Thurman Cemetery- Scott Township- Thurman, Iowa

06/17/2026

History Comes Alive at Thurman Cemetery

A fascinating visitor recently stopped by Thurman Cemetery: a graduate student from California whose research has led her deep into the history of southwest Iowa’s early settlers. She spent considerable time speaking with Sexton Ken Forney, focusing on a particularly intriguing topic, the perspectives of women involved in plural marriages within the Mormon communities of the 1840s and 1850s.

Already familiar with many local pioneers through her research on Find a Grave, she arrived ready to uncover the stories behind the names. What followed was a memorable exchange historical insights.

For Ken, it was a memorable opportunity to connect with a fellow historian who shares an appreciation for the people who helped shape Scott Township and the surrounding area. Conversations like these remind us that history isn't just found in books and records, but is kept alive through curiosity, research, and the sharing of stories across generations.

05/23/2026

Many hands make light work! Come on out to Thurman Cemetery- Scott Township- Thurman, Iowa Monday at 5PM to help take down the flags, please. We really appreciate it! 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

The City of Thurman hosted a memorial ribbon cutting this morning at the Thurman Park. It was a wonderful tribute to those local veterans who have protected our freedom. Many activities are taking place there today, so please check out their page for times & information.

05/23/2026

Come on out & see the beautiful avenue of flags this weekend! We had a successful morning setting up flags at Thurman Cemetery- Scott Township- Thurman, Iowa. Thank you to all who helped put them up & all who support our amazing cemetery.

03/16/2026

Here's an interesting fact: in 2015, 30% of the burials in Thurman were Cremations. Last year, 10 years later in 2025, 86% were cremated.

01/15/2026

Historical Note-
There are seven Mary Forneys laid to rest in Thurman Cemetery.

*Comment below if you think this was family tradition, coincidence, or something more?
*Tap ❤️ if you think repeating family names is fascinating.

09/30/2025

Do you know how many Confederate soldiers are buried in the Thurman Cemetery?

One

When this gentleman, Wes Jacobsen, died (not in the Civil War) & the townspeople went to his house to find clothes to bury him in, they found an old Confederate uniform there. The Thurman community had had suspicions that he had been a Confederate, but nothing was confirmed until after he'd passed. He was originally from Tennessee & had worked for the Surface family. Wes is buried in an unmarked grave in Thurman Cemetery's potter's field. The date of his death is currently unknown.

This information came from Dean Surface, a local historian.

08/02/2025

Did you know?
The first buriel in the Thurman Cemetery was for baby Barbara Ewell. She was 10 days old when she passed in 1852. Her parents are buried in the Ewell Cemetery about a quarter of a mile away.

05/27/2025

Just a reminder that we will be taking down the flags today at 5:00 PM.

We’d love to see as many helping hands as possible every bit of help makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!

Hope to see you there!

05/26/2025