Montgomery County PA Archives Biographies.....Derham, Joseph J. March 18, 1863 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson jpatter@epix.net February 23, 2026, 12:22 pm

Source: Biographical Annals of Montgomery County Pennsylvania, T. S. Benham & Company and the Lewis Publishing Company, 1904
Author: Ellwood Roberts, Editor

JOSEPH J. DERHAM, a successful and leading manufacturer of 
Rosemont, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, as well as one of 
its most progressive and enterprising citizens, was born in 
county Galway, Ireland, March 18, 1863, a son of Patrick and 
Ellen (Gilchrist) Derham.

Being left an orphan at a very early age and therefore 
largely dependent upon his own resources, the educational 
advantages enjoyed by Joseph J. Derham were limited to the 
schools of the neighborhood. He was reared to the early 
years of manhood in the vicinity of his birthplace, and, 
being desirous of achieving success in his active career and 
believing that the United States afforded better 
opportunities for young men, he emigrated to this country, 
landing at Boston on May 12, 1880. He had began his 
apprenticeship to the carriage-maker's trade in his native 
country, and continued his trade in Philadelphia.

In 1884, he began business on his own account at Rosemont, 
Pennsylvania. Beginning with a very limited capital, by 
indefatigable energy and wonderful perseverance he succeeded 
in building up one of the leading enterprises of Rosmont, 
where his name has become recognized as synonymous with 
honorable and straightforward business methods. In addition 
to his extensive plant and warerooms at Rosemont, Mr. Derham 
has established branch works and warerooms at Nos. 2047-49 
Vine street, Philadelphia. Both these establishments furnish 
employment for upwards of seventy-five skilled mechanics and 
laborers, and thus it will be seen that Mr. Derham has by 
his thrift and enterprise not only benefited himself, but 
has also materially added to the progress and advancement of 
the communities in which his establishments are located. 
Politically Mr. Derham is a staunch supporter of the 
principles of the Republican party.

Joseph J. Derham was married January 28, 1892, to Christina 
Hart, who was born November 3, 1868, in West Philadelphia, a 
daughter of James and Bridget Hart. Six children were the 
issue of this marriage: James P., born December 7, 1892; 
Joseph J., Jr., born August 31, 1894; Philip A., born 
January 17, 1897; Ferdinand, born November 4, 1898, died 
February 23, 1901; John, born October 24, 1900; and Enos, 
born January 3, 1902. Mr. Derham and his family are 
consistent members of the St. Thomas Raman Catholic church 
at Villa Nova, Pennsylvania.

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