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''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[Washington|Washington]]'' [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] '''Whatcom County''' [[Image:{{WAWhatcomUpper}}]]<br><br>Guide to '''{{PAGENAME}} genealogy.''' Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records, since 1861, when the [[{{PAGENAME}}#County_Overview|county was formed]].<br><br>
{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[Washington, United States Genealogy|Washington]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy|Whatcom County]]
}}


{| width="25%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
Guide to '''Whatcom County, Washington ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.
 
{| style="width:18%; float:right"
|-
|-
| <center>'''County QuickStart:'''</center>  
|
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Census|Census]]  
<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[Washington Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Birth|Birth]]  
|-
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Marriage|Marriage]]  
|
:*[[{{PAGENAME}}#Death|Death]]
<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
 
|organized= March 9, 1854
|}
|county seat= Bellingham
 
|parent county= [[Island County, Washington Genealogy|Island]]
<br>{{DCWAmapbuttonR}} {{Infobox U.S. County  
|variant spellings=
| county = Whatcom County  
|county1= [[British Columbia, Canada Genealogy | British Columbia (Canada)]] {{ • }} [[Okanogan County, Washington Genealogy | Okanogan]] {{ • }} [[San Juan County, Washington Genealogy | San Juan]] {{ • }} [[Skagit County, Washington Genealogy | Skagit]]</br><center>[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center>
| county_map = Wa-whatcom.png
|county2=
| state = Washington
|county3=
| state_map = Washington.png
|county4=
| latd =  
|county5=
| longd =  
|county6=
| founded year = 1854
|county7=
| founded date = March 9
|county8=
| seat = Bellingham
|county9=
| building image =  
|county10=
| building address = [http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/ Whatcom County Courthouse]<br> 311 Grand Avenue; PO Box 1144;<br>&nbsp;Bellingham, WA 98227<br> Phone: 360.676.6777&nbsp;<br>[http://www.Whatcomcounty.us/ '''Whatcom County Website'''] }}
|county courthouse= [[Image:Washington, Whatcom County Courthouse.png|300px]]
 
|county location in state= [[Image:Wa-whatcom.png|185x185px]]
=== County Overview  ===
|adoption=
 
}}
{{Tip|Before 1888—and perhaps until the newly-formed county was fully operational—search records of the parent county(s).}}  
<br>[[Image:Upper Whatcom Falls-110506.jpg|thumb|right|290px|<center>Upper Falls in Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham, Whatcom CO., Washington</center>]]
 
|}</center>
'''County Seat:''' Bellingham <ref name="Handybook">''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>. For Courthouse, see [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives, libraries, etc.]]  
<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div>
 
== County Information ==
==== Parent County(s)  ====
 
Whatcom County, Washington was created 9 March 1854.<ref>The Evolution of Washington Counties by Newton Carl Abbott, Fred E. Carver, 1979. Published by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society and Klickitat County Genealogical Society.</ref>


'''County Seat:''' Bellingham <ref name="Handybook">''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>. For Courthouse, see [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives, libraries, etc.]]
=== Description ===
The county was named for the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." The county is located in the northwest area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Whatcom County, Washington," in ''https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcom_County,_Washington<nowiki/>.'' accessed 18/07/2019</ref>


==== Neighboring Counties  ====
=== County Courthouse ===
{{PAGENAME}}
{{WA Courthouse Intro|Whatcom}}
is surrounded by: [[Okanogan County, Washington|Okanogan]] | [[San Juan County, Washington|San Juan]] | [[Skagit County, Washington|Skagit]]
'''Whatcom County Courthouse'''<br>311 Grand Avenue<br>Bellingham, WA 98225<br>Phone: 360-778-5400<br>[http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/ Whatcom County Website] <br><br>
<center>{{WAWhatcom County Clickable Neighbors}}</center>


==== Boundary Changes ====
County Auditor has birth and death records 1891-1907, marriage records from 1869 and land records. <br>County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records.<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Whatcom County, Washington page 734, {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>


*[http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#OKANOGAN Historical County Boundaries] from Newberry Library<ref>John H. Long, ''Atlas of Historical County Boundaries'' (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) [http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/ online].</ref><br><br>
=== Whatcom County, Washington Record Dates  ===
 
{{WA Record Dates Intro|Whatcom}}
==== Dates of Major County Records ====
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
 
'''Note''': The dates you see below have '''not yet''' been adapted to {{PAGENAME}}.
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="2"
|-
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#cccc99" align="center" colspan="6" | '''Beginning dates for major county records'''
| colspan="7" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |<center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records'''<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Whatcom County, Washington . Page 732-735 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 733-734.</ref></center>
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Birth|Birth]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Marriage|Marriage]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Death|Death]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Land_and_Property|Land]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Probate|Probate]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" | <center>'''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Court_Records|Court]]'''</center>
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Probate Records|Probate]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" |'''[[Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1891*</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1891
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1854*</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1854
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1891*</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1891
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1854</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1883
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1872</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1854
| width="16.6%" valign="middle" style="height: 25px;" | <center>1883</center>
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1872
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1850
|-
|-
| width="100%" bgcolor="#99d6ff" colspan="6" | '''* For earlier dates, try...''' '''[[Whatcom County, Washington#Church_Records|Church]] &#124; [[Whatcom County, Washington#Obituaries|Obituaries]] &#124; [[Whatcom County, Washington#Cemeteries|Cemeteries]]'''
| colspan="7" |<center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. General compliance by 1917.</center>
|}
|}


==== Record Loss ====
=== Record Loss ===
{{WA Record Loss Intro|Whatcom}}
{|
|-
|
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.


