Whatcom County Cemeteries

Cemeteries in Whatcom County
Compiled by
Whatcom Genealogical Society

Series II of recorded burials in Whatcom County, Washington continues our cemetery listings through 31 Dec 1985. This project was conceived in the first year of the Society. As Society membership increased, so did the pace of accumulating data.
This series does include all material from the first series, but in some cases, a burial may be listed in a different cemetery if newer information updated previous records. Cemeteries were "walked" and headstone information methodically recorded to aid in the production of this series. Information from local mortuary records and monument inscriptions have also been supplemented in some volumes by other sources, some of which present conflicting data. Also, some references document burials at specific locations not substantiated by existing records of that cemetery.
The following sources were used in compiling these records: death certificates on file at the Whatcom County Health Department, all records of deaths in the Auditor’s Office, Whatcom County Court House, all known records in local funeral homes, obituaries in Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden and other regional newspapers, inscriptions on cemetery stones, all known cemetery records, information from any other source deemed to be authentic.
Among the many former and current members of the Society contributing to these burial records are Earl Christensen, Zelda Stout, Frances Todd, Muriel Larson, Beverly Roper, Dolores Ackerman, Karen Youtsey Sipes, Donna Sand, Robert Witherspoon, Nancy Parker, Mike Toennessen, Louise Greer and Merrily Lawson.
We are grateful to the Whatcom County Health Department, the Whatcom County Auditor and to all of the local mortuaries for their cooperation in making their records available.
BAYVIEW CEMETERY – Volume XII
Bayview Cemetery is located behind the funeral home at the intersection of Lakeway Drive and Yew Street in Bellingham, Washington. From I-5, take the Lakeway Drive exit, #253, travel east approximately 1 mile to the intersection at Yew Street, turn left onto Woburn Street, travel 2/10 of a mile to the main entrance of the cemetery. The cemetery can also be reached via two entrances on Lakeway Drive, a short distance east of the Woburn/Yew Street intersection.
The "History of Whatcom County" by Roth, 1926, is the source of much of the following history. What is now the City of Bellingham was originally four towns – Whatcom, Sehome (later called New Whatcom), "Old" Bellingham and Fairhaven.
On May 6, 1862, approximately four acres were purchased from Dan Harris for $150 for a graveyard for Whatcom County. This area, approximately 4-1/2 mile southwest of the present Bayview Cemetery, became known as Deadman’s Point because a number of skeletons, brass buttons and Spanish arms were said to have been unearthed there.
In September 1887, the Town of Whatcom purchased a ten acre plot for a cemetery "on the road to Lake Whatcom." Interments were made by 1888. In 1889 Whatcom and Sehome purchased an additional 12 acres, and in the same year 64 bodies were exhumed from Deadman’s Point and reinterred in this newer cemetery. Relatives claimed few of these bodies. The body of Michael PADDEN who died in1880 (after whom Lake Padden is named) and his children were exhumed – the location of reinterrment unknown. Also, one of those exhumed was an officer of the Hudson’s Bay Company, said to have been buried in 1844. And at that time some bodies buried near F Street were moved to this new cemetery which, prior to 1900, became appropriately known as Bayview Cemetery.
In 1924 the remainder of the present area of this cemetery was purchased. The mausoleum property and building were deeded to the city in 1929 by the Bellingham Community Mausoleum Association, making a total area of approximately 234 acres.
Roth also states that all 23 people who perished in the April 8, 1895 Blue Canyon Mine explosion were buried in Bayview Cemetery. Allowing for minor variations in spelling, all these can be located in this cemetery except for William EVANS, J. KIRBY, J. A. MORGAN and George ROBERTS. These four could no be located in any cemetery in Whatcom County.
Among prominent citizens buried in Bayview Cemetery are:
A former governor of Washington, Albert E. MEAD;
A former poet laureate of Washington, Ella HIGGINSON;
A former mayor of San Francisco, CA, Isaac Smith KALLCOH, whose body was reinterred from his estate at Sehome.
In 1973 cemetery records were copied by members Florence Chandler, Illene Fleming, Ruth Gibbs, Norma Marsh, Leah Mercer, Zelda Stout, Janet Stull, Daisy Wikberg, Neill Mullen and Earle Christenson. In the early 1980’s headstones were copied by members Faye Myers, Donna Sand, Evelyn Green, Clyde Senger, and numerous others. City burial records were also checked by members Zelda Stout, Earle Christenson and Dolores Ackerman.
Inquiries should be addressed to Bayview Cemetery, 1400 Woburn Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
BETHANY LUTHERAN CEMETERY – Volume VII
Bethany Lutheran Cemetery (sometimes referred to as Bethania or Bethel) is located on the north side of Mt. Baker Highway just east of the junction of Lawrence Road and Mt. Baker Highway at Nugent’s Corner (SE corner of SW1/4 of NW1/4 of NW1/4 Sec 27, T39N R4E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East 10.1 miles to the church at Nugent’s Corner (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles). The cemetery is just east of the Lawrence Road intersection on the north side of the highway (this portion of the highway is also part of State Highway 9) on the same grounds as Bethany Chapel.
In 1905, 0.85 acres of land for the church and cemetery were bought from Gus LIND. (This is one of three cemeteries in Whatcom County located in a church yard.) It has been the policy at this church to bury members on the west side of the church and non-members east of the church. On 28 Jun 1946, the cemetery was platted, with Andrew HILLERUD, Secretary and Kermit SAND, Chairman of the Board of Bethany Lutheran Free Church, signing the papers. A few graves were moved to permit widening of the highway.
Early cemetery records are nonexistent. Inquiries should be directed to Bethany Chapel at 360-592-2221.
BETH ISRAEL CEMETERY – Volume XI
Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery is north of and adjacent to Bayview Cemetery, 1400 Woburn St., Bellingham, WA. Access is only through Bayview Cemetery.
Approximately an acre of land was purchased from the City by the members of the Beth Israel Synagogue in 1912. The First burial was January in 1914.
The Hebrew names and dates are inscribed on the headstones in Hebrew, and these were translated by Rabbi Frederick S. GARTNER prior to the first printing of these records in 1973.
Inquiries: Beth Israel Synagogue, 2200 Broadway, Bellingham, WA 98225.
BETH ISRAEL CEMETERY
BLAINE CEMETERY –Volume III
Blaine Cemetery is located 2 miles east of Blaine on the south side of "H" Street Road (NE1/4 of NE1/2 of Sec 5, T40N, R1E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take Exit 275 (also known as Truck Route and State Highway 543) and proceed north on the truck route .6 miles to H Street. Turn right on H Street and travel 1.2 miles to the cemetery entrance.
