simultaneously N. P. Leque, Nils Eide and A. Danielson landed in fair-sized canoes. These pioneers had the sagacity and foresight to unfold the future, and bought three hundred acres of land together. The first named, O. B. Iverson, was elected to represent Snohomish county in the territorial legislature, where his keen intellect made palpable impressions. He now resides in Olympia, and is an active member of the government surveying staff.
N. P. Leque is a highly respected citizen, a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was born in Kinservik, Hardanger, Norway, May 8, 1848, but moved with his parents to Ulvik when two years old. After receiving a good common school education, he entered the normal school in Voss, where he graduated with honor in 1865. The following year he engaged in teaching, but abandoned it after two years of successful experience. The 11th of April, 1868, he was married to Miss Maria Lindebrekke, a lady of fine intellect and noble aims, and the same year sailed for America, settling at Vermillion, Clay county, South Dakota, where he embarked in farming. The smiling Pacific created a desire for another journey, and July 31, 1875, he paraded the streets of Tacoma, with his family. He made a perambulation of the country, and in 1876 located on a beautiful island, which bears his name.
In 1886 he was elected county commissioner, served withdistinction for two years, and declined renomination. He has been and is a valuable member of the Lutheran church of Stanwood, and has always sought to enhance the best interests of the community, morally and otherwise. For some time he has been president of the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery.
Peter Leque, a close relative of N. P. Leque, is doubtless one of the most popular Scandinavians on the Pacific coast. He was born in Norway, but came to America in his early years, and received a fine education in the common schools and at the State University of Washington. Ever since 1875 he has resided on Leque Island, hard by Stanwood. He is a man of a grasping mind and elevated thoughts, a hard worker and a faithful representative of the common people. A man that the public has picked out to fill responsible positions on the merit of honesty and ability. In 1888 he was elected county surveyor, in 1892 county assessor, and in 1894 county auditor.
O. K. Melby, proprietor of Melby Hotel, and a man of intelligence and fine training, has shared the struggles of pioneer life. He was born in Norway, came to the coast 1875, made a visit to Stanwood, and the following year located in the embryo villa permanently, being the first Scandinavian to engage in hotel business in this part of the state.
John Brygger, A. J. Brue, Peter Gunderson, Christian Joergensen, Martin Larson, Iver Egge, C. Toftezen, L. T. Land, O. J. Finley, Ole Ryan, Thomas Brue and John Brue are among the early settlers and the most prominent citizens.They are all independent farmers and potent factors in the upbuilding of the country.
Charcoal drawing; single story frame building; three-story bell-tower steeple.Norwegian Lutheran Church of Stanwood.View Larger Image Here.
Norwegian Lutheran Church of Stanwood.View Larger Image Here.
The Norwegian Lutheran church of Stanwood is the oldest of the Lutheran churches on Puget Sound. It was organized twenty-three years ago by Rev. L. Carlson, and has enjoyed the services of Revs. Emil Christensen, P. Isberg and C. Joergensen. At present it is in charge of Rev. L. C. Foss who has done much for Christianity and the Lutheran doctrine. He is a friend of the young people as well as of the old, the guiding spirit of the Young People's Society and a talented musician.
/Rev. Foss with a group of mostly young adults; some sitting, some standing, all in Sunday best.Stanwood Lutherske Meningheds Sangkor.View Larger Image Here.1C. P. Lien2B. S. Lien3Miss E. Egge4A. Brue5O. J. Finley6Miss A. Floe7A. Egge8O. J. Lien9Rev. L. C. Foss10G. J. Holte11A. Gunderson12E. Egge13Miss P. Johnson14Miss M. Gunderson15O. E. Brue16Miss M. S. Lien17Miss H. Naas18G. Naas
Stanwood Lutherske Meningheds Sangkor.View Larger Image Here.1C. P. Lien2B. S. Lien3Miss E. Egge4A. Brue5O. J. Finley6Miss A. Floe7A. Egge8O. J. Lien9Rev. L. C. Foss10G. J. Holte11A. Gunderson12E. Egge13Miss P. Johnson14Miss M. Gunderson15O. E. Brue16Miss M. S. Lien17Miss H. Naas18G. Naas
The Norwegian Singing Society is the pride of the community, and has scattered laurels of accomplishment along the Sound. On many occasions it has been called to Seattle and other places to cheer and entertain the people with sweet melodies.
