In December 1865 a meeting was held with James Dunlap, C.P. Judson and Jesse Furgason [sic] at Furgason's [sic] home to procure a suitable piece of land for a cemetery. In March 1866 the Washington Territorial Legislature granted an act to organize the Union Cemetery Association of Thurston County, Washington. This Association procured land and established governance of the Union Cemetery in Tumwater, WA, which is located on Littlerock Road. Jesse Furgason sold approximately 2 acres for $10 to establish the cemetery. The Association managed the Union Cemetery, which is also known at the Bush Prairie Cemetery, until 1937. On Jan. 19, 1937 a special meeting was held by the Association to make preparatory plans to ask the Washington State Legislature to assume the care and property of the Cemetery. Since the Cemetery had been established in Territorial Days and many pioneers, Territorial and early State officials were buried there, it was felt that the State would be willing to care for the Cemetery. The Association had been unable to properly provide for the care of the graves and upkeep of the cemetery property. The Cemetery was also in need of repairs. The resolution passed to authorize a transfer of the property to the State, conditioned upon the continued care of the Cemetery.
From the description of Union Cemetery Association of Thurston County, Washington's records and correspondence, 1865-1937. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 317410108