In the spring of 1888, citizens of Blaine and vicinity met and formed the Blaine Cemetery Association. On 11 Jun 1894 a deed was recorded (to take the place of a deed not dated but recorded on 17 April 1889) in the records of Whatcom County, Washington Territory, in which William L .and Lucy R. ROGERS transferred 5 acres, more or less, "to be held in trust for" the Blaine Cemetery Association. On 31 Dec 1896, the Blaine Cemetery Association transferred the cemetery to the IOOF Lodge, and in May 1934 the cemetery was transferred back to the Association, with the IOOF retaining certain rights and privileges in the northeast corner for burials.
Carl G. CARLSON donated additional land to the cemetery on 24 Feb 1908 and again in 1914. On 17 Dec 1934, the Blaine Cemetery Association transferred to the City of Blaine all property, records and other holdings of the cemetery. The cemetery is now approximately 10 acres in size.
The first burial was Aretas WHITCOMB in Jun 1888. The first death recorded is Hattie KINGSBURY in 1871 at age 1 year.
Inquiries should be addressed to the City Treasurer, City of Blaine, Blaine, WA 98230.
BLAINE CEMETERY city burial records. Sadly the new webpage has removed the date of death/burial.
BLAINE MASONIC – Volume III
Blaine Masonic Cemetery was located on the north side of Sweet Road, approximately 1-1/2 miles east of Blaine, and directly south of Blaine Cemetery (SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 of Sec 5, R1E T40N WM).
This cemetery was administered by Blaine Masonic Lodge No. 79. Intermittently, bodies were removed and interred elsewhere, and the land was abandoned for cemetery purposes. The last removals were on 16 and 17 September 1960, with reinterment in Greenacres Memorial Park.
BUCHANAN CEMETERY – Volume XI
Buchanan Cemetery is located about 1/2 mile north and 1/4 mile west of the fire hall at Agate Bay (Sec 24, R3E T38N). There is no public access to what remains of this cemetery. The late W. W. ALTMAN contibuted to this history and burials. The cemetery was set aside in 1890 (originally 40 acres) by Joseph F. BUCHANAN, a homesteader, upon the death of his son, Henry. It was a private cemetery first used by the family, but soon opened to any settler, and entirely unregulated by state or county. The Whatcom County Bureau of Vital Statistics has no record of this cemetery or of any of the people buried here. Through the years about 25 (some say as many as 50) people were buried here, including five Buchanans. By 1917 no further burials were permitted, but as it had always been Joseph Buchanan’s wish to be buried with the other members of his family, his desire was honored by the interment of his ashes at the grave of his wife, Sophia Jane.
By 1974, the cemetery was reduced in size to about 100 feet by 100 feet. A few grave depressions could still be found then but none of the wooden markers were left. This cemetery was sometimes referred to as "Woodlawn Cemetery" because the Agate Bay region was originally called Woodlawn.
CANNON CEMETERY – see Old Maple Falls Cemetery.
CASE CEMETERY – Volume IX
Case Cemetery is located on the east side of State Highway 9 (Northern 1/2 of Sec 8, T38N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 14.6 miles to the State Highway 9 South junction. Turn right (south) on Highway 9 South and continue .9 of a mile to the cemetery on the east side of the Highway.
At one time Case Cemetery and Mt. Hope Cemetery (located approximately 1-1/2 miles north) are sometimes referred to as "Deming Cemetery."
CENTRAL CEMETERY – see Ten Mile Cemetery.
CLEARBROOK CEMETERY – see Lakeside Cemetery.
CLIPPER CEMETERY – see St. Joseph Cemetery.
COLUMBIA VALLEY – see St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
DEMING CATHOLIC CEMETERY -- see St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
DEMING CEMETERY – see Mt. Hope Cemetery and Case Cemetery.
ENTERPRISE CEMETERY – Volume IV
Enterprise Cemetery is located on the west side of Vista Drive, between Grandview and Fox Roads (NW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sec 1, T39N R1E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Grandview Road exit (Exit 266) Turn left (west) on Grandview Road and proceed 1 mile to Vista Drive. Turn right (north) on Vista Drive and continue .5 of a mile until you reach the cemetery entrance on your left (west side of the road).
There is a legend that two white men were buried at this site in the early 1820’s. However, Jeffcott in "Nooksack Tales And Trails" says the first burial was an infant. Further, an old time resident states that members of the BROWN family were the first burials.
According to records of deeds, the original plot of about 1-1/8 acres was donated by Mr. David WALLACE on 30 Jan 1886 to M. L. GEE, John J. BROWN, Franklin BRUNSON as trustees and their successors in office to be used as a cemetery for the burial of the dead. Several additional parcels of land have been added until there are now 13 acres. Enterprise Cemetery and Mountain View Cemetery comprise Whatcom County Cemetery District No 7. There is a resident sexton at Enterprise Cemetery. Cemetery records are very incomplete and have been extensively supplemented from other sources (i.e. newspaper clippings, family records, mortuary records, etc). Inquiries should be addressed to:
The Sexton, Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Drive, Ferndale, WA
GLACIER CEMETERY – Volume IX
Glacier Township Cemetery is located on a footpath, about 200 feet long, running northeast from the Mt. Baker Highway (State Highway 542), 1 mile east of the Glacier Post Office. The path entry is about 750 feet east of the entrance to the Mt. Baker Rim development or 250 feet west of Glacier Creek Road, and is marked with a chain and "No Trespassing" sign. To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 14.4 miles to Deming. From Deming, continue east on Mt. Baker Hwy 35 miles.
The 1.3 acre tract is located in the SE corner of SW1/4 of SE1/4 Sec 5, T39N R7E and was donated to the township by Mrs. Nellie SAMPSON, with the first burial in 1924. A search of township records in files of County Commissioners found nothing relating to the cemetery. Jake STEINER of Glacier was helpful in securing information when the first cemetery series by WGS were done in 1974, at which time headstone data was recorded. There is no known contact.
GOSHEN (SULKANON) CEMETERY – Volume VII
Goshen, or Sulkanon, Cemetery is located on the east side of Roberts Road, a short distance north of Goshen Road (NE1/4 of Sec 19, T39N R4E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East 7 miles to Sand Road (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker highway after about 2 miles). Turn left (north) on Sand Road and proceed north 2.7 miles to Goshen Road. Turn left (west) on Goshen Road and continue .3 of a mile west to Roberts Road. Turn right (north) on Roberts Road and continue .1 of a mile to the cemetery entrance. The cemetery was formally established by the donation of approximately one acre of land from the 160 acres of Robert SULKANON. Inquiries should be directed to the Nooksack Tribal Council at 360-592-5176.
GRANGE CEMETERY – see Van Zandt Cemetery.
GREENACRES MEMORIAL PARK – Volume X
Greenacres Memorial park is located in the SW1/4 of SE1/4 of Section 22, Township 39N, Range 2E, from the Willamette Meridian at Northwest Drive and Axton Road, 5 miles northwest of Bellingham. Greenacres has been a privately owned cemetery since 1930.
