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.

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, Solor, 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.

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.