Johann Dreystadt was born on December 23, 1831 in Lauterbach, Saarland, Germany, stowed away to America, and settled in Springfield around 1850. He changed his name to John Threeton, married Lucinda Hall in 1857, and they had 11 children, whom he supported as a carpenter. On April 18, 1862, his patriotism led him to volunteer for the Confederate Army as a P.V.T. with Caruthers' Sharp Shooter's Co. D 9th Battalion La. Inf. Released from duty in 1864, he spent the rest of his life helping others and taking part in community celebrations. A cannon left at the fort in Springfield during the West Florida Revolution was ceremoniously fired each July 4th, and when John tried to fire it on July 4th, 1887, it exploded and killed him instantly. He is buried in Springfield Cemetery.