To reach the cemetery from I-5, take Exit 262 (Ferndale/Axton Road exit) and drive east 1.7 miles on E.Main Street/W. Axton Road to the corner of W. Axton Road and Northwest Drive. The entrance to the cemetery is at the intersection.
Inquiries: Manager, Greenacres Memorial Park, Box 697, Bellingham, WA 98225.
GREENWOOD CEMETERY – Volume VI
Greenwood Cemetery is located on the south side of Wiser Lake Road (SW 1/4, Sec 32, T39N, R3E, WM ). From I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden also are on the highway signage). Proceed north 8.5 miles on Meridian St. (which becomes Guide Meridian after about a mile) to East Wiser Lake Road. Turn right (east) on East Wiser Lake Road and continue 1.4 miles to the cemetery entrance. East Wiser Lake Road has several curves so care is required to continue on the correct road. Greenwood Cemetery was started as a community project and later the Methodist Church assumed responsibility until a Cemetery Association was formed. Over the years the Association was unable to properly maintain the upkeep and the cemetery grew into a state of neglect. Today the cemetery is a part of Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 10. The first death recorded was in 1895.
All visible stones were read. Inquiries should be directed to Joyce McElroy, Secretary,1301 E Street #204, Lynden,WA 98264. Telephone: 360-656-6551 E-mail: pjalabama@juno.com
GREENWOOD CEMETERY tombstone inscriptions only

HAYNIE CEMETERY – Volume III
Haynie Cemetery is located on the west side of Valley View Road approximately four and one-half miles southeast of Blaine, WA (Extreme NE corner of Sec 15, T40N R1E). To reach Haynie Cemetery from I-5, take the Birch Bay-Lynden Rd exit (Exit 270). At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, proceed right and then immediately left (north) on Valley View Road. Continue on Valley View Road 1.9 miles to the cemetery entrance.
On May 18, 1889, Ditley ANDERSON deeded to George PENNINGTON one square acre of land, reserving "a space of sufficient sice (sic) to bury ten persons, and the privilege of crossing said tract for such purpose. Said tract to be used - a burrying (sic) yard for the dead." On June 18, 1904, George and Emma PENNINGTON deeded the same tract to "The Trustees of the ‘Haynie Cemetery Association’" and buried twin sons there. A second plot was also donated, and later a third portion was donated by Jess PEARSON. In the beginning, those who worked to help clear the ground received a cemetery lot in payment.
The name "Haynie" is said to have come from a surveyor by the name of "Haney" who was hired to survey for a railroad between Blaine, Lynden and Bellingham. The Haynie Helping Hand oversees care of the cemetery.
Inquiries should be addressed to: Joan Kudsk, 360-366-5111.
HILLSDALE CEMETERY – Volume III
Hillsdale Cemetery is located south of California Creek and on the east side of Blaine Road (West 1/2 of NW1/4 of Sec 17, R1E T40N). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Lynden-Birch Bay Road exit (Exit 270). Turn left (west) on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and continue 2.9 miles to Blaine Road. Turn right (north) on Blaine Road (State Highway North 548) and proceed north 1.2 miles to the cemetery entrance. The cemetery was formerly known as the California Creek Cemetery. According to the booklet "Pioneers of Peace", August 2-8 Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, Blaine, WA 1884-1959:
"The Methodists built their church in 1871 on the south bank of California Creek on land that is now the California Creek Cemetery. James RUCKER donated the land for the church and cemetery."
Today only the cemetery remains. The first death recorded was in 1881. Inquiries should be directed to Ms Nora Atwood at 360-371-7509
HILLSDALE CEMETERY tombstone inscriptions only.
HOPEWELL CEMETERY – Volume VII
Hopewell Cemetery (at one time called LICKING CEMETERY) is located at the northeast corner of the Hopewell and Oat Cole Roads, about 3 miles north of Nugent’s Corner (NE1/4 of Sec 9, T39N R4E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 9.9 miles to the State Highway 9 North junction at Lawrence Road at Nugent’s Corner. Turn left (north) on Lawrence Road and follow Highway 9 North 3.3 miles to Hopewell Road. Turn right (east) on Hopewell Road and proceed .3 of a mile to the cemetery.
In 1904 Moses "Grandpa" PUARIEA donated 2-1/2 acres of land for the cemetery. A cemetery association was formed, and the by-laws were approved 12 Dec 1904. The first recorded burial is that of George READ, who was interred 16 May 1901. The cemetery continues to be administered by the association, with officers from the community.
For further information, contact Mrs. Wm. E. Ridenhour, 3348 Mack Road, Everson, WA, 98247 or phone 360-966-2261.
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CEMETERY – Volume VII
Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery is located east of State Highway 9 about 3/4 mile north of Nugent’s Corner (Eastern 1/2 of Sec 22, T39N R4E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St. Hwy 542 East and Mt Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 9.9 miles to the Hwy 9 North junction at Lawrence Road at Nugent’s Corner. Turn left (north) on Lawrence Road and continue 3/4 of a mile to the cemetery which is 1/4 of a mile past the church.
This 1.43 acre cemetery is owned by the Immanuel Lutheran Church which was organized in 1891 and was located on land donated by Fred WILLIAMS and his son Fred. The church was originally located in the cemetery, but in 1947 a new church, located a short distance south, was built and dedicated. Cemetery records are available since origin, but are not complete. Early church records are available in Norwegian.
For further information contact the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5782 Lawrence Rd, Everson, WA, 98247 or phone 360-592-5876.
JOBE CEMETERY – Volume VI
Jobe Cemetery (also called Northwood Cemetery) is located on the east side of Northwood Road (SW1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec 15, T40N R3E). Jobe and Lynden Jim Cemeteries were originally one until Northwood Road divided the two. From I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit 256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden also are on the highway signage). Proceed north 12.5 miles on Meridian St. (which becomes Guide Meridian after about a mile) to East Badger Road, aka State Highway 546. Turn right (east) on E. Badger Road and continue 3.5 miles to Northwood Road. Turn right (south) on Northwood Road and drive .3 of a mile to the cemetery. Jobe Cemetery is on the east side of the road where approximately 6-8 stones are visible. Lynden Jim Cemetery is on the west side of the road. There are no known records for the cemetery. Inquiries should be directed to the Nooksack Tribal Council at 360-592-5176.