=== Topics ===
|}
=== Boundary Changes ===
{{WA Boundary Changes Intro|Whatcom}}
{|
|-
|
*'''Parent County(s):''' Created from [[Island County, Washington Genealogy|Island County]] on 9 March 1854.<ref>The Evolution of Washington Counties by Newton Carl Abbott, Fred E. Carver, 1979. Published by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society and Klickitat County Genealogical Society.</ref>
*'''County Seat:''' Bellingham<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*[http://www.mapofus.org/Washington Interactive Map of Washington County Formation History] (1790-1897) - animated maps illustrating Washington county boundary changes
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#WHATCOM Whatcom County, Washington Historical Boundary Changes] - list of all boundary changes by county provided by Newberry Library
|}


The types of records that follow are used for genealogy and family history. Most tell what you may learn and how to locate the records. Links to Internet sites usually go directly to {{PAGENAME}} entries with names, images, or information.
=== Populated Places ===
{{WA Populated Places Intro|Whatcom}}


{{Tip|Don't overlook {{FHL|Washington, Whatcom|place|disp={{PAGENAME}}}} items in the FamilySearch Library Catalog. For other libraries (local and national) or to gain access to items of interest, see [[Whatcom County, Washington#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|Archives and Libraries]].}}
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://Washington.hometownlocator.com/wa/Whatcom Hometown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Whatcom County, Washington," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcom_County,_Washington,
accessed 26 March 2019.</ref>


==== Bible Records  ====
{{populated places
<!--cities column------------------->
| cities-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellingham,_Washington Bellingham] (county seat)
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaine,_Washington Blaine]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everson,_Washington Everson]</div>
| cities-col2=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferndale,_Washington Ferndale]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynden,_Washington Lynden]</div>
| cities-col3=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nooksack,_Washington Nooksack]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumas,_Washington Sumas]</div>
<!--towns column------------------->
| towns-col1=
| towns-col2=
| towns-col3=
<!--villages column------------------->
| villages-col1=
| villages-col2=
| villages-col3=
<!--hamlets column------------------->
| hamlets-col1=
| hamlets-col2=
| hamlets-col3=
<!--unincorp column------------------->
| unincorp-col1=<div>
* Beach
* Blue Canyon
* Cedarville
* Chuckanut
* Clearbrook
* Clipper
* Dewey
* Diablo</div>
| unincorp-col2=<div>
* Greenwood
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel,_Washington Laurel]
* Lawrence
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lummi_Island,_Washington Lummi Island]
* Mountain View
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newhalem,_Washington Newhalem]
* Noon</div>
| unincorp-col3=<div>
* Saxon
* Van Buren
* Van Wyck
* Van Zandt
* Wahl
* Welcome
* Wickersham</div>
<!--native american column------------------->
| native-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lummi_Indian_Reservation Lummi Indian Reservation]</div>
| native-col2=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nooksack_Indian_Reservation Nooksack Indian Reservation]</div>
| native-col3=
<!--census column------------------->
| census-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acme,_Washington Acme]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch_Bay,_Washington Birch Bay]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custer,_Washington Custer]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deming,_Washington Deming]</div>
| census-col2=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva,_Washington Geneva]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier,_Washington Glacier]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendall,_Washington Kendall]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_Falls,_Washington Maple Falls]</div>
| census-col3=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marietta-Alderwood,_Washington Marietta-Alderwood]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaceful_Valley,_Washington Peaceful Valley]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Roberts,_Washington Point Roberts]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_Valley,_Washington Sudden Valley]</div>
<!--townships column------------------->
| townships-col1=
| townships-col2=
| townships-col3=
<!--historic communities column------------------->
| historic-communities-col1=
| historic-communities-col2=
| historic-communities-col3=
<!--historic African American communities column------------------->
| historic-AA communities-col1=
| historic-AA communities-col2=
| historic-AA communities-col3=
<!--unorganized territories column------------------->
| unorgan-col1=
| unorgan-col2=
| unorgan-col3=
<!--ghost towns column------------------->
| ghost-col1=<div>
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goshen,_Washington Goshen]</div>
| ghost-col2=<div>
* Park</div>
| ghost-col3=
}}


==== Biography  ====
=== History Timeline ===
{{WA Historical Timeline Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Cemeteries  ====
*In historic times there were three tribal groups in the county: the Lummi, Nooksack, and Semiahmoo.
*'''1791''' Spanish explorer Manuel Quimper sent a sloop into the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and "discovered" Mount Baker.
*'''1827''' The Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Langley north of modern day Lynden.
*'''1853''' Edward Eldridge arrived in Whatcom from California to work at the mill, bringing sawmill machinery.
*'''1853''' March 2, U.S. President Millard Fillmore establishes {{wpd|Washington Territory|Washington Territory}}.
*'''1854''' Settlers filed claims on the south end of the bay, setting the future site of Fairhaven, one of four towns that would develop on the shoreline.
*'''1854''' March 9, Whatcom County was established by the Washington territorial government from a portion of Island County.
*'''1857-1858''' Survey work began on the international boundary at the 49th parallel.
*'''1859''' John Tennant and his Lummi wife Clara filed the first official claim on the Nooksack River.
*'''1881''' The "Washington Colony," a group of utopian Kansans, re-established the mill at Whatcom Creek.
*'''1899''' Whatcom County boomed when the Pacific American Fisheries (PAC) organized in Fairhaven.


