Bergman, Hans. "History of Scandinavians in Tacoma and Pierce County with brief history of Tacoma and early settlement." Tacoma, WA, 1926. pp. 91-92. Judge John Martin Arntson Was born in Waukesha County, Wis., June 21, 1858. His parents were John Arntson and Mikaline Olson, who came from Helgeland, Norway, to America in 1844. John M. Anrnston, after finishing public school, took a commercial course in St. Paul, after which he engaged in grocery business, and dealt in real estate, until his removal to Tacoma. In 1891 he was employed as clerk in the office of the justice of the peace, and while there took up the study of law. In 1883 he successfully passed the required examination and was admitted to the bar. He served as clerk of the police court for some time and occupied the police court bench for three terms, from January, 1907, to January, 1913. In discharging the varied and difficult duties of that position he manifested not only a thorough familiarity with the city ordinances but also keen insight into human nature, and proved unusually successful in dealing with the men brought before him. Since the expiration of his last term he has concentrated his energies upon his private practice. Mr. Arnston was married May 28, 1882, in Buffalo, N.D., to Miss Anna M. Olson. She died September 14, 1925, after a very short illness, deeply mourned by family and friends. In the family are four children: May (Mrs. Brenner) of Ferndale, Calif., Julian A., civil engineer, Nathan M., also civil engineer, at present employed in the state highway department, and Nellie, wife of Mckinley Johnson, of Hoquiam. Judge Arnston has taken an active and important part in political campaigns in the state. He has served as a member of various committees and has been a delegate to a number of Republican state conventions, and was active in securing the adoption of primary election laws in the state. His activities have gained him a wide acquaintance throughout the state. He is prominent in fraternal orders, being a member of the various bodies of masonry, having attained the highest degrees in both York and Scottish Rites, and is a past grand high priest if Royal Arch Masons of Washington. In the Scandinavian Brotherhood he has served as Grand President. He is also member of the Sons of Norway, the Vikings, and the Scandinavian Pioneer Club, which was organized upon his initiative. In a number of these he is an honorary member. In all the lines of activity to which he has turned his attention he has manifested unusual ability and has gained distinction and is very popular among the large number of people who know him. Judge Arntson owns and occupies a fine home at 2101 South K Street. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Bios. Project in September 2005 by Teressa Lenkey. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.