Funkhouser Memorial
Albert Craig Funkhouser
[Home]
Page 1 - Page 2
Back to the Albert Craig Funkhouser Page
CAPT. ULEN G. MEDFORD, Lufkin, Tex.
I was surprised and deeply grieved to hear that Albert had died. To think that
he went through all those dangers and sufferings that one had endured upon the
front, and had had that long, dreary wait in Rugny, France, for orders to sail
for home and then to die in the home port, is indeed sad.
I wish to congratulate you upon rearing a son of Albert's worth and ability, for
he was indeed a man. One never had a better or truer friend than he, and no one
could ask for a higher eulogy than that his friends considered him all that
could be desired in friendship.
My first acquaintance with Al was in September, 1918, when I was transferred to
Company E, 144th Infantry, which company I commanded throughout all the action
in which the 36th Division participated. After the armistice I was made
batalion adjutant, and served in that capacity until I was dis charged, July 7,
1919, Albert serving upon Major Henderson's staff with me in the capacity of
liaison officer. Al was a splendid officer and man, and the men of his company
(Company F, 144th Infantry) sure did love and appreciate him,
If you have not heard from Lieut. Joe Jamar, of Creedmoor, Tex., please write
to him, as he and Al were almost inseparable. * * *
In closing, I wish to say to Al's father and mother that my heart goes out to
you in your sorrow, and I would that there was something that I could do to help
allay your grief and to help you. If there is anything in which I can be of
service to you do not hesitate to call upon me.
LIEUT. HANNIBAL H. CHANDLER,
Company F, 144th Infantry, Highland Park, Ill.
[Photo]
It was with the deepest regret that I learned of the untimely death of your son
Albert, and wish to extend to you my sincere sympathy. We were associated with
each other in Company F, 144th Infantry, Captain Homer's company, from
November 29, 1918, to February 12, 1919. The day I joined the company
they were on the march back from the front after the armistice and had
already been on the march for about twelve days. We marched two days more and
arrived at Rugny, Yonne, France, a town of about two hundred people. Albert was
stationed in this town from December 1 up to the time that the 36th Division
started home, about May 4.
From November 29 to February 12 I saw quite a bit of Albert in fact, we roomed
together about two weeks previous to February 12 and during this time we became
very close friends. Albert was always very modest about telling me of his
experiences at the front, so that I cannot give you any definite information
about any action that he was in but I have heard any number of men in Company F
say that Albert was very cool and steady when the company was under fire and
that he handled his men perfectly. This general expression from his men is
really the best compliment that an officer can receive.
If I remember correctly he was in command of Company F when they were at the
front.
I was with Albert the night he received the news of his brother's death, which
was about the middle of December. At such a time the finer characteristics come
out of a man and I can truthfully say that Albert thought of doing everything
that would bring any consolation to his family. He didn't rest easy until he had
secured his leave of absence to go up to the front to locate Paul's resting
place. I remember we spent quite a little time going over a railroad guide I had
in figuring out his train connections so as not to waste any time.
I shall always remember Albert's good company in the long winter nights that we
spent together before the open fireplace in the billet we occupied in Rugny. The
conversation always reverted to home and how much more we would appreciate our
homes after living in the small towns of France. Albert's good company helped to
shorten many a long evening.
For about a month Albert was intelligence officer of the battalion, which meant
that he had charge of training specially picked men from each of the four
companies of the battalion- about twenty in all. These men were trained as
snipers and runners and at the front were used in gathering information of the
enemy. I know Major Henderson, who commanded our battalion, thought very highly
of Albert.
The last time I saw Albert was at Brest, on May 24. He was busy getting his
detachment of about 250 men ready to return. He had a casual company of men from
the 36th Division, who had been attending the various universities in Europe.
I sincerely hope that I may have the pleasure of meeting you and Mrs. Funkhouser
sometime in the near future, as I feel I could better express my thoughts to you in
person than in writing. If I am ever near Evansville I shall surely call on you and
hope that if you come to Chicago that you will let me have the pleasure of
entertaining you.
CAPT. ALLEN W. SPENSE, A. D. C., 36th Division.
