The Friendly Union Society was founded in 1813 for the relief of orphans and widows and to provide for the general welfare of the community, but not incorporated until 1889. The cemetery was purchased by R.E. Dereef, William McKinley, and J.D. Johnson, presumably trustees of the society in February 1856 (Charleston County DB V12, pg. 411). The lots acquired are identified as 61, 62, 63, 64, 73, and 74 (McCrady plat 6820). In 1879, two of these lots (61 and 62) were sold to the Lewis Christian Union (Charleston County DB A18, pg. 62).