{{WACemeteriesBlurb}}  
== Resources ==
{{WA Resources Intro|Whatcom}}


<br> [http://www.cob.org/documents/parks/bayview/whatcom_county_cemeteries.pdf Map of Whatcom County cemeteries (PDF)]
=== Bible Records ===
{{WA Bible Intro|Whatcom}}


*[http://www.bayviewcemetery.com Bayview Cemetery]
=== Biographies  ===
*Bethany Lutheran Cemetery (Bethania/Bethel)
{{WA Biographies Intro|Whatcom}}
*Blaine Cemetery
*Blaine Masonic Cemetery
*Buchanan Cemetery
*Case Cemetery
*[http://www.interment.net/data/us/wa/whatcom/beth_israel/beth.htm Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery]
*Enterprise Cemetery
*Glacier Cemetery
*Goshen Cemetery
*Greenacres Cemetery
*Greenwood Cemetery
*Haynie Cemetery
*Hillsdale Cemetery
*Hopewell Cemetery
*Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery
*Jobe Cemetery
*Kendall Cemetery
*King Mountain Cemetery (Terrace Land Memorial Garden of Psalms)
*Lakeside Cemetery
*Lummi Tribal Cemetery
*Lummi Island Cemetery
*Lynden Cemetery
*Lynden Jim Cemetery
*Maple Falls Cemetery
*Monumenta Cemetery
*Mount Calvary Cemetery
*Mount Hope Cemetery
*Mountain View Cemetery
*Nooksack Indian Cemetery
*Old Maple Falls (Cannon) Cemetery
*Perry Cemetery
*Point Roberts Cemetery
*Saint Anne's Cemeter
*Saint Joseph (Clipper) Cemetery
*Saint Peter's Catholic Cemetery
*Saxon Cemetery
*Semiahmoo Cemetery
*Sumas Cemetery
*Ten Mile Cemetery
*Van Zandt Cemetery
*Welcome (Kulshan) Cemetery
*Wickershame Cemetery
*Woodlawn Cemetery
*Zion Lutheran Cemetery


==== Census  ====
*[https://www.worldcat.org/title/32126974 History of Whatcom County], WorldCat: Author: Lottie Roeder Roth, Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1926.<br>
::Brief biographies of well-known citizens of the era of publication, as well as history of the early years of the community.<br><br>


{{WA Census}}  
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
{{WA Business Records Intro|Whatcom}}


*See [[Washington Census|Washington Census]] for online indexes and images of US federal censuses. of: 1856, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940.  
*'''2017-2023''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2255  Whatcom County Auditor, Professional License Records, 2017-2023] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*See [[Washington Population Schedule Indexes: Fiche, Film, or Book|statewide printed indexes]], including 1856.
*Check county indexes when online indexes fail. Created by people who knew the families of the area, they are often more accurate and they may have added insights. See [[Washington Periodicals|periodicals]] and [[{{PAGENAME}}#Archives.2C_Libraries.2C_etc.|local libraries]] or other record holders.


*1890 Veterans
=== Cemeteries ===
*1900
{{WA Cemeteries Intro|Whatcom}}
*1910
*1920
*1930
*1940


==== Church Records  ====
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;  "
 
|-
{{WA Church Intro}}
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Whatcom County, Washington''' online and in print</center>
 
|-
*Church records (microfilmed originals or published transcripts) for {{PAGENAME}} are listed in the {{FHL|Washington, Whatcom|place|disp=FamilySearch catalog}}. (Press space bar to select town.)
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
 
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/churchrecords.htm Records From Some Early Bellingham Churches]
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Whatcom+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_2989  Find a Grave]
 
*[http://usgwtombstones.org/washington/whatcom.htm WA Tombstone Transcription Project]
===== The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  =====
*[https://billiongraves.com/search/results?cemetery_country=United%20States&cemetery_state=Washington&cemetery_county=Whatcom&year_range=5&size=15  BillionGraves]
 
*[http://usgwarchives.net/wa/whatcom/whatcom.htm  USGenWeb Archives]
===== Lutheran  =====
*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/cem.htm WAGenWeb]
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print''' [[The Value of Cemetery Records in Print |(Often more complete)]]</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
*{{FSC|429095|subject-id|disp=FamilySearch Library}}
*[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Whatcom+County%2C+Washington%2C+cemeteries&qt=results_page WorldCat]
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?cemetery-name=&cemetery-loc=Whatcom+County%2C+Washington%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_2989 Find a Grave]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=396091&reqParentsLabel=Whatcom%2C%20Washington%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"|<center>See [[Washington Cemeteries|Washington Cemeteries]] for more information.<center>
|}
&nbsp;
*'''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
::Includes Lot and burial record 1884-1959; Lot purchase record 1887-1904; Woodlawn Cemetery burial list 1886-2007.
*[http://www.cob.org/documents/parks/bayview/whatcom_county_cemeteries.pdf Map of Whatcom County cemeteries (PDF)]


:*Records of Central Lutheran Church, Bellingham, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at [http://www.archives.com Archives.com] ($).
=== Census Records ===
{{WA Census Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Court Records ====
{{Historical populations
|type = USA
|heading = Census
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcom_County,_Washington#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]
|1860 |352
|1870 |534
|1880 |3137
|1890 |18591
|1900 |24116
|1910 |49511
|1920 |50600
|1930 |59128
|1940 |60355
|1950 |66733
|1960 |70317
|1970 |81950
|1980 |106701
|1990 |127780
|2000 |166814
|2010 |201140
}}
* '''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
::Includes School census index 1890-1932; School census records 1885-1933.
*'''1850-1914''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/70878/ Web: Washington, U.S., Various County Census Records, 1850-1914] at Ancestry (Free)
* Census indexes at [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/ Washington State Archives]
::'''Federal:''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/139 1910]
::'''Territorial:''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/505 1871], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/370 1885], [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/193 1889]


Many of your ancestors may be found in court records as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. Court records can establish family relationships and places of residence, occupations, and other family history information. See [[Washington Court Records]] for the various courts through the years.
=== Church Records ===
{{WA Church Intro|Whatcom}}


For specialized court records, see [[Whatcom County, Washington#Divorce|Divorce]] {{·}} [[Whatcom County, Washington#Guardianship|Guardianship]] {{·}} [[Whatcom County, Washington#Land_and_Property|Land]] {{·}} [[Whatcom County, Washington#Naturalization_and_Citizenship|Naturalization]]{{·}}[[Whatcom County, Washington#Probate_Records|Probate]]
*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/churchrecords.htm Records From Some Early Bellingham Churches] at Washington GenWeb