Camp Bowie
Although a stranger to you, permit me to ex press my deep sympathy with you in
your sorrow. While I had only a slight acquaintance with your son, First Lient.
Albert
C. Funkhouser, it was a most pleasant one, and I know of the high esteem in
which he was held by those who knew him better than I. * * *
CAPT. GEORGE C. GRAETER, Vincennes, Ind.
Wednesday I learned of the death of your son and it caused me much sorrow. We
came from France together and was our entertainment officer on the U. S. S.
'Freedom" before he was taken sick.
We became very friendly as both of us were from Indiana, I having been born at
Vincennes.
I realize fully that it is useless for me to try to cheer you up, but I hope
that it will give you some slight satisfaction to learn from one who knew him
that your son was highly regarded by all of us and that he was an excellent
officer, a cheerful and happy companion, and more than all a worthy, brave and
loyal citizen. My heart goes out to you and yours in your affliction.
I have been in communication with Capt. W. A. Heap, M. C., who also came home
with us. Captain Heap has at last informed me that the naval surgeon was in
charge of the ship's hospital. He also informs me that Albert became real ill
about five days from the United States, but was not really dangerously ill
until about three days out.
I was the last officer to leave the U. S. S. "Freedom," as I was in charge of
policing the ship, and spoke to Albert as they carried him off on a stretcher.
His face was covered with a sheet, but he was peeping from under the side of it
and smiled when I spoke. They carried him carefully and I ordered them not to
bump him when they went up the ladder to the well deck. His death grieved me
greatly.
Your letter of August 5 received. It made me very sad. In
some manner I know how you feel, as I lost many close friends and some good men
in the late war. It is very, very sad, and you certainly have paid the price.
After all is said, love of one's own people comes first of all. Your sons met
death in a good cause and unafraid, but when one's friends and people die those
of us who suffer are prone to regard wars, and perhaps patriotism, as little
things. To my mind, to feel that way is quite natural and quite right. Since
coming home sometimes as I walk down the street and see some of our so-called
citizens that good men died for in the field and in the hospital I think the
price this Country paid was very, very high. I was in France over twenty-two
months, was in hospital over two and one-half months, and was in several
engagements, and I know whereof I speak.
The U. S. S. "Freedom" sailed from Brest, France, on May 25, 1919. The next time
I am in Evansville I will consider it both a pleasure and a duty to call on you.
"Honor to whom honor is due."
CAPTAIN PETER P. ZION, Philadelphia, July 1, 1919
Albert and I first became acquainted aboard the U. S. S. "Patrica," which
we boarded and left both his organization and mine being put off as there was no
room for us. Later, we again met aboard the U. S. S. "Freedom," on which ship we
arrived in the United States.
Your son was apparently in good condition on the voyage until the third day
before we landed. On that day he was sent to the navy hospital. The next day he
developed pneumonia.
From the close associations I had with your son Albert, and from what I heard of
him from his men, I became greatly attached to him. I am pleased to he able to
tell you that his men had a high regard for him, both as a man and an officer.
His record under fire is one of which we can all be proud.
During one of our conversations, Albert told me he had his brother re-buried in
France
I am sorry that I could not have been with Albert at the hospital, but I am glad
that at least you saw him before he died.
CAPT. CLAUDE A. ADAMS, Crowell, Texas.
* * * I was very sorry indeed to hear of the death of your son. Albert. * * *
I cannot go into particulars as regards his Company F or any other special
unit, as I was on the staff at the time. * * *
Accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your two sons. I realize my part of
the war is over, but that it will never be over for you.
CAPT. GEORGE T. ROWE, Chaplain Embarkation Hospital, Camp Stuart, Va.
It is indeed with a heart filled with sadness and beating in unison with your
own in this hour of your bereavement, that I am writing this letter in regard to
the death of your loved one, Lieut. Albert C. Funkhouser, who passed away at
this hospital of pneumonia, lobar. It seems it was rather sudden and he became
desperately ill almost from the very first. He was sent to embarkation hospital,
where every effort was made to save his life, but all to no avail, and so, on
the 15th day of June, he went to the final roll call.
