Charles Wilhelm Thesen
Charles Wilhelm Thesen was a Norwegianborn shipowner and timber merchant who played a leading role in the public affairs of the South African town of Knysna. He was actively involved in the timber and shipbuilding industry of the region, and acquired Paarden Island in the Knysna Lagoon, on which he built a sawmill and shipyard. The island was later renamed Thesen Island, after him and his family.
Charles was born in Stavanger, the fifth son of Arndt Leonard Thesen , a wealthy and respected man in the town. The GermanDanish War of 186467 caused a downturn in trade and shipping, and in 1868 caused the collapse of several companies in Stavanger, among which was A.L. Thesen amp Co.
Source: Wikipedia