Boyhood Home of General Funston
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 37° 55.305 W 095° 24.325
15S E 288571 N 4199861
General Frederick Funston was born on a farm near Iola, Kansas and his boyhood home is now a museum with his statue out front.
Waymark Code: WMJ7EN
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 10/06/2013
Views: 8
County of Home: Allen County
Location of Home: Washington Ave. & West St., Iola
Kansas Historic marker on site Text:
"Frederick Funston, five feet four and slightly built, went from this farm to a life of amazing adventure. Youthful exploring expeditions in this country were followed by two years in the Arctic from which he returned down the Yukon river 1,500 by canoe. After ventures in Latin America he served 18 months with Cuban Insurgents, fighting in 22 engagements and reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. Invalided home shortly before the Spanish-American War, Funston was made colonel of the 20th Kansas infantry. In 1901 he planned and executed the capture of Aguinaldo, commander of the Filipino army. He received a Congressional Medal of Honor and at 35 was mad a brigadier general in the regular army. In 1914, during intervention in Mexico, he commanded Vera Cruz as military governor and was that year made a major general. He died in 1917. This was the home of his father, Edward H. Funston, a member of Congress. 1884-1894. Erected by Kansas Historical Society & State Highway Commission."
Text from Iola City web site:
"General Funston Boyhood Home and Museum, the house in which Frederick Funston grew up was built around 1860, and was originally located on a homestead about 5 miles north of Iola. When the Funston family acquired it in 1867, the home was a simple three-room, story-and-a-half farmhouse. Additions were made by Funston's father, Congressman Edward H. Funston. Located since 1994 on the West side of the Iola city square, the home has been restored according to the Victorian decor typical of the 1880s and 1890s. Artifacts and furniture on display at the Funston Home include items that were originally at the homestead during Frederick Funston's boyhood, as well as items pertaining to Funston's explorations and military career. Open 12:30 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, from May 1 to September 30. October 1 to April 30 hours: 2 to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.West side of the Iola Square next to the Allen County Historical Museum"