Everything that could possibly be done for our beloved brother, your son, was
done for him, for he was one of the big hearted manly soldiers, embracing in his
makeup the things that were noble and true. He was indeed the type of man that
made friends with every class and numbered his friends by his acquaintances.
But the Divine Creator has nowhere stated that there is a fixed period in life
in which the individual must win or lose. The opportunity to achieve may come in
the closing years of life, it may come at noontide, or in the early morning of
youth. The strategic hour of life may be then and never appear again. The
important thing is for the individual to know the hour, to seize it, and to use
it. To fail here is to lose life's battle.
How inspiring the thought that it can never be said that your beloved one had
failed to recognize the strategic hour of life as related to himself, the
Nation, and humanity. He was interested in laying the foundations for a good
character, therefore he loved the good, true things of life. Devoted to his
mother, home, friends and country, life's golden hour was not wasted by him.
When the call came for men, your loved one gladly stepped into his place in the
ranks. He was eager to go where the Stars and Stripes ought to go. He was
willing to give his all to maintain the principles for which Old Glory stands.
Now all is finished. He has heard his last call for taps and he has been
enrolled among our sainted heroes. May the memory of your noble son be a tower
of strength in this sad hour.
In closing may I extend to you the sympathy of the entire personnel of the
hospital.
MR. W. H. PILKINGTON, Springfield, Mo.
The knowledge of Albert's death came as a severe blow, for I counted him among
my closest and dearest friends.
We were Phi Delta's together during my freshman year at De Pauw. Albert at that
time was a sophomore. He was more or less my protector during these strenuous
times and endeared himself to me for his comradeship.
I was in France with the 35th Division, and while stationed at Commercy, Albert
walked in on me one evening, he had been up in the Argonne vicinity to bury his
brother and was on his way back to his organization. This was after the
armistice was signed. We had a splendid visit for a couple of days. He left to
rejoin his company * * *
Should I ever happen to come to Evansville, rest assured I will stop off and pay
my respects to the parents of my very good friend.
Kindly accept my sincere sympathy in this present sorrow. This comes from my
heart. In losing your son I have lost a friend that can never be replaced.
JAMES BROWN, Rome, New York.
It was just the other day that I received Charlotte's letter telling me about
dear old Albert. It was such a shock to me that I just cannot seem to be able to
express my true feelings.
It is impossible for me to tell you the sympathy which I have for both you and
Mr. Funkhouser. To think that out of all of those that came back from the
frightful war that you should lose both your boys.
I had never had the pleasure of meeting Paul, but everyone spoke so highly and
often of him and said he was just like Albert, that it makes me feel as if I
knew him personally.
You know Albert and I were in touch with each other after he arrived in France
and just missed seeing each other by a few miles.
He wanted me to leave my outfit and join his, after I had told him what a life I
was leading and how I had no close friends of mine. He promised me everything
possible if I came, which was Albert thru and thru, always trying and doing
something for someone else. But it was impossible for me to get transferred.
I thought it strange he didn't answer my last letter, for I asked him to be sure
and let me know when he was to land as I would meet him in New York. You see I
sailed for home just before him.
Mrs. Funkhouser, it is wonderful to know that both Albert and Paul gave their
life for such a wonderful cause and that we as a nation have such brave mothers,
who did their duty nobly and gave so freely when called upon. I just know that
God will repay all of you in the next world for all the suffering caused in this
war. May I ask for a picture of Albert for I do want one as I haven't any of
him.
Please remember me to Mr. Funkhouser and if there is any thing I can possibly
do, please let me know, for it would give me so much pleasure to be able to do
something.
[TOP]
Source:
Funkhouser Memorial
c. 1920
pp. 59-76
Back to the Albert Craig Funkhouser Page
Return to A Little Vanderburgh County History
©2000
Christopher D. Myers
All Rights Reserved
September 14, 2000
![[Photo]](images/mershon.jpg){kind=link}
![[Photo]](images/mullican.jpg){kind=link}
![[Photo]](images/chandler.jpg){kind=link}