KENDALL CEMETERY – Volume IX
Kendall Cemetery is located on the south side of Mt. Baker Highway, approximately 2 miles south of Kendall and about 6 miles northeast of Deming (SW corner Sec 3, T39N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St. Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 14.4 miles to Deming. From Deming, continue east on Mt. Baker Hwy 6.4 miles to the cemetery entrance on the south side of the highway. The cemetery is opposite St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
The Kendall Cemetery Association was formed and voted to incorporate on 22 Sep 1908 with Matt BIRDWELL as first chairman and J. BROYLES as first elected president. On 5 Nov 1908 Matt BIRDWELL and J. A. MCMICHAEL deeded about 1 acre of land to the cemetery association. Inquiries should be addressed to Mrs. Lucy Hamilton, 6314 Mt. Baker Hwy, Deming, WA 98244, phone 360-599-2893 or to Clarence Leavitt at 360-592-2600.
KING MOUNTAIN CEMETERY – Volume XI
On King Mountain, north of Bellingham, the "Terrace Land Memorial Garden of Psalms" was organized 8 April 1963 for cemetery purposes. There were no burials as of 1985 at this location; NE1/4 of Sec 7, T38N R3E.
KULSHAN CEMETERY – see Welcome Cemetery.
LAKESIDE CEMETERY –Volume VI
Lakeside Cemetery (also known as Clearbrook Cemetery and Van Buren Cemetery) is located on the north side of Pangborn Road, a short distance west of Trap Line Road, adjacent to Pangborn Lake (SW1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec 1, T40N R3E). From I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden also are on the highway signage). Proceed north 12.5 miles on Meridian St. (which becomes Guide Meridian after about a mile) to East Badger Road, also known as State Highway 546. Turn right and continue east on East Badger Road for 6 miles to Trap Line Road. Turn left (north) on Trap Line Road and continue 1.2 miles to Pangborn Road. Turn left (west) on Pangborn Road and continue .2 of a mile to the cemetery entrance.
In the past, this cemetery has been referred to as Clearbrook Cemetery, Pangborn Lake Cemetery and Van Buren Cemetery. A one and one-half acre plot, more or less, was donated in June 1899 by Henry C. EHLERS to the trustees of the Lakeside Cemetery Association of Clearbrook, Whatcom Co, WA. This area had been a portion of his large orchard. A number of burials on family farms and at least five from the Perry Cemetery were reinterred here. An additional acre was purchased and added in 1921. In 1974 Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 11 was formed, including this cemetery within its borders, assuring future care.
Cemetery records contain a high percentage of the burials, stating birthplace, date of death, last residence, age and often marital status. Inquiries should be directed to Bob Kirkham, phone 360-966-4270.
LICKING CEMETERY – see Hopewell Cemetery.
LUMMI ISLAND CEMETERY – Volume V
Lummi Island Cemetery is located south of Ferndale, WA on Lummi Island (NW1/4 of SW1/4 of NE1/4 Sec 9, T37N R1E). To reach the cemetery, you must take the Ferry at Gooseberry Point. From I-5, take the Slater Road exit (Exit 260) and turn west on Slater Road. Proceed west 3.6 miles to Haxton Way. Turn left (south) on Haxton Way and proceed 6.5 miles to Gooseberry Point and the ferry landing. The ferry runs every half hour and does accommodate a limited number of cars. For a 3 or 4-week period each spring, usually in May, a foot-passenger only ferry is available while the main ferry is undergoing annual maintenance.
Once you have arrived on Lummi Island, turn left (south) on Nugent Road a short distance, then right (west) on Legoe Bay Rd and proceed .5 of a mile to the cemetery on the south side of Legoe Bay Road. The cemetery is adjacent to the Lummi Island Congregational Church.
This cemetery is sometimes referred to as the Beach Cemetery. In the early 1900’s, land was cleared for a cemetery to be supervised by the Congregational Church and those assisting were given lots. Subsequently, title was transferred to the township, then to the Grange (in the late 1940’s), and then back to the church. In 1964, the cemetery became a part of Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 2.
Early records were inadequate, and by 1952 it was thought that all but one grave had been identified. Also, many of the burials on homesteads were removed to the cemetery.
Inquiries should be addressed to: Ms Polly Hanson, Commissioner phone 360-758-2600.
LUMMI ISLAND NECROLOGY LIST
LUMMI TRIBAL CEMETERY – Volume V
Lummi Tribal Cemetery is located on Lummi Shore Drive west of Bellingham. To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Slater Road exit (Exit 260) and turn west on Slater Road. Proceed west 3.6 miles to Haxton Way. Turn left (south) on Haxton Way and proceed .9 to Lummi Shore Drive. Turn left (southeast) on Lummi Shore Drive and proceed 2.1 miles to the cemetery entrance on your right. The cemetery is clearly marked.
For further information contact the Lummi Tribal Council at 2616 Kwina Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226 or phone 360-384-1489.
LYNDEN CEMETERY – Volume VIII
Lynden Cemetery is located on the south side of Front Street at Guide Meridian Road, west of the Lynden business district (SW1/4 of SW1/4 Sec 19, T40N R3E). From I-5, take the Guide Meridian St. exit (Exit 254, aka Hwy 539 & the exit to Lynden & Sumas). Proceed north 10.8 miles on Guide Meridian to Front Street. Turn right (east) on Front Street and the cemetery entrance is on the south side of the street. "Skqee Mus", by Robert Emmett Hawley, 1945, p189, states "The Lynden Cemetery was started in 1889 by the Masons & Odd Fellows, each owning one-half of the 10-acre tract. The first person buried was Amanda BELL, August 3, 1889; the second Enoch HAWLEY, August 17, 1889. Between 1875 & 1889 a number of persons were buried north of Fishtrap Creek & west of 8th Street. Later they were reburied in the present Lynden Cemetery. I think the first one to be buried here was Mrs. GOODELL, Mrs. JUDSON’S mother, in Dec. 1881."
However, public records state that 10 acres of land was deeded 30 Jan 1891 by H. A. & Phoebe JUDSON, John A. & Clara TENNANT, W. N. & Sarah A. LAWRENCE, B. & Adaline PACKARD, J. S. & Mary E. AUSTIN, J. H. & Mary J. WILMORE, E. M. & Oliver F. CUDWORTH to the Lynden Cemetery Incorporation. A map recorded 6 Sep 1892 shows the cemetery divided into four blocks, with Block No. 1 reserved for a Masonic burial ground. It is also known the IOOF Lodge maintained a portion of this cemetery. Early records were destroyed by fire in 1935.
LYNDEN JIM CEMETERY – Volume VI
Lynden Jim Cemetery is located on the west side of Northwood Road (SE1/4 of NW1/4 Sec 15, T40N R3E). Originally Lynden Jim and Jobe Cemeteries were one until divided by Northwood Road. From I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden also are on the highway signage). Proceed north 12.5 miles on Meridian St. (which becomes Guide Meridian after about a mile) to East Badger Road, also known as State Highway 546. Turn right (east) on E Badger Road and continue 3.5 miles to Northwood Road. Turn right (south) on Northwood Road and drive .3 of a mile to the cemetery. Jobe Cemetery is on the east side of the road where approximately 6-8 stones are visible. Lynden Jim is on the left (west) side of the road. There is no access to Lynden Jim Cemetery and the cemetery is overgrown with considerable vegetation. No stones are visible. There are no known records. Inquiries should be directed to the Nooksack Tribal Council at 360-592-5176.
