Knut H. Opdal, also born in Norway, arrived in 1888, and shortly afterward embarked in hotel business. He and his wife are representatives of Norse simplicity and integrity, imbued with love for their native country, and patriotic and loyal to the stars and stripes.

J. F. Anderson was one of the first settlers. He was born in Sweden, left his native land during the early summer of maturity, and located in the state of Iowa. In 1874 he landed in Port Townsend on Prince Alfred, and immediately proceeded to the Skagit valley, settling on North Fork. After a year of hard work he moved with his family to Seattle in order to give his children the advantages of good schooling. At the close of six years they returned to the Skagit, locating on South Fork, where Fir now stands. In 1883 a flood rushed over the country, swept along everything save some stubborn buildings, the crop was destroyed, and havoc spread in all directions. "Never give in," says the sage, which is applicable to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Anderson. "Onward" was their motto, and two beautiful homes shine to their honest efforts— one at Seattle and one at Fir. Their children, who are now combating with the turmoils of the world, are well educated and highly respected. Jennie is married and lives in Seattle; Axel and Eric are connected with the Polson and Wilson Hardware Co., established in Seattle and La Conner; Victor is married to an esteemed lady, Miss Marie Paulson, and runs the farm; Minnie is postmistress at Fir and a teacher of music, Howard sleeps in the grave, and Otto stays home.

J. F. Anderson.
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Andrew N. Crogstad, a leading citizen, a man of honor and intelligence, has shared the difficulties of the frontier. He was born in Trondhjem, Norway, 1852, received a good schooling and in February, 1872, left his fatherland for Dunn county, Wisconsin, and five years later disembarked in the Skagit valley. He turned his attention to logging and farming. A beautiful farm, surrounded by a wealthy orchard, stands as a pride to his energy. He has seen days of romantic awfulness, once hazardous, but now pleasing reminiscences. The flood has always been a dread, and many frights has it caused. One Fourth of July Mr. Crogstad went to Fir to celebrate the independence of his adopted country. The morning was bright and prognostic of a pleasant time. Returning home during gray twilight, a seething, rolling sound floated down on the breeze, and ere they realized the cause, water crept up to their feet. The ladies were frightened out of their wits and took to screaming, which seems to be their only alternative in time of danger. Mr. Crogstad and his companion understood the predicament, slung the ladies on their backs and pranced home, thus avoiding a disastrous outcome.