William G. Funk

William G. Funk, pastor of Unity church, Beatty. Westmoreland county, the oldest church in that county, is a son of Samuel and Catherine (Godshalk) Funk, and a descendant of a family who has long resided in the state of Pennsylvania, living on a farm in Montgomery county, which is still in the possession of the Funk family, the deeds for which were granted by the descendants of William Penn in 1702. Samuel Funk (father) was born in Montgomery county, followed farming throughout the active years of his career, and died in 1877, aged seventy-two years.

William G. Funk was born in New Britain township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1865. He pursued his studies in Lafayette College, from which institution he was graduated, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1892, and Master of Arts in 1895. Later he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, graduating from that institution in 1895. He filled pastorates in Duryea, Lackawanna and Taylor, remaining in Lackawanna six and a half years, and at the expiration of this period of time he removed to Beatty and assumed charge of Unity church, in which capacity he is now serving. He is a man of sound doctrinal views and an earnest and convincing speaker. Since 1902 he has resided on a farm of sixty acres, which he has cultivated to a high state of perfection, and which is therefore very productive. He married Anna Kerr, who was born in Chesterfield, Burlington county, New Jersey, April, 1867, a daughter of Burroughs and Anna (Rulon) Kerr. She bore him one child, William K., born November 30, 1898. Mrs. Funk died in 1899.

John W. Jordan, ed. History of Westmoreland County Pennsylvania Genealogical Memoirs, vol. II. New York: Lewis Publishing Co., p. 454.

Submitted by Nancy.