Representative James Hutchinson Funk View All Years

HON. J. H. FUNK

MR. SPEAKER—Your committee appointed to prepare a resolution and a befitting memorial on the life, character and public service of the Honorable J. H. Funk, a member of the 25th, 26th, 26th extra and 27th General Assemblies, beg leave to report as follows:

J. H. Funk was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, on February 15, 1842, the son of Abraham and Margaret (Hutchinson) Funk. Being the eldest of ten children brought up on the farm, it forced him to make his way from boyhood. He persistently sought an education hoping some day to become a lawyer. In 1860 he began to teach school during the winter and continued his farm work the balance of the year. The family moved to La Salle County, Ill., in 1850. In 1862 Mr. Funk enlisted in the 53rd Illinois Infantry but before being mustered in was placed on detached service.

In 1862 he was married to Elizabeth Gibson to whom was born one daughter, now Mrs. Gammon who lives at Buffalo, Wyoming. His wife died July 3, 1865. After the close of the war Mr. Funk located on a farm in Livingston County, Illinois, and in 1871·moved to Odell in that state, where he began the practice of law. He soon entered politics and in 1872 was held ·prosecuting attorney for four years and city attorney for seven years. His health failing, Mr. Funk again took up farming but continued his interest in political affairs. He served two terms as a member of the Illinois legislature besides holding other positions of trust and responsibility.

Mr. Funk moved to Iowa Falls, Hardin county, Iowa in 1890 and located on a farm. He engaged in farming and horse breeding for a number of years prospering in a material way until he became a large land owner, retiring from the farm he engaged in the law practice and at one time was a partner of Judge Charles Hutchinson, now of Des Moines. Mr. Funk was mayor of Iowa Falls several years.

In 1893 he was elected member of the 25th General Assembly where he became prominent in Iowa as the author of the Mulct Law Measure.

His good work in the legislature resulted in his return to the 26th General Assembly where he made a fine record as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. His re-election was rapidly foreseen and when he returned to serve his third term he was unanimously chosen speaker of the 27th General Assembly. He was a splendid speaker and his reputation as an orator spread beyond the confines of the state and during political campaigns he was drafted by central committees to take the stump in behalf of the republican candidates.

Retiring from active political life he became associated with E. S. Ellsworth, Wm. Welden, W. V. Shipley and W. H. Woods in the building of the Des Moines, Iowa Falls & Northern Railway, which has since been absorbed by the Rock Island System and is now a part of the St. Paul & Kansas City Short Line.

November 7, 1866, Mr. Funk was married to Emily J. Gardiner of Chautauqua county, New York. To this union were born two children, Mrs. C. S. Coats of Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Mrs. L. W. Ball of Williams, Iowa. Mrs. Funk died May 1, 1915.

At an early age Mr. Funk united with the Congregational church, but in later years became a member of the Unitarian faith. Fraternally, he was a Mason. Several years ago Mr. Funk was married to Clara B. Huckins. Owing to poor health he moved to California where he resided until his death. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. He died February 11, 1923, and was buried on his birthday, February 15.

Mr. Funk was one of the representative men of Iowa. He was distinctively a man of affairs and in public and private life be discharged the duties in a manner that won for him the commendation of his fellowmen. Measured by the standard of his achievements, he was one of the big men of Iowa upon whose historical scroll is written the honor of a life whose duty was well and faithfully performed.

Whereas, the Honorable J. H. Funk was called from this life, February 11, 1923, therefore

Be It Resolved, That the House of Representatives has heard with deep sorrow and regret of his death, and that it recognizes the high character of his service to his state and in his death the state and nation has lost a worthy and noble citizen, and,

Be It Resolved Further, That these resolutions be spread upon the journal, and that engrossed copies of the same be sent to the members of his family.

L. V. CARTER,

HEIKE A. RUST,

OSCAR ULSTAD,

Committee.

Adopted April 12, 1923.