==== Directories ====
'''''Lutheran'''''<br>
*Records of Central Lutheran Church, Bellingham, in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America database at [http://www.archives.com Archives.com] ($).
*'''1781-1969''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60722/ U.S., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Church Records, 1781-1969] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/directories.htm Earliest Directories for Fairhaven, Bellingham, Whatcom and New Whatcom/Sehome]
'''List of Churches and Church Parishes'''<br>
*[http://www.cob.org/documents/library/books/1905-polk-directory.pdf 1905-1906 Bellingham / Whatcom&nbsp;Directory&nbsp;(28,300K PDF)]  
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=396091&reqParentsLabel=Whatcom%2C%20Washington%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]''': Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]
*[http://www.cob.org/documents/library/books/1915-polk-directory.pdf 1915 Bellingham / Whatcom&nbsp;Directory (44,200K PDF)]


==== Emigration and Immigration  ====
=== Court Records ===
{{WA Court Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Ethnic, Political or Religious Groups  ====
''Online Court Indexes and Records''<br>
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/239 Whatcom Frontier Justice.] Part of "''Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889'' at Washington State Archives - Index, no images
::The court procedure of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of Washington Territory. The index has many abstracts that provide names and what is happening in disputes, settlements in civil and criminal cases as well as probate, equity and admiralty cases.


===== American Indian  =====
=== Directories ===
{{WA Directories Intro|Whatcom}}


===== Japanese  =====
*'''1890-1, 1900-2''' [http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/directories.htm Earliest Directories for Fairhaven, Bellingham, Whatcom and New Whatcom/Sehome] at Washington GenWeb
*'''1905-1906''' [http://www.cob.org/documents/library/books/1905-polk-directory.pdf 1905-1906 Bellingham / Whatcom Directory (28,300K PDF)]
*'''1915''' [http://www.cob.org/documents/library/books/1915-polk-directory.pdf 1915 Bellingham / Whatcom Directory (44,200K PDF)]


World War II Files, 1942-1946
=== Emigration and Immigration  ===
{{WA Emigration Intro|Whatcom}}


Public Welfare/Social Security Department, ([http://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/486 Japanese Internment]) Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946 from the Washington State Archives – Digital Archives
=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups ===
{{WA Ethnic Groups Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Gazetteers  ====
'''''Japanese'''''<br>
*'''1942-1946''' [http://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/486 Public Welfare/Social Security Department, Evacuee (Japanese) Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946] at Washington State Archives - index and images; Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946


==== Genealogy ====
=== Funeral Homes ===
{{WA Funeral Homes Intro|Whatcom}}


{{CommunityTree}}  
=== Genealogies  ===
{{WA Genealogies Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Guardianship ====
=== Guardianship ===
{{WA Guardianship Intro|Whatcom}}


Guardianship of orphans or adults unable to manage their own affairs were handled by the [[Adams County, Washington#Probate_Records|probate]] and the Federal District courts. See [[Washington Court Records]].
=== Land and Property Records ===
{{WA Land Intro|Whatcom}}
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''2016-2023''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2249 Whatcom County Auditor, Recorded Land Records] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''2017-2023''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2253 Whatcom County Auditor, Plats and Surveys, 2017-2023] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


==== History  ====
=== Local Histories ===
{{WA Histories Intro|Whatcom}}


{{WA History Intro}}
Edition/Format:
*[http://www.stateofus.com/washington/whatcom-county/ "Whatcom County, Washington Facts"] at StateOfUS.com (it is mis-labeled as Whatcom County, Alabama)
*"History of Whatcom County", Author: Lottie Roeder Roth, Publisher:Chicago : Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1926. [https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=history+of+whatcom+county&qt=owc_search] There are a few versions of this work beginning in 1926, with later works adding an index and microform format available.


===== History Timeline  =====
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===
{{WA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{WA Whatcom County}}}}
{{WA Maps Intro|Whatcom}}
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=396091&reqParentsLabel=Whatcom%2C%20Washington%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=8&reqTypeLabel=Cities%20and%20Towns FamilySearch Places]: Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]


[http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/WA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#WHATCOM Historical County Boundaries] from Newberry Library<ref>John H. Long, ''Atlas of Historical County Boundaries'' (Chicago: Newberry Library, 2006) [http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/ online].</ref><br><br> Emphasis for this timeline is on events that affected migration, records, or record-keeping. Unless otherwise mentioned, the events below were gleaned from Wilma, David. ''Whatcom County -- Thumbnail History'', [http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=7327 History Link.org] Essay 7327.
=== Migration ===
* In historic times there were three tribal groups in the county: the Lummi, Nooksack, and Semiahmoo.
{{WA Migration Intro|Whatcom}}
*1791 -  Spanish explorer Manuel Quimper sent a sloop into the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and "discovered" Mount Baker.
*1827 - The Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Langley north of modern day Lynden.
*1853 -  Edward Eldridge arrived in Whatcom from California to work at the mill, bringing sawmill machinery.
*Settlers filed claims on the south end of the bay, setting the future site of Fairhaven, one of four towns that would develop on the shoreline.
*1854 March 9 - Whatcom County was established by the Washington territorial government from a portion of Island County.
*1857-1858 - Survey work began on the international boundary at the 49th parallel.
*1859 - John Tennant and his Lummi wife Clara filed the first official claim on the Nooksack River.
*1881 -  The "Washington Colony," a group of utopian Kansans, re-established the mill at Whatcom Creek.
*1899 - Whatcom County boomed when the Pacific American Fisheries (PAC) organized in Fairhaven.


