Diderick Espersen Funk

Diderik Espersen Funk was born Nov 30, 1800 in Eskilgard, Denmark to Esper Christoffersen and Elisa Margrethe Marcussdatter. Didercik is a Pioneer of Richmond. Diderik is a veteran of the Indian Wars.

History

Most histories of Diderik Funk begin when he was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1853. However, for work he fished during the fishing season and thatched houses other times.2 After persecution while in Denmark with the Church, the Funk family began their efforts to move to Utah.

In 1857, the Funk family started their journey, first joining the U.S.S Tuscarora and traveling from England to Philadelphia. From train to ferry, they made their way to Fairfield, Iowa where they had to stay for two years to save money. On June 13, 1859, they joined the James S. Brown Company and made it to Utah on August 29. After arriving, the Funk family moved to Ogden, Utah.

While in Odgen, the Funk family heard of a new valley that opened for new settlers. The family moved to Cache Valley in 1860 and settled in Richmond sometime in or before August. They made camp in the Richmond Fort under the name of their oldest son, Christopher.

It is not clear what exactly Dedrik did while in Richmond, as he couldn't do much at the age of 60 when he arrived. He mostly lived with his son Christopher until his death, working on land in with cattle.

Indian Wars Service

After the construction of the Richmond Fort in 1860 and other forts in Cache Valley, the Territory of Utah created the Cache Military District on Oct 15, 1861 with Church Apostle Ezra T. Benson as Colonel. Richmond was organized as the 5th Battalion Infantry, with Thomas L. Whittle as Major, David P. Rainy as Adjutant, and Robert M. Kerr and Dana Walton as Captains. Diderik was appointed a Private. He is the oldest Richmond citizen to serve in a war.

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