MAPLE FALLS CEMETERY – Volume IX
Maple Falls Cemetery (2.94 acres) is located a short distance south of Maple Falls, WA (SW corner of SE1/4 of SW1/4 Sec 30, T40N R6E). It is comprised of 60 lots and was filed for record at the request of the Board of Supervisors of Maple Falls Township, J. H. GILHAUSEN and John FERRY and was dedicated in 1925. It is now part of Whatcom County Cemetery District 3.
To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive Exit (Exit 255, St. Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East 25.9 miles (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) to Maple Falls. Turn right (south) on Silver Lake Road. Continue south on the paved road (Silver Lake Rd) .4 of a mile to the cemetery entrance on the right (west) side of the road.
Inquiries should be directed to Rebecca Boonstra, phone 360-599-1518.
MT. CALVARY CEMETERY – Volume XI
Mt. Calvary Cemetery was bordered by Whatcom, Lopez, Queen and St. Paul Streets in the City of Bellingham, WA. It was started on "Snake Hill" by Father BOULET (who served in the area from 1889-1905) and was reached by the now non-existent Pickett Road. Because of rock, the soil proved to be unsuitable for a cemetery and relatives were asked to remove the bodies. In the following census of interments many are designated as having been reburied in Bayview Cemetery, but not all these can be located in the records. No other reinterments can be verified.
In a 1971 letter, Father Joseph DOOGAN, Director of Cemeteries, Archbishop’s Office of the Catholic Church, Seattle, WA, noted that an old record book in the possession of Bayview Cemetery indicated a number of people had been removed and reinterred. In subsequent visits, several headstones were discovered in dense undergrowth.
MT. HOPE CEMETERY – Volume IX
Mt. Hope Cemetery is located at the end of a little used road, extending north of Marshall Hill Road near Deming, WA (NW corner NE1/4 Sec 31, T39N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St. Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East 14.1 miles (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles). Continue east through Deming until you reach Marshall Hill Road on the left (north) side of the highway. Proceed east on Marshall Hill Road .4 of a mile to Cronk Road. Turn left (north) on Cronk Road and continue .4 of a mile till the road splits. Follow the dirt road on your left along the fence line until you reach the end of the road and a turn-around. The cemetery is not marked and is not immediately visible from the road, but is located in the woods north of the fence. Only 6 headstones remain in the cemetery. The last known burial was in 1945, and the cemetery is closed to further burials.
The Deming Historical Cemetery Association was recently formed to oversee the maintenance and care of the cemetery. Information formerly in the possession of the Bellingham IOOF Lodge has been acquired by the Association. Inquiries should be directed to Carol Hayden, phone 360-592-2488; Beverly Siguaw, phone 360-592-5829; or Jeffrey Hall, phone 360-592-5061
On 3 March 1897, the IOOF Lodge No. 153 of Hollingsworth (now Deming), WA purchased 5-1/16 acres, and on 30 Aug 1902 it was dedicated by that Lodge; officers were L. C. LORD, Ed E. MARSHALL, George M. SHUMWAY and Joseph HOLLINGSWORTH. The tract was deeded by Edward E. Marshall from his homestead. Johnny COMPTON blasted out the stumps in 1899. and by 1900 there were two graves: Alexander GRAY, a Civil War veteran, buried in 1899, to be followed by Louise A. CAMPBELL. Thus two were buried before the cemetery was officially dedicated.
Both Mt. Hope Cemetery and Case Indian Cemetery (located approximately 1 1/2 miles south) were often referred to as "Deming Cemetery", which resulted in some confusion.

MONUMENTA CEMETERY – Volume VIII
Monumenta Cemetery is located on the north side of Front Street at Guide Meridian Road, west of the Lynden business district (NW1/4 of SW1/4 Sec 19, T40N R3E). From I-5, take the Guide Meridian St. exit (Exit 254, aka Hwy 539 and the exit to Lynden and Sumas). Proceed north 10.8 miles on Guide Meridian to Front Street. Turn east on Front Street and the cemetery entrance is on the north side of the street. In 1902 a group of men from the Lynden First Christian Reformed Church formed the Monumenta Society and purchased land (which was all stumps) for a cemetery. They removed the stumps and surveyed family plots, six graves to a lot. Each owner of a lot was charged $1.00 per year (or a lump sum of $32) for care of the cemetery. A perimeter road was provided for the horse drawn hearses. During the years, additional land has been purchased for the cemetery. The oldest recorded death is Jennie BLOCK who died in 1902. She was removed from Lynden Cemetery and reinterred in Monumenta Cemetery.
MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY – Volume V
Mountain View Cemetery (SW1/4 of NE1/4 Sec 25, T39N R1E) is located on a slight rise on the east side of Lampman Road. To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Slater Road exit (Exit 260) and turn west on Slater Road. Proceed west 3.6 miles to Haxton Way. Turn right (north) on Haxton Way and proceed north .5 of a mile to Lampman Road. Turn left (west) on Lampman Road and continue .8 of a mile to the cemetery .
Although small and isolated, it is in a beautiful location and is one of the oldest cemeteries in Whatcom County. The land was donated in July 1880 by Henry A .SMITH. The first burial was 33-year old Thomas W. HASKINS on 6 July 1880. Mountain View Cemetery Association was organized on 7 March 1891 with the election of E. LOPAS, H. W. POTTER and H. A. SMITH as trustees; W. T. RADCLIFFE, secretary and S. BURGESS, treasurer. This cemetery, with Enterprise Cemetery, is now included in Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 7.
Records are kept by the Sexton residing at Enterprise Cemetery. Inquiries should be addressed to him at 7041 Vista Dr., Ferndale, WA 98248.
NOOKSACK CEMETERY – Volume VII
Nooksack Cemetery is located a short distance south of Breckenridge Road, 1/2 mile east of State Highway 9 North (SW1/4 Sec 28, T40N R4E). The Nooksack Indian Cemetery, which at one time adjoined this cemetery, is now located primarily near the flag pole in the center of Nooksack Cemetery. To reach Nooksack Cemetery from I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit 256A (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden are also on highway signage). Proceed north 12.5 miles on Meridian St. which eventually becomes Guide Meridian Road to East Pole Road, aka State Highway 544. Turn right (east) on East Pole Road/Highway 544 and continue east 8.9 miles to Nooksack Road (after driving through the town of Everson). Turn left (north) on Nooksack Road and drive .5 of a mile to Madison Street. Turn right (east) on Madison Street (which becomes Breckenridge Road after a few blocks) and continue .5 of a mile to the cemetery.