The progress and success of the Scandinavian business men of Stanwood are well known. S. A. Thompson's establishment affords credit to the town, and Knud Knudson's drug and jewelry store compares nicely with similar concerns in the larger cities. B. Willard, the popular dairyman, hails from Denmark. His energy and keen intellect have always been at willing option for the good of his adopted country. A. Tackstrom, the genial postmaster, was born in Sweden, and has been of practical usefulness to his city. Edward Foss traces his birthplace to Norway, but has resided for years in Stanwood. He is a mechanic by trade, and a gentleman in demeanor. H. C. Anderson, the wealthy Klondiker, who resides near the city, is a conspicuous factor, especially in agricultural developments. The genial photographer, J. T. Wagness, has gained a standing among the people as a man of ingenuity in his chosen profession. Biographical sketches of men who have worked themselves up in an honorable way would doubtless be of interest to the readers. Such men as S. A. Thompson, Knud Knudson, and others merit a place among the most prominent Scandinavians on the Pacific coast.
Droopy corner walrus moustache; Windsor tie with narrow vertical stripes; top-buttoned jacket.S. A. Thompson.View Larger Image Here.
S. A. Thompson.View Larger Image Here.
S. A. Thompson was born in Norway, 1864, where he received a splendid school education. In 1880 he arrived in America, locating at Story City, Iowa, remaining two years, then chose Moorhead, Minnesota, for his habitation. After a stay of four years in this city he migrated to Holdstead in the same state where he spent two years. Up to this time Mr. Thompson had been engaged in sundry occupations, clerking and manual labor, always devoting his leisure to the acquirement of an education. In 1888 he landed in Stanwood, and immediately embarked in business. For some time he was connected with shingle mills, entered Irvine's store, clerked five years, and May 1, 1895, assumed possession of the whole firm. Mr. Thompson is a man of genial nature, kind and social, at the same time energetic, which his business career plainly emphasizes.
Knud Knudson, the gifted jeweler and drug merchant, was born in Modum, Norway, 1864. After learning the watchmaking trade, he sailed for America, arriving in Valley City, North Dakota, 1885, where he worked at his trade one year. He was touched by reports from Caselton, packed together his effects and moved thither, engaged in business for two years, then took another trip, viz., to Chamberlain, South Dakota, but one and a half years sufficed at this place. Washington was now the absorbing question, and in 1890 located in Stanwood, and established the first jewelry store in the city. In 1896 he launched into drug business in connection with his already lucrative engagement. Mr. Knudson is a leading business man, always busy and attentive, reliable and respected.
Short top-spiked hair, trim walrus moustache; half Windsor tie, decorative pin on tie knot.Knud Knudson.View Larger Image Here.
Knud Knudson.View Larger Image Here.
N. M. Lien is one of the typical Norwegians on the Sound—honored and intelligent—wealthy and conscientious. He came to America in 1866, spent eleven years in Minnesota, twelve years in North Dakota, then journeyed to Stanwood, Washington. He owns a magnificent farm, running pretty nigh into the heart of the city, golden with waving cereals and smiling flowers, and spreads out in an easterly direction.
Two story frame house with gables and two chimneys; stacked covered porches.Residence of N. M. Lien.View Larger Image Here.
Residence of N. M. Lien.View Larger Image Here.
Olaf Rydjord is a lucrative farmer, one and a half miles up Stillaguamish river from Stanwood. He was born in Norway, came to Stanwood, 1890, with little or no means. Now he possesses a beautiful farm, and ranks among the prosperous Scandinavians. He is also a man of honor and ambition.
Two story frame house with gables and one story ell; two chimneys; picket fence.Residence of Olaf Rydjord.View Larger Image Here.
Residence of Olaf Rydjord.View Larger Image Here.
One of the most laudable institutions in Snohomish county is the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery, it bespeaks the thrift and standard of the farmers. This enterprise originated with Rev. C. Joergensen, who deserves the applause of the whole community for his indefatigable energy. Mr. Joergensen is an ex-minister of the Lutheran faith, armed with a liberal education and divers experience. He held the presidency of the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery until his election as commissioner of Snohomish county.
Two story frame building; four teams of horses hitched to wagons full of metal milk cans.Stanwood Co-operative Creamery.View Larger Image Here.
