N. J. Moldstad merits the appellation of "progressive business man." He was born in Vestre Toten, Norway, April 1, 1863, where he obtained his early education. July 2, 1876, he sailed for America, settling at De Forest, Wisconsin, and shortly after entered his brother's dry goods store. His next move was to Lanesborough, Minnesota, where he secured a clerkship with a big mercantile firm, afterwards assumed a similar vocation in Minneapolis. From whence he turned his attention to North Dakota, embarking in store and banking business for himself. The Pacific had become a fascinating field, sold out, and crossed the Rocky, locating in Tacoma, where he established a shoe store. Another journey seemed to emphasize business progress, disposed of his establishment in Tacoma and engaged in dry goods and clothing in Mt. Vernon. The last years he has also given due consideration to the Alaska gold fields, being interested in several claims around Dawson. In 1893 he took a trip to Europe, traveled in England, France, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. In 1898 he was married to an estimable lady in Mt. Vernon, and spent his honeymoon journeying in California, the Southern states and New York, visited Washington and shook hands with President McKinley. On returning took in Chicago and other large cities. Mr. Moldstad is a republican in politics and has been delegate to county and state conventions, but has scoffed at the idea of seeking any office. He is like Mr. Louis Foss, of the same city, in being a true gentleman, respected and respectable. [Illustration: A MUSICIAN ON SKAGIT RIVER.] SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINGHAM BAY. CHAPTER XIII. It is but few places where nature has been so kind and lavishing with her store of grandeur as in Bellingham Bay. Sweet in music, the happy ripples dance to kiss the pebbled borders of the twin cities--New Whatcom and Fairhaven. Above the din of their tumults stands the white-haired Mt. Baker with a snowy hood drawn down his broad shoulders, throwing glimpses of awe over a gay landscape. About four miles from these sister cities smiles Lake Whatcom, where living gondolas ride on its glassy bosom from shore to shore. [Illustration: MT. BAKER, SEEN FROM FAIRHAVEN.] In early days Scandinavians gave heed to this happy land of verdure and songs. About forty years ago they visited the bay and reconnoitered the country. Everson, a Norwegian by birth, was among the first pioneers. The last ten years a number of Norwegians, Swedes and Danes have located in both New Whatcom and Fairhaven, and rank among the leading business men of the two cities. [Illustration: FISHING IN BELLINGHAM BAY.] O. B. Barba, a prominent lawyer of New Whatcom, born in Norway, but raised and educated in Wisconsin, came here, 1890, and has steadily invited the confidence of his countrymen and the people in general.