David Funsten facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Funsten
Member of the C.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 7th district
In office September 1863 – May 10, 1865
Preceded by	"Extra Billy" Smith
Succeeded by	Constituency abolished
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Warren and Clark Counties
In office December 2, 1844-December 6, 1847
Preceded by	Nathaniel Burwell Jr
Succeeded by	James Castleman
Personal details
Born	October 14, 1819 Clarke County, Virginia
Died	1866 (aged 46–47) Alexandria, Virginia
Resting place	Ivy Hill Cemetery
Military service
Allegiance	Confederate States of America
Branch/service	Confederate States Army
Years of service	1861–63 (CSA)
Rank	Colonel
Unit	11th Virginia Infantry
Battles/wars	First Battle of Bull Run Battle of Seven Pines

David Funsten (born October 14, 1819 – died April 6, 1866) was a lawyer and politician from Virginia. He served in Virginia's state government. Later, he became a Congressman for the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. He also owned land and enslaved people.

Early Life and Family

David Funsten was born in what is now Clarke County, Virginia. He graduated from Princeton University in 1838. He inherited about 370 acres of land in the Shenandoah Valley. He also inherited enslaved people.

His brother, Orville Funston, also served in Virginia's government. Orville also became a Confederate officer. In 1844, David Funsten married Susan Everard Meade (1824-1872). Her family was well-known in the area. They had several children who grew up. These included Susan, William, Lizzie, and George.

His Career

After studying law, Funsten became a lawyer in Virginia. He practiced law in Winchester, Virginia. This city was the main town of Frederick County, Virginia. He also worked in nearby counties.

Funsten built a home near White Post, Virginia. In 1844, people in Clarke and Warren Counties elected him. He became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. He was elected again in 1845. Records show he owned 14 enslaved people in Warren County in 1850.

In 1852, Funsten moved to Alexandria, Virginia. This move helped his law practice grow. In 1858, he took a long trip to Europe. He traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on a large steamship.

Civil War and Politics

David Funsten believed Virginia should leave the United States. He was an important citizen who supported this idea. Governor John Letcher asked Funsten to deliver a message. He asked Funsten to invite Robert E. Lee to join the Confederate States Army.

Funsten's brother, Orville, led a group of soldiers. This group helped capture the U.S. arsenal at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This happened right after Virginia voted to leave the Union in April 1861.

On May 16, 1861, Funsten went to Richmond. He accepted a role as a Lieutenant Colonel. He joined the 11th Virginia Infantry. He then returned to Alexandria. There, he helped move Confederate troops from the train station. His wife went back to her family home in the Shenandoah Valley.

Funsten's unit was part of Longstreet's Brigade. He saw little fighting at the First Battle of Manassas. On May 23, 1862, he was promoted to full Colonel. However, he was badly wounded during his first major battle. This was the Battle of Seven Pines. The injury made it hard for him to serve. He officially left the army on September 24, 1863.

After leaving the army, Funsten was elected to Congress. He joined the First Confederate Congress. He replaced William "Extra Billy" Smith. Smith was another Confederate officer who had returned to his army unit. Funsten was later elected to serve in the Second Confederate Congress.

Later Life and Death

David Funsten died on April 6, 1866. His wife and four children survived him. His wife lived on the grounds of the Virginia Theological Seminary. Her uncle, Bishop William Meade, had helped start this school. David Funsten and his family are buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.