“Early History of Ferndale and Ten Mile Townships, Whatcom County, Washington,” authored by Chris C. Siegel and published by Cox Brothers & Williams, Inc. in Bellingham, Washington, in 1948, is an account of the early settlement and development of the Ferndale and Ten Mile townships. This book, spanning 110 pages, offers a detailed narrative focusing on the period from the arrival of the first settlers up until the year 1901, which coincides with the end of the author’s residence in the area. The continuation of the history beyond this point was intentionally left for future historians.
The name Nooksack, derived from Indigenous origins, holds historical significance in the region. The etymology of Ten Mile Creek is debated; some pioneers attribute its name to the distance measured by builders of the Telegraph Road in the mid-1870s, while others credit government surveyors who noted the creek’s ten-mile length. This creek, originating near the Everson-Goshen Road and fed by numerous springs, along with its tributaries, Four Mile and Deer creeks, plays a crucial role in draining approximately forty square miles of land before emptying into Barrett Lake and subsequently the Nooksack River. This river diagonally bisects Ferndale township into East and West Ferndale, highlighting the township’s agricultural richness and strategic location within Whatcom County.
Siegel’s preface underscores his unique perspective as a native of this region, raised on a homestead central to both townships. His narrative is enriched by personal acquaintance with many homesteaders, providing an intimate portrayal of their struggles and triumphs. The author’s detailed documentation aims to contribute to the broader history of Whatcom County and serves as a foundational resource for future historians.
The book comprises various chapters, each dedicated to different aspects of pioneer life and development in Ferndale and Ten Mile townships, including early settlers, road building, schools, industry, and personal anecdotes. It concludes with a comprehensive list of original homesteaders and the approximate years they settled, serving as a tribute to the pioneers whose efforts shaped the district.
Table of Contents
Early Settlers, p. 6
Tribute to the Pioneers, p. 19
The Slater Family, p. 20
Blanket Bill Jarman, p. 22
Early Road Building, p. 25
Schools, p. 36
Establishment of First Cemetery, p. 43
Fish and Game, p. 44
Timber and Industry, p. 47
The Banner Shingle County, p. 53
One Man Barrel Factory, p. 55
Newcomers, p. 56
Unpleasant Memories, p. 61
Forest Fires, p. 65
The Old Maid, p. 66
Pioneer Merchants, p. 69
Comparative Cost of Living, p. 71
Autobiography, p. 75
Morse Hardware Co., p. 83
Activities of the Hudson Bay Fur Company on Puget Sound, p. 84
Battersby Brothers and The Golden Rule Store, p. 95
Robert H. Smith, p. 96
Edwin N. Haskell, p. 99
F, J. Barlow, p. 100
Ferndale Township Homesteaders, p. 101
B. B. Furniture Co., p. 102
Gage-Dodson Clothing co., p. 104
Ten Mile Township Homesteaders, p. 105
Graham Drug Co., p. 106
Diehl Motor Co., p. 108
Battersby Company
Picture was taken in 1895. Standing in doorway, left, Robert Battersby; right, Peter Battersby; third person unknown.
Munro Blake & Haskell Company
The picture on opposite page was taken about 1899. The store was located on the premises now occupied by the Herald Building. Reading from left to right the men in the picture are: Unknown, H. L. Munro, A. C. Blake, E.N. Haskell, J.M. Laube, father of Fred E. Laube, Chas. R. Smith, and John Sells, former mayor of Bellingham.
Elk Street, Morse Hardware
Picture was taken on Elk Street, (now State) about 1888. The two-story white building at the furthest end of the row is the Morse Hardware store. The little white building on the left, is the old Sehome school, the first schoolhouse built it Whatcom County.
Source
Siegel, Chris C., Early history of Ferndale and Ten Mile townships, Whatcom County, Washington, Bellingham, Wash., Cox Brothers & Williams, Inc., 1948.