==== Land and Property  ====
=== Military Records ===
{{WA Military Intro|Whatcom}}


{{WA Land Intro}}
*'''1885-1907''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/476 Military Department, National Guard Enlistment Register, 1885-1907] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1887-1957''' [http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/militaryindex.htm Military Records of Whatcom County] at Washington GenWeb


==== Maps  ====
'''''Indian Wars'''''
*'''1855-1856''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/495 Military Department, Indian War Muster Rolls, 1855-1856] at Washington State Archives - index and images


[[Image:Wawhatcom.jpg|300px|Wawhatcom.jpg]] <br>{{WAMapInfo}}  
'''''World War I'''''
*'''1917-1919''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/2748722  Louis Jacobin, comp. ''With the colors, from Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan Counties : an honor roll containing a pictorial record of the gallant and courageous men from northwestern Washington, U.S.A., who served in the world war, 1917-1918-1919.''Seattle, Washington : Peters Pub. Co, 1921]
* '''1921-1925''' {{RecordSearch|1878898|Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records, 1921-1925}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, World War I Veteran's Compensation Fund Application Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


==== Migration  ====
'''''World War II'''''


==== Military  ====
'''''Japanese'''''<br>
*'''1942-1946''' [http://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/486 Public Welfare/Social Security Department, Evacuee (Japanese) Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946] at Washington State Archives - index and images; Assistance Cases, Evacuee Referrals for Resettlement and Assistance, 1945-1946


*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/militaryindex.htm Some Whatcom County Military Records] Mostly Civil War related
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{WA Naturalization Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Naturalization and Citizenship  ====
''Online Naturalization Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
*'''1872-1988''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/312 Whatcom County Clerk, Naturalization Records, 1872-1988] at Washington State Archives - index and images


Declarations of Intent before 1906 often include the nation of origin, his* foreign and "Americanized" names, residence, and date of arrival. See [[Washington Naturalization and Citizenship]] for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(*Women were not naturalized until 1922 in the United States.)
=== Newspapers ===
{{WA Newspapers Intro|Whatcom}}


[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/RecordSeriesInfo.aspx?rsid=2 Washington State Digital Archives] has digitized various types of naturalization-related records, including declarations of intentions, delayed birth files, naturalization affidavits, notifications of application for admission to US citizenship, orders fixing naturalization terms, petitions and records, petitions, receipts for certificates of citizenship, record of final decrees of citizenship and record of petitions dockets. Depending on the county, records range from 1854-1988.
*'''1800s-Current''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50082/ Washington, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-Current] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1855-2009''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10633/washington-newspapers-1855-2009?s=275764761 Washington Newspapers, 1855-2009] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
*'''1885-1921''' [http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/npaperindex.htm Extractions From Old Whatcom County Newspapers] at Washington GenWeb
*[https://washingtondigitalnewspapers.org/ Washington Digital Newspaper] at Washington State Library
*[[Whatcom County, Washington Newspapers]] - List of known newspapers for the county, including town and years published for each newspaper


==== Newspapers  ====
=== Obituaries ===
{{WA Obituaries Intro|Whatcom}}


{{WA Newspaper abstracts|Whatcom}}
* '''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only


*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/npaperindex.htm Extractions From Old Whatcom County Newspapers]
=== Other Records ===
{{WA Other Records Intro|Whatcom}}


*[[{{PAGENAME}} Newspapers]] (Sortable by towns, years, and titles)
'''''Public Records'''''<br>
*'''Prior to 1965''' {{RecordSearch|1404287|Washington Postmaster Indexes, Prior to 1965}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, Postmaster Indexes - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only


==== Obituaries  ====
'''''Voting Records'''''<br>
* '''1876-1940''' {{RecordSearch|3754702|Washington Voting Records, 1876-1940}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington Voting Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


==== Periodicals ====
=== Periodicals ===
 
{{WA Periodicals Intro|Whatcom}}
==== Poorhouses, Poor Law, etc.  ====
*[[Washington Periodicals]]
 
==== Probate Records  ====
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1979435 County Probate Records, 1853-1929] FamilySearch Historical Collections (free)


=== Probate Records ===
{{WA Probate Intro|Whatcom}}
{{WA Probate Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Public Records ====
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
* '''1853-1929''' {{RecordSearch|1979435|Washington, County Probate Records, 1853-1929}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington County Probate Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


*[http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/paris/ Whatcom County recorded documents online]
=== School Records ===
{{WA Schools Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Repositories  ====
''Online School Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only
::Includes School census index 1890-1932; School census records 1885-1933.
*'''1885-1932''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2431 Whatcom County Historical School Districts, Registers and Censuses, 1885-1932] at Washington State Archives - index and images


*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/WGS/wgs.htm Whatcom Genealogical Society]
=== Social Security Records ===
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007]
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


==== Taxation  ====
=== Tax Records ===
{{WA Tax Intro|Whatcom}}


{{WA Tax Intro}}  
=== Vital Records ===
{{WA Vital Intro|Whatcom}}


==== Vital Records  ====
==== Birth ====
{{WA Birth Intro|Whatcom}}


{{WA vital intro}}  
* '''1803-2010''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/image/index?owc=https://www.familysearch.org/service/cds/recapi/collections/1910364/waypoints Washington, County Records, 1803-2010] at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; images only; Includes Birth registers 1891-1907; Birth returns 1891-1907; Births (delayed) 1871-1907.
*'''1852-1963''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20222/washington-births?s=275764761 Washington, Births] at MyHeritage — index & images ($)
* '''1871-1921''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2600 Department of Health, Delayed Birth Records] at Washington State Archives - index and images; includes some earlier and later dates
* '''1873-1965''' {{RecordSearch|3418468|Washington, County Birth Registers, 1873-1965}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Birth Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1889-1907''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/432 Whatcom County Birth Records, 1889-1907] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1904-1915''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2684 Bellingham City Clerk, Register of Births, 1904-1915] at Washington State Archives - index and images


