John W. Nordstrom (John W. Nordstrom)
Bussinessman. Born in Alvik Neder Lulea, Sweden, he was a entrepreneur most noted for being the founder of Nordstrom’s department stores. In 1887, he arrived in America, worked as a wagon loader, brick worker, lumberjack and potato farmer, then made a small fortune in the Alaska Gold Rush. Settling in Seattle in 1901, he opened a tiny shoe shop with his business partner, Carl Wallin and within a few years he bought him out. He opened a second shop in Seattle, as Nordstrom’s in 1923 and by 1928, his Nordstrom’s stores were opening in other west coast locations. Renowned for good customer service and quality, Nordstrom’s Inc. was the nation’s largest shoe store at the time of his at age 92 from a cerebral hemorrhage. His three sons carried on by expanding the business chain to it’s current state to include an elaborate selection of upscale clothing and accessories. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith) Family links: Spouse: Hilda C. Carlson Nordstrom (1877 – 1944)* Children: Everett William Nordstrom (1903 – 1972)* Elmer J Nordstrom (1905 – 1993)* Mabel C. Nordstrom (1906 – 1919)* Lloyd N Nordstrom (1910 – 1976)* *Calculated relationship
Born
- February, 15, 1871
- Sweden
Died
- October, 10, 1963
- USA
Cemetery
- Lake View Cemetery
- Washington
- USA