Almost every country on the face of the globe has furnished representatives to Wyoming, and well known among the Norwegian residents of Laramie is Eric Stendahl, now successfully engaged in the plumbing business. He was born in Trondhjem, Norway, November 19, 1861, a son of Ole and Lovise (Hals) Stendahl, who were also natives of the land of the midnight sun. The father became a well known farmer in Norway and remained a resident of that country until called to his final rest, his death occurring in 1906. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1891. They were the parents of three children: Lars, who is connected with the Agricultural College of Norway; Eric, of this review; and Randie, who is still living in her native country.
    Eric Stendahl was a pupil in the public schools of Norway after which he engaged in farming on his father's place, being identified with general agricultural pursuits there until 1887, when he severed home ties and bade adieu to friends and native country, sailing for the new world. After reaching American shores he did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his way at once into the interior of the country, becoming a resident of Laramie, where he remained until 1894. He was employed by William Cordner, under whose direction he learned the plumbing business. In the meantime he purchased his father's old homestead farm in Norway and in 1894 he returned to that country, remaining upon the farm for thirteen years, concentrating his efforts and attention upon its further development and improvement. The lure of the new world was upon him, however, and in 1907 he again came to America after selling his farm in Norway. Once more he took up his abode in Laramie and again worked for Mr. Cordner in the plumbing business for two and a half years. He then gave up his position to engage in business on his own account and through the intervening period has made for himself a position as one of the leading plumbers not only of Laramie but of southern Wyoming. He is thoroughly familiar with the trade, is an expert workman and is thus able to carefully direct the labors of those who are in his employ. His business has reached gratifying proportions. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail and his resolute spirit and indefatigable energy enable him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
    On the 8th of August, 1897, Mr. Stendahl was married to Miss Olise Hals, a native of Norway and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hals, of that country. They have become parents of three children: Oselie, who was born in Norway, May 31. 1901, and is attending high school; Agnes, who was born in Norway, October 23, 1902, and is also a high school pupil; and Jennie, who was born in Laramie, October 13, 1907, and is pursuing her education in the public schools of her native city.
    Mr. Stendahl belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is thoroughly content to make Laramie his home, recognizing the opportunities and advantages here to be enjoyed. As a self-made man he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. From early boyhood he has been dependent upon his own resources, working his way steadily upward, and his prosperity is indeed well deserved.