DSc Lond 1884; MB ChB Manch 1889, MD 1896; DPH Camb 1892.
Thresh was born in Wakefield in 1850 and studied chemistry then medicine at Owens College. After qualifying, he worked in Manchester and investigated the thermal springs at Buxton and excessive mortality in Manchester. He was an important pioneer in establishing the importance of environmental hygiene and clean drinking water. Thresh was first medical officer of health for Essex, a post he held for 22 years. Thresh died on 23 May 1932.