Stanwood Co-operative Creamery.View Larger Image Here.
Small pompadour; trim walrus moustache; half-Windsor tie, decorative pin on knot.D. G. Bennie, Jr.View Larger Image Here.
D. G. Bennie, Jr.View Larger Image Here.
The Stanwood Co-operative Creamery has carried away many honors since 1895, the date of its commencement. It took the first prize, 1896, at the County Fair of Pierce county, held in Tacoma, also the first prize in Ellensburg, 1898, at the State Dairy Association. The output of butter has gradually increased, at present averaging about eighteen thousand pounds per month.
D. G. Bennie, Jr., manager of the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery, has engraved his good will on the hearts of the community. His business methods are commendable, emphatic of honesty and ability. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 1866, came to the Pacific coast, 1885, embarked in logging and farming, and in the spring of 1898 he was elected to his present position, which he has filled with entire satisfaction.
M. O. Coltom, superintendent of the butter-making department, is a worthy gentleman, who has filled his calling with credit to himself and the association. He was born in Toten, Norway, forty-three years ago, came to America, 1866, and to the coast, 1887. He has been connected with the creamery since its infancy, and has always been vigilant to the best interests of the enterprise. John Lund, also a native of Norway, has been a faithful assistant to Mr. Coltom, for years he has served in his present capacity with honor.
Walrus moustache blending into long goatee; half-Windsor tie, top-buttoned jacket.M. O. Coltom.View Larger Image Here.
M. O. Coltom.View Larger Image Here.
Stanwood is surrounded by thrifty Scandinavian farmers, the earliest have already been mentioned. Some of the more recent who have added laurels to agriculture are: Ole Naas, Peter Peterson, T. K. Logan, O. Alseth, Anton F. Anderson, Otto Coltom, Oluf, John and Gunder Otterson, Engbret Olson, Peter Holte, N. B. Thomle, Louis Christiansen and others.
Stanwood, as stated before, is largely populated with Scandinavians; in addition to the number previously noted we find many good citizens, namely: Herman Hafstad, connected with the Stanwood Hardware Company, Carl Ryan, clerk in Eureka Grocery, Fred Ryan, clerk in Thompson's store. Peter O. Wold and Ivar Opdal are representative Norwegians, well liked and respected. Bert Gunderson is an intelligent young man; the members of the Norwegian Singing Society rank among the best of young people, Saul Olson, Ole Mellum, Elias Brue, Sam Lovik, Halvor Anderson; John Melkild, Peter Brandall and others bespeak Norse integrity. A. B. Klaeboe, now a gold seeker in Alaska, was once a leading business man of this city. Twelve years ago he established the first drug store in Stanwood, which he managed with notable success for a number of years. He was born in Norway where he graduated from college with distinguished scholarship.
The Stillaguamish valley, spreading out for a considerable distance on both sides of the wandering river, which starts in the green-clad hills, looming up in the southeast, and leaps gracefully downward to the city of Stanwood, where it disembogues its waters, is a fertile plain, running through the forest for twenty-five miles, adorned with royal farms and three happy villas—Florence, Norman and Silvana. Thirty years ago this noble stretch was the home of wild beasts, but now settled by a jolly populace. Here the Scandinavians found a field that hit their fancies—plenty of work and rich soil.
The first Scandinavian to brave this wilderness was Sivert Guligson Brekhus, a native of Voss, Norway, who emigrated to America, 1862, spent eleven years in the east combatting for success in divers avenues, and in 1873 entered the mouth of the Stillaguamish river. He proceeded up the stream which was choked with angry snags and stubborn logs. No less than four jams impeded his progress. Mr. Brekhus has been a man of unusual strength, and possessed of a heart that knew no fear. On one occasion, in early days, a red savage attacked him in Stanwood. Mr. Brekhus was alone which gave his heathen aggressor, surrounded by a bloodthirsty horde of his race, lust for blood, and, like a devil in flames, seized a manageable piece of timber and sought to convert the white man to a heap of jelly. The brave Vossing approached himand the following words burst from his lips, "Hvis du inhji parsa dig ska eg slaa huvu ini majin paa dig." The red skins understood the depth of his voice, and skulked away.