===== Birth  =====
==== Marriage ====
{{WA Marriage Intro|Whatcom}}


*Washington State Digital Archives has a database of [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov./TitleInfo.aspx?TID=432 Whatcom County Birth Records]. This database contains the names and birth records of people who were born or whose births were recorded in Whatcom County from 1891 to 1907. The names were transcribed and images scanned from the Whatcom County Birth Returns.
*'''1801-1962''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=washington%2cwa Washington, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index ($)
* '''1855-2008''' {{RecordSearch|1534448|Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; Includes Index to Certificates 1870-1984; Affidavits 1883-1939; Marriage and Miscellaneous Business Licenses 1879-1917; Applications and Affidavits, Probate Bonds 1869-1877; Certificates 1890-1928; License Applications 1890-2011; Licenses 1900-1971; Returns 1891-1947.
*'''1891-2022''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/433 Whatcom County Auditor, Marriage Records, 1891-2022] with images, at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1968-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2601 Department of Health, Marriage Certificates, 1968-1997] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1969-2014''' {{RecordSearch|2761120|Washington Marriage Index, 1969-2014}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1969-2022''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2208 Department of Health, Marriage Index, 1969-2022] at Washington State Archives - index and images


===== Marriage  =====
==== Death ====
{{WA Death Intro|Whatcom}}
*'''1881-1979''' {{RecordSearch|3438698|Washington, County Death Registers, 1881-1979}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, County Death Registers - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1891-1907''' [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/TitleInfo.aspx?TID=431 Whatcom County Death Records] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1904-1915''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2682 Bellingham City Clerk, Register of Deaths, 1904-1915] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1907-1960''' {{RecordSearch|1454923|Washington Death Certificates, 1907-1960}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington, Death Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1907-1960''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30019/washington-death-certificates-1907-1960?s=275764761 Washington, Death Certificates, 1907-1960] at MyHeritage — index ($)
*'''1907-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2597 Department of Health, Death Certificates, July 1, 1907-1997] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1907-2020''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/472 Department of Health, Death Index, 1907-1960; 1965-2020] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1915-1928''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/475 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Fatal Accident Cards, 1915-1928] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1919-1921''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2711 Department of Health, Fetal Death Records, 1919-1921] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1935-1971''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2378 Lynden City Clerk (Whatcom County), Burial Transit Permits] at Washington State Archives - index and images


===== Divorce =====
==== Divorce ====
{{WA Divorce Intro|Whatcom}}


Divorce records give the names of the parties and may give the date and place of their marriage. See [[Washington Vital Records#Divorce_Records|Washington Vital Records]] for excellent information.  
*'''1968-1997''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2602 Department of Health, Divorce Certificates, 1968-1997] at Washington State Archives - index and images
*'''1969-2014''' {{RecordSearch|2759158|Washington Divorce Index, 1969-2014}} at FamilySearch — [[Washington Divorce Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1969-2017''' [https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2245 Department of Health, Divorce Index, 1969-2017] at Washington State Archives - index and images


===== Death  =====
== Research Facilities ==
{{WA Research Facilities Intro|Whatcom}}


*Washington State Digital Archives also has a database of [http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/TitleInfo.aspx?TID=431 Whatcom County Death Records] containing the names and death records of people who died or whose deaths were recorded in Whatcom County from 1891 to 1907.
=== Archives ===
 
{{WA Archives Intro|Whatcom}}
*'''[[Washington Statewide Death Certificates (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Washington Death Certificates 1907-1960]] '''A free internet index to the 1907-1960 death certificates can be found at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/show#uri=http://hr-search-api:8080/searchapi/search/collection/1454923 FamilySearch Record Search], no images are available. A transcribed death certificate may contain such information as name of the deceased, date and place of death, age, gender, birth date and birth place, mother’s maiden name and name of spouse, place of residence, occupation and certificate numbers.
 
==== Websites  ====
 
*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/index.htm Whatcom GenWeb]
 
*{{FHL|Washington%2C+Whatcom|subject|disp=Family History Library Catalog}}
*[http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/WA/Whatcom/ Whatcom County, Washington Genealogy and Family History] (Linkpendium)
 
=== Archives, Libraries, etc.  ===
 
Resources for {{PAGENAME}} are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the [[Washington Archives and Libraries|state]] (including [[Washington Archives and Libraries#University_Libraries_and_Special_Collections|universities]]), and the [[United States Archives and Libraries|nation]].
 
*Check websites and catalogs, such as items in {{FHL|Washington, Whatcom|place|disp=FamilySearch Library}} (Utah) or [http://smartcat.acpl.lib.in.us/?q=whatcom+county+Washington Allen County Public Library] (Indiana) for {{PAGENAME}}. {{GetACopy tip}}
 
===== Courthouse  =====
 
[http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/ Whatcom County Courthouse]<br> 311 Grand Avenue; PO Box 1144;<br>&nbsp;Bellingham, WA 98227<br> Phone: 360.676.6777&nbsp;<br><br>County Auditor has birth and death records 1891-1907, <br>marriage records from 1869 and land records; <br>County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records.
 
===== FamilySearch Centers  =====


=== FamilySearch Centers ===
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}
*[[Bellingham Washington Family History Center]]
===== Libraries  =====
{{WALibraries Intro}}
:[http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/ Bellingham Public Library], 210 Central Ave, Bellingham 98225  Phone: (360) 778-7323
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/ Fairhaven Branch Library], 1117 12th Street, Bellingham 98225  Phone: (360) 676-6877
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Whatcom County Library System], 5205 Northwest Drive, Bellingham 98226  Phone: (360) 384-3150
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Blaine Library], 610 3rd Street, Blaine 98230  Phone: (360) 332-8146
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Deming Library], 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming 98244  Phone: (360) 592-2422
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Everson Library], 104 Kirsch Drive, Everson 98247  Phone: (360) 966-5100
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Ferndale Library], 2222 Main Street, Ferndale 98248  Phone: (360) 384-3647
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Island Library], 2144 South Nugent Road, Lummi Island 98262  Phone: (360) 758-7145
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Lynden Library], 216 4th Street, Lynden 98264  Phone: (360) 354-4883
::Online Resources:
::Unique Collections:
:[http://www.wcls.org/ Maple Falls Library], 7509 Mt. Baker Highway, Maple Falls 98266  Phone: (360) 599-2020
::Online Resources:


