Meet "Fighting Fred"

Have you heard of Frederick Funston?

This 5'4" man became a brigadier general at age 35 and gained fame during the Spanish-American War, commanding such greats as Pershing, Eisenhower, Patton, and MacArthur. He is credited with "saving" San Franciso after its 1906 earthquake and fire.

Born 1865 in Ohio, his famly moved to a farmstead near Iola in Allen County where he was raised. In the 1990s the boyhood home was moved into Iola on the square where it is open for tour. It's a pleasing site and makes you want to find out more about this intriguing Kansan.

Right next door at 20 S. Washington is the excellent Allen County Museum with more displays about Funston. 620.365.3051.

Many people who have made significant contributions are from Kansas. To learn about them is to "Get Kansas!"

KE #2 Marci Penner