Richard Thatcher
Richard Thatcher (March 23, 1846 – November 28, 1909) was an American educator, and Civil War veteran. He was a school administrator in Kansas and Oklahoma, hotel operator and the first President of Territorial Normal School, now the University of Central Oklahoma.
Richard Thatcher | |
|---|---|
| 1st President of Territorial Normal School | |
| In office November 1, 1891 – 1893 | |
| Succeeded by | George Winans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 23, 1846 Alton, Illinois |
| Died | November 28, 1909 Edmond, Oklahoma |
| Spouse(s) | Melissa Thatcher |
| Alma mater | McKendree College |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  |
| Branch/service |  |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Early life
Richard Thatcher was born on March 23, 1846 in Alton, Illinois.[1] His father, John Wesley Thatcher was a reverend. At the age of 15 he left to join the Union Army as a member of the 111th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.[2] He was captured on July 22, 1864, and sent to the notorious Andersonville Prison, where he began to have chronic respiratory issues. He was later released during a prisoner exchange.[3][4] After the war he attended McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois and graduated in 1878.[1]
Academic career
Thatcher would be a superintendent in Kansas, before moving to Edmond, Oklahoma in 1890. He operated the Central Hotel until 1891 when he became the first president of Territorial Normal School.[2] He would hold that post until 1893. He would become principal of Edmond Schools from 1894-1895.[1][2] UCO would later name Thatcher Hall in his honor.[5]
Personal life
Thatcher married Melissa D. DeFord a native of Ashley, Illinois. They had five children, four daughters of whom survived infancy, Edna, Mae, Blanche, and Ethel.[1]
Thatcher was also a Freemason, reaching the 33rd degree, and was the second master of the Edmond Lodge.[1][2]
Death
Thatcher died on November 28, 1909 in Edmond, Oklahoma from complications from tuberculosis. He was 63 years old.[1][2]
References
- "Richard Thatcher President of Territorial Normal School of Oklahoma [1891-1893]". 2015. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- David Randall Fisk (2014). Arcadia Publishing (ed.). Legendary Locals of Edmond Oklahoma. books.google.com.
- Robert Scott Davis (2006). Ghosts and Shadows of Andersonville: Essays on the Secret Social Histories of America's Deadliest Prison. books.google.com.
- Ed. Glennan (2013). Mercer University Press (ed.). Surviving Andersonville: One Prisoner's Recollections of the Civil War's Most Notorious Camp. books.google.com.
- "UCO Holding Ceremony". newsok.com. March 31, 1997. Retrieved May 14, 2014.