::Unique Collections:
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/bellingham/2925-james-street Bellingham Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/mt-vernon/1700-east-hazel-street Mount Vernon Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/wa/friday-harbor/1013-lampard-road San Juan Washington FamilySearch Center]
*[https://www.naamnw.org/ Northwest African American Museum] - an affiliate library


:[http://www.wcls.org/ Point Roberts Library], , Point Roberts 98281  Phone: (360) 945-6545
=== Libraries ===
{{WA Libraries Intro|Whatcom}}


::Online Resources:
Resources for Whatcom County are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the [[Washington Archives and Libraries|state]] (including [[Washington Archives and Libraries#University_Libraries_and_Special_Collections|universities]]), and the [[United States Archives and Libraries|nation]].<br><br>


::Unique Collections:
'''Bellingham Public Library '''<br>[http://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/ Website]<br>
::Branches, locations and hours<br>[https://www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/about/locations-hours Website]<br><br>
'''Whatcom County Library System'''<br>[http://www.wcls.org/ Website]<br>
::Branches, locations, and hours<br>[https://www.wcls.org/about-wcls/ Website]<br><br>


:[http://www.wcls.org/ Sumas Library], 451 2nd Street, Sumas 98295  Phone: (360) 988-2501
=== Museums ===
{{WA Museums Intro|Whatcom}}


===== Museums  =====
===Societies===
{{WA Societies Intro|Whatcom}}


===== Societies  =====
'''Whatcom Genealogical Society'''<br>P.O. Box 1493<br>Bellingham, WA 98227-1493<br>[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/WGS/wgs.htm Website]<br>[https://www.facebook.com/WhatcomGenealogicalSociety Facebook]


=== Towns and Communities  ===
== Websites ==
{{WA Websites Intro|Whatcom}}


See a list of towns and communities in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcom_County,_Washington#Cities Whatcom County] per Wikipedia.  
*[http://wagenweb.org/whatcom/ WAGenWeb] Whatcom County
*[http://usgwarchives.net/wa/whatcom/whatcom.htm USGW Archives]
*[http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections#RSID:5 Washington State Archives]
*{{FSC Place IDNum|2973|Washington|Whatcom}} – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.


=== References  ===
== Research Guides ==
{{WA Research Guides Intro|Whatcom}}


<references /> {{Washington|Washington}}
== References ==
<references />


{{Washington|Washington}}
[[Category:Whatcom_County,_Washington]]
[[Category:Whatcom_County,_Washington]]
[[Category:Washington Counties]]

Latest revision as of 15:35, 5 June 2024

Guide to Whatcom County, Washington ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

County Facts
County seat: Bellingham
Organized: March 9, 1854
Parent County(s): Island
Neighboring Counties
British Columbia (Canada) • Okanogan • San Juan • Skagit
See County Maps
Courthouse
Washington, Whatcom County Courthouse.png
Location Map
Wa-whatcom.png

Upper Falls in Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham, Whatcom CO., Washington

County Information

Description

The county was named for the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water." The county is located in the northwest area of the state.[1]

County Courthouse

Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-778-5400
Whatcom County Website

County Auditor has birth and death records 1891-1907, marriage records from 1869 and land records.
County Clerk has divorce, probate and court records.[2]

Whatcom County, Washington Record Dates

Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records[3]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1891 1854 1891 1883 1854 1872 1850
*Statewide registration for births and deaths began in 1907. General compliance by 1917.

Record Loss

There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.

Boundary Changes

Populated Places

For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit Hometown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[6]

Cities
Unincorporated communities
  • Beach
  • Blue Canyon
  • Cedarville
  • Chuckanut
  • Clearbrook
  • Clipper
  • Dewey
  • Diablo
  • Saxon
  • Van Buren
  • Van Wyck
  • Van Zandt
  • Wahl
  • Welcome
  • Wickersham
American Indian Communities
Census-designated places
Ghost towns
  • Park


History Timeline

  • In historic times there were three tribal groups in the county: the Lummi, Nooksack, and Semiahmoo.
  • 1791 Spanish explorer Manuel Quimper sent a sloop into the Strait of San Juan de Fuca and "discovered" Mount Baker.
  • 1827 The Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Langley north of modern day Lynden.
  • 1853 Edward Eldridge arrived in Whatcom from California to work at the mill, bringing sawmill machinery.
  • 1853 March 2, U.S. President Millard Fillmore establishes Washington Territory.
  • 1854 Settlers filed claims on the south end of the bay, setting the future site of Fairhaven, one of four towns that would develop on the shoreline.
  • 1854 March 9, Whatcom County was established by the Washington territorial government from a portion of Island County.
  • 1857-1858 Survey work began on the international boundary at the 49th parallel.
  • 1859 John Tennant and his Lummi wife Clara filed the first official claim on the Nooksack River.
  • 1881 The "Washington Colony," a group of utopian Kansans, re-established the mill at Whatcom Creek.
  • 1899 Whatcom County boomed when the Pacific American Fisheries (PAC) organized in Fairhaven.

Resources

Bible Records

Biographies

Biographical information is often found in Local Histories and in Genealogies (please see those headings). See also Washington Biography.

Brief biographies of well-known citizens of the era of publication, as well as history of the early years of the community.

Business, Commerce, and Occupations

Cemeteries

Cemeteries of Whatcom County, Washington online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online
Tombstone Transcriptions in Print (Often more complete)
List of Cemeteries in the County
See Washington Cemeteries for more information.

 

Includes Lot and burial record 1884-1959; Lot purchase record 1887-1904; Woodlawn Cemetery burial list 1886-2007.

Census Records

See Washington Census for online censuses, including territorial. For more information, see United States Census.

