My Genealogy Hound

DAVID C. THICKSTUN, a representative business man and well-known citizen of Cassopolis, Cass County, Mich., has for a number of years extensively engaged in the lumber interests of his part of the State. He is a native of Pennsylvania and was born on the 26th of May, 1850, in Crawford County. His parents, David and Nancy (Erwin) Thickstun, made their home in the old Quaker State, and there reared their family, of whom David C. was the youngest. His maternal grandfather, Robert Erwin, was one of the pioneer settlers of Crawford County, and, a man of sterling character and resolute will, successfully met and overcame the difficulties and privations incident to pioneer life. Reared and educated in the paternal home and trained to habits of energetic industry, our subject attained to manhood in Cassewago, Pa. Realizing the larger opportunities offered young men in the newer localities of the West, he came to Michigan, settled in Lapeer and obtained employment with J. L. Berringer & Co., prominent lumber dealers of that locality. Mr. Thickstun spent two years in Lapeer, engaged with the same company, who, appreciating his services, then sent him to represent their firm in a new field.

April 1, 1878, Mr. Berringer, having bought out the desirable lumber plant of McConnell & Son, situated in Cassopolis, made our subject manager of this branch of the business, and for nearly two years he satisfactorily continued to conduct the affairs as manager, but in January, 1881, buying a half-interest, he became a partner in the profits of the house. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Thickstun was enabled by prudent management to buy the remaining interest of the Berringer Company, and since that time has developed the business into one of the largest in this part of the county. In addition to the large line of lumber, sash, doors and shingles carried, he also deals in coal, and is in fact the only one handling the “black diamonds” in Cassopolis.

Our subject was married about one year after his location in Cass County, December 1, 1879, to Miss Hattie M. Rogers, of Detroit, Mich. The Rogers family were old and highly esteemed residents of Decatur, Mich., for many years and have in that locality a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Thickstun has been blessed by the presence of two bright and intelligent daughters, Elnora and Irma.

In fraternal association our subject occupies a high place in the order of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. He is a valued member of Backus Lodge No. 55, and was Treasurer of the same for about ten years. He is also a member of Kingsbury Chapter, of which he has officiated as High Priest for the past three terms, and has likewise been Secretary of the chapter. Mr. Thickstun is connected with Niles Commandery and is one of the twelve Knights Templar who affiliate there. Politically, he is a strong Democrat, and without being desirous of office is ever interested in both local and national issues. He is a liberal and public-spirited citizen and has ably aided in forwarding needed improvements and local enterprises.