Ah! picture to yourself the hardship! All the provisions had to be canoed from Seattle, and four boats were required to reach Mr. Brekhus' ranch. Many struggles did this valorous pioneer pass through. Once he carried a barrel of herring on his shoulders over the four jams, and at another time a big cook stove.
Iver Furness, father of John Furness, the Norman merchant, has also partaken of the trials and difficulties common to pioneer encounters. As early as 1879 he dates his first peregrination on Stillaguamish river. Like other adventurers he endured many days of hardship, anxiety and worry. Supplementary to the toil for subsistence, the savages cast chilly currents through his soul. The Sauk Indians, ravaging in Skagit county, were dreaded like devils. One day the report reached the home of Iver Furness, while relishing a healthy dinner, that the Sauks were paddling up the river for a bloody massacre. Mrs. Furness was thrown into a trance of fright, rushed for the door with knife in hand to take refuge in the woods. Johnny, her son, grabbed the fire-lock to protect their home, but, lo! it was only an Indian scare.
Trim full beard blends into full walrus moustache and long goatee; tie, vest, jacket.Iver Johnson.View Larger Image Here.
Iver Johnson.View Larger Image Here.
Iver Johnson, the pioneer merchant of Silvana, and the popular county commissioner, was born in Opdal, Norway, 1848. After graduating from the public schools, he took a course in the higher branches of learning by private tuition, and in 1869 sailed for the United States, selecting South Dakota for his first abode in the New World. In 1875 he took another step westward, locating at Port Gamble, Washington, where he worked in saw mills for two years. Returning to South Dakota, he was married to Martha Haugan, a charming young lady, but to his sorrow she withered for the grave after four years of matrimonial happiness. He recrossed the Rocky Mountain the same year, settling in the Stillaguamish valley, worked in logging camps and cleared land for some time, then embarked in general merchandise at Silvana, the first store in the Stillaguamish valley. He sold out his interests at Silvana to accept a clerkship in D. O. Pearson's store in Stanwood, which he abandoned after five years of faithful service to assume the position as deputy county auditor. In 1898 he was elected to the office of county commissioner of Snohomish county in which capacity he is now working with credit to himself and to his constituents. He was married the second time, in 1887, to Miss Maria Funk, an accomplished lady of Norse extraction.
Halvor Helvy, an intelligent farmer near Silvana, figures among the first pioneers. He was born in Norway, and came to Stillaguamish from South Dakota, 1878.
Short wavy center-parted hair; top-buttoned jacket and vest under bulky overcoat.E. A. Hevly.View Larger Image Here.
E. A. Hevly.View Larger Image Here.
E. A. Hevly, the popular merchant of Florence, and one of the brightest business men on the Sound, was born in Opdal, Norway, February 28, 1866, came to America, 1878, and the same year landed on the Pacific coast. After receiving a common school education, he took a course in the state University of Washington. For years he was employed as clerk, but in 1891 became the sole owner of a large mercantile establishment, which he is conducting with marked ability. Mr. Hevly is a congenial man, honest, honorable and energetic.
John I. Hals, proprietor of Hals' shingle mill, located across the river from Florence, is a true type of Norse manhood. He was born in Norway, came to Stanwood, 1882, worked four years in a saw mill at Utsalady, and in 1889 bought from Munson, Johnson and Company a shingle mill standing one mile east of Stanwood, the first Scandinavian shingle mill in Snohomish county. Cedar timber was getting scarce and a change of location became advantageous. To effect this he sold his mill, bought eighty acres of land further up the river, and built a new mill, of which Mr. Hals is the sole owner. The author does not believe in plowing up the field of exaggeration, and so far as the personage in question is concerned no occasion affords an opportunity. The men working for Mr. Hals speak in more eloquent language than my pen. In a word, Mr. Hals is a gentleman, kind, intelligent and generous.
River; felled logs; docking pillars; tall smokestack; frame buildings; two-story house.John I. Hals' Shingle Mill.View Larger Image Here.
John I. Hals' Shingle Mill.View Larger Image Here.
Trim walrus moustache; folded corners collar, cravat, top buttoned jacket.John I. Hals.View Larger Image Here.
John I. Hals.View Larger Image Here.
Teachers and students, small one-story frame building, slat fence, tall evergreens.The Norman Public School.The first public school in the Stillaguamish valley above Florence:built, 1882, burnt 1892.View Larger Image Here.
