John Threadgill
Just days after his 17th birthday, John Threadgill received his pilot's license. The young Marlin Texas native was described by his examiner as one of the smoothest fliers he had ever seen. After pilot training, Threadgill returned to Marlin to finish school and lead the life of a typical teenager.
During the late 20's and through the 30's Threadgill barnstormed throughout North and East Texas. As a matter of fact, it was in 1929 that Threadgill made headlines when he flew the homemade plane, the "Chaffinch." The Chaffinch was named for its owner and builder, E. K. Chaffin of Fort Worth. After many adjustments and edits, the Chaffinch was declared ready to fly. The brave young Threadgill wedged himself into the small cockpit, opening the throttle of the 30-horsepower motorcycle engine. According to the article:
"The Wrights at Kitty Hawk probably received no great ovation than did Pilot Threadgill as the "Chaffinch" lifted uncertainly into the air. The young pilot kept the plane near the ground, hopped a fence at the south end of the field, rose to about 30 feet and went over a hill. Then the plane went down.
Practically every car at the airport left for the scene. Spectators found Pilot Threadgill, unhurt, inspecting his charge. He explained that as he felt the plane settling, he cut the throttle, expecting a normal glide. Instead the powerless ship dropped to the ground. Luckily, he was only six or seven feet high. 'I'm glad its over,' was Pilot Threadgill's only comment."
While working as a flight instructor for Dallas Aviation, he married Marguerite Jones on April 4, 1937. Four years later, in 1941, he transferred to the school's new location at Curtis Field in Brady, Texas. For the next five year John Threadgill instructed young cadets on the art of aviation, serving as Assistant Director of Flying.
The Threadgills fell in love with Brady, and stayed after the war, operating a jewelry store and raising two sons, Lee and Jack. In 1953, the family founded the area's first cable television system. It was only the fifth such system in the state.
Following in their father's footsteps, both sons served their country. Lee graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and became an instructor in the T-38 jet trainer for the US Air Force. He gave his life for this nation while instructing during the Vietnam War.
Jack also graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After serving in the U.S. Army, Jack returned to Brady and went into partnership with his father in the cable TV business.
On July 8, 1981, John Threadgill after a sudden heart attack passed away. His wife, Marguerite, still lives in Brady and fondly remembers the days of the Curtis Field Aviation School.
Article based on information gleaned from N' Business Journal, Monday, March 5, 2001, "Curtis Field Since 1941" by Cheri Wienecke and Danny Neal