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 pleasant stretch of land between Snohomish river and a
beautiful 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.
[Illustration: T. T. ENGER.]
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 public schools at fifteen. His father, also, T. T. Enger, was
a prominent 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, 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.
[Illustration: L. P. ELVRUM AND WIFE.]
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 education. 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 married 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 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 succeed 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 Scandinavian Methodist, which
was built in 1893. Rev. P. M. Ellefsen, a Methodist missionary, visited
Everett, 1892, and the following 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 eloquent 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 congregation we find E. A.
Olson, Swede, L. Carlsen, A. Thompsen, H. Helgesen, and Mrs. H.
Helgesen, Norwegians.
[Illustration: EVERETT IN ITS INFANCY.]
SCANDINAVIANS AT STANWOOD.