On 11 Nov 1886 Albion F. and Emma WELCH of Nooksack deeded to the Nooksack Cemetery Association 1.36 acres of land. On 16 Feb 1906 an additional 1.04 acres was purchased. Additional land was purchased and added to the cemetery which is now included in and maintained by Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 9.
The first recorded death was Mary J. SMITH on 31 Aug 1888. Cemetery records for the earlier years are nonexistent.
Contact Nooksack City Hall at 360-966-2531 for further information.
NOOKSACK INDIAN CEMETERY – Volume VII
Nooksack Indian Cemetery is located a short distance south of Breckenridge Road. See Nooksack Cemetery for directions on reaching this cemetery. Inquiries should be directed to the Nooksack Tribal Council at 360-592-5176
NOOKSACK TRIBAL CEMETERIES
Robert Emmet Hawley, in "Skqee Mus", wrote that Indian Chiefs and those higher up received an elaborate funeral. The coffin would be a canoe in which the corpse was placed, along with whatever valuables he possessed, suspended in the trees. The common Indian was placed, along with his valuables, in a box, the front of which was carved with images of birds, animals or faces; the boxes then placed on long racks - there burial ground. The salves, enemies or those of extremely low caste, were laid upon the ground and dirt piled on them until a high mound was formed.
A farm home on East Front Street in Lynden was the original site of the old Indian burial ground. The bones from here were transferred to common graves in cemeteries patterned after the white man. P. R. Jeffcott, in "Nooksack Tales and Trails," notes that in the late 1870’s definite reforms were introduced by the Methodists, such as the burial of the dead, including the remains of all dead that had been deposited in canoes and crude split cedar coffins and placed in trees and on platforms for security against the ravages of wolves.
At the present time, Nooksack Indian cemeteries are, in general, family cemeteries, and very few white people are buried therein. There are no cemetery records and an unknown percentage of graves are marked. The Nooksack Tribal Council is striving to collect and record family history.
For records in each individual cemetery, see Case Cemetery, Goshen Cemetery, Jobe Cemetery, Lynden Jim Cemetery and Nooksack Indian Cemetery.
OLD MAPLE FALLS CEMETERY – Volume IX
Old Maple Falls Cemetery, sometimes called the Cannon Cemetery, consists of 1/5 acre donated by James M. CANNON from his farm, and is located on the south side of Cemetery Road in Maple Falls. To reach the cemetery, turn south at the intersection of the Mt. Baker Highway (State Highway 542) and Silver Lake Road. Where Silver Lake Road turns to the right, angle to the southeast (left) onto Cascade Drive and continue a few hundred yards to Cemetery Road. Turn left and go up the hill about 100 feet on Cemetery Road. The property along and south of this road has been fenced and a driveway has been laid through the cemetery to lots 34 and 35 of the Cascade West development. The remaining portion of Old Maple Falls Cemetery is just inside the fence to the west of the driveway. Most bodies were removed in 1925 when the new Maple Falls Cemetery was formed on Silver Lake Road, leaving only seven identifiable graves; although others may remain unmarked. There are no known records or source of information about this cemetery. Located in the southwest corner of Sec 30, T40N R6E.
PANGBORN LAKE CEMETERY – see Lakeside Cemetery.
PARADISE CEMETERY – see Woodlawn Cemetery.
PERRY CEMETERY – Volume VII
Perry Cemetery is located about seven miles east of Guide Meridian Road and north of East Badger Road (Hwy 546). The cemetery is on private property in the northwest corner of the old Tom PERRY farm (NE 1/4 Sec. 7, T40N, R3E) and is not accessible to the public.
According to Roth’s "History of Whatcom County" Vol II, 1926, p.140 "William and Elizabeth (BECK) PERRY ... natives of the south of Scotland ... in 1876 ... came to Washington and located a homestead on Barne’s Prairie, three miles north of Everson."
The cemetery began as a Perry family cemetery with the first burial of Mrs. Mary Ellis Perry DUNCAN, daughter of William and Elizabeth PERRY. It was she who chose the site for the cemetery a few months prior to her death. In the years that followed, other members of the Perry family were buried there and later neighbors availed themselves of this location. The last interment was in 1920 - Charlotte Elizabeth PERRY.
In the 1950’s Miss Mary Agnes PERRY erected a single monument on which was listed as many names (26) of those buried as could be verified. A few of the original tombstones were visible when the first series of cemetery records were completed, but most had deteriorated.
A record of names of those buried was obtained from a photograph of the monument, and a newspaper article made available by Mrs. William (Nola) PERRY. In addition, some information was obtained from mortuary records, newspapers, death certificates and census records.
POINT ROBERTS CEMETERY – Volume III
Point Roberts Cemetery is located east of the intersection of A.P.A. and Boundary Roads, in the extreme southeast corner of Point Roberts, approximately 12 miles straight west of Blaine, WA. Although this area is located on the mainland, it can only be reached on land via British Columbia, Canada (NE corner of NW1/4 of NW1/4 of Sec 12, T40N R3W). Directions to the cemetery from Bellingham are proceed north on I-5 to the Blaine Peace Arch Border crossing into Canada. Continue north on Highway 99 in Canada to the Highway 10 exit. Proceed west on Highway 10 4.5 miles to Highway 17. Turn left (southwest) on Highway 17 3.5 miles to 56th St. Turn left (south) on 56th St. to the border crossing into Point Roberts. Continue southbound on Tyee Drive 1.4 miles to A.P.A. Rd. Turn left (east) on A.P.A. Rd and continue 1.7 miles to Clare Lane to the cemetery entrance.
Point Roberts Township purchased approximately two acres for a cemetery in 1914. The area was cleared and bodies were removed from family burial grounds and reinterred in the cemetery. The first burial was a 15 year old boy, Oliver JOHANNSON, on 9 Nov 1915. Many people of Icelandic origin are buried here.
Cemetery records reflecting ownership of lots are well documented.
SAXON CEMETERY – Volume IX
Saxon Cemetery in Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 1, is located on the east side of Bowman Road (NW corner Sec 21, T37N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 14.6 miles to Highway 9 South. Turn right (south) on State Highway 9 South and continue 10 miles to Doran Road. Turn left (east) on Doran Road and continue .9 of a mile to Bowman Road. Turn left (north) on Bowman Road and continue .6 of a mile to the cemetery.
John T. STEINBRUNER sold 7.19 acres of land from his homestead for a cemetery. The land had not been cleared at the time of the first burials. The first burial was William N. COX, who died 4 Aug 1888. Beginning in 1922, Acme Township Association maintained the cemetery until Whatcom County Cemetery District No.1 was organized.
SAXON CEMETERY tombstone inscriptions only

SEMIAHMOO INDIAN CEMETERY – Volume III
Semiahmoo Indian Cemetery was located on Semiahmoo Spit southwest of Blaine, WA. There are no known records nor names of any individuals interred there, but it is thought there were burials as late as the early 1900’s A 28 Aug 1988 Bellingham Herald newspaper article reported the finding of an Indian skull on the spit. The article went on to explain that Indians lived along Semiahmoo and Birch Bay until about 1855. Some moved north into Canada and others moved south and east to Lummi peninsula and also to LaConner in Skagit Co. and Nooksack to the west in Whatcom Co. About 1980, the bones of more than 60 Indians were removed from graves at Semiahmoo Spit and Birch Bay and were reburied in Lummi Cemetery.
ST. ANNE’S CEMETERY – Volume VII
St. Anne’s Cemetery is located about 1/2 mile south of Halverstick Road and two miles west of Sumas, WA. It is adjacent to the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks (SE1/4 of NW1/4 Sec 4, T40N R4E).
The area in which many persons were already buried was conveyed to the Catholic Bishop of Nisqually by deed on 14 Oct 1909 and it became known as St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery from the St. Anne’s Parish in Sumas. The cemetery continued under Catholic sponsorship until it was officially closed by the church. The last burial, by special dispensation of the church, was in July 1961. The oldest recorded burial is that of Nicholas FITZGERALD 3 Apr 1897.
Names of people having been interred here were secured from the 21 stones located in the cemetery, records of St. Joseph’s Catholc Church in Lynden, WA, death certificates and mortuary records. However, the records of the church do not differentiate between Sumas City Cemetery and Sumas Catholic (St. Anne’s) Cemetery.
Any existing records for this cemetery are located at the St. Joseph’s Church office, 205 12th, Lynden, WA 98264, phone 360-354-2334.
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CEMETERY – Volume IX
St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery (also known as Clipper Cemetery) is located on the east side of Strand Road, about 1-1/2 miles southeast of State Highway 9 (NW1/2 of Sec 28, T38N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/Hwy 542 East (Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 14.6 miles to Highway 9 South. Turn right (south) on State Highway 9 South and continue 4.2 miles to Strand Road. Turn left (east) on Strand Road and continue .9 of a mile. Strand Road becomes Clipper Road as it rounds a corner. Continue south on Clipper Road .5 of a mile to the cemetery on the east side of the road.
In the early 1900’s, Simon CREGG acquired the 2 acres of land, a portion of the Tyas homestead, and by an oral agreement reserved it for a cemetery. Mrs. Esther STRAND bought the land from Mr. Cregg and a formal deed was filed. Another portion of land was later added. The first burial was Simon RADONSKI, who died 10 Oct 1904.
Records for this cemetery are located at the St. Joseph’s Church office, 205 12th, Lynden, WA 98264, phone 360-354-2334.
ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CEMETERY – Volume VII
St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery (also known as Columbia Valley and Deming Catholic Cemetery) is located on the east side of Heady Road, north of South Pass Road; approximately five miles east of Sumas, WA (Sec 28, T40N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit 256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden are also on highway signage). Proceed north 12.5 miles on Meridian St. which eventually becomes Guide Meridian Road to East Badger Road, aka Hwy 546. Turn right and continue east on East Badger Road until it becomes State Highway 9 North at the intersection with Nooksack Road. Continue on Hwy 9 North 4.9 miles to Sumas (this takes you east on East Badger Rd, north on Garrison Rd, and East on Halverstick Rd). When you reach Sumas and Highway 9 turns north at Cherry Street, stay in an easterly direction on Front Street (also known as State Highway 547) which eventually becomes Rock Road. Turn right (south) on Sumas Road when State Hwy 547 turns south. Continue on Hwy 547 6 miles to South Pass Road. Turn left (east) on South Pass Road 1 mile to Heady Road. Turn left (north) on Heady Road, a gravel road, and drive .4 of a mile to the cemetery.
Mr. SCHROLL, one of the first settlers in the area, deeded an acre of land from his homestead for a centrally located Catholic Church and cemetery in about 1890. On 23 Aug 1893 plans were made to build St. Peter’s Mission Church of cedar logs. Later this church burned, and in 1910 another was built on Columbia Valley Road, with the stipulation that there would be no burying ground in connection with it. In 1974 a new church was added to the existing St. Peter’s Hall on Mt. Baker Highway, but the cemetery remains on Heady Road.
The first recorded deaths are in 1901, Carl and Fred BUCKENMEYER.
Records for this cemetery are located at the St. Joseph’s Church office, 205 12th, Lynden, WA 98264, phone 360-354-2334.
SULKANON CEMETERY – see Goshen Cemetery.
SUMAS CEMETERY – Volume VII
Sumas Cemetery is located on the west side of Sumas Road, 1/4 mile south of Telegraph Road, and approximately 1 mile east of Sumas, WA (SE1/4 of Sec 2, T40N R4E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit 256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden are also on highway signage). Proceed north 12.5 miles on Meridian St. which eventually becomes Guide Meridian Road to East Badger Road, aka Hwy 546. Turn right and continue east on East Badger Road until it becomes State Highway 9 at the Nooksack Road intersection.
Continue on Hwy 9 North 4.9 miles to Sumas (this takes you east on East Badger Rd, north on Garrison Rd, and East on Halverstick Rd). When you reach Sumas and Highway 9 turns north at Cherry Street, stay in an easterly direction on Front Street (also known as State Highway 547) which eventually becomes Rock Road. Turn right (south) on Sumas Road when State Hwy 547 turns south and continue .7 of a mile. The cemetery entrance is .2 of a mile south of the point where Hwy 547 veers east at Telegraph Road.
The Sumas Cemetery Association purchased 3 acres of land 12 Jun 1891. Around the turn of the century, Sumas IOOF Lodge No. 85 assumed control and on 6 Sep 1923 purchased about 5 acres as an addition to the cemetery. On 1 Jan 1972, control and maintenance became the responsibility of the City of Sumas.
Date of the earliest death is Melvina M. NIMS on 11 Feb 1887.
Records are incomplete, especially for the early years. All known available records have been checked. Some names and information have been obtained from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lynden, but these records do not differentiate between Sumas City Cemetery and Sumas Catholic (St. Anne’s) Cemetery; therefore, some burials may be incorrectly recorded.
Inquiries should be addressed to the City Clerk, Sumas City Hall, P O Box 5, Sumas, WA 98295 or phone 360-988-5711.
