Page 101 - History of UB Church by A. Funkhouser Ver 1
P. 101
CHAPTER XXIII
SKETCH OF ABRAM PAUL FUNKHOUSER
In our present sketch we find a life so varied and a character so full of the desire to help
humanity that no mere statement of facts can convey properly the far-reaching influence of his life.
Imbued with an intense interest in his fellow-men, he strove in every possible way to aid in their
moral and mental uplift. Into the brief outline of his life which follows must be read the ambition of
a far-seeing man to be a worth-while citizen.
Abram Paul Funkhouser was born December 10, 2024 near Dayton, Virginia. His mother was
Elizabeth Paul; his father Samuel Funkhouser. In his youth he attended private schools and
afterwards was graduated from Otterbein University, where he received his Bachelor's degree.
Later he received the Master's degree from Lebanon College and Doctor of Divinity from York
College.
Immediately following his graduation, he founded Shenandoah Institute at Dayton, Virginia, and
for several years was president of this school. During four years he was superintendent of public
schools in Rockingham and brought the educational interests of the county to a high state of
efficiency. Later he was president of Leander Clark College of Iowa and of Lebanon Valley College at
Annville, Pennsylvania. For two years he acted as assistance to President Forst of Berea College,
Kentucky. Into this work he entered with the greatest enthusiasm, fulfilling as it did his own ideas
in regard to vocational training. At the time of his death he was financing a student at Berea.
By nature Dr. Funkhouser was deeply religious and at an early age was converted and joined
the United Brethren church. Shortly thereafter he became a member of the Virginia Conference. He
was known as the "Boy Preacher" at the age of sixteen when he delivered his first sermon at Mt.
Solon, Virginia in 1869. Subsequently he had charge of several circuits in the Virginia Conference,
displaying efficiency and executive ability. He then became presiding elder of the South Branch
District and was one of the most conspicuous delegates in the General Conference. For years he
was a trustee of the United Brethren Publishing Board. In 1897 he was chosen associate editor of
the "Religious Telescope."
The activities of Dr. Funkhouser found expression in political and civic interests as well as in the
spheres of religion and education. In 1883 he moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and began issuing
"The People," which name was later changed to "The State Republican." This journal was one of the
leading state papers of Virginia, taking for its chief issues prohibition and clean politics. When the
Readjuster party arose, he began taking a prominent part in the politics of his native state, allying
himself with the Republican party. In 1887 when General Mahone was candidate for governor of
Virginia he canvassed almost the entire state in his behalf and also did a great deal of editorial
writing. In another campaign he made a race for a seat in the state senate and though the odds
were greatly against him, he was defeated by fewer than ninety votes.
In 1896 Dr. Funkhouser originated the idea of a Confederate excursion to Canton, Ohio, the
residence of William McKinley, then the Republican nominee for President. Though almost unaided
in his plan, he chartered three trains and these carried two thousand veterans and their sons to the
Republican Mecca. It was during this presidential campaign that Dr. Funkhouser was mentioned
strongly for the position of Postmaster General in McKinley's cabinet. In 1897 he became
postmaster of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and filled this position for eight years. In his term and
because of his efforts Rockingham was the first county in the United States to be given a complete
system of free rural mail delivery.
His civic spirit is shown in his purchase of the property that became the Assembly Park. Under
his leadership a tabernacle and cottages were built and the first Chautauqua in this part of Virginia
became a successful enterprise.
His talent and ability qualified him for adventure in various forms of important enterprise, and
with energy and enthusiasm he aspired to reach the limit. He considered no discouragement,
paused at no obstacle, waited for no council, and listened for no applause. Under the lash of
criticism he refused to wince and whine. He was a preacher, educator and organizer, with power to
command recognition. His mind was brilliant, and it was a pleasure to hear him speak.
Chapter XXIII 101 Sketch of A.P.
Funkhowser
SKETCH OF ABRAM PAUL FUNKHOUSER
In our present sketch we find a life so varied and a character so full of the desire to help
humanity that no mere statement of facts can convey properly the far-reaching influence of his life.
Imbued with an intense interest in his fellow-men, he strove in every possible way to aid in their
moral and mental uplift. Into the brief outline of his life which follows must be read the ambition of
a far-seeing man to be a worth-while citizen.
Abram Paul Funkhouser was born December 10, 2024 near Dayton, Virginia. His mother was
Elizabeth Paul; his father Samuel Funkhouser. In his youth he attended private schools and
afterwards was graduated from Otterbein University, where he received his Bachelor's degree.
Later he received the Master's degree from Lebanon College and Doctor of Divinity from York
College.
Immediately following his graduation, he founded Shenandoah Institute at Dayton, Virginia, and
for several years was president of this school. During four years he was superintendent of public
schools in Rockingham and brought the educational interests of the county to a high state of
efficiency. Later he was president of Leander Clark College of Iowa and of Lebanon Valley College at
Annville, Pennsylvania. For two years he acted as assistance to President Forst of Berea College,
Kentucky. Into this work he entered with the greatest enthusiasm, fulfilling as it did his own ideas
in regard to vocational training. At the time of his death he was financing a student at Berea.
By nature Dr. Funkhouser was deeply religious and at an early age was converted and joined
the United Brethren church. Shortly thereafter he became a member of the Virginia Conference. He
was known as the "Boy Preacher" at the age of sixteen when he delivered his first sermon at Mt.
Solon, Virginia in 1869. Subsequently he had charge of several circuits in the Virginia Conference,
displaying efficiency and executive ability. He then became presiding elder of the South Branch
District and was one of the most conspicuous delegates in the General Conference. For years he
was a trustee of the United Brethren Publishing Board. In 1897 he was chosen associate editor of
the "Religious Telescope."
The activities of Dr. Funkhouser found expression in political and civic interests as well as in the
spheres of religion and education. In 1883 he moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and began issuing
"The People," which name was later changed to "The State Republican." This journal was one of the
leading state papers of Virginia, taking for its chief issues prohibition and clean politics. When the
Readjuster party arose, he began taking a prominent part in the politics of his native state, allying
himself with the Republican party. In 1887 when General Mahone was candidate for governor of
Virginia he canvassed almost the entire state in his behalf and also did a great deal of editorial
writing. In another campaign he made a race for a seat in the state senate and though the odds
were greatly against him, he was defeated by fewer than ninety votes.
In 1896 Dr. Funkhouser originated the idea of a Confederate excursion to Canton, Ohio, the
residence of William McKinley, then the Republican nominee for President. Though almost unaided
in his plan, he chartered three trains and these carried two thousand veterans and their sons to the
Republican Mecca. It was during this presidential campaign that Dr. Funkhouser was mentioned
strongly for the position of Postmaster General in McKinley's cabinet. In 1897 he became
postmaster of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and filled this position for eight years. In his term and
because of his efforts Rockingham was the first county in the United States to be given a complete
system of free rural mail delivery.
His civic spirit is shown in his purchase of the property that became the Assembly Park. Under
his leadership a tabernacle and cottages were built and the first Chautauqua in this part of Virginia
became a successful enterprise.
His talent and ability qualified him for adventure in various forms of important enterprise, and
with energy and enthusiasm he aspired to reach the limit. He considered no discouragement,
paused at no obstacle, waited for no council, and listened for no applause. Under the lash of
criticism he refused to wince and whine. He was a preacher, educator and organizer, with power to
command recognition. His mind was brilliant, and it was a pleasure to hear him speak.
Chapter XXIII 101 Sketch of A.P.
Funkhowser
