Hello. I have been doing some intensive research (I am an Architectural Historian) on the Thede family of Leighton Township, Allegan County, Michigan. I only have information from after the date that John Thede Thede purchased a farm and helped establish the Evangelical Church there. His son, Emanuel, has a state-listed Centenniel farmstead. I am searching for any information on the Thede family's connection with Simon Heist, also a German from Canada, who helped establish the church and was later the President of a bank in nearby Middleville. The Thede's are still prevalent in the area.