TEN MILE CEMETERY – Volume VI
Ten Mile Cemetery (some old records refer to this as Central Cemetery) is located South of Ten Mile Road near the intersection of Medcalf and Ten Mile Road (NW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sec 17, T39N R3E). From I-5, take the Sumas exit/Exit256 (State Highway 539, Meridian St. and Lynden also are on the highway signage). Proceed north 6 miles on Meridian St. (which becomes Guide Meridian after about a mile) to Ten Mile Road. Turn right (east) and continue 1.5 miles to the cemetery entrance.
VAN BUREN CEMETERY – see Lakeside Cemetery.
VAN ZANDT CEMETERY – Volume IX
Van Zandt Cemetery is located on the south side of Potter Road, about 1-1/4 miles west of State Highway 9 South (northern part of SE1/4 of NW1/4 of Sec 18, T38N R5E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Sunset Drive exit (Exit 255, St Hwy 542 East and Mt. Baker also appear on highway signage). Proceed east on Sunset Drive East/ aka Hwy 542 East Sunset Drive East becomes Mt. Baker Hwy after about 2 miles) 14.6 miles to Highway 9. Turn right (south) on State Highway 9 South and continue 2.1 miles to Potter Road. Turn right (west) on Potter Road and continue 1.1 miles till you reach the cemetery which is on the south side of the road.
One acre of land was donated by Samuel POTTER for a cemetery which was under the supervision of the local Grange and was known as the Grange Cemetery. The cemetery is currently part of Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 5. Concrete name plates were made and placed at burial plots without headstones, and it is believed all burials are identified and marked.
The first burial was Mrs. Olla R. POTTER, who died 26 Jan 1909, the wife of the donor of the land. Frances PARK, "the first white child born on the South Fork of the Nooksack River" is also buried here.
WELCOME CEMETERY – Volume IX
Welcome Cemetery (also known as Kulshan Cemetery) is located east of Mosquito Lake Road, 1.6 miles from Mt. Baker Highway. It is on a low hill just north of Canyon Lake Creek (SE1/4 of Sec 27, T39N R5E). This one acre cemetery is the second cemetery of the Welcome community; the first being on the James RIDDLE homestead behind the old Welcome school house. The bodies were removed to the present location on land donated from the homestead. It was dedicated to public use on 6 Nov and recorded 2 Dec 1907. The first recorded death is Emil SOLENE, 25 Feb 1894; the last, 67-1/2 years later, Albert D. SOLENE, 22 Oct 1961. There are no officials or known written records of this cemetery.
The cemetery is currently located on private property and is not accessible to the public.
WICKERSHAM CEMETERY – Volume IX
Wickersham Cemetery is located on the Greg HANER farm, at the end of an unimproved steep road just south of Wickersham (NW corner of SE1/4 of SW1/4 Sec 31, T37N R5E).
A newspaper article in THE DAILY REVEILLE on 29 Nov 1893, page 4, column 1 states "W. WICKERSHAM has laid out a graveyard a half mile southwest of town, and is engaged in clearing the site. Guess we will have to kill a man to start it, so healthy no one dies here." However, it has been thought the Wickersham Cemetery originated with the Wickersham Ladies Aid Association on 2 Jul 1905, according to a plat on file in the Whatcom County Court House which was signed by Mrs. Daisy E. HANER WOOLEVER. Officers: Annie RANDS, President; S. A .SNYDER, Vice-President; M. L. INNIS, Secretary; and Bessie WICKERSHAM, Mary SLOUGHTON, Elizabeth KAISER and Mrs. P. S. HANER. Since some of the burials predate the 1905 plat, it is assumed the cemetery had it’s beginnings in 1893. The last known burial was in 1917. There were probably at least 12 graves remaining in the cemetery with three visible headstones when these cemetery records were published in 1975.
As no record of burials is known to exist, it is unknown where any further information can be obtained. The cemetery is no longer visible, is on private property and is not accessible.
WOODLAWN CEMETERY at Agate Bay – see Buchanan Cemetery.
WOODLAWN CEMETERY – Volume II
Woodlawn Cemetery is located at Northwest Drive and Paradise Road, approximately 5.5 miles northwest of Bellingham, WA and 1-1/2 miles east of Ferndale, WA.
According to the EARLY HISTORY OF FERNDALE AND TEN MILE TOWNSHIPS published in 1948 and written by Chris C. SIEGEL, p43: "About 1886, John D. ROGERS, John HAGLER, Chas. W. MATTHEWS, Jacob JENNI Sr., William BAER and others organized the Woodlawn Cemetery Association. Mr. Jenni donated 5 acres of land and he was the first to be buried in it ... It was taken over by Ferndale Township many years ago, which insures its perpetuation...’
This cemetery is now included in Whatcom County Cemetery District No. 6 and consists of 7.46 acres.
These records have been extensively supplemented by information from other sources, as the original records generally give only name and date of death. Early mortuary records in the Moles Funeral Home of Ferndale list the following burials in "Paradise Cemetery".
Parson, John C. infant d 11 Mar 1903
* Slabby, Antone d 1 Jun 1903 ae 58
* Omli, Miss Anna int 22 Apr 1904 ae 15
* Hardan, John d 14 Apr 1905 ae 86
* Mc Cormick, Emory A d 5 Feb 1910 ae 2
It is known that those indicated by (*) are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. There is a newspaper article in the 24 Jul 1903 issue of the FERNDALE RECORD concerning Paradise Cemetery, but gives no indication of its location. No one can be located who knows of a cemetery by that name. Paradise School was across the road from the present Woodlawn Cemetery and Paradise Church is 1-1/2 miles north of Woodlawn Cemetery. Paradise was probably an early name for Woodlawn, particularly in view of the fact that there was another "Woodlawn Cemetery" at Agate Bay in Bellingham (see history of Buchanan Cemetery).
ZION LUTHERAN – Volume IV
Zion Lutheran Cemetery is located 1 mile west and 1-1/4 miles south of Custer, WA (NE1/4 of NE1/4 of Sec 3, T39N R1E). To reach the cemetery from I-5, take the Grandview Road exit (Exit 266), turn left (west) on Grandview Road and proceed 3 miles to Valley View Road. Turn right (north) on Valley View Road and continue .7 of a mile to the Zion Lutheran Church where the cemetery is located. Zion Lutheran Cemetery is one of three cemeteries in Whatcom County located in a church yard. On November 22, 1905, Syver RUDNINGEN sold two acres of land to A. K. MOE and C. R. BRULAND as trustees of the Immanuel Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. According to church records, the first burial at this site was Mrs. Anton BERGUM on September 7, 1906. The cornerstone of the original church erected at this site was laid on September 19, 1909.
There are no cemetery records nor written record of location of burials in this cemetery. Records of funerals at the church are in existence since 1906, but accompanying information is scanty. Burials are no longer permitted here. The last known burial was in 1965. Information from church records and cemetery stones has been supplemented by other sources available.

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