The Norman Public School.The first public school in the Stillaguamish valley above Florence:built, 1882, burnt 1892.View Larger Image Here.
Round Florence are also other Scandinavians who have scattered light of melioration. Flowery meadows and royal dwellings join to pronounce their industry and rank of intelligence. Mr. Myro is an early pioneer and a thrifty Dane. Taral Larsen is a prosperous farmer, a native of Norway, who has shared the struggles of frontier life. Ed Hanson, also a Norwegian by birth, has been a valuable factor in the community, especially in the promotion of education. As we proceed up the river we find an unbroken settlement of well-to-do Scandinavians, who sought the wilderness to make homes. Engebret and Sven Stenson, Sivert and Rasmus Knutson and S. Erickson were among the first. L. O. Stubb, a prominent farmer and a man of ability and influence, has given valuable service to the community. He has been one of the foremost men to look after the interest of education. He was born in Norway, came to Dogfish Bay, Washington, 1880, and the same year settled near Norman.
Hillside clearing with scattered one and two-story buildings, some fences.Prestlien's Bluff.The schoolhouse is behind the big stump.View Larger Image Here.
Prestlien's Bluff.The schoolhouse is behind the big stump.View Larger Image Here.
Iver N. Prestlien, the pioneer of Prestlien Bluff, sonamed to perpetuate his memory, was born in Norway, and settled on his present location, 1885, when the inviting slope was a gloomy forest. He has done much for the upbuilding of the community, educationally and otherwise.
John Furness, previously alluded to, an able business man, in company with Mr. Engdahl, at Norman, has spared no energy for the good of the public schools and the country in general. Andrew Estby, O. B. Lee, H. Hereim and others have also lent willing assistance.
Cornelius N. Langsjoen, Elias Tangen, Julius Lund, Andrew Prestlien, John Ingebretson, and others have contributed heart and hand to better frontier gloom. Two fine Lutheran churches, one at Silvana and the other across the river, emphasize the moral and intellectual standard of the people.
Four men, three women, two girls, and one boy standing on a cedar stump.Logging Family Standing on a Cedar Stump.View Larger Image Here.
Logging Family Standing on a Cedar Stump.View Larger Image Here.
Three miles east of Stanwood smiles a beautiful villa, which fifteen years ago received the baptism Cedarhome. It seems as though Nature in her wisdom long, long ago took special pains to prepare a plot for this smoothly sloping panorama. If it had been whittled out to order for a quiet, sober and intelligent people nothing more consistent could have been expected.
In early days a dense forest clothed this spot, and savage brutes ruled unrestrained. But some forty years ago the irascible agent—fire—resolved to show his power, which he did like an unchained demon. He sent his red flames from tree to tree, consuming big and small, save some stubborn giants, which remained black skeletons in melancholy loneliness. Bears, cougars, wild-cats, and other inhabitants of the forest picked up their feet and with lightning speed sought the mountains for refuge.
The once rich sylva, where evergreen and foliage were wont to join in sweet choruses, was now a charcoal desert with a few angry monsters frowning in the air, squealing and cracking to the breath of every breeze.
Years elapsed, the sun sent down his gentle beams, the clouds unlocked their opulent stores, and the parched earth drank her fill, and gave birth to shoots that blossomed into a carpet of green.
White mountain goats with curved black horns; hunting camp, tents; hunters, rifles.Pioneers Among Wild Beasts.View Larger Image Here.
Pioneers Among Wild Beasts.View Larger Image Here.
Ah, all a change! the chilly appearance of yesterday is today sunshine. A fresh sylva, besprinkled with flowers, smiles to our joy, and birds wheel on happy wings, pouring their hearts into dulcet music, and loving zephyrs come to woo the tender growth.
In 1877 Arn Olson, a native of Norway, made a perambulation of the country lying east of Stanwood with the object in view of finding a suitable bit of ground for a home, arriving where Cedarhome now smiles he resolved to pitch his permanent lot among the green bushes. Almost simultaneously, Martin Larsen, a Norwegian by birth, braved the interior, remained one year, then located on the Stanwood flat, three miles north of the city.
It was not until the following year that Cedarhome commenced to echo the presence of white men. Before only a faint sound now and then rose to indicate human existence. Among the first who anchored their fortunes at this place was John Anderson, who left Sweden in 1869 for Chicago, but was soon seized with a whim to see and try other climes. Both South and West were fields of attraction, and to satisfy his romantic nature he took in the whole country. In 1876 he stood in the city of Seattle gazing with wonder at the novelties about him. A reconnoissance of Salmon Bay hit his liking, but shortly after settled on 160 acres of land at Cedarhome, then called Burn.
Mr. John Anderson may be rightly termed the father of Cedarhome, and yet, though his flowing beard has silveredto a halo of snow, he contributes the fall of his life to daily duties.
August Anderson has passed through experiences not dissimilar to those of John Anderson. He, too, was born in Sweden, came to America in his prime of life, and in 1879 cast his lot in the forest. He has shared the ups-and-downs of frontier struggles, always a faithful supporter of the Methodist church.
Andrew Gustaf Bergquist made his appearance a few months subsequent to the arrival of John and August Anderson. He is a native of Sweden, where he spent his boyhood, but like thousands of others sought the New World. Mr. Bergquist has been alert to the interests of the community, educationally and morally. For years he has been a member of the school board.
Now, gloomy loneliness! where art thine "blues and longings?" No jollier crowd beneath the blue roof of heaven than a bunch of pioneers. Buoyant in spirit, strong at arms, the forest fell to their axes. Trails were swamped and cabins erected to their comforts.
Cohorts of eager land-seekers from all climes perambulated wealthy vales and green-besprinkled knolls, and among these was P. O. Norman, who had landed in Seattle, 1881, but spent two years reconnoitering the coast ere he located at Cedarhome.
Tall two story frame building, bell tower; people of all ages on steps and risers; picket fences.The Cedarhome Public School.The dwelling to the right is the residence of E. O. Yngve.View Larger Image Here.
The Cedarhome Public School.The dwelling to the right is the residence of E. O. Yngve.View Larger Image Here.
Love of work and progress is the spur of a new country. As population increased so did the burden of responsibility augment. Morality and education could not be neglected. Mr. Norman contributed from his fund of experience and learning, acquired in his native country, Sweden, and in the state of Nebraska where he had served as school trustee and county commissioner.
A craving had manifested for a union of worship, and in 1883 a Methodist congregation was organized, forming a circuit with Seattle. Rev. Andrew Farrell was called as pastor, who expounded the gospel in the two places on alternate Sundays. In 1888 Mr. Norman drew up a petition citing for a separation from Seattle and the formation of a circuit with Skagit. The petition was granted by the bishop, and the Rev. O. E. Olander was secured as clergyman.
Absolute independence has always been the longing of the soul. The congregation was now ripe for a divorce from Skagit, which was granted, 1890, and a beautiful church was built, which stands as a pride to the village. The Methodist doctrine has proven relishing, and credit is due to the following faithful workers: P. O. Norman, John Anderson, August Anderson, Andrew G. Bergquist, John Lovegren, N. G. Carlson, W. M. Anderson, N. O. Ekstran, Magnus Haglund, Andrew Olson and John Olson.
The most promising feature of a church is a healthy, wide-awake Young People's Society. Not only as an instrumentality to invite to share the glory in Heaven, but to cultivate literature and music, to cherish each others peculiarities and trend of thoughts. These societies are not exclusivelyfor the blooms of a few springs, often lingering fall with hoary hair wields the guiding staff. The most eloquent and active supporter of the Young People's Society at this place is John Lovegren, though he has blushed about twelve summers of matrimonial happiness. Of course, others have scattered sunbeams, and without their appellation the narrative would not be complete. William M. Anderson has filled the presidential chair, and Misses Minnie Johnson, Annie Anderson, Alice Carlson, Annie, Lizzie and Emma Yngve, Minnie Bergquist, Mabel Peterson, Annie and Jennie Olson, and Mrs. Edith Dacke have graced the organization with sweet music and poetry. Messrs. Andrew Bergquist, A. P. Dacke, Charley Edeen, John Carlson and Walter Jensen have contributed able assistance.
The Cedarhome Literary Society, which has been in existence about three years, has scattered literary light through the community. The organizers and star members are: E. C. Nicklason, J. H. Swanson, Thomas Munson, J. C. Jensen, Charley and Axel Ek, Eric, Mannie and Eddie Lindstrom, Iver and Simon Olson, Jacob and Andrew Settre, Andrew Olson, Kettle Levison, Lewis Sandstrom, Eddie, Eli and Ove Eliason, and Andrew Anderson. The willing participants among the ladies are: Misses Minnie Nicklason, Mary Jensen, Hilma and Hulda Ek, and Josie Settre.