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1860 352 —
1870 534 51.7%
1880 3,137 487.5%
1890 18,591 492.6%
1900 24,116 29.7%
1910 49,511 105.3%
1920 50,600 2.2%
1930 59,128 16.9%
1940 60,355 2.1%
1950 66,733 10.6%
1960 70,317 5.4%
1970 81,950 16.5%
1980 106,701 30.2%
1990 127,780 19.8%
2000 166,814 30.5%
2010 201,140 20.6%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".
Includes School census index 1890-1932; School census records 1885-1933.
Federal: 1910
Territorial: 1871, 1885, 1889

Church Records

The information church records provide depends upon the church practices and the record keepers. Records may include names, ages, and dates of events such as baptism, marriage, or burial. See Washington Church Records.

Lutheran

List of Churches and Church Parishes

Court Records

Your ancestors may be found in court records as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. Highly variable in personal information, court records can mention relatives, occupations, or pinpoint residences and dates. See Washington Court Records for the various courts used through the years.

Online Court Indexes and Records

  • Whatcom Frontier Justice. Part of "Frontier Justice’’: Guide to the Court Records of Washington Territory, 1853-1889 at Washington State Archives - Index, no images
The court procedure of Frontier Justice touch nearly all pioneers of Washington Territory. The index has many abstracts that provide names and what is happening in disputes, settlements in civil and criminal cases as well as probate, equity and admiralty cases.

Directories

Emigration and Immigration

Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups

Japanese

Funeral Homes

Genealogies

Many local libraries and societies have collections of family genealogies. Local histories or biographies often include brief genealogies of the featured persons. See also Washington Compiled Genealogies.

Guardianship

Guardianship of orphans or adults unable to manage their own affairs were handled by Probate or District courts. See Washington Court Records and Washington Probate Records.

Land and Property Records

Online Land Indexes and Records

Local Histories

Local histories for Whatcom County may include biographies, history of churches, schools, local government with names of officials, military information, and more. See Washington Local Histories.

Edition/Format:

  • "Whatcom County, Washington Facts" at StateOfUS.com (it is mis-labeled as Whatcom County, Alabama)
  • "History of Whatcom County", Author: Lottie Roeder Roth, Publisher:Chicago : Pioneer Historical Pub. Co., 1926. [1] There are a few versions of this work beginning in 1926, with later works adding an index and microform format available.

Maps and Gazetteers

British ColumbiaOkanogan CountySkagit CountyIsland CountySan Juan CountyWA WHATCOM.PNG
Click a neighboring county
for more resources

Migration

Most residents came to Washington from other states or crossed the border from Canada. (See Seattle Passenger Lists for those who came from other countries.) Although few other migration records exist, try:
• Censuses: (use birthdates and places of children as clues)
• Land Records: (1st deed may reveal previous residence)
• Death-related records of children may give town or county of birth
• Records of relatives and neighbors

Military Records

Indian Wars

World War I

World War II

Japanese

Naturalization and Citizenship

Declarations of Intent before 1906 often include the nation of origin, foreign and "Americanized" names, residence, and date of arrival. See Washington Naturalization and Citizenship for more information. Note: Until 1922 in the United States, women's citizenship was based on that of their husbands.

Online Naturalization Indexes and Records

Newspapers

Small town newspapers provide historical content and contain obituaries, birth or death notices, legal notices, and community news, such as visits to or from out-of-town relatives. See Washington Newspapers for tips, resources, and details.

Obituaries

Obituaries may mention birth, marriage, spouse, parents, living family members, education, occupation, and more. See Washington Obituaries for state level collections and United States Obituaries for tips and insights.

Other Records

Public Records

Voting Records

Periodicals

Probate Records

Probate records identify heirs of the decedents, give the (approximate) death dates, and provide specifics about property holdings. The records were kept by the county judge.

These include wills, inheritance records, dockets, and other documents regarding property and estates of individuals who have died. See also Court Records for civil actions involving estates. Also see Washington Probate Records.

Online Probate Indexes and Records

School Records

Online School Indexes and Records

Includes School census index 1890-1932; School census records 1885-1933.

Social Security Records

Tax Records

Washington tax records complement land records and can supplement the years between censuses. There may be gaps of several years in the tax records of some counties. For more information, see the wiki page Washington Taxation.

Vital Records

In 1891, coroners, physicians, and midwives were to "return" births and deaths to the county auditor. Many went unrecorded. On July 1, 1907, the State Center for Health Statistics assumed this responsibility.[7]

Birth

Marriage

Death

Divorce

The county clerk has the divorce records. To order certificates, see Washington State Department of Health.

Research Facilities

Archives

Listed below are archives in Whatcom County. For state-wide facilities, see Washington Archives and Libraries.

FamilySearch Centers

FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries

  • FamilySearch Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
  • FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a FamilySearch center.

Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries

Libraries

Local public libraries—even smaller ones—often have Unique Genealogical Collections that are not online for the area they serve. Many libraries in Washington have an area dedicated to local history and genealogy. Listed below are libraries in Whatcom County. For state-wide library facilities, see Washington Archives and Libraries.

Resources for Whatcom County are available in libraries, archives, and other repositories at all levels: the town, the county, the state (including universities), and the nation.

Bellingham Public Library
Website

Branches, locations and hours
Website

Whatcom County Library System
Website

Branches, locations, and hours
Website

Museums

Societies

Listed below are societies in Whatcom County. For state-wide genealogical and historical societies, see Washington Societies.

Whatcom Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 1493
Bellingham, WA 98227-1493
Website
Facebook

Websites

Check back often with websites. Local societies and libraries may know of other websites.

Research Guides

References

  1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Whatcom County, Washington," in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcom_County,_Washington. accessed 18/07/2019
  2. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Whatcom County, Washington page 734, FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  3. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Whatcom County, Washington . Page 732-735 At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 733-734.
  4. ↑ The Evolution of Washington Counties by Newton Carl Abbott, Fred E. Carver, 1979. Published by the Yakima Valley Genealogical Society and Klickitat County Genealogical Society.
  5. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  6. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Whatcom County, Washington," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whatcom_County,_Washington, accessed 26 March 2019.
  7. ↑ Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Birth Records, About this Collection & Washington State Archives - Digital Archives, Death Records About Death Records
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