J.F. Messenbaugh

Dates in office: April 10, 1905 - April 8, 1907
Born: January 10, 1873
Died: June 19, 1928

Missouri native Dr. Joseph Fife Messenbaugh came to Oklahoma City in 1900. He established a medical practice as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Before becoming Mayor, he was elected County Coroner and joined the staff at St. Anthony’s Hospital.

By the time Messenbaugh was elected Mayor in 1905, most of the City’s streets were paved, the sanitary sewer system was in place and improvements to the water treatment plant were nearly complete. Traffic rules and vehicle tags were regulated as more motorized cars entered the city. Messenbaugh oversaw the first agreement for telephone lines and continued work to regulate livestock and business practices in the City. Upon leaving office, Messenbaugh continued with his medical practice and kept his staff position at St. Anthony’s Hospital for the rest of his life.