J. M. Arntson.--Self-made men, as a rule, become the leaders in a free country where ability shines with unclouded luster. The individual in question, J. M. Arntson, a rising lawyer of Tacoma, is a representative of this class. 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 shores of Puget Sound, and settled in Tacoma, Washington. 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. [Illustration: 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 clerkship 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. [Illustration: S. SAMSON.]