Background
Funston, Frederick was born on November 9, 1865 in New Carlisle, Ohio, United States. Son of Edward Hoge and Ann Eliza (Mitchell) Funston.
Funston, Frederick was born on November 9, 1865 in New Carlisle, Ohio, United States. Son of Edward Hoge and Ann Eliza (Mitchell) Funston.
Grew up on farm in Kansas. Student of University of Kansas 2½ years.
Appointed special agent United States Department of Agriculture, 1890, and as such took part in Death Valley Expedition, 1891. In Alaska and adjacent portions of British Northwest, 1892-1894. Crossed Alaska to Arctic Ocean and traveled from McKenzie River to Bering Sea, total journey of 3,500 miles.
Camped on the Klondike, winter of 1893-1894. Floated down Yukon alone in a canoe. Resigned from Department of Agriculture and traveled in Mexico.
Entered Cuban insurgent army as captain of artillery, 1896, and promoted to major and lieutenant colonel, participating in campaigns of Maximo Gomez and Calixto Garcia. Returned to the United States at outbreak of Spanish-American War and was commissioned colonel 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry, May 13, 1898. Sent with regiment to Philippines and participated in Northern Luzon campaign of General MacArthur.
For crossing Rio Grande River at Calumpit, April 26, 1899, on small bamboo raft in face of heavy fire, and establishing rope ferry by means of which United States troops were enabled to cross and win battle, was promoted to brigadier general vols., May 1, 1899, and awarded Congressional Medal of Honor, February 14, 1900. Continued in campaign at head of a brigade. Wounded at Santo Tomas.
Assigned to commanded 4th District, Department of Northern Luzon, January 1900. Organized and commanded expedition resulting in capture of Aguinaldo, the insurgent leader, March 23, 1901. Brigadier general United States of America, April 1, 1901.
Returned to the United States, 1901, and commanded in succession Depts. of the Colorado, the Columbia, the Lakes, Southwestern Division and Department of California, and Army Service schools. Commanded Department of Luzon, 1911-1913, Hawaiian Department, 1913-1914. Appointed commander 2d Division United States of America, at Texas City, Texas, Jan 1914.
Commanded expedition to Vera Cruz, April 1914, and was military governor of the city until November 1914. Major general, November 17, 1914. Appointed commander Southern Department, February 1915.
Placed in general command of the United States forces along Mexican border, 1916, and also of movements of the United States troops in Mexico, in pursuit of Villa. Home: Iola, Kan.
Married Eda Blankart, October 25, 1898.