Full walrus moustache; folded corners collar, half-Windsor tie, vest, notch lapel jacket.G. Nicklason.View Larger Image Here.
G. Nicklason.View Larger Image Here.
No pioneer has endured more hardship than Mathias Munson, a native of Norway. For thirty-five years he dashed on the merciless waves from port to port, finally making his home in the wilderness of Washington. Six-and-four scores of years rested on his shoulders at his death, one year ago, yet strong and lively. He was an example of courage and endurance, and is said to have saved many lives during his sea-faring years.
Ole Jensen, born and educated in Denmark, bid farewell to his mother country seventeen years ago, landed in Seattle and shortly after settled at Cedarhome. "To do and dare" was his motto; the huge forest fell, and a nice home smiles to his comfort. John Olson also arrived at Cedarhome about seventeen years ago. He is a native of Sweden and has devoted most of his time to farming, being a prominent member of the Methodist church.
Cedarhome is no longer a nucleus of yearning bachelors, but a thrifty town surrounded by gardens and meadows. Three religious denominations are strongly represented, the Methodists, previously mentioned, the Baptists and the Lutherans.
G. Nicklason, a pioneer of the Skagit valley and a popular merchant of Cedarhome, was born in Sweden, but left his native country at the twilight of manhood. After filling sundry vocations of hardship in the east, his attention was drawn to the Pacific, settling in the Skagit valley, 1876, where he labored hard clearing land and farming. A beautiful farm in that locality bespeaks his industry. In 1890 he moved to Cedarhome to engage in general merchandise—business of his liking—in which he has proved himself a master. The fertileforest awakened acute calculation in his mind, and in company with Carl O. Walters started a lumber factory capable of turning out both lumber and shingle. Mr. Nicklason is a man of energy and ability, honest and strictly attentive to business.
Carl O. Walters, G. Nicklason's partner in lumber manufacturing, was born in Gottland, Sweden, May 27, 1855, where he received his education, graduated from the public schools at the age of fifteen. For three years he served in the navy of Sweden, spent two years traveling in his native country for the purpose of studying the natural resources and the varied conditions. The sea was a pleasing attraction to him; visited all the countries of Europe, and at the age of twenty-two embarked a ship for the New World, sailed for some time on the Atlantic coast, rounded Cape Horn, and landed in the Golden Gate, 1877. He dashed on the waves up the coast as far as British Columbia. After eight years of navigation he stept ashore, engaged in carpentry, worked in Seattle and British Columbia, most of the time as contractor. In the latter place he spent considerable time prospecting for coal, employed by the Vancouver Coal Co. Twelve years ago he located at Cedarhome, turned his attention to farming served as deputy county assessor, and gradually drifted into lumber and shingle business, an occupation congenial to mechanical ingenuity, which is Mr. Walters' forte, being born with mechanical aptitude as well as with social and conversational endowments.
Full walrus moustache; narrow standing collar, white bow tie, jacket and vest have lapels.Carl O. Walters.View Larger Image Here.
Carl O. Walters.View Larger Image Here.
L. G. Hanson, the present deputy county assessor, was born in Skone, Sweden, 1855, emigrated to America in early manhood, 1882. After some years of ups-and-downs in the south, he planted his fortune at Cedarhome, nine years ago, and has ever since taken an active part in public improvements. He has been a stanch supporter of the public schools and an advocate for good roads. For years he has served as school director and road supervisor, and in 1899 he was appointed deputy county assessor.
E. O. Yngve, a man of affluence and influence in his native country, Sweden, crossed the salty billows for America ten years ago. He has been alert to the interest of his adopted country, and always glad to usher the welfare of his people to the front.
Frank A. Peterson is likewise a man cut out for frontier life where energy and strong arms are required. He is a native of Sweden, but came to South Dakota in his early days, stayed there for some years, and in 1886 landed in Seattle, and two years later joined his countrymen at Cedarhome. He has been awake to the interest of the public schools and the welfare of the community in general; for years he has been a member of the school board. His brother John is also a good citizen.