Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 February 1917 — MAJ. GEN. FUNSTON DIED SUDDENLY [ARTICLE]

MAJ. GEN. FUNSTON DIED SUDDENLY

Commander of the Southern Department of the United States Army Died at San Antonio. Major General Frederick Funston is dead. This was the sad news that was flashed from coast to coast Monday night. The death of America’s nerviest fighting man was a sudden one and qame during a meal at a hotel while dining with friends and did not regain consciousness before his death, a short time afterward. General Funston was in his usual state of health Monday and.,went about his regular work. He waft fifty-one years of age. Ever since March 1. 1916, when he was placed in command of all United States forces on tije Mexican border, General Funston had worked unusually hard. At critical times in border developments he frequently remained on duty for twenty-four hours at a time. Tht last official duty of the officer was the completing of the orders for the return of the last of the guardsmen. Perhaps General Funston will be remembered better by the American people through his exploits during the war of 1898. The picturesque and dashing capture of Agumnloo, the Filipino rebel chief, was the achievemtnt which brought Funston to the attention of the American people, but he performed many services for his country besides that which were probably more difficult. His administration of affairs in Vera Cruz, where he carried out the president’s orders with a firm hand, simply holding the city when every influence about him was centered upon forcing the army -into actual fighting with the Mexicans, probably was the most notable service of his career. Major General Pershing, who has been in command of the El Paso district since the withdrawal of the American expedition from Mexico, automatically will succeed to the duties of commander of the southern department until an appointment has jeen made.