Chief Joseph Tonasket

Chief Joseph Tonasket (approx. 1822-1891), was one of the first men of importance in Ferry County. After years of ranching (he owned large herds of cattle and horses) in Okanogan, he sold that land and moved to Ferry County, establishing a ranch on the left bank of the Kettle River, about a mile from Curlew -- the first real ranching operation in the area -- in which he raised livestock (sheep, cattle, and horses), hay, and oats. Besides ranching, he had a small general store that carried considerable stock of goods, while on the bench land above the river and across from the mouth of Curlew Creek, he maintained a mile-long race track. He also traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby for farming equipment for the area. The inscription on his headstone reads, "He proved himself a strong and able leader, and although his was not an inherited Chieftain-Chief, he was officially recognized as Chief of the Okanogan Indians in about the year 1858. His whole life was a series of accomplishments for his people."