Biographical Sketch of

Mark Derham

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 479 - 480


Mark Derham, a resident of Montello, is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth having occurred in County Sligo, 
where he was reared to manhood under the parental roof, his parents continuing residents of Ireland until their 
death.  The family numbered nine children, six sons and three daughters.  At an early age our subject began life 
for himself and devoted his time to various enterprises, including merchandising.  He was twenty-eight years of 
age when he sought a home in America.  Landing on the shores of the New World in 1847, he first went to New Jersey, 
whence he made his way to New York, but after a short time came to Wisconsin, then a Territory.  He had been 
married in the Empire State to Miss Catherine Hadden, and with his young bride started for the far West, as 
Wisconsin was then considered.  Indeed it might well be so termed when we take into consideration the undeveloped 
condition of the country at that time and the incompetent means of travel, days and often weeks being required to 
make the journey.  The beautiful village of Montello was then a mere hamlet, and contained but one frame house.  
Nearly all of the houses in the county were built of logs, and the greater part of the land was still in the 
possession of the Government.  To the pioneers who bore the hardships and trials of frontier life the county owes 
its present prosperity and advanced position, and among that novel band is numbered Mark Derham.  As farming was 
the principal occupation of the settlers at that time, he purchased land and engaged in agricultural pursuits for 
six years, after which he was proprietor of the American House for about ten years.  His business in that connection 
led to an extensive acquaintance not only in Marquette County but throughout the surrounding country.  He still 
retains the high regard of the many friends whom he then made, his entire life having been such as to win their 
confidence and esteem.  At one time he owned the mill and fine water power of Montello, and in other ways has 
been connected with the business interests of the county.  Eight years he served his fellow-citizens as Treasurer 
of Marquette County, and was one of the most faithful and able officers occupying that position.

On the 21st of March, 1877, Mr. Derham was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on that day.  
On the 26th of November, 1878, he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jane Simonds, widow of Charles 
K. Simonds, a native of Lynn, Mass.  The death of Mr. Simonds' father occurred when he was a child, and with his mother 
he afterward came to Montello.  He was one of the representative citizens of the county, and for some time was editor 
of the Montello Ledger.  During the late war he enlisted in his country's service as a member of the 32d Wisconsin 
Infantry, and was made Sergeant of his company.  His death occurred in Jackson, Tenn., near the close of the war, he 
leaving a wife and two daughters, namely: Lucy, who is now the wife of Daniel McNamara; and Charlena, who married 
William McLaughlin, and died in January, 1888.  Mrs. Derham is a native of Lowell, Mass., and a daughter of John and 
Catherine (Brannon) Cogen.  The family emigrated to Dodge County, Wis., in 1841, where for some time Mr. Cogan was 
proprietor of the Clyman House.  He afterward engaged in farming and later became a resident of Montello, being numbered 
among its well-known citizens.  He filled the office of Town Treasurer, and after a long and well-spent life was called 
home in May, 1889.  His wife died in January, 1888, the day preceding the death of Mrs. Derham's youngest daughter.  
They were parents of three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of William, the youngest 
son, who died in April, 1888.  Henry is the oldest, and is followed by Mrs. Derham; James, editor of a paper in Huron, 
S. D.; Mrs. Mary A. Wall; and Margaret, wife of Charles A. Burlew, a banker of Hemingford, Neb.

Mr. and Mrs. Derham have three interesting daughters - Bessie, Kittie and Jennie.  The family hold a high position in the social world, and are numbered among the respected citizens of Marquette County.








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