BIO:  THOMAS A. DERICK, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm
  http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/
  _____________________________________________________________

  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 569-570
  _____________________________________________________________

  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
  http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/pa/cumberland/zeamer/


    THOMAS A. DERICK, a prosperous and extensive agriculturist, successful
  manufacturer of spokes and wheel rims and hard lumber, and one of the leading
  business men of Newville, Cumberland county, Pa., was born in Perry county,
  Pa., Nov. 2, 1858, son of Peter and Leah (Bristline) Derick.

    George Derick, the grandfather of Thomas A., was born in Dauphin county,
  Pa., and died in 1875. He married a Miss Troutman, daughter of Andrew B.
  Troutman. His second wife was Miss Sarah Roath, who was of German parentage.

    Peter Derick, son of George and father of Thomas A., was born in Dauphin
  county in 1832, and his wife was born in Perry county, in 1838. Soon after
  marriage they moved to Cumberland county and located near Newville, where the
  father engaged actively in farming and stock raising, and they lived there for
  a number of years, finally removing to Frankford township, three miles
  northwest of Newville. Peter Derick became one of the prosperous farmers of
  that locality, purchasing a farm of 140 acres upon which he died in 1901. His
  remains were tenderly interred in the Newville cemetery according to the
  services of the Zion Lutheran Church, of which he was a member,

    570  CUMBERLAND COUNTY.

  and in which he took a prominent part during his lifetime. He was a man of
  intelligence, well read for his time. The following children were born to Mr.
  and Mrs. Peter Derick: Thomas A.; George A., a farmer; Louis Foust; Mary E.,
  deceased; and Charles T., road foreman for the Pennsylvania Railway Co., at
  Altoona, Pennsylvania.

    After attending the Green Spring school-house Thomas A. Derick went to the
  Newville high school, where he completed his school days and returned home,
  assisting his father until the latter's death. In 1891 Mr. Derick married
  Mattie Mentzer, of Greason, Cumberland county, Pa., the eldest daughter of
  Francis Mentzer, a prominent citizen of Newville, in which place he was a
  general merchant for many years. They were the parents of four children: Mary
  L., Francis P., George C. and Charles M.

    Following his marriage Mr. Derick located at Newville, engaged in the
  mercantile business, and conducted a general store until 1893. In the
  meanwhile he was interested in other matters, and in 1894 organized a company
  and began the manufacture of spokes and wheel rims. Associated with him was
  William A. Hefflefinger, and the firm name was Derick & Hefflefinger. The
  plant was enlarged, new machinery introduced, and the concern was so operated
  until 1899, when John J. Hursh became the partner of Mr. Derick, the name
  becoming Derick & Hursh, as it still continues. The firm employs a large
  force of men, and the product finds a ready market over a wide territory.
  Another large interest of Mr. Derick is his farm of 380 acres, part woodland,
  upon which he has a profitable sawmill, and he saws out a good portion of the
  timber used in the factory, and also timber for the manufacture of hardwood.
  He also owns a good dairy, milking thirteen Jersey and Holstein cows of high
  grade. His farm is conveniently located in Newton township, Cumberland
  county, and is a very valuable property.

    Mr. Derick affiliates with the Democratic party, and was honored by
  election as a member of the city council, where he made himself felt by his
  sound judgment and excellent business methods. He is a prominent Mason, being
  connected with Big Spring Lodge, No. 361, A. F. & A. M., of which he is
  treasurer; he is also a member of Newville Lodge, No. 173, I. O. O. F.; of
  the Royal Arcanum, of which lodge he is treasurer; and he is a member and
  trustee of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He and his wife are
  consistent members of the Zion Lutheran Church, and Mr. Derick has served as
  secretary of the Sunday-school. The entire family are prominent in church
  work, and are relied upon for all charitable work of this class. Socially,
  Mr. Derick is very popular, as is also Mrs. Derick and the young people, and
  their pleasant home is a favorite gathering place for the many friends of
  all, for the Dericks are noted for their hospitality. The success which has
  attended Mr. Derick in every undertaking has been attained through hard work,
  excellent management and keen business judgment.