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Hugh Eldridge (1860 — 1939) with a 40 pound salmon, 1932. The son of Edward and Theresa Eldridge, he was one of the first Americans to be born in Bellingham (then Whatcom). Prominent in local politics, Eldridge was elected auditor of Whatcom County, serving from 1885 — 1891. He helped organize the Fairhaven and New Whatcom Street Railway company and was elected its president until 1895. Eldridge also served as postmaster (an elected position) for 20 years.