My Genealogy Hound

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, 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 schoolhouse 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, L 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.