Funsten was born in what became Clarke County, Virginia in his lifetime. He graduated from Princeton University in 1838. He inherited about 370 acres of land in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as slaves.
Funsten was born in what became Clarke County, Virginia, and lived there throughout his life. He received a degree from Princeton University in 1838. Upon inheriting his family's land, he also inherited around 370 acres of land in the Shenandoah Valley, along with enslaved people.