John Threadgill

John Threadgill
Born	Template:Birth date Wadesboro, North Carolina, U.S.
Died	May 14, 1915(1915-05-14) (aged 67) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Politician, medical doctor, banking executive
Years active	1870–1915
Known for	Mayor of Taylor, Texas; member of Oklahoma Territorial Legislature; president of United Confederate Veterans brigade

John Threadgill (September 28, 1847 – May 14, 1915) was a notable American figure who contributed as a politician, medical doctor, and banking executive. Originating from North Carolina, he served in the Confederate States Army before establishing his medical career in Texas and the Oklahoma Territory. Threadgill held the office of mayor in Taylor, Texas, participated in the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature, and assumed leadership positions within the United Confederate Veterans organization.

Early life

Born on September 28, 1847, in Wadesboro, North Carolina, John Threadgill was the son of Elizabeth (née Paul) and James Threadgill. He received his education through local schools in Anson County, North Carolina. His family lineage includes his great uncle Thomas Threadgill, who was a delegate to North Carolina’s constitutional convention.

Civil War

At the age of sixteen, Threadgill enlisted as a private in Company C of the 14th North Carolina Infantry Regiment within the Confederate States Army. He fought under General Jubal Early during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign. During the Battle of Cedar Creek, he sustained injuries and was subsequently captured during the Siege of Petersburg. He remained a prisoner at Hart Island until his release on June 29, 1865.

Medical studies and career

Following the conclusion of the war, Threadgill apprenticed for two years under Dr. Edmond F. Ashe before enrolling at Washington University (which later became the College of Physicians and Surgeons) in Baltimore. In September 1870, he commenced his medical practice in Brenham, Texas. He earned his medical degree from Alabama Medical College in 1873 and returned to Taylor, Texas to continue practicing medicine.

Politics and later career

Threadgill was involved with both Republican and Democratic parties over his career. He held several public offices including county commissioner for Williamson County, Texas, served two terms as city alderman, and was mayor of Taylor for four years. Additionally, he presided over financial institutions such as the First National Bank of Taylor.

In 1893, Threadgill relocated to Norman, Oklahoma Territory where he founded a sanatorium specializing in mental health care before moving to Oklahoma City in 1901. After ending his medical practice, he became president of the Oklahoma Medical College in 1902. Between 1903 and 1904, he served in the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature, where he introduced legislation aimed at penalizing bribery involving state officials.

Governor Frank Frantz appointed him to the board of education in 1905; he completed two terms there, including serving as both president and secretary. Threadgill also chaired the board overseeing the insane asylum located at Fort Supply (Oklahoma).

On April 3, 1904, he inaugurated the Threadgill Hotel (which was later renamed Bristol Hotel) in Oklahoma City. That same year, he co-founded Commercial National Bank and acted as its president until divesting his interest in 1905. Furthermore, he organized and led the Oklahoma Bank and Trust Company (founded in 1902) and held a directorship at State National Bank. In 1910, he established the Oklahoma National Life Insurance Company and served as its president for eighteen months.

In addition to these roles, Threadgill was elected president of the Oklahoma City school board in 1903 and appointed to oversee pensions for Confederate veterans. At the time of his passing, he held the rank of brigadier general within the first brigade of the United Confederate Veterans. Following a Confederate reunion held in Macon, Georgia, he authored a minority report for that organization and accepted an invitation from the Grand Army of the Republic to attend their 1913 Gettysburg reunion.

Personal life

Threadgill entered into marriage with Elizabeth Guiton on January 28, 1872; she passed away the following year, in 1873. Subsequently, on December 1, 1875, he wed Susannah "Sue" Gault from Taylor, Texas. Together, they had two children: James S. and Jennie. Susannah died in 1891. On January 6, 1892, he married Frances Falwell of Memphis, Tennessee, and they had two children named Mary Frances and John Falwell.

Threadgill passed away on May 14, 1915, at his residence located on Robinson Avenue in Oklahoma City. He was laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery.